Form 10-Q
Index to Financial Statements

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 September 30, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period              to             

Commission File Number 001-16441

 


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 500

Houston, Texas

  77057-2261
(Address of principal executive offices)   (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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at October 26, 2007: 285,202,420

 



Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

         Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
        Item 1.   Financial Statements   
  Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007    2
  Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007    3
  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007    4
  Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    5
        Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    28
        Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    47
        Item 4.   Controls and Procedures    49
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION   
        Item 1.   Legal Proceedings    50
        Item 1A.   Risk Factors    50
        Item 6.   Exhibits    50
         Signatures    51

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on 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 identified as 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. Words such as “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements we make regarding our business strategies, business fundamentals, demand for our towers, growth prospects of the wireless industry, our future operating prospects including synergies from the merger (“Global Signal Merger”) of Global Signal Inc. (“Global Signal”) with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours and our future purchases of our common or preferred stock.

Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions, the risk factors described under “Part II—Other Information, Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 (“2006 Form 10-K”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 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.

 

1


Index to Financial Statements

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts)

 

     December 31,
2006
    September 30,
2007
 
           (Unaudited)  
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 592,716     $ 119,802  

Restricted cash

     115,503       152,903  

Receivables:

    

Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,410 and $7,563, respectively

     23,024       29,656  

Other

     7,750       4,279  

Deferred site rental receivable

     13,429       20,076  

Prepaid leases

     36,597       71,604  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     11,008       23,100  
                

Total current assets

     800,027       421,420  

Restricted cash

     5,000       5,000  

Deferred site rental receivable

     98,527       121,582  

Available-for-sale securities, net of unrealized gains (losses) of $19,247 and $(34,513), respectively

     154,955       101,195  

Property and equipment, net

     3,246,446       5,047,374  

Goodwill

     391,448       1,990,785  

Other intangible assets, net:

    

Site rental contracts

     225,295       2,589,000  

Other

     —         110,237  

Deferred financing costs and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $10,896 and $22,392, respectively

     84,470       119,723  
                
   $ 5,006,168     $ 10,506,316  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 18,545     $ 25,636  

Accrued interest

     13,100       24,649  

Accrued estimated property taxes

     10,768       14,603  

Deferred revenues

     102,701       126,881  

Other accrued liabilities

     55,681       57,064  

Long-term debt, current maturities

     —         6,500  
                

Total current liabilities

     200,795       255,333  

Long-term debt

     3,513,890       5,990,002  

Deferred ground lease payable

     135,661       163,913  

Deferred tax liability

     —         234,324  

Other liabilities

     57,618       139,575  
                

Total liabilities

     3,907,964       6,783,147  
                

Commitments and contingencies (note 12)

    

Minority interests

     29,052       —    

Redeemable preferred stock, $0.1 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007—6,361,000; stated net of unamortized issue costs; mandatory redemption and aggregate liquidation value of $318,050

     312,871       313,566  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $.01 par value; 690,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: December 31, 2006—202,080,546 and September 30, 2007—285,124,014

     2,021       2,851  

Additional paid-in capital

     2,873,858       5,675,611  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     65,000       69,305  

Accumulated deficit

     (2,184,598 )     (2,338,164 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     756,281       3,409,603  
                
   $ 5,006,168     $ 10,506,316  
                

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2006     2007     2006     2007  

Net revenues:

        

Site rental

   $ 178,995     $ 326,797     $ 510,052     $ 948,925  

Network services and other

     21,944       24,947       67,328       61,398  
                                
     200,939       351,744       577,380       1,010,323  
                                

Operating expenses:

        

Costs of operations:(a)

        

Site rental

     55,261       111,863       155,878       330,624  

Network services and other

     14,735       17,032       44,401       43,484  

General and administrative

     25,433       32,881       79,785       104,210  

Restructuring charges

     —         3,191       —         3,191  

Asset write-down charges

     948       59,306       2,805       64,049  

Integration costs

     —         4,749       —         18,666  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     72,161       135,540       213,626       407,557  
                                
     168,538       364,562       496,495       971,781  
                                

Operating income (loss)

     32,401       (12,818 )     80,885       38,542  

Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt

     (437 )     —         (1,177 )     —    

Interest and other income (expense)

     (985 )     2,965       (4,520 )     9,170  

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     (46,450 )     (89,407 )     (116,165 )     (260,212 )
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests

     (15,471 )     (99,260 )     (40,977 )     (212,500 )

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (575 )     31,923       (1,698 )     69,705  

Minority interests

     485       324       1,400       151  
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (15,561 )     (67,013 )     (41,275 )     (142,644 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         —         5,657       —    
                                

Net income (loss)

     (15,561 )     (67,013 )     (35,618 )     (142,644 )

Dividends on preferred stock

     (5,201 )     (5,201 )     (15,604 )     (15,604 )
                                

Net income (loss) after deduction of dividends on preferred stock

   $ (20,762 )   $ (72,214 )     (51,222 )   $ (158,248 )
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (15,561 )   $ (67,013 )     (35,618 )   $ (142,644 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $-0-, $4,520, $-0- and $12,080, respectively (note 10)

     113,328       (8,393 )     113,328       (41,680 )

Derivative instruments:

        

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of taxes of $-0-, $(24,338), $-0- and $7,113, respectively (note 10)

     (51,391 )     (45,197 )     (8,089 )     24,238  

Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes of $-0-, $264, $-0- and $793, respectively

     286       491       160       1,472  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     747       7,943       2,162       20,275  
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 47,409     $ (112,169 )   $ 71,943     $ (138,339 )
                                

Per common share—basic and diluted:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.57 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         —         0.03       —    
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.57 )
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted (in thousands)

     201,070       282,577       209,406       279,353  
                                

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

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of dollars)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2006     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (35,618 )   $ (142,644 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

    

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     213,626       407,557  

Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts

     6,070       14,126  

Stock-based compensation charges

     13,623       20,580  

Asset write-down charges

     2,805       64,049  

Minority interests

     (1,400 )     (151 )

Equity in losses and write-downs of unconsolidated affiliates

     9,573       —    

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

     (1,738 )     (72,447 )

(Income) loss from discontinued operations

     (5,657 )     —    

Other adjustments

     1,653       2,617  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:

    

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     2,911       (4,176 )

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payable, accrued interest and other liabilities

     (1,947 )     (32,087 )

Decrease (increase) in receivables

     (4,796 )     7,213  

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivable, prepaid term easements and other assets

     (20,182 )     (44,222 )
                

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

     178,923       220,415  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from investments and disposition of property and equipment

     2,235       3,664  

Payments for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) of businesses and minority interests

     (303,611 )     (494,352 )

Capital expenditures

     (79,926 )     (191,258 )

Investments and loans

     (6,350 )     (755 )
                

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     (387,652 )     (682,701 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     1,000,000       650,000  

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock

     43,854       24,777  

Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt

     (12,108 )     —    

Payments under revolving credit agreements

     (295,000 )     —    

Principal payments on long-term debt

     —         (1,625 )

Purchases of capital stock

     (517,963 )     (603,656 )

Incurrence of financing costs

     (7,888 )     (9,107 )

Net decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     2,063       (20,436 )

Interest rate swap receipts (payments)

     5,915       —    

Dividends on preferred stock

     (14,907 )     (14,909 )

Capital distribution to minority interest holders of CCAL

     —         (37,196 )
                

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     203,966       (12,152 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (218 )     1,524  
                

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

    

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

     5,657       —    
                

Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations

     5,657       —    
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     676       (472,914 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     65,408       592,716  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 66,084     $ 119,802  
                

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited

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, 2006, and related notes thereto, included in the 2006 Form 10-K filed by Crown Castle International Corp. (“CCIC”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All references to the “Company” include CCIC and its subsidiary companies unless otherwise indicated or the context indicates otherwise.

The Company owns, operates and manages towers and other communications structures (collectively, “towers”). The Company’s primary business is the leasing of antenna space to wireless communication companies under long-term contracts. The Company also provides complementary services to its customers including initial antenna installation and subsequent augmentation, site acquisition, site development and construction, network design and site selection, site management and other services. The Company’s assets are primarily located throughout the U.S. and Australia and to a lesser extent in Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.K.

Basis of Presentation

The 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 present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2007, the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007. 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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.

The Company completed the Global Signal Merger on January 12, 2007 (see note 3). The results of operations from the former subsidiaries of Global Signal (“Global Signal Entities”) were included in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from January 12, 2007.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the financial statements for prior periods in order to conform to the presentation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. The Company reclassified the Corporate Office and Other segment and the Emerging Businesses segment into the CCUSA segment (see note 15). The Company reclassified corporate development expenses into general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

With the exception of those policies disclosed below, the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the Company’s 2006 Form 10-K.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are included in “other intangible assets, net” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (i) in-place customer site rental contracts, (ii) below-market leases for land under its towers, (iii) term easement rights for land under its towers, and (iv) trademarks. Deferred credits related to above-market leases for land under its towers recorded in conjunction with acquisitions are recorded at the estimated fair value and are included in “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

5


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite useful lives will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset.

Income Taxes

The company recognizes a tax position if it is more likely than not it will be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. See notes 2 and 10 for a discussion of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening accumulated deficit. The Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a decrease in accumulated deficit and a decrease in contingent tax liabilities through a cumulative effect adjustment of $4.7 million. The adjustment to accumulated deficit is summarized in the following table. See note 10.

 

    

Accumulated

Deficit

 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Balance as of January 1, 2007

   $ (2,184,598 )

Adjustment for adoption of FIN 48

     4,682  
        

Balance as of January 1, 2007, as adjusted

   $ (2,179,916 )
        

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. The requirements of SFAS 157 will be applied prospectively except for certain derivative instruments that would be adjusted through the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company believes the adoption (on January 1, 2008) of SFAS 157 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS 159 permits an entity to elect to measure eligible items at fair value (“fair value option”) including many financial instruments. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with FASB’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. The provisions of SFAS 159 are effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. If the fair value option is elected, the Company will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. Upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected shall be recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred. The fair value option may be applied for a single eligible item without electing it for other identical items, with certain exceptions, and must be applied to the entire eligible item and not to a portion of the eligible item. The Company will not elect the fair value option on January 1, 2008.

 

6


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

In May 2007, the FASB issued staff position No. FIN 48-1 (“FSP FIN 48-1”), Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48 which amended FIN 48 to provide guidance about how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. Under FSP FIN 48-1, a tax position could be effectively settled on completion of an examination by a taxing authority. The Company adopted FSP FIN 48-1 in conjunction with our adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48-1 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The impact for the year ended December 31, 2007 of applying the provisions of FSP FIN 48-1 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be affected by the completion of any examinations during the period. See note 10.

3. Acquisition

Acquisition of Global Signal

On January 12, 2007, the Global Signal Merger was completed for a purchase price of approximately $4.0 billion, exclusive of debt of approximately $1.8 billion that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities the Company acquired. The Company entered into the Global Signal Merger and paid a purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill primarily because of anticipated growth opportunities in the tower portfolio, including through leveraging the Company’s management team and customer service across an enhanced national footprint. Secondarily, the Company entered into the Global Signal Merger because of anticipated synergistic opportunities. The results of operations from the Global Signal Entities acquired have been included in the consolidated statements of operations from January 12, 2007.

In connection with the Global Signal Merger, each outstanding share of common stock of Global Signal was converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof, either 1.61 shares of the Company’s common stock or $55.95 in cash. In addition, in connection with the Global Signal Merger, the obligation pursuant to each warrant (“GSI Warrants”) entitling the holder thereof to purchase shares of Global Signal common stock was assumed by the Company with appropriate adjustments made to the number of shares and exercise price per share. Accordingly, each such warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase 3.22 shares of the Company’s common stock. As a result of the Global Signal Merger, the Company issued approximately 98.1 million shares of common stock to the shareholders of Global Signal and paid the maximum $550.0 million in cash (“Cash Consideration”) and reserved for issuance approximately 0.6 million shares of common stock issuable pursuant to warrants described above (see note 11). The Company primarily financed the Cash Consideration with cash obtained from the issuance of the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes in November 2006. At the closing of the Global Signal Merger, Global Signal’s subsidiaries had debt outstanding of approximately $1.8 billion. The debt of the Global Signal Entities has a structure similar to the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes (see note 6).

The purchase price of approximately $4.0 billion includes the fair value of common stock issued, the Cash Consideration, the fair value of the GSI Warrants and restricted common stock assumed and estimated transaction costs. The components of the purchase price are as follows:

 

     (In thousands of dollars)

Issuance of common stock to stockholders of Global Signal (98.1 million shares at $34.20)

   $ 3,353,275

Cash consideration

     550,013

Fair value of warrants assumed

     18,392

Fair value of restricted stock assumed

     2,240

Transaction costs

     31,500
      

Total purchase price

   $ 3,955,420
      

The fair value of the common stock and restricted common stock issued was determined using a value of $34.20 per share which represents the average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the five-day period comprised of the two days prior to, the day of and the two days subsequent to the date of the merger agreement (October 4, 2006). The fair value of the warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model.

 

7


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

Through the Global Signal Merger, the Company acquired 10,749 towers including 6,553 towers (“Sprint Towers”) leased or operated through May 2037, which are accounted for as capital leases, under master leases and subleases (“Sprint Master Leases”) with Sprint Corporation (a predecessor of Sprint Nextel) and certain Sprint Corporation subsidiaries entered into in May 2005. Global Signal prepaid the rent owed under the Sprint Master Leases in May 2005. During the period commencing one year prior to the expiration of the Sprint Master Leases and ending 120 days prior to expiration, the Company, after the Global Signal Merger, has the option to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Sprint Towers then leased for approximately $2.3 billion. Following the Global Signal Merger, the Company is entitled to all revenues from the Sprint Towers during the term of the Sprint Master Leases. In addition, under the Sprint Master Leases, certain Sprint Corporation subsidiaries have agreed to sublease space on substantially all of the Sprint Towers for an initial period through May 2015. At the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the Sprint Master Leases remained effective as an asset and commitment of the Global Signal Entities the Company acquired.

The allocation of the total purchase price for the Global Signal Merger is shown below. The Company anticipates there will be no further purchase accounting adjustments related to the Global Signal Merger except when required by accounting rules.

 

     (In thousands of dollars)

Assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 96,686

Restricted cash

     16,964

Other current assets

     38,872

Property and equipment

     1,964,026

Goodwill(a)

     1,843,653

Other intangible assets

     2,569,934

Other assets

     2,814
      

Total assets

     6,532,949

Liabilities:

  

Deferred rental revenues and other accrued liabilities

     98,825

Deferred tax liability

     556,634

Long-term debt

     1,831,644

Other liabilities

     90,426
      

Total liabilities

     2,577,529
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 3,955,420
      

(a) On a consolidated basis, goodwill was reduced by approximately $243.8 million related to the reversal of the Company’s federal valuation allowance as a result of recording deferred tax liabilities in purchase accounting for the Global Signal Merger. See note 10.

 

8


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results

The following table presents the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the Global Signal Merger were completed as of January 1 for the periods presented below. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only, are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations and do not reflect the realization of potential cost savings.

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2007  
    

(In thousands of dollars,

except per share amounts)

 

Net revenues

   $ 957,071     $ 1,026,171  

Costs of operations

     359,763       380,756  

Operating income (loss)(a)(b)

     62,989       33,705  

Income (loss) from continuing operations(a)(b)

     (113,902 )     (147,519 )

Basic and diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per common share

     (0.42 )     (0.58 )

(a) The nine months ended September 30, 2007 is inclusive of non-recurring integration charges related to the Global Signal Merger of $18.7 million.
(b) The nine months ended September 30, 2007 is inclusive of asset write-down charges of $64.0 million related primarily to Modeo. See note 17.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations include the pro forma impact of: (i) the adjustment of amortization of acquired intangible assets and depreciation of fixed assets based on the purchase price allocation, (ii) the adjustment of site rental revenues and costs of operations for the straight-line revenue and straight-line ground lease expense adjustments, respectively, (iii) the adjustment of interest expense for the fair value of debt adjustment, (iv) the adjustment of general and administrative expenses for the fair value of restricted stock assumed adjustment, and (v) the adjustment of income taxes for the preceding pro forma adjustments and to reflect the change in the tax status of the Global Signal entities, utilizing the Company’s federal statutory income tax rate of 35%. The assumptions used to calculate the pro forma adjustments are consistent with those applied in the pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 set forth on the Form 8-K dated March 30, 2007.

The pro forma consolidated basic and diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations amounts are based on the consolidated basic and diluted shares of the Company and former Global Signal. The historical basic and diluted weighted average shares of the former Global Signal were converted for the actual number of shares issued upon the closing of the Global Signal Merger. The per share calculations do not include potential common shares as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Mountain Union

On January 2, 2007, the Company purchased the remaining approximately 2% minority interest in Mountain Union for $4.8 million.

 

9


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

4. Property and Equipment

The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:

 

    

Estimated

Useful Lives

  

December 31,

2006

   

September 30,

2007

 
          (In thousands of dollars)  

Land

   —      $ 145,639     $ 384,556  

Buildings

   40 years      17,656       32,173  

Telecommunication towers

   1-20 years      4,771,067       6,664,297  

Transportation and other equipment

   3-5 years      19,850       24,195  

Office furniture and equipment

   2-10 years      93,637       101,425  

Construction in process

   —        83,372       52,746  
                   
        5,131,221       7,259,392  

Less: accumulated depreciation

        (1,884,775 )     (2,212,018 )
                   
      $ 3,246,446     $ 5,047,374  
                   

Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $99.1 million and $304.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation on telecommunication towers was $1.8 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively. As a result of the Global Signal Merger, the Company recorded an increase to property and equipment of $2.0 billion, $1.8 billion of which was related to telecommunication towers. See note 3.

5. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits

Goodwill

As of December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, the Company had consolidated goodwill of $391.4 million and $2.0 billion, respectively; all of which was at CCUSA. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.8 billion as a result of the allocation of the purchase price for the Global Signal Merger (see note 3). In addition during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, goodwill on a consolidated basis was reduced by approximately $243.8 million as a result of the reversal of the Company's federal valuation allowance in conjunction with recording deferred tax liabilities in purchase accounting for the Global Signal Merger (see note 10).

Intangible Assets

See note 1 for a further discussion of intangible assets. As of September 30, 2007, $2.7 billion and $3.5 million of the intangible assets are recorded at CCUSA and CCAL, respectively. A summary of intangible assets with finite useful lives as of September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

     As of September 30, 2007
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
     (In thousands of dollars)

Site rental contracts

   $ 2,727,403    $ (138,403 )   $ 2,589,000

Below-market leases

     81,402      (3,291 )     78,111

Other

     34,002      (1,876 )     32,126
                     
   $ 2,842,807    $ (143,570 )   $ 2,699,237
                     

 

10


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded additions to intangible assets of (1) $2.6 billion as a result of the allocation of the purchase price for the Global Signal Merger (see note 3), (2) $3.4 million related to the purchase of the remaining minority interest in Mountain Union (see note 3) and (3) $4.4 million related to other tower purchases. The components of the additions to intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

    

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2007

     Amount    Weighted Average
Amortization
Period
     (In thousands
of dollars)
   (In years)

Site rental contracts

   $ 2,462,395    20.0

Below-market leases

     81,402    16.9

Other

     33,977    27.3
         
   $ 2,577,774   
         

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded amortization expense relating to intangible assets as an increase to “depreciation, amortization and accretion” of $101.5 million and an increase to “site rental costs of operations” of $3.3 million. The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2008 to 2012 are as follows:

 

    

Estimated

Annual

Amortization

     (In thousands of dollars)

Year ending December 31, 2008

   $ 147,460

Year ending December 31, 2009

     147,410

Year ending December 31, 2010

     147,327

Year ending December 31, 2011

     147,255

Year ending December 31, 2012

     143,863

Deferred Credits

See note 1 for a further discussion of deferred credits related to above-market leases for land under the Company’s towers recorded in connection with acquisitions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded $80.6 million related to above-market leases as a result of the allocation of the purchase price for the Global Signal Merger (see note 3). The above-market leases recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 have a weighted average amortization period of 15.3 years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded $3.8 million as a decrease to “site rental costs of operations”. A summary of the deferred credit related to above-market leases as of September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

     As of September 30, 2007
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
     (In thousands of dollars)

Above-market leases

   $ 80,560    $ (3,763 )   $ 76,797

 

11


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

6. Long-term Debt and Interest Rate Swaps

Long-term debt, including the unamortized portion of the fair value adjustments recorded in purchase accounting, consists of the following:

 

    

December 31,

2006

  

September 30,

2007

     (In thousands of dollars)

2006 Mortgage Loan due 2011

   $ —      $ 1,547,422

2004 Mortgage Loan due 2009

     —        286,852

2007 Credit Facility—Term Loan A and B due 2014

     —        648,375

Senior Secured 2006 Tower Revenue Notes due 2036

     1,550,000      1,550,000

Senior Secured 2005 Tower Revenue Notes due 2035

     1,900,000      1,900,000

4% Convertible Senior Notes due 2010

     63,839      63,802

7.5% Senior Notes due 2013

     51      51
             
     3,513,890      5,996,502

Less: current maturities

     —        6,500
             
   $ 3,513,890    $ 5,990,002
             

The Company’s debt obligations contain certain financial covenants with which CCIC or its subsidiaries must maintain compliance, or restrictions are imposed. As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, CCIC and its subsidiaries had no financial covenant violations. Various of the Company’s debt obligations also place other restrictions on CCIC or its subsidiaries including the ability to incur debt and liens, purchase Company securities, make capital expenditures, dispose of assets, undertake transactions with affiliates, make other investments and pay dividends.

2006 Mortgage Loan

On February 28, 2006, three of Global Signal’s wholly-owned special purpose entities (“2006 Borrowers”) borrowed a total of $1.55 billion under a mortgage loan (“2006 Mortgage Loan”). At the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the 2006 Mortgage Loan remained outstanding as an obligation of certain of the Global Signal Entities the Company acquired.

The principal amount of the 2006 Mortgage Loan is divided into seven tranches, each having a different level of seniority. Interest accrues on the 2006 Mortgage Loan at a weighted average fixed interest rate of approximately 5.69%. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment of $3.1 million to decrease the value of the 2006 Mortgage Loan to fair value as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger. As of September 30, 2007, the 2006 Mortgage Loan is net of the unamortized purchase price adjustment of $2.6 million. The effective interest rate after giving effect to the fair value purchase price adjustment is approximately 5.74%. The 2006 Mortgage Loan requires monthly payments of interest until its repayment date in February 2011. The 2006 Mortgage Loan is secured by, among other things, mortgage liens on the 2006 Borrowers’ interests (fee, leasehold or easement) in over 80% of the 2006 Borrowers’ towers.

On a monthly basis, the excess cash flows from the 2006 Borrowers, after the payment of principal, interest, reserves and expenses, are distributed to the Company. The Company may not prepay the 2006 Mortgage Loan in whole or in part at any time prior to February 28, 2008, the second anniversary of the closing date, except in limited circumstances (such as the occurrence of certain casualty and condemnation events relating to the towers securing the 2006 Mortgage Loan). Thereafter, prepayment is permitted provided it is accompanied by any applicable prepayment consideration. If the prepayment occurs during the three months preceding the February 2011 monthly payment date, no prepayment consideration is due.

 

12


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

2004 Mortgage Loan

On December 7, 2004, Global Signal’s wholly-owned special purpose entity and five of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (“2004 Borrowers”) issued a $293.8 million mortgage loan (“2004 Mortgage Loan”). At the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the 2004 Mortgage Loan remained outstanding as an obligation of certain of the Global Signal Entities the Company acquired.

The principal amount of the 2004 Mortgage Loan is divided into seven tranches, each having a different level of seniority. Interest accrues on each tranche at a fixed rate per annum. The weighted average fixed interest rate on the various tranches is approximately 4.74%. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment of $9.1 million to decrease the value of the 2004 Mortgage Loan to fair value as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger. As of September 30, 2007, the 2004 Mortgage Loan is net of the unamortized purchase price adjustment of $7.0 million. The effective interest rate after giving effect to the fair value purchase price adjustment is approximately 5.78%. The 2004 Mortgage Loan requires monthly payments of interest until its maturity in December 2009 when the unpaid principal balance will be due. The 2004 Mortgage Loan is secured by, among other things, mortgage liens on the 2004 Borrowers’ interests (fee, leasehold or easement) in substantially all of the 2004 Borrowers’ towers.

On a monthly basis, the excess cash flows from the 2004 Borrowers, after the payment of principal, interest, reserves and expenses, are distributed to the Company. The Company may prepay the 2004 Mortgage Loan, in whole or in part at any time in the future, provided it is accompanied by any applicable prepayment consideration. If the prepayment occurs during the three months preceding the December 2009 monthly payment date, no prepayment consideration is due.

2007 Credit Facility

On January 9, 2007, CCOC entered into a credit agreement (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, “2007 Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders pursuant to which such lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing January 8, 2008 (“2007 Revolver”). The 2007 Revolver is guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. On January 26, 2007, CCOC entered into a term loan joinder (as amended, “2007 Joinder A”) pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a $600.0 million senior secured term loan (“2007 Term Loan A”) under the 2007 Credit Agreement.

On March 6, 2007, CCOC entered into an amendment to the 2007 Credit Agreement, with the subsidiary guarantors named therein pursuant to which the lenders agreed to amend certain terms of the Credit Agreement, which included (i) a reduction in the interest rate margins applicable to borrowings under the 2007 Revolver and (ii) upon termination of the 2007 Revolver, elimination of the covenants that require compliance with certain financial ratios. On March 6, 2007, CCOC entered into an amendment to the 2007 Joinder A pursuant to which the lenders agreed to amend certain terms applicable to the 2007 Term Loan A including (i) a reduction in the interest rate margins applicable to the Existing Term Loan and (ii) an extension of the maturity date of the 2007 Term Loan A from January 25, 2014, to March 6, 2014. On March 6, 2007, CCOC also entered into a second term loan joinder (“2007 Joinder B”) pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a $50.0 million senior secured term loan (“2007 Term Loan B” and, together with the 2007 Term Loan A, “2007 Term Loans”) under the 2007 Credit Agreement.

The 2007 Credit Agreement now provides for aggregate commitments of $900.0 million consisting of (i) the $250.0 million 2007 Revolver which will mature on January 8, 2008 and (ii) the $650.0 million 2007 Term Loans. The 2007 Term Loans will mature in consecutive quarterly installments of an aggregate $1.6 million and the entire remaining outstanding amount will mature on March 6, 2014.

The 2007 Revolver and 2007 Term Loans are secured by a pledge of certain equity interests of certain subsidiaries of CCOC, as well as a security interest in CCOC’s deposit accounts and securities accounts. The 2007 Revolver and 2007 Term Loans are guaranteed by CCIC and certain of its subsidiaries.

The proceeds of the 2007 Revolver may be used for general corporate purposes which may include the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of the Company’s securities. The proceeds from the Term Loan A were

 

13


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

used to purchase 17.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock in January 2007 (see note 8). The proceeds from the Term Loan B may be used for general corporate purposes. Availability under the 2007 Revolver at any time will be determined by certain financial ratios. As of September 30, 2007, the 2007 Revolver remained undrawn.

The 2007 Revolver currently bears interest at a rate per annum, at CCOC’s election, equal to the prime rate of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc plus a credit spread ranging from 0.25% to 0.625% or LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 1.25% to 1.625%. The 2007 Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum, at CCOC’s election, equal to the prime rate of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc plus 0.50% or LIBOR plus 1.50%. Interest on prime rate loans is due monthly while interest on LIBOR loans is due at the end of the interest period (one, two, three or six months) for which such LIBOR rate is in effect. The weighted average interest rate on the 2007 Term Loans is 6.88% as of September 30, 2007.

Maturities

The following table shows the scheduled maturities for the total debt outstanding and reflects the anticipated payment dates for the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes.

 

Year ending December 31,

   (In thousands of dollars)

2008

   $ 6,500

2009

     300,325

2010

     1,970,302

2011

     3,106,500

2012

     6,500

Thereafter

     614,301

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company has used interest rate swaps to manage and reduce its interest rate risk including the use of forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge the variability of future interest rates on anticipated financings. The forward starting interest rate swaps call for the Company to pay interest at a fixed rate in exchange for receiving interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR. The forward starting interest rate swaps are exclusive of any applicable margin that would be incremental to the interest rate of the anticipated financings. The interest rate swap activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is as follows.

In February and March 2007, the Company entered into interest rate swaps (“$1.55 Billion 2007 Interest Rate Swaps”) comprised of two five-year forward starting interest rate swap agreements with a combined notional amount of $1.55 billion to hedge the variability of future interest rates on the expected future refinancing in February 2011 of the $1.55 billion 2006 Mortgage Loan. Through the $1.55 Billion 2007 Interest Rate Swaps, the Company has effectively fixed the interest rate on the expected future $1.55 billion of borrowings at a combined locked in rate of 5.26% (plus the applicable margin).

In February 2007, the Company entered into interest rate swaps (“$294 Million 2007 Interest Rate Swaps”) comprised of two five-year forward starting interest rate swap agreements with a combined notional amount of $293.8 million to hedge the variability of the future interest rates on the expected future refinancing in December 2009 of the $293.8 million 2004 Mortgage Loan. Through the $294 Million 2007 Interest Rate Swaps, the Company has effectively fixed the interest rate on the expected future $293.8 million of borrowings at a combined locked in rate of approximately 5.13% (plus the applicable margin).

 

14


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

The following is a summary of the outstanding forward starting interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2007. The fair value of the interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2007 is included in “deferred financing costs and other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps

   Combined
Notional
  

Fair Value at

September 30,
2007

   Forward Start
Date
   Forward End Date    Pay Fixed Rate     Receive Variable
Rate
     (In thousands of dollars)                     

Variable to fixed:

                

March 2006 Interest Rate Swaps

   $ 1,900,000    $ 7,335    June 2010    June 2015    5.18 %   LIBOR

December 2006 Interest Rate Swaps

     1,550,000      18,490    November 2011    November 2016    5.14 %   LIBOR

$1.55 Billion 2007 Interest Rate Swaps

     1,550,000      7,094    February 2011    February 2016    5.26 %   LIBOR

$294 Million 2007 Interest Rate Swaps

     293,825      632    December 2009    December 2014    5.13 %   LIBOR
                        

Total

   $ 5,293,825    $ 33,551           
                        

7. Redeemable Preferred Stock

The Company has the option to pay dividends on the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock in cash or shares of common stock (valued at 95% of the current market value of the common stock, as defined). For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, dividends on the 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock were paid with approximately $14.9 million in cash. The Company may choose to continue cash payments of the dividends in the future in order to avoid dilution caused by the issuance of common stock as dividends on its preferred stock.

8. Stockholders’ Equity

Purchases and Issuances of the Company’s Common Stock

In connection with the Global Signal Merger, the Company issued 98.1 million shares of common stock to the shareholders of Global Signal which were recorded at a value of $34.20 per share. See note 3.

On January 19, 2007, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Global Signal Significant Stockholders pursuant to which the Company purchased an aggregate of 17.7 million shares of its common stock from the Global Signal Significant Stockholders. The Company paid total consideration of $600.3 million in cash or approximately $33.89 per share to effect these purchases. The purchase of shares of common stock was primarily funded through borrowings under the 2007 Term Loan A.

 

15


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

9. Minority Interest

In May 2007, CCAL (the Company’s 77.6% majority-owned subsidiary) issued a capital return of approximately $166.0 million, including $37.2 million to the minority shareholder of CCAL. Upon issuance of the capital return, the Company recorded a reduction in additional paid-in capital of $8.9 million as a result of the capital return to the CCAL minority shareholders exceeding the carrying value of the minority interests in CCAL. The income or losses applicable to the minority interest shareholders are included in the Company’s results as long as their share of the CCAL cumulative losses exceeds their equity interests.

10. Income Taxes

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $31.9 million and $69.7 million, respectively. The Company provides for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Cumulative adjustments to the Company’s estimate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the estimated annual effective rate is determined.

As discussed in note 2, the Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Upon adoption of FIN 48, the Company recorded: (i) a decrease to its tax liabilities related to previously unrecorded tax benefits as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit of $4.7 million and (ii) an increase to its deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance of $74.9 million related to previously unrecognized tax benefits. As of both the adoption of FIN 48 and September 30, 2007, the Company had $74.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits.

On January 12, 2007, the Company recorded deferred tax liabilities in connection with the purchase accounting related to the Global Signal Merger of $556.6 million. Additionally, as a result of recording this deferred tax liability, the Company reversed $240.9 million of its federal deferred tax valuation allowance in purchase accounting with an offsetting adjustment to decrease goodwill arising from the Global Signal Merger by $243.8 million and a net charge of $2.9 million to other comprehensive income (loss) to reflect the tax effect of items previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net charge of $2.9 million to other comprehensive income (loss) was comprised of a $6.7 million charge related to the unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and a benefit of $3.8 million related to the net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments.

From time to time, the Company is subject to examination by various tax authorities in jurisdictions in which the Company has significant business operations. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the tax jurisdictions resulting from these examinations. During 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) commenced examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for 2004. Based on discussions with the IRS, the Company determined it had incorrectly recorded certain deferred tax assets (net operating loss carryforwards) in 2004 and 2005 related to the loss on the purchase of a portion of the 4% Convertible Senior Notes. The Company’s net federal deferred tax assets for all periods prior to 2007 had been fully reserved, due to our historical tax loss position and uncertainty about the ultimate realizability of the Company’s net deferred tax assets. As a result, the adjustment to correct the federal deferred tax assets recorded in 2004 and 2005 impacts only the disclosure of the “components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities” in the footnotes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and not the benefit (provision) for income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss). The impact of the adjustment to the “components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities” for 2006 will be reflected in the Company’s 2007 annual report on Form 10-K. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company reversed its federal valuation allowance with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill in conjunction with recording net deferred tax liabilities in purchase accounting for the Global Signal Merger (see note 3). Consequently, the impact of the adjustment to the Company’s deferred tax assets resulted in the Company recording a $44.6 million increase to net deferred tax liabilities with a corresponding increase to goodwill. Upon completion of this examination, it is also reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized benefits will change. Any adjustment to the unrecognized tax benefits would impact the benefit (provision) for income taxes. It is reasonably possible the IRS examination may be finalized in the next twelve months, and an estimate of the impact on the benefit (provision) for income taxes for any adjustment cannot be made at this time. However, the Company does not expect to make a significant cash payment as a result of any adjustment from the finalization of this examination.

The Company’s U.S. federal and state income tax returns generally remain open to examination by taxing authorities until three years after the applicable loss carryforwards have been used or expired. The Company records interest or penalties related to income taxes as components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes in its consolidated financial statements. The amount of interest and penalties accrued as of September 30, 2007 is immaterial.

 

16


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

11. Per Share Information

Per share information is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period for the basic computation and, if dilutive, the weighted-average number of potential shares of common stock resulting from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants, conversion of convertible preferred stock and convertible senior notes and from the vesting of restricted common stock for the diluted computation.

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations is as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     (In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)  
     2006     2007     2006     2007  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (15,561 )   $ (67,013 )   $ (41,275 )   $ (142,644 )

Dividends on preferred stock

     (5,201 )     (5,201 )     (15,604 )     (15,604 )
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations applicable to common stock for basic and diluted computations

     (20,762 )     (72,214 )     (56,879 )     (158,248 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         —         5,657       —    
                                

Net income (loss) applicable to common stock for basic and diluted computations

   $ (20,762 )   $ (72,214 )   $ (51,222 )   $ (158,248 )
                                

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period for basic and diluted computations (in thousands)

     201,070       282,577       209,406       279,353  
                                

Per common share—basic and diluted:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.57 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         —         0.03       —    
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.57 )
                                

The calculations of common shares outstanding for the diluted computations exclude the following potential common shares. The inclusion of such potential common shares in the diluted per share computations would be anti-dilutive since the Company incurred net losses from continuing operations for all periods presented.

 

     As of September 30,
     2006    2007
     (In thousands)

Options to purchase shares of common stock(a)

   6,230    4,776

Warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.508 per share(b)

   590    80

GSI Warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.30 per share (note 3)(c)

   —      611

Shares of 6.25% Convertible Preferred Stock which are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $36.875 per share

   8,625    8,625

Shares of restricted common stock

   1,235    2,269

4% Convertible Senior Notes which are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $10.83 per share

   5,897    5,891
         

Total potential common shares

   22,577    22,252
         

(a) As of September 30, 2007, outstanding stock options include (i) less than 0.1 million options at exercise prices ranging from $1.74 to $5.00 per share and a weighted-average exercise price of $2.45 per share and (ii) 4.7 million options at exercise prices ranging from $5.01 to $39.75 per share and a weighted-average exercise price of $17.26 per share. The options outstanding as of September 30, 2007 have a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.9 years.
(b) Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2007 have a contractual expiration in October 2007.
(c) GSI Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2007 have a contractual expiration in November 2007.

 

17


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business along with a derivative lawsuit as described below. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs that may be incurred, or losses 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.

In February 2007, plaintiffs filed a consolidated petition styled In Re Crown Castle International Corp. Derivative Litigation, Cause No. 2006-49592; in the 234th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas which consolidated five shareholder derivative lawsuits filed in 2006. The lawsuit names various of the Company's current and former directors and officers. The lawsuit makes allegations relating to the Company's historic stock option practices and alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar matters. Among the forms of relief, the lawsuit seeks alleged monetary damages sustained by CCIC.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Pursuant to its ground lease agreements, the Company has the obligation to perform certain asset retirement activities including requirements upon lease termination to remove towers or remediate the land upon which its towers reside. Accretion expense related to liabilities for contingent retirement obligations (included in depreciation, amortization and accretion on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss)) amounted to $1.0 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, liabilities for contingent retirement obligations included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet amounted to $18.5 million and $30.3 million (inclusive of the $9.7 million liability recorded in the allocation of the total purchase price for the Global Signal Merger), respectively, representing the net present value of the estimated expected future cash outlay. As of September 30, 2007, the estimated expected undiscounted future cash outlay for contingent asset retirement obligations was approximately $1.0 billion.

Property Tax Commitments

The Company is obligated to pay, or reimburse others for, property taxes related to the Company’s towers pursuant to operating leases with landlords and other contractual agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company estimates that it will pay, or reimburse others for, property taxes of approximately $46 million and $47 million, respectively, inclusive of the payment to Sprint Nextel discussed below. The property taxes for the year ended December 31, 2008 and future periods are contingent upon new assessments of the towers and the Company’s appeals of assessments.

As a result of a commitment that remained effective at the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the Company has an obligation to reimburse Sprint Nextel for property taxes Sprint Nextel will pay for the Company’s Sprint Towers. The Company paid $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 ($2,095 per tower) and expects to pay $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The amount per tower to be paid to Sprint Nextel increases by 3% each successive year through 2037, the expiration of the lease term. See note 3.

Operating Lease Commitments

See note 13 for a discussion of the operating lease commitments.

 

18


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

13. Leases

Customer Leases

The following table is a summary of the rental cash payments to the Company, as a lessor, by customers pursuant to non-cancelable lease agreements in effect as of September 30, 2007. Generally, the Company’s leases with its customers provide for (i) annual escalations and multiple renewal periods at the customer’s option and (ii) only limited termination rights at the customer’s options through the current term. The customer rental payments included in the table below are through the current term and do not assume exercise of customer renewal options.

 

     Customer Leases
     (In thousands of dollars)

Year ended December 31, 2008

   $ 1,204,768

Year ended December 31, 2009

     1,021,745

Year ended December 31, 2010

     755,807

Year ended December 31, 2011

     524,901

Year ended December 31, 2012

     369,659

Thereafter

     975,710

Operating Leases

The Company is obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for land under its towers, space on towers owned by third parties that the Company manages, office space and equipment. The majority of the Company’s lease agreements have certain termination rights that provide for cancellation after a notice period. The majority of the land and managed tower leases have multiple renewal options at the Company’s option and annual escalations. The lease agreements for managed sites generally require either a minimum fixed lease payment or a contingent payment based on revenues or the gross margin at a site with some of the sites requiring both a fixed payment and a contingent payment based on revenues or gross margin. Certain of the land and managed tower leases have purchase options at the end of the original lease term. The following table is a summary of the minimal rental cash payments owed by the Company, as lessee, to landlords pursuant to non-cancelable lease agreements and includes payments for certain renewal periods at the Company’s option up to a maximum of 20 years. In addition to the minimal rental cash payments disclosed below, the Company is obligated in some cases to pay contingent rental cash payments to landlords, including those calculated as a percentage of the tenant revenues and variable escalations.

 

     Operating Leases
     (In thousands of dollars)

Year ended December 31, 2008

   $ 222,308

Year ended December 31, 2009

     223,028

Year ended December 31, 2010

     224,096

Year ended December 31, 2011

     224,721

Year ended December 31, 2012

     225,884

Thereafter

     2,868,175

14. Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment

On July 23, 2007, the Company entered into a lease of its U.S. nationwide 1670-1675 MHz spectrum (“Spectrum”). The Spectrum is leased to a venture formed by Telcom Ventures, LLC and Columbia Capital LLC (“CCTV”) for a $13 million annual lease fee with an initial term from July 23, 2007 until October 1, 2013. Upon the expiration of the initial term of the lease, CCTV will have the right to acquire the Spectrum for $130 million, escalated at the consumer price index (“CPI”) from July 2007, or to renew the lease for a period of up to ten years on the same terms, subject to the annual lease fee increasing to $14.3 million. As part of such transaction, the Company has also transferred for nominal consideration the subsidiary holding the assets related to its trial network in New York City. In addition, the Company is the preferred provider of tower infrastructure for future tower sites during the term of the lease if and as the Spectrum is deployed by CCTV. See note 17 for a discussion of the asset-write down charges recorded that related to the write-off of substantially all of Modeo’s assets other than the Spectrum and the restructuring charges related to the termination of the Modeo employees.

 

19


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

15. Operating Segments

The Company’s reportable operating segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are (i) CCUSA, primarily consisting of the Company’s U.S. (including Puerto Rico) tower operations and (ii) CCAL, the Company’s Australian tower operations. Financial results for the Company are reported to management and the Board of Directors in this manner. The Company has reclassified the Corporate Office and Other segment into the CCUSA segment reflecting the significance of the CCUSA segment to the consolidated business after the Global Signal Merger. The Company has reclassified the Emerging Businesses segment, previously consisting of the Modeo business, into the CCUSA segment following both the lease of the Spectrum to CCTV on July 23, 2007 and the related write-off of substantially all of the Modeo assets other than the Spectrum (see notes 14 and 17). Segment information for all periods has been reclassified to reflect these changes in reportable segments. The results of operations from the Global Signal Entities have been included in the CCUSA segment from January 12, 2007.

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, integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, losses on purchases and redemptions of debt, interest and other income (expense), interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, benefit (provision) for income taxes, minority interests, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation charges. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles), 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.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2006     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007  
     CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

    CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net revenues:

            

Site rental

   $ 166,620     $ 12,375     $ 178,995     $ 309,798     $ 16,999     $ 326,797  

Network services and other

     19,994       1,950       21,944       23,035       1,912       24,947  
                                                
     186,614       14,325       200,939       332,833       18,911       351,744  
                                                

Costs of operations:(a)

            

Site rental

     51,110       4,151       55,261       106,014       5,849       111,863  

Network services and other

     14,044       691       14,735       15,864       1,168       17,032  

General and administrative

     22,838       2,595       25,433       29,319       3,562       32,881  

Restructuring charges

     —         —         —         3,191       —         3,191  

Asset write-down charges

     948       —         948       59,306       —         59,306  

Integration costs

     —         —         —         4,749       —         4,749  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     65,061       7,100       72,161       128,501       7,039       135,540  
                                                

Operating income (loss)

     32,613       (212 )     32,401       (14,111 )     1,293       (12,818 )

Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt

     (437 )     —         (437 )     —         —         —    

Interest and other income (expense)

     (1,104 )     119       (985 )     2,791       174       2,965  

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     (45,620 )     (830 )     (46,450 )     (88,604 )     (803 )     (89,407 )

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (484 )     (91 )     (575 )     32,352       (429 )     31,923  

Minority interests

     21       464       485       324       —         324  
                                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (15,011 )     (550 )     (15,561 )     (67,248 )     235       (67,013 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         —         —         —         —         —    
                                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (15,011 )   $ (550 )   $ (15,561 )   $ (67,248 )   $ 235     $ (67,013 )
                                                

Capital expenditures

   $ 29,545     $ 1,107     $ 30,652     $ 63,689     $ 2,645     $ 66,334  
                                                

Total assets (at period end)

         $ 10,233,997     $ 272,319     $ 10,506,316  
                              

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

 

20


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007  
     CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

    CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net revenues:

            

Site rental

   $ 471,249     $ 38,803     $ 510,052     $ 898,215     $ 50,710     $ 948,925  

Network services and other

     61,672       5,656       67,328       55,833       5,565       61,398  
                                                
     532,921       44,459       577,380       954,048       56,275       1,010,323  
                                                

Costs of operations:(a)

            

Site rental

     143,430       12,448       155,878       314,871       15,753       330,624  

Network services and other

     41,628       2,773       44,401       40,122       3,362       43,484  

General and administrative

     70,428       9,357       79,785       93,716       10,494       104,210  

Restructuring charges

     —         —         —         3,191       —         3,191  

Asset write-down charges

     2,805       —         2,805       64,049       —         64,049  

Integration costs

     —         —         —         18,666       —         18,666  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     193,398       20,228       213,626       387,137       20,420       407,557  
                                                

Operating income (loss)

     81,232       (347 )     80,885       32,296       6,246       38,542  

Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt

     (1,177 )     —         (1,177 )     —         —         —    

Interest and other income (expense)

     (4,952 )     432       (4,520 )     8,690       480       9,170  

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     (113,638 )     (2,527 )     (116,165 )     (257,788 )     (2,424 )     (260,212 )

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (1,414 )     (284 )     (1,698 )     70,484       (779 )     69,705  

Minority interests

     45       1,355       1,400       362       (211 )     151  
                                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (39,904 )     (1,371 )     (41,275 )     (145,956 )     3,312       (142,644 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     5,657       —         5,657       —         —         —    
                                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (34,247 )   $ (1,371 )   $ (35,618 )   $ (145,956 )   $ 3,312     $ (142,644 )
                                                

Capital expenditures

   $ 77,160     $ 2,766     $ 79,926     $ 176,777     $ 14,481     $ 191,258  
                                                

Total assets (at period end)

         $ 10,233,997     $ 272,319     $ 10,506,316  
                              

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

 

21


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2006     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007  
     CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

    CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net income (loss)

   $ (15,011 )   $ (550 )   $ (15,561 )   $ (67,248 )   $ 235     $ (67,013 )

Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):

            

Restructuring charges(a)

     —         —         —         3,191       —         3,191  

Asset write-down charges

     948       —         948       59,306       —         59,306  

Integration costs(a)

     —         —         —         4,749       —         4,749  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     65,061       7,100       72,161       128,501       7,039       135,540  

Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt

     437       —         437       —         —         —    

Interest and other income (expense)

     1,104       (119 )     985       (2,791 )     (174 )     (2,965 )

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     45,620       830       46,450       88,604       803       89,407  

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

     484       91       575       (32,352 )     429       (31,923 )

Minority interests

     (21 )     (464 )     (485 )     (324 )     —         (324 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Stock-based compensation charges(b)

     4,475       254       4,729       5,373       439       5,812  
                                                

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 103,097     $ 7,142     $ 110,239     $ 187,009     $ 8,771     $ 195,780  
                                                
     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007  
     CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

    CCUSA     CCAL    

Consolidated

Total

 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net income (loss)

   $ (34,247 )   $ (1,371 )   $ (35,618 )   $ (145,956 )   $ 3,312     $ (142,644 )

Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):

            

Restructuring charges(a)

     —         —         —         3,191       —         3,191  

Asset write-down charges

     2,805       —         2,805       64,049       —         64,049  

Integration costs(a)

     —         —         —         18,666       —         18,666  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     193,398       20,228       213,626       387,137       20,420       407,557  

Losses on purchases and redemptions of debt

     1,177       —         1,177       —         —         —    

Interest and other income (expense)

     4,952       (432 )     4,520       (8,690 )     (480 )     (9,170 )

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     113,638       2,527       116,165       257,788       2,424       260,212  

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

     1,414       284       1,698       (70,484 )     779       (69,705 )

Minority interests

     (45 )     (1,355 )     (1,400 )     (362 )     211       (151 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (5,657 )     —         (5,657 )     —         —         —    

Stock-based compensation charges(b)

     12,043       1,580       13,623       15,211       2,202       17,413  
                                                

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 289,478     $ 21,461     $ 310,939     $ 520,550     $ 28,868     $ 549,418  
                                                

(a) Including stock-based compensation expense.
(b) Exclusive of charges included in integration costs and restructuring charges.

 

22


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

16. Stock-Based Compensation

Restricted Common Stock

A summary of restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2007

 
     (In thousands of shares)  

Shares outstanding at December 31, 2006

   1,227  

Shares granted

   1,302  

Shares assumed in the Global Signal Merger

   92  

Shares vested

   (295 )

Shares forfeited

   (57 )
      

Shares outstanding at September 30, 2007

   2,269  
      

The following is a summary of the restricted stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007:

 

Restricted Stock Award

   Grant Date    Shares
Awarded
   Grant Date Fair
Value
  

Requisite

Service Period

          (In thousands
of shares)
   (In dollars)    (In years)

Performance awards for executives

   February    279    $ 27.54    1.9

Performance awards for non-executive employees

   February    260      34.50    2.8

Integration awards

   February    673      14.58    1.9

One-off RSA awards

   Various    90      34.89    2.3
             

Total

      1,302      
             

Weighted average

         $ 22.74    2.1

The performance restricted stock awards contain provisions for accelerated vesting based on the market performance of the Company’s common stock. The performance restricted stock awards to executives also contain provisions that result in forfeiture by the employee of any unvested shares in the event the Company’s common stock does not achieve the target of $41.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days which include any dates on or before February 22, 2011. The integration restricted stock awards were granted to executives and employees deemed to be integral to the successful integration of Global Signal. The integration restricted stock awards contain provisions that result in forfeiture by the employee of any unvested shares in the event the Company’s common stock does not achieve the market performance target of $44.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days which include any dates on or between July 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. However, to the extent that the requisite service period is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes will not be reversed for either performance restricted stock awards or the integration restricted stock awards; rather, it will be recognized regardless of whether or not the market performance targets are achieved.

The weighted-average assumptions used in the determination of the grant date fair value for the awards with market conditions and the derived service period for awards with accelerated vesting provisions granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Risk-free rate

   4.7 %

Expected volatility

   28 %

Expected dividend rate

   0 %

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $5.3 million and $15.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense (net of estimated forfeitures) related to restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2007 is $25.9 million.

 

23


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

CCIC Stock Options

The Company has not granted CCIC stock options since awarding 55,000 options during the year ended December 31, 2003 and has not granted options to any member of executive management since October 2001. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, 1.2 million options were exercised with a weighted-average exercise price of $19.73 per share and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $20.7 million. The Company received cash of $24.6 million from the exercise of these options. See note 11.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded tax benefits of $2.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively, related to stock-based compensation charges.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2006    Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
     CCUSA    CCAL    Total    CCUSA    CCAL    Total
     (In thousands of dollars)

Stock-based compensation expense:

                 

Site rental costs of operations

   $ 50    $ —      $ 50    $ 94    $ —      $ 94

Network services and other costs of operations

     60      —        60      98      —        98

General and administrative expenses

     4,365      254      4,619      5,181      439      5,620

Restructuring charges

     —        —        —        2,377      —        2,377

Integration costs

     —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                         
   $ 4,475    $ 254    $ 4,729    $ 7,750    $ 439    $ 8,189
                                         
     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
     CCUSA    CCAL    Total    CCUSA    CCAL    Total
     (In thousands of dollars)

Stock-based compensation expense:

                 

Site rental costs of operations

   $ 116    $ —      $ 116    $ 288    $ —      $ 288

Network services and other costs of operations

     140      —        140      272      —        272

General and administrative expenses

     11,787      1,580      13,367      14,651      2,202      16,853

Restructuring charges

     —        —        —        2,377      —        2,377

Integration costs

     —        —        —        790      —        790
                                         
   $ 12,043    $ 1,580    $ 13,623    $ 18,378    $ 2,202    $ 20,580
                                         

 

24


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

17. Restructuring Charges, Integration Costs, Asset Write-Down Charges and Exit Costs

Overview

A summary of the components of the restructuring charges, integration costs and asset write-down charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
     Restructuring
Charges
   Integration
Costs
   Asset Write-
Down Charges
   Restructuring
Charges
   Integration
Costs
   Asset Write-
Down Charges
     (In thousands of dollars)

Modeo

   $ 3,080    $ —      $ 57,691    $ 3,080    $ —      $ 57,691

Global Signal Merger

     —        4,749      —        —        18,666      —  

Tower write-down charges

     —        —        1,615      —        —        6,358

Other

     111      —        —        111      —        —  
                                         
   $ 3,191    $ 4,749    $ 59,306    $ 3,191    $ 18,666    $ 64,049
                                         

Modeo

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded asset write-down charges at CCUSA of $57.7 million related to the write-off of substantially all of the Company’s Modeo assets other than the Spectrum. The assets written off were comprised primarily of construction in process related to (i) the commercial grade mobile television network in New York City and (ii) the planned expansion of the network for broadcasting live television to mobile devices beyond New York City. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded restructuring charges at CCUSA of $3.1 million related to the termination of the Modeo employees, including $2.4 million of stock-based compensation related to the accelerated vesting and the change in fair value of the Modeo options that are accounted for as liability awards. See note 14.

A summary of the Modeo restructuring charges within the CCUSA segment are as follows:

 

     Three and Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2007
 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Amounts accrued at beginning of period

   $ —    

Amounts charged to expense(a)

     3,080  

Amounts paid

     (88 )
        

Amounts accrued at end of period

   $ 2,992  
        

(a) Inclusive of stock-based compensation charges of $2.4 million.

Global Signal Merger

Subsequent to the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the Company finalized plans for the integration of Global Signal’s operations and wireless communication tower portfolio into the Company’s policies, procedures, operations and systems. As a result of the Global Signal integration plans, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded $0.4 and $7.7 million, respectively, of integration costs related to severance and retention bonuses paid to involuntarily terminated employees of the Global Signal Entities with service obligations to the Company. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company incurred other incremental costs directly related to the integration of $4.3 million and $11.0 million, respectively, including, among other things, costs related to contracted employees to assist with the integration of the acquired operations and tower portfolio and stock-based compensation charges for restricted stock assumed in the Global Signal Merger.

 

25


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the activity of the severance and retention bonus liability within the CCUSA segment related to the Global Signal Merger but exclusive of those recorded in the allocation of Global Signal purchase price (as disclosed separately below). The Company expects to incur in the future additional severance and retention bonus expenses of approximately $0.6 million.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Amounts accrued at beginning of period

   $ —       $ —    

Amounts charged to integration costs

     434       7,688  

Amounts paid

     (434 )     (7,688 )
                

Amounts accrued at end of period

   $ —       $ —    
                

The following table summarizes the activity of the liability for exit costs within the CCUSA segment recorded in the allocation of the Global Signal purchase price, in accordance with the requirements of EITF No. 95-3 Recognition of Liabilities In Connection With a Purchase Business Combination. The exit costs recorded in the allocation of the purchase price for the Global Signal Merger related to a severance liability of $1.3 million for obligations to former executives of the Global Signal Entities who were terminated upon completion of the Global Signal Merger and a $1.1 million liability for office lease obligations of the Global Signal entities. As of September 30, 2007, the liability for exit costs of $1.0 million consisted of office lease obligations. See note 3.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Amounts accrued at beginning of period

   $ 580    $ —    

Amounts recorded in purchase accounting

     420      2,370  

Amounts paid

     —        (1,370 )
               

Amounts accrued at end of period

   $ 1,000    $ 1,000  
               

Tower Write-Down Charges

During 2007, the Company abandoned or disposed of certain towers and wrote-off site acquisition and permitting costs for towers that will not be completed. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded related asset write-down charges at CCUSA of $1.6 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

 

26


Index to Financial Statements

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Unaudited (Continued)

 

18. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:

 

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2006     2007  
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 106,364     $ 234,317  

Income taxes paid

     3,284       3,228  

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

    

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax

     11,328       (41,680 )

Decrease in property and equipment for non-cash adjustments to purchases of land under our towers

     —         1,458  

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:

    

Common stock issued and assumption of warrants and restricted common stock in connection with the Global Signal Merger (note 3)

     —         3,373,907  

Common stock issued in connection with the conversion of debt

     100       37  

Common stock issued in connection with the exercise of warrants

     1,215       5,009  

Common stock issued by an equity method investment in connection with a merger

     76,381       —    

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax (note 6)

     (14,320 )     24,238  

 

27


Index to Financial Statements
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 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)” included in our 2006 Form 10-K. Any capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item have the same meaning given to them in our 2006 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 subsidiaries including the Global Signal Entities following the completion of the Global Signal Merger. The Global Signal Entities were included in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) from January 12, 2007.

Management Overview

General Overview

We own, operate and lease towers for wireless communications. Our customers lease space on our towers for antennas and other equipment necessary for the transmission of wireless signals for mobile telephones and other devices. This site rental leasing activity represents approximately 93% of our third quarter 2007 consolidated revenues. We engage in such activities through a variety of structures including subleasing and management arrangements. Information concerning our tower portfolio as of September 30, 2007, is as follows.

 

   

We owned, leased or managed 23,767 towers, including the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal” below).

 

   

We have the most towers (exclusive of rooftop installations) in the U.S. of any wireless tower company with approximately 21,800 towers.

 

   

We also have 1,438 towers in Australia, and the remainder of our towers are located in Puerto Rico and Canada.

 

   

Our customers currently include many of the world’s major wireless communications companies, including Sprint Nextel, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Alltel, Optus and Vodafone Australia.

 

   

55% and 72% of our towers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico were located in the 50 and 100 largest BTAs, respectively.

 

   

We lease, sublease or license the land on which approximately 18,500 of our towers reside.

 

   

We own in fee or have permanent or long-term easements in the land on which approximately 4,500 of our towers reside.

Business Fundamentals

Our strategy is to increase our recurring revenue and cash flow by leasing space on our towers to wireless companies and, where appropriate, to continue to build, acquire and operate additional towers and wireless infrastructure. Highlights of our business fundamentals are as follows, as discussed further herein or in our 2006 Form 10-K:

 

   

Potential growth resulting from wireless network expansion

 

   

Site rental revenue under long-term leases with contracted escalations

 

   

High quality revenue stream

 

   

Long-term control of our assets

 

   

Relatively fixed tower operating costs

 

   

High incremental margins on organic revenue growth

 

   

Minimal sustaining capital expenditure requirements

 

   

Majority of our outstanding debt rated investment grade and have fixed rate coupons

 

   

Significant cash flow from operations

 

28


Index to Financial Statements

Acquisition of Global Signal

On January 12, 2007, we completed the Global Signal Merger in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $4.0 billion, exclusive of debt of approximately $1.8 billion that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired.

Global Signal revenues, cost of operations and gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2006 were approximately $496.0 million, $221.2 million and $274.7 million, respectively. See note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for our unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 as if the Global Signal Merger were completed as of the beginning of each respective period. We entered into the Global Signal Merger primarily because of anticipated growth opportunities in the Global Signal tower portfolio, including through leveraging our management team and customer service across an enhanced national footprint. We believe the opportunity for growth will be driven by the carrier focus on improving network quality, subscriber growth, increasing subscriber usage, wire line replacement and next generation network builds. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Revenue and Margin Growth.” Secondarily, we entered into the Global Signal Merger because of anticipated synergistic opportunities. In 2007, as a result of the Global Signal Merger, we have seen an increase in general and administrative expenses in nominal dollars. However, we have seen a decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues. We also expect to incur costs of between approximately $24 million to $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to integrate Global Signal’s operations and wireless communication tower portfolio into our policies, procedures, operations and systems. See also note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

As a result of the completion of the Global Signal Merger, we issued approximately 98.1 million shares of common stock to the shareholders of Global Signal and paid the maximum Cash Consideration of $550.0 million and reserved for issuance approximately 0.6 million shares of common stock issuable pursuant to Global Signal warrants. As a result of the Global Signal Merger, Global Signal common stockholders were entitled to convert each share of Global Signal common stock into 1.61 shares of our common stock or, alternatively, could elect to receive cash in the amount of $55.95 per Global Signal share. Upon completion of the Global Signal Merger, the former Global Signal shareholders owned approximately 32.7% of our outstanding shares. See note 3 to our consolidated financial statements and our 2006 Form 10-K for a further discussion of the Global Signal Merger.

The total purchase price of approximately $4.0 billion includes the fair value of common stock issued (using a $34.20 per share value) of $3.4 billion, the Cash Consideration, the fair value of Global Signal restricted common stock and warrants assumed and estimated transaction costs. The allocation of the purchase price for the Global Signal Merger can be found in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements. We anticipate there will be no further purchase accounting adjustments related to the Global Signal Merger except when required by accounting rules. See “MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

We financed the Cash Consideration primarily with cash received from the issuance of the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes in November 2006. Upon closing of the Global Signal Merger, the Global Signal Entities had debt outstanding of approximately $1.8 billion; all of which remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired. Such debt included the 2004 Mortgage Loan and the 2006 Mortgage Loan which have a structure similar to our 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes. See “MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Financing Activities” for further discussion of the impact of the additional debt as a result of the Global Signal Merger.

Revenue and Margin Growth

Our net revenues grew for the three months ended September 30, 2007 by $150.8 million, or 75.1%, to $351.7 million from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Our net revenues grew for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 by $432.9 million, or 75.0%, to $1.0 billion from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in net revenues was driven by an increase in site rental revenues predominately related to the towers acquired on January 12, 2007 in connection with the Global Signal Merger (see “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA”). The remaining increase in site rental revenues was primarily from new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations) on our towers existing prior to the Global Signal Merger and, to a lesser

 

29


Index to Financial Statements

extent, new towers acquired or built during or after the first quarter of 2006. New customer additions and modifications were influenced by on-going demand for additional antenna space mainly due to the continued strong growth in wireless minutes of use, the introduction of new data services by wireless carriers and the launch of new wireless networks. We expect network services revenues to continue to be somewhat volatile as a percentage of total net revenues as these revenues are typically not under long-term contract.

We generally receive monthly rental payments from customers, payable under site leases. New leases recently entered into by CCUSA typically have original terms of seven to 10 years (with three or four optional renewal periods of five years each) and provide for annual price increases based upon a consumer price index, a fixed percentage or a combination thereof. As a result of our long-term (five to 10 year) contracts with our customers, in any given year approximately 95% of our site rental revenues, excluding acquisitions, are contracted for in a prior year and are of a recurring nature.

Site rental gross margins (site rental revenues less site rental costs of operations) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $91.2 million, or 73.7%, to $214.9 million from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Site rental gross margins (site rental revenues less site rental costs of operations) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $264.1 million, or 74.6%, to $618.3 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the site rental gross margins was primarily driven by the increase in site rental revenues. We expect that increases in site rental revenues resulting from new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations) on our existing towers will have a high incremental margin (percentage of revenue growth converted to gross margin) given the relatively fixed nature of the costs to operate our towers.

We believe the demand for our towers will continue for a variety of reasons, including the wireless industry’s dramatic growth of minutes of use, wireless data service revenues and new subscribers. The demand for towers depends on the demand for antenna space by our customers which in turn depends on the demand for wireless telephony and data services from their customers. Important indicators of this demand are wireless minutes of use, the volume of non-telephony wireless services such as data, text messaging and mobile video and, to a lesser extent, the number of new wireless subscribers. The demand for our towers is also influenced by the launch of new wireless networks and the availability of new spectrum to our customers. Highlights of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (“CTIA”) U.S. wireless industry survey issued on October 23, 2007 are as follows:

 

   

Minutes of use exceeded 1.1 trillion for the first half of 2007, which represents a year-over-year increase of 18%;

 

   

Wireless data service revenues for the first half of 2007 were $10.5 billion, which represents a year-over-year increase of 63%; and

 

   

Wireless users totaled 243 million as of June 30, 2007, which represents a year-over-year increase of 24 million subscribers, or 10.8%.

The impact of anticipated increases to site rental revenues from the demand for new towers may be tempered somewhat by recent carrier consolidation (including AT&T merging with Cingular Wireless in 2006 and Sprint merging with Nextel in 2005) which could result in duplicate or overlapping networks. However, we expect that the termination of leases as a result of recent carrier consolidation will be spread over multiple quarters. In addition, we believe we are adding more leases per quarter from all of our customers than the total number of leases we believe will eventually be terminated as a result of the two mergers noted above. Consequently, we currently do not believe that lease terminations from carrier consolidation will have a material adverse affect on our results for any quarter.

Indebtedness

During the first quarter of 2007, CCOC entered into two term loans due in 2014 that totaled $650.0 million. Our purchase of 17.7 million shares of our common stock was primarily funded with $600.0 million of the proceeds from the term loans (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Purchases and Investments”). During the first quarter of 2007, CCOC also entered into a currently undrawn revolving credit facility for $250.0 million that matures in January 2008. We may use the remaining $50.0 million borrowed under the term loans and the availability under the credit facility for general corporate purposes which may include financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of our common or preferred stock. See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements and “MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Financing Activities.

 

30


Index to Financial Statements

See “MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows from Financing Activities” for a discussion of the 2004 Mortgage Loan and the 2006 Mortgage Loan that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the interest rate swaps we entered into during the first quarter of 2007 that have effectively locked in the interest rate on the rollover of the 2006 Mortgage Loan to February 2016 and the 2004 Mortgage Loan to December 2014.

Purchases and Investments

In January 2007, we purchased an aggregate of 17.7 million shares of our common stock from the Global Signal Significant Stockholders, or approximately 6% of our outstanding shares following the Global Signal Merger. We paid $600.3 million in cash or approximately $33.89 per share to effect these purchases. The purchase of shares of common stock was primarily funded through borrowings under a term loan (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Indebtedness” above). We expect to continue to opportunistically purchase our own stock from time to time. See “MD&A—Liquidity and Capital ResourcesOverview” for a further discussion.

Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment

On July 23, 2007, we entered into a lease of our Spectrum. The Spectrum is leased to CCTV for a $13 million annual lease fee with an initial term from July 23, 2007 until October 1, 2013. Upon the expiration of the initial term of the lease, CCTV will have the right to acquire the Spectrum for $130 million, escalated at CPI from July 2007, or to renew the lease for a period of up to ten years on the same terms, subject to the annual lease fee increasing to $14.3 million. As part of such transaction, we also transferred for nominal consideration our subsidiary holding the assets related to our trial network in New York City. In addition, we are the preferred provider of tower infrastructure for future tower sites during the term of the lease if and as the Spectrum is deployed by CCTV. See “Part II—Other Information—Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

As a result of the transactions described above, we eliminated substantially all of the future Modeo operating and administrative expenses, which for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $0.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded asset write-down charges of $57.7 million as a result of the write-off of substantially all of our Modeo assets other than the Spectrum and restructuring charges of $3.1 million related to the termination of the Modeo employees. See note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

31


Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Results of Operations

Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007

The following information is derived from our historical consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2006
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
   

Dollar
Change

   

Percent
Change

 
     Amount     Percent
of Net
Revenues
    Amount     Percent
of Net
Revenues
     
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net revenues:

            

Site rental

   $ 178,995     89.1 %   $ 326,797     92.9 %   $ 147,802     82.6 %

Network services and other

     21,944     10.9 %     24,947     7.1 %     3,003     13.7 %
                                          
     200,939     100.0 %     351,744     100.0 %     150,805     75.1 %
                                          

Operating expenses:

            

Costs of operations(a):

            

Site rental

     55,261     30.9 %     111,863     34.2 %     56,602     102.4 %

Network services and other

     14,735     67.1 %     17,032     68.3 %     2,297     15.6 %
                              

Total costs of operations

     69,996     34.8 %     128,895     36.6 %     58,899     84.1 %

General and administrative

     25,433     12.6 %     32,881     9.3 %     7,448     29.3 %

Restructuring charges

     —       —         3,191     0.9 %     3,191     *  

Asset write-down charges

     948     0.5 %     59,306     16.9 %     58,358    

Integration costs

     —       —         4,749     1.4 %     4,749    

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     72,161     36.0 %     135,540     38.6 %     63,379     87.8 %
                                      

Operating income (loss)

     32,401     16.1 %     (12,818 )   (3.7 )%     (45,219 )   (139.6 )%

Loss on purchases and redemptions of debt

     (437 )   (0.2 )%     —       —         437     *  

Interest and other income (expense)

     (985 )   (0.5 )%     2,965     0.8 %     3,950     *  

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     (46,450 )   (23.1 )%     (89,407 )   (25.4 )%     (42,957 )   92.5 %
                                      

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests

     (15,471 )   (7.7 )%     (99,260 )   (28.3 )%     (83,789 )   *  

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (575 )   (0.3 )%     31,923     9.1 %     32,498     *  

Minority interests

     485     0.3 %     324     0.1 %     (161 )   *  
                                      

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (15,561 )   (7.7 )%     (67,013 )   (19.1 )%     (51,452 )   *  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —       —         —       —         —       *  
                                      

Net income (loss)

   $ (15,561 )   (7.7 )%   $ (67,013 )   (19.1 )%   $ (51,452 )   *  
                                      

*: Percentage is not meaningful
(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.

 

32


Index to Financial Statements
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
   

Dollar
Change

   

Percent
Change

 
     Amount     Percent
of Net
Revenues
    Amount     Percent
of Net
Revenues
     
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net revenues:

            

Site rental

   $ 510,052     88.3 %   $ 948,925     93.9 %   $ 438,873     86.0 %

Network services and other

     67,328     11.7 %     61,398     6.1 %     (5,930 )   (8.8 )%
                                          
     577,380     100.0 %     1,010,323     100.0 %     432,943     75.0 %
                                          

Operating expenses:

            

Costs of operations(a):

            

Site rental

     155,878     30.6 %     330,624     34.8 %     174,746     112.1 %

Network services and other

     44,401     65.9 %     43,484     70.8 %     (917 )   (2.1 )%
                              

Total costs of operations

     200,279     34.7 %     374,108     37.0 %     173,829     86.8 %

General and administrative

     79,785     13.8 %     104,210     10.3 %     24,425     30.6 %

Restructuring charges

     —       —         3,191     0.3 %     3,191     *  

Asset write-down charges

     2,805     0.5 %     64,049     6.3 %     61,244     *  

Integration costs

     —       —         18,666     1.8 %     18,666     *  

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     213,626     37.0 %     407,557     40.4 %     193,931     90.8 %
                                      

Operating income (loss)

     80,885     14.0 %     38,542     3.9 %     (42,343 )   (52.3 )%

Loss on purchases and redemptions of debt

     (1,177 )   (0.2 )%     —       —         1,177     *  

Interest and other income (expense)

     (4,520 )   (0.8 )%     9,170     0.9 %     13,690     *  

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs

     (116,165 )   (20.1 )%     (260,212 )   (25.8 )%     (144,047 )   124.0 %
                                      

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests

     (40,977 )   (7.1 )%     (212,500 )   (21.0 )%     (171,523 )   *  

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (1,698 )   (0.3 )%     69,705     6.9 %     71,403     *  

Minority interests

     1,400     0.3 %     151     —         (1,249 )   *  
                                      

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (41,275 )   (7.1 )%     (142,644 )   (14.1 )%     (101,369 )   *  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     5,657     0.9 %     —       —         (5,657 )   *  
                                      

Net income (loss)

   $ (35,618 )   (6.2 )%   $ (142,644 )   (14.1 )%   $ (107,026 )   *  
                                      

*: Percentage is not meaningful
(a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.

Site rental revenues are recognized on a monthly basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant lease, agreement or contract with such terms generally ranging from five years to 10 years. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, these revenues are recognized on a monthly basis regardless of whether the payments from the customer are received in equal monthly amounts. If the payment terms call for fixed escalations (as in fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases), the effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement. When calculating our straight-line rental revenues, we consider all fixed elements of escalation provisions in our customer leases even if such escalation provisions also include a variable element. As a result of this accounting method, a portion of the revenues recognized in a given period represents cash collected in other periods. As previously mentioned, in any given year approximately 95% of our site rental revenues, excluding acquisitions, are contracted for in a prior year and are of a recurring nature.

Net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $150.8 million, or 75.1%, to $351.7 million from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $432.9 million, or 75.0%, to $1.0 billion from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 resulted from an increase in site rental revenues of $147.8 million and $438.9 million, respectively, or 82.6% and 86.0%, from the same periods in the prior year. CCUSA accounted for 96.9% and 97.3%, respectively, of the total increase in site rental revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 from the same periods in the prior year. The increase in site rental revenues was predominately related to the towers acquired on January 12, 2007 in connection with the Global

 

33


Index to Financial Statements

Signal Merger (see “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA”). The remaining increase in our site rental revenues was primarily driven by new tenant additions (or modifications to existing installations) on our towers existing prior to the Global Signal Merger and, to a lesser extent, new towers acquired or built during or after the first quarter of 2006. See “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA.”

Network services revenues generally represent installation of antennas, lines and construction services for co-locations on our towers and are generally recognized under a method which approximates the completed contract method. This method is used because these services are typically completed in relatively short periods of time and financial position and results of operations do not vary significantly from those which would result from use of the percentage-of-completion method. These services are considered complete when the terms and conditions of the contract or agreement have been completed. Costs and revenues associated with contracts not complete at the end of a period are deferred and recognized when the installation becomes operational. Any losses on contracts are recognized at such time as they become known.

Network services and other revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $3.0 million, or 13.7%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Network services and other revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by $5.9 million, or 8.8%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the network services and other revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from the same period in the prior year reflects the variable nature of the network services business as these revenues are typically not under long-term contract. The towers acquired from Global Signal did not have a significant impact on the network services revenues for the first half of 2007 and had a modest impact on the third quarter of 2007 since Global Signal did not operate a network services business. We expect the Global Signal Merger to positively impact network services revenues in the future as we continue to market our services for the Global Signal towers.

Costs of operations consist primarily of ground leases, repairs and maintenance, utilities, property taxes, employee compensation and related benefit costs, insurance and monitoring costs. Generally, our ground lease agreements are specific to each site and are for an initial term of five years and are renewable for pre-determined periods. Ground lease expense is recognized on a monthly basis regardless of whether the lease agreement payment terms require us to make payments annually, quarterly or in equal monthly amounts. If the payment terms include fixed escalation provisions, the effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis. We calculate straight-line ground lease expense using a time period that equals or exceeds the remaining depreciable life of the tower asset. Further, when a customer has exercisable renewal options that would compel us to exercise existing ground lease renewal options, we have straight-lined ground lease expense over a sufficient portion of such ground lease renewals to coincide with the final termination of the customer’s renewal options. Because our tower operating expenses generally do not increase significantly as we add additional customers, once a tower has an anchor customer, additional customers provide significant incremental cash flow and gross margin.

Site rental gross margins for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $91.2 million, or 73.7%, to $214.9 million from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Site rental gross margins for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $264.1 million, or 74.6%, to $618.3 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned increase in site rental revenues primarily driven by the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger (from the date of acquisition) and, to a lesser extent, from new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations) (see “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA”).

 

34


Index to Financial Statements

Site rental gross margins were affected by the non-cash portions of site rental revenues, ground lease expenses, stock-based compensation expenses for those employees directly related to U.S. tower operations and the amortization of below-market and above-market leases. The non-cash impact on site rental gross margins for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 related to the towers acquired from Global Signal was $2.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively. The following is a summary of the components of the non-cash portions of our site rental gross margins.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2006     2007     2006     2007  
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Non-cash impact on site rental gross margins:

        

Non-cash portion of site rental revenues attributable to straight-line recognition of revenues

   $ 4,646     $ 10,703     $ 15,175     $ 32,240  

Non-cash portion of ground lease expense attributable to straight-line recognition of expenses

     (4,263 )     (8,382 )     (13,020 )     (27,167 )

Stock-based compensation expenses

     (50 )     (94 )     (116 )     (288 )

Net amortization of below-market and above-market leases

     —         312       —         472  
                                

Total

   $ 333     $ 2,539     $ 2,039     $ 5,257  
                                

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $7.4 million, or 29.3%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006 but decreased to 9.3% of net revenues from 12.6%. General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $24.4 million, or 30.6%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006 but decreased to 10.3% of net revenues from 13.8%. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges as discussed further in note 16 to our consolidated financial statements. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily related to headcount additions and related other employee costs as a result of the Global Signal Merger partially offset by cost reductions from the termination of the Modeo employees (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment”). The decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues was driven by cost savings that resulted from the Global Signal Merger.

Restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $3.2 million and were predominantly related to the termination of the Modeo employees. Asset write-down charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $59.3 million and $64.0 million, respectively, an increase of $58.4 million and $61.2 million from the same periods in the prior year. The increase in the asset write-down charges for the three and nine months was due to the $57.7 million charge related to Modeo during the three months ended September 30, 2007. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment” and note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

Integration costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $4.8 million and $18.7 million, respectively, and were related to the Global Signal Merger. These integration costs included, among other things, expenses for retention bonus obligations with employees of the former Global Signal, costs for contracted employees directly related to the integration and stock-based compensation charges with respect to restricted common stock issued in the Global Signal Merger. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal” and note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $63.4 million, or 87.8%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006, virtually all of which related to CCUSA. Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $193.9 million, or 90.8%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006, virtually all of which related to CCUSA. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was primarily attributable to depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets recorded in connection with the purchase price allocation for the Global Signal Merger. See “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA.”

 

35


Index to Financial Statements

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs was $89.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $43.0 million, or 92.5%. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs was $260.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $144.0 million, or 124.0%. The increase in interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs was due to the issuance of the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes, the mortgage loans that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired, and the term loans issued in 2007, offset by the repayment of the 2006 Credit Facility. See “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA.”

Benefit (provision) for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was a benefit of $31.9 million and $69.7 million, respectively, compared to a provision of $(0.6) million and $(1.7) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. The change from a provision to a benefit was related to our change from a net deferred tax asset position to a net deferred tax liability position that resulted from the deferred tax liability of $556.6 million recorded as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger offset by the reversal of our federal valuation allowance of $240.9 million. See “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations—CCUSA” and note 10 to our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2007, CCAL (our 77.6% majority-owned subsidiary) issued a capital return of approximately $166.0 million, including $37.2 million to the minority shareholders of CCAL. Upon issuance of the capital return, we recorded a reduction in additional paid-in capital of $8.9 million as a result of the capital return to the CCAL minority shareholders exceeding the carrying value of the minority interests in CCAL. The borrowing and related capital return was issued to increase the leverage of the CCAL business. The losses applicable to the minority interest shareholders will be included in our results in the future as long as their share of the CCAL losses exceeds their equity interests.

Segment Results of Operations

Our reportable operating segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are (i) CCUSA, primarily consisting of our U.S. (including Puerto Rico) tower operations and (ii) CCAL, our Australian tower operations. Our financial results are reported to management and the Board of Directors in this manner. We have reclassified the Corporate Office and Other segment into the CCUSA segment reflecting the significance of the CCUSA segment to the consolidated business after the Global Signal Merger. We have reclassified the Emerging Businesses segment, previously consisting of our Modeo business, into the CCUSA segment following both the lease of the Spectrum to CCTV on July 23, 2007 and the related write-off of substantially all of the Modeo assets other than the Spectrum. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment.” Segment information for all periods has been reclassified to reflect these changes in reportable segments.

See note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for segment results and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.

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, and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, losses on purchases and redemptions of debt, interest and other income (expense), interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, benefit (provision) for income taxes, minority interests, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation charges. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is discussed further under “MD&A—Accounting and Reporting MattersNon-GAAP Financial Measures.

 

36


Index to Financial Statements

CCUSA - Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007

Net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $146.2 million, or 78.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase in net revenues resulted from an increase in site rental revenues of $143.2 million, or 85.9%, for the same periods. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, the site rental revenues from the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger, inclusive of new tenant additions since the date of acquisition, was $132.5 million or approximately 92.5% of the increase in site rental revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The site rental revenue growth rate (based on comparison to Global Signal’s reported results for the three months ended September 30, 2006) on the towers acquired from Global Signal, excluding the impact of straight-line revenues, is consistent with the growth rates on our towers existing prior to the Global Signal Merger. The remaining increase in our site rental revenues of $10.7 million or 7.5% of the CCUSA segment was primarily driven by new tenant additions (or modifications to existing installations) occurring during or after the third quarter of 2006 on our towers existing prior to the Global Signal Merger.

Site rental gross margins for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $88.3 million, or 76.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 85.9% increase in site rental revenues primarily driven by the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger and, to a lesser extent, from new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations). Site rental gross margins as a percentage of site rental revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by 3.5 percentage points from the three months ended September 30, 2006 to 65.8% primarily as a result of the less mature Global Signal towers that have lower revenues per tower and higher ground rent expense as a percentage of revenues than our existing towers. We believe the Global Signal towers have significant latent revenue and margin growth opportunities provided by potential future additional leasing of those towers.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $6.5 million, or 28.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006 but decreased to 8.8% of net revenues from 12.2%. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges as discussed further in note 16 to our consolidated financial statements. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily related to headcount additions and related employee costs as a result of the Global Signal Merger partially offset by cost reductions from the termination of the Modeo employees (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment”). The decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues was driven by cost savings that resulted from the Global Signal Merger.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $83.9 million, or 81.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the same factors that drove the increase of 85.9% in our site rental revenues including the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger and the new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations).

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, restructuring charges and asset write-down charges were $3.2 million and $59.3 million, respectively, and were predominantly related to Modeo (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment”). For the three months ended September 30, 2007, integration costs were $4.7 million and were related to the Global Signal Merger (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal”). See also note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $63.4 million, or 97.5%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2007 resulted from $61.9 million of depreciation and amortization attributable to property and equipment and intangible assets recorded in connection with the purchase price allocation for the Global Signal Merger. Depreciation of towers is computed using the useful life that is defined as the period equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including renewal options). See “MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $43.0 million, or 94.2%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase for the three

 

37


Index to Financial Statements

months ended September 30, 2007 was primarily attributable to additional indebtedness of approximately $3.0 billion from September 30, 2006 to September 30, 2007. The components of the increase in indebtedness include (i) the issuance of the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes ($1.55 billion), (ii) the mortgage loans ($1.8 billion) that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired, and (iii) the issuance of term loans ($650.0 million) during 2007. This additional indebtedness was offset by the repayment of the borrowings under the previously existing credit agreement dated as of June 1, 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes and mortgage loans totaled $23.6 million and $26.6 million, respectively. We believe our recent financing transactions have simplified our capital structure at attractive rates while maintaining our targeted leverage ratios and have allowed us to make investments that we believe exhibit sufficient potential to achieve acceptable risk-adjusted returns. See “MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Overview.

Benefit (provision) for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was a benefit of $32.4 million compared to a provision of $(0.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. We recorded a deferred tax liability of $556.6 million as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger offset by the reversal of our federal valuation allowance of $240.9 million. As a result, we (i) are no longer in a net deferred tax asset position, (ii) are no longer recording a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets because of our historical net operating losses, and (iii) can record the benefit of tax impacts of our results in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Net income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was a loss of $67.3 million representing an increased loss of $52.2 million from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increased loss was primarily due to asset write-down and restructuring charges related to Modeo totaling $60.8 million and the net impact of increases in Adjusted EBITDA, depreciation, amortization and accretion, interest expense and the benefit for income taxes, all of which were predominantly related to the Global Signal Merger.

CCUSA - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007

Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $421.1 million, or 79.0%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase in net revenues resulted from an increase in site rental revenues of $427.0 million, or 90.6%, for the same periods. From the date of acquisition to September 30, 2007, the site rental revenues from the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger, inclusive of new tenant additions since the date of acquisition, was $378.0 million or approximately 88.5% of the increase in site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The site rental revenue growth rate (based on comparison to Global Signal’s reported results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006) on the towers acquired from Global Signal, excluding the impact of straight-line revenues, is consistent with the growth rates on our towers existing prior to the Global Signal Merger. The remaining increase in our site rental revenues of $49.0 million or 11.5% of the CCUSA segment was primarily driven by the following that occurred during or after the first quarter of 2006: (i) new tenant additions (or modifications to existing installations) on our towers existing prior to the Global Signal Merger and, to a lesser extent, (ii) the leases related to the 474 towers acquired from Mountain Union in July 2006.

Site rental gross margins for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $255.5 million, or 77.9%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 90.6% increase in site rental revenues primarily driven by the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger (from the date of acquisition) and, to a lesser extent, from new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations) and the 474 towers acquired from Mountain Union. Site rental gross margins as a percentage of site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by 4.7 percentage points from the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 64.9% primarily as a result of the less mature Global Signal towers that have lower revenues per tower and higher ground rent expense as a percentage of revenues than our existing towers. We believe the Global Signal towers have significant latent revenue and margin growth opportunities provided by potential future additional leasing of those towers.

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $23.3 million, or 33.1%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006 but decreased to 9.8% of net revenues from 13.2%. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges as discussed further

 

38


Index to Financial Statements

in note 16 to our consolidated financial statements. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily related to headcount additions and related employee costs as a result of the Global Signal Merger partially offset by cost reductions from the termination of the Modeo employees (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment”). The decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues was driven by cost savings that resulted from the Global Signal Merger.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $231.1 million, or 79.8%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the same factors that drove the increase of 90.6% in our site rental revenues including the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger (from January 12, 2007 to September 30, 2007) and the new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, restructuring charges and asset write-down charges were $3.2 million and $64.0 million, respectively, and were predominantly related to Modeo (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment”). For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, integration costs were $18.7 million and were related to the Global Signal Merger (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal”). See also note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $193.7 million, or 100.2%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 resulted from $192.0 million of depreciation and amortization attributable to property and equipment and intangible assets recorded in connection with the purchase price allocation for the Global Signal Merger. The depreciation of the towers acquired from Global Signal was inclusive of approximately $19 million related to towers with useful lives (as defined) less than one year. Depreciation of towers is computed using the useful life that is defined as the period equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including renewal options). See “MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $144.2 million, or 126.9%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was primarily attributable to additional indebtedness of approximately $3.0 billion from September 30, 2006 to September 30, 2007. The components of the increase in indebtedness include (i) the issuance of the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes ($1.55 billion), (ii) the mortgage loans ($1.8 billion) that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired, and (iii) the issuance of term loans ($650.0 million) during 2007. This additional indebtedness was offset by the repayment of the borrowings under the previously existing credit agreement dated as of June 1, 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes and mortgage loans totaled $70.6 million and $76.5 million, respectively. We believe our recent financing transactions have simplified our capital structure at attractive rates while maintaining our targeted leverage ratios and have allowed us to make investments that we believe exhibit sufficient potential to achieve acceptable risk-adjusted returns. See “MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Overview.

Benefit (provision) for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was a benefit of $70.5 million compared to a provision of $(1.4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. We recorded a deferred tax liability of $556.6 million as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger offset by the reversal of our federal valuation allowance of $240.9 million. As a result, we (i) are no longer in a net deferred tax asset position, (ii) are no longer recording a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets because of our historical net operating losses, and (iii) can record the benefit of tax impacts of our results in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Net income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was a loss of $146.0 million representing an increased loss of $111.7 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to asset write-down and restructuring charges related to Modeo totaling $60.8 million and the net impact of increases in Adjusted EBITDA, depreciation, amortization and accretion, interest expense and the benefit for income taxes, all of which were predominantly related to the Global Signal Merger.

 

39


Index to Financial Statements

CCAL - Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007

Total net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $4.6 million, or 32.0%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in total net revenues was due to growth in site rental revenues primarily related to (i) exchange rate fluctuations, (ii) new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations) on our towers, (iii) contractual escalations on existing leases with variable escalations, and (iv) new towers acquired after the third quarter of 2006.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $1.6 million, or 22.8%, from the three months ended September 30, 2006. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the same factors that drove the increase in site rental revenues. Site rental gross margins increased by $2.9 million, or 35.6%, to 65.6% of site rental revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $8.2 million, or 66.5% of site rental revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Net income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was income of $0.2 million, an improvement of $0.8 million from the three months ended September 30, 2006. The change from net loss to net income was primarily driven by the same factors that drove the improvement in Adjusted EBITDA. See “MD&A—Consolidated Results of Operations—Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007” for a discussion of the minority interest.

The increases and decreases between the three months ended September 30, 2007 and the three months ended September 30, 2006 were inclusive of exchange rate fluctuations. Changes between the two periods were influenced by the average exchange rates for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 of 0.757 and 0.848, respectively. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

CCAL - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007

Total net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $11.8 million, or 26.6%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in total net revenues was due to growth in site rental revenues primarily related to (i) exchange rate fluctuations, (ii) new customer additions (or modifications to existing installations) on our towers, (iii) contractual escalations on existing leases with variable escalations, and (iv) new towers acquired after the third quarter of 2006. Included in our site rental revenues is a contractual payment of $2.1 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively, related to a fee for the shortfall in a contractually committed number of site licenses.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $7.4 million, or 34.5%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the same factors that drove the increase in site rental revenues. Site rental gross margins increased by $8.6 million, or 32.6%, to 68.9% of site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $26.4 million, or 67.9% of site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Net income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was income of $3.3 million, an improvement of $4.7 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The change from net loss to net income was primarily driven by the same factors that drove the improvement in Adjusted EBITDA. See “MD&A—Consolidated Results of Operations—Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007” for a discussion of the minority interest.

The increases and decreases between the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were inclusive of exchange rate fluctuations. Changes between the two periods were influenced by the average exchange rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 of 0.748 and 0.822, respectively. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

40


Index to Financial Statements

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Strategy. We seek to allocate our available capital among the investment alternatives that we believe exhibit sufficient potential to achieve acceptable risk-adjusted returns or exhibit potential to complement our core tower rental business. As such, we expect to continue:

 

  (1) to acquire or build towers, extend leaseholds on the land on which our towers are located, acquire the land on which our towers are located and make improvements to existing towers,

 

  (2) to opportunistically purchase our own common stock or preferred stock from time to time, and

 

  (3) to a lesser extent, make investments in adjacent businesses that we believe are complementary to our core tower leasing business when the expected returns from such investments meet our investment return criteria.

Our goal is to maximize long-term net cash flow from operating activities and fund all non-discretionary capital spending and debt service from our operating cash flow, without reliance on additional borrowing or the use of our pre-existing cash. However, due to risk factors (see “Part II—Other Information—Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Form 10-K), there can be no assurance that this will be possible. As part of our strategy to achieve increases in net cash flow from operating activities, in addition to improving operating results, we have lowered interest rates on our debt through attractive refinancing opportunities. We may also incur additional indebtedness on a discretionary basis to fund discretionary investments.

Our business strategy contemplates discretionary capital expenditures in connection with the further improvement and selective expansion of our existing tower portfolios. We expect that the majority of our discretionary investments will occur in connection with strategic tower acquisitions like the Global Signal Merger, purchases of our common or preferred stock, purchases of land under our towers, modifications and reinforcements of our existing towers for new customer additions, the construction or purchase of select towers and, to a lesser extent, investments in adjacent businesses. We may incur additional indebtedness on a discretionary basis to fund these investments. Our long-term business strategy may be influenced to some extent over the near term as a result of the debt and equity financing of the Global Signal Merger and the related commitment of time and expense to the execution of the integration of Global Signal’s business.

Liquidity Position. As of September 30, 2007, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $119.8 million (exclusive of restricted cash of $157.9 million), consolidated long-term and short-term debt of $6.0 billion, consolidated redeemable preferred stock of $313.6 million and consolidated stockholders equity of $3.4 billion. We currently have $250.0 million of available borrowings under the 2007 Revolver that matures in January 2008.

Summary Cash Flow Information

A summary of our cash flows is as follows:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2006     2007     Change    2006     2007     Change  
     (In thousands of dollars)  

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ 60,551     $ 101,677     $ 41,126    $ 178,923     $ 220,415     $ 41,492  

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     (338,457 )     (70,581 )     267,876      (387,652 )     (682,701 )     (295,049 )

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     (178,469 )     (4,081 )     174,388      203,966       (12,152 )     (216,118 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (136 )     355       491      (218 )     1,524       1,742  

Net cash from discontinued operations

     —         —         —        5,657       —         (5,657 )
                                               

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (456,511 )   $ 27,370     $ 483,881    $ 676     $ (472,914 )   $ (473,590 )
                                               

 

41


Index to Financial Statements

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

The net cash provided by operating activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $41.1 million and $41.5 million, respectively, or 67.9% and 23.2%, respectively, from the same periods in 2006, due primarily to the cash flow generated by the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger and the growth in our core site rental leasing. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was offset by an increase in cash interest paid of $128.0 million, payments for merger-related fees incurred by Global Signal of approximately $16.3 million, prepayments of long-term easements for land under our towers of $14.8 million and integration costs related to the Global Signal Merger of $17.9 million. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was offset by an increase in cash interest paid of $38.7 million and integration costs related to the Global Signal Merger of $4.8 million. Changes in working capital, and particularly changes in deferred rental revenues, prepaid ground leases and accrued interest, can have a significant impact on our net cash from operating activities for interim periods largely due to the timing of payments.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Capital Expenditures. Our capital expenditures can be separated into two general categories:

 

  (1) sustaining (which includes maintenance activities on our towers, vehicles, information technology equipment and office equipment), and

 

  (2) revenue generating (which includes purchases of land under our towers, tower improvements in order to support additional leasing, the construction or purchase of towers, investments in adjacent businesses and the construction of distributed antenna systems (“DAS Sites”)).

A summary of our capital expenditures (including the total capital expenditures which can be found on our consolidated statement of cash flows) is as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,
     Sustaining Capital
Expenditures
  

Revenue Generating

Capital Expenditures

  

Total Capital

Expenditures

     2006    2007    Change    2006    2007    Change    2006    2007    Change
     (In thousands of dollars)

CCUSA

   $ 5,540    $ 13,538    $ 7,998    $ 71,620    $ 163,239    $ 91,619    $ 77,160    $ 176,777    $ 99,617

CCAL

     914      1,542      628      1,852      12,939      11,087      2,766      14,481      11,715
                                                              

Consolidated

   $ 6,454    $ 15,080    $ 8,626    $ 73,472    $ 176,178    $ 102,706    $ 79,926    $ 191,258    $ 111,332
                                                              

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, total capital expenditures increased $111.3 million, or 139.3%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in sustaining capital expenditures was primarily related to the towers acquired in connection with the Global Signal Merger. The net increase in revenue generating capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from the same period in 2006 was primarily related to an increase in the purchases of land under our towers of $82.4 million, to $98.0 million, offset by a decrease in capital expenditures related to Modeo of $18.6 million. See also “MD&A—Management Overview—Spectrum Lease and Modeo Investment” for a discussion regarding Modeo.

Our decisions regarding revenue generating capital expenditures such as the purchases of land under our towers, enhancement of towers, the construction or purchase of select towers, investments in adjacent businesses and the construction of DAS Sites are discretionary and depend upon expectations of achieving acceptable risk-adjusted returns (given current market conditions). Such decisions are influenced by the availability of capital and expected returns on alternative investments.

 

42


Index to Financial Statements

Acquisition of Global Signal. We completed the Global Signal Merger on January 12, 2007 in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $4.0 billion, exclusive of debt of approximately $1.8 billion that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal” and notes 3 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

Mountain Union. On January 2, 2007, we purchased the remaining approximately 2% minority interest in Mountain Union for $4.8 million. See note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

FiberTower Investment. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a discussion of our available-for-sale investment in FiberTower.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

The net cash provided by (used for) financing activities in 2007 was exclusive of the approximate $1.8 billion of debt that remained outstanding as obligations of the Global Signal Entities we acquired. The following is a summary of the significant financing transactions completed in 2007, the 2006 Mortgage Loan and the 2004 Mortgage Loan.

2006 Mortgage Loan. At the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the 2006 Mortgage Loan, comprised of borrowings under a mortgage loan totaling $1.55 billion, remained outstanding as obligations of certain of the Global Signal Entities we acquired. The 2006 Mortgage Loan has a weighted average fixed interest rate of approximately 5.69%, and 92.1% was rated investment grade. We recorded a fair value adjustment of $3.1 million to decrease the value of the 2006 Mortgage Loan to fair value as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger. The effective interest rate after giving effect to the fair value purchase price adjustment is approximately 5.74%. See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the 2006 Mortgage Loan.

2004 Mortgage Loan. At the closing of the Global Signal Merger, the 2004 Mortgage Loan, comprised of borrowings under a mortgage loan totaling $293.8 million, remained outstanding as obligations of certain of the Global Signal Entities we acquired. The 2004 Mortgage Loan has a weighted average fixed interest rate of approximately 4.74%, and 86.7% was rated investment grade. We recorded a fair value adjustment of $9.1 million to decrease the value of the 2004 Mortgage Loan to fair value as part of the allocation of the purchase price of the Global Signal Merger. The effective interest rate after giving effect to the fair value purchase price adjustment is approximately 5.78%. See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the 2004 Mortgage Loan.

2007 Credit Facility. In January and March 2007, CCOC entered into two term loans due in 2014 for $600.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively. In January 2007, our purchase of 17.7 million shares of our common stock was primarily funded with $600.0 million of the proceeds from the term loans (see “MD&A—Management Overview—Purchases and Investments”). Borrowings under the term loans currently bear interest equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%.

In January 2007, CCOC entered into a currently undrawn revolving credit facility for $250.0 million that matures in January 2008. Availability of the revolving credit facility at any time will be determined by certain financial ratios. CCIC has guaranteed CCOC’s revolving credit facility and the two term loans. We may use the remaining $50.0 million borrowed under the term loans and the availability under the revolving credit facility for general corporate purposes which may include financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions, and purchases of our common or preferred stock. See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

43


Index to Financial Statements

Common Stock Activity. A summary of common stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007  
     (In thousands of shares)  

Shares outstanding at beginning of period

   202,081  

Shares issued in the Global Signal Merger

   98,049  

Restricted stock awards granted

   1,302  

Restricted stock awards assumed in the Global Signal Merger

   92  

Common stock purchased

   (17,805 )

Stock options exercised

   1,247  

Other activity

   158  
      

Shares outstanding at end of period

   285,124  
      

On January 12, 2007, we issued approximately 98.1 million shares of common stock in the Global Signal Merger. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Acquisition of Global Signal.” See note 16 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the restricted stock granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. On January 19, 2007, we purchased an aggregate of 17.7 million shares of our common stock from the Global Signal Significant Stockholders. We paid $600.3 million in cash or approximately $33.89 per share to effect these purchases. See “MD&A—Management Overview—Purchases and Investments.”

Interest Rate Swaps. We have used, and may continue to use when we deem prudent, interest rate swap agreements to manage and reduce our interest rate risk. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

CCAL Capital Return. See “MD&A—Consolidated Results of Operations—Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007” for a discussion of the minority interest and CCAL capital return.

Financing Restrictions. Our debt obligations contain certain financial covenants with which CCIC or our subsidiaries must maintain compliance in order to avoid the imposition of certain restrictions. As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company and its subsidiaries had no financial covenant violations. Various of our debt obligations also place other restrictions on the ability of CCIC or our subsidiaries, including the ability to incur debt and liens, purchase our securities, make capital expenditures, dispose of assets, undertake transactions with affiliates, make other investments and pay dividends.

Factors Affecting Sources of Liquidity

The factors that are likely to determine our subsidiaries’ ability to comply with their current and future debt covenants are:

(1) financial performance,

(2) levels of indebtedness, and

(3) debt service requirements.

The primary risk of a debt covenant violation would result from a deterioration of a subsidiary’s financial performance. Should a covenant violation occur in the future as a result of a shortfall in financial performance (or for any other reason), we might be required to make principal payments earlier than currently scheduled and may not have access to additional borrowings under these facilities as long as the covenant violation continues. Any such early principal payments would have to be made from our existing cash balances or cash from operations.

As a holding company, CCIC will require distributions or dividends from our subsidiaries or will be forced to use our remaining cash balances to fund the holding company’s debt obligations (including the 4% convertible senior notes and the guarantees of the credit facility and the term loans entered into during 2007) including interest

 

44


Index to Financial Statements

payments on the notes. The terms of our subsidiaries’ current indebtedness generally allow the ability to distribute cash to CCIC unless they experience a deterioration of financial performance. In addition, there can be no assurance that our subsidiaries will generate sufficient cash from their operations to make any permitted distributions pursuant to our current or future indebtedness. As a result, we could be required to apply a portion of our remaining cash to fund interest payments on the notes. If we do not retain sufficient funds or raise additional funds from any future financing, we may not be able to make our interest payments on the notes.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, or to pay interest on, our debt obligations and our ability to refinance any such debt obligations will depend on our future performance which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control (see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Form 10-K).

Accounting and Reporting Matters

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies and estimates are those that we believe (i) are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and (ii) 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. 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, 2006 are described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our 2006 Form 10-K. Other than those discussed below, the critical accounting policies and estimates in place for the year ended December 31, 2006 have not significantly changed from the critical accounting policies for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Accounting for Long-Lived Assets. We allocate the purchase price of acquisitions to the assets and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Any purchase price in excess of the net fair value of the assets and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. For significant acquisitions, we use a third-party valuation specialist to estimate the fair value of certain assets and liabilities including estimates of replacement costs of our tangible fixed assets, such as towers, and discounted cash flow valuation methods for estimating identifiable intangibles, such as site rental contracts and above and below market leases. The purchase price allocation and related valuations require subjective estimates that if incorrectly estimated could be material to our consolidated financials statements including the amount of depreciation, amortization and accretion expense. The determination of the final purchase price allocation could extend over several quarters resulting in the use of preliminary valuations that are subject to adjustment until finalized.

We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our tangible and intangible assets for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization and accretion expense that if incorrectly estimated could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Depreciation expense for our property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our various classes of tangible assets. The substantial portion of our property and equipment represents the cost of our towers which is depreciated with an estimated useful life equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the lease (including optional renewals) for the land under the tower. The useful life of our intangible assets are estimated based on the period for which the intangible asset will benefit us.

We review the carrying values of property and equipment, intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) from the asset is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Our determination that an adverse event or change in circumstance has occurred will generally involve (i) a deterioration in an asset’s financial performance compared to historical results, (ii) a shortfall in an asset’s financial performance compared to forecasted results, or (iii) a change in strategy affecting the utility of the asset. Our measurement of the fair value of an impaired asset will generally be based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows.

 

45


Index to Financial Statements

We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter regardless of whether adverse events or changes in circumstances have occurred. This annual impairment test involves (i) a step to identify potential impairment at a reporting unit level based on fair values and (ii) a step to measure the amount of the impairment, if any. Our measurement of the fair value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit. The most important estimates for such calculations are the expected additions of new tenants on our towers, the terminal multiple for our projected cash flows and our weighted average cost of capital.

Future declines in our site leasing business could result in an impairment of goodwill, property and equipment or intangible assets in the future. If impairment were to occur in the future, the calculations to measure the impairment could result in the write-off of some portion, to substantially all, of our goodwill, property and equipment or intangible assets.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a decrease in accumulated deficit and a decrease in contingent tax liabilities through a cumulative effect adjustment of $4.7 million. See notes 2 and 10 to our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157 which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective in the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We believe the adoption of SFAS 157 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

See note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of recently issued accounting standards and the related impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

One 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, or Adjusted EBITDA. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA is set forth in “MD&A—Segment Results of Operations.” Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower sector, 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, cash flows 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 contract revenues under our long-term contracts, our ability to obtain and maintain our customers and our ability to operate our leasing and licensing business effectively;

 

   

it is the primary measure of profit and loss used by our 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 wireless tower sector 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

 

46


Index to Financial Statements
   

we believe it helps investors meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period 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:

 

   

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 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; and

 

   

as a valuation measure in strategic analyses in connection with the purchase and sale of assets.

There are material limitations to using a measure such as Adjusted EBITDA including the difficulty associated with comparing results among more than one company 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).

The definition of Adjusted EBITDA used by Global Signal prior to the Global Signal Merger is different from ours as Global Signal excluded the impacts of non-cash straight-lined revenues and expenses in calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. Upon completion of the Global Signal Merger, the Global Signal Entities adopted our definition of Adjusted EBITDA.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a result of our international operating, investing and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks, which include changes in interest rates, equity security prices and foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Interest Rate Risk

Certain of the financial instruments we have used to obtain capital are subject to market risks for fluctuations in market interest rates. The majority of our financial instruments, however, are long-term fixed interest rate instruments. As of September 30, 2007, we had $648.4 million of floating rate indebtedness, or approximately 10.8% of total debt. As a result, a hypothetical unfavorable fluctuation in market interest rates of one percentage point over a twelve month period would increase our interest expense by approximately $6.5 million, without consideration of the LIBOR interest period that has locked our interest rate on the Term Loans until March 2008.

We have used interest rate swaps to manage and reduce our interest rate risk including the use of forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge the variability of future interest rates on anticipated financings. The forward starting interest rate swaps call for us to pay interest at a fixed rate in exchange for receiving interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR. The forward starting interest rate swaps are exclusive of any applicable margin that would be incremental to the interest rate of the anticipated financings. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we entered into forward starting interest rate swaps that have effectively locked in the interest rate on the rollover of (i) the $1.55 billion 2006 Mortgage Loan to February 2016 and (ii) the $293.8 million 2004 Mortgage Loan to December 2014. See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements and the tables below.

 

47


Index to Financial Statements

The following tables provide information about our market risk related to changes in interest rates. The forward starting interest rate swaps and future minimum principal payment obligations are as of September 30, 2007 and the weighted-average coupon rates are those currently in effect.

 

     Future Minimum Principal Payment Obligations by Expected Year of Maturity
     Interest
Rate
    Outstanding
Balance
   2008    2009    2010    2011    2012    Thereafter
     (In thousands of dollars)

Fixed rate debt:

                      

2006 Mortgage Loan

   5.69 %   $ 1,550,000    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 1,550,000    $ —      $ —  

2004 Mortgage Loan

   4.74 %     293,825      —        293,825      —        —        —        —  

2006 Tower Revenue Notes(a)

   5.71 %     1,550,000      —        —        —        1,550,000      —        —  

2005 Tower Revenue Notes(a)

   4.89 %     1,900,000      —        —        1,900,000      —        —        —  

4% Convertible Senior Notes

   4.00 %     63,802      —        —        63,802      —        —        —  

7.5% Senior Notes

   7.50 %     51      —        —        —        —        —        51
                                                  

Total fixed rate debt

   5.34 %   $ 5,357,678    $ —      $ 293,825    $ 1,963,802    $ 3,100,000    $ —      $ 51
                                                  

Variable rate debt:

                      

2007 Credit Facility – Term Loan A and B(b)

   6.64 %   $ 648,375    $ 6,500    $ 6,500    $ 6,500    $ 6,500    $ 6,500    $ 614,250
                                                  

Total debt

   5.48 %   $ 6,006,053    $ 6,500    $ 300,325    $ 1,970,302    $ 3,106,500    $ 6,500    $ 614,301
                                                  

(a) Notes are presented assuming payment in full is expected to occur on the Anticipated Repayment Date.
(b) The interest rate represents the rate currently in effect. The interest rate reprices every three to six months. See note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps

   Combined
Notional
   Fair Value at
September 30,
2007
  

Forward Start

Date

  

Forward End

Date

   Pay Fixed
Rate
    Receive
Variable Rate
     (In thousands of dollars)                     

Variable to fixed:

                

March 2006 Interest Rate Swaps

   $ 1,900,000    $ 7,335    June 2010    June 2015    5.18 %   LIBOR

December 2006 Interest Rate Swaps

     1,550,000      18,490    November 2011    November 2016    5.14 %   LIBOR

$1.55 Billion 2007 Interest Rate Swaps

     1,550,000      7,094    February 2011    February 2016    5.26 %   LIBOR

$294 Million 2007 Interest Rate Swaps

     293,825      632    December 2009    December 2014    5.13 %   LIBOR
                        

Total

   $ 5,293,825    $ 33,551           
                        

Equity Security Price Risk

We are exposed to price fluctuations on our available-for-sale investment in FiberTower equity securities. We do not currently attempt to reduce or eliminate the market exposure on these securities. As of December 31, 2006 and October 30, 2007, the fair value of the investment in FiberTower was $155.0 million and $80.9 million, respectively, (at per FiberTower share prices of $5.88 and $3.07, respectively); and the unrealized gain (loss), net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) totaled $19.2 million and $(35.6) million, respectively. As of October 30, 2007, a 50% hypothetical adverse change in the equity price would result in an approximate $40.5 million decrease in the fair value of our available-for-sale equity investments with an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income and deferred tax liability, subject to the required evaluation of impairment charges relating to a decline in a value that is determined to be other than temporary. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Form 10-K for a further discussion of the risks related to our investment in FiberTower.

Foreign Currency Risk

The vast majority of our foreign currency transactions are denominated in the Australian dollar, which is the functional currency of CCAL. As a result of CCAL’s transactions being denominated and settled in such functional currency, the risks associated with currency fluctuations are primarily associated with foreign currency translation adjustments. We do not currently hedge against foreign currency translation risks. We do not currently believe our financial instruments denominated in foreign currencies expose us to material foreign currency exchange risk based on the estimated impact of a hypothetical 15% unfavorable change in currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $14.1 million in cash and cash equivalents dominated in Australian dollars. The intercompany revolving credit facility denominated in Australian dollars is deemed a long-term investment and is considered part of the net investment; accordingly, related gains and losses are reported as translation adjustments. See “MD&A—Consolidated Results of Operations—Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2007” for a discussion of the related capital return.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
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

Other than as set forth below, 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.

The Company completed the Global Signal Merger on January 12, 2007. The assets, revenues and results of operations of Global Signal are material to the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations; and the Company is in the process of integrating Global Signal’s operations into our internal control structure. As of December 31, 2005, Global Signal concluded that their system of internal control over financial reporting was not effective. Global Signal had control deficiencies that they concluded were material weaknesses in both the design and operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting including the lack of adequate control over the accuracy of automated computations related to accounting for non-cash aspects of customer and ground leases and the data used in these computations. Based on (i) the results of the financial statement audit of Global Signal performed by Global Signal’s external auditors as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 and (ii) discussions with the former Global Signal management, these material weaknesses were not remediated during 2006. The Company is diligently pursuing remediation of these material weaknesses during the integration of the Global Signal business during 2007. There can be no assurances that the Company will be able to remediate these material weaknesses.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth above under note 12 in the consolidated financial statements in “Part 1—Financial Information, Item 1—Financial Statements” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the risk factors discussed in “Part 1, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Form 10-K other than those discussed below.

Included in our 2006 Form 10-K was the risk factor entitled “Modeo’s Business Has Certain Risk Factors Different From Our Core Tower Business, Including an Unproven Business Model – Modeo’s business may fail to operate successfully and produce results that are less than anticipated.” In conjunction with the lease of our Spectrum and transfer of our trial network in New York City on July 23, 2007, this risk factor related to Modeo has been replaced with the following risk factor:

Our lease relating to our Spectrum has certain risk factors different from our core tower business, including that the Spectrum lease may not be renewed or continued, that the option to acquire the Spectrum license may not be exercised, and that the Spectrum may not be deployed – As a result of such risk factors, the revenues derived from the Spectrum may be substantially less than those that may otherwise have been anticipated.

Our Spectrum lease has an initial term for a $13 million annual lease fee beginning July 23, 2007 until October 1, 2013. Upon the expiration of the initial term of the lease, the lessee will have the right to acquire the Spectrum for $130 million (with a consumer price index adjustment from July 2007) or to renew the lease for a period of up to ten years on the same terms, subject to the annual lease fee increasing to $14.3 million. The lessee’s right to renew the lease or acquire the Spectrum following the initial term is subject to FCC license renewal and approval, which may not be obtained. In the event that the lessee defaults on the Spectrum lease, that the option to acquire the Spectrum license or renew the Spectrum lease is not exercised, or that the Spectrum is not deployed, the revenues derived from the Spectrum may be substantially less than those that may otherwise have been anticipated.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

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

 

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Index to Financial Statements

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
Date: November 1, 2007   By:  

/s/ W. Benjamin Moreland

    W. Benjamin Moreland
    Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: November 1, 2007   By:  

/s/ ROB A. FISHER

    Rob A. Fisher
    Vice President and Controller
    (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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