Crown Castle Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 1/6
Crown Castle's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -27.9%, while the Specialized REITs industry saw earnings growing at 8.3% annually. Revenues have been declining at an average rate of 6.1% per year.
Key information
-27.92%
Earnings growth rate
-28.01%
EPS growth rate
| Specialized REITs Industry Growth | 18.00% |
| Revenue growth rate | -6.14% |
| Return on equity | n/a |
| Net Margin | 24.66% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Apr 26
Crown Castle: The 2026 Reset Paves The Way For A Re-Rating
Summary Crown Castle is reaffirmed as a Buy, with risks looking priced in and a strong, improving business returning to its core US cell tower operations. Q1 2026 saw solid AFFO and revenue beats, with a $1 billion buyback program and $7 billion in debt repayments expected from the fiber sale and a ~4.86% dividend yield. Guidance anticipates a 5% decline in site rental revenue but 1% AFFO growth (+2% per share), with cost reductions and litigation recovery potential supporting long-term value, alongside the industry’s investments. Macro risks, such as higher-for-longer rates, client debt, and Middle East conflict, persist, but CCI’s defensive positioning and industry investment cycle offer upside as churn normalizes. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 24
CCI: Post 2026 Tower Refocus Will Eventually Reframe Execution Concerns
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Crown Castle up by about $1.50 to $98.72, reflecting updated views on revenue prospects, profit margin potential, and a slightly lower future P/E multiple following recent price target adjustments from firms covering the stock. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Crown Castle points to a mixed but constructive backdrop, with some firms lifting price targets while others have trimmed expectations or ratings.Narrative Update • Apr 10
CCI: Post 2026 Portfolio Shift Will Ultimately Outweigh EchoStar Dish Overhang
The analyst price target for Crown Castle has been revised slightly lower to $97.22 from about $98.81, reflecting updated views on discount rates, modestly softer growth expectations, and a slightly reduced future P/E multiple across recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Crown Castle shows a mix of optimism around the company’s refocused tower business and caution around organic growth trends and leasing assumptions.Narrative Update • Mar 26
CCI: Post 2026 Divestiture And Refocused Towers Will Ultimately Outweigh EchoStar Overhang
Analysts have trimmed their average price target for Crown Castle by a small amount to reflect slightly weaker organic growth expectations and modestly lower margin and revenue assumptions, even as some still highlight potential benefits from the planned small cell and fiber divestiture and a possible move toward low single digit revenue growth. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Crown Castle reflects a split view, with some focusing on the potential for a cleaner, tower-focused business after the planned small cell and fiber divestiture, and others concentrating on slower organic growth and trimmed leasing expectations.Narrative Update • Mar 12
CCI: Refocused Towers And Post 2026 Divestiture Path Will Ultimately Outweigh EchoStar Overhang
The analyst price target for Crown Castle has moved slightly higher to approximately $99 per share, as analysts factor in modestly better margin and revenue assumptions, along with recent initiation and target updates that reflect differing views on the company’s post divestiture trajectory. Analyst Commentary Recent research reflects a mix of optimism and caution around Crown Castle, with views shaped by the planned divestiture of the small cell and fiber businesses and updated tower leasing assumptions.Narrative Update • Feb 26
CCI: Tower Assets Will Ultimately Outweigh EchoStar Dish Overhang Concerns
Analysts have trimmed their average price target on Crown Castle by about $0.56 to roughly $98.91. This reflects a series of revised models after recent earnings updates and more cautious assumptions on future leasing activity.Narrative Update • Feb 11
CCI: Tower Asset Strength Will Outweigh EchoStar Dish And Legal Overhang
The analyst price target for Crown Castle has been reduced by about $8 to $99. Analysts cite more conservative assumptions regarding revenue trends, profit margins, and future P/E multiples following a series of recent target cuts across the Street.Narrative Update • Jan 27
CCI: Tower Leasing Execution Will Offset EchoStar Dish And Legal Uncertainties
Narrative Update Analysts have trimmed their price targets on Crown Castle by up to about $18, citing more conservative new leasing assumptions, EchoStar and Dish related uncertainty, and legal overhangs in the towers group. This aligns with a slightly lower fair value estimate of about $108 from about $112 in our model.Narrative Update • Jan 10
CCI: Tower Focus And Cost Cuts Will Offset Legal And Fiber Uncertainties
Narrative Update Our analyst price target for Crown Castle has been reduced by about $1.70 to $111.50. This change reflects analysts' lower Street targets tied to legal and industry readthroughs in the towers group, as well as ongoing cost and portfolio actions at the company.Narrative Update • Dec 26
CCI: Tower-Only Pivot And Cost Cuts Will Drive Future Cash Flow
Analysts have modestly reduced their price target on Crown Castle by about $1 to roughly $113 per share, reflecting slightly lower fair value estimates along with expectations for higher discount rates, weaker revenue growth, and softer profit margins, even as they highlight operational improvements and the strategic benefits of a tower only focus. Analyst Commentary Street research points to a more balanced view on Crown Castle, with recent target cuts reflecting legal and macro risks while operational progress and the tower only pivot underpin a more constructive stance on the shares.Narrative Update • Dec 12
CCI: Tower-Only Focus And Cost Discipline Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts have nudged our Crown Castle fair value estimate slightly lower to approximately $114.47 from about $115.06, reflecting a cluster of reduced but still constructive Street price targets that emphasize tower focused execution, operational improvements, and manageable legal and EchoStar related risks. Analyst Commentary Street research around Crown Castle has become more nuanced, with modest price target trims offset by a cluster of rating upgrades that favor the companys shift toward a tower centric model and cost discipline.Narrative Update • Nov 28
CCI: Tower-Only Focus And Cost Reductions Will Drive Long-Term Upside
Crown Castle's analyst price target has been lowered modestly, with updated targets ranging from $104 to $115. Analysts cite ongoing operational improvements and evolving legal risks in the towers sector as primary influences on their outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 14
CCI: Operational Improvements And Tower-Only Focus Will Drive Future Upside
The consensus analyst price target for Crown Castle has decreased modestly by $1.00 to $115.00. Analysts point to operational improvements, cost reductions, and sector headwinds as key drivers of their revised outlook.Narrative Update • Oct 31
CCI: Tower-Focused Strategy Will Drive Earnings Gains Amid Sector Headwinds
The average analyst price target for Crown Castle has been modestly reduced by $1.21 as analysts weigh ongoing operational improvements and cost-reduction efforts against headwinds from sector-wide concerns and the planned divestiture of the company's fiber business. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst notes reflect a range of views on Crown Castle's current positioning and outlook, with particular focus on operational improvements, the evolving sector landscape, and the impact of the company’s strategic decisions.Narrative Update • Oct 16
Focusing On US Towers Will Unlock Operational Potential
Crown Castle's fair value estimate has been modestly reduced from $118.12 to $117.27. Analysts cite the impact of tower industry churn concerns and slightly slower projected revenue growth, partially offset by improving profit margin expectations and optimism about the company's tower-only strategy.Seeking Alpha • Apr 28
Crown Castle Vs. American Tower: A Battle Of The Tower REITs
Summary American Tower is favored over Crown Castle due to a better balance sheet, and stronger FFO growth relative to price growth. CCI's higher dividend yield is unsustainable, with a significant cut expected, reducing its attractiveness compared to AMT's stable dividend. AMT's growth is funded by debt, avoiding the dilution issues plaguing CCI, which faces operational challenges and divestitures. Despite CCI's US-centric model and higher forward dividend yield, AMT offers more safety and stability, making it the clear investment choice. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Apr 20
Crown Castle: Back To The Mast
Summary Crown Castle is selling its fiber division for $8.5 billion to refocus on its 40,000 cell towers, boosting investor confidence and stock price. The sale will make CCI the only pure-play tower company in the US, offering higher returns and more predictable revenue compared to fiber. Despite a high debt load, CCI plans to use sale proceeds for debt repayment and share buybacks, improving financial stability and reducing interest expenses. With a healthier balance sheet and strong tower rental growth, CCI offers stable income, a growing dividend, and a promising outlook, earning a buy recommendation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 14
Crown Castle's $8.5 Billion Sale May Be A Mistake
Summary Crown Castle delayed its earnings release to announce an $8.5 billion asset sale, aimed at debt reduction and stock buybacks, but this makes the company less attractive. Despite a slight revenue beat, Crown Castle's Q4 2024 results showed declines in key segments and a significant goodwill impairment charge, leading to a downgrade from 'strong buy' to 'buy'. The asset sale will reduce debt and fund a share buyback, but the proceeds are disappointing, and the stock will appear more expensive post-transaction. Management's focus on core strengths and debt reduction is logical, but the overall leverage improvement is insufficient to justify maintaining a 'strong buy' rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 04
Crown Castle: Dividend Cut Lining Up, Stock Still Modestly Attractive
Summary We had previously identified a sub $100 price as potentially attractive for Crown Castle Inc. stock. The company is negotiating the sale of its fiber business, with offers around $8 billion, far less than the $20 billion invested. Despite the potential for a large dividend cut, we believe CCI's underlying business is undervalued at current prices. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 17
Crown Castle: Towers Of Disappointment For Investors
Summary Crown Castle is considering selling its fiber business to TPG for $8B, potentially unlocking value by focusing on its core tower segment. The company's dividend yield is high but likely unsustainable, with a potential cut if the fiber segment sale proceeds, impacting future payouts. Crown Castle's balance sheet is strained, with high leverage and rising interest payments, making debt reduction crucial if the fiber sale happens. Given the risks of a dividend cut, potential downgrade, and management's track record, I recommend a "hold" rating despite long-term growth prospects. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 03
Crown Castle: Attractive Upside Potential, Nearly 7% Dividend Yield
Summary Crown Castle, a leading communications infrastructure REIT, has lagged behind the sector and broader markets over the past year. This underperformance has persisted despite strong fundamentals, including rising data usage and increasing demand for network infrastructure. The stock is trading near its lows, offering an attractive dividend yield of almost 7%. For value-focused investors seeking reliable income, CCI appears well-positioned with steady dividend potential. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 01
Crown Castle: Analyzing Historical And Future Fair Value
Summary Crown Castle Inc (CCI) is trading at 15% above its 52-week low, offering a 39% upside based on historical fair value metrics. Using a dividend discount model, CCI's fair value is estimated at $146, implying a 37% upside potential. Despite concerns about the Fiber segment, Q3 results show revenue growth and a commitment to improve profitability. Mixed ratings from analysts, but with a strong ROE and potential AI and 5G benefits, CCI remains an attractive investment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 14
Crown Castle: Buy The Dip Hand Over Fist
Summary Crown Castle Inc. presents a compelling buy-the-dip opportunity with a high dividend yield of 6.1% and a historically low valuation. CCI's strong Q3 performance, driven by robust growth in small cells and fiber solutions, underscores its resilience amidst economic uncertainties. The company's strategic focus on co-location over new builds is expected to enhance capital efficiency and support long-term growth. CCI is well-positioned for potential market-beating total returns, benefiting from increasing data usage and a solid asset base. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 17
Crown Castle: Between Significant Undervaluation And Dividend Cut Risks
Summary Crown Castle is poised for double-digit growth with a 40,000 small cell node backlog, benefiting from rising mobile data demand. Despite recent underperformance, CCI's strong balance sheet and cost-saving measures position it well for future growth and operational efficiency. The 5.4% dividend yield offers income, but potential fiber business sales could risk a dividend cut. Patience is required as operational adjustments take time, but CCI remains a compelling investment in the "mission-critical" communications sector. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Sep 08
Crown Castle: Lower Rates Offer Tailwind, But Competitive And Refinancing Risks Mount (Rating Upgrade)
Summary Crown Castle's valuation has declined due to rising interest rates, impacting its leverage and dividend fair value. The telecom REIT faces significant long-term risks from high debt, competitive pressures, and potential refinancing challenges, especially if interest rates don't decline substantially. Despite short-term tailwinds from potential rate cuts, Crown Castle's growth prospects are limited, with fiber investments facing competition and tower demand stagnating. I remain neutral on CCI due to its reasonable valuation and dividend yield, but future credit downgrades could increase refinancing costs and pressure profits. In the long run, LEO satellites and Elon Musk's Starlink may significantly disrupt both its fiber and tower segments. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Crown Castle makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 4,213 | 1,039 | 380 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 4,264 | 1,103 | 383 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 6,420 | -3,930 | 652 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 6,468 | -3,913 | 648 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 4,407 | 1,152 | 414 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 4,460 | 1,162 | 435 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 5,015 | 1,216 | 521 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 5,562 | 1,187 | 604 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 6,322 | 1,378 | 678 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 4,734 | 1,237 | 502 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 7,071 | 1,553 | 773 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 7,150 | 1,707 | 784 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 7,017 | 1,672 | 764 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 6,986 | 1,675 | 750 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 6,876 | 1,614 | 738 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 6,748 | 1,545 | 718 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 6,597 | 1,458 | 697 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 6,340 | 1,158 | 680 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 6,179 | 1,313 | 685 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 6,047 | 1,125 | 672 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 5,904 | 963 | 667 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 5,840 | 999 | 678 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 5,773 | 671 | 650 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 5,769 | 724 | 646 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 5,776 | 739 | 637 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 5,763 | 747 | 614 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 5,703 | 703 | 602 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 5,595 | 624 | 597 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 5,479 | 588 | 581 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 5,370 | 509 | 563 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 5,242 | 444 | 544 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 4,932 | 393 | 500 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 4,639 | 354 | 459 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 4,255 | 308 | 426 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 4,150 | 441 | 392 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 4,078 | 443 | 381 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 4,003 | 406 | 374 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 3,921 | 324 | 371 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 3,835 | 331 | 366 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 3,761 | 337 | 353 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 3,698 | 416 | 334 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 3,664 | 478 | 311 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 3,644 | 459 | 294 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 3,619 | 453 | 283 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: CCI has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: CCI's current net profit margins (24.7%) are lower than last year (26.1%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: CCI's earnings have declined by 27.9% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: CCI's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: CCI had negative earnings growth (-9.8%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Specialized REITs industry average (9%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: CCI's liabilities exceed its assets, so it is difficult to calculate its Return on Equity.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/24 14:43 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/22 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Crown Castle Inc. is covered by 45 analysts. 17 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| James Ratcliffe | Barclays |
| Brendan Lynch | Barclays |
| Amir Rozwadowski | Barclays |