CrownCastle 10Q 033114

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period              to             

Commission File Number 001-16441
____________________________________
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL
CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
76-0470458
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
1220 Augusta Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77057-2261
(Address of principal executives office) (Zip Code)
(713) 570-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
____________________________________
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o

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

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

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at May 2, 2014: 333,795,318
 



CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 
 
 
Page
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
 
ITEM 3.
 
ITEM 4.
 
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
ITEM 1A.
 
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
ITEM 6.
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q") contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management's expectations as of the filing date of this report with the SEC. Statements that are not historical facts are hereby identified as forward-looking statements. In addition, words such as "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "likely," "predicted," any variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include plans, projections and estimates contained in "Part I—Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Part I—Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" herein. Such forward-looking statements include (1) expectations regarding anticipated growth in the wireless communication industry, carriers' investments in their networks, new tenant additions, cancellations of customer contracts, including the impact of Sprint decommissioning its iDEN network, customer consolidation or ownership changes, or demand for our wireless infrastructure, (2) availability of cash flows and liquidity for, or plans regarding, future discretionary investments including capital expenditures, (3) anticipated growth in our future revenues, margins, Adjusted EBITDA, and operating cash flows, (4) expectations regarding the credit markets, our availability and cost of capital, or our ability to service our debt and comply with debt covenants and the benefits of any future refinancings, (5) the potential advantages, benefits or impact of, or opportunities created by, our real estate investment trust ("REIT") status, (6) our intention to pursue certain steps and corporate actions in connection with our REIT conversion, including our future inclusion of REIT-related ownership limitations and transfer restrictions related to our capital stock and (7) our dividend policy, including the timing, amount or growth of any dividends.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions, risk factors described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 ("2013 Form 10-K") and other factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. As used herein, the term "including," and any variation of thereof, means "including without limitation." The use of the word "or" herein is not exclusive.

1


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
200,537

 
$
223,394

Restricted cash
163,953

 
183,526

Receivables, net
245,556

 
249,925

Prepaid expenses
132,026

 
132,003

Deferred income tax assets
26,972

 
26,714

Other current assets
83,224

 
77,121

Total current assets
852,268

 
892,683

Deferred site rental receivables
1,129,678

 
1,078,995

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,934,129 and $4,732,956, respectively
8,927,218

 
8,947,677

Goodwill
4,934,148

 
4,916,426

Other intangible assets, net
3,997,518

 
4,057,865

Deferred income tax assets
14,746

 
19,008

Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net
714,090

 
682,254

Total assets
$
20,569,666

 
$
20,594,908

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
127,053

 
$
145,390

Accrued interest
64,561

 
65,582

Deferred revenues
255,323

 
260,114

Other accrued liabilities
155,868

 
181,715

Current maturities of debt and other obligations
105,467

 
103,586

Total current liabilities
708,272

 
756,387

Debt and other long-term obligations
11,467,859

 
11,490,914

Deferred income tax liabilities
52,134

 
56,513

Deferred credits and other liabilities
1,406,734

 
1,349,919

Total liabilities
13,634,999

 
13,653,733

Commitments and contingencies (note 8)

 

CCIC stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2014—333,795,981 and December 31, 2013—334,070,016
3,338

 
3,341

4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013—9,775,000; aggregate liquidation value: March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013—$977,500
98

 
98

Additional paid-in capital
9,473,311

 
9,482,769

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
4,059

 
(23,612
)
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings
(2,562,541
)
 
(2,535,879
)
Total CCIC stockholders' equity
6,918,265

 
6,926,717

Noncontrolling interest
16,402

 
14,458

Total equity
6,934,667

 
6,941,175

Total liabilities and equity
$
20,569,666

 
$
20,594,908

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net revenues:
 
 
 
Site rental
$
747,162

 
$
615,415

Network services and other
128,788

 
124,645

Net revenues
875,950

 
740,060

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
Site rental
228,076

 
177,606

Network services and other
72,874

 
77,377

General and administrative
64,849

 
58,246

Asset write-down charges
2,733

 
3,715

Acquisition and integration costs
5,659

 
1,602

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
250,191

 
186,459

Total operating expenses
624,382

 
505,005

Operating income (loss)
251,568

 
235,055

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(146,400
)
 
(164,369
)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

 
(35,909
)
Interest income
173

 
297

Other income (expense)
(2,736
)
 
(629
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
102,605

 
34,445

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
188

 
(17,708
)
Net income (loss)
102,793

 
16,737

Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,296

 
1,275

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
101,497

 
15,462

Dividends on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
90,500

 
$
15,462

Net income (loss)
$
102,793

 
$
16,737

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, net of taxes of $0 and $5,692, respectively:
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified into "interest expense and amortization deferred financing costs", net of taxes (see note 4)
16,182

 
10,570

Foreign currency translation adjustments
12,137

 
(390
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
28,319

 
10,180

Comprehensive income (loss)
131,112

 
26,917

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,944

 
1,700

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
129,168

 
$
25,217

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.27

 
$
0.05

Diluted
$
0.27

 
$
0.05

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
Basic
332,034
 
291,102

Diluted
333,045
 
292,570

 
 
 
 
Dividends/distributions declared per common share
$
0.35

 
$

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

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands of dollars)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
102,793

 
$
16,737

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
250,191

 
186,459

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

 
35,909

Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest
20,881

 
36,920

Stock-based compensation expense
11,956

 
10,029

Asset write-down charges
2,733

 
3,715

Deferred income tax benefit (provision)
(2,332
)
 
14,740

Other adjustments
(774
)
 
765

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
(1,021
)
 
27,578

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
(10,601
)
 
(6,545
)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and
     other liabilities
34,900

 
10,506

Decrease (increase) in receivables
4,896

 
(19,808
)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent,
     restricted cash and other assets
(51,339
)
 
(30,379
)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
362,283

 
286,626

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
(62,228
)
 
(12,810
)
Capital expenditures
(142,943
)
 
(116,353
)
Other investing activities, net
952

 
147

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
(204,219
)
 
(129,016
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations
(27,739
)
 
(25,333
)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt

 
(644,422
)
Purchases of capital stock
(21,417
)
 
(23,579
)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
83,000

 

Payments under revolving credit facility
(89,000
)
 
(165,000
)
Payments for financing costs
(5,854
)
 
(3,927
)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash
14,743

 
425,774

Dividends/distributions paid on common stock
(116,829
)
 

Dividends paid on preferred stock
(11,363
)
 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
(174,459
)
 
(436,487
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(6,462
)
 
(1,622
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(22,857
)
 
(280,499
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
223,394

 
441,364

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
200,537

 
$
160,865


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


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

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

 
$
3,341

 
9,775,000

 
$
98

 
$
9,482,769

 
$
58,261

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

 
$
6,941,175

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

 

 

 

 
11,956

 

 

 

 

 
11,956

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

 

 
(21,414
)
 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 
11,489

 
16,182

 

 
648

 
28,319

Common stock dividends/distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(117,162
)
 

 
(117,162
)
Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(10,997
)
 

 
(10,997
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
101,497

 
1,296

 
102,793

Balance, March 31, 2014
333,795,981

 
$
3,338

 
9,775,000

 
$
98

 
$
9,473,311

 
$
69,750

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

 
$
6,934,667

___________________________
(a)
See the condensed statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 4 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.

 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
 
 
 
AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Instruments, net of tax
 
Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2013
293,164,786

 
$
2,932

 

 

 
$
5,623,595

 
$
102,125

 
$
(163,916
)
 
$
(2,625,990
)
 
$
12,518

 
$
2,951,264

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
947,979

 
9

 

 

 
10,020

 

 

 

 

 
10,029

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
(341,559
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
(23,576
)
 

 

 

 

 
(23,579
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)

 

 

 

 

 
(815
)
 
10,570

 

 
425

 
10,180

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
15,462

 
1,275

 
16,737

Balance, March 31, 2013
293,771,206

 
$
2,938

 

 

 
$
5,610,039

 
$
101,310

 
$
(153,346
)
 
$
(2,610,528
)
 
$
14,218

 
$
2,964,631

___________________________
(a)
See the condensed statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 4 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


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

1.
General
The information contained in the following notes to the consolidated financial statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the consolidated financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, and related notes thereto, included in the 2013 Form 10-K filed by Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") with the 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 leases shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers, (2) DAS, a type of small cell network, and (3) third party land interests. The Company conducts operations through subsidiaries of CCOC, including (1) certain subsidiaries which operate wireless infrastructure portfolios in the United States, including Puerto Rico ("U.S." or "CCUSA") and (2) a 77.6% owned subsidiary that operates towers in Australia (referred to as "CCAL"). The Company's core business is providing access, including space or capacity, to (1) its towers, and, to a lesser extent, to (2) its small cells, and (3) third party land interests to wireless communications companies via long-term contracts in various forms, including licenses, subleases and lease agreements.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Company has certain taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). See note 5.
Approximately 53% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.
As part of CCUSA's effort to provide comprehensive wireless infrastructure solutions, it offers certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, consisting of (1) customer equipment installation or subsequent augmentations (collectively, "installation services") and (2) the following additional site development services relating to existing or new antenna installations on its wireless infrastructure: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, zoning or permitting, other construction, or network development related services.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly state the consolidated financial position of the Company at March 31, 2014, and the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year end. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the 2013 Form 10-K.
New Accounting Pronouncements
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. No new accounting pronouncements issued during the three months ended March 31, 2014 but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


6

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


3.
Acquisitions
AT&T Acquisition
During October 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T to acquire, for $4.827 billion in cash at closing, exclusive rights to towers which, as of March 31, 2014, comprised approximately 24% of the Company's towers ("AT&T Acquisition"). On December 16, 2013, the Company closed on the acquisition. The Company utilized net proceeds from the October Equity Financings, and additional borrowings under the 2012 Revolver and Term Loans to finance the AT&T Acquisition, as well as cash on hand. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized integration costs related to the AT&T Acquisition of $4.7 million.
The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the AT&T Acquisition is not finalized as of March 31, 2014, and is based upon preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information, including with respect to fixed assets, intangible assets and certain liabilities. There were no changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation between December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014.
Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations combine the historical results of the Company, along with the historical results of the AT&T Acquisition for the period presented below. The following table presents the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company for the period presented as if the AT&T Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Net revenues
$
844,044

(a) 
Net income (loss)
$
9,214

(b)(c) 
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
(0.01
)
(d) 
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
(0.01
)
(d) 
    
(a)
Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $55.1 million that the Company expects to recognize from AT&T under AT&T's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the AT&T Acquisition.
(b)
Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $55.2 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition.
(c)
The pro forma adjustments reflect the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made with respect to the Company's REIT election. See note 5.
(d)
Pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financing as well as the impact of the common stock and preferred stock offerings completed in October 2013.


7

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


4.
Debt and Other Obligations
 
Original
Issue Date
 
Contractual
Maturity
Date (d)
 
Outstanding
Balance as of
 March 31, 2014
 
Outstanding
Balance as of
December 31, 2013
 
Stated Interest
Rate as of
March 31, 2014(a)(d)
 
Bank debt - variable rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Revolver
Jan. 2012
 
Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019
 
$
368,000

(b) 
$
374,000

 
2.2
%
 
Tranche A Term Loans
Jan. 2012
 
Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019
 
658,359

 
662,500

 
2.2
%
 
Tranche B Term Loans
Jan. 2012
 
Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021
(e) 
2,856,990

(e) 
2,864,150

 
3.3
%
 
Total bank debt
 
 
 
 
3,883,349

 
3,900,650

 
 
 
Securitized debt - fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes
Jan. 2010
 
2035 - 2040
(c) 
1,900,000

 
1,900,000

 
5.8
%
 
August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes
Aug. 2010
 
2035 - 2040
(c) 
1,550,000

 
1,550,000

 
4.5
%
 
2009 Securitized Notes
July 2009
 
2019/2029
 
175,071

 
179,792

 
7.4
%
 
WCP Securitized Notes
Jan. 2010
 
Nov. 2040
(c) 
279,730

 
286,171

 
5.6
%
 
Total securitized debt
 
 
 
 
3,904,801

 
3,915,963

 
 
 
Bonds - fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.125% Senior Notes
Oct. 2009
 
Nov. 2019
 
498,390

 
498,332

 
7.1
%
 
5.25% Senior Notes
Oct. 2012
 
Jan. 2023
 
1,649,970

 
1,649,970

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

 
1,500,000

 
3.4
%
 
Total bonds
 
 
 
 
3,648,360

 
3,648,302

 
 
 
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital leases and other obligations
Various
 
Various
 
136,816

 
129,585

 
Various

 
Total debt and other obligations
 
 
 
 
11,573,326

 
11,594,500

 
 
 
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations
 
 
 
 
105,467

 
103,586

 
 
 
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
 
 
 
$
11,467,859

 
$
11,490,914

 
 
 
________________
(a)
Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
(b)
As of March 31, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.1 billion.
(c)
If the respective series of such debt is not paid in full on or prior to an applicable date then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective series. See the 2013 Form 10-K for additional information regarding these provisions.
(d)
See the 2013 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness.
(e)
During January 2014, the Company amended the 2012 Credit Facility by extending the maturity date on a portion of the Tranche B Term Loans, including Incremental Tranche B Term Loans, to January 2021. As of March 31, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans, consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $569.8 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.

See note 13 for a discussion of the April 2014 issuance of $850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022 ("4.875% Senior Notes"), the April 2014 repayment of $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date in January 2015, and the May 2014 redemption of all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes (collectively, "2014 Refinancings").

8

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


Contractual Maturities
The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2014. These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes and the rapid amortization date on the WCP Securitized Notes. See also note 13.
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized Adjustments, Net
 
Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
 
Total Cash Obligations
 
 
Scheduled contractual maturities
$
76,614

 
$
100,664

 
$
115,313

 
$
613,459

 
$
992,133

 
$
9,670,144

 
$
11,568,327

 
$
4,999

 
$
11,573,326

Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
The components of "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Interest expense on debt obligations
$
125,519

 
$
127,449

Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,641

 
9,047

Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt
(955
)
 
11,436

Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)
16,182

 
16,262

Other, net of capitalized interest
13

 
175

Total
$
146,400

 
$
164,369

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

5.
Income Taxes
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, the Company will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its net taxable income that is currently distributed to its stockholders. The Company also may be subject to certain federal, state, local, and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including (1) alternative minimum taxes, (2) taxes on any undistributed income, (3) taxes related to the TRSs, (4) certain state, local, or foreign income taxes, (5) franchise taxes, (6) property taxes, and (7) transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could in certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Internal Revenue Code 1986, as amended ("Code") to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT. The Company's small cells will initially be conducted through one or more TRSs. The Company has submitted a private letter ruling request with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regarding whether certain components of its small cells and the related rents qualify as REIT real property and could be included in our REIT. If any of the small cell assets and operations are included in the REIT in the future, the Company would expect to de-recognize its previously recorded U.S. federal and state net deferred tax liabilities related to such small cell assets and operations. Additionally, the Company will include in TRSs its tower operations in Australia and will include certain other assets and operations in TRSs. Those TRS assets and operations would continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes and to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located. The Company's foreign assets and operations (including its tower operations in Puerto Rico and Australia) most likely will be subject to foreign income taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located, regardless of whether they are included in a TRS or not. The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax rate (currently 35%) on the gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified period (generally 10 years) after the REIT conversion up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on January 1, 2014, which is based upon the fair market value of those assets in excess of our tax basis on January 1, 2014.  This gain can be offset by any remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards.
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to the Company's REIT status, including the dividends paid deduction. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily related to the TRS. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company's effective

9

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


tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to state taxes of $6.9 million, including the impact of certain subsidiaries without state income tax filing requirements incurring taxable losses for which no state benefit could be recorded. 

6.
Fair Value Disclosures
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1
 
$
200,537

 
$
200,537

 
$
223,394

 
$
223,394

Restricted cash, current and non-current
1
 
168,953

 
168,953

 
188,526

 
188,526

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and other obligations
2
 
11,573,326

 
11,962,914

 
11,594,500

 
11,892,587

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of its debt securities based on indicative, non-binding quotes from brokers. Quotes from brokers require judgment and are based on the brokers' interpretation of market information, including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if available. There were no changes since December 31, 2013 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values.

7.
Per Share Information
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share, excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable (1) upon the vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock as determined under the if-converted method. The Company's restricted stock awards are considered participating securities and may be included in the computation pursuant to the two-class method. However, the Company does not present the two-class method when there is no difference between the per share amount under the two-class method and the treasury stock method.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
101,497

 
$
15,462

Dividends on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
90,500

 
$
15,462

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding
332,034

 
291,102

Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards
1,011

 
1,468

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
333,045

 
292,570

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.27

 
$
0.05

Diluted
$
0.27

 
$
0.05

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company issued 1.0 million restricted stock units. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, an aggregate of 1.4 million restricted stock awards and restricted stock units were excluded from the dilutive common shares because certain market conditions would not have been achieved assuming that March 31, 2014 was the end of the contingency period. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, 13.1 million common share equivalents related to the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock were excluded from the dilutive common shares because the impact of such conversion would be anti-dilutive.

10

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



8.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits or proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs or losses that may be incurred, if any, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Additionally, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are contingently liable for commitments or performance guarantees arising in the ordinary course of business, including certain letters of credit or surety bonds. In addition, the Company has the option to purchase approximately 53% of the Company's towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.

9.
Equity
Declaration and Payment of Dividends
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company declared or paid the following dividends:
Equity Type
 
Declaration Date
 
Payment Date
 
Record Date
 
Dividends Per Share
 
Aggregate
Payment
Amount
(In millions)
 
Common Stock
 
February 20, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
March 20, 2014
 
$
0.35

 
$
117.2

(a) 
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
 
December 31, 2013
 
February 3, 2014
 
January 14, 2014
 
$
1.1625

 
$
11.4

 
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
 
March 25, 2014
 
May 1, 2014
 
April 15, 2014
 
$
1.1250

 
$
11.0

(b) 
________________
(a)
Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.
(b)
Represents amount paid on May 1, 2014, based on holders of record on April 15, 2014.
Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company purchased 0.3 million shares of its common stock utilizing $21.4 million in cash.


11

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


10.
Operating Segments
The Company's reportable operating segments are (1) CCUSA, primarily consisting of the Company's U.S. operations and (2) CCAL, the Company's Australian operations. Financial results for the Company are reported to management and the board of directors in this manner.
The measurement of profit or loss currently used by management to evaluate the results of operations for the Company and its operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), and the Company's measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company's operating segments. Inter-company borrowings and related interest between segments are eliminated to reconcile segment results and assets to the consolidated basis.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
714,792

 
$
32,370

 
$

 
$
747,162

 
$
581,265

 
$
34,150

 
$

 
$
615,415

Network services and other
126,971

 
1,817

 

 
128,788

 
117,862

 
6,783

 

 
124,645

Net revenues
841,763

 
34,187

 

 
875,950

 
699,127

 
40,933

 

 
740,060

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations:(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
218,644

 
9,432

 

 
228,076

 
167,591

 
10,015

 

 
177,606

Network services and other
71,799

 
1,075

 

 
72,874

 
71,848

 
5,529

 

 
77,377

General and administrative
58,641

 
6,208

 

 
64,849

 
52,562

 
5,684

 

 
58,246

Asset write-down charges
2,636

 
97

 

 
2,733

 
3,603

 
112

 

 
3,715

Acquisition and integration costs
5,659

 

 

 
5,659

 
1,602

 

 

 
1,602

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
245,176

 
5,015

 

 
250,191

 
179,126

 
7,333

 

 
186,459

Total operating expenses
602,555

 
21,827

 

 
624,382

 
476,332

 
28,673

 

 
505,005

Operating income (loss)
239,208

 
12,360

 

 
251,568

 
222,795

 
12,260

 

 
235,055

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(146,400
)
 
(3,683
)
 
3,683

 
(146,400
)
 
(164,369
)
 
(4,445
)
 
4,445

 
(164,369
)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

 

 

 

 
(35,909
)
 

 

 
(35,909
)
Interest income
114

 
59

 

 
173

 
203

 
94

 

 
297

Other income (expense)
947

 

 
(3,683
)
 
(2,736
)
 
3,819

 
(3
)
 
(4,445
)
 
(629
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
3,040

 
(2,852
)
 

 
188

 
(15,613
)
 
(2,095
)
 

 
(17,708
)
Net income (loss)
96,909

 
5,884

 

 
102,793

 
10,926

 
5,811

 

 
16,737

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

 
1,296

 

 
1,296

 

 
1,275

 

 
1,275

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
96,909

 
$
4,588

 
$

 
$
101,497

 
$
10,926

 
$
4,536

 
$

 
$
15,462

Capital expenditures
$
138,838

 
$
4,105

 
$

 
$
142,943

 
$
113,199

 
$
3,154

 
$

 
$
116,353

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


12

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


The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net income (loss)
$
96,909

 
$
5,884

 
$

 
$
102,793

 
$
10,926

 
$
5,811

 
$

 
$
16,737

Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset write-down charges
2,636

 
97

 

 
2,733

 
3,603

 
112

 

 
3,715

Acquisition and integration costs
5,659

 

 

 
5,659

 
1,602

 

 

 
1,602

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
245,176

 
5,015

 

 
250,191

 
179,126

 
7,333

 

 
186,459

Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments
3,895

 

 

 
3,895

 
3,863

 

 

 
3,863

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
146,400

 
3,683

 
(3,683
)
 
146,400

 
164,369

 
4,445

 
(4,445
)
 
164,369

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

 

 

 

 
35,909

 

 

 
35,909

Interest income
(114
)
 
(59
)
 

 
(173
)
 
(203
)
 
(94
)
 

 
(297
)
Other income (expense)
(947
)
 

 
3,683

 
2,736

 
(3,819
)
 
3

 
4,445

 
629

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(3,040
)
 
2,852

 

 
(188
)
 
15,613

 
2,095

 

 
17,708

Stock-based compensation expense
11,956

 
981

 

 
12,937

 
10,029

 
68

 

 
10,097

Adjusted EBITDA(a)
$
508,530

 
$
18,453

 
$

 
$
526,983

 
$
421,018

 
$
19,773

 
$

 
$
440,791

________________
(a)
The above reconciliation excludes line items included in our Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.

11.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company derives the largest portion of its revenues from customers in the wireless communications industry. The Company also has a concentration in its volume of business with Sprint, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile or their agents that accounts for a significant portion of the Company's revenues, receivables and deferred site rental receivables. The Company mitigates its concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables by actively monitoring the creditworthiness of its customers, utilizing customer leases with contractually determinable payment terms and proactively managing past due balances.
Major Customers
The following table summarizes the percentage of the consolidated revenues for those customers accounting for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues (all of such customer revenues relate to our CCUSA segment). The following table is after giving effect to AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
AT&T
27
%
 
21
%
Sprint
26
%
 
28
%
T-Mobile
21
%
 
23
%
Verizon Wireless
15
%
 
15
%
Total
89
%
 
87
%


13

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


12.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
126,540

 
$
99,871

Income taxes paid
7,400

 
2,645

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for purchases of property and equipment
430

 
(5,134
)

13.
Subsequent Events

4.875% Senior Notes
In April 2014, the Company issued the 4.875% Senior Notes, which consist of $850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022. The 4.875% Senior Notes have a stated interest rate of 4.875% per annum, with interest payment dates of April 15 and October 15 that commence on October 15, 2014. The 4.875% Senior Notes are general obligations of CCIC and rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC.
The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $839 million, after the deduction of associated fees. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the offering to (1) repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and (2) redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes.
January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes
In April 2014, the Company completed the repayment of $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date in January 2015, resulting in a loss of approximately $4 million. See note 4.
7.125% Senior Notes
In May 2014, the Company completed the redemption of all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes, resulting in a loss of approximately $41 million. See note 4.




14


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the response to Part I, Item 1 of this report and the consolidated financial statements of the Company including the related notes and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" ("MD&A") included in our 2013 Form 10-K. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item have the same meaning given to them in our 2013 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.

General Overview
Overview
We own, operate and lease shared wireless infrastructure. Site rental revenues represented 85% of our first quarter 2014 consolidated net revenues. CCUSA, our largest operating segment, accounted for 96% of our site rental revenues. The vast majority of our site rental revenues is of a recurring nature and has been contracted for in a prior year. See our 2013 Form 10-K for a further discussion of our business, including our long-term strategy and growth trends in the wireless communications industry.
The following are certain highlights of our business fundamentals and results as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Effective January 1, 2014, we commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes (see "Item 2. MD&A—REIT Election").
Potential growth resulting from wireless network expansion and new entrants
We expect wireless carriers will continue their focus on improving network quality and expanding capacity by adding additional antennas or other equipment on our wireless infrastructure.
We expect existing and potential new wireless carrier demand for our wireless infrastructure will result from (1) next generation technologies, (2) continued development of mobile internet applications, (3) adoption of other emerging and embedded wireless devices, (4) increasing smartphone penetration, (5) wireless carrier focus on expanding quality and capacity, or (6) the availability of additional spectrum.
Substantially all of our wireless infrastructure can accommodate additional tenancy, either as currently constructed or with appropriate modifications to the structure.
U.S. wireless carriers continue to invest in their networks.
Our site rental revenues grew $131.7 million, or 21%, from the three months ended March 31, 2013 to the three months ended March 31, 2014. This growth was predominately comprised of the following:
An approximate 15% increase due to the AT&T Acquisition (based on initial run rates), which was completed in December 2013.
An approximate 5% increase from new tenant additions and amendments to existing customer contracts.
An approximate 3% increase from cash escalations, partially offset by a decrease of approximately 1% in site rental revenues caused by the non-renewal of customer contracts.
Site rental revenues under long-term customer contracts with contractual escalations
Initial terms of five to 15 years with multiple renewal periods at the option of the tenant of five to ten years each.
Weighted-average remaining term of approximately seven years, exclusive of renewals at the customer's option, representing approximately $22 billion of expected future cash inflows.
Revenues predominately from large wireless carriers
Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon Wireless collectively accounted for 89% and 87% of consolidated revenues and site rental revenues, respectively, after giving effect to AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
Majority of land interests under our towers under long-term control
Approximately nine-tenths and three-fourths of our site rental gross margin is derived from towers that reside on land that we own or control for greater than ten and 20 years, respectively. The aforementioned amounts include towers that reside on land interests that are owned, including fee interests and perpetual easements, which represent more than one-third of our site rental gross margin.
Relatively fixed wireless infrastructure operating costs
Our wireless infrastructure operating costs tend to increase at approximately the rate of inflation and are not typically influenced by new tenant additions.

15


Minimal sustaining capital expenditure requirements
Sustaining capital expenditures represented less than 2% of net revenues.
Debt portfolio with long-dated maturities extended over multiple years, with the majority of such debt having a fixed rate (see "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a further discussion of our debt)
67% of our debt has fixed rate coupons, after giving effect to the 2014 Refinancings.
Our debt service coverage and leverage ratios were comfortably within their respective financial maintenance covenants.
Significant cash flows from operations
Net cash provided by operating activities was $362.3 million.
We believe our core business of providing access to our wireless infrastructure can be characterized as a stable cash flow stream, which we expect to grow as a result of contractual escalators and future anticipated demand for our wireless infrastructure.
Capital allocated to drive long-term stockholder value (see also "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources")
During February 2014, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per common share totaling approximately $117 million, which was paid in March 2014. Our quarterly common stock dividends are expected to result in an annual aggregate payment of approximately $470 million for 2014.
Historical discretionary investments include (in no particular order): purchasing our common stock, acquiring or constructing wireless infrastructure, acquiring land interests under our towers, improving or structurally enhancing our existing wireless infrastructure, or purchasing, repaying or redeeming our debt.
Discretionary investments included:
The purchase of 0.3 million shares of our common stock for $21.4 million.
Discretionary capital expenditures of $131.5 million, including wireless infrastructure improvements in order to support additional site rentals, construction of wireless infrastructure and land purchases.
During January 2014, we amended the 2012 Credit Facility by extending the maturity date on a portion of the Tranche B Term Loans, including Incremental Tranche B Term Loans, to January 2021. As of March 31, 2014, our Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans, consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $569.8 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
During April 2014, we issued the 4.875% Senior Notes, which consist of $850.0 million due in April 2022. The 4.875% Senior Notes will have a stated interest rate of 4.875% per annum.
We utilized a portion of the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes offering to (1) repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and (2) redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes.

The following are certain highlights of our full year 2014 outlook that impact our business fundamentals described above.

We expect that our full year 2014 site rental revenue growth will also be impacted by similar items that impacted first quarter 2014 site rental revenue growth, namely a substantial expected contribution from the AT&T Acquisition. See note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our AT&T Acquisition.
We expect the site rental revenue contribution from new tenant installations to increase in 2014 from 2013, as a result of our customers' focus on improving network quality and capacity.
We expect that the negative impact from customer contracts that come to the end of their respective terms and are not renewed will be approximately 2% of site rental revenues for 2014, of which approximately half is expected to come from typical non-renewal activity and approximately half is expected to come from Sprint's decommissioning of its legacy Nextel iDEN network. Based on Sprint's stated intention to decommission its iDEN network and our contractual terms with Sprint, we expect that approximately 3% of our run-rate site rental revenues will be impacted by the iDEN network decommissioning. The iDEN leases have effective term-end dates generally spread evenly throughout 2014 and 2015.
We expect sustaining capital expenditures of approximately 2% of net revenues for full year 2014.

16


REIT Election
Effective January 1, 2014, we commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and therefore will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. We also may be subject to certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income or assets, including alternative minimum taxes, taxes on any undistributed income, and state, local or foreign income, franchise, property and transfer taxes. In addition, we could in certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT. Our small cells will initially be included in one or more TRSs. We have submitted a private letter ruling request with the IRS regarding whether certain components of our small cells and the related rents qualify as REIT real property and could be included in our REIT. If any of the small cell assets and operations are included in the REIT in the future, we would expect to de-recognize its previously recorded U.S. federal and state net deferred tax liabilities related to such small cell assets and operations. Additionally, we will include in TRSs our tower operations in Australia and will include certain other assets and operations in TRSs. Those TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes and to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located. Our foreign assets and operations (including our tower operations in Puerto Rico and Australia) most likely will be subject to foreign income taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located, regardless of whether they are included in a TRS or not.
To qualify and be taxed as a REIT, we will generally be required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, after our net operating loss carryforwards, (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year to our stockholders. Our determination as to the timing and amount of future dividends that we may make as a REIT will be based on a number of factors, including investment opportunities around our core business and our federal net operating losses of approximately $2.2 billion (see note 10 to our consolidated financial statements in our 2013 Form 10-K).


17


Consolidated Results of Operations
The following discussion of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and our 2013 Form 10-K. The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts (see "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" and note 2 to our consolidated financial statements on our 2013 Form 10-K).
Comparison of Consolidated Results
The following information is derived from our historical consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Percent
Change(b)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
747,162

 
$
615,415

 
21
 %
Network services and other
128,788

 
124,645

 
3
 %
Net revenues
875,950

 
740,060

 
18
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
228,076

 
177,606

 
28
 %
Network services and other
72,874

 
77,377

 
(6
)%
Total costs of operations
300,950

 
254,983

 
18
 %
General and administrative
64,849

 
58,246

 
11
 %
Asset write-down charges
2,733

 
3,715

 
*

Acquisition and integration costs
5,659

 
1,602

 
*

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
250,191

 
186,459

 
34
 %
Total operating expenses
624,382

 
505,005

 
24
 %
Operating income (loss)
251,568

 
235,055

 
7
 %
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(146,400
)
 
(164,369
)
 
(11
)%
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

 
(35,909
)
 
 
Interest income
173

 
297

 
 
Other income (expense)
(2,736
)
 
(629
)
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
102,605

 
34,445

 
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
188

 
(17,708
)
 
 
Net income (loss)
102,793

 
16,737

 
 
Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,296

 
1,275

 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
101,497

 
15,462

 
 
Dividends on preferred stock
(10,997
)
 

 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders
$
90,500

 
$
15,462

 
 
________________
*
Percentage is not meaningful
(a)
Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
(b)
Inclusive of the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. See "Item 2. MD&A—Comparison of Operating Segments—CCAL."

First Quarter 2014 and 2013. Our consolidated results of operations for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, consist predominately of our CCUSA segment, which accounted for (1) 96% and 94% of consolidated net revenues, (2) 96% and 95% of consolidated gross margins, and (3) 95% and 71% of net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders. Our operating segment results, including CCUSA, are discussed below (see "Item 2. MD&A—Comparison of Operating Segments").

18


Comparison of Operating Segments
Our reportable operating segments for the first quarter of 2014 are (1) CCUSA, consisting of our U.S. operations, and (2) CCAL, our Australian operations. Our financial results are reported to management and the board of directors in this manner.
See note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for segment results and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (defined below).
Our measurement of profit or loss currently used to evaluate our operating performance and operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower sector or other similar providers of wireless infrastructure, and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is discussed further under "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense (see note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements). The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) is set forth in note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is discussed further under "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
CCUSA—First Quarter 2014 and 2013. See note 3 of our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion on the impact of the AT&T Acquisition.
Net revenues for the first quarter of 2014 increased by $142.6 million, or 20%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase in net revenues resulted from an increase from the same period in the prior year in (1) site rental revenues of $133.5 million, or 23%, and (2) network services and other revenues of $9.1 million, or 8%.
The AT&T Acquisition increased our site rental revenues for the first quarter of 2014 from the same period in the prior year as discussed in "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview". The increase in site rental revenues was also impacted by the following items, inclusive of straight-line accounting, in no particular order: new tenant additions across our entire portfolio, renewals or extensions of customer contracts, escalations, other acquisitions, and cancellations of customer contracts. Tenant additions were influenced by our customers' upgrading to LTE and their ongoing efforts to improve network quality and capacity.
Site rental gross margins for the first quarter of 2014 increased by $82.5 million, or 20%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 23% increase in site rental revenues, primarily as a result of the AT&T Acquisition and the growth in our site rental activities. The $82.5 million incremental margin represents 62% of the related increase in site rental revenues, inclusive of (1) the impact of the AT&T Acquisition and (2) the 85% incremental margin from our other wireless infrastructure.
Network services and other gross margin increased by $9.2 million, or 20%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in our gross margin from our network services and other revenues is a reflection of the volume of activity from carrier network enhancements such as LTE upgrades and the volume and mix of network services work. Our network services offering is of a variable nature as these revenues are not under long-term contracts.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2014 increased by $6.1 million, or approximately 12%, from the same period in the prior year. General and administrative expenses were 7% of net revenues for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 8% of net revenues for the first quarter of 2013. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges. The increase in general and administrative expenses in nominal dollars was commensurate with the growth in our business as a result of our AT&T Acquisition. Typically, our general and administrative expenses do not significantly increase as a result of the co-location of additional tenants on our wireless infrastructure.
Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2014 increased by $87.5 million, or 21%, from the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the AT&T Acquisition and the growth in our site rental and network services activities.

19


Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the first quarter of 2014 increased by $66.1 million, or 37%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase predominately resulted from the fixed assets and intangible assets recorded related to the AT&T Acquisition.
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs decreased $18.0 million, or 11%, from the first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of 2014. This decrease predominately resulted from the timing of our 2013 refinancing activities. During the first quarter of 2013, we redeemed and repaid the remaining outstanding 7.75% Secured Notes and 9% Senior Notes. As a result of repurchasing and redeeming certain of our debt during the first quarter of 2013, we incurred losses of $35.9 million. For a further discussion of our debt, see note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and see note 7 to our consolidated financial statements in our 2013 Form 10-K.
Our acquisition and integration expenses for the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013 predominately relate to the AT&T Acquisition and the 2012 Acquisitions, respectively.
The benefit (provision) for income taxes for the first quarter of 2014 was a benefit of $3.0 million, compared to a provision of $15.6 million for the first quarter of 2013. For the first quarter of 2014, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to our REIT status including the dividends paid deduction.  For the first quarter of 2013, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate predominately due to state taxes, including the impact of certain subsidiaries without state income tax filing requirements incurring taxable losses for which no state benefit could be recorded.  See Item 2. MD&A—General Overview and also note 10 to our consolidated financial statements in our 2013 Form 10-K.
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first quarter of 2014 was income of $96.9 million compared to income of $10.9 million for the first quarter of 2013. The change in net income was primarily due to (1) our first quarter 2013 refinancing activities, which resulted in a year over year decrease in the net losses on the retirement of debt and a corresponding decrease in interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, and (2) growth in our existing business.
Dividends on preferred stock for the first quarter of 2014 relate to our 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock issued in October 2013.
CCAL—First Quarter 2014 and 2013
The increases and decreases between the first quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013 were inclusive of exchange rate fluctuations. The average exchange rate of one Australian dollar expressed in U.S. dollars for the first quarter of 2014 was approximately 0.90, a decrease of 14% from approximately 1.04 for the same period in the prior year. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
Total net revenues, site rental revenues, site rental gross margins and Adjusted EBITDA decreased from the first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of 2014 by 16%, 5%, 5% and 7%, inclusive of the negative impact of 13%, 15%, 15% and 15%, respectively, from the aforementioned change in exchange rates. Total net revenues, exclusive of the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, was comprised of an increase in site rental revenues and a decrease in network service and other revenue. This increase in site rental revenues exclusive of the negative exchange rates was driven by various other factors, inclusive of straight-line accounting, including in no particular order: tenant additions on our wireless infrastructure, renewals of customer contracts, acquisitions, escalations, and cancellations of customer contracts. The change in site rental gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the same factors that drove the changes in site rental revenues. Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first quarter of 2014 was net income of $4.6 million, compared to net income of $4.5 million for the first quarter of 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
General. We believe our core business can be characterized as a stable cash flow stream generated by revenues under long-term contracts (see "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Overview"). Since we became a public company in 1998, our cumulative net cash provided by operating activities (net of cash interest payments) has exceeded our sustaining capital expenditures and provided us with cash available for discretionary investments. For the foreseeable future, we expect to continue to generate net cash provided by operating activities that exceeds our expected (1) principal amortization payments, (2) common stock and preferred stock cash dividends (see note 9 of our condensed consolidated financial statements) and (3) capital expenditures, and we thus expect to have excess cash available for discretionary investments. We seek to allocate the net cash provided by our operating activities in a manner that will enhance long-term stockholder value. We measure "long-term stockholder value" as the combined growth in our per share results and dividends to common stockholders. In addition to investing net cash provided by operating

20


activities, in certain circumstances, we may also use debt financings and issuances of equity or equity related securities to fund discretionary investments, such as the AT&T Acquisition.
We seek to maintain a capital structure that we believe drives long-term stockholder value and optimizes our weighted-average cost of capital. We target a leverage ratio of approximately four to six times Adjusted EBITDA and interest coverage of approximately three times Adjusted EBITDA, subject to various factors such as the availability and cost of capital and the potential long-term return on our discretionary investments. We may choose to increase or decrease our leverage or coverage from these targets for various periods of time. 
Effective January 1, 2014, we commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Historically, we have paid and we expect to continue to pay minimal cash income taxes as a result of our net operating loss carryforwards and our recent REIT conversion. See "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview" and note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Historically, we have endeavored to utilize our net cash provided by operating activities to engage in discretionary investments. Our historical discretionary investments include (in no particular order): purchasing our common stock, acquiring or constructing wireless infrastructure, acquiring land interests under our towers, improving and structurally enhancing our existing wireless infrastructure, and purchasing, repaying, or redeeming our debt. We expect to continue to utilize cash flow after dividends in a manner consistent with our past practice, which we believe will maximize long-term stockholder value. We seek to maintain flexibility in our discretionary investments with both net cash provided by operating activities and cash available from financing capacity. See "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview" for a discussion of our quarterly cash dividend on shares of our common stock paid in March 2014.
Liquidity Position. The following is a summary of our capitalization and liquidity position, after giving effect to the 2014 Refinancings. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt.
 
March 31, 2014
 
As Adjusted
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
$
201,009

Undrawn revolving credit facility availability(b)
1,132,000

Total debt and other long-term obligations
11,620,686

Total equity
6,890,034

________________
(a)
Exclusive of restricted cash.
(b)
Availability at any point in time is subject to certain restrictions based on the maintenance of financial covenants contained in our credit agreement. See our 2013 Form 10-K.
Over the next 12 months:
We expect that our cash on hand, undrawn revolving credit facility availability and net cash provided by operating activities (net of cash interest payments) should be sufficient to cover our expected (1) debt service obligations of $105.5 million (principal payments), (2) capital expenditures in excess of $500 million (sustaining and discretionary), (3) Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock dividend payments of approximately $45 million, and (4) common stock dividend payments (currently approximately $117 million per quarter). As CCIC and CCOC are holding companies, this cash flow from operations is generated by our operating subsidiaries.
We have no debt maturities other than principal payments on amortizing debt. We do not anticipate that we will be required to access the capital markets to refinance our existing debt until at least 2015. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a tabular presentation of our debt maturities as of March 31, 2014.

21


Summary Cash Flow Information
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Net cash provided by (used for):
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
362,283

 
$
286,626

 
$
75,657

Investing activities
(204,219
)
 
(129,016
)
 
(75,203
)
Financing activities
(174,459
)
 
(436,487
)
 
262,028

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(6,462
)
 
(1,622
)
 
(4,840
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(22,857
)
 
$
(280,499
)
 
$
257,642

Operating Activities
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of 2014 of $75.7 million, or 26%, from first three months of 2013, was due primarily to (1) the AT&T Acquisition and (2) growth in our core business, including a year-over-year incremental net increase of $20.4 million in customer prepaid rent. Changes in working capital (including changes in accounts receivable, deferred site rental receivables, deferred rental revenues, prepaid ground leases, restricted cash, and accrued interest), can have a significant impact on net cash provided by operating activities, largely due to the timing of prepayments and receipts. We expect to grow our net cash provided by operating activities in the future (exclusive of movements in working capital) if we realize expected growth in our core business.
Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Discretionary:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of land interests
$
20,396

 
$
15,987

 
$
4,409

Wireless infrastructure construction and improvements
111,116

 
93,500

 
17,616

Sustaining
11,431

 
6,866

 
4,565

Total
$
142,943

 
$
116,353

 
$
26,590

Our sustaining capital expenditures have historically been less than 2% of net revenues annually. Our discretionary capital expenditures are made with respect to activities which we believe exhibit sufficient potential to enhance long-term stockholder value. We expect to use in excess of $500 million of our cash flows on capital expenditures (sustaining and discretionary) for full year 2014. Our decisions regarding capital expenditures are influenced by the availability and cost of capital and expected returns on alternative uses of cash, such as payments of dividends and investments. The following is a discussion of certain aspects of our capital expenditures:
We endeavor to further extend or purchase (including fee interest and perpetual easements) the land interests under towers. Changes in the mix between purchases and extensions of ground leases may impact the amount of capital expenditures related to purchases of land interests in any given period.
Capital expenditures for wireless infrastructure improvements increased from the first quarter of 2013 to 2014 primarily as a result of improvements to towers to accommodate new tenant additions and small cell network builds or improvements. Capital expenditures for wireless infrastructure improvements typically vary based on (1) the type of work performed on the wireless infrastructure, with the installation of a new antenna typically requiring greater capital expenditures than a modification to an existing installation, (2) the existing capacity of the wireless structure prior to installation, or (3) changes in structural engineering regulations and our internal structural standards.
Acquisitions. See note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the AT&T Acquisition. See also notes 3 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements in the 2013 Form 10-K for a further discussion of the AT&T Acquisition.

22


Financing Activities
We seek to allocate cash generated by our operations in a manner that will enhance long-term stockholder value, which may include various financing activities such as (in no particular order) paying dividends on our common stock (currently approximately $117 million per quarter), paying dividends on our 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (expected to be approximately $45 million in 2014), purchasing our common stock, or purchasing, repaying, or redeeming our debt.
See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the common stock and preferred stock cash dividends.
Credit Facility. The proceeds of our 2012 Revolver may be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of our common stock. Typically, we use the 2012 Revolver to fund discretionary investments and not for operating activities such as working capital, which are typically funded by net cash provided by operating activities. As of May 2, 2014, there was $330 million outstanding and $1.2 billion in undrawn availability under our revolving credit facility. See also note 4 of our condensed consolidated financial statements and "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview" regarding the January 2014 extension of the maturity dates for a portion of our Tranche B Term Loans.
Incurrence of Debt. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our April 2014 issuance of the 4.875% Senior Notes, which (1) provided us with funding to repay $300.0 million of January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes, (2) lowered our cost of debt, and (3) extended the weighted-average maturity of our debt obligations.
Debt Purchases and Repayments. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of our debt redemptions and repayments during April and May 2014, including the gains (losses) on the repayment of $300.0 million of January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and the redemption of all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes, which were funded by the 4.875% Senior Notes.
Common Stock Activity. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had 333.8 million and 334.1 million common shares outstanding, respectively. See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the common stock dividend paid in March 2014.
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock Activity. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had approximately 9.8 million shares of preferred stock outstanding. See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock dividends paid in February 2014.
Debt Covenants
We currently have no financial covenant violations, and based upon our current expectations, we believe our operating results will be sufficient to comply with our financial maintenance covenants. Certain of our debt agreements contain ratios relating to financial maintenance, restrictive negative and other non-financial covenants. See our 2013 Form 10-K for a further discussion of our debt covenants, certain restrictive covenants and factors that are likely to determine our subsidiaries' ability to comply with current and future debt covenants.

Accounting and Reporting Matters
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies and estimates are those that we believe (1) are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations or (2) require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The critical accounting policies and estimates for 2014 are not intended to be a comprehensive list of our accounting policies and estimates. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP, with no need for management's judgment. In other cases, management is required to exercise judgment in the application of accounting principles with respect to particular transactions. Our critical accounting policies and estimates as of December 31, 2013 are described in "Item 7. MD&A" and in note 2 of our consolidated financial statements in our 2013 Form 10-K. The critical accounting policies and estimates for the first three months of 2014 have not changed from the critical accounting policies for the year ended December 31, 2013.

23


Impact of Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted and Those Adopted in 2014
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 had a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. No new accounting pronouncements issued during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Our measurement of profit or loss currently used to evaluate the operating performance of our operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and accretion, as adjusted, or Adjusted EBITDA. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA is set forth in "Item 2. MD&A—Results of Operations—Comparison of Operating Segments." Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower sector and other similar providers of wireless infrastructure, and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income or loss, net income or loss, net cash provided by (used for) operating, investing and financing activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:
it is the primary measure used by our management to evaluate the economic productivity of our operations, including the efficiency of our employees and the profitability associated with their performance, the realization of contract revenues under our long-term contracts, our ability to obtain and maintain our customers and our ability to operate our wireless infrastructure effectively;
it is the primary measure of profit and loss used by management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operating segments;
it is similar to the measure of current financial performance generally used in our debt covenant calculations;
although specific definitions may vary, it is widely used in the tower sector and other similar providers of wireless infrastructure to measure operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation, amortization and accretion which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets; and
we believe it helps investors meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations (1) from period to period and (2) to our competitors by removing the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges from our outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion) from our operating results.
Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:
with respect to compliance with our debt covenants, which require us to maintain certain financial ratios including, or similar to, Adjusted EBITDA;
as the primary measure of profit and loss for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operating segments;
as a performance goal in employee annual incentive compensation;
as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges from our outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion) from our operating results;
in presentations to our board of directors to enable it to have the same measurement of operating performance used by management;
for planning purposes, including preparation of our annual operating budget;
as a valuation measure in strategic analyses in connection with the purchase and sale of assets; and
in determining self-imposed limits on our debt levels, including the evaluation of our leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio.
There are material limitations to using a measure such as Adjusted EBITDA, including the difficulty associated with comparing results among more than one company, including our competitors, and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, that directly affect our net income or loss. Management compensates for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with their analysis of net income (loss).


24


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following section updates "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2013 Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with that report as well as our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.
Interest Rate Risk
Our interest rate risk relates primarily to the impact of interest rate movements on the following, after giving effect to the 2014 Refinancings:
the potential refinancing of our existing debt ($11.6 billion and $11.6 billion outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively);
our $3.9 billion of floating rate debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; which represented approximately 33% and 34% of our total debt, as of March 31, 2014 and as of December 31, 2013, respectively; and
potential future borrowings of incremental debt.
We may refinance our current outstanding indebtedness on or prior to maturity at the then current prevailing market rates which may be higher than our current stated rates, including as a result of potential future increases in risk free rates. We currently have no interest rate swaps hedging any refinancings.
Sensitivity Analysis
We manage our exposure to market interest rates on our existing debt by controlling the mix of fixed and floating rate debt. As of March 31, 2014, after giving effect to the 2014 Refinancings, we had $3.9 billion of floating rate debt, which included $2.9 billion of debt with a LIBOR floor of 75 basis points per annum. As a result, a hypothetical unfavorable fluctuation in market interest rates on our existing debt of 1/8 of a percent point over a 12 month period would increase our interest expense by approximately $1 million when giving effect to our LIBOR floor and would increase our interest expense by approximately $5 million exclusive of the impact of the LIBOR floor.
Tabular Information
The following table provides information about our market risk related to changes in interest rates. The future principal payments and weighted-average interest rates are presented as of March 31, 2014, after giving effect to the 2014 Refinancings. These debt maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the impact of the principal payments that commence if the applicable debt is not repaid or refinanced on or prior to the anticipated repayment dates on the tower revenue notes and the WCP Securitized Notes (see footnote (c)). The information presented below regarding the variable rate debt is supplementary to our sensitivity analysis regarding the impact of changes in the LIBOR rates. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt and our 2013 Form 10-K.
 
Future Principal Payments and Interest Rates by the Debt Instruments' Contractual Year of Maturity
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value(a)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate(c)
$
42,711

 
$
55,460

 
$
53,547

 
$
551,693

(c)(e) 
$
32,367

(c)(e) 
$
6,999,201

(c) 
$
7,734,979

(c) 
$
8,102,570

Average interest rate(b)(c)
4.7
%
 
4.8
%
 
6.6
%
 
2.8
%
(c) 
5.5
%
(c) 
7.4
%
(c) 
7.1
%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate
$
33,903

 
$
45,204

 
$
61,767

 
$
61,767

(f) 
$
959,767

(f) 
$
2,720,942

 
$
3,883,350

 
$
3,876,726

Average interest rate(d)
2.6
%
 
2.7
%
 
3.4
%
 
4.5
%
 
5.0
%