Tower Growth Up, Equipment Providers Still Struggling

Last week, American Tower and Crown Castle International reported their third quarter earnings announced that revenue growth and carrier activity remained strong. Even though the tower companies seem to be doing well, Jennifer Fritzsche, Senior Analyst at Wells Fargo, wrote in a research note, “ We have gotten a lot of questions on wireless spending. While the towers have reported decent growth thus far (excluding the decommissioned contracts from CCI), the equipment providers seem to be struggling and talking somewhat bearishly regarding the outlook for North American spending. Investors are wondering when and if this will impact the tower companies’ revenue growth. The next key data point to watch will be on 2015 capex guidance from the Big 4.” Unfortunately for investors and curious industry professionals alike, this information won’t come before the fourth quarter report.