Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported solid operating and financial performance for Q4 and full-year 2024, achieving 4.5% consolidated organic growth driven by demand across towers, small cells, and fiber solutions [39][47] - Structural reductions in operating costs of $100 million on an annualized basis and a reduction in net CapEx by almost $200 million compared to the revised 2024 full-year forecast were achieved [16][39] - A goodwill impairment charge of approximately $5 billion was recorded for the full-year 2024 due to the carrying amount of the Fiber Reporting unit exceeding its estimated fair value [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic growth in towers was 4.5%, small cells 12%, and fiber solutions 2%, with small cells achieving the highest level of incremental annual node production in the company's history [17][18] - The company plans to focus on free cash flow generation rather than topline revenue growth, increasing the hurdle rates for project pipelines and enhancing capital spending efficiency [13][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a continuation of solid growth in 2025, projecting organic growth of 4.5% in towers, excluding the impact of Sprint consolidation churn [22][23] - The expected churn rate for towers remains between 1% to 2%, with approximately $205 million in Sprint churn anticipated [25][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has concluded its fiber strategic review and signed a definitive agreement to sell its Fiber segment to EQT and Zayo, aiming to maximize long-term shareholder value by focusing on its tower business [7][9] - The capital allocation framework will prioritize free cash flow generation, with plans to return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases post-transaction [30][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term strength of the tower business model, highlighting the U.S. as the best market for wireless infrastructure ownership [48] - The company expects to maintain an investment-grade credit rating post-transaction, targeting leverage between 6 times and 6.5 times [33][89] Other Important Information - The company plans to implement a share repurchase program of approximately $3 billion in conjunction with the close of the fiber transaction, expected in the first half of 2026 [34][34] - The company will continue to operate the Fiber segment in the ordinary course of business during 2025, expecting it to generate results in line with 2024 [21][76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the company locked into the U.S. market for towers, or might it consider opportunities in Europe? - The company is focused on the U.S. market but remains open to evaluating inbound opportunities if they arise [55][58] Question: What is the expected organic growth for the tower business? - The company projects 4.5% growth in the tower business, with dividend growth expected to mirror AFFO growth over time [61][62] Question: Can you provide insights on leasing activity and capital allocation? - The company has seen a sequential increase in applications, primarily driven by carrier deployments of mid-band spectrum, and anticipates stable revenue visibility due to master lease agreements [70][72] Question: What is the expected free cash flow contribution from the Fiber segment? - The Fiber segment is expected to generate approximately $250 million in positive free cash flow for 2025, similar to 2024 levels [76] Question: What are the plans for capital expenditures and operational initiatives? - The company plans to allocate capital towards land acquisition and improving operational efficiencies, with a focus on enhancing margins and customer service [128][135]