CrownCastle 10Q 093012
 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
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 500, 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 October 29, 2012: 293,159,220
 


CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 
 
 
Page
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
 
ITEM 3.
 
ITEM 4.
 
 
ITEM 1A.
 
ITEM 6.
 
 


Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management's expectations as of the filing date of this report with the SEC. Statements that are not historical facts are hereby identified as forward-looking statements. In addition, words such as "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "likely," "predicted," forms 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 and demand for our towers and small cell operations and technologies, including the expected impact of the NextG Networks, Inc. acquisition and the expected closing of the proposed acquisition of rights to towers from T-Mobile USA, Inc. ("T-Mobile"), (2) availability of cash flows and liquidity for, and plans regarding, future discretionary investments including capital expenditures and the funding of the proposed acquisition of rights to the T-Mobile towers, (3) anticipated growth in our future revenues, margins, Adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flows, and (4) expectations regarding the credit markets, our availability and cost of capital, and our ability to service our debt and comply with debt covenants.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions, risk factors described under "Part II—Item 1A. Risk Factors" herein and in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 ("2011 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.
 



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)
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
118,903

 
$
80,120

Restricted cash
273,305

 
252,368

Receivables, net
141,399

 
77,258

Prepaid expenses
104,646

 
80,529

Deferred income tax assets
78,937

 
85,385

Deferred site rental receivables and other current assets, net
60,186

 
23,492

Total current assets
777,376

 
599,152

Deferred site rental receivables, net
804,231

 
621,103

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,140,879 and $3,824,136, respectively
5,380,541

 
4,861,227

Goodwill
2,801,161

 
2,035,390

Other intangible assets, net
2,368,650

 
2,178,182

Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net
604,460

 
250,042

Total assets
$
12,736,419

 
$
10,545,096

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
48,373

 
$
32,055

Accrued interest
54,587

 
65,392

Deferred revenues and below-market tenant leases
220,744

 
167,238

Other accrued liabilities
120,020

 
104,904

Current maturities of debt and other obligations
88,093

 
32,517

Total current liabilities
531,817

 
402,106

Debt and other long-term obligations
8,295,071

 
6,853,182

Deferred income tax liabilities
96,735

 
97,562

Below-market tenant leases, deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities
869,991

 
500,350

Total liabilities
9,793,614

 
7,853,200

Commitments and contingencies (note 11)

 

Redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.1 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2012—0 and December 31, 2011—6,111,000; stated net of unamortized issue costs; mandatory redemption and aggregate liquidation value: September 30, 2012—$0 and December 31, 2011—$305,550
—

 
305,032

CCIC stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2012—293,161,069 and December 31, 2011—284,449,372
2,932

 
2,844

Additional paid-in capital
5,615,263

 
5,312,342

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(71,633
)
 
(116,996
)
Accumulated deficit
(2,606,485
)
 
(2,811,945
)
Total CCIC stockholders' equity
2,940,077

 
2,386,245

Noncontrolling interest
2,728

 
619

Total equity
2,942,805

 
2,386,864

Total liabilities and equity
$
12,736,419

 
$
10,545,096

 
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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
538,761

 
$
468,920

 
$
1,553,878

 
$
1,382,219

Network services and other
82,576

 
44,963

 
204,715

 
131,039

Net revenues
621,337

 
513,883

 
1,758,593

 
1,513,258

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
135,314

 
121,759

 
389,756

 
361,317

Network services and other
50,029

 
25,083

 
121,812

 
78,213

General and administrative
55,862

 
42,922

 
153,941

 
128,925

Asset write-down charges
1,560

 
3,090

 
8,250

 
13,696

Acquisition and integration costs
2,937

 
617

 
12,112

 
1,661

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
154,867

 
138,523

 
446,749

 
413,987

Total operating expenses
400,569

 
331,994

 
1,132,620

 
997,799

Operating income (loss)
220,768

 
181,889

 
625,973

 
515,459

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(144,949
)
 
(127,119
)
 
(427,361
)
 
(380,288
)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
—

 
—

 
(14,586
)
 
—

Interest income
291

 
175

 
1,027

 
554

Other income (expense)
(632
)
 
(737
)
 
(3,958
)
 
(5,441
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
75,478

 
54,208

 
181,095

 
130,284

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(32,300
)
 
(2,825
)
 
29,437

 
(7,763
)
Net income (loss)
43,178

 
51,383

 
210,532

 
122,521

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,133

 
105

 
2,443

 
355

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
42,045

 
51,278

 
208,089

 
122,166

Dividends on preferred stock
—

 
(7,541
)
 
(2,629
)
 
(17,944
)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock
$
42,045

 
$
43,737

 
$
205,460

 
$
104,222

Net income (loss)
$
43,178

 
$
51,383

 
$
210,532

 
$
122,521

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0, respectively:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7,537
)
Derivative instruments, net of taxes of $5,705, $0, $11,415 and $0, respectively:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of taxes
—

 
(43
)
 
—

 
(893
)
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes
10,594

 
17,986

 
37,541

 
53,834

Foreign currency translation adjustments
6,876

 
(16,816
)
 
7,120

 
(6,662
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
17,470

 
1,127

 
44,661

 
38,742

Comprehensive income (loss)
60,648

 
52,510

 
255,193

 
161,263

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,171

 
88

 
1,741

 
721

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
59,477

 
$
52,422

 
$
253,452

 
$
160,542

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.14

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.71

 
$
0.37

Diluted
$
0.14

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.71

 
$
0.36

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
290,762
 
282,031

 
288,775
 
284,770
Diluted
292,098
 
283,899

 
290,527
 
286,868
________________
(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)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
210,532

 
$
122,521

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
446,749

 
413,987

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
14,586

 
—

Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest
74,269

 
77,221

Stock-based compensation expense
33,573

 
24,937

Asset write-down charges
8,250

 
13,696

Deferred income tax benefit (provision)
(35,140
)
 
6,684

Other adjustments
13

 
4,848

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
(11,525
)
 
(9,925
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
(494
)
 
(9,713
)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and
     other liabilities
31,230

 
(18,231
)
Decrease (increase) in receivables
(44,213
)
 
(5,318
)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent,
     restricted cash and other assets
(203,372
)
 
(165,433
)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
524,458

 
455,274

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
(1,236,238
)
 
(17,997
)
Capital expenditures
(283,386
)
 
(265,115
)
Other investing activities, net
1,244

 
(14,375
)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
(1,518,380
)
 
(297,487
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
2,100,000

 
—

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock
239

 
1,523

Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations
(59,579
)
 
(26,026
)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt
(699,486
)
 
—

Purchases of capital stock
(35,984
)
 
(301,369
)
Purchases of preferred stock
—

 
(15,002
)
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
—

 
273,000

Payments under revolving credit facility
(251,000
)
 
(125,000
)
Payments for financing costs
(40,255
)
 
(82
)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash
19,533

 
12,153

Dividends on preferred stock
(2,481
)
 
(14,713
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
1,030,987

 
(195,516
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
1,718

 
722

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
38,783

 
(37,007
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
80,120

 
112,531

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
118,903

 
$
75,524


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

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

 
 
 
 
 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
AOCI
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, July 1, 2012
—

 
$
—

 
293,038,013

 
$
2,930

 
$
5,599,106

 
$
(89,065
)
 
$
(2,648,530
)
 
$
1,557

 
$
2,865,998

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
127,860

 
2

 
16,468

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16,470

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
—

 
—

 
(4,804
)
 
—

 
(311
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(311
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
17,432

 
—

 
38

 
17,470

Disposition of noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net income (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
42,045

 
1,133

 
43,178

Balance, September 30, 2012
—

 
$
—

 
293,161,069

 
$
2,932

 
$
5,615,263

 
$
(71,633
)
 
$
(2,606,485
)
 
$
2,728

 
$
2,942,805


 
 
 
 
 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
AOCI
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, July 1, 2011
6,361,000

 
$
317,045

 
287,099,439

 
$
2,871

 
$
5,407,010

 
$
(141,746
)
 
$
(2,899,597
)
 
$
254

 
$
2,368,792

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
88,793

 
1

 
8,448

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,449

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
—

 
—

 
(2,692,152
)
 
(27
)
 
(108,779
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(108,806
)
Purchases and retirement of preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock
(250,000
)
 
(12,464
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,538
)
 
—

 
(2,538
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,144

 
—

 
(17
)
 
1,127

Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs
—

 
229

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5,003
)
 
—

 
(5,003
)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
248

 
248

Net income (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
51,278

 
105

 
51,383

Balance, September 30, 2011
6,111,000

 
$
304,810

 
284,496,080

 
$
2,845

 
$
5,306,679

 
$
(140,602
)
 
$
(2,855,860
)
 
$
590

 
$
2,313,652

___________________________
(a)
See the statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the allocation of the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)."


5

 
 
 
 
 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
AOCI
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2012
6,111,000

 
$
305,032

 
284,449,372

 
$
2,844

 
$
5,312,342

 
$
(116,996
)
 
$
(2,811,945
)
 
$
619

 
$
2,386,864

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
1,124,969

 
12

 
33,801

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
33,813

Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock
(6,111,000
)
 
(305,180
)
 
8,285,905

 
83

 
305,097

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
305,180

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
—

 
—

 
(699,177
)
 
(7
)
 
(35,977
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(35,984
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
45,363

 
—

 
(702
)
 
44,661

Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs
—

 
148

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,629
)
 
—

 
(2,629
)
Disposition of noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
368

 
368

Net income (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
208,089

 
2,443

 
210,532

Balance, September 30, 2012
—

 
$
—

 
293,161,069

 
$
2,932

 
$
5,615,263

 
$
(71,633
)
 
$
(2,606,485
)
 
$
2,728

 
$
2,942,805


 
 
 
 
 
CCIC Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
($.01 Par)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
AOCI
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2011
6,361,000

 
$
316,581

 
290,826,284

 
$
2,908

 
$
5,581,525

 
$
(178,978
)
 
$
(2,960,082
)
 
$
(379
)
 
$
2,444,994

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
1,000,308

 
10

 
26,450

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
26,460

Purchases and retirement of capital stock
—

 
—

 
(7,330,512
)
 
(73
)
 
(301,296
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(301,369
)
Purchases and retirement of preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock
(250,000
)
 
(12,464
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,538
)
 
—

 
(2,538
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(a)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
38,376

 
—

 
366

 
38,742

Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs
—

 
693

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(15,406
)
 
—

 
(15,406
)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
248

 
248

Net income (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
122,166

 
355

 
122,521

Balance, September 30, 2011
6,111,000

 
$
304,810

 
284,496,080

 
$
2,845

 
$
5,306,679

 
$
(140,602
)
 
$
(2,855,860
)
 
$
590

 
$
2,313,652

___________________________
(a)
See the statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the allocation of the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)."

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

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, 2011, and related notes thereto, included in the 2011 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) distributed antenna systems ("DAS"), a type of small cell ("small cells"), and (3) third party land interests, including ground lease related assets (unless the context otherwise suggests or requires, references herein to "wireless infrastructure" include towers, small cells and third party land interests). The Company's core business is providing access to its approximately 24,400 towers (of which approximately 22,700 towers are in the U.S. and approximately 1,700 towers are in Australia), its small cells and, to a lesser extent, its third party land interests (collectively, "site rental business") via long-term contracts in various forms. Certain of the Company's towers are leased or operated for an initial period under master lease and sublease agreements, including the master lease and sublease agreements for approximately 6,500 Sprint Towers. In 2037, the Company has the option to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Sprint towers that it does not already own after the initial term expires (see also note 15). The Company also provides certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, consisting of installation services, and site development services relating to existing and new antenna installations on its wireless infrastructure. The Company conducts its operations through wireless infrastructure portfolios in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Australia.
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 present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2012, and the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. 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 consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the Company's 2011 Form 10-K, other than certain changes to deferred credits.
Deferred Credits
Deferred credits are included in “deferred revenues and below-market tenant leases” and “below-market tenant leases, deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities” on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) below-market tenant leases for contractual interests with tenants on the acquired wireless infrastructure and (2) above-market leases for land interests under the Company's wireless infrastructure.
Fair value for these deferred credits represents the difference between the stated contractual payments to be made pursuant to the in-place lease and management's estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding lease. Deferred credits are measured over a period equal to the estimated remaining economic lease term considering renewal provisions, and economics associated with those renewal provisions, to the extent applicable. Below-market tenant leases and above-market leases for land interests are amortized to site rental revenues and site rental costs of operations, respectively, over their respective estimated

7
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


remaining lease term at the acquisition date.
New Accounting Pronouncements
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. No new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

3.
Acquisitions
WCP Acquisition
On January 12, 2012, the Company announced a definitive agreement to acquire certain subsidiaries of Wireless Capital Partners, LLC ("WCP"). On January 31, 2012 the Company closed the acquisition (“WCP Acquisition”). Upon closing, WCP held various contracts with wireless site owners, including approximately 2,300 ground lease related assets. The results of operations from WCP have been included in the consolidated statements of operations since the date of acquisition. The Company paid a purchase price that resulted in goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the strategic opportunities related to the acquired portfolio.
The purchase price of $214.7 million includes $39.2 million of restricted cash and excludes the assumption of $336.3 million (after fair value adjustments) of debt. The Company utilized a portion of the borrowings under the senior secured term loans issued in January 2012 ("2012 Term Loans") to fund the cash consideration.
The final allocation of the total purchase price for the WCP Acquisition was primarily allocated to restricted cash, long-term prepaid rent, other intangible assets, deferred tax assets, goodwill and debt. The final purchase price allocation to long-term prepaid rent was approximately $322.4 million and had a weighted-average amortization period of 38 years. See notes 4 and 5.
NextG Networks Acquisition
In December 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NextG Networks, Inc. ("NextG") for approximately $1.0 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. On April 10, 2012, the Company closed the acquisition (“NextG Acquisition”). The results of operations from NextG have been included in the consolidated statements of operations since the date of acquisition.
Prior to the NextG Acquisition, NextG was the largest U.S. provider of outdoor DAS, a network of antennas connected by fiber to a communications hub designed to facilitate wireless communications for wireless carriers. Approximately 75% of NextG's nodes at the time of the acquisition were located in the ten largest metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S.
The Company utilized borrowings under the 2012 Term Loans to fund the cash consideration of approximately $1.0 billion.

8
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The preliminary purchase price allocation for the NextG Acquisition is shown below. The effect of the change in the preliminary purchase price allocation on the Company's Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is immaterial to the periods presented. The preliminary purchase price allocation is not finalized as of September 30, 2012, and is based upon a preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information,including with respect to fixed assets, intangibles assets and certain liabilities.
 
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
 
Presented September 30, 2012
 
Presented June 30, 2012
Current assets
$
73,851

 
$
74,246

Property and equipment
520,361

 
515,984

Goodwill
697,448

 
682,148

Other intangible assets, net
195,000

 
195,000

Other assets
4,251

 
4,251

Current liabilities
(104,083
)
 
(86,433
)
Below-market tenant leases and other non-current liabilities
(337,806
)
 
(330,045
)
Deferred income tax liabilities
(51,304
)
 
(57,433
)
Net assets acquired
$
997,718

 
$
997,718

Subsequent to the closing of the NextG Acquisition, the Company finalized plans for the integration of NextG's operations and DAS into the Company's operations, including with respect to the Company's policies, procedures and systems. As a result, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 the Company recognized integration costs of: (1) $4.2 million related to severance and retention bonuses payable to involuntarily terminated employees of NextG and (2) other incremental costs directly related to the integration of $4.7 million, including costs associated with temporary employees assisting with the NextG integration. These costs are classified as acquisition and integration costs in the Company's consolidated statement of operation and comprehensive income (loss).
Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results
The following table presents the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the NextG Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2011 for the periods presented below. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Net revenues
$
1,793,787

 
$
1,600,528

 
Net income (loss)
$
190,451

 
$
97,899

(a)
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share
$
0.64

 
$
0.28

 
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share
$
0.64

 
$
0.28

 
________________
(a)
Inclusive of $46.3 million in NextG stock-based compensation charges and $15.7 million in acquisition and integration costs incurred by NextG.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations include non-recurring pro forma adjustments predominately related to a $11.7 million decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and a $50.4 million increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 in income tax benefit predominately related to the reversal of U.S. federal deferred income tax valuation allowances as a result of recording deferred tax liabilities.
See note 4 for discussion of goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in conjunction with the NextG Acquisition and note 6 for discussion of the income tax impact of the NextG Acquisition.


9
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


4.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill of $697.4 million was recorded in the CCUSA segment in connection with the preliminary purchase price allocation for the NextG Acquisition, none of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill of $54.8 million was recorded in connection with the WCP Acquisition, of which $40.9 million is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The preliminary purchase price allocation for the NextG Acquisition resulted in the recognition of a substantial amount of goodwill based on the following:
•
the acquired and in-process DAS have low average tenancy, which the Company believes provides an opportunity to co-locate additional tenants on those systems;
•
the Company believes that the economics associated with DAS are similar to the economics associated with the Company's towers, whereby expected increases in revenues from additional tenants on existing DAS are expected to result in high incremental margins due to relatively fixed operating costs;
•
the Company believes the demand for tenants to co-locate on DAS will be driven by the continued growth trends in the wireless communication industry as wireless carriers continue to focus on improving network quality and expanding capacity;
•
the Company believes the acquired DAS are well-positioned to benefit from the anticipated growth in the wireless industry with their previously mentioned locations in the ten largest metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S.; and
•
other intangibles not qualified for separate recognition, including the assembled work force.
To a lesser extent, a portion of the goodwill recognized is the result of recording the tax impact of the NextG Acquisition. See also note 6.
The following is a summary of the Company's intangible assets.
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Book Value
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Book Value
Site rental contracts and customer relationships
$
3,112,773

 
$
(865,227
)
 
$
2,247,546

 
$
2,823,832

 
$
(748,850
)
 
$
2,074,982

Other intangible assets
181,477

 
(60,373
)
 
121,104

 
152,375

 
(49,175
)
 
103,200

Total
$
3,294,250

 
$
(925,600
)
 
$
2,368,650

 
$
2,976,207

 
$
(798,025
)
 
$
2,178,182

The components of the additions to intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2012
 
Amount
 
Weighted-Average Amortization Period
 
Amount(a)
 
Weighted-Average Amortization Period
 
 
 
(In years)
 
 
 
(In years)
Site rental contracts and customer relationships
$
20,481

 
20.0

 
$
288,045

 
23.3
Other intangible assets
—

 
—

 
30,440

 
18.8
Total
$
20,481

 
20.0

 
$
318,485

 
22.9
________________
(a)
$94.5 million related to the WCP Acquisition.

10
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


Amortization expense related to intangible assets is classified as follows on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Classification
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
$
42,970

 
$
39,977

 
$
125,496

 
$
119,212

Site rental costs of operations
763

 
857

 
2,326

 
2,852

Total amortization expense
$
43,733

 
$
40,834

 
$
127,822

 
$
122,064

The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets (inclusive of those recorded to "site rental costs of operations") for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and years ended December 31, 2013 to 2016 is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
Estimated annual amortization
$
42,592

 
$
164,517

 
$
161,186

 
$
155,572

 
$
155,544

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded deferred credits of $298.1 million related to below-market tenant leases as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation for the NextG Acquisition (see note 3). The below-market tenant leases recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 have a weighted-average amortization period of 11 years and are amortized to site rental revenues on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The estimated annual amounts related to below-market tenant leases expected to be amortized into site rental revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and years ended December 31, 2013 to 2016 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
Estimated annual amortization
$
7,132

 
$
28,518

 
$
28,479

 
$
27,578

 
$
26,791


11
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


5.
Debt and Other Obligations
 
Original
Issue Date
 
Contractual
Maturity Date
 
Outstanding
Balance as of
September 30, 2012
 
Outstanding
Balance as of
December 31, 2011
 
Stated Interest
Rate as of
September 30, 2012(a)
 
Bank debt - variable rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolver
Jan. 2007
 
Sept. 2013
 
$
—

 
$
251,000

 
N/A

 
2012 Revolver
Jan. 2012
 
Jan. 2017
 
—

(b)
—

 
N/A

(c)
2007 Term Loans
Jan./March 2007
 
March 2014
 
—

 
619,125

 
N/A

 
2012 Term Loans
Jan. 2012
 
2017/2019
 
2,075,500

 
—

 
3.7
%
(c)
Total bank debt
 
 
 
 
2,075,500

 
870,125

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

 
1,900,000

 
5.7
%
(d)
August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes
Aug. 2010
 
2035 - 2040
(d)
1,550,000

 
1,550,000

 
4.5
%
(d)
2009 Securitized Notes
July 2009
 
2019/2029
(e)
203,001

 
216,431

 
7.0
%
 
WCP Securitized Notes
Nov. 2010
 
Nov. 2040
(f)
328,764

(f)
—

 
5.4
%
(g)
Total securitized debt
 
 
 
 
3,981,765

 
3,666,431

 
 
 
High yield bonds - fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9% Senior Notes
Jan. 2009
 
Jan. 2015
 
792,753

 
817,799

 
9.0
%
(h)
7.75% Secured Notes
Apr. 2009
 
May 2017
 
946,648

 
978,983

 
7.8
%
(i)
7.125% Senior Notes
Nov. 2009
 
Nov. 2019
 
498,056

 
497,904

 
7.1
%
(j)
7.5% Senior Notes
Dec. 2003
 
Dec. 2013
 
—

 
51

 
N/A

 
Total high yield bonds
 
 
 
 
2,237,457

 
2,294,737

 
 
 
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital leases and other obligations
Various
 
Various
(k)
88,442

 
54,406

 
Various

(k)
Total debt and other obligations
 
 
 
 
8,383,164

 
6,885,699

 
 
 
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations
 
 
 
 
88,093

 
32,517

 
 
 
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
 
 
 
$
8,295,071

 
$
6,853,182

 
 
 
________________
(a)
Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
(b)
As of September 30, 2012, the undrawn availability under the $1.0 billion senior secured revolving credit facility ("2012 Revolver") is $1.0 billion.
(c)
The 2012 Revolver and the Term Loan A bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 2.75%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio. Term Loan B bears interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.0% (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 1% per annum). The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.4% per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2012 Revolver.
(d)
If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, 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 class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $300.0 million, $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively.
(e)
The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $133.0 million of principal as of September 30, 2012 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of September 30, 2012 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
(f)
The WCP securitized notes ("WCP Securitized Notes") were assumed in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The WCP Securitized Notes include a fair value adjustment that increased the debt carrying value by $13.3 million as of September 30, 2012. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the debt assumed in connection with the WCP Acquisition.
(g)
The effective yield is approximately 4.0%, inclusive of the fair value adjustment.
(h)
The effective yield is approximately 11.3%, inclusive of the discount.
(i)
The effective yield is approximately 8.2%, inclusive of the discount.
(j)
The effective yield is approximately 7.2%, inclusive of the discount.
(k)
The Company's capital leases and other obligations bear interest rates up to 10% and mature in periods ranging from less than 1 year to approximately 20 years.
See note 15 for a discussion of the issuance of debt in October 2012.


12
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


2012 Credit Facility
In January 2012, the Company refinanced and repaid the Revolver and 2007 Term Loans with the proceeds of a $3.1 billion senior credit facility ("2012 Credit Facility") issued by CCOC. The 2012 Credit Facility consists of (1) a $1.0 billion 2012 Revolver which will mature in January 2017, (2) a $500.0 million Term Loan A which will mature in January 2017, and (3) a $1.6 billion Term Loan B which will mature in January 2019. The Term Loan B was fully drawn at closing and the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan A were undrawn at closing. In March 2012, the Company drew the full amount under the Term Loan A. The proceeds of the 2012 Term Loans were used in part to repay the existing Revolver, repay the 2007 Term Loans and to fund the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition (see note 3).
The 2012 Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of certain equity interests of certain subsidiaries of CCIC, as well as a security interest in CCOC and certain of its subsidiaries' deposit accounts ($50.3 million as of September 30, 2012) and securities accounts. The 2012 Credit Facility is guaranteed by CCIC and certain of its subsidiaries.
WCP Securitized Notes
In January 2012, the Company assumed $320.1 million face value of secured debt in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the WCP Securitized Notes. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes. The Company also acquired restricted cash of $29.5 million that if not spent on third party land interests by November 2012 will be required to be used to repay principal amounts outstanding on the WCP Securitized Notes. Interest and principal are paid monthly on the WCP Securitized Notes. The provisions of the WCP Securitized Notes are similar to those of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes (see note 6 of the Company's 2011 10-K for a discussion of the Company's 2010 Tower Revenue Notes).
Contractual Maturities
The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding at September 30, 2012. 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 above for a further discussion on the WCP Securitized Notes.
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized Adjustments, Net
 
Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
Thereafter
 
Total Cash Obligations
 
 
Scheduled contractual maturities
$
19,839

 
$
89,795

 
$
99,336

 
$
941,179

 
$
113,198

 
$
7,163,572

 
$
8,426,919

 
$
(43,755
)
 
$
8,383,164

Retirement of Long-Term Obligations
The following is a summary of the retirement of long-term obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Principal Amount
 
Cash Paid(a)
 
Gains (Losses)(c)
Revolver
$
251,000

 
$
251,000

 
$
(1,445
)
2007 Term Loans
619,125

 
619,125

 
(1,893
)
9% Senior Notes
37,257

 
41,334

 
(6,517
)
7.75% Secured Notes(b)
35,488

 
39,027

 
(4,731
)
Total
$
942,870

 
$
950,486

 
$
(14,586
)
________________
(a)
Exclusive of accrued interest.
(b)
These debt purchases were made by CCIC rather than by the subsidiaries that issued the debt, because of restrictions upon the subsidiaries that issued the debt; as a result, the debt remains outstanding at the Company's subsidiaries.
(c)
Inclusive of an aggregate $7.0 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts.


13
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest expense on debt obligations
$
119,460

 
$
101,380

 
$
353,702

 
$
303,067

Amortization of deferred financing costs
5,293

 
3,790

 
15,383

 
11,266

Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt
4,447

 
4,074

 
11,171

 
11,907

Amortization of interest rate swaps
16,300

 
17,986

 
48,957

 
53,834

Other, net of capitalized interest
(551
)
 
(111
)
 
(1,852
)
 
214

Total
$
144,949

 
$
127,119

 
$
427,361

 
$
380,288


6.
Income Taxes
During 2012, the Company recorded $45.0 million of U.S. federal and $6.3 million of state deferred tax liabilities in connection with the NextG Acquisition. In the second quarter of 2012, the Company also reversed a total of $70.1 million of federal and $20.0 million of state valuation allowances to the benefit (provision) for income taxes resulting from (1) the NextG Acquisition and (2) our determination that the Company is more likely than not to realize these deferred tax assets as a result of the Company's recent historical trends of taxable income and anticipated future taxable income.
As a result of the valuation allowance reversal in the second quarter of 2012, the Company is now in a position to record a full U.S. federal tax provision on earnings. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes. The Company provides for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Cumulative adjustments to the Company's estimate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the estimated annual effective rate is determined.
The remaining valuation allowances as of September 30, 2012 relate to deferred tax assets associated principally with (1) U.S. federal capital losses ($29.4 million), (2) certain state net operating losses ($9.6 million), and (3) deferred tax assets associated with CCAL ($60.0 million).
See also note 15.

7.
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
In January 2012, the Company exercised its right to convert all of the outstanding 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock. In February 2012, the Company issued 8.3 million shares of common stock associated with the previously outstanding 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock.

8.
Fair Value Disclosures
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
 Amount
 
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1
 
$
118,903

 
$
118,903

 
$
80,120

 
$
80,120

Restricted cash, current and non-current
1
 
278,305

 
278,305

 
257,368

 
257,368

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and other obligations
2
 
8,383,164

 
9,172,056

 
6,885,699

 
7,355,652


14
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines 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, 2011 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values.

9.
Per Share Information
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents 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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
42,045

 
$
51,278

 
$
208,089

 
$
122,166

Dividends on preferred stock
—

 
(7,541
)
 
(2,629
)
 
(17,944
)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock for basic and diluted computations
$
42,045

 
$
43,737

 
$
205,460

 
$
104,222

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding
290,762

 
282,031

 
288,775

 
284,770

Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards
1,336

 
1,868

 
1,752

 
2,098

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
292,098

 
283,899

 
290,527

 
286,868

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.14

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.71

 
$
0.37

Diluted
$
0.14

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.71

 
$
0.36

 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 0.4 million restricted stock awards were excluded from the dilutive common shares because certain stock price hurdles would not have been achieved assuming that September 30, 2012 was the end of the contingency period. See note 13.

10.
Leases
Tenant Contracts
The following table is an updated summary of the rental cash payments owed to the Company, as a lessor, by tenants pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of September 30, 2012 and includes the impact of the Company's agreement signed in July 2012 with T-Mobile, relating to their network enhancements (referred to as "T-Mobile modernization agreement"), the NextG Acquisition and the WCP Acquisition. Generally, the Company's contracts with its tenants provide for (1) annual escalations and multiple renewal periods at the tenant's option and (2) only limited termination rights at the tenant's option through the current term. As of September 30, 2012, the weighted-average remaining term of tenant contracts is approximately nine years, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option. The tenants' rental payments included in the table below are through the current terms with a maximum current term of 20 years and do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options.
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Tenant Contracts
$
455,837

 
$
1,836,870

 
$
1,727,539

 
$
1,733,702

 
$
1,686,631

 
$
11,199,498

 
$
18,640,077


15
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


11.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and 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.

12.
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.


16
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
507,247

 
$
31,514

 
$
—

 
$
538,761

 
$
441,137

 
$
27,783

 
$
—

 
$
468,920

Network services and other
78,287

 
4,289

 
—

 
82,576

 
40,853

 
4,110

 
—

 
44,963

Net revenues
585,534

 
35,803

 
—

 
621,337

 
481,990

 
31,893

 
—

 
513,883

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations:(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
126,059

 
9,255

 
—

 
135,314

 
112,843

 
8,916

 
—

 
121,759

Network services and other
46,592

 
3,437

 
—

 
50,029

 
22,713

 
2,370

 
—

 
25,083

General and administrative
50,461

 
5,401

 
—

 
55,862

 
37,295

 
5,627

 
—

 
42,922

Asset write-down charges
1,518

 
42

 
—

 
1,560

 
3,165

 
(75
)
 
—

 
3,090

Acquisition and integration costs
2,937

 
—

 
—

 
2,937

 
617

 
—

 
—

 
617

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
147,186

 
7,681

 
—

 
154,867

 
130,878

 
7,645

 
—

 
138,523

Total operating expenses
374,753

 
25,816

 
—

 
400,569

 
307,511

 
24,483

 
—

 
331,994

Operating income (loss)
210,781

 
9,987

 
—

 
220,768

 
174,479

 
7,410

 
—

 
181,889

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(144,949
)
 
(4,478
)
 
4,478

 
(144,949
)
 
(127,119
)
 
(5,755
)
 
5,755

 
(127,119
)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest income
210

 
81

 
—

 
291

 
25

 
150

 
—

 
175

Other income (expense)
3,825

 
21

 
(4,478
)
 
(632
)
 
5,042

 
(24
)
 
(5,755
)
 
(737
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(31,864
)
 
(436
)
 
—

 
(32,300
)
 
(2,261
)
 
(564
)
 
—

 
(2,825
)
Net income (loss)
38,003

 
5,175

 
—

 
43,178

 
50,166

 
1,217

 
—

 
51,383

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
—

 
1,133

 
—

 
1,133

 
(141
)
 
246

 
—

 
105

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
38,003

 
$
4,042

 
$
—

 
$
42,045

 
$
50,307

 
$
971

 
$
—

 
$
51,278

Capital expenditures
$
117,830

 
$
5,860

 
$
—

 
$
123,690

 
$
144,129

 
$
4,296

 
$
—

 
$
148,425

Total assets (at quarter end)
$
12,669,983

 
$
354,992

 
$
(288,556
)
 
$
12,736,419

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

17
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
1,463,126

 
$
90,752

 
$
—

 
$
1,553,878

 
$
1,301,234

 
$
80,985

 
$
—

 
$
1,382,219

Network services and other
187,304

 
17,411

 
—

 
204,715

 
118,534

 
12,505

 
—

 
131,039

Net revenues
1,650,430

 
108,163

 
—

 
1,758,593

 
1,419,768

 
93,490

 
—

 
1,513,258

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations:(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
363,066

 
26,690

 
—

 
389,756

 
335,421

 
25,896

 
—

 
361,317

Network services and other
110,240

 
11,572

 
—

 
121,812

 
70,246

 
7,967

 
—

 
78,213

General and administrative
135,655

 
18,286

 
—

 
153,941

 
113,594

 
15,331

 
—

 
128,925

Asset write-down charges
8,197

 
53

 
—

 
8,250

 
13,452

 
244

 
—

 
13,696

Acquisition and integration costs
12,058

 
54

 
—

 
12,112

 
1,661

 
—

 
—

 
1,661

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
423,620

 
23,129

 
—

 
446,749

 
391,342

 
22,645

 
—

 
413,987

Total operating expenses
1,052,836

 
79,784

 
—

 
1,132,620

 
925,716

 
72,083

 
—

 
997,799

Operating income (loss)
597,594

 
28,379

 
—

 
625,973

 
494,052

 
21,407

 
—

 
515,459

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(427,349
)
 
(14,815
)
 
14,803

 
(427,361
)
 
(379,964
)
 
(17,513
)
 
17,189

 
(380,288
)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
(14,586
)
 
—

 
—

 
(14,586
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest income
665

 
362

 
—

 
1,027

 
166

 
388

 
—

 
554

Other income (expense)
10,869

 
(24
)
 
(14,803
)
 
(3,958
)
 
11,771

 
(23
)
 
(17,189
)
 
(5,441
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
30,883

 
(1,446
)
 
—

 
29,437

 
(6,076
)
 
(1,687
)
 
—

 
(7,763
)
Net income (loss)
198,076

 
12,456

 
—

 
210,532

 
119,949

 
2,572

 
—

 
122,521

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(268
)
 
2,711

 
—

 
2,443

 
(141
)
 
496

 
—

 
355

Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
198,344

 
$
9,745

 
$
—

 
$
208,089

 
$
120,090

 
$
2,076

 
$
—

 
$
122,166

Capital expenditures
$
268,730

 
$
14,656

 
$
—

 
$
283,386

 
$
256,455

 
$
8,660

 
$
—

 
$
265,115

Total assets (at quarter end)
$
12,669,983

 
$
354,992

 
$
(288,556
)
 
$
12,736,419

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

18
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net income (loss)
$
38,003

 
$
5,175

 
$
—

 
$
43,178

 
$
50,166

 
$
1,217

 
$
—

 
$
51,383

Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset write-down charges
1,518

 
42

 
—

 
1,560

 
3,165

 
(75
)
 
—

 
3,090

Acquisition and integration costs
2,937

 
—

 
—

 
2,937

 
617

 
—

 
—

 
617

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
147,186

 
7,681

 
—

 
154,867

 
130,878

 
7,645

 
—

 
138,523

Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments
3,858

 
—

 


 
3,858

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
144,949

 
4,478

 
(4,478
)
 
144,949

 
127,119

 
5,755

 
(5,755
)
 
127,119

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest income
(210
)
 
(81
)
 
—

 
(291
)
 
(25
)
 
(150
)
 
—

 
(175
)
Other income (expense)
(3,825
)
 
(21
)
 
4,478

 
632

 
(5,042
)
 
24

 
5,755

 
737

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
31,864

 
436

 
—

 
32,300

 
2,261

 
564

 
—

 
2,825

Stock-based compensation expense
16,308

 
(126
)
 
—

 
16,182

 
7,683

 
596

 
—

 
8,279

Adjusted EBITDA
$
382,588

 
$
17,584

 
$
—

 
$
400,172

 
$
316,822

 
$
15,576

 
$
—

 
$
332,398

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
 
CCUSA
 
CCAL
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net income (loss)
$
198,076

 
$
12,456

 
$
—

 
$
210,532

 
$
119,949

 
$
2,572

 
$
—

 
$
122,521

Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset write-down charges
8,197

 
53

 
—

 
8,250

 
13,452

 
244

 
—

 
13,696

Acquisition and integration costs
12,058

 
54

 
—

 
12,112

 
1,661

 
—

 
—

 
1,661

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
423,620

 
23,129

 
—

 
446,749

 
391,342

 
22,645

 
—

 
413,987

Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments
10,301

 
—

 
—

 
10,301

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
427,349

 
14,815

 
(14,803
)
 
427,361

 
379,964

 
17,513

 
(17,189
)
 
380,288

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
14,586

 
—

 
—

 
14,586

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest income
(665
)
 
(362
)
 
—

 
(1,027
)
 
(166
)
 
(388
)
 
—

 
(554
)
Other income (expense)
(10,869
)
 
24

 
14,803

 
3,958

 
(11,771
)
 
23

 
17,189

 
5,441

Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(30,883
)
 
1,446

 
—

 
(29,437
)
 
6,076

 
1,687

 
—

 
7,763

Stock-based compensation expense
33,413

 
1,951

 
—

 
35,364

 
24,937

 
1,874

 
—

 
26,811

Adjusted EBITDA
$
1,085,183

 
$
53,566

 
$
—

 
$
1,138,749

 
$
925,444

 
$
46,170

 
$
—

 
$
971,614



19
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


13.
Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Number of Shares
 
(In thousands of shares)
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2012
3,403

Shares granted(a)
966

Shares vested(b)
(1,971
)
Shares forfeited
(51
)
Shares outstanding at September 30, 2012
2,347

__________________
(a)
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of $38.65 per share and a weighted-average requisite service period of 2.5 years. The awards with market conditions included an expected volatility of 31% in the Monte Carlo simulation used to measure grant-date fair value.
(b)
Fair value on vesting date of $101.5 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted 0.5 million shares of restricted stock awards that time vest over a three-year period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted 0.5 million shares of restricted stock awards ("2012 Performance Awards") which may vest on the third anniversary of the grant date subject to a market condition based upon the Company's common stock price.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $32.2 million and $23.6 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The unrecognized compensation expense (net of estimated forfeitures) related to restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2012 is $36.8 million.

14.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
364,507

 
$
312,992

Income taxes paid
3,092

 
4,343

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
Assets acquired through capital leases and installment sales
21,139

 
20,213

Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock (note 7)
305,180

 
—


15.
Subsequent Event
5.25% Senior Notes
In October 2012, the Company issued $1.65 billion in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2023 ("5.25% Senior Notes"). The 5.25% Senior Notes will bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, payable in cash during January and July of each year, commencing in July 2013. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes offering to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction. If for any reason the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction does not close or closes with respect to a reduced number of sites or for reduced consideration, then we expect to use any remaining net proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repurchase or repayment of other indebtedness.
The Company may redeem the 5.25% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a specified make-whole premium. Additionally, before January 2016, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 5.25% Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at redemption prices set forth in the respective indenture. The provisions of the 5.25% Senior Notes are similar to the 9% Senior Notes and the 7.125% Senior Notes.

20
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-Unaudited (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


Proposed T-Mobile Transaction
In September 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with T-Mobile pursuant to which the Company will have the exclusive rights to lease, operate or otherwise acquire up to 7,180 T-Mobile towers for approximately $2.4 billion in cash at closing, subject to certain conditions and adjustments, including adjustments based on the actual number of towers at closing. Under the definitive agreement, the Company will have the exclusive right to lease and operate the T-Mobile towers (that are otherwise not owned by the Company) for a weighted-average term of approximately 28 years. In addition, the Company will have the option to purchase such towers at the end of their respective lease terms for aggregate option payments of approximately $2.4 billion, which payments, if the options are exercised, would be primarily due between 2025 and 2048. The Proposed T-Mobile Transaction is expected to close in fourth quarter 2012. The Company expects to fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction with cash on hand, inclusive of the proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes, and borrowings from the 2012 Revolver.



21

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 2011 Form 10-K. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Item have the same meaning given to them in our 2011 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. The following discussion is exclusive of the impact of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction. However, we have included the impact of the issuance of the 5.25% Senior Notes in the following discussion, from which we expect to use the net proceeds to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction.

General Overview
Overview
We own, operate or lease shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers, (2) distributed antenna systems, a type of small cell, and (3) third party land interests, including ground lease related assets. Our core business is renting space on our towers, small cells and third party land interests via long-term contracts in various forms. Revenues generated from our core site rental business represented 87% of our third quarter 2012 consolidated net revenues, of which 94% was attributable to our CCUSA operating segment. The vast majority of our site rental revenues is of a recurring nature and has been contracted for in a prior year. See our 2011 Form 10-K for a further discussion of our business, including our long-term strategy, growth trends in the wireless communications industry and our wireless infrastructure portfolio.
The following are certain highlights of our business fundamentals as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
•
Potential growth resulting from wireless network expansion and new entrants (see also the discussion below of wireless industry reports)
◦
We expect wireless carriers will continue their focus on improving network quality and expanding capacity by adding additional antennas and 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, and (5) wireless carrier focus on improving coverage and capacity.
◦
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.
◦
We expect our site rental revenues will grow approximately 13% from full year 2011 to full year 2012. We expect our new tenant additions will contribute in excess of 12% to the year-over-year growth in site rental revenues from full year 2011 to full year 2012. We have effectively pre-sold via a firm contractual commitment a significant portion of the modification of the existing installations relating to certain 4G upgrades. We have done so by increasing the future contracted revenue above that of a typical escalation over a period of time, typically a three to four year period. As a result, for any given period, the increase in cash revenue may not translate into a corresponding increase in reported revenues from the application of straight-line revenue recognition. Our 2012 site rental revenue growth expectations assume approximately 1%, net contribution to growth from the existing base of business (which has historically contributed approximately 2% to 4% per annum to our site rental revenue growth) as the increase attributable to lease escalations and straight-line impact of renewals is expected to be offset by the timing of expected cancellation of customer contracts due to prior wireless carrier consolidation. We do not expect any of our customers' network enhancement deployments and any related non-renewal of customer contracts, including Sprint's Network Vision and corresponding iDEN leases, will have a material adverse effect on our operations and cash flows for 2012 and subsequent periods.
•
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 nine years, exclusive of renewals at the customer's option, representing approximately $19 billion of expected future cash inflows.
•
Revenues predominately from large wireless carriers

22

◦
Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile accounted for 72% of consolidated revenues.
•
Majority of land interests under our towers under long-term control
◦
Approximately 90% and 73% of our site rental gross margin is derived from towers that we own or control for greater than ten and 20 years, respectively. The aforementioned percentages include towers that reside on land interests that are owned in fee or where we have perpetual or long-term easements in the land and other property interests, which represent approximately 34% of our site rental gross margin.
•
Relatively fixed wireless infrastructure operating costs with high incremental margins and cash flows on organic revenue growth
◦
Our wireless infrastructure operating costs tend to increase at approximately the rate of inflation and are not typically influenced by new tenant additions.
◦
Our incremental margin on additional site rental revenues represents 83% of the related increase in site rental revenues.
•
Minimal sustaining capital expenditure requirements
◦
Sustaining capital expenditures were $19.0 million, which represented less than one percent of net revenues.
•
Debt portfolio with long-dated maturities extended over multiple years, with the vast 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)
◦
79% of our debt has a fixed interest rate.
◦
Our debt service coverage and leverage ratios were comfortably within their respective financial maintenance and cash trap covenants. See "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview—Proposed T-Mobile Transaction" for a further discussion of our debt covenants.
•
Significant cash flows from operations
◦
Net cash provided by operating activities was $524.5 million.
◦
We believe our site rental business can be characterized as a stable cash flow stream, which we expect to grow as a result of future demand for our wireless infrastructure.
•
Capital allocated to drive long-term shareholder value (per share) (see also "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources")
◦
Historical discretionary investments include (in no particular order): purchasing our own common stock, acquiring or constructing wireless infrastructure, acquiring land interests under our towers, improving and structurally enhancing our existing wireless infrastructure, and purchasing or redeeming our debt.
◦
Discretionary investments included: (1) the acquisitions of WCP and NextG for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.5 billion, (2) $264.4 million in capital expenditures, (3) the purchase of 0.7 million shares of common stock for $36.0 million, and (4) the purchase of $72.7 million of face value of debt using $80.4 million.
◦
In April 2012, we closed on the acquisition of NextG for approximately $1.0 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments.
◦
In January 2012, we acquired certain subsidiaries of WCP for a purchase price of $214.7 million, including $39.2 million of restricted cash and excluding the assumption of $336.3 million (after fair value adjustments) of debt. Upon closing the WCP Acquisition in January 2012, WCP held various contracts with wireless site owners, including approximately 2,300 ground lease related assets.
◦
In January 2012, we refinanced and repaid our credit facility and term loans with the proceeds of a $3.1 billion senior secured credit facility; the proceeds of such credit facility were also used to fund the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition.
◦
In October 2012, we issued $1.65 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes. We expect to use the net proceeds to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction.
The following is a discussion of certain recent events and growth trends which may impact our business and strategy or the U.S. wireless communications industry:
•
In October 2012, T-Mobile entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Metro PCS, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. For the first nine months of 2012, T-Mobile and Metro PCS accounted for 11% and 3%, respectively, of our consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2012, T-Mobile and Metro PCS are co-residents on approximately 985 of our towers. Net revenues from Metro PCS on these approximately 985 towers represent approximately 2% of our consolidated net revenues for the first nine months of 2012. The weighted-average remaining current term on all of our contractual agreements with T-Mobile and Metro PCS is approximately ten and six years, respectively. If consummated, in whole or in part, this potential acquisition could result in decreased revenues and reduced or delayed demand for our towers and network services as a result of the anticipated integration of these networks and consolidation of duplicate or overlapping parts of the networks. We expect that any termination

23

of customer contracts as a result of the potential acquisition would be spread over multiple years as existing contracts expire. See "Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2011 Form 10-K.
•
Consumers have increased their use of wireless data services according to recent U.S. wireless industry reports.
◦
U.S. mobile data traffic grew 104% from July 2011 to June 2012;(a) 
◦
The number of smartphones in the U.S. grew 39% from July 2011 to June 2012, reaching 130.8 million. The number of wireless enabled tablets, laptops and modems in the U.S. reached 21.6 million in June 2012, which is a growth of 42% from the prior year;(a) 
◦
Smartphones accounted for 24% of total mobile data traffic in the U.S. at the end of 2011 and are expected to account for 60% in 2016;(b) and
◦
While 4G connections represent only 0.2% of mobile connections, they account for 6% of mobile data traffic. In 2011, a 4G connection generated 28 times more mobile data traffic on average than a non-4G connection.(b) 
_________________
(a)
Source: CTIA
(b)
Source: Cisco
Proposed T-Mobile Transaction
In September 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement with T-Mobile to have exclusive rights to lease, operate or otherwise acquire up to approximately 7,180 T-Mobile towers for approximately $2.4 billion in cash at closing, subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments based on the actual number of towers at closing. We expect to fund this transaction with cash on hand, inclusive of the proceeds of the 5.25% Senior Notes, and borrowings under our 2012 Revolver. As a result of the issuance of the 5.25% Senior Notes, the CCIC consolidated leverage ratio increased from approximately 5.7 times to approximately 6.5 times, which is approximately the level at which we expect such leverage ratio to be at the closing of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction. This current CCIC consolidated leverage ratio is below our restrictive covenant of 7.0 times (See "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources").


24

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 2011 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 2011 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 September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Net
Revenues
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Net
Revenues
 
Percent
Change(b)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
538,761

 
87
%
 
$
468,920

 
91
%
 
15
%
Network services and other
82,576

 
13
%
 
44,963

 
9
%
 
84
%
Net revenues
621,337

 
100
%
 
513,883

 
100
%
 
21
%
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
135,314

 
25
%
 
121,759

 
26
%
 
11
%
Network services and other
50,029

 
61
%
 
25,083

 
56
%
 
99
%
Total costs of operations
185,343

 
30
%
 
146,842

 
29
%
 
26
%
General and administrative
55,862

 
9
%
 
42,922

 
8
%
 
30
%
Asset write-down charges
1,560

 
—

 
3,090

 
1
%
 
*

Acquisition and integration costs
2,937

 
—

 
617

 
—

 
*

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
154,867

 
25
%
 
138,523

 
27
%
 
12
%
Total operating expenses
400,569

 
64
%
 
331,994

 
65
%
 
21
%
Operating income (loss)
220,768

 
36
%
 
181,889

 
35
%
 
21
%
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(144,949
)
 
 
 
(127,119
)
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
—

 
 
 
—

 
 
 
 
Interest income
291

 
 
 
175

 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
(632
)
 
 
 
(737
)
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
75,478

 
 
 
54,208

 
 
 
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(32,300
)
 
 
 
(2,825
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
43,178

 
 
 
51,383

 
 
 
 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
1,133

 
 
 
105

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
42,045

 
 
 
$
51,278

 
 
 
 
________________
*
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."

25

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Net
Revenues
 
Amount
 
Percent
of Net
Revenues
 
Percent
Change(b)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
$
1,553,878

 
88
%
 
$
1,382,219

 
91
%
 
12
%
Network services and other
204,715

 
12
%
 
131,039

 
9
%
 
56
%
Net revenues
1,758,593

 
100
%
 
1,513,258

 
100
%
 
16
%
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of operations(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site rental
389,756

 
25
%
 
361,317

 
26
%
 
8
%
Network services and other
121,812

 
60
%
 
78,213

 
60
%
 
56
%
Total costs of operations
511,568

 
29
%
 
439,530

 
29
%
 
16
%
General and administrative
153,941

 
9
%
 
128,925

 
9
%
 
19
%
Asset write-down charges
8,250

 
—

 
13,696

 
1
%
 
*

Acquisition and integration costs
12,112

 
1
%
 
1,661

 
—

 
*

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
446,749

 
25
%
 
413,987

 
27
%
 
8
%
Total operating expenses
1,132,620

 
64
%
 
997,799

 
66
%
 
14
%
Operating income (loss)
625,973

 
36
%
 
515,459

 
34
%
 
21
%
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs
(427,361
)
 
 
 
(380,288
)
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
(14,586
)
 
 
 
—

 
 
 
 
Interest income
1,027

 
 
 
554

 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
(3,958
)
 
 
 
(5,441
)
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
181,095

 
 
 
130,284

 
 
 
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
29,437

 
 
 
(7,763
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
210,532

 
 
 
122,521

 
 
 
 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
2,443

 
 
 
355

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders
$
208,089

 
 
 
$
122,166

 
 
 
 
________________
*
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."

Third Quarter 2012 and 2011. Our consolidated results of operations for the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, consist predominately of our CCUSA segment, which accounted for (1) 94% and 94% of consolidated net revenues, (2) 95% and 94% of consolidated gross margins, and (3) 90% and 98% 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").
First Nine Months of 2012 and 2011. Our consolidated results of operations for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, consist predominately of our CCUSA segment, which accounted for (1) 94% and 94% of consolidated net revenues, (2) 94% and 94% of consolidated gross margins, and (3) 95% and 98% 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").
Comparison of Operating Segments
Our reportable operating segments for the third quarter of 2012 are (1) CCUSA, primarily 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 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for segment results, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA, and a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders to Adjusted EBITDA (defined below).

26

Our measurement of profit or loss currently used to evaluate our operating performance and operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in the tower sector and 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 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements). The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) is set forth in note 12 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. Adjusted EBITDA is discussed further under "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
CCUSA—Third Quarter 2012 and 2011
Net revenues for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $103.5 million, or 21%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase in net revenues primarily resulted from an increase in site rental revenues of $66.1 million, or 15%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase in site rental revenues was 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, acquisitions and cancellations of customer contracts. Tenant additions, predominately from amendments, were influenced by the previously mentioned growth in the wireless communications industry.
Site rental gross margins for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $52.9 million, or 16%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 15% increase in site rental revenues. Site rental gross margins for the third quarter of 2012 increased primarily as a result of (1) the high incremental margins associated with tenant additions given the relatively fixed costs to operate wireless infrastructure and (2) acquisitions. The $52.9 million incremental margin represents 80% of the related increase in site rental revenues.
Network services and other revenues for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $37.4 million, or 92%, and the related gross margin increased by $13.6 million, or 75%, 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 carrier network enhancements such as LTE upgrades and the general volatility in the volume and mix of network services work. Our network services business is of a variable nature as these revenues are not under long-term contracts.
General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $13.2 million, or approximately 35%, from the same period in the prior year. General and administrative expenses were 9% of net revenues for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 8% of net revenues for the third quarter of 2011. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges, which increased $4.4 million in the third quarter of 2012, primarily as a result of a one-time stock grant. The increase in general and administrative expenses was partially related to the NextG Acquisition. Typically, our general and administrative expenses do not significantly increase as a result of new tenant additions on our wireless infrastructure.
Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $65.8 million, or 21%, from the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the growth in our site rental business, including the high incremental site rental margin on the tenant additions and growth in our service business.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $16.3 million, or 12%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase predominately resulted from the fixed asset and intangible asset additions related to the NextG Acquisition.

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs increased $17.8 million, or 14%, from the third quarter of 2011 to the third quarter of 2012. This increase was predominately due to the increase in debt outstanding resulting from our first quarter 2012 refinancing. The refinancing of our credit facility effectively extended the maturity of our credit facility and provided funding for the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition. For a further discussion of our debt, see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements in the 2011 Form 10-K.

27

During the third quarter of 2012, we continued to integrate the operations and DAS assets of the NextG Acquisition into our operations, including with respect to our policies, procedures and systems. We recorded $2.2 million of integration costs related to the NextG Acquisition primarily consisting of severance and retention bonuses payable to involuntarily terminated employees of NextG.
The benefit (provision) for income taxes for the third quarter of 2012 was a provision of $31.9 million, compared to a provision of $2.3 million for the third quarter of 2011. For the third quarter of 2012, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate predominately due to state taxes. During the third quarter of 2011, our provision for federal income taxes was reduced by a partial reversal of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, as a result of utilizing net operating losses that previously had a full valuation allowance. For the third quarter of 2011, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate predominately due to our federal deferred tax valuation allowance (see note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements).
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the third quarter of 2012 decreased by $12.3 million from the third quarter of 2011. The change in net income was predominately due to (1) the increase in interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs and (2) the increase in the income tax provision.,
CCUSA—First Nine Months of 2012 and 2011
Net revenues for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $230.7 million, or 16%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase in net revenues primarily resulted from an increase in site rental revenues of $161.9 million, or 12%, for the same period. This increase in site rental revenues was impacted by the following items, inclusive of straight-line accounting, including in no particular order: new tenant additions across our entire portfolio, renewals or extensions of customer contracts, escalations, acquisitions, and cancellations of our customer contracts. Tenant additions were influenced by the previously mentioned growth in the wireless communications industry.
Site rental gross margins for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $134.2 million, or 14%, from the same period in the prior year. The increase in the site rental gross margins was related to the previously mentioned 12% increase in site rental revenues. Site rental gross margins for the first nine months of 2012 increased primarily as a result of (1) the high incremental margins associated with tenant additions given the relatively fixed costs to operate a tower and (2) acquisitions. The $134.2 million incremental margin represents 83% of the related increase in site rental revenues.
Network services and other revenues for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $68.8 million, or 58%, and the related gross margin increased by $28.8 million, or 60% from the same period in the prior year. The increase in our network services and other gross margin is a reflection of carrier network enhancements such as LTE upgrades and the general volatility in the volume and mix of network services work. Our network services business is of a variable nature as these services are not under long-term contracts. The increase in the gross margin percentage on the network services and other revenues relates to a larger percentage of higher margin site development services as a percentage of total network services and other revenues.
General and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $22.1 million, or 19%, from the same period in the prior year. General and administrative expenses were 8% of net revenues in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011. General and administrative expenses are inclusive of stock-based compensation charges, which increased $4.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 primarily related to a one-time stock grant. The increase in general and administrative expenses was partially related to the the NextG Acquisition. Typically, our general and administrative expenses do not significantly increase as a result of the co-location of additional tenants on our towers.
Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $159.7 million, or 17%, from the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the growth in our site rental business, including the high incremental site rental margin on the tenant additions and growth in our service business.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $32.3 million, or 8%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase predominately resulted from the fixed asset and intangible asset additions related to the NextG Acquisition.

28

During the first nine months of 2012, we refinanced our credit facility through (1) a $500.0 million term loan due in 2017, (2) a $1.6 billion term loan due in 2019, and (3) a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility due in 2017. The refinancing of our credit facility effectively extended the maturity of our credit facility and provided funding for the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition. This refinancing and the early retirement of certain of our debt resulted in a net loss of $14.6 million during the first nine months of 2012. The increase in interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs of $47.4 million, or 12%, from the first nine months of 2011 to the first nine months of 2012 predominately resulted from the increase in debt outstanding. For a further discussion of our debt, see note 6 to our consolidated financial statements in the 2011 Form 10-K.
During the first nine months of 2012, we initiated a plan to integrate the operations and DAS assets of the NextG Acquisition into our operations, including with respect to our policies, procedures and systems. We recorded $8.9 million of integration costs related to NextG Acquisition primarily consisting of severance and retention bonuses payable to involuntarily terminated employees of NextG and other incremental integration costs, such as temporary employees.

The benefit (provision) for income taxes for the first nine months of 2012 was a benefit of $30.9 million ($90.1 million valuation allowance reversal offset by $59.2 million of year-to-date expense), compared to a provision of $6.1 million for the first nine months of 2011. During the first nine months of 2012, we reversed $90.1 million of our U.S. federal and state valuation allowances, resulting from (1) the NextG Acquisition and (2) our determination to reverse a portion of the valuation allowance based upon our consideration of our recent historical trends and anticipated future taxable income. During the first nine months of 2011, our provision for federal income taxes was reduced by a partial reversal of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets as a result of utilizing net operating losses that previously had a full valuation. For the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate predominately due to our federal deferred tax valuation allowance and the net impact of state taxes (see note 6 in our condensed consolidated financial statements). For the remainder of 2012, we expect to record a deferred tax provision at a rate of approximately 41% along with a current tax provision of approximately 2% for a total tax rate of 43%.
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first nine months of 2012 was income of $198.3 million. Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first nine months of 2011 was income of $120.1 million. The increase of $78.3 million in net income was predominately due to (1) growth in our site rental business and service business, (2) the net impact of our acquisitions, and (3) the reversal of the U.S. federal and state deferred tax valuation allowances, and partially offset by (4) the increase in interest expense.
CCAL—Third Quarter 2012 and 2011
The increases and decreases between the third quarter of 2012 and the third quarter of 2011 were inclusive of exchange rate fluctuations. The average exchange rate of one Australian dollar expressed in U.S. dollars for the third quarter of 2012 was approximately 1.04, a decrease of 1% from approximately 1.05 for the same period in the prior year. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
Total net revenues for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $3.9 million, or 12%, from the same period in the prior year. Site rental revenues for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $3.7 million, or 13%, from the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the exchange rate negatively impacted net revenues and site rental revenues by approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and accounted for a decrease of 1% and 1%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2012 from the same period in the prior year. Site rental revenues were also impacted 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.
Site rental gross margins increased by $3.4 million, or 18%, for the third quarter of 2012, from $18.9 million, for the third quarter of 2011. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2012 increased by $2.0 million, or 13%, from the same period in the prior year. The increases in the site rental gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily due to the same factors that drove the increase in net revenues.
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the third quarter of 2012 was net income of $4.0 million, compared to net income of $1.0 million for the third quarter of 2011. The increase in net income was primarily driven by the growth in the site rental business. We are continuing to evaluate the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets at CCAL. Due to CCAL's recent history of modest taxable income (loss) ($3.6 million loss in 2010 and $9.1 million income in 2011, respectively), we may reverse a small portion of CCAL's approximately $60.0 million deferred tax valuation allowance during 2012 if CCAL continues to report income.

29

CCAL—First Nine Months of 2012 and 2011
The increases and decreases between the first nine months of 2012 and the first nine months of 2011 were inclusive of exchange rate fluctuations. The average exchange rate of one Australian dollar expressed in U.S. dollars for the first nine months of 2012 was approximately 1.04, which remained relatively consistent with the average rate of approximately 1.04 for the same period in the prior year. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
Total net revenues for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $14.7 million, or 16%, from the same period in the prior year. Site rental revenues for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $9.8 million, or 12%, from the same period in the prior year. The exchange rate had an insignificant impact on net revenues and site rental revenues for the first nine months of 2012 from the same period in the prior year. Site rental revenues were also impacted by various other factors, inclusive of straight-line accounting, including in no particular order: tenant additions on our towers, renewals of customer contracts, acquisitions, escalations, and cancellations of customer contracts. Net revenues were also impacted by a $4.9 million increase in network services and other revenues primarily driven by the acquisition of a network services company.
Site rental gross margins increased by $9.0 million, or 16%, for the first nine months of 2012, from $55.1 million for the first nine months of 2011. Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2012 increased by $7.4 million, or 16%, from the same period in the prior year. The increases in site rental gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily due to the same factors that drive the increase in net revenues.
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders for the first nine months of 2012 was net income of $9.7 million, compared to net income of $2.1 million for the first nine months of 2011. The increase in net income was primarily driven by the previously mentioned increase in the site rental business.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
General.    We believe our site rental 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 capital expenditures and will be available for discretionary investments. In addition to investing net cash provided by operating activities, in certain circumstances, we may also use debt financings and issuances of equity or equity related securities to fund discretionary investments.

We seek to allocate the net cash provided by our operating activities in a manner that will enhance per share operating results. 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 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 and coverage from these targets for periods of time.  See our discussion of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction on our leverage in "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview."
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our common stock. Currently, we endeavor to utilize our net cash provided by operating activities to engage in discretionary investments. We seek to maintain flexibility in our discretionary investments with both net cash provided by operating activities and cash available from financing capacity. Periodically, our board of directors assesses the advisability of declaring and paying cash dividends at some point in the future, based on the then-current and anticipated future conditions, including our earnings, net cash provided by operating activities, capital requirements, financial condition, our relative market capitalization, taxable income, taxpayer status, and other factors deemed relevant by the board of directors.
We pay minimal cash income taxes as a result of our net operating loss carryforwards. We have $2.5 billion of federal net operating losses to offset future taxable income. We expect to utilize its federal net operating losses between now and 2016 based on current taxable income projections. We evaluate our options with respect to appropriately managing our tax position on an on-

30

going basis. These options may include a conversion to a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), which would require the payment of dividends on our common stock. If we were to convert to a REIT, we expect that certain subsidiaries may be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries and would continue to be subject to corporate income taxes.
Liquidity Position.    The following is a summary of our capitalization and liquidity position, after giving effect to the 5.25% Senior Notes. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and notes 5 and 15 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt.
 
September 30, 2012
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Cash and cash equivalents(a) (c)
$
1,749,903

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

Debt and other long-term obligations
10,033,164

Total equity
2,942,805

________________
(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 "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financing Activities" and "Item 2. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Covenants."
(c)
See our discussion of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction in the "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview."
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 $88.1 million (principal payments), (2) capital expenditures in excess of $350 million (sustaining and discretionary), and (3) the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction. 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 the need 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 September 30, 2012.
Recent Events. During January 2012, we refinanced and repaid our credit facility and term loans through (1) a $500.0 million term loan due in 2017, (2) a $1.6 billion term loan due in 2019, and (3) a $1.0 billion undrawn revolving credit facility due in 2017.  This refinancing effectively extended the maturity of our credit facility, and the term loans provided funding for the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition.
During October 2012, we issued $1.65 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes. We expect to use the net proceeds of this offering to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction. The 5.25% Senior Notes will bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, payable in cash during January and July of each year, commencing in July 2013. If for any reason the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction does not close or closes with respect to a reduced number of sites or for reduced consideration, then we expect to use any remaining net proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes for general corporate purposes, which may include the repurchase or repayment of other indebtedness.
For a further discussion of these offerings and the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction, see notes 3 and 15 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview."
Summary Cash Flow Information
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Net cash provided by (used for):
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
524,458

 
$
455,274

 
$
69,184

Investing activities
(1,518,380
)
 
(297,487
)
 
(1,220,893
)
Financing activities
1,030,987

 
(195,516
)
 
1,226,503

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
1,718

 
722

 
996

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
38,783

 
$
(37,007
)
 
$
75,790


31

Operating Activities
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2012 of $69.2 million, or 15%, from first nine months of 2011, was primarily due to growth in our site rental business, as well as the WCP Acquisition. Changes in working capital, particularly changes in deferred site rental receivables, deferred rental revenues, prepaid ground leases, restricted cash and accrued interest, can have a significant impact on our net cash from operating activities, largely due to the timing of payments and receipts. We expect to grow our cash flow provided by operating activities in the future (exclusive of movements in working capital) if we realize expected growth in our site rental business.
Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Discretionary:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of land interests
$
86,907

 
$
163,837

 
$
(76,930
)
Wireless infrastructure improvements and other
93,531

 
55,105

 
38,426

Construction of wireless infrastructure
83,945

 
32,061

 
51,884

Sustaining
19,003

 
14,112

 
4,891

Total
$
283,386

 
$
265,115

 
$
18,271

Other than sustaining capital expenditures, which we expect to be approximately $33 million to $35 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, our capital expenditures are discretionary and are made with respect to activities which we believe exhibit sufficient potential to improve our long-term results of operations on a per share basis. We expect to use in excess of $350 million of our cash flow on capital expenditures (sustaining and discretionary) for full year 2012, with less than one-third of our total capital expenditures targeted for our existing wireless infrastructure related to customer installations and related capacity improvement for the full year 2012. Our decisions regarding capital expenditures are influenced by the availability and cost of capital and expected returns on alternative investments.
The decrease in the purchases of land interests from the first nine months of 2011 to the first nine months of 2012 was driven by a single transaction in the third quarter of 2011 for $87.7 million for perpetual easements and other interests. Wireless infrastructure improvement capital expenditures typically vary based on (1) the type of work performed on the wireless infrastructure, with initial installations typically requiring greater capital expenditures than a modification to an existing installation, (2) the existing capacity of the wireless infrastructure prior to installation, and (3) changes in structural engineering standards. Wireless infrastructure construction capital expenditures increased from the first nine months of 2011 to the same period in 2012 as a result of additional DAS network builds.
Acquisitions.  See notes 3, 4 and 15 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our acquisitions of WCP and NextG and the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction.
Financing Activities
We seek to allocate cash generated by our operations in a manner that will enhance per share operating results, which may include various financing activities such as (in no particular order) purchasing our common stock and purchasing or redeeming our debt. During the first nine months of 2012, our financing activities predominately related to (1) refinancing our credit facility, which effectively extended the maturity of our credit facility as well as provided funding for the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition and (2) the issuance of notes to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction.
Credit Facility. The proceeds of our revolving credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of our common stock. Typically, we have used our revolving credit facility 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 October 29, 2012, there were no amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We anticipate to draw down on our revolving credit facility to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction, which we expect to close in the fourth quarter of 2012. During the first quarter of 2012, we borrowed $2.1 billion under our term loans. The proceeds of our term loans were used to fund the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition. See notes 3 and 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of our acquisitions and credit facility.

32

Assumption of Debt. We assumed $320.1 million face value of secured debt in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the WCP Securitized Notes. Nearly all of the third party land interests acquired and the cash flows derived therefrom are effectively pledged as security on the outstanding debt. See note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on the WCP Securitized Notes.
Issuances of Debt. In October 2012, we issued $1.65 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes. We expect to use the net proceeds of this offering to partially fund the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction. The 5.25% Senior Notes will bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, payable in cash during January and July of each year, commencing in July 2013. See note 15 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the 5.25% Senior Notes and the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction.
Debt Purchases and Repayments. See note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of our debt purchases and repayments during the first quarter of 2012, including the gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock Activity.    As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had 293.2 million and 284.4 million common shares outstanding, respectively. During the first nine months of 2012, we purchased 0.7 million shares of common stock at an average price of $51.47 per share utilizing $36.0 million in cash. During the first nine months of 2012, our previously outstanding 6.25% convertible preferred stock was converted into 8.3 million shares of common stock.
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 debt covenants. The following are the ratios applicable to the financial maintenance, restrictive and cash trap reserve covenants under our debt agreements. See our 2011 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.
Covenant Description
 
Type
 
Debt
 
Current
Covenant
Requirement
 
As of
September 30,
2012
 
Latest Issuance Date
CCIC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leverage ratio(a)
 
Restrictive
(g)
9% Senior Notes
 
≤7.00
 
6.5
 
6.7
Leverage ratio(a)
 
Restrictive
(g)
7.125% Senior Notes
 
≤7.00
 
6.5
 
6.3
Leverage ratio(a)
 
Restrictive
(g)
5.25% Senior Notes
 
≤7.00
 
6.5
 
6.5
CCOC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net leverage ratio(b)
 
Maintenance
(h)
Credit Agreement
 
≤6.0
 
4.4
 
4.8
Interest coverage ratio(c)
 
Maintenance
(h)
Credit Agreement
 
≥2.5
 
4.3
 
3.9
Tower and third party land interest companies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt service coverage ratio(d)(e)
 
Cash Trap
(i)
2010 Tower Revenue Notes
 
>1.75
 
3.6
 
3.1
Debt service coverage ratio(d)(e)
 
Cash Trap
(i)
2009 Securitized Notes
 
>1.30
 
3.3
 
2.4
Fixed charge coverage ratio(d)(e)
 
Cash Trap
(i)
7.75% Secured Notes
 
>1.35
 
3.2
 
2.5
Debt service coverage ratio(f)
 
Cash Trap
(i)
WCP Securitized Notes
 
≥1.30
 
1.5
 
N/A
________________
(a)
After giving effect to the issuance of the 5.25% Senior Notes. See "Item 2. MD&A—General Overview" for a discussion of the impact of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction on our CCIC leverage ratio.
(b)
The Total Net Leverage Ratio for CCOC is calculated as the ratio of Total Indebtedness (excluding debt held by CCIC) less Unrestricted Cash (as defined in the credit agreement and calculated in accordance with GAAP) to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) for the most recently completed quarter multiplied by four. In March 2014, the covenant requirement decreases to a maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio of 5.5 to 1.0. Consolidated EBITDA is calculated in substantially the same manner as Adjusted EBITDA used in our segment reporting, which is discussed further in "Item 2. MD&A—Accounting and Reporting Matters—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and note 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(c)
The Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for CCOC is calculated as the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently completed quarter multiplied by four to Consolidated Pro forma Debt Service (as defined in the credit agreement). Consolidated Pro forma Debt Service is calculated as interest to be paid over the succeeding 12 months on the principal balance of debt (excluding debt held by CCIC, CCOC or any restricted subsidiary) then outstanding based on the then current interest rate for such debt.
(d)
The 2009 securitized notes and 2010 tower revenue notes also have amortization coverage thresholds of 1.15 and 1.45, respectively, which could result in applying current and future cash in the reserve account to prepay the debt with applicable prepayment consideration. For the 7.75% secured notes, if the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is equal to or less than 1.20 and the aggregate amount of cash deposited in the Cash Trap Reserve Sub-account (as defined in the indenture) exceeds $100.0 million, the issuing subsidiaries will be required to commence an offer to purchase the 7.75% secured notes using the cash in such account. See note (e) below for a discussion of the calculation of the Debt Service Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Fixed Charge

33

Coverage Ratio.
(e)
The Debt Service Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio are both calculated as site rental revenue (in accordance with GAAP), less: (1) cost of operations (in accordance with GAAP), (2) straight-line rental revenues, (3) straight-line ground lease expenses, (4) management fees, and (5) sustaining capital expenditures, using the results for the previous 12 months then ended to the amount of interest to be paid over the succeeding 12 months per the terms of the respective agreement.
(f)
We assumed $320.1 million face value of debt in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio on the WCP securitized debt is calculated as Net Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) less: (1) the Series 2010-1 Class A Targeted Amortization Amounts (as defined in the indenture) for the immediately succeeding 12 payment dates and (2) the Unpaid Series 2010-1 Class A Monthly Amortization Amount (as defined in the indenture) to the payments of interest that the issuers of such debt will be required to pay on the succeeding 12 payment dates on the principal balance of the WCP Securitized Notes plus the Indenture Trustee Fee and Servicing Fee (as defined in the indenture) payable during such 12 month period. The WCP securitized debt also has an amortization threshold of 1.15, which could result in applying all Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) to prepay principal amounts with applicable prepayment consideration. In addition, if the Non-Performing Wireless Site Contract Ratio (as defined in the indenture) on the WCP Securitized Notes is greater than 10%, it could result in applying all Excess Cash Flow to prepay principal amounts with applicable prepayment consideration.
(g)
The 9% senior notes, 7.125% senior notes and 5.25% senior notes contain restrictive covenants with which CCIC and our restricted subsidiaries must comply, subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, including restrictions on our ability to incur incremental debt, issue preferred stock, guarantee debt, pay dividends, repurchase our capital stock, use assets as security in other transactions, sell assets or merge with or into other companies, and make certain investments. Certain of these covenants are not applicable if there is no event of default and if the ratio of our Consolidated Debt (as defined in the senior notes indenture) to our Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flows (as defined in the senior notes indenture) is less than 7.0 to 1.0.
(h)
Failure to comply with the ratios applicable to the financial maintenance could result in default under our credit agreement.
(i)
Failure to comply with the cash trap reserve covenants would require the cash flows generated by the issuers and their subsidiaries to be deposited in a reserve account and not released to us.
Contractual Cash Obligations
The following table presents updated information from our 2011 Form 10-K for certain line items of contractual cash obligations, after giving effect to the issuance of the 5.25% Senior Notes. The debt maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the impact of the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the tower revenue notes (see footnote (a)). 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
Years Ending December 31,
Contractual Obligations
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
Thereafter
 
Totals
 
(In thousands of dollars)
Debt and other long-term obligations(a)(b)
$
19,839

 
$
89,795

 
$
99,336

 
$
941,179

 
$
113,198

 
$
8,813,572

 
$
10,076,919

Interest payments on debt and other long-term obligations(a)(b)(c)
137,354

 
561,047

 
557,342

 
540,312

 
510,083

 
9,061,992

 
11,368,130

Definitive acquisition agreements(d)
2,422,079

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,422,079

Total contractual obligations
$
2,579,272

 
$
650,842

 
$
656,678

 
$
1,481,491

 
$
623,281

 
$
17,875,564

 
$
23,867,128

____________________
(a)
The impact of principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates of our tower revenue notes are not considered. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $300.0 million, $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayments dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively. If the tower revenue notes are not repaid in full by the applicable anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by approximately 5% per annum and monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the tower revenue notes. The tower revenue notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates ranging from 2035 to 2040 and include the impact of an assumed 5% increase in interest rate that would occur following the anticipated repayment dates but exclude the impact of monthly principal payments that would commence using Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the tower revenue notes. The full year 2011 Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the tower revenue notes was approximately $456 million. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the WCP Securitized Notes. We currently expect to refinance these notes on or prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates.
(b)
If the WCP Securitized Notes with a current face value of $315.4 million are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates in 2015, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes. The WCP Securitized Notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates in 2040. The full year 2011 Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes was approximately $17 million. In connection with the WCP acquisition, we acquired restricted cash of $29.5 million that if not spent on towers or third party land interests by November 2012 will be required to be used to repay principal amounts outstanding on the WCP Securitized Notes. We currently expect to refinance these notes on or prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates.
(c)
Interest payments on the floating rate debt are based on estimated rates currently in effect.
(d)
In September 2012, we entered into the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction to have the exclusive rights to lease, operate or otherwise acquire up to 7,180 towers for approximately $2.4 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments based on the actual number of towers at closing. See also note 15 of our condensed consolidated financial statements.


34

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 and (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 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, 2011 are described in "Item 7. MD&A" and in note 2 of our consolidated financial statements in our 2011 Form 10-K. The critical accounting policies and estimates for the first nine months of 2012 have not changed from the critical accounting policies for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Impact of Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted and Those Adopted in 2012
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 had a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. No new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 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 site rental business effectively;
•
it is the primary measure of profit and loss used by our management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operating segments;
•
it is similar to the measure of current financial performance generally used in our debt covenant calculations;
•
although specific definitions may vary, it is widely used in the 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;

35

•
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).

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following section updates "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2011 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 issuance of the 5.25% Senior Notes:
•
the potential refinancing of our existing debt (face values of $10.0 billion and $7.0 billion outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively);
•
our $2.1 billion of floating rate debt representing approximately 21% of our total debt, compared to 13% of our total debt as of December 31, 2011; 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.
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 September 30, 2012, after giving effect to the issuance of the 5.25% Senior Notes. 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)). See note 5 and 15 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt.
 
Future Principal Payments and Interest Rates by the Debt Instruments' Contractual Year of Maturity
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value(a)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate(c)
$
9,589

 
$
48,795

 
$
48,961

 
$
878,304

 
$
47,198

 
$
6,968,572

(c)
$
8,001,419

(c)
$
8,746,302

Average interest rate(b)(c)
4.9
%
 
4.7
%
 
4.8
%
 
8.8
%
 
7.1
%
 
8.4
%
(c)
8.4
%
(c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate
$
10,250

 
$
41,000

 
$
50,375

 
$
62,875

 
$
66,000

 
$
1,845,000

 
$
2,075,500

 
$
2,075,754

Average interest rate
3.2
%
 
3.2
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.8
%
 
3.7
%
 
 
________________
(a)
The fair value of our debt is based on indicative, non-binding quotes from brokers. Quotes from the 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 offers. These fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amount which could be realized in a current market exchange.
(b)
The average interest rate represents the weighted-average stated coupon rate (see footnote (c)).
(c)
The impact of principal payments that commence if the applicable debt is not repaid or refinanced on or prior to the anticipated repayment dates are not considered. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $300.0 million, $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayments dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively. If the tower revenue notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum and monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the tower revenue notes. The tower revenue notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates between 2035 and 2040 and include the impact of an assumed 5% increase in interest rate that would occur following the anticipated repayment dates but exclude the impact of monthly principal payments that would commence using Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the tower revenue notes. The full year 2011 Excess Cash Flow of the issuers was approximately $456 million. If the WCP Securitized Notes with a current face value of $315.4 million are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates in 2015, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using

36

the Excess Cash Flow of the Issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes. The WCP Securitized Notes are presented based on their contractual maturity dates in 2040. The full year 2011 Excess Cash Flow of Issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes was approximately $17 million. We acquired restricted cash of $29.5 million that if not spent on third party land interests by November 2012 will be required to be used to repay principal amounts outstanding on the WCP debt. We currently expect to refinance these notes on or prior to the respective anticipated repayment dates.
Foreign Currency Risk
The vast majority of our foreign currency risk is related to the Australian dollar which is the functional currency of CCAL. CCAL represented 6% of our consolidated net revenues and 5% of our operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Over the past year, the Australian dollar has strengthened by 6% against the U.S. dollar. Over the past five years, the Australian dollar has strengthened by 17% against the U.S. dollar. We believe the risk related to our financial instruments (exclusive of inter-company financing deemed a long-term investment) denominated in Australian dollars should not be material to our financial condition.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them in a timely manner to material information relating to the Company required to be included in the Company's periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risk factors below, as well as the other information contained in this document and our 2011 Form 10-K, including additional risk factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2011 Form 10-K. Based on recent activities, including the WCP Acquisition, NextG Acquisition and Proposed T-Mobile Transaction, we have added the following risk factors.
The business model for our small cell operations contains differences from our traditional site rental business, resulting in different operational risks. If we do not successfully operate that business model or identify and manage those operational risks, such operations may produce results that are less than anticipated.
The business model for our small cell operations contains differences from our traditional site rental business, including differences relating to customer contract terms, landlord demographics, ownership of certain network assets, operational oversight requirements (including requirements for service level agreements regarding network performance and maintenance), applicable laws and initial gross margins (although long-term gross margins are expected to be similar).
In addition, our small cell operations have operational risks that are different from our traditional site rental business. For example, there can be no assurances that new customers will co-locate on our small cells or that either our existing small cell customers or our small cell landlords will renew their contracts at the same rate as our traditional site rental business. In addition, the rate at which wireless carriers adopt small cells may be lower or slower than we anticipate. Our small cell operations will also expose us to different safety or liability risks and hazards than our traditional site rental business as a result of numerous factors, including the location and nature of the assets involved. Because small cells are comparatively new technologies and are continuing to evolve, there may be other risks related to small cells of which we are not yet aware.
As a result of the NextG Acquisition in April 2012, we have significantly increased the size and scope of our small cell operations, which may exacerbate the impact of the risks described above. In addition, there can be no assurances that assets acquired in the NextG Acquisition will perform as expected by us and provide us with the benefits anticipated. Further, we may face significant challenges in combining NextG's operations in a timely and efficient manner and retaining key NextG personnel. If the NextG assets fail to perform as expected, if we are unable to successfully integrate NextG's business or if we fail to otherwise realize the anticipated benefits of the NextG Acquisition, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.
The expansion and development of our business, including through acquisitions, increased product offerings, and other strategic growth opportunities, may cause disruptions in our business, which may have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial results.
We seek to expand and develop our business, including through acquisitions, increased product offerings and other strategic growth opportunities. In the ordinary course of our business, we review, analyze and evaluate various potential transactions and other activities in which we may engage. Such transactions and activities could cause disruptions in, increase risk or otherwise negatively impact our business. Among other things, such transaction and activities may:
•
disrupt our business relationships with our customers, depending on the nature of or counterparty to such transactions and activities;
•
direct the time and attention of management away from other business operations toward such transactions and activities, including integrations;
•
fail to achieve revenue or margin targets, operational synergies or other benefits contemplated;
•
increase operational risk or volatility in our business; or
•
result in current and prospective employees experiencing uncertainty about their future roles with us, which might adversely affect our ability to retain or attract key managers and other employees.
If consummated, the integration of the towers from the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction will be a significant undertaking and will require significant resources, as well as attention from our management team. In addition, the integration of these towers into our operations would require certain one-time costs for tasks such as tower visits and audits and ground and tenant lease verification. If we fail to successfully and efficiently integrate the towers from the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction, we may not realize the benefits we expect from the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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The Proposed T-Mobile Transaction may not be completed within the expected timeframe, or at all, which could adversely affect our business and operations.
Completion of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of a number of conditions, many of which are beyond our control and may prevent, delay or otherwise negatively affect its completion. We cannot predict when these conditions will be satisfied, if at all. Failure to complete the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction would, and any delay in completing the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction could, prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits from the T-Mobile Transaction. Additionally, T-Mobile will have the right to terminate the Master Agreement and receive a termination fee under certain limited circumstances. The Proposed T-Mobile Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreements governing the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction, fewer than the 7,180 towers currently anticipated to be included in the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction may be included as part of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction at closing. In addition, up to 474 of the towers may, subject to certain conditions, be purchased by us at some point after the initial closing of the Proposed T-Mobile Transaction.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
(a) 3.1
 
Composite Certificate of Incorporation of Crown Castle International Corp.

 
 
 
(a) 3.2
 
Composite By-laws of Crown Castle International Corp.

 
 
 
(c) 4.1
 
Indenture dated October 15, 2012, between Crown Castle International Corp. and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee.
 
 
 
(b) 10.1
 
Master Agreement dated as of September 28, 2012, among T-Mobile USA, Inc., SunCom Wireless Operating Company, L.L.C., Cook Inlet/VS GSM IV PCS Holdings, LLC, T-Mobile Central LLC, T-Mobile South LLC, Powertel/Memphis, Inc., VoiceStream Pittsburgh, L.P., T-Mobile West LLC, T-Mobile Northeast LLC, Wireless Alliance, LLC, SunCom Wireless Property Company, L.L.C. and Crown Castle International Corp.

 
 
 
(b) 10.2
 
Form of Master Prepaid Lease

 
 
 
(b) 10.3
 
Form of Management Agreement

 
 
 
(b) 10.4
 
Form of MPL Site Master Lease Agreement
 
 
 
(b) 10.5
 
Form of Sale Site Master Lease Agreement
 
 
 
(c) 10.6
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated October 15, 2012, by and among Crown Castle International Corp., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
________________
(a)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-180526) on April 3, 2012.
(b)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on October 2, 2012.
(c)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit previously filed by the Registrant on Form 8-K (Registration No. 001-16441) on October 16, 2012.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 2, 2012
 
By:
/s/ Jay A. Brown
 
 
 
 
Jay A. Brown
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President,
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 2, 2012
 
By:
/s/ Rob A. Fisher
 
 
 
 
Rob A. Fisher
 
 
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 

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