Core Viewpoint - China Tower reported a stable performance in 1H25 with slight revenue growth and improved net profit, while maintaining a healthy dividend payout to enhance shareholder returns [1][3]. Financial Performance - 1H25 revenue increased by 2.8% YoY to RMB49.6 billion, slightly below BBG consensus of RMB49.7 billion [1] - Net profit rose by 8.0% YoY to RMB5.8 billion, exceeding BBG consensus of RMB5.7 billion [1] - EBITDA for 1H25 grew by 3.6% YoY to RMB34.2 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 69.0% [1] - Free cash flow declined by 14.7% YoY to RMB16.3 billion, but cash flow from operations grew by 172% HoH [1] Business Segments - Tower revenue, accounting for 76% of 1H25 revenue, remained stable at RMB37.8 billion [2] - DAS and Two Wings businesses achieved double-digit growth, with revenues of RMB4.7 billion (+12% YoY) and RMB13.4 billion (+15% YoY) respectively [2] - Anticipated overall revenue for 2025 is projected at RMB100 billion, reflecting a 3% YoY increase [2] Shareholder Returns - The Company declared a mid-term dividend of RMB0.13 per share for 1H25, marking a 21.6% increase YoY [3] - The full-year dividend per share for 2024 was RMB0.42, representing an 11.5% increase YoY and a payout ratio of 76% [3] Outlook and Valuation - The Company maintains a HOLD rating with a target price adjusted to HK$13.1, based on a 4.0x FY25E EV/EBITDA [4][5] - Limited topline and EBITDA upside is expected, with estimates of 2.7% and 3.1% YoY growth in 2025E [4]

Summary of American Tower's NAREIT Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: American Tower Corporation - **Industry**: Telecommunications Infrastructure (REIT focused on tower and data center operations) Key Points and Arguments Company Background - American Tower has been a REIT since 2012 and has a long-standing history in the tower industry, with significant experience from its CEO, Steve Ondron, who has been with the company for 25 years [12][13][14]. Portfolio Management and Divestitures - The company sold its India business to reduce exposure to emerging markets, which previously accounted for 40% of its Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO). This was deemed too high due to volatility from currency fluctuations and macroeconomic conditions [12][14]. - The decision to divest was influenced by challenges in the Indian market, including the presence of well-capitalized captive tower companies and issues with a financially troubled customer [12][13][14][15]. - Post-divestiture, American Tower aims to improve the quality of its cash flow, focusing on developed markets while still maintaining some exposure to emerging markets [17][18]. Capital Allocation Strategy - The company is strategically allocating capital towards developed markets, with a current exposure of 25% to emerging markets, which is expected to decrease over time [17][18]. - American Tower has taken measures to reduce leverage, including cutting back on internal capital expenditures and pausing dividend growth to maintain financial flexibility [20][21]. - The company evaluates capital allocation opportunities based on long-term shareholder value, considering M&A, internal CapEx, deleveraging, stock buybacks, and dividends [21][22]. Market Dynamics and Growth Opportunities - The U.S. leasing market is showing strong signs of growth, with increasing applications for new co-locations and densification activities as 5G deployment continues [39][44]. - American Tower has observed a steady ramp in activity over the past five quarters, indicating a positive outlook for future growth [44][47]. Customer Risks and Industry Challenges - The company is monitoring the situation with DISH Network, which has recently faced financial difficulties. American Tower expects to continue receiving payments due to DISH's need to maintain its network and spectrum [50][56]. - The exposure to DISH represents about 2% of global revenues and 4% of U.S. revenues, which is manageable within the company's overall financial structure [56]. Competitive Landscape and Market Valuation - American Tower views satellites as complementary to its tower business, emphasizing that macro towers remain the most cost-effective solution for data throughput [62][64]. - The company acknowledges a disparity in valuation between private and public tower companies, attributing it to differing perspectives on long-term growth potential and market conditions [76][77]. Financial Performance and Future Outlook - The company anticipates mid to high single-digit growth in AFFO per share, supported by disciplined cost management and strategic investments [90][91]. - American Tower's business model is expected to continue benefiting from increasing mobile demand and the ongoing deployment of 5G and future technologies [92][93]. Additional Important Insights - The company has successfully navigated macroeconomic uncertainties, including tariffs and currency fluctuations, by maintaining a strong balance sheet and focusing on operational flexibility [68][71]. - American Tower's strategic focus on the U.S. market for its edge data center strategy is aimed at maximizing value before considering international expansion [37][38]. This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting American Tower's strategic decisions, market outlook, and financial performance.

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]