HOUSTON – Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI), a $42.15 billion market cap real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the ownership and operation of wireless infrastructure, announced the immediate departure of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Steven J. Moskowitz, from the company’s Board of Directors. The resignation took effect on Thursday, April 10, 2025, according to a recent SEC filing. According to InvestingPro, Crown Castle maintains a FAIR financial health score and offers an attractive 6.58% dividend yield.
The Houston-based company, which operates a significant portfolio of cell towers, small cells, and fiber optic networks, has not yet named a successor to Moskowitz. Crown Castle has provided no further details regarding the reasons for the resignation or any future plans for the executive position.
Moskowitz’s departure comes at a time when the telecommunications industry is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, driven by the increasing demand for mobile connectivity and the rollout of 5G technology.
Crown Castle has a notable presence in the market with its extensive network infrastructure, which supports the operations of major wireless carriers. The company’s performance and strategic direction moving forward will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike, as leadership transitions can signal changes in corporate strategy and impact company performance.
The information regarding the executive change was made public through a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which serves as an official notification of significant events that shareholders and the financial market should be aware of. The filing ensures transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
As Crown Castle navigates this leadership change, stakeholders will be anticipating the announcement of a new CEO who can steer the company through the evolving landscape of wireless communications infrastructure. The company’s next steps will be critical in maintaining its position in a competitive industry and continuing to deliver value to its shareholders.
In other recent news, Crown Castle International Corp has announced significant executive changes, with Dan Schlanger stepping in as interim CEO following the termination of Steven Moskowitz. This leadership transition coincides with Crown Castle’s strategic shift to focus solely on its U.S. tower business, highlighted by the planned sale of its fiber and small cell operations to EQT (ST:EQTAB) and Zayo for $8.5 billion. BofA Securities adjusted its price target for Crown Castle to $110, citing the company’s fourth-quarter performance that fell short of expectations and the strategic review’s conclusion. Meanwhile, KeyBanc maintained an Overweight rating with a $120 price target, expressing confusion over the timing of Moskowitz’s departure but acknowledging the potential for the business to run effectively despite leadership changes.
Fitch Ratings has placed Crown Castle on Negative Watch, anticipating increased leverage and a potential downgrade following the fiber business sale. The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2026, will significantly reduce Crown Castle’s revenue diversification. Despite these challenges, the company reaffirmed its financial guidance and capital allocation policies, including a $3 billion share buyback program and a 32% reduction in annual dividends starting in 2025. Analysts from BMO Capital Markets reiterated a Market Perform rating, noting the uncertainty added by the leadership transition but maintaining confidence in Crown Castle’s strategic direction as a pure-play U.S. tower company.
Crown Castle’s focus on the U.S. market is expected to provide operational stability, supported by long-term lease contracts and the growing demand for 5G infrastructure. The sale of its fiber business is projected to enhance financial flexibility and improve EBITDA margins, as towers typically yield higher margins than fiber operations. As the company navigates these changes, investor sentiment remains cautious, with close attention to how these developments will impact Crown Castle’s future performance.
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