CROWN CASTLE INC.

Previous wording

Our Fiber segment has expanded, and the Fiber business model contains certain differences from our Towers business model, resulting in different operational risks. If we do not successfully operate our Fiber business model or identify or manage the related operational risks, such operations may produce results that are lower than anticipated.

Current wording

•Our Fiber business model contains certain differences from our Towers business model, resulting in different operational risks. If we do not successfully operate our Fiber business model or identify or manage the related operational risks, such operations may produce results that are lower than anticipated.

Previous wording

Our focus on and disclosure of our ESG position, metrics, strategy, goals and initiatives expose us to potential litigation and other adverse effects to our business.

Current wording

•Our focus on and disclosure of our ESG position, metrics, strategy, goals and initiatives expose us to potential litigation or regulatory action and other adverse effects to our business.

Previous wording

Risks Related to Our Debt and Equity

Current wording

Risks Relating to Our Debt and Equity

Previous wording

Certain provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation ("Charter"), amended and restated by-laws ("By-laws") and operative agreements, and domestic and international competition laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or for us to acquire control of a third party, even if such a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Current wording

•Certain provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation ("Charter") and second amended and restated by-laws, as amended ("By-laws") and operative agreements, and domestic and international competition laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or for us to acquire control of a third party, even if such a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Previous wording

The amount, timing, and mix of our tenants' network investment is variable and can be significantly impacted by the various matters described in these risk factors. Changes in tenant network investment typically impact the demand for our communications infrastructure. As a result, changes in tenant plans such as delays in the implementation of new systems, new and emerging technologies (including small cells and fiber solutions), or change in plans to expand coverage or capacity may reduce demand for our communications infrastructure. Furthermore, the industries in which our tenants operate (particularly those in the wireless industry) could experience a slowdown or slowing growth rates as a result of numerous factors, including a reduction in consumer demand for data or general economic conditions. There can be no assurances that weakness or uncertainty in the economic environment will not adversely impact our tenants or their industries, which may materially and adversely affect our business, including by reducing demand for our communications infrastructure or services. In addition, a slowdown may increase competition for site rental tenants or services. Such an industry slowdown or a reduction in tenant network investment may materially and adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Furthermore, the industries in which our tenants operate (particularly those in the wireless industry) could experience a slowdown or slowing growth rates as a result of numerous factors, including a reduction in consumer demand for data or general economic conditions. There can be no assurances that weakness or uncertainty in the economic environment will not adversely impact our tenants or their industries, which may materially and adversely affect our business, including by reducing demand for our communications infrastructure or services. In addition, a slowdown may increase competition for site rental tenants or services. Such an industry slowdown or a reduction in tenant network investment may materially and adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

On January 6, 2022, we entered into an agreement with T-Mobile that contemplates T-Mobile and Sprint network consolidation. We anticipate that this consolidation will result in approximately $200 million in Towers non-renewals in 2025. We expect an additional impact of $35 million in Fiber non-renewals, with $10 million impacting results in 2024 and the remainder in 2025. Excluding the anticipated impact from the T-Mobile and Sprint network consolidation, we expect each of towers and small cell non-renewals to remain in line with our historical range of 1 to 2% of their respective annual site rental revenues.

Current wording

On January 6, 2022, we entered into an agreement with T-Mobile that addressed the T-Mobile and Sprint network consolidation. We anticipate that this consolidation will result in approximately $200 million in Towers non-renewals in 2025, with additional non-renewals from this agreement, which we expect to fall within our historical non-renewal range of 1% to 2% of Towers annual site rental revenues, to occur each year through 2034. We expect an additional impact of approximately $45 million in aggregate Fiber non-renewals to occur in 2025 and in subsequent years.

Previous wording

Over the last decade, we have allocated a significant amount of capital to our Fiber business, which is a much less mature business for us than our Towers business. Our Fiber segment represented 34% and 31% of our site rental revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The business model for our Fiber operations contains certain differences from our business model for our Towers operations, including those relating to tenant base, competition, contract terms (including requirements for service level agreements regarding network performance and maintenance), upfront capital requirements, labor costs, landlord demographics, deployment and ownership of certain network assets, operational oversight requirements, government regulations, growth rates and applicable laws.

Current wording

Over the last decade, we have allocated a significant amount of capital to our Fiber business, which is a much less mature business for us than our Towers business. Our Fiber segment represented 33% and 34% of our site rental revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The business model for our Fiber operations contains certain differences from our business model for our Towers operations, including those relating to tenant base, competition, contract terms (including requirements for service level agreements regarding network performance and maintenance), upfront capital requirements, labor costs, landlord demographics, deployment and ownership of certain network assets, operational oversight requirements, government regulations, growth rates and applicable laws.

Previous wording

In addition, the rate at which tenants adopt or prioritize small cells and fiber solutions may be lower or slower than we anticipate or may cease to exist altogether. For example, our tenants have initially focused on utilizing towers in the first phase of deploying their 5G networks, which has led to delays in some of our small cell deployments. We anticipate that these delays will be temporary, as our tenants plan for the next phase of their 5G network deployment which we believe will require small cells at scale. Our Fiber operations also expose us to different safety or liability risks or hazards than our Towers business as a result of numerous factors, including those stemming from the deployment, location or nature of the assets involved. There may be risks and challenges associated with small cells and fiber solutions being comparatively new and emerging technologies that are continuing to evolve, and there may be other risks related to small cells and fiber solutions of which we are not yet aware.

Current wording

In addition, the rate at which tenants adopt or prioritize small cells and fiber solutions has been lower or slower than we anticipated, and may continue to be lower or slower, or may cease to exist altogether. For example, our tenants have initially focused on utilizing towers in the first phase of deploying their 5G networks, which has led to delays in some of our small cell deployments. We anticipate that these delays will be temporary, as our tenants plan for the next phase of their 5G network deployment which we believe will require small cells at scale. Our Fiber operations also expose us to different safety or liability risks or hazards than our Towers business as a result of numerous factors, including those stemming from the deployment, location or nature of the assets involved. There may be risks and challenges associated with small cells and fiber solutions being comparatively new and emerging technologies that are continuing to evolve, and there may be other risks related to small cells and fiber solutions of which we are not yet aware. See "—The pendency of the sale of our Fiber Business to Zayo and EQT may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.", "—Completion of the Strategic Fiber Transaction is subject to the conditions contained in the Strategic Fiber Agreement, including regulatory approvals, which may not be received, and separation of the Fiber Business from our current operations, and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the transaction will not be completed.", "—The failure to complete the planned sale of the Fiber Business to Zayo and EQT could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price." and"—Our business depends on the demand for our communications infrastructure (including towers, small cells and fiber), driven primarily by demand for data, and we may be adversely affected by any slowdown in such demand. Additionally, a reduction in the amount or change in the mix of network investment by our tenants may materially and adversely affect our business (including reducing demand for our communications infrastructure or services.)", for discussions of the Strategic Fiber Transaction and the potential impact to the growth of our Fiber segment as well as the previously announced small cell node cancellations.

Previous wording

Further, investments in newly constructed communications infrastructure may result in lower initial returns compared to returns on our existing communications infrastructure or us not being able to realize future tenant additions at anticipated levels. Additionally, contracts with our tenants for these projects typically specify delivery dates, performance criteria and penalties for our failure to perform. Our failure to perform timely and in accordance with the performance criteria exposes us to penalties specified in the contract or possible litigation. We often experience unforeseen delays from municipalities and utility companies that result in longer construction timelines than expected, which impact our ability to timely deliver on our projects. We may also experience unforeseen delays and increased project costs as a result of supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, which may impact the availability of equipment and materials needed for, and availability of contractors to work on, our construction projects. Our failure to manage such tenant relationships, project resources, and project milestones in a timely and efficient manner and appropriately manage safety risks could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

Additionally, contracts with our tenants for these projects typically specify delivery dates, performance criteria and penalties for our failure to perform. Our failure to perform timely and in accordance with the performance criteria exposes us to penalties specified in the contract or possible litigation. We often experience unforeseen delays from municipalities and utility companies that result in longer construction timelines than expected, which impact our ability to timely deliver on our projects. We may also experience unforeseen delays and increased project costs as a result of labor shortages, which may impact the availability of contractors to work on our construction projects. Our failure to manage such tenant relationships, project resources, and project milestones in a timely and efficient manner and appropriately manage safety risks could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 53% of our towers were leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, or other agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile (including those which T-Mobile assumed in its merger with Sprint). We have the option to purchase these towers at the end of their respective lease terms. We have no obligation to exercise such purchase options. We may not have the required available capital to exercise our right to purchase some or all of these towers at the time these options are exercisable. Even if we do have available capital, we may choose not to exercise our right to purchase these towers or some or all of the T-Mobile or AT&T towers for business or other reasons. In the event that we do not exercise these purchase rights, or are otherwise unable to acquire an interest that would allow us to continue to operate these towers after the applicable period, we will lose the cash flows derived from such towers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business. In the event that we decide to exercise these purchase rights, the benefits of the acquisition of these towers may not exceed the costs, which could adversely affect our business. Additional information concerning these towers and the applicable purchase options as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 54% of our towers were leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, or other agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile (including those which T-Mobile assumed in its merger with Sprint). We have the option to purchase these towers at the end of their respective lease terms. We have no obligation to exercise such purchase options. We may not have the required available capital to exercise our right to purchase some or all of these towers at the time these options are exercisable. Even if we do have available capital, we may choose not to exercise our right to purchase these towers or some or all of the T-Mobile or AT&T towers for business or other reasons. In the event that we do not exercise these purchase rights, or are otherwise unable to acquire an interest that would allow us to continue to operate these towers after the applicable period, we will lose the cash flows derived from such towers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business. In the event that we decide to exercise these purchase rights, the benefits of the acquisition of these towers may not exceed the costs, which could adversely affect our business. Additional information concerning these towers and the applicable purchase options as of December 31, 2024 is as follows:

Previous wording

•31% of our towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases or other agreements with T-Mobile (including those which T-Mobile assumed in its merger with Sprint). Approximately half of such towers have an initial term of 32 years (through May 2037), and we have the option to purchase in 2037 all (but not less than all) of such leased and subleased towers from T-Mobile for approximately $2.3 billion. The remainder of such towers have a weighted-average initial term of approximately 28 years, weighted based on towers site rental gross margin. We have the option to purchase such towers from T-Mobile at the end of the respective terms for aggregate option payments of approximately $2.0 billion, which payments, if such option is exercised, would be due between 2035 and 2049. In addition, another 1% of our towers under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with T-Mobile are subject to a lease and sublease or other related arrangements with AT&T. We have the option to purchase these towers from AT&T at the end of their respective lease terms for aggregate option payments of up to approximately $400 million, which payments, if such option is exercised, would be due prior to 2032 (less than $15 million would be due before 2029).

Current wording

•32% of our towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases or other agreements with T-Mobile (including those which T-Mobile assumed in its merger with Sprint). Approximately half of such towers have an initial term of 32 years (through May 2037), and we have the option to purchase in 2037 all (but not less than all) of such leased and subleased towers from T-Mobile for approximately $2.3 billion. The remainder of such towers have a weighted-average initial term of approximately 28 years, weighted based on towers site rental gross margin. We have the option to purchase such towers from T-Mobile at the end of the respective terms for aggregate option payments of approximately $2.0 billion, which payments, if such option is exercised, would be due between 2035 and 2049. In addition, another 1% of our towers under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with T-Mobile are subject to a lease and sublease or other related arrangements with AT&T. We have the option to purchase these towers from AT&T at the end of their respective lease terms for aggregate option payments of up to approximately $385 million, which payments, if such option is exercised, would be due prior to 2032 (less than $12 million would be due before 2029).

Previous wording

During 2023, due primarily to a decline in tenant activity, services and other revenues decreased by 36% compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. In July 2023, we announced the discontinuation of installation services as a Towers product offering while continuing to offer site development services on our towers. See note 16 to our consolidated financial statements and"Item 7. MD&A—General Overview—Highlights of Business Fundamentals and Results"for further discussion of our July 2023 restructuring activities.

Current wording

During both 2023 and 2024, due primarily to our discontinuation of installation services as a Towers product offering previously announced in July 2023, services and other revenues decreased by 36% and 53%, respectively, when compared to years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. We continue to offer site development services on our towers. See note 16 to our consolidated financial statements and"Item 7. MD&A—General Overview—Highlights of Business Fundamentals and Results"for further discussion of our 2023 Restructuring Plan, which included discontinuing installation services as a Towers product offering.

Previous wording

Our growth is dependent on our entering into new tenant contracts (including amendments to tenant contracts upon modification of existing towers, small cells or fiber), as well as renewing or renegotiating tenant contracts when existing tenant contracts terminate. Competition in our industry may make it more difficult for us to attract new tenants, maintain or increase our gross margins, or maintain or increase our market share. In addition, competition (primarily in our fiber solutions business) may, in certain circumstances, cause us to renegotiate certain existing tenant contracts to avoid early contract terminations. We face competition for site rental tenants and associated contractual rates from various sources, including (1) other independent communications infrastructure owners or operators, including those that own, operate, or manage towers, rooftops, broadcast or transmission towers, utility poles, fiber (including non-traditional competitors such as cable providers) or small cells, or (2) new alternative deployment methods for communications infrastructure.

Current wording

Our growth is dependent on our entering into new tenant contracts (including amendments to tenant contracts upon modification of existing towers, small cells or fiber), as well as renewing or renegotiating tenant contracts when existing tenant contracts terminate. Competition in our industry may make it more difficult for us to attract new tenants, maintain or increase our gross margins, or maintain or increase our market share. In addition, competition (primarily in our fiber solutions business) may, in certain circumstances, cause us to renegotiate certain existing tenant contracts to avoid early contract terminations. We face competition for site rental tenants and associated contractual rates from various sources, including (1) other independent communications infrastructure owners or operators, including those that own, operate, or manage towers, rooftops, broadcast or transmission towers, utility poles, fiber (including non-traditional competitors such as cable providers) or small cells, (2) tenants who elect to self-perform and (3) new alternative deployment methods for communications infrastructure.

Previous wording

Our Fiber business generally has different competitors than those in our Towers business, including other owners of fiber, as well as new entrants into small cells and fiber solutions, some of which may have larger networks, greater financial resources or more experience in managing such assets than we have.

Current wording

Our Fiber business generally has different competitors than those in our Towers business, including other owners of fiber, as well as new entrants into small cells and fiber solutions, some of which may have larger networks, greater financial resources or more experience in managing such assets than we have. The level of non-renewals associated with fiber solutions is generally higher than that of Towers and small cells.

Previous wording

Additionally, security incidents impacting our tenants, vendors and business partners could result in a material adverse effect on our business. We may be required to expend significant resources to protect against or recover from such threats. If an actual or perceived breach of our cybersecurity or information technology, or that of our cloud- or internet-based service providers, occurs, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed, and we could lose tenants. Further, the perpetrators of cyber-attacks are not restricted to particular groups or persons. These attacks may be committed by our employees or external actors operating in any geography. In addition, our acquisitions, both past and future, may alter our potential exposure to the risks described above. While we maintain insurance that includes coverage in the event of cybersecurity or other information technology breaches, there can be no assurances that such coverage will be adequate to cover exposure from such incidents.

Current wording

Additionally, security incidents impacting our tenants, vendors and business partners could result in a material adverse effect on our business. We may be required to expend significant resources to protect against or recover from such threats. If an actual or perceived breach of our cybersecurity or information technology, or that of our cloud- or internet-based service providers, occurs, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed, and we could lose tenants. Further, the perpetrators of cyber-attacks are not restricted to particular groups or persons. These threats can arise from external parties, such as cyber terrorists or nation-state actors, as well as insiders, such as our employees or contractors, who knowingly or unknowingly engage in or enable malicious cyber activities. In addition, our acquisitions, both past and future, may alter our potential exposure to the risks described above. While we maintain insurance that includes coverage in the event of cybersecurity or other information technology breaches, there can be no assurances that such coverage will be adequate to cover exposure from such incidents.

Previous wording

In recent years, certain of our investors, tenants, employees and other stakeholders have increased their focus on ESG matters and disclosure. In response, we have published ESG reports and related materials and made other public announcements regarding our ESG position, initiatives and goals. Our ESG metrics, initiatives and goals, and progress against those goals, may be based on standards that are still developing and that may not be uniformly adopted or applied by other companies, processes and internal controls that continue to evolve, potentially missing or deficient third-party data, wide range of acceptable estimation techniques, and estimates and assumptions that are subject to a greater degree of uncertainty and may change more frequently than those underlying our financial metrics. Our ESG initiatives and goals may be difficult to implement, may be contrary to interests of other stakeholders and may increase operating costs and result in changes to certain of our operations, assets and processes. In addition, a number of governmental and self-regulatory organizations have developed or are developing climate change-based laws and regulations, with varying scopes and complexity, that could, if adopted, significantly increase compliance burdens and associated costs.

Current wording

In recent years, certain of our investors, tenants, employees and other stakeholders have increased their focus on ESG matters and disclosure. In response, we have published ESG reports and related materials and made other public announcements regarding our ESG position, initiatives and goals. Our ESG metrics, initiatives and goals, and progress against those goals, may be based on standards that are still developing and that may not be uniformly adopted or applied by other companies, processes and internal controls that continue to evolve, potentially missing or deficient third-party data, wide range of acceptable estimation techniques, and estimates and assumptions that are subject to a greater degree of uncertainty and may change more frequently than those underlying our financial metrics. Our ESG initiatives and goals may be difficult to implement, may lead to increased scrutiny by policymakers and stakeholders, may be contrary to interests of other stakeholders and may increase operating costs and result in changes to certain of our operations, assets and processes.

Previous wording

Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, accurately report our metrics or adhere to public statements exposes us to potential litigation, which may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

Current wording

Our focus and disclosure of our ESG goals and initiatives – including achievement of or failure to achieve such goals and initiatives, accurately reporting our metrics or adherence to prior public statements – exposes us to potential litigation or regulatory action, which may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

Previous wording

Our ability to sustain and grow our business and execute on our strategy requires us, in part, to attract, recruit and retain qualified and experienced employees, including key management personnel and other talent. We have encountered a competitive labor market for experienced talent in our industry due, in part, to macroeconomic conditions. Our stock price decline has caused, and may continue to cause, a failure to achieve certain metrics on which vesting of our performance-based equity awards is based. If our total compensation package is not viewed as competitive, our ability to successfully attract, recruit and retain key employees could adversely impact our business, operations, and costs, which could result in the loss of institutional knowledge and expertise of departing employees.

Current wording

Our ability to sustain and grow our business and execute on our strategy requires us, in part, to attract, recruit and retain qualified and experienced employees, including key management personnel and other talent. We have encountered a competitive labor market for experienced talent in our industry due, in part, to macroeconomic conditions. Our stock price performance has caused, and may continue to cause, a failure to achieve certain metrics on which vesting of our performance-based equity awards is based. If our total compensation package is not viewed as competitive, our ability to successfully attract, recruit and retain key employees could adversely impact our business, operations, and costs, which could result in the loss of institutional knowledge and expertise of departing employees.

Previous wording

In addition, see "—Changes to management, including turnover of our top executives, could have an adverse effect on our business.", "—Actions that we are taking to restructure our business in alignment with our strategic priorities may not be as effective as anticipated."and"—Our review of potential strategic alternatives may not result in an executed or consummated transaction or other strategic alternative, and the process of reviewing strategic alternatives or the outcome could adversely affect our business. There is no guarantee that any transaction resulting from the strategic review will ultimately benefit our shareholders." for a discussion of the strategic and operational review, recent management changes, the recent reduction in force, and the potential adverse impact on our workforce therefrom.

Current wording

We have recently experienced, and may continue to experience, the departure of key management personnel, as well as the elimination and consolidation of roles and responsibilities. See "—Changes to management, including turnover of our top executives, could have an adverse effect on our business.", "—Actions that we are taking, or have completed, to restructure our business in alignment with our strategic priorities may not be as effective as anticipated."and "— The pendency of the sale of our Fiber Business to Zayo and EQT may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position." for a discussion of the Strategic Fiber Transaction, recent management changes and the reductions in our workforce in 2023 and 2024, and the potential adverse impact on our workforce therefrom.

Previous wording

Further, we have increased our dependency on the remaining members of our executive management team to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership roles. Since our executive officers are at-will employees, they could terminate their employment with us at any time, and any such departure could be particularly disruptive in light of the recent leadership changes. If we are unable to mitigate these or other similar risks, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Further, we have increased our dependency on the remaining members of our executive management team to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership roles. Our executive officers are at-will employees; as such, their employment with us could terminate at any time, and any such departure could be particularly disruptive in light of the recent leadership changes. If we are unable to mitigate these or other similar risks, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

In July 2023, we initiated the Plan as part of our efforts to reduce costs to better align our operational needs with lower tower activity. The Plan included reducing our total employee headcount by approximately 15%, discontinuing installation services as a Towers product offering, and consolidating office space. As a result of the foregoing actions, we incurred $85 million of restructuring charges in 2023. We expect to incur an additional approximately $14 million of related charges during the first half of 2024, primarily related to the office space consolidation. The actions announced in July 2023 associated with the Plan and related charges are expected to be substantially completed and recorded by June 30, 2024 while the payments are expected to be completed for the employee headcount reduction and office space consolidation in 2024 and 2032, respectively.

Current wording

In July 2023, we initiated the 2023 Restructuring Plan as part of our efforts to reduce costs to better align our operational needs with lower tower activity. The 2023 Restructuring Plan included reducing our total employee headcount by approximately 15%, discontinuing installation services as a Towers product offering, and consolidating office space. As a result of the foregoing actions, we incurred $85 million and $9 million of restructuring charges in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The actions associated with the 2023 Restructuring Plan were substantially completed and related charges were recorded by June 30, 2024, while the payments for the employee headcount reduction were substantially completed by December 31, 2024. The remaining payments for the office space consolidation will be completed in 2032.

Previous wording

In addition, we may incur other charges or cash expenditures not currently contemplated due to unanticipated events that may occur, including in connection with the execution of these actions. We have made certain assumptions in estimating the anticipated savings we expect to achieve under the Plan, which include the estimated savings from the elimination of certain headcount and the consolidation of office space. These assumptions may turn out to be incorrect due to a variety of factors. In addition, our ability to realize the expected benefits from the Plan is subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. As such, we may not realize, in full or in part, or sustain, the anticipated benefits from the Plan or do so within the expected time frame, and anticipated benefits may not be adequate to meet our long-term profitability and operational expectations.

Current wording

In addition, we may incur other charges or cash expenditures not currently contemplated due to unanticipated events that may occur, including in connection with the execution of these actions. We have made certain assumptions in estimating the anticipated savings we expect to achieve under the Restructuring Plans, which include the estimated savings from the elimination of certain headcount and the consolidation and closure of office space. These assumptions may turn out to be incorrect due to a variety of factors. In addition, our ability to realize the expected benefits from the Restructuring Plans is subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. As such, we may not realize, in full or in part, or sustain, the anticipated benefits from the Restructuring Plans or do so within the expected time frame, and anticipated benefits may not be adequate to meet our long-term profitability and operational expectations.

Previous wording

Furthermore, the Plan may result in unintended consequences, including:

Current wording

Furthermore, the Restructuring Plans may result in unintended consequences, including:

Previous wording

If we experience any of these adverse consequences, the Plan and other strategic initiatives may not achieve or sustain their intended benefits, or the benefits, even if achieved, may not be adequate to meet our long-term profitability and operational expectations, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

If we experience any of these adverse consequences, the Restructuring Plans and other strategic initiatives may not achieve or sustain their intended benefits, or the benefits, even if achieved, may not be adequate to meet our long-term profitability and operational expectations, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

We have been, and may in the future be, subject to activities initiated by activist stockholders. In December 2023, we entered into a Cooperation Agreement ("Cooperation Agreement") with Elliott Investment Management L.P., Elliott Associates, L.P. and Elliott International, L.P. (collectively, "Elliott"). Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, we agreed, among other things, (1) to promptly appoint Jason Genrich and Sunit Patel as members of the board of directors, with an initial term expiring at the Company's 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, (2) to establish a Fiber Review Committee to conduct a strategic and operational review of our Fiber business and (3) to establish a CEO Search Committee to conduct a search for the next CEO of our company. In addition, another activist investor has notified us of its intent to nominate a slate of nominees to stand for election as directors at our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in opposition to the nominees recommended by our board of directors.

Current wording

We have been, and may in the future be, subject to activities initiated by activist stockholders. In December 2023, we entered into a Cooperation Agreement ("Cooperation Agreement") with Elliott Investment Management L.P., Elliott Associates, L.P. and Elliott International, L.P. (collectively, "Elliott"). Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, we agreed, among other things, (1) to promptly appoint Jason Genrich and Sunit Patel as members of the board of directors, with an initial term that expired at our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("2024 Annual Meeting"), (2) to establish a Fiber Review Committee to conduct a strategic and operational review of our Fiber business and (3) to establish a CEO Search Committee to conduct a search for the next CEO of our company.

Previous wording

We strive to maintain constructive, ongoing communications with all stockholders, and we welcome constructive input from all stockholders toward the shared goal of enhancing long-term stockholder value. Nonetheless, we may not be successful in engaging constructively with one or more stockholders, and any resulting activist campaign that contests, or seeks to change, our strategic direction or business mix could have an adverse effect on us because: (1) responding to actions by activist stockholders could disrupt our business and operations, be costly or time-consuming, or divert the attention of our board of directors or management from the pursuit of business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition; (2) perceived uncertainties as to our future direction may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability, or lack of continuity, any of which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, cause concern in the minds of our employees and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel; and (3) these types of actions could cause significant fluctuations in our share price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.

Current wording

We strive to maintain constructive, ongoing communications with all stockholders, and we welcome constructive input from all stockholders toward the shared goal of enhancing long-term stockholder value. Nonetheless, we may not be successful in engaging constructively with one or more stockholders, and any resulting activist campaign that contests, or seeks to change, our strategic direction or business mix (for example, our proxy contest in 2024 with Boots Capital) could have an adverse effect on us because: (1) responding to actions by activist stockholders could disrupt our business and operations, be costly or time-consuming, or divert the attention of our board of directors or management from the pursuit of business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition; (2) perceived uncertainties as to our future direction may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability, or lack of continuity, any of which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers and vendors, cause concern in the minds of our employees and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel; and (3) these types of actions could cause significant fluctuations in our share price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.

Previous wording

Due to network consolidation non-renewals and interest rate increases discussed in"—Risks Related to Our Debt and Equity," we expect our annual dividend per share growth through 2025 to be below our long-term annual target.

Current wording

Risks Relating to Our Debt and Equity

Previous wording

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness (approximately $22.8 billion as of February 20, 2024). See"Item 7. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a tabular presentation of our contractual debt maturities. As a result of our substantial indebtedness:

Current wording

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness (approximately $23.8 billion as of March 12, 2025). See"Item 7. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a tabular presentation of our contractual debt maturities. As a result of our substantial indebtedness:

Previous wording

Since March 2022, the Federal Reserve has repeatedly raised the federal funds rate for a cumulative increase of 5.25%, which adversely impacted the interest rates on our variable rate debt and refinancings of fixed rate debt. As of February 20, 2024, approximately 8% of our outstanding indebtedness consisted of variable interest rates. Such variable interest debt had a weighted average rate of 6.3% as of February 20, 2024, compared to 5.4% and 1.1% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Any prolonged period of elevated interest rates or further increases to interest rates on such debt could continue to adversely impact our financial results and our ability to meet our dividend growth targets, strategically deploy our capital or execute our business plan. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" for a further discussion of our interest rate risk.

Current wording

From March 2022 until recently, the Federal Reserve repeatedly raised the federal funds rate, which adversely impacted the interest rates on our variable rate debt and refinancings of fixed rate debt. As of March 12, 2025, approximately 9% of our outstanding indebtedness consisted of variable interest rates. Such variable interest debt had a weighted average rate of 5.2% as of March 12, 2025, compared to 6.5%, 5.4% and 1.1% as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Recently, the Federal Reserve has started to loosen its monetary policy by lowering the federal funds rate; however, any prolonged period of elevated interest rates or further increases to interest rates on such debt could continue to adversely impact our financial results and our ability to meet our dividend growth targets, strategically deploy our capital or execute our business plan. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" for a further discussion of our interest rate risk.

Previous wording

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which, upon final maturity, we will need to refinance or repay. See"Item 7. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a tabular presentation of our contractual debt maturities. There can be no assurances we will be able to refinance our indebtedness (1) on commercially reasonable terms, (2) on terms, including with respect to interest rates, as favorable as our current debt, or (3) at all. As of February 20, 2024, approximately 51% of our fixed rate debt, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.6%, is scheduled to mature over the next five years. If interest rates remain elevated or continue to increase, we may have to (1) refinance our maturing fixed rate debt at interest rates that exceed the current interest rates on such debt or (2) use our variable interest rate debt to repay such fixed rate debt, thereby increasing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

Current wording

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which, upon final maturity, we will need to refinance or repay. See"Item 7. MD&A—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a tabular presentation of our contractual debt maturities. There can be no assurances we will be able to refinance our indebtedness (1) on commercially reasonable terms, (2) on terms, including with respect to interest rates, as favorable as our current debt, or (3) at all. As of March 12, 2025, approximately 55% of our fixed rate debt, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.8%, is scheduled to mature over the next five years. If interest rates remain elevated or continue to increase, we may have to (1) refinance our maturing fixed rate debt at interest rates that exceed the current interest rates on such debt or (2) use our variable interest rate debt to repay such fixed rate debt, thereby increasing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

Previous wording

Economic conditions and the credit markets have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, periods of volatility, uncertainty, or weakness that could impact (1) the availability or cost of debt financing, including any refinancing of the obligations described above, (2) our ability to draw the full amount of our $7.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility under our 2016 Credit Facility ("2016 Revolver"), that, as of February 20, 2024, had $7.0 billion of undrawn availability, or (3) our ability to issue the full amount of the $2.0 billion commercial paper notes ("Commercial Paper Notes") under our unsecured commercial paper program ("CP Program"), that, as of February 20, 2024, had $578 million outstanding.

Current wording

Economic conditions and the credit markets have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, periods of volatility, uncertainty, or weakness that could impact (1) the availability or cost of debt financing, including any refinancing of the obligations described above, (2) our ability to draw the full amount of our $7.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility under our 2016 Credit Facility ("2016 Revolver"), that, as of March 12, 2025, had $7.0 billion of undrawn availability, or (3) our ability to issue the full amount of the $2.0 billion commercial paper notes ("Commercial Paper Notes") under our unsecured commercial paper program ("CP Program"), that, as of March 12, 2025, had $1.1 billion outstanding.

Previous wording

Future sales or issuances of common stock or other equity related securities may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, including any shares of our common stock issued to finance capital expenditures, finance strategic initiatives or repay debt. Our business strategy contemplates access to external financing to fund certain discretionary investments, which may include issuances of common stock or other equity related securities. We maintain an "at-the-market" stock offering program ("2021 ATM Program") through which we may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million to or through sales agents. As of February 20, 2024, we had $750 million of gross sales of common stock remaining under our 2021 ATM Program. From time to time, we may refresh or implement a new "at-the-market" stock offering program. See note 10 to our consolidated financial statements. As of February 20, 2024, we had approximately 434 million shares of common stock outstanding.

Current wording

Future sales or issuances of common stock or other equity related securities may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, including any shares of our common stock issued to finance capital expenditures, finance strategic initiatives or repay debt. Our business strategy contemplates access to external financing to fund certain discretionary investments, which may include issuances of common stock or other equity related securities. We maintain an "at-the-market" stock offering program ("2024 ATM Program") through which we may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million to or through sales agents. As of March 12, 2025, we had $750 million of gross sales of common stock remaining under our 2024 ATM Program. From time to time, we may refresh or implement a new "at-the-market" stock offering program. See note 10 to our consolidated financial statements. As of March 12, 2025, we had approximately 435 million shares of common stock outstanding.

Previous wording

We have reserved an aggregate of approximately 15 million of common stock for issuance in connection with awards granted under our stock compensation plans.

Current wording

We have reserved an aggregate of approximately 15 million shares of common stock for issuance in connection with awards granted under our stock compensation plans.

Previous wording

Company otherwise consents, that the federal courts shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”). Since the Securities Act provides that federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction over lawsuits brought pursuant to the Securities Act, there may be uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a provision. Stockholders will not be deemed to have waived compliance with the federal securities laws, and this provision does not apply to claims for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction (such as under the Exchange Act).

Current wording

•provisions that the state courts or, in certain circumstances, the federal courts, in Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions involving us, our directors, officers, employees and stockholders, and, unless the Company otherwise consents, that the federal courts shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”). Since the Securities Act provides that federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction over lawsuits brought pursuant to the Securities Act, there may be uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a provision. Stockholders will not be deemed to have waived compliance with the federal securities laws, and this provision does not apply to claims for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction (such as under the Exchange Act).

Previous wording

Our By-laws permit special meetings of the stockholders to be called only upon the request of our CEO or the board of directors, and deny stockholders the ability to call such meetings. Such provisions, as well as the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, may impede a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

Current wording

Such provisions, as well as the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, may impede a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

Previous wording

During each of the quarters in the year ended 2023, we paid a common stock dividend of $1.565 per share, totaling approximately $2.7 billion, which represents an increase of 4.7% from the common stock dividends paid in the aggregate in the year ended 2022. We currently expect our common stock dividends over the next 12 months to be a cumulative amount of at least $6.26 per share, or an aggregate amount of approximately $2.7 billion. Over time, we expect to increase our dividend per share as we grow cash flows. Any future dividends are subject to declaration by our board of directors. See notes 10 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

During each of the quarters in the year ended 2024, we paid a common stock dividend of $1.565 per share, totaling approximately $2.7 billion. We are updating our capital allocation framework to focus more on free cash flow generation and financial flexibility, which we currently expect to result in a reduction to our dividend, beginning with our expected second quarter 2025 dividend. As we grow cash flows thereafter, we expect to increase our dividend per share. Whether dividends are to be declared and the amount and timing thereof remain subject to the discretion of our board of directors. See notes 10 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

Previous wording

We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To remain qualified and be taxed as a REIT, we will generally be required to annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction, excluding net capital gain and after the utilization of any available NOLs) to our stockholders. Our quarterly cash common stock dividend will delay the utilization of our NOLs and may cause certain of the NOLs to expire without utilization. See also"Item 1. Business—REIT Status"and"Item 7. MD&A—General Overview—Common Stock Dividend."

Current wording

We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To remain qualified and be taxed as a REIT, we are generally required to annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction, excluding net capital gain and after the utilization of any available NOLs) to our stockholders. Our quarterly cash common stock dividend will delay the utilization of our NOLs and may cause certain of the NOLs to expire without utilization. See also"Item 1. Business—REIT Status"and"Item 7. MD&A—General Overview—Common Stock Dividend."

Previous wording

To remain qualified and be taxed as a REIT, we are required to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement as described above. We commenced declaring regular quarterly dividends to our common stockholders beginning with the first quarter of 2014. See notes 10 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements. Any such dividends, however, are subject to the determination of and declaration by our board of directors based on then-current and anticipated future conditions, including our earnings, net cash generated by operating activities, capital requirements, financial condition, our relative market capitalization, our existing federal NOLs of approximately $1.5 billion or other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

Current wording

To remain qualified and be taxed as a REIT, we are required to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement as described above. We commenced declaring regular quarterly dividends to our common stockholders beginning with the first quarter of 2014. See notes 10 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements. Whether dividends are to be declared and the amount and timing thereof remain subject to the discretion of our board of directors based on then-current and anticipated future conditions, including our earnings, net cash generated by operating activities, capital requirements, financial condition, our relative market capitalization, our existing federal NOLs of approximately $1.5 billion or other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.