Crown Castle International Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results; Provides 2009 Outlook

November 5, 2008 at 6:44 PM EST
HOUSTON, Nov 5, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

"We had another strong quarter of record results, exceeding the midpoint of our third quarter Outlook for site rental revenue, site rental gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and recurring cash flow," stated Ben Moreland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Castle. "We are experiencing solid growth in our business and remain excited about the strong fundamentals underlying our business, driven by the increasing demand for wireless communication services even in light of the global economic slowdown. Along with the third quarter results, we are announcing our full year 2009 Outlook which suggests annual site rental revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth of 8% and 10%, respectively, on a currency neutral basis."

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

Total revenue for the third quarter of 2008 increased 9% to $384.3 million from $351.7 million in the same period in 2007. Site rental revenue for the third quarter of 2008 increased $27.2 million, or 8%, to $354.0 million from $326.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Site rental gross margin, defined as site rental revenue less site rental cost of operations, increased $23.3 million, or 11%, to $238.2 million in the third quarter of 2008 from $214.9 million in the same period in 2007. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2008 increased $21.9 million, or 11%, to $217.7 million from $195.8 million in the same period in 2007. Crown Castle's previously issued Outlook for third quarter 2008 was based on a U.S. dollar to Australian dollar exchange rate of 0.94 U.S. dollars to 1.00 Australian dollar compared to an actual exchange rate of 0.89 U.S. dollars to 1.00 Australian dollar, which negatively impacted site rental revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Recurring cash flow, defined as Adjusted EBITDA less interest expense and sustaining capital expenditures, increased 23% from $100.8 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $123.5 million for the third quarter of 2008. Weighted average common shares outstanding was 283.6 million for the third quarter of 2008, as compared to 282.6 million for the same period in the prior year. Recurring cash flow per share, defined as recurring cash flow divided by weighted average common shares outstanding, was $0.44 in the third quarter of 2008, up 22% compared to $0.36 in the third quarter of 2007.

Net loss was $32.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, inclusive of a $23.7 million impairment charge to write-down Crown Castle's investment in FiberTower Corporation, compared to a net loss of $67.0 million for the same period in 2007, inclusive of a $37.5 million asset write-down charge, net of tax, related to the long-term spectrum lease previously held by Modeo. Net loss after deduction of dividends on preferred stock was $37.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared to a loss of $72.2 million for the same period last year. Third quarter 2008 net loss per common share (after deduction of dividends on preferred stock) was $0.13, compared to a net loss per common share of $0.26 in third quarter 2007.

In addition to the tables and information contained in this press release, Crown Castle will post supplemental information on its website at http://investor.crowncastle.com that will be discussed during its conference call tomorrow morning, Thursday November 6, 2008.

SEGMENT RESULTS

U.S. site rental revenue for the third quarter of 2008 increased $22.9 million, or 7%, to $332.7 million, compared to third quarter 2007 U.S. site rental revenue of $309.8 million. U.S. site rental gross margin increased $19.2 million, or 9%, to $223.0 million from the same period in 2007.

Australia site rental revenue for the third quarter of 2008 increased $4.3 million, or 25%, to $21.3 million, compared to $17.0 million in the third quarter of 2007. Australia site rental gross margin for the third quarter of 2008 increased 37% to $15.3 million compared to $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2007.

INVESTMENTS

During the third quarter of 2008, Crown Castle invested approximately $140.3 million in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures was comprised of $6.1 million of sustaining capital expenditures and $134.2 million of revenue generating capital expenditures, of which $63.8 million was spent on land purchases, $21.7 million on existing sites and $48.7 million on the construction and acquisition of new sites.

"In light of the significant deterioration of the credit markets, we intend to reduce our discretionary capital expenditures and allocate the majority of our cash flow to eliminate our upcoming debt maturities," stated Jay Brown, Chief Financial Officer of Crown Castle. "As noted in our Outlook section of this release, we expect to generate approximately $670 million of recurring cash flow during the fourth quarter of 2008 and full year 2009. Over the next 14 months, we have approximately $472 million of debt maturities, which we expect to repay, unless we are able to refinance all or a portion of this debt. Given the predictable level of cash flow that our business produces and that we have no other significant debt maturities until February 2011, I am comfortable that we will be able to navigate the difficult credit markets without impacting the core growth or execution of our business as we drive toward long-term value creation for our shareholders."

In the third quarter, Crown Castle recorded an impairment charge of $23.7 million related to the decline in the market value of its FiberTower investment. The timing and nature of the charge was based primarily on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than the adjusted cost basis, and the impact of current broad-based economic and market conditions on the short-term prospects for recovery of the FiberTower stock price. As of September 30, 2008, Crown Castle's FiberTower investment had a carrying value of $36.4 million.

OUTLOOK

This Outlook section contains forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially. Information regarding potential risks which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements herein is set forth below and in Crown Castle's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

In the third quarter 2008, approximately 6% of Crown Castle's site rental revenue was derived from its tower operations in Australia. The 2008 Outlook issued on July 24, 2008 assumed a U.S. dollar to Australian dollar exchange rate of 0.94 U.S. dollars to 1.00 Australian dollar for the second half of 2008. Since its previously issued Outlook, the Australian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate has decreased by approximately 30%. Based on the current exchange rate, the exchange rate assumptions for the fourth quarter 2008 have been adjusted to 0.64 U.S. dollars to 1.00 Australian dollar. The estimated impact to site rental revenue and site rental gross margin in the 2008 Outlook from the decrease in the forecasted Australian dollar exchange rate is expected to be approximately $7 million and $5 million, respectively, which Crown Castle has reflected in its revised full year 2008 Outlook.

Similar to the rate of growth forecasted for 2008, Crown Castle expects 2009 site rental revenue growth, on a currency neutral basis, of approximately 8%. The Outlook table below reflects site rental revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth of approximately $93 million and $76 million, respectively, from 2008 to 2009, which includes approximately $16 million and $10 million, respectively, of negative impact from the movement in the Australian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate. Further, the 2009 Outlook assumes no further borrowings, reduction in interest expense associated with debt repayment, or changes in interest rates.

The Outlook table is based on current expectations and assumptions. The Outlook table assumes a U.S. dollar to Australian dollar exchange rate of 0.64 and 0.67 U.S. dollars to 1.00 Australian dollar for the fourth quarter of 2008 and full year 2009 Outlook, respectively.

The following table sets forth Crown Castle's current Outlook for the fourth quarter of 2008, full year 2008 and full year 2009:



 (in millions,    Fourth Quarter       Full Year         Full Year
  except per           2008               2008              2009
  share amounts)  --------------       ---------         ---------

 Site rental
  revenue          $350 to $355     $1,397 to $1,402   $1,485 to $1,500
 Site rental
  cost of
  operations       $113 to $117       $455 to $459       $465 to $475
 Site rental
  gross margin     $235 to $240       $940 to $945     $1,015 to $1,030
 Adjusted
  EBITDA           $217 to $222       $857 to $862       $925 to $945
 Interest
  expense and
  amortization
  of deferred
  financing
  costs(a)          $87 to $90        $353 to $356       $355 to $360
 Sustaining
  capital
  expenditures      $11 to $13         $26 to $28         $25 to $30
 Recurring cash
  flow             $118 to $123       $479 to $484       $540 to $560
 Net income
  (loss) after
  deduction of
  dividends on
  preferred
  stock           $(34) to $(6)      $(87) to $(53)     $(72) to $2
 Net income
 (loss) per
 share(b)       $(0.12) to $(0.02) $(0.30) to $(0.20) $(0.25) to $0.01

 (a) Inclusive of approximately $6 million, $25 million, and
     $25 million, respectively, of non-cash expense.
 (b) Represents net income (loss) per common share, based on 285.6
     million shares outstanding as of September 30, 2008.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

Crown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, November 6, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. eastern time to discuss third quarter 2008 results and Crown Castle's Outlook. Supplemental materials for the call can be found on the Crown Castle website at http://investor.crowncastle.com. Please dial 303-262-2051 and ask for the Crown Castle call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. The conference call may also be accessed live at the Internet address shown above. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available from 12:30 p.m. eastern time on Thursday, November 6, 2008 through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on Thursday, November 13, 2008 and may be accessed by dialing 303-590-3000 using passcode 11121062#. An audio archive will also be available on Crown Castle's website at http://investor.crowncastle.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.

Crown Castle engineers, deploys, owns and operates technologically advanced shared wireless infrastructure, including extensive networks of towers. Crown Castle offers significant wireless communications coverage to 91 of the top 100 U.S. markets and to substantially all of the Australian population. Crown Castle owns, operates and manages over 22,000 and over 1,600 wireless communication sites in the U.S. and Australia, respectively. For more information on Crown Castle, please visit http://www.crowncastle.com.

The Crown Castle International Corp. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3063

Summary of Non-Cash Amounts in Tower Gross Margin

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, Crown Castle recognizes site rental revenues and ground lease expenses monthly on a straight-line basis, regardless of whether the receipts and payments are in equal monthly amounts. If, and to the extent 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 appropriate lease term. As a result of this accounting method, a portion of the revenue and expense recognized in a given period represents cash collected or paid in other periods.

A summary of the non-cash portions of our site rental revenue, ground lease expense, stock-based compensation for those employees directly related to U.S. tower operations, net amortization of below-market and above-market leases acquired, and resulting impact on site rental gross margins is as follows:



                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                            --------------------------
 (in thousands)                                 September 30, 2008
                                                ------------------
 Non-cash portion of site rental revenue
  attributable to rent free periods and
  straight-line recognition of revenue             $     10,099
 Non-cash portion of ground lease expense
  attributable to straight-line recognition
  of expenses                                           (10,002)
 Stock-based compensation charges                          (178)
 Net amortization of below-market and
  above-market leases                                       150
                                                   ------------
 Non-cash impact on site rental gross
  margin                                           $         69
                                                   ============

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes presentations of Adjusted EBITDA and recurring cash flow, which are non-GAAP financial measures.

Crown Castle defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and 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, impairment of available-for-sale securities, benefit (provision) for income taxes, minority interests, 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 cash flow from operations or operating results (as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP")).

Crown Castle defines recurring cash flow to be Adjusted EBITDA, less interest expense and less sustaining capital expenditures. Each of the amounts included in the calculation of recurring cash flow are computed in accordance with GAAP, with the exception of sustaining capital expenditures, which is not defined under GAAP. We define sustaining capital expenditures as capital expenditures (determined in accordance with GAAP) which do not increase the capacity or life of our revenue generating assets and include capitalized costs related to (i) maintenance activities on our towers, (ii) vehicles, (iii) information technology equipment, and (iv) office equipment. Recurring cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations or operating results (as determined in accordance with GAAP).

Adjusted EBITDA and recurring cash flow are presented as additional information because management believes these measures are useful indicators of the financial performance of our core businesses. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of current financial performance used in our debt covenant calculations. Our measures of Adjusted EBITDA and recurring cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower industry and in the historical financial statements of Global Signal. The tables set forth below reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to comparable GAAP financial measures.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Comparable GAAP Financial Measures:

Adjusted EBITDA, recurring cash flow and recurring cash flow per share for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are computed as follows:



                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                            --------------------------
                                            September 30, September 30,
                                                2008          2007
                                            ------------  ------------

 (in thousands, except per share amounts)
 Net income (loss)                          $    (32,207) $    (67,013)
 Adjustments to increase (decrease) net
  income (loss):
  Restructuring charges                               --         3,191
  Asset write-down charges                         2,902        59,306
  Acquisition and integration costs(a)                --         4,749
  Depreciation, amortization and accretion       131,714       135,540
  Interest and other income (expense)             (1,557)       (2,965)
  Interest expense and amortization of
   deferred financing costs                       88,138        89,407
  Impairment of available-for-sale
   securities                                     23,718            --
  Benefit (provision) for income taxes            (2,096)      (31,923)
  Minority interests                                  --          (324)
  Stock-based compensation charges(c)              7,100         5,812
                                            ------------  ------------
  Adjusted EBITDA                           $    217,712  $    195,780
                                            ============  ============
 Less: Interest expense and amortization of
  deferred financing costs                        88,138        89,407
 Less: Sustaining capital expenditures             6,058         5,565
                                            ------------  ------------
 Recurring cash flow                        $    123,516  $    100,808
                                            ============  ============
 Weighted average common shares outstanding
  - basic and diluted                            283,573       282,577
 Recurring cash flow per share              $       0.44  $       0.36
                                            ============  ============

Adjusted EBITDA and recurring cash flow for the quarter ending December 31, 2008 and for the years ending December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 is forecasted as follows:



                                              Full Year     Full Year
                                Q4 2008         2008          2009
                                -------       ---------     ---------
 (in millions)                  Outlook        Outlook       Outlook
                                -------        -------       -------
 Net income (loss)           $(29) to $(1) $(66) to $(32) $(51) to $23
 Adjustments to increase
  (decrease) net income
  (loss):
  Asset write-down charges      $2 to $4     $11 to $13      $8 to $16
  Acquisition and integration
   costs (a)                    $0 to $0      $0 to $3       $1 to $3
  Depreciation, amortization
   and accretion              $130 to 140   $526 to $536   $530 to $560
  Interest and other income
   (expense)                    $0 to $20   $(4) to $16   $(10) to $30
  Interest expense and
   amortization of deferred
   financing costs(b)          $87 to $90   $353 to $356   $355 to $360
  Benefit (provision) for
   income taxes              $(16) to $(1) $(35) to $(18) $(28) to $13
  Stock-based compensation
   charges(c)                   $5 to $8     $26 to $34     $25 to $35
                                --------     ----------     ----------
 Adjusted EBITDA              $217 to $222  $857 to $862   $925 to $945
                              ============  ============   ============
 Less: Interest expense and
  amortization of deferred
  financing costs(b)           $87 to $90   $353 to $356   $355 to $360
 Less: Sustaining capital
  expenditures                 $11 to $13    $26 to $28     $25 to $30
                               ----------    ----------     ----------
 Recurring cash flow          $118 to $123  $479 to $484   $540 to $560
                              ============  ============   ============

 (a) Inclusive of stock-based compensation charges.
 (b) Inclusive of approximately $6 million, $25 million, and
     $25 million, respectively, from non-cash expense.
 (c) Exclusive of expense included in integration costs and
     restructuring charges.

Other Calculations:

Sustaining capital expenditures for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 is computed as follows:



                                            For the Three Months Ended
                                            --------------------------
                                            September 30, September 30,
                                                2008          2007
                                            ------------  ------------
 (in thousands)
 Capital Expenditures                       $    140,303  $     66,334
 Less: Revenue enhancing on existing sites        21,687        10,930
 Less: Land purchases                             63,841        34,731
 Less: New site acquisition and
  construction                                    48,717        15,108
                                            ------------  ------------
 Sustaining capital expenditures            $      6,058  $      5,565
                                            ============  ============

Site rental gross margin for the quarter ending December 31, 2008 and for the years ending December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 is forecasted as follows:



 (in millions)           Q4 2008     Full Year 2008    Full Year 2009
                         -------     --------------    --------------
                         Outlook         Outlook           Outlook
                         -------         -------           -------
 Site rental revenue  $350 to $355  $1,397 to $1,402  $1,485 to $1,500
 Less: Site rental
  cost of
  operations          $113 to $117    $455 to $459      $465 to $475
                      ------------    ------------      ------------
 Site rental gross
  margin              $235 to $240    $940 to $945    $1,015 to $1,030
                      ============    ============    ================

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on our management's current expectations. Such statements include, but are not limited to, plans, projections, Outlook and estimates regarding (i) the growth and execution of our business and demand for wireless communication services, (ii) the repayment or refinancing of our debt, (iii) predictability of our cash flows, (iv) the impact of the economic slowdown and difficult credit markets, (v) currency exchange rates, including the impact on our results, (vi) site rental revenues, (vii) site rental cost of operations, (viii) site rental gross margin, (ix) Adjusted EBITDA, (x) interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, (xi) capital expenditures, including sustaining capital expenditures, (xii) recurring cash flow, including on a per share basis, (xiii) net income (loss), including on a per share basis, and (xiv) the utility of certain financial measures in analyzing our results. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including but not limited to prevailing market conditions and the following:



 * Our business depends on the demand for wireless communications and
   towers, and we may be adversely affected by any slowdown in such
   demand.
 * A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from a small
   number of customers, and the loss, consolidation or financial
   instability of, or network sharing among, any of our limited number
   of customers may materially decrease revenues.
 * Consolidation among our customers may result in duplicate or
   overlapping parts of networks, which may result in a reduction of
   sites and have a negative effect on revenues and cash flows.
 * Our substantial level of indebtedness may adversely affect our
   ability to react to changes in our business, and we may not be able
   to refinance on favorable terms our existing debt or use debt to
   fund future capital needs.
 * A wireless communications industry slowdown may materially and
   adversely affect our business (including reducing demand for our
   towers and network services) and the business of our customers.
 * As a result of competition in our industry, including from some
   competitors with significantly more resources or less debt than we
   have, we may find it more difficult to achieve favorable rental
   rates on our towers.
 * New technologies may significantly reduce demand for our towers and
   negatively impact our revenues.
 * New wireless technologies may not deploy or be adopted by customers
   as rapidly or in the manner projected.
 * If we fail to retain rights to the land under our towers, our
   business may be adversely affected.
 * If we are unable to raise capital in the future when needed, we may
   not be able to fund future growth opportunities.
 * FiberTower's business has certain risk factors different from our
   core tower business, including an unproven business model, and may
   produce results that are less than anticipated, resulting in a
   write off of all or part of our investment in FiberTower.
 * 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 may not be exercised, and that the Spectrum may not be
   deployed, which may result in the revenues derived from the
   Spectrum being less than those that may otherwise have been
   anticipated.
 * If we fail to comply with laws and regulations which regulate our
   business and which may change at any time, we may be fined or even
   lose our right to conduct some of our business.
 * Sales or issuances of a substantial number of shares of our common
   stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 * Our network services business has historically experienced
   significant volatility in demand, which reduces the predictability
   of our results.
 * If radio frequency emissions from wireless handsets or equipment on
   our towers are demonstrated to cause negative health effects,
   potential future claims could adversely affect our operations,
   costs and revenues.
 * Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and
   operative agreements and domestic and international competition
   laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire
   control of us or for us to acquire control of a third party, even
   if such a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.
 * We may suffer losses due to exposure to changes in foreign currency
   exchange rates relating to our operations outside the U.S.

Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. More information about potential risk factors which could affect our results is included in our filings with the SEC.



                  CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
                           (in thousands)

                                            September 30, December 31,
                                                2008          2007
                                            ------------  ------------
                  ASSETS
 Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                 $     73,104  $     75,245
  Restricted cash                                169,975       165,556
  Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful
   accounts                                       29,147        33,842
  Prepaid expenses                                82,170        72,518
  Deferred income tax assets and other
   current assets                                152,878       150,094
                                            ------------  ------------
   Total current assets                          507,274       497,255
 Restricted cash                                   5,000         5,000
 Deferred site rental receivables                141,611       127,388
 Available-for-sale securities, net               36,367        60,085
 Property and equipment, net                   5,059,917     5,051,055
 Goodwill                                      1,981,816     1,970,501
 Other intangible assets, net                  2,593,619     2,676,288
 Deferred financing costs and other assets,
  net of accumulated amortization                124,261       100,561
                                            ------------  ------------
                                            $ 10,449,865  $ 10,488,133
                                            ============  ============

   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                          $     37,593  $     37,366
  Deferred revenues and other accrued
   liabilities                                   246,423       253,121
  Short-term debt and current maturities of
   long-term debt                                166,500        81,500
                                            ------------  ------------
   Total current liabilities                     450,516       371,987
 Long-term debt, less current maturities       5,921,846     5,987,695
 Deferred income tax liability                   184,150       281,259
 Deferred ground lease payables and other
  liabilities                                    424,113       366,483
                                            ------------  ------------
   Total liabilities                           6,980,625     7,007,424
 Redeemable preferred stock                      314,494       313,798
 Stockholders' equity                          3,154,746     3,166,911
                                            ------------  ------------
                                            $ 10,449,865  $ 10,488,133
                                            ============  ============


                  CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
                      AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
                (in thousands, except per share data)

                          Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended
                             September 30,           September 30,
                        ----------------------------------------------
                           2008        2007        2008       2007
                        ----------------------------------------------
 Net revenues:
  Site rental           $  353,984  $  326,797  $1,047,540  $  948,925
  Network services and
   other                    30,364      24,947      86,942      61,398
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total net revenues      384,348     351,744   1,134,482   1,010,323
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Costs of operations
  (exclusive of
  depreciation,
  amortization and
  accretion):
  Site rental              115,758     111,863     341,884     330,624
  Network services and
   other                    20,541      17,032      60,772      43,484
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total costs of
    operations             136,299     128,895     402,656     374,108
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 General and
  administrative            37,437      32,881     110,915     104,210
 Restructuring charges          --       3,191          --       3,191
 Asset write-down
  charges                    2,902      59,306       9,199      64,049
 Integration costs              --       4,749       2,504      18,666
 Depreciation,
  amortization and
  accretion                131,714     135,540     395,643     407,557
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Operating income
   (loss)                   75,996     (12,818)    213,565      38,542
 Interest and other
  income (expense)           1,557       2,965       4,073       9,170
 Interest expense and
  amortization of
  deferred financing
  costs                    (88,138)    (89,407)   (266,040)   (260,212)
 Impairment of
  available-for-sale
  securities               (23,718)         --     (23,718)         --
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Income (loss) from
   continuing operations
   before income taxes
   and minority
   interests               (34,303)    (99,260)    (72,120)   (212,500)
 Benefit (provision) for
  income taxes               2,096      31,923      87,079      69,705
 Minority interests             --         324          --         151
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Net income (loss)         (32,207)    (67,013)     14,959    (142,644)
 Dividends on preferred
  stock                     (5,201)     (5,201)    (15,604)    (15,604)
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Net income (loss) after
  deduction of dividends
  on preferred stock $     (37,408) $  (72,214)       (645) $ (158,248)
                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

 Net income (loss) per
  common share - basic
  and diluted           $    (0.13) $    (0.26) $       --  $    (0.57)
                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

 Weighted average common
  shares outstanding -
  basic and diluted
  (in thousands)           283,573     282,577     280,780     279,353
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

 Adjusted EBITDA        $  217,712  $  195,780  $  641,725  $  549,418
                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========

 Stock-based
  compensation expenses:
  Site rental cost of
   operations           $      178  $       94         686         288
  Network services and
   other cost of
   operations                  217          98         588         272
  General and
   administrative            6,705       5,620      19,540      16,853
  Restructuring charges         --       2,377          --       2,377
  Integration costs             --          --          --         790
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total                $    7,100  $    8,189  $   20,814  $   20,580
                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========


                  CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                           (in thousands)

                                                   Nine Months Ended
                                                     September 30,
                                                ----------------------
                                                   2008        2007
                                                ----------  ----------

 Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)                             $   14,959  $ (142,644)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
   net cash provided by (used for) operating
   activities:
   Depreciation, amortization and accretion        395,643     407,557
   Asset write-down charges                          9,199      64,049
   Deferred income tax (benefit) provision         (87,063)    (72,447)
   Impairment of available-for-sale securities      23,718          --
   Other adjustments, net                           35,712      34,970
   Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding
    the effects of acquisitions:
    Increase (decrease) in liabilities              17,619     (34,061)
    Decrease (increase) in assets                  (64,032)    (37,009)
                                                ----------  ----------
     Net cash provided by (used for) operating
      activities                                   345,755     220,415
                                                ----------  ----------

 Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from investments and disposition of
   property and equipment                            1,117       3,664
  Payments for acquisitions (net of cash
   acquired) of businesses                         (27,736)   (494,352)
  Capital expenditures                            (342,737)   (191,258)
  Other                                                 --        (755)
                                                ----------  ----------
     Net cash provided by (used for) investing
      activities                                  (369,356)   (682,701)
                                                ----------  ----------

 Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt              --     650,000
  Proceeds from issuance of capital stock            7,775      24,777
  Principal payments on long-term debt              (4,875)     (1,625)
  Purchases of capital stock                       (44,383)   (603,656)
  Borrowings under revolving credit agreements      85,000          --
  Incurrence of financing costs                     (1,538)     (9,107)
  Net decrease (increase) in restricted cash        (4,378)    (20,436)
  Dividends on preferred stock                     (14,908)    (14,909)
  Capital distributions to minority interest
   holders of CCAL                                      --     (37,196)
                                                ----------  ----------
     Net cash provided by (used for) financing
      activities                                    22,693     (12,152)
                                                ----------  ----------

 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash            (1,233)      1,524
 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
  equivalents                                       (2,141)   (472,914)
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
  period                                            75,245     592,716
                                                ----------  ----------
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period     $   73,104  $  119,802
                                                ==========  ==========

 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
  information:
  Interest paid                                 $  247,300  $  234,317
  Income taxes paid                                  4,190       3,228



  CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
  Summary Fact Sheet
  (dollars in thousands)


                 -------------------------- --------------------------
                   Quarter Ended 12/31/07     Quarter Ended 3/31/08
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
                   CCUSA    CCAL     CCIC     CCUSA    CCAL     CCIC
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Revenues
   Site Rental   $316,750 $ 20,793 $337,543 $323,748 $ 21,285 $345,033
   Services        33,873    3,747   37,620   23,834    1,754   25,588
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Total Revenues   350,623   24,540  375,163  347,582   23,039  370,621

 Operating
  Expenses
   Site Rental    106,636    6,082  112,718  106,432    5,948  112,380
   Services        19,906    2,352   22,258   17,359    1,052   18,411
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Total Operating
  Expenses        126,542    8,434  134,976  123,791    7,000  130,791

 General &
  Administrative   32,392    6,244   38,636   31,032    3,954   34,986

 Add: Stock-Based
  Compensation      5,164    2,510    7,674    5,418      737    6,155

                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Adjusted EBITDA $196,853 $ 12,372 $209,225 $198,177 $ 12,822 $210,999
                 -------------------------- --------------------------

 Gross Margins:
  Site Rental       66%      71%      67%      67%      72%      67%
  Services          41%      37%      41%      27%      40%      28%

 Adjusted EBITDA
  Margin            56%      50%      56%      57%      56%      57%
                 -------------------------- --------------------------


                 -------------------------- --------------------------
                   Quarter Ended 6/30/08      Quarter Ended 9/30/08
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
                   CCUSA    CCAL     CCIC     CCUSA    CCAL     CCIC
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Revenues
   Site Rental   $328,952 $ 19,571 $348,523 $332,715 $ 21,269 $353,984
   Services        27,016    3,974   30,990   27,972    2,392   30,364
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Total Revenues   355,968   23,545  379,513  360,687   23,661  384,348

 Operating
  Expenses
   Site Rental    107,474    6,272  113,746  109,757    6,001  115,758
   Services        20,320    1,500   21,820   18,878    1,663   20,541
                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Total Operating
  Expenses        127,794    7,772  135,566  128,635    7,664  136,299

 General &
  Administrative   33,845    4,647   38,492   33,220    4,217   37,437

 Add: Stock-Based
  Compensation      6,622      937    7,559    6,346      754    7,100

                 -------------------------- --------------------------
 Adjusted EBITDA $200,951 $ 12,063 $213,014 $205,178 $ 12,534 $217,712
                 -------------------------- --------------------------

 Gross Margins:
   Site Rental      67%      68%      67%      67%      72%      67%
   Services         25%      62%      30%      33%      30%      32%

 Adjusted EBITDA
  Margin            56%      51%      56%      57%      53%      57%
                 -------------------------- --------------------------


 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure (Adjusted EBITDA)
 to GAAP Financial Measure:
 (dollars in thousands)

                       -----------------------------------------------
                                        Quarter Ended
                       -----------------------------------------------
                       12/31/2007    3/31/2008   6/30/2008   9/30/2008
 Net income (loss)     $  (80,169)  $  (13,173) $   60,339  $  (32,207)
 Adjustments to
  increase (decrease)
  net income (loss):
   Asset write-down
    charges                 1,466        1,304       4,993       2,902
   Integration costs        6,752        2,504          --          --
   Depreciation,
    amortization and
    accretion             132,347      132,033     131,896     131,714
   Interest and other
    income (expense)         (181)      (2,310)       (206)     (1,557)
   Interest expense,
    amortization of
    deferred financing
    costs                  90,047       89,145      88,757      88,138
   Impairment of
    available-for-sale
    securities             75,623           --          --      23,718
   Benefit (provision)
    for income taxes      (24,334)      (4,659)    (80,324)     (2,096)
   Stock-based
    compensation            7,674        6,155       7,559       7,100
                       ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
 Adjusted EBITDA       $  209,225   $  210,999  $  213,014  $  217,712
                       ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========


 CCI FACT SHEET Q3 2007 to Q3 2008
 dollars in thousands


                                      Q3 '07      Q3 '08     % Change
                                    ----------------------------------
 CCUSA
 -----
 Site Rental Revenues               $  309,798  $  332,715      7%
 Ending Sites                           22,329      22,477      1%

 CCAL
 ----
 Site Rental Revenues               $   16,999  $   21,269     25%
 Ending Sites                            1,438       1,594     11%


 TOTAL CCIC
 ----------
 Site Rental Revenues               $  326,797  $  353,984      8%
 Ending Sites                           23,767      24,071      1%



 Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents   $  119,802* $   73,104*

 Debt
 Bank Debt                          $  648,375  $  800,250
 Securitized Debt & Other Notes     $5,348,127  $5,288,096
                                    ----------  ----------
 Total Debt                         $5,996,502  $6,088,346
 6 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock $  313,566  $  314,494

 Leverage Ratios
 Net Debt/EBITDA                          7.5X        6.9X
 Net Debt + Preferreds/EBITDA             7.9X        7.3X
 Last Quarter Annualized Adjusted
  EBITDA                            $  783,120  $  870,848

 *Excludes Restricted Cash

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Crown Castle International Corp.

Crown Castle International Corp.
          Jay Brown, CFO
          Fiona McKone, VP - Finance
          713-570-3000

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