Crown Castle (NYSE: CCI) Executive Vice President and General Counsel Edward B. Adams Jr. completed a sale of 4,650 shares of the company's common stock on February 25, 2026, according to a Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The transaction generated $401,481 in proceeds, with the shares sold at a weighted average price of $86.34. Reported sale prices ranged from $86.3301 to $86.3600.
Following the sale, Adams retains a direct holding of 25,183 Crown Castle shares, and he also indirectly maintains ownership of 1,062 shares through a 401(k) plan. Since the transaction date, Crown Castle shares have traded higher, reaching $89.59 and representing a 3.7% increase from the weighted average price of the sold shares.
On the same day as the sale, Adams was granted 13,176 time-based restricted stock units (RSUs). The RSUs were issued under Crown Castle's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan and are scheduled to vest in three equal installments on February 19 of 2027, 2028, and 2029.
At the time of reporting, Crown Castle is a telecommunications infrastructure real estate investment trust with a market capitalization of $39 billion. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.36 and yields 4.75% on an annual dividend basis. An InvestingPro analysis cited within the filing materials describes the stock as appearing overvalued relative to its Fair Value; the platform also notes the availability of five additional ProTips and expanded financial metrics for subscribers.
Separately, Crown Castle's fourth-quarter 2025 financial results exceeded analysts' expectations. The company reported earnings per share of $0.67, above the forecasted $0.55, and met revenue projections that aligned with a $1.06 billion consensus. Management acknowledged that the quarter reflected strategic adjustments and operational changes within the business.
The company's quarterly performance was notably influenced by litigation with DISH Network, a former major customer. DISH now represents approximately 5% of Crown Castle's annual site rental revenue, according to the company's disclosures, and the dispute has been a material factor in recent results and guidance.
Market reactions to the results and the company's outlook have been mixed. Citizens reiterated its Market Outperform rating and maintained a price target of $125.00. BMO Capital lowered its target to $91.00, citing disappointing guidance for 2026 tied to the impact from DISH Network. UBS adjusted its price target to $105.00 while characterizing the fourth-quarter results as solid, with site rental revenues, EBITDA, and adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) slightly above expectations.
Crown Castle also announced a quarterly dividend of $1.0625 per share, which is payable on March 31, 2026, subject to final approval by the company's Board of Directors.
Summary
- Edward B. Adams Jr. sold 4,650 shares on February 25, 2026, for $401,481 at a weighted average price of $86.34; post-sale he directly owns 25,183 shares and indirectly holds 1,062 shares through a 401(k) plan.
- Adams received 13,176 time-based RSUs under the 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan that vest in equal portions on February 19 of 2027, 2028, and 2029.
- Crown Castle reported Q4 2025 EPS of $0.67 versus a $0.55 estimate and revenue in line with a $1.06 billion forecast; litigation with DISH Network affected results and remains a material consideration.
Key points
- Executive insider activity: Adams both sold shares and was granted RSUs on the same day, altering his mix of immediate equity and deferred compensation.
- Company fundamentals: Q4 results topped EPS expectations and matched revenue forecasts, while the company maintains a dividend and a sizable market capitalization.
- Market and analyst response: Price targets vary materially, reflecting differing assessments of near-term guidance and the impact of DISH-related litigation.
Risks and uncertainties
- Legal exposure - The ongoing litigation with DISH Network has had a measurable impact on quarterly results and remains a risk to site rental revenue and guidance - this affects the telecommunications infrastructure REIT sector.
- Valuation concerns - InvestingPro analysis flags the stock as appearing overvalued relative to its Fair Value, posing potential downside risk for valuation-sensitive investors - this impacts equity investors in Crown Castle and similar REITs.
- Guidance variability - Changes to 2026 guidance have prompted analyst price target adjustments, illustrating uncertainty in forward earnings and cash flow expectations - relevant to fixed income and dividend-focused investors in the sector.