UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

OR

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002¨

OR

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto

Commission file number: 000-30110


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number: 000-30110

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida

65-0716501

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

5900 Broken Sound Parkway NW

Boca Raton, Florida

33487

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(561) 995-7670

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Class A common stock $.01 par value

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 995-7670


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Class A common stock $.01 par value


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 daysdays.    Yesx  No¨

Yes  x

No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Yes  o    Yesx  No¨

No  x

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $61.0$132.2 million as of June 28, 2002. 30, 2003.

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock (as of March 14, 2003)10, 2004):

 

Class A common stock - 45,670,043stock—56,017,207 shares
Class B common stock - 5,455,595 shares

Documents Incorporated By Reference

 

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 20032004 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement will be filed no later than 120 days after the close of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2002,2003, are hereby incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



PART I

ITEM 1.ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

General

 

We are a leading independent owner and operator of over 3,000 wireless communications towers in the continentaleastern third of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.States. We generate revenues from our two primary businesses, site leasing and site development. In our site leasing business, we lease antenna space to wireless service providers on towers and other structures that we own or manage for or lease from others. The towers that we own have either been builtconstructed by us at the request of a wireless carrier, or built or acquiredconstructed based on our own initiative.initiative or acquired. We have built approximately 60% of our currently owned towers. As of December 31, 2002,2003, we owned or managed 3,877 towers.3,093 towers of which 3,032 are in continuing operations. In our site development business, we offer wireless service providers assistance in developing their own networks, including designing a network with friendly site identification, acquiring locations to place their antennas and transmission equipment, obtaining zoning approvals, building towers when necessary and installing and maintaining their antennas and transmission equipment.own wireless service networks. Since our founding in 1989, we have participated in the development of more than 20,00025,000 antenna sites in 49 of the 51 major wireless markets in the United States.

Recent DevelopmentsSite Leasing Services

 As

Our primary focus is the leasing of antenna space on our multi-tenant towers to a resultvariety of certain estimateswireless service providers under long-term lease contracts. We believe that over the long term our site leasing revenues will continue to grow as wireless service providers lease additional antenna space on our towers due to increasing minutes of use and network coverage requirements. We lease antenna space on the towers we have constructed, the towers we have acquired, and the towers we lease, sublease and/or manage for third parties. Our site leasing revenue comes from a variety of wireless carrier tenants, including AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, and we believe our current tower portfolio positions us to take advantage of wireless carriers’ antenna and equipment deployment. We believe our site leasing business is characterized by stable and long-term recurring revenues, predictable operating costs and minimal capital expenditures. We expect to grow our cash flows by adding tenants to our towers at minimal incremental costs by using existing tower capacity or requiring carriers to bear the cost of tower modifications. Because our towers are strategically positioned and our expectations thatcustomers typically do not re-locate, we will not comply with onehave historically experienced low customer churn as a percentage of revenue. Our lease contracts typically have terms of five years or more of the financial covenants ofwith multiple term tenant renewal options and provide for annual rent escalators. We are focusing our senior credit facility in 2003, the auditor’s opinion on our 2002 consolidated financial statements calls attention to substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern through 2003.

          On March 17, 2003 certain of our subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications Corp. (“AAT Communications”) to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of 801 towers, which represent substantially all of our towers in the western two-thirds of the U.S (the “AAT Transaction”).  Gross proceeds from the sale are anticipated to be $160.0 million if 679 towers are sold, or $203.0 million if 801 towers are sold, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.  The AAT Transaction is expected to close in stages commencing on May 9, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2003.  We intend to use substantially all of the proceeds, net of anticipated transaction costs of approximately $5.0 million, to reduce indebtedness.  Upon consummation of the complete AAT Transaction, we will own 3,076 towers, substantially all of which will beleasing activities in the eastern third of the United States. 

          We entered into the AAT Transaction to address our anticipated non-compliance with certain financial covenants under our senior credit facility commencing in 2003 and to reduce our significant levelStates where substantially all of indebtedness and the risks associated with such indebtedness.  The sale is subject to a number of conditions, including an amendment to our senior credit facility.  We anticipate that the amendment to our senior credit facility would, among other things, (1) waive any default that arises as a result of receiving an audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, (2) modify the financial covenants to levels that we believe are better aligned with our site leasing business and can be satisfied during 2003 and beyond and (3) permit certain actions that are part of the AAT Transaction.  We believe that the AAT Transaction, in conjunction with the amendment to the senior credit facility, will eliminate the issues that gave rise to the “going concern” qualification from our auditors.  Based on our current estimates of wireless carrier activity, we believe that subsequent to the successful sale of either 679 or 801 towers, and the amendment to the senior credit facility, we will have sufficient liquidity to achieve positive free cash flow.

Company Services

          We provide our services on a local basis, through regional offices, territory offices and project offices, which are opened and closed on a project-by-project basis. Operationally, we are divided into regions throughout the United States, run by regional vice presidents. Each region is divided into sub-regions run by general managers and we have further divided each sub-region into geographic territories run by local managers. Within each manager’s geographic area of responsibility, he or she is responsible for all operations, including hiring employees and opening or closing project offices, and a substantial portion of the sales in such area.

          Our executive, corporate development, accounting, finance, human resources, legal and regulatory, information technology departments, site administration personnel, and our network operations center are located in our headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida. We also have in our Boca Raton office certain sales, new tower build support, and tower maintenance personnel.

Site Leasing Services

          In 1997 we began aggressively expanding our site leasing business by capitalizing on our nationally recognized site development experience and strong relationships with wireless service providers to take advantage of the trends toward

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co-location, which is the placement of multiple antennas on one tower or other structure, and independent tower ownership. We believe our towers have significant capacity to accommodate additional tenants with minimal incremental costs.are located. Additionally, due to the relatively young age and mix of our tower portfolio, we believeexpect future expenditures required to maintain these towers will be minimal.low.

 

The following chart shows the number of towers we built for our own account, the number of towers we acquired, the number of towers we reclassified or disposed of, the number of towers held for sale and the number of tenants at year-end on our towers owned for the periods indicated:indicated, before discontinued operations treatment:

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

  

1998

 

1999

 

2000

 

2001

 

2002

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Towers owned at the beginning of period 

 

51

 

 

494

 

 

1,163

 

 

2,390

 

 

3,734

 

Towers built 

 

310

 

 

438

 

 

779

 

 

667

 

 

141

 

Towers acquired 

 

133

 

 

231

 

 

448

 

 

677

 

 

53

 

Towers reclassified/disposed of (1)
 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(51

)

  

 



 



 



 



 

Towers owned at the end of period 

 

494

 

 

1,163

 

 

2,390

 

 

3,734

 

 

3,877

(2)

  

 



 



 



 



 

Number of tenants at the end of period 

 

601

 

 

1,794

 

 

4,904

 

 

7,693

 

 

8,437

 


   For the years ended December 31,

   2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

Towers owned at the beginning of period

  3,877  3,734  2,390  1,163  494

Towers built

  13  141  667  779  438

Towers acquired

  —    53  677  448  231

Towers reclassified/disposed of (1)

  (797) (51) —    —    —  

Towers held for sale

  (61) —    —    —    —  
   

 

 
  
  

Towers owned at the end of period

  3,032  3,877  3,734  2,390  1,163
   

 

 
  
  

(1)(1)

Reclassifications reflect the combination for reporting purposes of multiple acquired tower structures on a single parcel of real estate, which we market and customers view as a single location, into a single owned tower site. Dispositions reflect the sale, conveyance or other legal transfer of owned tower sites.

(2)

Upon consummation of the AAT Transaction, we will own 3,076 towers (assuming AAT Communications purchases 801 towers).

 


The following chart shows the number of towers owned for the periods indicated, after discontinued operations treatment:

   For the years ended December 31,

   2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

Towers owned at the end of the period

  3,032  3,030  2,910  1,830  902

As of December 31, 2003, we had 6,847 tenants on our 3,032 towers.

At December 31, 2002,2003, our same tower revenue growth was 9.3% and our same tower site leasing gross profit growth was 16.1% on the 3,7343,020 towers we owned as of December 31, 2001 was 16%, and our same tower cash flow growth on these 3,734 towers was 20% based on tenant leases signed and annualized lease amounts in effect as of December 31, 2002 and 2001.2002.

 Our site leasing revenue comes from a variety of wireless carrier tenants, including AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, and Verizon.  Site leasing revenue was $139.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and $103.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. We believe that over the long term

The following chart includes details regarding our site leasing revenues will continue to grow as wireless service providers continue to lease antenna space on our towers.and gross profit percentage:

 Our primary focus is the leasing of antenna space on our multi-tenant towers to a variety of wireless service providers under long-term lease contracts. We lease antenna space on:

the towers we have constructed through carrier directives under build-to-suit programs;

the towers we have acquired;

the towers we have built on locations we have selected, which we call “strategic” new tower builds; and

the towers we lease, sublease and/or manage for third parties.

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 
   (dollars in thousands) 

Site leasing revenue

  $127,842  $115,081  $85,487 

Percentage of total revenue

   60.3%  47.9%  38.0%

Site leasing gross profit percentage contribution of total gross profit

   93.1%  76.7%  63.7%

 A significant number of our towers were built under our build-to-suit program, through which we built towers for a wireless service provider on a location of their direction. We retained ownership of the tower and the exclusive right to co-locate additional tenants on the tower. Many wireless service providers chose the build-to-suit option as an alternative to owning the towers themselves. Our build-to-suit sites came from a variety of wireless carriers, including Alamosa PCS, AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Horizon PCS, Sprint PCS, Triton PCS and T-Mobile.

To help maximize the revenue and profit we earn from our capital investment in theour towers, we own, we provide services at our tower locations beyond the leasing of antenna space. The services we provide, or may provide in the future, include generator provisioning, antenna installation, equipment installation, maintenance, and backhaul, which is the transport of the wireless signals transmitted or received by an antenna to a carrier’s network. Some of these services are part of our site leasing services (e.g., the generator provisioning) and are recurring in nature, and are contracted for by a wireless carrier or other user in a manner similar to the way they lease antenna space.

 In February 2002, we announced the reduction of our capital expenditures for new tower development and acquisition activities.  Under this plan, we suspended any material new investment for additional towers, among other

3


actions.  If the AAT Transaction successfully closes, we will further reduce our tower portfolio by at least 679 towers and a maximum of 801 towers.  We do not anticipate making any material additions to our tower portfolio in 2003. 

Site Development Services

 

Our site development business consists of two segments, site development consulting and site development construction, through which we provide wireless service providers a full range of end-to-end services. In the consulting segment of our site development business, we offer clients the following services: (1) network pre-design; (2) site audits; (3) identification of potential locations for towers and antennas; (4) support in buying or leasing of the location; and (5) assistance in obtaining zoning approvals and permits. In the construction segment of our site development business we provide a number of services, including, but not limited to the following: (1) tower and related site construction; (2) antenna installation; and (3) radio equipment installation, commissioning and maintenance. We have capitalized onCurrently our leadership position in thelargest site development business and our strong relationships with wireless service providersproject is the network development contract we were awarded by Sprint Spectrum L.P. We estimate that this contract will generate approximately $70 to build and acquire towers$90 million in locations that we believe are attractive to wireless service providers.site development construction revenue over the next two years.

 

Our site development customers currently comprise manyinclude most of the major wireless communications and services companies, including AT&T Wireless, Bechtel Corporation, Cingular Wireless, General Dynamics, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile and Verizon.Verizon Wireless. Site development revenue was $84.2 million and $125.0 million for the yearyears ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, and $139.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.respectively.

 

Our site development revenues and profit margins decreased significantly during the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to the substantiala decline in capital expenditures by wireless carriers, particularly for our site development construction services, and increased competition, which adversely affected our volume of activity and the pricing for our pricing levels.  During 2003, we expect these trends to continue.  Consequently, we anticipate continued decline in our site development revenues and profit margins.services.

Business Strategy

 

Our primary strategy is to capture the maximum benefits from our position as a leading owner and operator of wireless communications towers. Key elements of our strategy include:

Focusing on Site Leasing Business with Stable, Recurring Revenues. We intend to continue to focus on and allocate substantially all of our capital resources to our site leasing business due to its attractive characteristics such as long-term contracts, built-in price escalators, high operating margins and low customer churn. The long-term nature of the revenue stream of our site leasing business makes it less volatile than our site development business which is more reactive to changes in industry conditions. By focusing on our site leasing business, we believe that we can maintain a stable, recurring cash flow stream and reduce our exposure to cyclical changes in customer spending.

Maximizing Use of Tower Capacity.    We believe that many of our towers have significant capacity available for additional antennae and that increased use of our owned towers can be achieved at a low incremental cost. We generally have constructed our towers to accommodate multiple tenants in addition to the anchor tenant, and a substantial majority of our towers are high capacity lattice or guyed towers. Most of our towers have significant capacity available for additional antennas and we believe that increased use of our towers can be achieved at a low incremental cost. We actively market space on our own towers through our internal sales force.

Geographically Focusing our Tower Ownership.We have decided to focus our tower ownership geographically to the Eastern U.S.  Upon consummation of the AAT Transaction, substantially all of our remaining towers will be located in the eastern third of the U.S.United States. We believe that by focusing our site leasing activities in athis smaller geographic area, where we have such a highhigher concentration of our towers, we will improve our operating efficiencies, and reduce our overhead expenses.expenses and produce higher revenue per tower.

          Executing onMaintaining Low Cost Structure with Reduced Capital Expenditures. We believe we have a low cost structure and we intend to proactively manage our cost structure to reflect the size and stage of our business and changes in the business environment. In addition, we have significantly reduced our capital expenditures since 2001 and intend to maintain lower levels (compared to 1999 to 2001) of annual capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

Using our Local Basis.Presence to Build Strong Relationships with Major Wireless Service Providers. WeGiven the nature of towers as location specific communications facilities, we believe that substantially all of what we do is best done locally, givenlocally. Consequently, we have a broad field organization that allows us to develop and capitalize on our experience, expertise and relationships in each of our local markets, which in turn enhances our customer relationships. Due to our presence in local markets, we believe we are well positioned to capture additional site leasing business in our markets and identify and participate in site development projects across our markets.

Capturing Other Revenues That Flow From our Tower Ownership. To help maximize the naturerevenue and profit we earn from our capital investment in our towers, we provide services at our tower locations beyond the leasing of towers as location specific communications facilities. We believeantenna space, including antenna installation and equipment installation. Because of our customers make decisions locally. Weownership of the tower, our control of the tower site and our experience and capabilities in providing installation services, we believe that we are well positioned to be successful in tower leasing, zoningperform more of these services and construction, we must have a strong local presence incapture the markets we serve.related revenue.

Capitalizing on our Management Experience.Our management team has extensive experience in site leasing and site development services. Management believes that its industry expertise and strong relationships with wireless carriers will allow us to expand our position as a leading provider of site leasing and site development services.

          BuildingCompany Services

We provide our services on Strong Relationships with Major Wireless Service Providers.    Wea local basis, through regional offices, territory offices and project offices, some of which are well positioned to beopened and closed on a preferred partnerproject-by-project basis. Operationally, we are divided into three regions throughout the United States, run by vice presidents. Each region is divided into sub-regions run by general managers and we have further divided each sub-region into geographic territories run by local managers. Within each manager’s geographic area of responsibility, he or she is responsible for all site development operations, including hiring employees and opening or closing project offices, and a substantial portion of the sales in tower space leasing because of our strong relationships with wireless servicesuch area.

Our executive, corporate development, accounting, finance, human resources, legal and other telecommunications providersregulatory, information technology and site administration personnel, and our proven operating experience.  Additionally, we have a broad national field organization that allows us to identifynetwork operations center are located in our headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida. Certain sales, new tower build support and participatetower maintenance personnel are also located in site development projects across the country and that gives us knowledge of local markets and enhances our customer relationships.   Boca Raton office.

          Capturing Other Revenues That Flow From our Tower Ownership.    Tenants who lease antenna space on our towers need a variety of additional services in connection with their operations at the tower site. These services include installation, maintenance and upgrading of radio transmission equipment, antennas, cabling and other connection equipment, electricity, backhaul (which is provided generally by telephone lines or a microwave antenna network),

4


equipment shelters, data collection and network monitoring. Tenants often outsource the performance of some or all of these required services to third parties, including us. Because of our ownership of the tower, our control of the tower site and our experience and capabilities in providing these types of services, we believe that we are well positioned and intend to perform more of these services and capture the related revenue.

Customers

 

Since commencing operations, we have performed site leasing and site development services for manymost of the largest wireless service providers. The majority of our contracts have been for PCS, broadband,enhanced specialized mobile radio, or ESMR, and cellular customers.providers of wireless telephony services. We also serve wireless data and Internet, paging, PCS narrowband, SMR,specialized mobile radio, multi-channel multi-point distribution service, or MMDS, and multi-point distribution service, or MDS, wireless providers. In both our site development and site leasing businesses, we work with large national providers and smaller local, regional or private operators. We depend on a relatively small number of customers for our site developmentleasing and site leasingdevelopment revenues. ForOf our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002, Cingular provided 14.6% and Bechtel Corporation (contractor for AT&T Wireless and Cingular) provided 29.4%2003, the following three customers represented at least 10% of our site development revenues.  For the year ended December 31, 2001, Nextel provided 11.6%, Sprint PCS provided 11.5% and Bechtel Corporation provided 10.9%total revenues:

Percentage of Revenue

Bechtel Corporation

14.3%

AT&T Wireless

10.8%

Cingular Wireless

10.2%

Of our site development revenues.  In addition,total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002, AT&T Wireless provided 15.7%the following three customers represented at least 10% of our site leasing revenues.  For the year ended December 31, 2001, Nextel provided 10.4% of our site leasing revenues.total revenues:

 

Percentage of Revenue

Bechtel Corporation

15.3%

Cingular Wireless

12.6%

AT&T Wireless

10.1%

During the past two years, we provided services for a number of customers, including:

Airgate PCS

MediaOne Group

AlamosaAirgate PCS

Nextel

Arch/PageNet

Alamosa PCS

Nextel Partners

AllTel

ALLTEL

PAC 17/A.F.L.

AT&T Wireless

Pyramid Network Services

Siemens

Bechtel Corporation

Ramcell

Sprint PCS

Cingular

Wireless

Sprint PCS

T-Mobile

Cricket

Dobson Cellular Systems

SalmonTriton PCS

DobsonGeneral Dynamics

U.S. Cellular

T-Mobile

General Dynamics

Horizon PCS

Triton PCS

US Unwired

Horizon PCS

M/A – COMM
Verizon Wireless

 

UbiquiTel, Inc.

IWO

US Cellular

Lucent

US Unwired

MA/COM

Verizon

Sales and Marketing

 

Our sales and marketing goals are:are to:

to use existing relationships and develop new relationships with wireless service providers to lease antenna space on and purchase related services with respect to our owned or managed towers, enabling us to grow our site leasing business;

to form affiliations with select communications systems vendors who use end-to-end services, including those provided by us, which will enable us to market our services and product offerings through additional channels of distribution; and

to further cultivate customers to sell site development services.

 

use existing relationships and develop new relationships with wireless service providers to lease antenna space on and purchase related services with respect to our owned or managed towers, enabling us to grow our site leasing business;

establish relationships with select communications systems vendors and large program management firms who use end-to-end services, including those provided by us, which will enable us to market our services and product offerings through additional channels of distribution; and

further cultivate customers to sell site development services.

We approach sales on a company-wide basis, involving many of our employees. We have a dedicated sales force that is supplemented by members of our executive management team. Our dedicated salespeople are based regionally as well as in the corporate office. We also rely on our regional vice presidents, general managers local managers and other operations personnel to sell our services and cultivate customers. Our strategy is to delegate sales efforts to those employees of ours who have the best relationships with the wireless service providers.our customers. Most wireless service providers have national corporate headquarters with regional and local offices. We believe that providers at the regional and local levels make most decisions for site development and site leasing services at the regional and local levels with input from their corporate headquarters. Our sales representatives work with provider representatives at the regional and local levels and at the national level when appropriate. Our sales staff compensation is heavily weighted to incentive-based goals and measurements. A substantial number of our operations personnel have sales-basedrevenue and gross profit-based incentive components in their compensation plans.

5


In addition to our marketing and sales staff, we rely upon our executive and operations personnel onat the regional and territory office levels to identify sales opportunities within existing customer accounts.

 

Our primary marketing and sales support is centralized and directed from our headquarters office in Boca Raton, Florida and is supplemented by our regional and territory offices. We have a full-time staff dedicated to our marketing efforts. The marketing and sales support staff is charged with implementing our marketing strategies, prospecting and producing sales presentation materials and proposals.

Competition

 

We compete with:

wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers and lease, or may in the future decide to lease, antenna space to other providers;

site development companies that acquire antenna space on existing towers for wireless service providers, manage new tower construction and provide site development services;

other large independent tower companies; and

smaller local independent tower operators.

 

site development companies that acquire antenna space on existing towers for wireless service providers, manage new tower construction and provide site development services;

program management firms that operate in the wireless arena;

wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers and lease, or may in the future decide to lease, antenna space to other providers;

other large independent tower companies; and

smaller local independent tower operators.

Wireless service providers that own and operate their own tower networks and several of the other tower companies generally are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than we do. We believe that tower location and capacity, quality of service, density within a geographic market and, to a lesser extent, price historically have been and will continue to be the most significant competitive factors affecting the site leasing business.

 

Our primary competitors for our site leasing activities are fourfive large independent tower companies, American Tower Corporation, Crown Castle International Corp., Pinnacle HoldingsGlobal Signal, Inc. and, SpectraSite, Inc., and AAT Communications Corp., and a large number of smaller independent tower owners. In addition, we compete with AT&T Wireless, Sprint PCS and other wireless service providers who currently market excess space on their owned towers to other wireless service providers.

 

We believe that the majority of our competitors in the site development business operate within local market areas exclusively, while some firms appear to offer their services nationally, including American Tower Corporation, AFL,Alcoa Fujikura Ltd., Bechtel Corporation, Black & Veach Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, LCC International, Inc. and Westower.Wireless Facilities, Inc. The market includes participants from a variety of market segments offering individual, or combinations of, competing services. The field of competitors includes site development consultants, zoning consultants, real estate firms, right-of-way consulting firms, construction companies, tower owners/managers, radio frequency engineering consultants, telecommunications equipment vendors, which provide end-to-end site development services through multiple subcontractors, and providers’ internal staff. We believe that providers base their decisions for site development services on a number of criteria, including a company’s experience, track record, local reputation, price and time for completion of a project. We believe that we compete favorably in these areas.

Employees

 

As of February 28,December 31, 2003, we had approximately 650600 employees, none of whom is represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good.

Regulatory and Environmental Matters

Federal Regulations.Both the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”)FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”)FAA regulate antenna towers used forand structures that support wireless communications.communications and radio or television antennas. Many FAA requirements are implemented in FCC regulations. These regulations govern the construction, and markinglighting and painting or other marking of towers and structures and may, depending on the characteristics of particular towers or structures, require prior approval and registration of towers.towers or structures. Wireless communications devicesequipment and radio or television stations operating on towers or structures are separately regulated and independently licensed basedmay require independent licensing depending upon the particular frequency or frequency band used.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, the FCC, in conjunction with the FAA, has developed standards to consider proposals forinvolving new or modified towers.antenna towers or structures. These standards mandate that the FCC and the FAA consider the height of the proposed tower structures,or structure, the relationship of the tower or structure to existing natural or man-made obstructions and the proximity of the towerstower or structure to runways and airports. Proposals to construct or to modify existing towers or structures above certain heights must be reviewed by the FAA to ensure the structure will not present a hazard to air navigation. The FAA may condition its issuance of a no-hazard determination upon compliance with specified lighting marking and/or painting requirements. TowersAntenna towers that meet certain height and location criteria must also be

6


registered with the FCC. A tower or structure that

requires FAA clearance will not be registered by the FCC until it is cleared by the FAA. Upon registration, the FCC may also require special lighting marking and/or painting requirements.painting. Owners of wireless transmissioncommunications antenna towers and structures may have an obligation to maintain marking, painting and lighting to conform toor other marking in conformance with FAA and FCC standards. TowerAntenna tower and structure owners also bear the responsibility of monitoring any lighting systems and notifying the FAA of any tower lighting outage or malfunction. In addition, any applicant for an FCC antenna tower or structure registration must certify that, consistent with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, neither the applicant nor its principals are subject to a denial of Federal benefits because of a conviction for the possession or distribution of a controlled substance. We generally indemnify our customers against any failure to comply with applicable regulatory standards. Failure to comply with the applicable requirements may lead to civil penalties.

 

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 amended the Communications Act of 1934 by preserving state and local zoning authorities’ jurisdiction over the construction, modification and placement of towers. The law, however, limits local zoning authority by prohibiting any action that would (1) discriminate betweenamong different providers of personal wireless services or (2) ban altogether the construction, modification or placement of radio communication towers. Finally, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the federal government to help licensees for wireless communications services gain access to preferred sites for their facilities. This may require that federal agencies and departments work directly with licensees to make federal property available for tower facilities.

 

Owners and operators of antenna towers and structures may be subject to, and therefore must comply with, environmental laws. Any licensed radio facility on aan antenna tower or structure is subject to environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, among other statutes, which requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impactsimpact of their decisions under certain circumstances. The FCC has issued regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. These regulations place responsibility on each applicantapplicants to investigate any potential environmental effects of their operations and to disclose any potential significant effects on the environment in an environmental assessment prior to constructing a tower.or modifying an antenna tower or structure and prior to commencing operation of wireless communications or radio or television stations from the tower or structure. In the event the FCC determines the proposed towerstructure or operation would have a significant environmental impact based on the standards the FCC has developed, the FCC would be required to prepare an environmental assessment,impact statement, which will be subject to public comment. This process could significantly delay the registration of a particular tower.tower or structure.

 

As an owner and operator of real property, we are subject to certain environmental laws that impose strict, joint and several liability for the cleanup of on-site or off-site contamination and related personal or property damage. We are also subject to certain environmental laws that govern tower or structure placement, including pre-construction environmental studies. Operators of towers or structures must also take into consideration certain RFradio frequency (“RF”) emissions regulations that impose a variety of procedural and operating requirements. Certain proposals to operate wireless communications and radio or television stations from antenna towers and structures are also reviewed by the FCC to ensure compliance with requirements relating to human exposure to RF emissions. Exposure to high levels of RF energy can produce negative health effects. The potential connection between low-level RF emissionsenergy and certain negative health effects, including some forms of cancer, has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with and we have no material liability under any applicable environmental laws. These costs of compliance with existing or future environmental laws and liability related thereto may have a material adverse effect on our prospects, financial condition or results of operations.

State and Local Regulations.Most states regulate certain aspects of real estate acquisition, and leasing activities and construction activities. Where required, we conduct the site acquisition portions of our site development services business through licensed real estate brokers’ agents, who may be our employees or hired as independent contractors, and conduct the construction portions of our site development services

through licensed contractors, who may be our employees or independent contractors. Local regulations include city and other local ordinances, zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by community developers. These regulations vary greatly, but typically require tower and structure owners to obtain approval from local officials or community standards organizations prior to tower or structure construction and establish regulations regarding maintenance and removal of towers.towers or structures. In addition, many local zoning authorities require tower and structure owners to post bonds or cash collateral to secure their removal obligations. Local zoning authorities generally have been unreceptive to construction of new transmissionantenna towers and structures in their communities because of the height and visibility of the towers or structures, and have, in some instances, instituted moratoria.

Backlog

 

Our backlog of pending leases for antenna space on our towers varies from time to time and reflects the relatively short-cycle of three to six months of the antenna space leasing process. Leasing backlogs vary widely within a fiscal quarter, and are generally lowest on the last day of a quarter as our customers strive to meet their own quarterly antenna site deployment goals. As of December 31, 2003 we had136 new leases and 15 amendments which had been executed with customers but which had not begun generating revenue. These leases contractually provided for approximately $2.8 million of annual revenues. As of December 31, 2002 we had150 new leases and 9 amendments which had been executed with customers but which had not begun generating revenue. These leases contractually provided for approximately $3.3 million of annual revenues.

Our backlog for site development services was $29.2approximately $80 million as of December 31, 20022003 as compared to $58.8approximately $29 million as of December 31, 2001.2002. The increase in 2003 is attributable to a contract received from Sprint for site development work which is expected to result in revenues of $70 million to $90 million over a two year period of which approximately $60 million is reflected in backlog as of December 31, 2003. We had no backlog for pending tower acquisitions as of December 31, 20022003.

Risks Related to Our Business

We may not be able to service our substantial indebtedness.

As indicated below, we have and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our equity.

   As of December 31,

   2003

  2002

   (in thousands)

Total indebtedness*

  $866,199  $1,019,046

Shareholders’ equity

  $43,877  $203,490

*Excludesdeferred gain on interest rate swap of $4,559 at December 31, 2003 and $5,236 at December 31, 2002.

Our ability to service our debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance. Our earnings were insufficient to cover our fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 2003 by $162 million and $184 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Subsequent to December 31, 2003 we obtained a new senior credit facility. A portion of the proceeds from this facility were used to repay the then existing credit facility, to purchase 12% senior discount notes in the open market, to redeem all 12% senior discount notes outstanding on March 1, 2004, and to repurchase 10¼% senior notes in the open market. As adjusted for these transactions, we would require approximately $53.5 million of cash flow from operating activities (before net cash interest expenses) to discharge our cash interest and principal obligations for the year ending December 31, 2004. By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2003, we generated $56.7 million of cash flow from operations (before net cash interest expenses). In order to manage our substantial amount of indebtedness, we may from time to time sell assets, issue equity, or

repurchase, restructure or refinance some or all of our debt. We may not be able to effectuate any of these alternative strategies on satisfactory terms, if at all. The implementation of any of these alternative strategies may dilute our current shareholders or subject us to additional costs or restrictions on our ability to manage our business and as compareda result could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and growth strategy.

We may not have sufficient liquidity or cash flow from operations to 145 towers asrepay the remaining amount of our outstanding senior credit facility, our 10¼% senior notes and our 9¾% senior discount notes upon their respective maturities in 2008, 2009 and 2011. Therefore, prior to the maturity of our outstanding debt we may be required to refinance and/or restructure some or all of this debt. There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance or restructure this debt on acceptable terms or at all. If we were unable to refinance, restructure or otherwise repay the principal amount of this debt upon its maturity, we may need to sell assets, cease operations and/or file for protection under the bankruptcy laws.

As of December 31, 2001.  Additionally,2003, adjusted for the transactions discussed above, we would have had a backlog for 15 new tower builds asapproximately $21 million of December 31, 2002 as comparedadditional borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, subject to 400 asmaintenance covenants, borrowing base limitations and other conditions. Furthermore, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our debt instruments, some of December 31, 2001.which may be secured debt.

AvailabilityWe are dependent on the financial stability of Reportsour customers and Other Informationany deterioration in their financial condition may reduce the demand for our services which would adversely affect our growth strategy, revenues and financial condition.

 

Our corporate website is www.sbasite.com.  We make available, freebusiness depends on the financial stability of charge,our customers. The economic slowdown and intense competition in the wireless and telecommunications industries over the past several years have impaired the financial condition of some of our customers, certain of which operate with substantial leverage and certain of which have filed or may file for bankruptcy. The financial uncertainties facing our customers could reduce demand for our communications sites, increase our bad debt expense and reduce prices on new customer contracts. This could affect our ability to satisfy our obligations.

In addition, we may be negatively impacted by our customers’ limited access to debt and equity capital. Recently when capital market conditions were difficult for the telecommunications industry, wireless service providers conserved capital by not spending as much as originally anticipated to finance expansion activities. This decrease adversely impacted demand for our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statement on Schedule 14Aservices and consequently our financial condition. As a result, we adjusted our business during 2002 and early 2003 to significantly reduce and subsequently suspend any material investment for new towers and our site development activities. If our customers are not able to access the capital markets in the future, our growth strategy, revenues and financial condition may again be adversely affected.

7


amendments to those materials filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 on our website under “Investor Relations—SEC Filings,” as soon as reasonably practicable after we file electronically such material with, or furnish it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).  In addition, the Commission’s website is www.sec.gov.  The Commission makes available on this website, free of charge, reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, such as us, that file electronically with the Commission. Information on our website or the Commission’s website is not part of this document.

RISK FACTORSOur substantial indebtedness may negatively impact our ability to implement our business plan.

Our substantial indebtedness may negatively impact our ability to implement our business plan. For example, it could:

limit our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and development costs;

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;

subject us to interest rate risk;

place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that are less leveraged;

require us to sell debt or equity securities or sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations; and

limit our ability to borrow additional funds.

Our debt instruments contain restrictive covenants that could adversely affect our business.

 

Our senior credit facility and the indentures governing our 10¼% senior notes and our 12% senior discountoutstanding notes each contain certain restrictive covenants. Among other things, these covenants restrict our ability to to:

incur additional indebtedness, indebtedness;

sell assets for less than fair market value, assets;

pay dividends, redeem outstanding debt or dividends;

make certain investments; and

engage in other restricted payments.

If we fail to comply with these covenants, it could result in an event of default under one or all of these debt instruments. The acceleration of amounts due under one of our senior credit facility willdebt instruments would also cause a cross-default under both of our indentures.other debt instruments.

 

SBA Telecommunications,Senior Finance Inc. (“SBA Telecommunications”Senior Finance”), our principal subsidiary which owns, directly or indirectly, all of the common stock of our otheroperating subsidiaries, is the borrower under our senior credit facility. The senior credit facility requires SBA TelecommunicationsSenior Finance to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding SBA Telecommunications’ consolidatedSenior Finance’s debt coverage,to annualized operating cash flow, debt service, cash interest expense and fixed charges for each quarter and satisfy certain financial condition tests including maintaining a minimum consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and unusual or non-recurring expenses).  Thequarter. In addition, the senior credit facility also contains affirmative andadditional negative covenants which,that, among other things, require us to submit audited financial statements without a “going-concern” qualification in the audit opinion and restrictsrestrict our ability to incur debt and liens, sell assets, commit to capital expenditures enter into affiliate transactions or sale-leaseback transactions, and/orand build towers without anchor tenants. Our ability to meet these financial ratios and tests and comply with these covenants can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to do so. A breach of any of these covenants, if not remedied within the specified period, could result in an event of default under the senior credit facility.  Based on declines that we have been experiencing in our site development business and that we believe will continue in 2003, we estimated that we would not be in compliance with one or more

Upon the occurrence of the senior credit facility’s existing financial ratios or tests in 2003.

          As a result of these estimates and our expectations that we will not comply with one or more of the financial covenants ofany default, our senior credit facility in 2003, the auditor’s opinion on our 2002 consolidated financial statements calls attention to substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern through 2003. 

          The issuance of this audit opinion with a “going-concern” qualification, if not remedied by April 30, 2003, would be an event of default under our senior credit facility.  Upon the occurrence of this, or any other event of default, our lenders can prevent us from borrowing any additional amounts under the senior credit facility. In addition, upon the occurrence of any event of default, other than certain bankruptcy events, our senior credit facility lenders, by a majority vote, can elect to declare all amounts of principal outstanding under the senior credit facility, together with all accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. The acceleration of amounts due under our senior credit facility would cause a cross-default inunder our 10¼% senior notes and our 12% senior discount notes,indentures, thereby permitting the acceleration of such indebtedness. If the indebtedness under the senior credit facility and/or indebtedness under our 10¼% senior notes or 12% senior discountoutstanding notes were to be accelerated, our current assets would not be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness. If we were unable to repay amounts that become due under the senior credit facility, ourthe senior credit lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as security under the senior credit facility.

          As part In such an event of default, our plan to addresss the anticipated non-compliance with these financial covenants, and to reduce our aggregate level of indebtedness, certain of our subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of 801 towers.  The gross proceeds from the sale are anticipated to be $160.0 million if 679 towers are sold, or $203.0 million if 801 towers are sold, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.  However, the AAT Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including an amendment to our senior credit facility.  We anticipate that the amendment to our senior credit facility would, among other things, (1) waive any default that arises as a result of receiving an audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, (2) modify the financial covenants to levels that we believe are better aligned with our site leasing business and can be satisfied during 2003 and beyond and (3) permit

8


certain actions that are part of the AAT Transaction.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these waivers and/or amendments, especially in light of the recent financial performance of the wireless telecommunications industry and us, or that if we obtain them, we will be able to comply with the new financial covenants in the future.  Nor can we assure you that even if we do receive the necessary amendment to our senior credit facility that the AAT Transaction will be consummated.

          A full discussion of the impact of these possible defaults and management’s plans to address the liquidity and other concerns that arise as a result of the possible defaults and our significant level of indebtedness is discussed below under the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Going Concern.”

          Weassets may not be able to service our substantial indebtedness.

          As indicated below, we have and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our equity.

 

 

At December 31, 2002

 

At December 31, 2001

 

 

 


 


 

  

(in thousands)

 

Total indebtedness 

$

1,024,282

 

$

845,453

 

Stockholders’ equity 

$

185,473

 

$

450,644

 

          Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

limit our ability to repay our borrowings under our senior credit facility, our 10¼% senior notes and our 12% senior discount notes;

limit our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and development costs;

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

subject us to interest rate risk;

place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that are less leveraged;

require us to sell debt or equity securities or sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations; and

limit our ability to borrow additional funds.

          Our ability to service our debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance. Based on our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2002, we would require approximately $92.3 million of cash flow from operations (before net cash interest expenses) to discharge our cash interest and principal obligations for the twelve months ending December 31, 2003.  This amount is expected to increase in 2004 as our 12% senior discount notes first began to pay cash interest on March 1, 2003.  By comparison, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002, we generated $57.1 million of cash flow from operations (before net cash interest expenses).  If we do not materially increase our cash flow in the future, we may not be able to meet our principal and interest payments on our debt obligations.  In order to manage our substantial amount of indebtedness, we may from time to time sell assets, issue equity, or repurchase, restructure or refinance some or all of our debt. We may not be able to effectuate any of these alternative strategies on satisfactory terms, if at all. The implementation of any of these alternative strategies may dilute our current shareholders, subject us to additional costs or restrictions on our ability to manage our business and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and growth strategy.

          Based on our current estimates, we may not have sufficient liquidity or cash flow from operations to repay the full principal amount of our 12% senior discount notes and/or our 10¼% senior notes upon their respective maturities.  Therefore, prior to the maturity of our notes we may be required to refinance and/or restructure some or all of our outstanding notes.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance or restructure these notes on acceptable terms or at all.  If we were unable to refinance, restructure or otherwise repay the principal amount of these notes upon their maturity, we may need to sell assets, cease operations and/or file for protection under the bankruptcy laws.

          We pay interest on amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility at variable interest rates. We have in the past, and may again in the future, enter into interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of our debt from fixed to

9


variable rates. Therefore, if interest rates were to increase, the amount of interest that we would have to pay would increase.

We may be adversely affected by an economic slowdown.

          The significant general slowdown in the U.S. economy has negatively affected (1) the financial condition of wireless service providers, (2) the availability of capital, and the willingness of wireless service providers to utilize capital, to expand their networks and (3) may negatively affect the growth rate of consumer demand for wireless services.  We believe that the environment for continued expenditures by wireless service providers deteriorated throughout 2002 and has not materially improved.  Declining subscriber growth and prospects for positive cash flow by wireless service providers have adversely affected the access to and cost of capital for wireless service provides as evidenced by declines in the market value of both their debt and equity securities.  As a result of the economic slowdown, and the negative impact of such slowdown on the debt and equity markets, we have adjusted our business to significantly reduce and subsequently suspend any material new investment for new towers.

          We believe that if the capital markets conditions remain difficult for the telecommunications industry, wireless service providers will continue to choose to conserve capital and may not spend as much as originally anticipated.  If wireless carrier capital expenditures and their ability to access capital remains weak or deteriorates further, we believe our revenues and gross profit from the site development consulting and construction segments of our business, potentially the collectibility of our accounts receivable, and the valuation of certain of our long-lived assets may be negatively impacted.   Short term, variable capital markets conditions may adversely impact carrier demand for our tower space, and consequently our site leasing revenue and the ability of our customers to meet their obligations to us.

We may not secure as many site leasing tenants as planned.

          If tenant demand for tower space decreases, we may not be able to successfully grow our site leasing business. This may have a material adverse effect on our strategy, revenue growth and our ability to satisfy our obligations. Our plan forobligations under the growth of our site leasing business largely depends on our management’s expectations and assumptions concerning future tenant demand for independently-owned towers. Tenant demand includes both the number of tenants and the lease rates they are willing to pay.notes.

 Wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers and several of the independent tower companies generally are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than we do. We believe that tower location and capacity, price, quality of service and density within a geographic market historically have been and will continue to be the most significant competitive factors affecting the site leasing business.

If our wireless service provider customers consolidate or merge with each othercombine their operations to a significant degree, our growth, our revenue and our ability to generate positive cash flow could be adversely affected.

 Significant

Demand for our services may decline if there is significant consolidation among our wireless service provider customers as they may result in reducedthen reduce capital expenditures in the aggregate because themany of their existing networks of many wireless carriers overlap, as do theirand expansion plans.  Similar consequences might occur if wireless service providers engage in extensive sharing or roaming or resale arrangements as an alternative to leasing our antennae space.plans overlap. In January 2003, the spectrum cap, which previously prohibited wireless carriers from owning more than 45 MHz of spectrum in any given geographical area, expired. Some wireless carriers may be encouraged to consolidate with each other as a result of this regulatory change and as a means to strengthen their financial condition. Demand for antennae space on communication sites may be adversely affected by consolidation of our wireless service provider customers. Economic conditions have resulted in the consolidation of several wireless service providers and this trend is likely to continue. To the

extent that our customers consolidate, they may terminatenot renew any duplicative leases that they have on our towers and/or may not lease as many spaces on our towers in the future. This would adversely affect our growth, our revenue and our ability to generate positive cash flow. In February 2004, Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless entered into an agreement by which Cingular would acquire AT&T in a transaction anticipated to close in late 2004 or 2005. As of December 31, 2003 Cingular and AT&T were both tenants on 287 of our 3,032 towers. The contractual revenue generated by both of these tenants on these 287 towers at December 31, 2003 was approximately $12 million. If, as a result of this transaction, Cingular were not to renew duplicate leases, we could lose up to 50% of such revenue. The average remaining contractual life of such duplicate leases was approximately 3 years.

Similar consequences may occur if wireless service providers engage in extensive sharing or roaming or resale arrangements as an alternative to leasing our antenna space. Wireless voice service providers frequently enter into roaming agreements with competitors allowing them to use another’s wireless communications facilities to accommodate customers who are out of range of their home provider’s services. Wireless voice service providers may view these roaming agreements as a superior alternative to leasing antenna space on communications sites owned or controlled by us or others. The proliferation of these roaming agreements could have a material adverse effect on our revenue.

10


If demand for wireless communication services decreases, our revenue will be adversely affected.

          Substantially all of our customers to date have been providers of wireless communication services or agents acting on behalf of wireless communication providers.  If demand for wireless communication services decreases, our revenue growth will be, and our revenue may be, adversely affected.  This could affect our ability to satisfy our obligations. Demand for both our site leasing and site development services is dependent on demand for communication sites from wireless service providers, which, in turn, is dependent on the demand for wireless services.  A slowdown in the growth of, or reduction in demand in, a particular wireless communication segment could adversely affect the demand for communication sites.  Most types of wireless services currently require ground-based network facilities, including communication sites for transmission and reception.  The extent to which wireless service providers lease these communication sites depends on a number of factors beyond our control, including:

the level of demand for wireless services;

the financial condition and access to capital of wireless service providers;

the strategy of wireless service providers with respect to owning or leasing communication sites;

government licensing of broadcast rights; and

changes in telecommunications regulations and general economic conditions.

We depend on a relatively small number of customers for most of our revenue.

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from a small number of customers, that vary at any given time, particularly in theour site development services side of our business. The loss of any significant customer could have a material adverse effect on our revenue.

 Following

The following is a list of significant customers and the percentage of our total revenues for the specified time periods derived from suchthese customers:

Year ended
December 31, 2002


(% of revenue)

AT&T Wireless

10.7

Cingular

11.4

Bechtel Corporation (contractor for AT&T Wireless and Cingular)

13.9


Year ended
December 31, 2001


(% of revenue)

Sprint PCS

10.3

Nextel

11.1

 

   Percentage of Total Revenues
for the years ended
December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Bechtel Corporation

  14.3% 15.3%

AT&T Wireless

  10.8% 10.1%

Cingular Wireless

  10.2% 12.6%

We also have client concentrations with respect to revenues in each of our financial reporting segments.  Of our total site development consulting revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, the following two customers represented 63.8% of total revenue from this segment: Cingular represented 29.6% and Bechtel Corporation represented 34.2%.  Of our total site development construction revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, one customer, Bechtel Corporation, represented 28.1% of such revenue.  Of our total site leasing revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, one customer, AT&T Wireless, represented 15.7% of such revenue.segments:

 

   

Percentage of Site Leasing
Revenue for the years

ended December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

AT&T Wireless

  16.9% 15.5%

Cingular Wireless

  11.1% 10.8%

   

Percentage of Site

Development Consulting

Revenue for the years
ended December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Bechtel Corporation

  30.5% 34.2%

Cingular Wireless

  24.0% 29.6%

Verizon Wireless

  14.5% 3.9%

   

Percentage of Site
Development Construction

Revenue

for the years ended
December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Bechtel Corporation

  37.7% 28.1%

Sprint PCS

  12.9% 3.0%

Revenues from these clients are derived from numerous different site leasing contracts and site development contracts. Each site leasing contract relates to the lease of space at an individual tower site and is generally for an initial term of 5five years renewable for five 5-yearfive-year periods at the option of the tenant. Our site development customers engage us on a project-by-project basis, and a customer can generally terminate an assignment at any time without penalty. In addition, a customer’s need for site development services can decrease, and we may not be successful in establishing relationships with new customers. Moreover,Furthermore, our existing customers may not continue to engage us for additional projects.

11


We may not secure as many site leasing tenants as planned or our lease rates may decline.

If tenant demand for tower space or our lease rates for new tenants decrease, we may not be able to successfully grow our site leasing business. This may have a material adverse effect on our strategy, revenue growth and our ability to satisfy our financial and other contractual obligations. Our plan for the growth of our site leasing business largely depends on our management’s expectations and assumptions concerning future tenant demand and potential lease rates for independently owned towers.

Due to the long-term expectations of revenue from our tenant leases, the tower industry iswe are very sensitive to the creditworthiness of itsour tenants.

 

Due to the long-term nature of our tenant leases, we, like others in the tower industry, are dependent on the continued financial strength of our tenants. Wireless service providers often operate with substantial leverage, and financial problems for our customers could result in uncollected accounts receivable, in the loss of customers and thelower than anticipated lease revenues, or in a reduced ability of these customers to finance expansion activities.revenues. During the past three years, a number of our site leasing customers have filed for bankruptcy including almost all of our paging customers. Although these bankruptcies have not yet had a material adverse effect on our business or revenues, pending bankruptcies and any future bankruptcies may have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, and/or the collectibilitycollectability of our accounts receivable.

Our quarterly operating results for our site development services fluctuate and therefore should not be considered indicative of our long-term results.

 

The number of tenants we add to our towers and the demand for our site development services fluctuatefluctuates from quarter to quarter and should not be considered as indicative of long-term results. Numerous factors cause these fluctuations, including:

the timing and amount of our customers’ capital expenditures;

the business practices of customers, such as deferring commitments on new projects until after the end of the calendar year or the customers’ fiscal year;

the number and significance of active customer engagements during a quarter;

delays relating to a project or tenant installation of equipment;

seasonal factors, such as weather, vacation days and total business days in a quarter;

the use of vendors by our customers; and

the rate and volume of wireless service providers’ network development.

 

the timing and amount of our customers’ capital expenditures;

the size and scope of assignments;

the business practices of customers, such as deferring commitments on new projects until after the end of the calendar year or the customers’ fiscal year;

the number and significance of active projects during a quarter;

delays relating to a project or tenant installation of equipment;

seasonal factors, such as weather, vacation days and total business days in a quarter;

the use of third party providers by our customers;

the rate and volume of wireless service providers’ network development; and

general economic conditions.

Although the demand for our site development services fluctuates, we incur significant fixed costs, such as maintaining a staff and office space in anticipation of future contracts. TheIn addition, the timing of revenues is difficult to forecast because our sales cycle may be relatively long andlong. Therefore, we may depend on factors such as the size and scope of assignments, budgetary cycles and pressures and general economic conditions. In addition, under lease terms typicalnot be able to adjust our cost structure in the tower industry, revenue generated by new tenant leases usually commences upon installation of the tenant’s equipment on the tower rather than upon execution of the lease, which can be 90 days or more after the execution of the lease.a timely basis to adjust to market slowdowns.

We are not profitable and expect to continue to incur losses.

 

We are not profitable. The following chart shows the net losses we incurred for the periods indicated:

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

  

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

  

 


 


 

  

(in thousands)

 

Net losses 

$

273,165

 

$

125,145

 

$

28,915

 

 

   For the years ended December 31,

   2003

  2002

  2001

   (in thousands)

Net losses

  $172,171  $248,996  $125,792

Our losses are principally due to significant interest expense and depreciation and amortization in each of the years 2002, 2001periods presented above. We recorded an asset impairment charge of $17.0 million, a charge associated with the write-off of deferred financing fees and 2000,loss on extinguishment of debt of $24.2 million, and a restructuring charge of $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2003. Additionally, we recognized a loss, net of taxes, of approximately $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 in connection with discontinued operations. We recorded restructuring and other charges of $77.6$47.8 million, and $24.4 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively, and an $80.6a $60.7 million charge related to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in 2002 related to the adoption of SFAS No. 142.

          We expect to continue to have significant losses in 2003.  Interest expense and depreciation charges will continue to be substantial in 2003.  We also expect to incur additional restructuring expenses and to record an expense associated with the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle related to the adoption of SFAS No. 143.  Furthermore,142, and an asset impairment charge of $25.5 million in connectionthe year ended December 31, 2002. We recorded restructuring and other charges of $24.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2001.

In 2004, we expect to incur material additional charges for the write-off of deferred financing fees and extinguishment of debt associated with the anticipated salesenior credit facility refinancing, 10¼% senior note repurchases and 12% senior discount note repurchases and redemptions which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2003. Interest expense and depreciation charges will continue to be substantial in the future.

Increasing competition in the tower industry may adversely affect us.

Our industry is highly competitive, particularly with respect to securing quality tower assets and adequate capital to support tower networks. Competitive pressures for tenants on their towers from these competitors could adversely affect our lease rates and services income. In addition, the loss of existing customers or the failure to attract new customers would lead to an accompanying adverse effect on our revenues, margins and financial condition. Increasing competition could also make the acquisition of quality tower assets more costly.

We compete with:

wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers and lease, or may in the future decide to lease, antenna space to other providers;

site development companies that acquire antenna space on existing towers for wireless service providers, manage new tower construction and provide site development services;

other large independent tower companies; and

smaller local independent tower operators.

Wireless service providers that own and operate their own tower networks and several of the 679 towers on May 9, 2003,other tower companies generally are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than we anticipate recognizingdo. We believe that tower location and capacity, quality of service, density within a geographic market and, to a lesser extent, price historically have been and will continue to be the most significant competitive factors affecting the site leasing business.

The site development market includes participants from a variety of market segments offering individual, or combinations of, competing services. We believe that a company’s experience, track record, local reputation, price and time for completion of a project have been and will continue to be the most significant competitive factors affecting the site development business.

The loss of approximately $6.5 million.

12


the services of certain of our key personnel or a significant number of our employees may negatively affect our business.

 As

Our success depends to a resultsignificant extent upon performance and active participation of our key personnel. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in retaining the services of these factors,key personnel. We have employment agreements with Jeffrey A. Stoops, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Kurt L. Bagwell, our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Thomas P. Hunt, our Senior Vice President and General Counsel. We do not have employment agreements with any of our other key personnel. If we were to lose any key personnel, we may not be able to find an appropriate replacement on a timely basis and our results of operations could be negatively affected. We do not currently have incurred,a permanent Chief Financial Officer, and expectif we are unable to continuetimely hire one, our business may be negatively impacted. Further, the loss of a significant number of employees or our inability to incur significant losses.hire a sufficient number of qualified employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

New technologies and their use by carriers may have a material adverse effect on our growth rate and results of operations.

The emergence of new technologies could reduce the demand for space on our towers. For example, the development of and use of products that would permit multiple wireless carriers to use a single antenna, share networks or increase the range and capacity of an antenna could reduce the number of antennas needed by our customers. This could have a material adverse effect on our growth rate and results of operations.

Our costs could increase and our revenues could decrease due to perceived health risks from radio frequency (“RF”) energy.

The government imposes requirements and other guidelines on our towers relating to RF energy. Exposure to high levels of RF energy can cause negative health effects.

The potential connection between exposure to low levels of RF energy and certain negative health effects, including some forms of cancer, has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years. According to the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), the results of these studies to date have been inconclusive. However, public perception of possible health risks associated with cellular and other wireless communications media could slow the growth of wireless companies, which could in turn slow our growth. In particular, negative public perception of, and regulations regarding, health risks could cause a decrease in the demand for wireless communications services. Moreover, if a connection between exposure to low levels of RF energy and possible negative health effects, including cancer, were demonstrated, we could be subject to numerous claims. If we were subject to claims relating to RF energy, even if such claims were not ultimately found to have merit, our financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

Our business is subject to government regulations and changes in current or future regulations could harm our business.

 

We are subject to federal, state and local regulation of our business. BothIn particular, both the FCCFederal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and the FAAFederal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) regulate the construction and maintenance of antenna towers used forand structures that support wireless communications and radio and television antennae.antennas. In addition, the FCC separately licenses and regulates wireless communication devicescommunications equipment and television and radio stations operating from towers. Suchsuch towers and structures. FAA and FCC regulations controlgovern construction, lighting, painting and marking of towers and structures and may, depending on the characteristics of the tower or structure, require registration of the tower facilities.or structure. Certain proposals to construct new towers or structures or to modify existing towers or structures are reviewed by the FAA to ensure that the tower or structure will not present a hazard to air navigation. Tower

Antenna tower owners and antenna structure owners may have an obligation to mark or paint towers or structures or install lighting to conform to FAA standards and to maintain such marking, painting and lighting. TowerAntenna tower owners and antenna structure owners may also bear the responsibility of notifying the FAA of any tower lighting failures.outages. Certain proposals to operate wireless communications and radio or television stations from antenna towers and structures are also reviewed by the FCC to ensure compliance with environmental impact requirements. Failure to comply with existing or future applicable requirements may lead to civil penalties or other liabilities and may subject us to significant indemnification liability to our customers against any such failure to comply. In addition, new regulations may impose additional costly burdens on us, which may affect our revenues and cause delays in our growth.

 

Local regulations, including municipal or local ordinances, zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by community developers, vary greatly, but typically require antenna tower owners and antenna structure owners to obtain approval from local officials or community standards organizations prior to tower or structure construction or modification. Local regulations can delay, prevent, or increase the cost of new tower construction, co-locations, or site upgrade projects, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customer demand. In addition, new regulations may be adopted that increase delays or result in additional costs to us. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our future growth and operations.

 

Our towers are subject to damage from natural disasters.

 

Our towers are subject to risks associated with natural disasters such as tornadoes hurricanes and earthquakes.hurricanes. We maintain insurance to cover the estimated cost of replacing damaged towers, but these insurance policies are subject to loss limits and deductibles. We also maintain third party liability insurance, subject to deductibles, to protect us in the event of an accident involving a tower. A tower accident for which we are uninsured or underinsured, or damage to a tower or groupsignificant number of our towers, could require us to make significant capital expenditures and may have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

Steven E. Bernstein controls the outcome of shareholder votes and therefore disinterested shareholders will not control many corporate governance matters.

          Steven E. Bernstein, our Chairman of the Board, controls 100% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock. Our Class B common stock has the right to 10 votes for each share provided that the outstanding shares of Class B common stock represent more than 10% of the aggregate amount of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding. As of March 14, 2003, the Class B common stock represented 10.7% of the aggregate amount of common stock outstanding. As of March 14, 2003, Mr. Bernstein controlled approximately 55% of the total voting power of both classes of our common stock. As a result, Mr. Bernstein has the ability to control the outcome of all matters determined by a majority vote of our common shareholders when voting together as a single class. Consequently, disinterested shareholders will not be able to determine who is elected as a director or the outcome of other corporate governance matters subject to approval by the majority of the outstanding shares.

          The loss of the services of certain of our key senior executives may negatively affect our business.

          Our success depends to a significant extent upon performance and active participation of our key senior executives.  We cannot guaranteecould have liability under environmental laws that we will be successful in retaining the services of these key senior executives.  We have employment agreements with Jeffrey A. Stoops, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Kurt L. Bagwell, our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Thomas P. Hunt, our Senior Vice President and General Counsel.  We do not have employment agreements with any of our other key senior executive officers.  If we were to lose any key senior executive we may not be able to find an appropriate replacement on a timely basis and our results of operations could be negatively affected. Our Chief Financial Officer resigned as of March 31, 2003 and we are currently seeking his replacement.

13


          If we are unable to attract, retain or manage skilled employees it could have a material adverse effect on our business.business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business, particularly site development services, involvesoperations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to the deliveryrequirements of professional servicesvarious federal, state, local and foreign environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations, including those relating to the management, use, storage, disposal, emission and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances, materials, and wastes. As owner, lessee or operator of numerous tower sites, we may be liable for substantial costs of remediating soil and groundwater contaminated by hazardous materials, without regard to whether we, as the owner, lessee or operator, knew of or were responsible for the contamination. We may be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties if we fail to comply with any of these requirements. The current cost of complying with these laws is labor-intensive. The lossnot material to our financial condition or results of operations. However, the requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and could become more stringent in the future. It is possible that these requirements will change or that liabilities will arise in the future in a significant number of employees, our inability to hire a sufficient number of qualified employees or adequately develop and motivate the skilled employees we have hiredmanner that could have a material adverse effect on our business. We compete with other wireless communications firmsbusiness, financial condition and other enterprises for employees with the skills required to perform our services. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain a sufficient numberresults of highly-skilled employees in the future or that we will continue to be successful in training, retaining and motivating employees.operations.

Our dependence on our subsidiaries for cash flow may negatively affect our business.

 

We are a holding company with no business operations of our own. Our dependence on our subsidiaries for cash flow may have a material adverse effect on our operations. Our only significant asset is and is expected to be the outstanding capital stock of our subsidiaries. We conduct, and expect to conduct, all of our business operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our only source of cashability to pay our obligations, including the principal and interest, premium, if any, and additional interest, if any, on our outstanding 10¼% senior notes and our 9¾% senior discount notes, is distributionsdependent upon dividends and other distribution from our subsidiaries of their net earningsto us. Other than amounts required to make interest and cash flow. Weprincipal payments on the notes, we currently expect that the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries will be retained and used by

them in their operations, including servicing their debt obligations, except as necessaryobligations. Our operating subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise to be distributedpay the principal, interest and other amounts on the notes or make any funds available to us for payment. The ability of our operating subsidiaries to cover holding company expenses including interest payments on our 10¼% senior notes and 12% senior discount notes. Even if our subsidiaries determined to make a distributionpay dividends or transfer assets to us may be restricted by applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including dividend covenants contained in ourthe terms of the senior credit facility, may restrict or prohibit these dividends or distributions.

          We may experience volatility in our stock price that could affectfacility. Although the value of your investment.

          The stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affectedindenture governing the market price for the common stock of companies. In the past, certain broad market fluctuations have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Any significant fluctuations in the future might result in a decline in the market price of our Class A common stock.

          We have adopted anti-takeover provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us.

          Provisions of our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and Florida law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our shareholders. During 2002, we adopted a shareholder rights agreement, which could make it considerably more difficult or costly for a person or group to acquire control of us in a transaction that our board of directors opposes. These provisions, alone or in combination with each other, may discourage transactions involving actual or potential changes of control, including transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices to holders of our Class A common stock, or couldnotes will limit the ability of our shareholdersoperating subsidiaries to approve transactions that they may deementer into consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us, these limitations are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions.

As a company whose common stock is publicly traded, we are subject to the rules and regulations of federal, state and financial market exchange entities.

In response to recent laws enacted by Congress (most notably the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), some of these entities have recently issued new requirements and some are continuing to develop additional requirements (most notably, the requirements associated with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act). Our material internal control systems, processes and procedures will have to be in their best interests.compliance with the new requirements and such compliance may require the commitment of significant financial and managerial resources and significant changes to such controls, systems, processes and procedures.

Our costs could increaseAvailability of Reports and our revenues could decrease due to perceived health risks from radio frequency emissions, especially if such emissions are demonstrated to cause negative health effects.Other Information

 

Our corporate website iswww.sbasite.com. We make available, free of charge, access to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A and amendments to those materials filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 on our website under “Investor Relations—SEC Filings,” as soon as reasonably practicable after we file electronically such material with, or furnish it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). In addition, the Commission’s website iswww.sec.gov.The government imposes requirementsCommission makes available on this website, free of charge, reports, proxy and information statements, and other guidelinesinformation regarding issuers, such as us, that file electronically with the Commission. Additionally, our reports, proxy and information statements may be read and copied at the Commission’s public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. Information on our towers relating to radio frequency emissions. The potential connection between radio frequency emissions and certain negative health effects, including some formswebsite or the Commission’s website is not part of cancer, has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years.  To date, the results of these studies have been inconclusive.  However, public perception of possible health risks associated with cellular and other wireless communications media could slow the growth of wireless companies, which could in turn slow our growth.  In particular, negative public perception of, and regulations regarding, these perceived health risks could slow the market acceptance of wireless communications services.

          If a connection between radio frequency emissions and possible negative health effects, including cancer, were demonstrated, we could be subject to numerous claims.  If we were subject to numerous claims relating to radio frequency emissions, even if such claims were not ultimately found to have merit, our operations, costs and revenues would be materially and adversely affected.

          New technologies may have a material adverse effect on our growth rate and results of operations.this document.

 The emergence of new technologies could reduce the demand for space on our towers. This could have a material adverse effect on our growth rate and results of operations. For example, the FCC has granted license applications for several low-earth orbiting satellite systems that are intended to provide mobile voice and data services. These systems

14


are highly capital intensive and mobile satellite systems could compete with land-based wireless communications systems. In addition, products are currently being developed which may permit multiple wireless carriers to use a single antenna, to share networks, or to increase the range and capacity of an antenna, which, if successful, could reduce the number of antenna needed by our customers.

ITEM 2.ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

We are headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, where we currently lease approximately 73,000 square feet of space. We have entered into long-term leases for regional and certain site development office locations where we expect our activities to be longer-term. We open and close project offices from time to time in connection with our site development business, and offices for new tower build projects are generally leased for periods not to exceed 18 months.

Our interests in towers are comprised of a variety of fee interests, leasehold interests created by long-term lease agreements, private easements, easements and licenses or rights-of-way granted by government entities. Of the 3,032 towers in our portfolio, approximately 16% are located on parcels of land that we own and approximately 84% are located on parcels of land that have leasehold interests created by long-term lease agreements, private easements and easements, licenses or right-of-way granted by government entities. In rural areas, a wireless communications site typically consists of up to a 10,000 square foot tract, which supports towers, equipment shelters and guy wires to stabilize the structure. Less than 2,500 square feet is required for a monopole or self-supporting tower structure of the kind typically used in metropolitan areas for wireless communication tower sites. Land leases generally have an initial term of five years with five or more additional automatic renewal periods of five years, for a total of thirty years or more. In some instances, we have entered into 99 year ground leases.

ITEM 3.ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

          From time to time, weWe are involved in various legal proceedings relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We aredo not a party to any legal proceeding,believe that the adverse outcomeultimate resolution of which, individually or taken together with all other legal proceedings, is expected tothese matters will have a material adverse effect on our prospects,business, financial condition, or results of operations.operations or liquidity.

ITEM 4.ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matter was submitted to the vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.2003.

PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERSMARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Class A common stock commenced trading under the symbol “SBAC” on The Nasdaq National Market System (“Nasdaq”) on June 16, 1999. The following table presents trading information for the Class A common stock for the periods indicated on the Nasdaq:

 

 

High

 

Low

 

  

 



 

Quarter ended March 31, 2001 

$

47.13

 

$

15.44

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2001 

$

34.31

 

$

12.69

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2001 

$

24.48

 

$

10.48

 

Quarter ended December 31, 2001 

$

16.60

 

$

5.91

 

 
Quarter ended March 31, 2002 

$

14.05

 

$

1.59

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2002 

$

3.40

 

$

1.14

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2002 

$

1.92

 

$

1.04

 

Quarter ended December 31, 2002 

$

1.03

 

$

0.19

 

 

   High

  Low

Quarter ended March 31, 2003

  $1.45  $0.40

Quarter ended June 30, 2003

  $3.49  $1.11

Quarter ended September 30, 2003

  $4.13  $2.47

Quarter ended December 31, 2003

  $4.35  $3.10

Quarter ended March 31, 2002

  $14.05  $1.59

Quarter ended June 30, 2002

  $3.40  $1.14

Quarter ended September 30, 2002

  $1.92  $1.04

Quarter ended December 31, 2002

  $1.03  $0.19

As of March 14, 2003,10, 2004, there were 236194 record holders of our Class A common stock, and 1 record holder of our Class B common stock. There is no established public trading market for our Class B common stock.

 

We have notnever paid a dividend on any class of common stock and anticipate that we will retain future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Consequently, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on any of our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, we are restricted under ourthe senior credit facility, the 10¼% senior discount notes and the 12%10¼% senior discount notes from paying dividends or making distributions and repurchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring any shares of common stock except under certain circumstances.

 

The following table gives information required by Item 201(d)about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meetingoptions, warrants, and rights under all existing equity compensation plans as of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30,December 31, 2003.

15

   Equity Compensation Plan Information

   (in thousands except exercise price)
   Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights


  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights


  Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(excluding securities reflected
in column)


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  3,788  $7.79  8,159

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  —     —    —  

Total

  3,788  $7.79  8,159


ITEM 6.SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data as of and otherfor each of the five years ended December 31, 2003. The financial data for the fiscal years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001 have been derived from, and are qualified by reference to, our restated audited consolidated financial statements. The financial data as of and for the fiscal years ended 2000 and 1999, have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999, and 1998.  The historical financial data hashave been derived from our books and is qualified by referencerecords without audit and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair statement of results for these periods. The following consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to our audited financial statements. Thereflect the discontinued operations treatment of the disposition, or intended disposition of 848 towers. You should read the information set forth below should be read in conjunction with our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes theretoto those consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

  

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

  

 


 


 


 


 

  

(in thousands, except per share and tower data)

 

OPERATING DATA:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site development 

$

125,041

 

$

139,735

 

$

115,892

 

$

60,570

 

$

46,705

 

Site leasing 

 

139,633

 

 

103,159

 

 

52,014

 

 

26,423

 

 

12,396

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Total revenues 

 

264,674

 

 

242,894

 

 

167,906

 

 

86,993

 

 

59,101

 

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below): 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of site development 

 

102,473

 

 

107,932

 

 

88,892

 

 

45,804

 

 

36,500

 

Cost of site leasing 

 

49,641

 

 

36,722

 

 

19,502

 

 

12,134

 

 

7,281

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Total cost of revenues 

 

152,114

 

 

144,654

 

 

108,394

 

 

57,938

 

 

43,781

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Gross profit 

 

112,560

 

 

98,240

 

 

59,512

 

 

29,055

 

 

15,320

 

Selling, general and administrative(1)
 

 

35,605

 

 

41,342

 

 

27,799

 

 

19,784

 

 

18,302

 

Restructuring and other charges 

 

77,560

 

 

24,399

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Depreciation and amortization 

 

102,328

 

 

80,465

 

 

34,831

 

 

16,557

 

 

5,802

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Operating loss 

 

(102,933

)

 

(47,966

)

 

(3,118

)

 

(7,286

)

 

(8,784

)

Other expense, net 

 

(89,257

)

 

(70,456

)

 

(24,564

)

 

(26,378

)

 

(12,641

)

(Provision) benefit for income taxes 

 

(383

)

 

(1,654

)

 

(1,233

)

 

223

 

 

1,524

 

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(5,069

)

 

—  

 

 

(1,150

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(80,592

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Net loss 

 

(273,165

)

 

(125,145

)

 

(28,915

)

 

(34,591

)

 

(19,901

)

Dividends on preferred stock 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

733

 

 

(2,575

)

  

 



 



 



 



 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

$

(33,858

)

$

(22,476

)

  

 



 



 



 



 

Basic and diluted loss per common share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

$

(3.83

)

$

(2.53

)

$

(0.70

 

$

(1.71

)

$

(2.64

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(0.11

)

 

—  

 

 

(0.06

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(1.60

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Basic and diluted loss per common share 

$

(5.43

)

$

(2.64

)

$

(0.70

)

$

(1.77

)

$

(2.64

)

  

 



 



 



 



 

Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock 

 

50,308

 

 

47,437

 

 

41,156

 

 

19,156

 

 

8,526

 

OTHER DATA:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA(2)
 

$

78,972

 

$

60,224

 

$

32,026

 

$

9,582

 

$

(2,377

)

Annualized tower cash flow(3)
 

 

94,152

 

 

78,756

 

 

41,140

 

 

18,692

 

 

8,088

 

Capital expenditures(4)
 

 

109,027

 

 

561,326

 

 

494,053

 

 

226,570

 

 

138,124

 

Cash provided by (used in): 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities 

 

1,554

 

 

13,000

 

 

47,516

 

 

23,134

 

 

7,471

 

Investing activities 

 

(98,010

)

 

(530,273

)

 

(445,280

)

 

(208,870

)

 

(138,124

)

Financing activities 

 

143,693

 

 

516,197

 

 

409,613

 

 

162,124

 

 

151,286

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents 

$

61,141

 

$

13,904

 

$

14,980

 

$

3,131

 

$

26,743

 

Property and equipment, net 

 

1,140,625

 

 

1,198,559

 

 

765,815

 

 

338,892

 

 

150,946

 

Total assets 

 

1,304,915

 

 

1,429,011

 

 

948,818

 

 

429,823

 

 

214,573

 

Total debt 

 

1,024,282

 

 

845,453

 

 

284,273

 

 

320,767

 

 

182,573

 

Redeemable preferred stock 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

33,558

 

Common shareholders’ equity (deficit) 

 

185,473

 

 

450,644

 

 

538,160

 

 

48,582

 

 

(26,095

)

16Form 10-K.

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

 
   (audited)  (audited)  (audited)  (unaudited) 
   (in thousands) 

Operating Data:

                     

Revenues:

                     

Site leasing

  $127,842  $115,081  $85,487  $44,332  $23,176 

Site development

   84,218   125,041   139,735   115,892   60,570 
   


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

   212,060   240,122   225,222   160,224   83,746 
   


 


 


 


 


Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion and amortization shown below):

                     

Cost of site leasing

   42,021   40,650   30,657   16,904   10,742 

Cost of site development

   77,810   102,473   108,532   88,892   45,804 
   


 


 


 


 


Total cost of revenues

   119,831   143,123   139,189   105,796   56,546 
   


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

   92,229   96,999   86,033   54,428   27,200 

Operating expenses:

                     

Selling, general and administrative

   31,244   34,352   42,103   27,404   19,659 

Restructuring and other charges

   2,505   47,762   24,399   —     —   

Asset impairment charges

   16,965   25,545   —     —     —   

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

   84,380   85,728   66,104   27,921   13,275 
   


 


 


 


 


Total operating expenses

   135,094   193,387   132,606   55,325   32,934 
   


 


 


 


 


Operating loss from continuing operations

   (42,865)  (96,388)  (46,573)  (897)  (5,734)

Other income (expense):

                     

Interest income

   692   601   7,059   6,253   881 

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (81,501)  (54,822)  (47,709)  (4,879)  (5,244)

Non-cash interest expense

   (9,277)  (29,038)  (25,843)  (23,000)  (20,467)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

   (5,115)  (4,480)  (3,887)  (3,006)  (1,596)

Write-off of deferred financing fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

   (24,219)  —     (5,069)  —     (1,150)

Other

   169   (169)  (76)  68   48 
   


 


 


 


 


Total other expense

   (119,251)  (87,908)  (75,525)  (24,564)  (27,528)
   


 


 


 


 


Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

   (162,116)  (184,296)  (122,098)  (25,461)  (33,262)

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

   (1,820)  (309)  (1,493)  (1,195)  196 
   


 


 


 


 


Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

   (163,936)  (184,605)  (123,591)  (26,656)  (33,066)

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

   (7,690)  (3,717)  (2,201)  (2,259)  (1,525)
   


 


 


 


 


Loss before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

   (171,626)  (188,322)  (125,792)  (28,915)  (34,591)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

   (545)  (60,674)  —     —     —   
   


 


 


 


 


Net loss

   (172,171)  (248,996)  (125,792)  (28,915)  (34,591)

Dividends on preferred stock

   —     —     —     —     733 
   


 


 


 


 


Net loss applicable to shareholders

  $(172,171) $(248,996) $(125,792) $(28,915) $(33,858)
   


 


 


 


 


   As of December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

 
   (audited)  (audited)  (audited)  (unaudited) 
   (in thousands) 

Balance Sheet Data:

                     

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

  $8,338  $61,141  $13,904  $14,980  $3,131 

Short-term investments

   15,200   —     —     —     —   

Restricted cash(2)

   10,344   —     —     —     —   

Property and equipment (net)

   856,213   940,961   987,053   766,221   339,079 

Total assets

   982,982   1,303,365   1,407,543   948,818   429,823 

Total debt(3)

   870,758   1,024,282   845,453   248,273   320,767 

Total shareholders’ equity

   43,877   203,490   448,744   538,160   48,582 
   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

 
   (audited)  (audited)  (audited)  (unaudited) 
   (in thousands) 

Other Data:

                     

Cash provided by (used in):

                     

Operating activities

  $(29,808) $17,807  $28,753  $47,516  $23,134 

Investing activities

   155,456   (102,716)  (554,700)  (445,280)  (208,870)

Financing activities

   (178,451)  132,146   524,871   409,613   162,124 
   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

 
   (unaudited) 

Tower Data (Before Discontinued Operations Treatment):

                     

Towers owned at the beginning of period

   3,877   3,734   2,390   1,163   494 

Towers constructed

   13   141   667   779   438 

Towers acquired

   —     53   677   448   231 

Towers reclassified/disposed of(4)

   (797)  (51)  —     —     —   

Towers held for sale

   (61)  —     —     —     —   
   


 


 


 


 


Total towers owned at the end of period

   3,032   3,877   3,734   2,390   1,163 
   


 


 


 


 


Tower Data (After Discontinued Operations Treatment):

                     

Total towers owned at the end of period

   3,032   3,030   2,910   1,830   902 
   


 


 


 


 



  

Years ended December 31,

 

  

 

  

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

TOWER DATA:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towers owned at the beginning of period 

 

3,734

 

 

2,390

 

 

1,163

 

 

494

 

 

51

 

Towers constructed 

 

141

 

 

667

 

 

779

 

 

438

 

 

310

 

Towers acquired 

 

53

 

 

677

 

 

448

 

 

231

 

 

133

 

Towers reclassified/disposed of(5)
 

 

(51

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Towers owned at the end of period 

 

3,877

 

 

3,734

 

 

2,390

 

 

1,163

 

 

494

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Tenants at the end of period 

 

8,437

 

 

7,693

 

 

4,904

 

 

1,794

 

 

601

 

  

 



 



 



 



 


(1)

ForIncludes cash and cash equivalents of Telecommunications and its subsidiaries of $8.2 million, $60.9 million, $13.7 million, $13.6 million, $2.9 million, as of December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

(2)Restricted cash of $10.3 million as of December 31, 2003, consists of $7.3 million of cash held by escrow agent in accordance with certain provisions of the year endedWestern tower sale agreement and $3.0 million related to surety bonds issued for our benefit.

(3)Includes deferred gain on interest rate swap of $4.6 million and $5.2 million as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, selling, general and administrative expense includes non-cash compensation expense of $2.0 million in connection with stock option grants, restricted stock grants and the issuance of Class A common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2001, selling, general and administrative expense included non-cash compensation expense of $3.3 million in connection with stock option and restricted stock activity. For the year ended December 31, 2000, selling, general and administrative expenses included non-cash compensation expense of $0.3 million incurred in connection with the issuance of stock options and Class A common stock. For the year ended December 31, 1999, selling, general and administrative expense included non-cash compensation expense of $0.3 million incurred in connection with stock option activity.  For the year ended December 31, 1998, selling, general and administrative expense included non-cash compensation of $0.6 million incurred in connection with stock option activity.

respectively.

 

(2)

EBITDA represents earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges (including those referred to in footnote (1) above) and unusual or non-recurring expenses. EBITDA is commonly used in the telecommunications industry to analyze companies on the basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flows for the periods presented, nor has it been presented as an alternative to operating income or as an indicator of operating performance and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Companies calculate EBITDA differently and, therefore, EBITDA as presented by us may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies. See our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this filing.


 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

EBITDA 

$

78,972

 

$

60,224

 

$

32,026

 

$

9,582

 

$

(2,377

)

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized 

 

(56,171

)

 

(47,709

)

 

(4,879

)

 

(5,244

)

 

(1,197

)

Amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs 

 

(33,518

)

 

(29,730

)

 

(26,006

)

 

(22,063

)

 

(15,710

)

Interest income 

 

601

 

 

7,059

 

 

6,253

 

 

881

 

 

4,303

 

(Provision) benefit for income taxes 

 

(383

)

 

(1,654

)

 

(1,233

)

 

223

 

 

1,524

 

Depreciation and amortization 

 

(102,328

)

 

(80,465

)

 

(34,831

)

 

(16,557

)

 

(5,802

)

Other 

 

(169

)

 

(76

)

 

68

 

 

48

 

 

(37

)

Non-cash compensation expense 

 

(2,017

)

 

(3,326

)

 

(313

)

 

(311

)

 

(605

)

Restructuring and other charges 

 

(77,560

)

 

(24,399

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(5,069

)

 

—  

 

 

(1,150

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(80,592

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Dividends on preferred stock 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

733

 

 

(2,575

)

  

 



 



 



 



 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

$

(33,858

)

$

(22,476

)

  

 



 



 



 



 


(3)

We define “tower cash flow” as site leasing revenue less cost of site leasing revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), otherwise known as site leasing gross profit.  Tower cash flow is not intended to represent cash flows for the periods presented, nor has it been presented as an alternative to cash flows from operations or as an indicator of operating performance and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  We believe tower cash flow is useful to investors in evaluating our performance because it allows you to measure the financial performance of our towers before the effect of expenses (selling, general and administrative) that do not relate directly to tower performance. We define ‘‘annualized tower cash flow’’ as tower cash flow for the last calendar quarter attributable to our site leasing business multiplied by four.   Below is a reconciliation of annualized tower cash flow from site leasing revenue.

17


 

 

Fourth quarter ended December 31,
(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Site Leasing Revenue 

$

36,897

 

$

30,288

 

$

16,462

 

$

8,414

 

$

4,264

 

Cost of Site Leasing Revenue 

 

13,359

 

 

10,599

 

 

6,177

 

 

3,741

 

 

2,242

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

 Tower Cash Flow

 

$

23,538

 

$

19,689

 

$

10,285

 

$

4,673

 

$

2,022

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Annualized as of December 31,
(amounts in thousands)

 

  

 

  

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

 

  

 



 



 



 



 

Tower Cash Flow (Tower Cash Flow multiplied by 4) 

$

94,152

 

$

78,756

 

$

41,140

 

$

18,692

 

$

8,088

 


(4)

Includes the value of Class A common stock issued in connection with acquisitions.

(5)

Reclassifications reflect the combination for reporting purposes of multiple acquired tower structures on a single parcel of real estate, which we market and customers view as a single location, into a single owned tower site. Dispositions reflect the sale, conveyance or other legal transfer of owned tower sites

sites.

ITEM 7.ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We are a leading independent owner and operator of over 3,000 wireless communications towers in the continentaleastern third of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.States. We generate revenues from our two primary businesses, site leasing and site development. In our site leasing business, we lease antenna space to wireless service providers on towers and other structures that we own or manage for or lease from others. The towers that we own have

been constructed by us at the request of a carrier, built or constructed based on our own initiative or acquired. In our site development business, we offer wireless service providers assistance in developing and maintaining their own wireless service networks.

 We are continuing to shift our revenue stream

The percentage of revenues derived from project driven revenues to recurring revenues through the leasing of antenna space at, or on, communication towers.  We intendtowers continued to emphasizeincrease as a result of our emphasis on our site leasing business through the leasing and management of tower sites. Subsequent to the consummationsale of the784 towers to AAT Transaction,Communications Corp. during 2003 (“Western tower sale”) we intend on focusinghave focused our leasing activities in the eastern third of the United States where substantially all of our remaining towers willare located.

Operating results in prior periods may not be located.meaningful predictors of future results. You should be aware of the significant changes in the nature and scope of our business when reviewing the ensuing discussion of comparative historical results. The 784 towers sold in the Western tower sale during 2003 have been accounted for as discontinued operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, 64 towers located in the Western two-thirds of the United States that we had previously decided to sell have also been accounted for as discontinued operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. As of December 31, 2003, 61 of these towers remain as held for sale. All discussion related to the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods discussed in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” have been adjusted to reflect these towers as discontinued operations.

 

Site Leasing Services

 

Site leasing revenues are received primarily from wireless communications companies. Revenues from these clients are derived from numerous different site leasing contracts. Each site leasing contract relates to the lease or use of space at an individual tower site and is generally for an initial term of 5five years, renewable for five 5-yearfive-year periods at the option of the tenant. Almost all of our site leasing contracts contain specific rent escalators, which average 3-4% per year, including the renewal option periods. Site leasing contracts are generally paid on a monthly basis and revenue from site leasing is recorded monthly on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreements. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded in deferred revenue.

 

Cost of site leasing revenue primarily consists of:

payments for rental on ground and other underlying property;

repairs and maintenance (exclusive of employee related costs);

utilities;

insurance; and

property taxes.

 

payments for rental on ground and other underlying property;

repairs and maintenance (exclusive of employee related costs);

utilities;

insurance; and

property taxes.

For any given tower, such costs are relatively fixed over a monthly or an annual time period.generally unrelated to the number of tenants on such tower. As such, operating costs for owned towers do not generally increase significantly as a result of adding additional customers to the tower.

 Our same tower revenue growth on

Site leasing revenues comprised 60.3% of total revenues for the 3,734 towers we owned as ofyear ended December 31, 2001 was 16%2003, and our same tower cash flow growth on these 3,734 towers was 20%, based on site leasing contracts signed and annual lease contracts in effect as47.9% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 20022002. Site leasing contributed 93.1% of total gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2001.  76.7% of total gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 In February 2002,

As a result of the Western tower sale, we announced the reduction of our capital expenditures for new tower development and acquisition activities.  Under this plan, we suspended any material new investment for additional towers, among other

18


actions.  If the AAT Transaction successfully closes, we will further reducereduced our tower portfolio by 784 towers. During 2003, to further improve efficiencies in our portfolio, we decided to sell an additional 64 towers remaining in the western two-thirds of the United States, which were not part of the Western tower sale. Three of these towers were sold during the fourth quarter of 2003, leaving 61 towers held for sale at least 679December 31, 2003.

Gross profit margins on the towers andsold in the Western tower sale were relatively comparable to the gross profit margins on the towers we retained. Therefore, the sale of these towers is not expected to have a maximum of 801 towers.material impact on our site leasing gross profit margin. We do not anticipate making any other material additionschanges to our tower portfolio in 2004.

As of December 31, 2003, we owned 3,032 towers, substantially all of which are in the eastern third of the United States. This number excludes the 61 towers held for sale at December 31, 2003.

Site Development Services

 

Our site development business consists of two segments, site development consulting and site development construction, through which we provide wireless service providers a full range of end-to-end services. In the consulting segment of our site development business, we offer clients the following services: (1) network pre-design; (2) site audits; (3) identification of potential locations for towers and antennas; (4) support in buying or leasing of the location; and (5) assistance in obtaining zoning approvals and permits. In the construction segment of our site development business, we provide a number of services, including, but not limited to the following: (1) tower and related site construction; (2) antenna installation; and (3) radio equipment installation, commissioning and maintenance.

Site development services revenues are also received primarily from wireless communications companies or companies providing development or project management services to wireless communications companies. Our site development customers engage us on a project-by-project basis, and a customer can generally terminate an assignment at any time without penalty. Site development projects, in which we performboth consulting servicesand construction, include contracts on a time and materials basis or a fixed price or milestone,basis. The majority of our site development services are billed on a fixed price basis. Time and materials based site development contracts are billed and revenue is recognized at contractual rates as the services are rendered. Our site development projects generally take from 3 to 12 months to complete. For those site development consulting contracts in which we perform work on a fixed price basis, we bill the client, and recognize revenue, based on the completion of agreed upon phases or milestones of the project on a per site basis. Upon the completion of each phase we recognize the revenue related to that phase. The majority of our site development services are billed on a fixed price basis. Our site development projects generally take from 3 to 12 months to complete.

Our revenue from construction projects is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total anticipated cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion.

Revenue from our site development construction business may fluctuate from period to period depending on construction activities, which are a function of the timing and amount of our clients’ capital expenditures, the number and significance of active customer engagements during a period, weather and other factors.

 

Cost of site development projectconsulting revenue and construction revenue include all material costs of materials, salaries and labor, costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development consulting projects and construction projects are recognized as incurred.

 

Our site development revenues and profit margins decreased significantly during the year ended December 31, 2002.2002 and 2003. This decrease was primarily attributable to the substantiala decline in capital expenditures by wireless carriers and vigorous competition, particularly for our site development construction services, which adversely affected our volume of activity and the pricing for our pricing levels.  During 2003, we expect these trends to continue.  Consequently, we anticipate continued decline in our site development revenues and profit margins.services.

   

Percentage of Revenues
For the years ended

December 31,


  

Gross Profit Contribution
For the years ended

December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

  2003

  2002

 

Site development consulting

  8.5% 11.3% 1.5% 6.8%

Site development construction

  31.2% 40.8% 5.5% 16.5%

2002 DevelopmentsCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have identified the policies and significant estimation processes below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. The listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list. In February 2002, asmany cases, the accounting treatment of a result of the continuing deterioration of the capital market conditions for wireless carriers, we announced that under a plan approvedparticular transaction is specifically dictated by our Board of Directors we were reducing our capital expenditures for new tower development and acquisition activities, suspending any material new investment for additional towers, reducing our workforce and closing or consolidating offices.  Under those capital market conditions, we did not anticipate building or buying a material number of new towers beyond those we were contractually obligated to build or buy, thereby resultingaccounting principles generally accepted in the abandonmentUnited States, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. In other cases, management is required to exercise judgment in the application of a majority of our then existing new tower buildaccounting principles with respect to particular transactions. The impact and acquisition work in process during 2002.  In connection with this restructuring, a portion of our workforce had been reduced and certain offices have been closed, substantially all of which were primarily dedicated to new tower development activities.  In addition, during the first quarter of 2002, certain tower assets held and used in operations were determined to be impaired and written down to their fair value.  As a result of the implementation of our plans, we recorded a restructuring charge of $63.7 million in accordance with SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets andEmerging Issues Task Force 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity, including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring.  Of the $63.7 million charge recorded during the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately $40.4 millionany associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where such policies affect reported and expected financial results. For a detailed discussion on the abandonmentapplication of new tower buildthese and acquisition work in process and related construction materials on approximately 764 sites and $16.4 million related to the impairment of approximately 144 tower sites held and used in operations.  The abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in process resultedother accounting policies, see Note 2 in the write-off of all costs incurredNotes to date.  The impairment of operating tower assets results primarily from our evaluation of the fair value of our operating tower portfolio through a discounted cash flow analysis.  Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no current tenants and little or no prospects for future lease-up.  The remaining $6.9 million related primarily to the costs of employee separation for approximately 470 employees and exit costs associated with the closing and consolidation of approximately 40 offices.  Exit costs associated with the closing and consolidation of offices primarily represented our estimate of future lease obligations after considering sublease opportunities.

          On January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  Under SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer amortized but reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if indicators of

19


impairment in value are present.  Under the transitional provisions of SFAS 142, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $80.6 million as of the effective date of adoption, January 1, 2002.  The impairment charge has been recorded as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in our Consolidated Statement of OperationsFinancial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2002.  Two2003, included herein. Note that our preparation of our three operating segments were identifiedfinancial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant.

Construction Revenue

Revenue from construction projects is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total anticipated cost for each contract. This method is used because we consider total cost to be the best available measure of progress on each contract. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as reporting unitswork on each contract nears completion. The asset “Costs and estimated earnings in which weexcess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents expenses incurred and revenues recognized an impairment loss.  Of the total $80.6 million cumulative effect adjustment,  $61.6 million relatedin excess of amounts billed. The liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. See Note 11 to the site development construction segment and $19.0 million related to our site leasing segment. Consolidated Financial Statements.

 During 2002, we recorded additional goodwill totaling approximately $13.4 million resulting from the achievement of certain earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2001.  In accordance with SFAS 142, in addition to the transitional test described above, goodwill is subject to an impairment assessment at least annually, or at any time that indicators of impairment are present.  We determined that as of June 30, 2002 indicators of impairment were present, thereby requiring an impairment analysis be completed.  The indicators of impairment during the quarter ended June 30, 2002 giving rise to this analysis included significant deterioration of overall Company value, continued negative trends with respect to carrier capital expenditure plans and related demand

Allowance for wireless construction services and perceived reduction in value of similar site development construction services businesses.  As a result of this analysis, using a discounted cash flow valuation method for estimating fair value, $13.4 million of goodwill within the site development construction reporting unit was determined to be impaired as of June 30, 2002 and was written off in the second quarter of 2002.  The $13.4 million goodwill impairment charge is included within restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.  As of December 31, 2002 we did not have any remaining goodwill or other intangible assets subject to SFAS 142.Doubtful Accounts

 Since the beginning of 2002, the environment for continued expenditures by wireless service providers has deteriorated.  Declining subscriber growth and prospects for positive cash flow by wireless service providers have adversely affected the access to and cost of capital for wireless service provides as evidenced by declines in the market value of both their debt and equity securities. 

We believe that if the capital market conditions remain difficult for the telecommunications industry, wireless service providers will choose to conserve capital and may not spend as much as originally anticipated.  If wireless carrier capital expenditures and their ability to access capital remains weak or deteriorates further, we believe our revenues and gross profit from the site development consulting and construction segmentsperform periodic credit evaluations of our business, potentially the collectibility ofcustomers. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain an allowance for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Establishing reserves against specific accounts receivable and the valuation of certainoverall adequacy of our allowance is a matter of judgment. See the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Asset Impairment

We evaluate the potential impairment of individual long-lived assets, may be negatively impacted.   Short term, variable capital markets conditions may adversely impact carrier demand for ourprincipally the tower space, and consequently our site leasing revenue andsites. We record an impairment charge when we believe an investment in towers has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the abilitythen current carrying value of our customers to meet their obligations to us.  We believe that, over the longer term however, site leasing revenues will continue to increase as carriers continue to deploy new antenna sites to address issues of network capacity and quality.

2003 Developments

          In February 2003, in response to the continued deterioration in expenditures by wireless service providers, particularly with respect to site development activities, we committed to a new plan of restructuring associated with further downsizing activities, including reduction in workforce and closing or consolidation of offices.  We anticipate closing an additional 9 to 15 offices and eliminating the positions of 70 to 100 employees during the first quarter of 2003, substantially all related to our site development operations.  We anticipate incurring a restructuring charge related to these costs of up to $2.0 million.

          On March 17, 2003 certain of our subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of 801 towers, which represent substantially all of our towersinvestment in the western two-thirds of the U.S.  Gross proceeds from the sale are anticipated to be $160.0 million if 679 towers are sold, or $203.0 million if 801 towers are sold, subject to adjustment intower site. We consider many factors and make certain circumstances.  The AAT Transaction is expected to close in stages commencing on May 9, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2003.  We intend to use substantially all of the proceeds, net of anticipated transaction costs of approximately $5.0 million, to reduce indebtedness.  Upon consummation of the complete AAT Transaction, we will own 3,076 towers, substantially all of which will be in the eastern third of the United States. 

          We entered into the AAT Transaction to address our anticipated non-compliance with certain financial covenants under our senior credit facility commencing in 2003 and to reduce our significant level of indebtedness and the risks associated with such indebtedness.  The sale is subject to a number of conditions, including an amendment to our senior credit facility.  We anticipate that the amendment to our senior credit facility would, among other things, (1) waive any default that arises as a result of receiving an audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, (2) modify the financial covenants to levels that we believe are better aligned with our site leasing business and can be satisfied during 2003 and beyond and (3) permit certain actions that are part of the AAT Transaction.  We believe that the AAT Transaction, in

20


conjunction with the anticipated amendment to the senior credit facility, will upon consummation, eliminate the issues that gave rise to the “going concern” qualification from our auditors.  Based on our current estimates of wireless carrier activity, we believe that subsequent to the successful sale of either 679 or 801 towers, and the anticipated amendment to the senior credit facility, we will have sufficient liquidity to achieve positive free cash flow.

Going Concern

          We have significant borrowings under our senior credit facility, our 10¼% senior notes and our 12% senior discount notes, each containing certain covenants.  Among other things, these covenants restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, sell assets for less than fair market value, pay dividends, redeem outstanding debt or engage in other restricted payments.  If we fail to comply with these covenants, it could result in an event of default under one or all of these debt instruments.   The senior credit facility requires SBA Telecommunications to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding it’s consolidated debt coverage, debt service, cash interest expense and fixed charges for each quarter and satisfy certain financial condition tests including maintaining a minimum consolidated EBITDA (earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and unusual or non-recurring expenses).  We were in full compliance with all of the financial ratios and tests as of December 31, 2002.  Based on declines that we have been experiencing in our site development business and that we believe will continue in 2003, we estimated that we would not be in compliance with one or more of the senior credit facility’s existing financial ratios or tests in 2003.

          As a result of these estimates and our expectations that we will not comply with one or more of the financial covenants of our senior credit facility during 2003, the auditor’s opinion on our 2002 consolidated financial statements calls attention to substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern through 2003. 

          The issuance ofassumptions when making this audit opinion with a “going-concern” qualification, if not remedied by April 30, 2003, would be an event of default under our senior credit facility.  Upon the occurrence of this, or any other event of default, our lenders can prevent us from borrowing any additional amounts under the senior credit facility.  In addition, upon the occurrence of any event of default, other than certain bankruptcy events, our senior credit facility lenders, by a majority vote, can elect to declare all amounts of principal outstanding under the senior credit facility, together with all accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.  The acceleration of amounts due under our senior credit facility would cause a cross-default in our 10¼% senior notes and our 12% senior discount notes, thereby permitting the acceleration of such indebtedness.  If the indebtedness under the senior credit facility and/or indebtedness under our 10¼% senior notes or 12% senior discount notes were to be accelerated, our current assets would not be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness.  If we were unable to repay amounts that became due under the senior credit facility, our lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as security under the senior credit facility.

          As part of our plan to address our anticipated non-compliance with certain financial covenants under our senior credit facility commencing in 2003 and to reduce our significant level of indebtedness and the risks associated with such indebtedness, certain of our subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of 801 towers.  We are also currently exploring, and may from time to time take advantage of various strategic opportunitiesassessment, including but not limited to; general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential, and expected timing of lease-up. In addition, we make certain assumptions in determining an asset’s fair value less costs to sell for purposes of calculating the amount of an impairment

charge. Changes in those assumptions or market conditions may result in a fair value less costs to sell which is different from management’s estimates. Future adverse changes in market conditions could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. In addition, if our assumptions regarding future undiscounted cash flows and related assumptions are incorrect, a future impairment charge may be required. See Note 18 to the saleConsolidated Financial Statements.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted the provisions of certainSFAS 143. Under the new accounting principle, we recognize asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made and we accrete such liability through the obligation’s estimated settlement date. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets or lines of business,and depreciated over its estimated useful life.

Significant management estimates and assumptions are required in determining the issuance of equity or the repurchasing, restructuring, or refinancing of  some or allscope and fair value of our debt.  We believe thatobligations to restore leaseholds to their original condition upon termination of ground leases. In determining the AAT Transaction, in conjunction with the amendment to the senior credit facility, will upon consummation, eliminate the issues that gave rise to the “going concern” qualification fromscope and fair value of our auditorsobligations, assumptions were made with respect to our 2002 consolidated financial statements.  Furthermore, based on ourthe : historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current estimates, subsequentand future value and timing of estimated restoration costs, and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations. While we feel the assumptions were appropriate, there can be no assurances that actual costs and the probability of incurring obligations will not differ from estimates. We will review these assumptions periodically and we may need to adjust them as necessary. See Note 5a to the successful sale of either 679 or 801 towers, and the amendment to the senior credit facility, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to achieve positive free cash flow.  However, we cannot assure you that either the AAT Transaction and/or any other plan or action can be consummated, or if consummated, would effectively address our liquidity concerns, the possible defaults under our debt instruments or any of the other risks associated with our significant level of indebtedness.Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Based on our previous experience with our lender syndicate for our senior credit facility, we believe that we will be able to successfully negotiate with our present senior credit bank syndicate, an amendment to our senior credit facility that (1) waives any default that arises as a result of receiving an audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, (2) modifies the financial covenants to levels that we believe are better aligned with our site leasing business and can be satisfied during 2003 and beyond and (3) permits certain actions that are part of the AAT Transaction.  This would thereby permit us to prevent the occurrence of any event of default or the acceleration of our indebtedness.  However, our prior ability to obtain necessary waivers and/or amendments does not insure our ability to obtain these waivers and/or amendments, especially in light of the recent financial performance of the wireless telecommunications industry and us. 

21


          The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from this uncertainty.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

As we continue to shift our revenuegross profit mix shifts more towards site leasing, operating results in prior periods may not be meaningful predictors of future results. You should be aware of the dramatic changes in the nature and scope of our business when reviewing the ensuing discussion of comparative historical results.

Year Ended 2003 Compared to Year Ended 2002

Revenues:

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  Percentage
of Revenues


  2002

  Percentage
of Revenues


  

Percentage
Increase

(Decrease)


 
   (dollars in thousands) 

Site leasing

  $127,842  60.3% $115,081  47.9% 11.1%

Site development consulting

   18,092  8.5%  27,204  11.3% (33.5)%

Site development construction

   66,126  31.2%  97,837  40.8% (32.4)%
   

  

 

  

 

Total revenues

  $212,060  100.0% $240,122  100.0% (11.7)%
   

  

 

  

 

Site leasing revenue increased due to the increased number of tenants and the amount of equipment added to our towers. As of December 31, 2003 we had 6,847 tenants as compared to 6,389 tenants at December 31, 2002. During the year ended 2003, 88.7% of contractual revenues from new leases and amendments executed in 2003 were related to new tenant installation and 11.3% were related to additional equipment being added by existing tenants. During the year ended 2002, 86.7% of contractual revenues from new leases and amendments executed in 2002 were related to new tenant installation and 13.3% were related to additional equipment being added by existing tenants. Additionally, we have experienced, on average, higher rents per tenant due to higher rents from new tenants, higher rents upon renewal by existing tenants and additional equipment added by existing tenants. Both site development consulting and construction revenue decreased primarily as a result of the decline in capital expenditures by wireless

carriers for additional antenna sites and vigorous competition, which adversely affected our volume of activity and the pricing for our services.

Cost of Revenues:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

(Decrease)


 
   2003

  2002

  
   (in thousands)    

Site leasing

  $42,021  $40,650  3.4%

Site development consulting

   16,723   20,594  (18.8)%

Site development construction

   61,087   81,879  (25.4)%
   

  

    

Total cost of revenues

  $119,831  $143,123  (16.3)%
   

  

    

Both site development consulting and construction cost of revenues decreased due primarily to lower levels of activity.

Gross Profit:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

(Decrease)


 
   2003

  2002

  
   (in thousands)    

Site leasing

  $85,821  $74,431  15.4%

Site development consulting

   1,369   6,610  (79.3)%

Site development construction

   5,039   15,958  (68.4)%
   

  

    

Total gross profit

  $92,229  $96,999  (4.9)%
   

  

    

Gross profit for the site leasing business increased as a result of higher revenues per tower and tower operating cost reduction initiatives. Gross profit from both site development consulting and construction decreased as a result of the lower volumes and lower pricing without a commensurate reduction in cost.

Gross Profit Margin Percentages:

   

Percentage of revenue
For the years ended

December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Site leasing

  67.1% 64.6%

Site development consulting

  7.6% 24.3%

Site development construction

  7.6% 16.3%

Gross profit margin

  43.5% 40.4%

Operating Expenses:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

(Decrease)


 
   2003

  2002

  
   (in thousands)    

Selling, general and administrative

  $31,244  $34,352  (9.0)%

Restructuring and other charges

   2,505   47,762  (94.8)%

Asset impairment charges

   16,965   25,545  (33.6)%

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

   84,380   85,728  (1.6)%
   

  

    

Total operating expenses

  $135,094  $193,387  (30.1)%
   

  

    

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased primarily as a result of reductions in the number of offices, elimination of personnel and elimination of other infrastructure. As of December 31, 2003, we had approximately 600 employees whereas as of December 2002, we had approximately 750 employees.

In 2003, we recognized approximately $17.0 million in asset impairment charges related to 70 towers. By comparison, in 2002 we recognized approximately $16.4 million of asset impairment charges related to 144 towers. The impairment of operational tower assets resulted primarily from our evaluations of the fair

value of our operating tower portfolio through a discounted cash flow analysis. Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no tenants and/or with little or deteriorating prospects for future lease-up. In addition, the 2002 asset impairment charge included $9.2 million of goodwill that was recorded during the first two quarters of 2002, which was determined to be impaired during June 2002 when the transitional impairment test of goodwill was performed under SFAS 142.

In February 2002, as a result of the deterioration of capital market conditions for wireless carriers, we reduced our capital expenditures for new tower development and acquisition activities, suspended any new investment for additional towers, reduced our workforce and closed or consolidated offices. Of the $47.3 million charge recorded during the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately $40.4 million related to the abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in progress and related construction materials on approximately 764 sites. The remaining $6.9 million related primarily to the costs of employee separation for approximately 470 employees and exit costs associated with the closing and consolidation of approximately 40 offices. During 2003, in response to a decline in expenditures by wireless service providers, particularly with respect to site development activities, we committed to new plans of restructuring associated with further downsizing activities. Of the $2.5 million charge recorded for the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately $0.6 million related to the abandonment of new tower build work in process and trailing costs associated with previously abandoned new tower build work in process. The remaining $1.9 million related primarily to the costs of employee separation for approximately 165 employees and exit costs associated with the closing or consolidation of 17 offices. Annualized aggregate lease costs associated with the 17 offices closed or consolidated during 2003 were $0.7 million.

Operating Loss From Continuing Operations:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

(Decrease)


 
   2003

  2002

  
   (in thousands)    

Operating loss from continuing operations

  $(42,865) $(96,388) (55.5%)

This decrease in operating loss from continuing operations primarily was a result of lower restructuring and other charges and lower asset impairment charges in 2003 as compared to 2002.

Other Expense:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase


 
   2003

  2002

  
   (in thousands)    

Interest income

  $692  $601  15.1%

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (90,778)  (83,860) 8.2%

Amortization of debt issue costs

   (5,115)  (4,480) 14.2%

Write-off of deferred financial fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

   (24,219)  —    100.0%

Other

   169   (169) 200.0%
   


 


   
   $(119,251) $(87,908) 35.7%
   


 


   

Interest expense increased as a result of higher borrowings and higher weighted average interest rates. Additionally, interest expense in 2002 was reduced as a result of our interest rate swap agreement that existed during most of 2002. The write-off of deferred financing fees and loss on extinguishment of debt is attributable to a write-off of $4.4 million of deferred financing fees associated with the termination of the prior senior credit facility and $19.8 million associated with the early retirement of a portion of our 12% senior discount notes and our 10¼% senior notes. We expect to incur additional material charges in 2004 from the write-off of deferred financing fees and extinguishment of debt associated with the senior credit refinancing, the 10¼% senior note repurchases and the 12% senior discount note repurchases and redemptions which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2003.

Discontinued Operations:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  Percentage 
   

2003


  2002

  Increase

 
   (in thousands) 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  $(7,690) $(3,717) 106.9%

As previously discussed a total of 848 towers (784 towers sold in the Western tower sale and 64 additional towers held for sale) meet the criteria for discontinued operations treatment. The increase in loss from discontinued operations resulted primarily from a loss on sale of $2.1 million related to the Western tower sale.

Cumulative Effect of Changes In Accounting Principle:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  Percentage 
   2003

  2002

  (Decrease)

 
   (in thousands) 

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

  $(545) $(60,674) (99.1%)

Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted a method of accounting for asset retirement obligations in accordance with SFAS 143. Under the new accounting principle, we recognize asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of our tower fixed assets. The cumulative effect of the change on prior years resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of approximately $0.5 million that is included in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003.

During 2002, we completed the transitional impairment test of goodwill required under SFAS 142, which was adopted effective January 1, 2002. As a result of completing the required transitional test, we recorded a charge retroactive to the adoption date for the cumulative effect of accounting change in the amount of $60.7 million representing the excess of the carrying value of certain assets as compared to their estimated fair value. Of the total $60.7 million cumulative effect adjustment, $58.5 million related to the site development construction reporting segment and $2.2 million related to the site leasing reporting segment.

Net Loss:

   

For the years ended

December 31,


  Percentage 
   2003

  2002

  

(Decrease)


 
   (in thousands) 

Net loss

  $(172,171) $(248,996) (30.9%)

This decrease in net loss is primarily a result of lower restructuring and other charges, lower asset impairment charges, and lower amounts resulting from a cumulative effect in change in accounting principle offset by an increase in interest expense and write offs associated with the extinguishment of debt. We expect to incur additional net losses in 2004.

Year Ended 2002 Compared to Year Ended 2001

 Total revenues increased 9.0% to $264.7 million for 2002 from $242.9 million for 2001. Total site development revenue decreased 10.5% to $125.0 million in 2002 from $139.7 million in 2001 due to a decrease in site development construction revenue. Site development construction revenue decreased 15.3% to $97.8 million for 2002 from $115.5 million for 2001, due primarily to reduced carrier activity and price competition resulting from lower capital expenditures by wireless carriers on or around cell sites.  We believe that wireless carriers will continue to conserve capital in 2003, which may continue to adversely affect site development revenues.  Site development consulting revenues increased 12.2% to $27.2 million for 2002 from $24.3 million for 2001.  This increase is due to several new contracts for site acquisition and zoning services from wireless communications carriers. 

Revenues:

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2002

  Percentage of
Revenues


  2001

  Percentage of
Revenues


  

Percentage
Increase

(Decrease)


 
   (dollars in thousands)    

Site leasing

  $115,081  47.9% $85,487  38.0% 34.6%

Site development consulting

   27,204  11.3%  24,251  10.8% 12.2%

Site development construction

   97,837  40.8%  115,484  51.2% (15.3%)
   

  

 

  

   

Total revenues

  $240,122  100% $225,222  100% 6.6%
   

  

 

  

   

Site leasing revenue increased 35.4% to $139.6 million for 2002 from $103.2 million for 2001, due to the increased number of tenants added to our towers, higher average rents received and the increase in the number of towers in our portfolio. If the AAT Transaction is consummated, with the saleAs of either 679 or 801 towers,December 31, 2002 we expecthad 6,389 tenants as compared to have lower leasing revenue and tower cash flow, on an absolute basis, as a result of our reduced number of towers.  We expect that leasing revenue and tower cash flow growth will continue to increase during 2003 on the towers remaining in our portfolio; however, the rate of such growth may be adversely affected by lower wireless carrier capital expenditures. 

          Total cost of revenues increased 5.2% to $152.1 million for 2002 from $144.7 million for 2001. Site development cost of revenue decreased 5.1% to $102.5 million in 2002 from $107.9 million in5,558 tenants at December 31, 2001. Site development consulting cost of revenuerevenues increased 20.5%due to $20.6 millionseveral new contracts for 2002site acquisition and zoning services from $17.1 million for 2001, reflecting higher levels of activity and increased personnel costs.wireless communications carriers. Site development construction cost of revenue decreased 9.9% to $81.9 million for 2002 from $90.8 million for 2001, due primarily to reduced carrier activity and price competition resulting from lower levelscapital expenditures by wireless carriers on or around cell sites.

Cost of activity.  Revenues:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

 
   2002

  2001

  (Decrease)

 
   (in thousands) 

Site leasing

  $40,650  $30,657  32.6%

Site development consulting

   20,594   17,097  20.5%

Site development construction

   81,879   91,435  (10.5%)
   

  

    

Total cost of revenues

  $143,123  $139,189  2.8%
   

  

    

Site leasing cost of revenue increased 35.2% to $49.6 million for 2002 from $36.7 million for 2001, due to the increased number of towers owned resulting in an increased amount of lease payments to site owners and related site costs as well as increases in operating costs of certain sites, in Puerto Rico, maintenance and property taxes. Site development consulting cost of revenue increased, reflecting higher levels of activity and increased personnel costs. Site development construction cost of revenue decreased, due primarily to lower levels of activity.

 

Gross Profit:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

 
   2002

  2001

  (Decrease)

 
   (in thousands) 

Site leasing

  $74,431  $54,830  35.7%

Site development consulting

   6,610   7,154  (7.6%)

Site development construction

   15,958   24,049  (33.6%)
   

  

    

Total gross profit

  $96,999  $86,033  12.7%
   

  

    

Gross profit increased to $112.6 million for 2002 from $98.2 million for 2001, due to increasedthe site leasing gross profit offset bybusiness increased as a decrease in site development gross profit.result of the increased number of tenants added to our towers, and to a lesser extent, additional towers added to our portfolio. Gross profit from site development decreased 29.0% to $22.6 million in 2002 from $31.8 million in 2001 due to lower revenue and lower pricing without a commensurate reduction in cost.  Gross profit margins for site development decreased in 2002 to 18.0% from 22.8% in 2001.  Gross profit margin onboth site development consulting decreased to 24.3% for 2002 from 29.5% for 2001.and construction. This decrease reflects different stages of project completions andprimarily resulted from lower pricing for our services due to competition.  Gross profit margin on site development construction decreased to 16.3% for 2002 from 21.3% in 2001, resulting from lower pricing due to increased competition.  We expect this pricing competition to continue and gross profit margin from site development to continue to be negatively impacted as we move through 2003. Gross profit for the site leasing business increased 35.5% to $90.0 million in 2002 from $66.4 million in 2001 and the gross profit margins on site leasing remained consistent at 64.4% during 2002 and 2001.  As a percentage of total revenues, gross profit increased to 42.5% of total revenues in 2002 from 40.4% in 2001 due primarily to increased levels of higher margin site leasing gross profit.

 Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 13.9% to $35.6 million for 2002 from $41.3 million for 2001. Selling, general and administrative expenses, net of non-cash compensation expense, as a percentage of total revenue has also decreased to 12.7% for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to 15.7% for the year ended December 31, 2001. 

Gross Profit Margin Percentages:

   Percentage of revenue 
  For the years ended December 31,

 
  2002

  2001

 

Site leasing

  64.7% 64.1%

Site development consulting

  24.3% 29.5%

Site development construction

  16.3% 20.8%

Gross profit margin

  40.4% 38.2%

Operating Expenses:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

 
   2002

  2001

  (Decrease)

 
   (in thousands) 

Selling, general and administrative

  $34,352  $42,103  (18.4%)

Restructuring and other charges

   47,762   24,399  95.8%

Asset impairment charges

   25,545   —    100.0%

Depreciation and amortization

   85,728   66,104  29.7%
   

  

    

Total operating expenses

  $193,387  $132,606  45.8%
   

  

    

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense primarily resulted from a decrease in tower developmental expenses as well as the reduction of offices, elimination of personnel and elimination of other infrastructure that had previously been necessary to support our prior level of new asset growth but iswas no longer required as a result of the restructuringrestructurings previously discussed. Included within selling, general and administrative expenses is a provision for doubtful accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts increased to $2.6$3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $1.4$2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, reflecting our assessment of a more challenging financial environment for our customers in 2002 and beyond. customers.

 Depreciation and amortization increased to $102.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $80.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. This increase is directly related to the increased amount of fixed assets (primarily towers) we owned in 2002 as compared to 2001, offset by a decrease in amortization resulting from the write-off of goodwill which was recorded in connection with the implementation of SFAS No. 142 previously

22


discussed.  Amortization of covenants not to compete in 2002 was $1.4 million (goodwill amortization was $0) compared to amortization of covenants not to compete and goodwill in 2001 of $6.9 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2002 we incurred restructuring and other charges in the amount of $77.6 million, consisting primarily of $63.7 million of restructuring charges and a $13.4 million goodwill impairment charge.  As a result of the continued deterioration of capital market conditions for wireless carriers, a $63.7 million restructuring charge was recorded due to a reduction in the scale of our new tower construction activities and the impairment of certain tower assets held and used in operations.$47.3 million. Of the $63.7$47.3 million charge, approximately $40.4 million related to the abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in process and related construction materials on approximately 764 sites and $16.4 million related to the impairment of approximately 144 tower sites held and used in operations.  The abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in process resulted in the full write off of all costs incurred to date.  The impairment of operational tower assets resulted primarily from our evaluation of the current projected cash flow and subsequent write-down to fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis.  Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no current tenants and little or no prospects for future lease-up.sites. The remaining $6.9 million of chargerestructuring expense related primarily to the costs of employee separation for approximately 470 employees and exit costs associated with the closing and consolidation of approximately 40 offices. Exit costs associated with the closing and consolidation of offices primarily represented our estimate of future lease obligations after considering sublease opportunities.

 Operating loss

In the first quarter of 2002, certain tower sites held and used in operations were considered to be impaired resulting in a $16.4 million impairment charge. Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no tenants and little or no prospects for future lease-up. In addition, during the first six months of 2002, we recorded additional goodwill totaling approximately $9.2 million resulting from the achievement of certain earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2001, which was $(102.9)determined to be impaired and written off. The $16.4 million forand the $9.2 million are included within asset impairment charges in the year ended December 31, 2002 Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The increase in depreciation, amortization and accretion is directly related to the increased amount of fixed assets, primarily towers, we owned in 2002 as compared to an operating loss2001, offset by a decrease in amortization resulting from the write-off of $(48.0) million forgoodwill which was recorded in connection with the year ended December 31, 2001.  implementation of SFAS No. 142.

Operating Loss From Continuing Operations:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

 
   

2002


  2001

  

(Decrease)


 
   (in thousands) 

Operating loss from continuing operations

  $(96,388) $(46,573) 107.0%

This increase in operating loss iswas a result of $77.6 million ofincreased restructuring and other chargecharges and the asset impairment charges recorded in the year ended December 31, 2002 versus $24.4 recorded in the year ended December 31, 2001.  2002.

Other Expenses:

   For the years ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Increase

 
   2002

  2001

  (Decrease)

 
   (in thousands) 

Interest income

  $601  $7,059  (91.5%)

Interest expense

   (83,860)  (73,552) 14.0%

Amortization of debt issue costs

   (4,480)  (3,887) 15.3%

Write-off of deferred financing fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

   —     (5,069) (100.0%)

Other

   (169)  (76) 122.4%
   


 


   

Total other expenses

  $(87,908) $(75,525) 16.4%
   


 


   

Total other expenses increased to $(89.3) million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to $(70.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily as a result of a reduction in interest income, increased cash interest expense, and increased non-cash amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs, and a reductioncosts. The decrease in interest income.income was due to lower cash balances during 2002. The increase in interest expense iswas primarily due to higher principal amounts outstanding under the senior credit facility in 2002 as compared to 2001 and to a full quarter of interest expense on our $500.0 million 10¼% senior notes in the first quarter of 2002 compared to a partial quarter of interest expense on these senior notes in the first quarter of 2001. Although the aggregate principal amount of total debt increased from the prior year, the resulting increase in interest expense associated with the higher principal in 2002 was offset in part by the interest rate reduction we recognized in connection with our interest rate swap agreement. As the interest rate swap agreement was terminated during October 2002, our aggregate amount of interest expense would be expected to increase in future periods; excluding however, the impact of the AAT Transaction and the use of the proceeds to reduce our aggregate amount of outstanding indebtedness.  The increase in non-cash amortization iswas primarily due to higher accretion on the 12% senior discount notes.

Discontinued Operations:

   For the years ended
December 31,
  Percentage 
  2002

  2001

  Increase

 
  (in thousands) 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  $(3,717) $(2,201) 68.9%

The decreaseincrease in loss is primarily attributable to interest income is dueexpense allocated to discontinued operations in 2002. No interest expense was allocated to discontinued operations in 2001 as a result of the lower cashdebt balances duringin 2001 as compared to 2002.

 

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting Principle:

   

For the years ended

December 31,

  Percentage

 
   2002

  2001

  Increase

 
   (in thousands) 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

  $(60,674) —    100.0%

During the period ended June 30, 2002, we completed the transitional impairment test of goodwill required under SFAS 142, which was adopted effective January 1, 2002. As a result of completing the required transitional test, we recorded a charge retroactive to the adoption date for the cumulative effect of the accounting change in the amount of $80.6$60.7 million, representing the excess of the carrying value of reporting unitscertain assets as compared to their estimated fair value at January 1, 2002. Of the total $80.6$60.7 million cumulative effect adjustment, $61.6$58.5 million related to the site development construction reporting segment and $19.0$2.2 million related to the site leasing reporting segment.  The change modified the first quarter’s previously reported net loss of ($83.2) million, or ($1.70) per share, to ($163.8) million, or ($3.34) per share.

 During 2002, we recorded additional goodwill totaling approximately $13.4 million resulting from the achievement of certain earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2001.  In accordance with SFAS 142, in addition to the transitional test described above, goodwill is subject to an impairment assessment at least annually, or at any time that indicators of impairment are present.  We determined, that as of June 30, 2002, indicators of impairment were present, thereby requiring an impairment analysis be completed.  The indicators of impairment during the quarter ended June 30, 2002 giving rise to this analysis included significant deterioration of overall company market value, continued negative trends with respect to carrier capital expenditure plans, related demand for wireless construction and perceived reduction in value of similar site development construction services business. 

Net Loss:

   

For the years ended

December 31,

  Percentage 
   

2002


  2003

  

Increase


 
   (in thousands) 

Net loss

  $(248,996)  $(125,792) 97.9%

As a result of this analysis, using a discounted cash flow valuation method for estimating fair value, $13.4 million of goodwill within the site development construction reporting unit was determinedfactors discussed above, net loss significantly increased from 2001 to be impaired as of June 30, 2002.  The $13.4 million goodwill impairment charge is included within restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 Net loss was $(273.2) million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to net loss of $(125.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2001.  This increase in net loss is primarily a result of higher depreciation expense,

23


higher net interest expense, the $77.6 million restructuring and other charges previously discussed and the $80.6 million cumulative effect of change in accounting principle previously discussed offset by higher gross profit and lower selling, general and administrative expenses.  We expect to incur additional net losses in 2003.

          Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and unusual or non-recurring expenses (“EBITDA”) increased 31.1% to $79.0 million for the year ended 2002 from $60.2 million for the year ended 2001.  If the AAT Transaction is consummated, our EBITDA in 2003 would be reduced as a result of the sale of either 679 or 801 towers.  The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA to net loss available to common shareholders:

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

  

(in thousands)

 

EBITDA 

$

78,972

 

$

60,224

 

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized 

 

(56,171

)

 

(47,709

)

Amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs 

 

(33,518

)

 

(29,730

)

Interest income 

 

601

 

 

7,059

 

Provision for income taxes 

 

(383

)

 

(1,654

)

Depreciation and amortization 

 

(102,328

)

 

(80,465

)

Other 

 

(169

)

 

(76

)

Non-cash compensation expense 

 

(2,017

)

 

(3,326

)

Restructuring and other charges 

 

(77,560

)

 

(24,399

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(5,069

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(80,592

)

 

—  

 

  

 



 

Net loss 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

  

 



 

Year Ended 2001 Compared to Year Ended 2000

          Total revenues increased 44.7% to $242.9 million for 2001 from $167.9 million for 2000. Total site development revenue increased 20.6% to $139.7 million in 2001 from $115.9 million in 2000 due to an increase in site development construction revenue. Site development construction revenue increased 26.0% to $115.5 million for 2001 from $91.6 million for 2000, due primarily to revenues from companies acquired during 2000 and 2001. Revenues of $34.3 million were contributed by these acquired entities in 2001. Our decision to reduce our level of new tower development activity may have a material adverse effect on our site development revenue in 2002 since, as a result, we do not expect to perform equipment installation work for as many first tenants as we did in 2001. Site development consulting revenues were $24.3 million for 2001 and 2000. Site leasing revenue increased 98.3% to $103.2 million for 2001 from $52.0 million for 2000, due to tenants added to our towers and the substantially greater number of towers in our portfolio during 2001 as compared to 2000.

          Total cost of revenues increased 33.5% to $144.7 million for 2001 from $108.4 million for 2000. Site development cost of revenue increased 21.4% to $107.9 million in 2001 from $88.9 million in 2000 due to higher site development revenues. Site development consulting cost of revenue increased 9.4% to $17.1 million for 2001 from $15.6 million for 2000, reflecting increased human resources costs. Site development construction cost of revenue increased 24.0% to $90.8 million for 2001 from $73.3 million for 2000, due to higher site development construction revenues. Site leasing cost of revenue increased 88.3% to $36.7 million for 2001 from $19.5 million for 2000, due primarily to the increased number of towers owned.

          Gross profit increased to $98.2 million for 2001 from $59.5 million for 2000, due to increased site development and site leasing revenues. Gross profit from site development increased 17.8% to $31.8 million in 2001 from $27.0 million in 2000 due to higher site development revenues. Gross profit margins for site development decreased in 2001 to 22.8% from 23.3% in 2000 due to a greater relative amount of lower margin site development construction business. Gross profit margin on site development consulting decreased to 29.5% for 2001 from 35.6% for 2000. This decrease is attributable to higher costs and our inability to timely reduce those costs as projects ended. Gross profit margin on site development construction increased slightly to 21.3% for 2001 from 20.1% in 2000.  Gross profit for the site leasing business increased 104.3% to $66.4 million in 2001 from $32.5 million in 2000. The increased gross profit was due to the substantially greater number of towers owned and the greater average revenue per tower in the 2001 period. The gross profit margins on site leasing increased to 64.4% for 2001 from 62.5% in 2000. The increase in gross margin was due to additional tenants added to our towers and the resulting increase in average revenue per tower, which was greater

24


than the increase in average expenses. As a percentage of total revenues, gross profit increased to 40.4% of total revenues in 2001 from 35.4% in 2000 due primarily to increased levels of higher margin site leasing gross profit.

          Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 48.7% to $41.3 million for 2001 from $27.8 million for 2000. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses represents the addition of offices, personnel and other infrastructure necessary to support our growth, as well as increased developmental expenses associated with our higher levels of new tower builds and acquisition activities and an increase in non-cash compensation expenses in 2001. Included in selling, general and administrative expense is non-cash compensation expense of $3.3 million for 2001 and $0.3 million for 2000. The increase in 2001 is attributable primarily to the use of stock and options as payment for certain bonuses. As a percentage of total revenue, excluding non-cash compensation expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 15.7% for 2001 from 16.4% in 2000.

          During the twelve months ended December 31, 2001, we recorded a $24.4 million charge relating to a reduction in the scale of our new tower construction operations. Approximately $24.1 million of this charge related to costs that were previously reflected in our balance sheet as construction-in-process. The remaining $0.3 million related primarily to the costs of employee separation for 102 employees and the costs associated with the closing and consolidation of selected offices that were primarily utilized in our new asset development activities.

          Depreciation and amortization increased to $80.5 million for 2001 as compared to $34.8 million for 2000. This increase was directly related to the increased amount of fixed assets, primarily towers, we owned in 2001 as compared to 2000. As our fixed assets begin to mature we will be continuing to evaluate the useful lives of the assets and may decide to change these useful lives based on the circumstances. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years.  Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets during 2001 and 2000 was $6.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

          Operating loss increased to $(48.0) million for the year ended 2001 from $(3.1) million in 2000 as a result of increased depreciation and the restructuring and other charge in 2001. Other expense, net, increased to $(70.5) million for the year ended 2001 from $(24.6) million for the year ended 2000. This increase is a result of an increase in interest expense due to interest associated with the 10¼% senior notes as well as increases in other debt balances.

          Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and unusual or non-recurring expenses (“EBITDA”) increased 88.0% to $60.2 million for the year ended 2001 from $32.0 million for the year ended 2000. The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA to net loss available to common shareholders:

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

  

2001

 

2000

 

  

 


 

  

(in thousands)

 

EBITDA 

$

60,224

 

$

32,026

 

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized 

 

(47,709

)

 

(4,879

)

Amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs 

 

(29,730

)

 

(26,006

)

Interest income 

 

7,059

 

 

6,253

 

Provision for income taxes 

 

(1,654

)

 

(1,233

)

Depreciation and amortization 

 

(80,465

)

 

(34,831

)

Other income 

 

(76

)

 

68

 

Non-cash compensation expense 

 

(3,326

)

 

(313

)

Restructuring and other charges 

 

(24,399

)

 

—  

 

Extraordinary item 

 

(5,069

)

 

—  

 

  

 



 

Net loss 

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

  

 



 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

SBA Communications Corporation (“SBA Communications”) is a holding company with no business operations of its own. Our only significant asset is the outstanding capital stock of SBA Telecommunications, Inc. (“Telecommunications”) which is also a holding company that owns the outstanding capital stock of SBA Senior Finance. SBA Senior Finance owns directly or indirectly, the capital stock of our subsidiaries. We conduct all of our business operations through our subsidiaries.

Accordingly, our only source of cash to pay our obligations, other than financings, is distributions with respect to our ownership interest in our subsidiaries from the net earnings and cash flow generated by these subsidiaries. Even if we decided to pay a dividend on or make a distribution of the capital stock of our subsidiaries, we cannot assure you that our subsidiaries will generate sufficient cash flow to pay a dividend. OurThe ability of our subsidiaries to pay cash or stock dividends is restricted under the terms of our current senior credit facility andfacility.

A summary of our cash flows is as follows:

   

For the year ended

December 31, 2003


 
   (in thousands) 

Summary Cash Flow Information:

     

Cash used in operations

  $(29,808)

Cash provided by investing activities

   155,456 

Cash used in financing activities

   (178,451)
   


Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (52,803)

Cash and cash equivalents, December 31, 2002

   61,141 
   


Cash and cash equivalents, December 31, 2003

  $8,338 
   


Sources of Liquidity:

During 2003, we sold 784 sites, representing substantially all of our towers in the indentures related to our 10¼% senior notes and 12% senior discount notes.

25


western two-thirds of the United States, in exchange for gross cash proceeds of approximately $196.7 million. As a result of these estimatesthis transaction, we produced cash from investing activities. The purchase and our expectations that we will not comply with one or moresale agreement contained a number of provisions providing for adjustments to the financial covenants of our senior credit facility during 2003, the auditor’s opinion on our 2002 consolidated financial statements calls attention to substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern through 2003.  

          The issuance of this audit opinion with a “going-concern” qualification, if not remedied by April 30, 2003, would itself be an event of default under our senior credit facility.  As part of our plan to address our anticipated non-compliance with certain financial covenants under our senior credit facility commencing in 2003 and to reduce our significant level of indebtedness and the risks associated with such indebtedness, certain of our subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of 801 towers.  The AAT Transaction is subject to various conditions, including an amendment to our credit facility.price. We anticipate that the amendmentfinal gross cash proceeds to be realized from the Western tower sale, after all potential purchase price adjustments, will be approximately $194.1 million.

In December 2003, SBA Communications and Telecommunications co-issued $402.0 million of its 9¾% senior discount notes, which produced net proceeds of approximately $267.1 million after deducting offering expenses. Proceeds from the senior discount notes were used to tender for approximately $153.3 million of our 12% senior discount notes and for general working capital purposes.

During January 2004, SBA Senior Finance closed on a new senior credit facility would, among other things, (1) waive any default that arises asin the amount of $400.0 million. This facility consists of a result$275.0 million term loan which was funded at closing, a $50.0 million delayed draw term loan and a $75.0 million revolving line of receiving an audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, (2) modifycredit. SBA Senior Finance used the financial covenants to levels that we believe are better aligned with our site leasing business and can be satisfied during 2003 and beyond and (3) permit certain activities that are partproceeds from the funding of the AAT Transaction.  We believe that$275.0 million term loan under the AAT Transaction, in conjunction with the amendment to thenew senior credit facility will upon consummation, eliminateto, in part, repay the issues that gave rise to the “going concern” qualification from our auditors.  Based on our current estimates of wireless carrier activity, we believe that subsequent to the successful sale of either 679 or 801 towers, and the amendment to the seniorold credit facility we will have sufficient liquidity to achieve positive free cash flow. 

          For a further discussionin full, consisting of our management’s plans to address the issuance of our audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification and the possible defaults of certain financial covenants under our senior credit facility please refer to the section entitled “Going Concern” above. 

$144.2 million outstanding. In addition to the proposed AAT Transaction,amounts outstanding, we were required to pay $8.0 million to the lenders under the old facility to facilitate the assignment of the old facility to the new lenders. SBA Senior Finance has recorded additional deferred financing fees of approximately $5.4 million associated with this new facility. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details relating to the financial impact of this refinancing.

In addition to our capital restructuring activities completed in 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, in order to manage our significant levels of indebtedness and to insureensure continued compliance with our financial covenants, we are exploringmay explore a number of alternatives, including selling certain assets or lines of business, issuing equity, repurchasing, restructuring or refinancing or exchanging for equity some or all of our debt or pursuing other financial alternatives, and we may from time to time implement one or more of these alternatives. One or more of the alternatives may include the possibility of issuing additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into shares of common stock or converting our existing indebtedness into shares of common stock or securities convertible into shares of common stock, any of which would dilute our existing shareholders. We cannot assure you that either the AAT Transaction and/or any other of these strategies can be consummated, or if consummated, would effectively address our liquidity concerns, the possible defaults under our debt instruments or any of the other risks associated with our significant level of indebtedness.

Uses of Liquidity:

 Net

We used the proceeds from the May 2003 credit facility discussed in this report, cash provided by operations duringon hand and a portion of the year endedproceeds from the Western tower sale to repay in full the prior credit facility, which had $255.0 million outstanding immediately prior to repayment. As discussed above, subsequent to December 31, 2002 was $1.6 million as compared2003 we used a portion of the proceeds from the January 2004 credit facility to $13.0 million in 2001. This decrease was primarily attributablerepay the May 2003 credit facility, to cash interest payments made in Februaryrepurchase 12% senior discount notes and August 2002 on the 10¼% senior notes.  Net cash used in investing activities for year the ended December 31, 2002 was $98.0 million compared to $530.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease was primarily attributable to a significantly lower level of tower acquisitions and new build activity in 2002 versus 2001.  Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $143.7 million compared to $516.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities in 2002 was primarily due to the issuance of our $500.0 million 10¼% senior notes completed in February 2001.  the open market and to redeem all outstanding 12% senior discount notes on March 1, 2004. As a result primarily of the repayment of $255 million under a prior credit facility, we used $178.5 million of cash in financing activities.

 

Our cash capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 20022003 were $103.4$15.1 million as compared to $530.3$86.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.2002. This decrease is a result of lower investment in new tower assets. During 2003, we built 13 new towers as compared to 2002 when we built 141 new towers and bought 53 existing towers. We currently plan to make total cash capital expenditures during the year ending December 31, 20032004 of $10.0$5.0 million to $15.0$8.0 million. Due to the relatively young age of our towers and remaining capacity available to accommodate new tenants, it is not necessary for us to spend a significant amount of dollars for capital improvements or modifications to our towers to accommodate new tenants. We estimate we will incur approximately $1,000 per tower per year on these type of capital expenditures. All of these planned capital expenditures are expected to be funded by cash on hand and cash flow from operations. The exact amount of our future capital expenditures will depend on a number of factors including amounts necessary to support our tower portfolio and to complete pending build-to-suit obligations.

 Our balance sheet reflected negative working capital of $(149.0)

Cash used in operations was $29.8 million and $(19.4) million as offor the year ended December 31, 20022003. Of this amount $15.2 million was related to an increase in short-term investments and 2001, respectively.  This change is attributableapproximately $6.0 million was related to the classificationreduction in accounts payable. During 2003, we focused our efforts on improving our outstanding receivables balances. As a result of $189.4these efforts, our accounts receivable balance, after allowances and write-offs, was improved by approximately $17.0 million. Additionally, during 2003 approximately $84.8 million of previously long-termcash was paid for interest on our various debt as current, based upon management’s requirementinstruments. As a result of our refinancing activities discussed above, our cash interest requirements for 2004 are expected to repaybe significantly lower than the requirements in 2003 substantially all of the net proceeds from the AAT Transaction in the amount of $188.0 million, offset by higher cash balances, receipts of accounts receivable and lower accounts payable levels.   2003.

 

Debt Service Requirements:

At December 31, 20022003 we had $500.0$406.4 million outstanding onof our 10¼% senior notes. As of the date of this filing we had $355.4 million outstanding of our 10¼% senior notes. The 10¼% senior notes mature February 1, 2009. Interest on these notes is payable February 1 and August 1 of each year. Additionally,Based on amounts outstanding at the time of this filing, annual debt service requirements are approximately $36.4 million.

At December 31, 2002,2003 we had $263.9$275.8 million outstanding of our 9¾% senior discount notes. The 9¾% notes accrete in value until December 15, 2007 at which time the notes will have a balance of $402.0 million. These notes mature December 15, 2011. Interest on these notes is payable June 15 and December 15 beginning June 15, 2008.

At December 31, 2003 we had $65.7 million outstanding of our 12% senior discount notes, net of unamortized original issue discount of $5.1 million.notes. The 12% senior discount notes were originally scheduled to mature on March 1, 2008. The 12% senior

26


discountThese notes accreted in value until March 1, 2003.  Thereafter interest will begin to accrue and will be payablewere redeemed on March 1, and September 12004 at the call price of each year, commencing on September 1, 2003.   Each107.5% of the aggregate principal amount.

As of December 31, 2003 we had $118.2 million outstanding under the senior credit facility in existence at that time. As of March 10, 2003, we had $275.0 million outstanding under the new senior credit facility. Based on the outstanding amount of $275.0 million and rates in effect at such time, we estimate our annual debt service including amortization to be approximately $13.9 million related to our senior credit facility.

The issuance of our 9¾% senior discount notes and the new senior credit facility coupled with the retirement of the 12% senior discount notes, open market purchases and exchanges of our 10¼% senior notes and the 12%repayment of our prior senior discountcredit facility will result in a cash savings of approximately $50.0 million in debt service and amortization payments in 2004.

Capital Instruments:

Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes:

The10¼% senior notes were issued by SBA Communications, are unsecured and arepari passu in right of payment with our other existing and future senior indebtedness. The 9¾% senior discount notes were co-issued by SBA Communications and Telecommunications in December 2003, are unsecured, rankpari passu with the senior indebtedness and are structurally senior to all indebtedness of SBA Communications. Both, the 10¼% senior notes and the 12%9¾% senior discount notes place certain restrictions on, among other things, the incurrence of debt and liens, issuance of preferred stock, payment of dividends or other distributions, sale of assets, transactions with affiliates, sale and leaseback transactions, certain investments and our ability to merge or consolidate with other entities.

 

May 2003 Senior Credit Facility:

On May 9, 2003, Telecommunications closed on a senior credit facility with the senior credit lenders in the amount of $195.0 million. In June 2001,November, 2003, in connection with the offering of our 9¾% senior discount notes and our tender offer for 70% of our outstanding 12% senior discount notes, SBA Senior Finance, a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Telecommunications, our principal subsidiary, entered into a $300.0 millionassumed all rights and obligations of Telecommunications under the senior securedcredit facility pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement with the senior credit lenders. Telecommunications was released from any obligation to repay the indebtedness under the senior credit facility. ThisSimultaneously with this assumption, Telecommunications contributed substantially all of its assets, consisting primarily of stock in our various operating subsidiaries, to SBA Senior Finance. SBA Senior Finance refinanced this credit facility was amended in January 20022004 and further amendedused the proceeds from the new facility to repay this facility in August 2002.  Thefull.

This prior senior credit facility, as amended, providesprovided for a$95.0 million in term loans and $100.0 million in revolving lines of credit, which could be borrowed, repaid and redrawn and which would have converted to a term loan January 28, 2004. Amortization of amounts borrowed under this facility was to commence in 2004, at an annual rate of 10% in 2004 and a $200.0 million revolving loan,15% in each of 2005, 2006 and 2007. All remaining amounts were to be due and payable at maturity on December 31, 2007. Amounts borrowed under this facility accrued interest at base rate, as defined in the availabilityagreement plus 300 basis points or the Euro dollar rate plus 400 basis points. Additional interest of which is based on compliance with certain covenants.3.5% per annum also accrued, but was not due to be paid until maturity. As of December 31, 2002, SBA Telecommunications had $255.0 million in loans outstanding under this facility, $100.02003, $3.2 million of thethis additional interest was converted to a term loan and $155.0 million of the revolver.  In addition, as ofloan. As a result, at December 31, 2002, $14.52003, we had $98.2 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the senior credit facility.  The term loan and the revolving loan mature June 15, 2007 and repayment of the term loan begins in September 2003 ($2.5 million is due for repayment on each of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003).  Under the current terms of the senior credit facility we are required to use substantially all of the net proceeds of asset sales to repay outstanding debt under the senior credit facility.  As a result, we have calculated our current debt outstanding at December 31, 2002 to include substantially all of the net proceeds from the proposed sale of 801 towers to AAT Communications of $188.0 million.  However, we intend to seek an amendment to the senior credit facility and in exchange for certain modifications, we would repay approximately $150.0 million of this facility in 2003.  The receipt of this amendment is a condition to the consummation of the AAT Transaction.  Borrowings under the senior credit facility accrue interest at the Euro dollar rate plus a margin or a base rate plus a margin, as defined in the credit agreement.  At December 31, 2002, $100.0 million term loan outstanding under the senior credit facility was at variable cash rates of 3.41%5.16% to 3.43%5.17% (excluding the 3.5% of additional interest) and $155.0we had $20.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility at a rate of 5.15%. As of December 31, 2003 the remaining $80.0 million under the revolver was fully available to us. The credit facility was pre-payable at variable ratesour option. Amounts borrowed under the credit facility were secured by a first lien on substantially all of 3.41% to 3.81%. 

          TheSBA Senior Finance’s assets. In addition, each of SBA Senior Finance’s domestic subsidiaries guaranteed the obligations of SBA Senior Finance under the senior credit facility requiresand pledged substantially all of its assets to secure such guarantee. In addition, SBA Communications and Telecommunications pledged, on a non-recourse basis, all of the common stock of Telecommunications and SBA Senior Finance, respectively, to secure SBA Senior Finance’s obligations under this senior credit facility.

This prior senior credit facility, as amended, required SBA Senior Finance to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding our consolidatedits leverage, debt coverage,service, cash interest expense and fixed charges

for each quarter. The senior credit facility contained affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restricted SBA Senior Finance’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to incur debt and liens, sell assets, make or commit to make capital expenditures, enter into affiliate transactions or sale-leaseback transactions, and/or build towers without anchor tenants. Additionally, as of December 31, 2003, we were in full compliance with all of the financial covenants of this facility.

January 2004 Senior Credit Facility:

On January 29, 2004, SBA Senior Finance closed on a new senior credit facility in the amount of $400.0 million. This facility consists of a $275.0 million term loan which was funded at closing, a $50.0 million delayed draw term loan which we have until November 15, 2004 to draw, and a $75.0 million revolving line of credit. The revolving lines of credit may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn. Amortization of the term loans commence September 2004 at an annual rate of 1% in each of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. All remaining amounts under the term loan are due October 31, 2008. There is no amortization of the revolving loans and all amounts outstanding under the revolving facility are due on August 31, 2008. Amounts borrowed under this facility accrue interest at either the base rate, as defined in the agreement, plus 250 basis points or a Euro dollar rate plus 350 basis points. This facility may be prepaid at any time with no prepayment penalty. Amounts borrowed under this facility are secured by a first lien on substantially all of SBA Senior Finance’s assets. In addition, each of SBA Senior Finances’s domestic subsidiaries has guaranteed the obligations of SBA Senior Finance under the senior credit facility and has pledged substantially all of their respective assets to secure such guarantee. In addition, SBA Communications and Telecommunications have pledged, on a non-recourse basis, all of the common stock of Telecommunications and SBA Senior Finance to secure SBA Senior Finance’s obligations under this senior credit facility.

This new senior credit facility requires SBA Senior Finance to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding its debt to annualized operating cash flow, debt service, cash interest expense and fixed charges for each quarter and to satisfy certain financial condition tests including maintaining minimum consolidated EBITDA.  Thequarter. This new senior credit facility also contains affirmative and negative covenants which,that, among other things, require us to submit audited financial statements without a “going-concern” qualification in the audit opinion and restricts ourits ability to incur debt and liens, sell assets, commit to capital expenditures, enter into affiliate transactions or sale-leaseback transactions, and/or build towers without anchor tenants. The August 2002 amendment adjusted certain covenantsAdditionally, this facility permits distributions by SBA Senior Finance to Telecommunications and financial covenants, but did not changeSBA Communications to service their debt, pay consolidated taxes, pay holding company expenses and for the amountrepurchase of senior notes or repayment terms of the facility.  Specifically, the August 2002 amendment (1) amended certain financial covenantssenior discount notes subject to (a) decrease the required ratios for cash interest expense coverage, fixed charges coverage and debt service coverage in 2003 to 2005 and (b) reduce the permitted senior leverage and debt per tower ratios and (2) increased the interest margin over the Euro dollar rate as specified in the original agreement by 25 basis points.  Availability under the senior credit facility is contingent upon compliance with the financial ratios and tests and other covenants in the credit agreement.  As of December 31, 2002 we were in full compliance with the covenants contained in the senior credit facility; however, the issuance of the audit opinion on the 2002 financial statements with a “going-concern” qualification, if not remedied by April 30, 2003, would be an event of default which would permit the lenders, by a majority vote, to immediately accelerate the maturity of the principal and interest outstanding under the senior credit facility and to terminate our ability to access any remaining available funds.  Ourdiscussed above. SBA Senior Finance’s ability in the future to comply with the covenants and access the available funds under the senior credit facility in the future will depend on ourits future financial performance. The senior creditHad this facility is secured by substantially all ofbeen in place on December 31, 2003, we would have had the assets of SBA Telecommunications and its subsidiaries.ability to draw an additional approximately $21 million over the $275 million drawn at closing.

 

          One of our goals is the attainment of sustained positive free cash flow(1).  We define free cash flow as EBITDA less net cash interest, cash capital expenditures and cash taxes.  We are focused on maintaining sufficient liquidity until we reach our goal of sustained positive free cash flow.  Based on our current estimates of wireless carrier activity, we believe that subsequent to the successful sale of either 679 or 801 towers, and the amendment to the senior credit facility, we will have sufficient liquidity to achieve positive free cash flow.

          (1)Free cash flow is not intended to represent cash flows for the periods presented, nor has it been presented as an alternative to cash flows from operations or as an indicator of operating performance and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Inflation

 We have on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) shelf registration statements on Form S-4 registering up to a total of 8.0 million shares of Class A common stock that we may issue in connection with the acquisition of wireless communication towers or companies that provide related services at various locations in the United States. During the year ended December 31, 2002, we issued 1.3 million shares of Class A common stock under

27


these registration statements in connection with one acquisition and certain earn-outs. As of December 31, 2002, we had 4.4 million shares of Class A common stock remaining available under these shelf registration statements.

          We have on file with the SEC a universal shelf registration statement registering the sale of up to $252.7 million of any combination of the following securities: Class A common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares or warrants.

INFLATION

The impact of inflation on our operations has not been significant to date. However, we cannot assure you that a high rate of inflation in the future will not adversely affect our operating results.

EFFECT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTSAccounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2003

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143,Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.  Obligations (“SFAS 143”). This standard requires companies to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, thea company capitalizes a cost is to be capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, wea company either settlesettles the obligation for its recorded amount or incurincurs a gain or loss upon settlement. We are required to adoptadopted this standard effective January 1, 2003. We have not completedAs a result of our analysis determining the effect adoption of SFAS 143 will have on our consolidated financial statements, but believe it may be material given that we have obligationsobligation to restore leaseholds to their original condition upon termination of ground leases

underlying a majority of our towers.  We will recordtowers and our estimate as to the probability of incurring these obligations, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of adopting this statement effective January 1,approximately $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2003. The adoption of SFAS 143 resulted in an increase in tower fixed assets of approximately $0.9 million and the recording of an asset retirement obligation liability of approximately $1.4 million.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145,Rescission of FASB Statements Nos. 4, 44 and 62, Amendment of SFAS No. 13 and Technical Corrections (“SFAS 145”).  For most companies, SFAS 145 will requirerequires gains and losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as income or loss from continuing operations rather than as extraordinary items as previously required under SFAS 4. Extraordinary treatment will beis required for certain extinguishments as provided in APB Opinion No. 30. The statement also amended SFAS 13 for certain sale-leasebackssale-leaseback and sublease accounting. We are required to adoptadopted the provisions of SFAS 145 effective January 1, 2003. Pursuant to SFAS 145, our previously reported extraordinary item will beof $5.1 million, related to the early extinguishment of debt, was reclassified to operating expense in consolidated financial statement presentation subsequent tothe accompanying December 31, 2002. 2001 Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”) and nullified EITF Issue No. 94–3.94-3. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred, whereas EITF No. 94–394-3 had recognized the liability at the commitment date to an exit plan. SFAS 146 requires that the initial measurement of a liability be at fair value. We are required to adoptadopted the provisions of SFAS 146 effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.January 1, 2003. The effectadoption of adopting SFAS 146 isdid not expected to behave a material to theeffect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure.148. SFAS 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. This statement also amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2002. We adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 148 as of December 31, 2002. We will continue to account for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB No. 25. As such, we do not expect this standard towill have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  We

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 (“SFAS 149”),Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (“SFAS 133”),Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.The statement was effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have adopteda material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the disclosure-onlyFASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (“SFAS 150”),Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This standard was effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities that are subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 148 asthis Statement for the first fiscal period beginning after December 15, 2003. The adoption of December 31, 2002.this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45 (“FIN 45”),Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of OthersOthers.. FIN

Fin 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. FIN 45 also clarifies requirements for the recognition of guarantees at the onset of an arrangement. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issuedused or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective for interim or annual financial statements after December 15, 2002. We implemented the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 as of December 31, 2002 and there was no material impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of this implementation.

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In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46,ConsiderationConsolidation for Variable Interest Entities, an interpretationInterpretation of ARB No. 51 which requires all variable interest entities (“VIEs”VIES”) to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that holds the majority of the beneficial interest in the VIE. In addition, the interpretation expands the disclosure requirements for both variable interest entities that are consolidated as well as VIEs from which the entity is athe holder of a significant amount of beneficial interests, but not the majority. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all VIEs and for all special purpose entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003.  We do not expect the effectquarter ended March 31, 2004. The adoption of adopting FIN 46 did not have, nor is it expected to behave, a material toimpact on the consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESCommitments and Contractual Obligations

 We have identified the policies below as critical to

The following table summarizes our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. The listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. In other cases, management is required to exercise judgment in the application of accounting principles with respect to particular transactions. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where such policies affect reported and expected financial results. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, beginning on page F-10. Note that our preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

          Revenue from site leasing is recorded monthly and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreements. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded in deferred revenues.

          Site development projects in which we perform consulting services include contracts on a time and materials basis or a fixed price basis. Time and materials based contracts are billed atscheduled contractual rates as the services are rendered. For those site development contracts in which we perform work on a fixed price basis, site development billing (and revenue recognition) is based on the completion of agreed upon phases of the project on a per site basis. Upon the completion of each phase on a per site basis, we recognize the revenue related to that phase. Revenue related to services performed on uncompleted phases of site development projects was not recorded by us at the end of the reporting periods presented as it was not material to our results of operations. Any estimated losses on a particular phase of completion are recognized in the period in which the loss becomes evident. Site development projects generally take from 3 to 12 months to complete.

          Revenue from construction projects is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total anticipated cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. The asset “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents expenses incurred and revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized.

          Cost of site development project revenue and construction revenue include all material costs, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects and construction projects are recognized as incurred. Cost of site leasing revenue include rent, maintenance (exclusive of employee related costs) and other tower expenses. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.

          We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. 

29


Property and Equipment

          Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. We perform ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of our property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset, industry practice and asset maintenance policies. Maintenance and repair items are expensed as incurred.

          Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows:

Towers and related components

2 – 15 years

Furniture, equipment and vehicles

2 –   7 years

Buildings and improvements

5 – 39 years

          Capitalized costs incurred subsequent to when an asset is originally placed in service are depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life term.

          We evaluate the potential impairment of individual long-lived assets, principally the tower sites.  We record an impairment charge when we believe an investment in towers has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the then current carrying value of the investment in the tower site.  We consider many factors and make certain assumptions when making this assessment, including but not limited to general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential, and expected timing of lease-up.  Future adverse changes in market conditions could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.  In addition, if our assumptions regarding future undiscounted cash flows and related assumptions are incorrect, a future impairment charge may be required.

          The restructuring and other charges of $ 77.6 million recorded in 2002 includes a $16.4 million asset impairment charge. The asset impairment charge was determined through an evaluation of our tower asset portfolio using a projected cash flow analysis and assets were written down to fair value determined on a discounted cash flow analysis.  The tower assets determined to be impaired were primarily those with no current tenants and little or no lease-up potential.  Long-lived assets are subject to an impairment assessment any time that indicators of impairment are present.  If wireless carrier capital expenditures and their ability to access capital remain weak or deteriorate further, we believe the valuation of certain of our long-lived assets may be negatively impacted.  

          In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS 144 supercedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long Lived Assets to Be Disposed of.  SFAS 144 applies to all long-lived assets (including discontinued operations) and consequently amends Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, Reporting Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business.  SFAS 144 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.  We adopted SFAS 144 on January 1, 2002.  

30


Goodwill

          During 2002, we completed the transitional impairment test of goodwill required under SFAS 142, which was adopted effective January 1, 2002.  As a result of completing the required transitional test, we recorded a charge retroactive to the adoption date for the cumulative effect of the accounting change in the amount of $80.6 million, representing the excess of the carrying value of reporting units as compared to their estimated fair value.  Of the total $80.6 million cumulative effect adjustment, $61.6 million related to the site development construction reporting segment and $19.0 million related to the site leasing reporting segment.  The change modified the first quarter’s previously reported net loss of ($83.2) million, or ($1.70) per share to ($163.8) million, or ($3.34) per share.

          During 2002, we recorded additional goodwill totaling approximately $13.4 million resulting from the achievement of certain earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2001.  In accordance with SFAS 142, in addition to the transitional test described above, goodwill is subject to an impairment assessment at least annually, or at any time that indicators of impairment are present.  We determined that as of June 30, 2002 indicators of impairment were present, thereby requiring an impairment analysis be completed.  The indicators of impairment during the quarter ended June 30, 2002 giving rise to this analysis included significant further deterioration of company value, further activities under our restructuring plan, and market conditions related to demand for wireless construction services.  As a result of this analysis, using a discounted cash flow valuation method for estimating fair value, $13.4 million of goodwill within the site development construction segment was determined to be impaired as of June 30, 2002.  The $13.4 million goodwill impairment charge is included within restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.  As of December 31, 2002 we did not have any remaining goodwill or other intangible assets subject to SFAS 142.

Restructuring Accruals

          In establishing the accrual for the restructuring costs discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, we made certain assumptions to estimate future severance costs and other exit costs.  In addition, while performing impairment tests for certain long-term assets, assumptions were made as to the future cash flows associated with these assets.  While we feel the assumptions were appropriate, there can be no assurance that actual costs will not differ from estimates used to establish the restructuring accrual.  If actual results differ from the estimates, we may need to adjust, upward or downward, our restructuring accrual in the future.

Accounting for Income Taxes

          As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves us estimating our actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance.  To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the statement of operations.

          Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $136.2 millioncommitments as of December 31, 2002, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of net operating losses.  The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates2003:

Contractual Obligations


  Total

  Less than 1
year


  1 – 3 Years

  4 – 5 Years

  More than 5
Years


Short-term and long-term debt

  $992,365  $11,500  $34,500  $137,900  $808,465

Capital leases

   38   38   —     —     —  

Operating leases

   124,980   26,195   33,758   18,407   46,620

Employment agreements

   1,378   948   430   —     —  

Purchase obligations

   13,067   13,067   —     —     —  

Asset retirement obligations

   1,195   —     —     —     1,195
   

  

  

  

  

Total

  $1,133,023  $51,748  $68,688  $156,307  $856,280
   

  

  

  

  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not involved in future periods we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance which could impact our financial position and results of operations. The net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2002 was $18.4 million.any off-balance sheet arrangements.

ITEM 7A.Item 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to certain market risks that are inherent in our financial instruments. These instruments arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business, and in some cases relate to our acquisition of related businesses.business. We are subject to interest rate risk on our senior credit facility and any future financing requirements. SubstantiallyWe attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our indebtedness currently consists oflong-term fixed rate debt. 

senior notes and our borrowings under our senior credit facility. As of December 31,


2003, long-term fixed rate borrowings represented approximately 86% of our total borrowings. Assuming a 100 basis-point change in LIBOR, our annual interest cost would change by approximately $2.8 million, based on outstanding balances as of the date of this report.

 

The following table presents the future principal payment obligations and weighted average interest rates associated with our long-term debt instruments assuming our actual level of long-term debt indebtedness as of December 31, 2002:

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

Thereafter

 

Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

  

(in thousands)

 

Long-term debt: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate (10¼%) 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

$

500,000

 

$

275,000

 

Fixed rate (12.0%) 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

$

269,000

 

$

145,148

 

Term loan, $100.0 million, variable rates (3.41% to 3.43% at December 31, 2002) 

$

75,039

 

$

3,941

 

$

6,569

 

$

6,568

 

$

7,883

 

$

—  

 

$

100,000

 

Revolving loan, variable rates (3.41% to 3.81% at December 31, 2002) 

$

114,275

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

$

40,725

 

 

—  

 

$

155,000

 

Notes payable, variable rates (2.9% to 11.4% at December 31, 2002) 

$

83

 

$

40

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

$

123

 

          In January 2002, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage our exposure to interest rate movements and to take advantage of a favorable interest rate environment by effectively converting a portion of our debt from fixed to variable rates. The notional principal amount of the interest rate swap was $100.0 million. The maturity date of the interest rate swap matched the principal maturity date of the 10¼% senior notes, the underlying debt (February 2009). This swap involved the exchange of fixed rate payments for variable rate payments without the exchange of the underlying principal amount. The variable rates were based on six-month EURO rate plus 4.47% and were reset on a semi-annual basis.  The counter-party to the interest rate swap agreement elected to terminate the swap agreement effective October 15, 2002.  In connection with this termination, the counter-party paid us $6.2 million, which included approximately $0.8 million in accrued interest.  The remaining $5.4 million received was deferred and is being recognized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the senior notes using the effective interest method.  The deferred gain balance of $5.2 million at December 31, 2002 is included in long-term debt.2003:

 

   2004

  2005

  2006

  2007

  2008

  Thereafter

  

Fair

Value


   (in thousands)

Long-term debt:

                            

Fixed rate (12.0%)

   —     —     —     —    $65,673   —    $71,584

Fixed rate (10¼%)

   —     —     —     —     —    $406,441  $398,312

Fixed rate (9¾%)

   —     —     —     —     —    $402,024  $279,929

Term loan, $98.2 million, variable cash rates (8.66% to 8.67% at December 31, 2003)

  $9,500  $14,250  $14,250  $60,227   —     —    $98,227

Revolving loans, variable cash rate (8.65% at December 31, 2003)

  $2,000  $3,000  $3,000  $12,000   —     —    $20,000

Notes payable, variable rates (2.9% to 11.4% at December 31, 2003)

  $38   —     —     —    $—     —    $38

Our primary market risk exposure relates to (1) the interest rate risk on variable-rate long-term and short-term borrowings, (2) our ability to refinance our 10¼% senior discount notes and our 12%10¼% senior discount notes, at maturity at market rates, and (3) the impact of interest rate movements on our ability to meet financial covenants. We manage the interest rate risk on our outstanding long-term and short-term debt through our use of fixed and variable rate debt. While we cannot predict or manage our ability to refinance existing debt or the impact interest rate movements will have on our existing debt, we continue to evaluate our financial position on an ongoing basis.

 

Senior Note and Senior Discount Note Disclosure Requirements

 

The indentures governing our 10¼% senior notes and our 12%9¾% senior discount notes require certain financial disclosures for restricted subsidiaries separate from unrestricted subsidiaries and the disclosuresubsidiaries. As of December 31, 2003 we had no unrestricted subsidiaries. Additionally, we are required to be made ofdisclose(i) Tower Cash Flow, as defined in the indentures, for the most recent fiscal quarter and (ii) Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow, as defined in the indentures, for the most recently completed four-quarter period. AsThis information is presented solely as a requirement of December 31, 2002 we had no unrestricted subsidiaries. the indentures. Such information is not intended as an alternative measure of financial position, operating results or cash flows from operations (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles). Furthermore, our measure of the following information may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Tower Cash Flow and Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow as defined in theour senior note and senior discount note indentures for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 was $18.9 million. Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $82.2 million.are as follows:

   

10¼% Senior

Notes


  

9¾% Senior

Discount Notes


   (in thousands)

HoldCo Tower Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2003(1)

  $18,249  $22,676

OpCo Tower Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2003(2)

   n/a  $22,676

HoldCo Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003

  $67,324  $68,679

OpCo Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003

   n/a  $73,340

(1)In the indenture for the 9¾% senior discount notes HoldCo is referred to as the “Co-Issuer” or SBA Communications Corporation.
(2)In the indenture for the 9¾% senior discount notes OpCo is referred to as the “Company” or SBA Telecommunications, Inc.

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Discussions containing forward-looking statements may be found in the material set forth in this section and under “Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAct of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business,” as well as in the annual report.

32


1934. These statements concern expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Specifically, this annual report contains forward-looking statements regarding:

our ability to continue as a going concern through 2003;

our expectations regarding the number of towers that will actually be sold in the AAT Transaction and potential adjustments to the purchase price based on the aggregate tower cash flow of those towers sold;

our expectations that we and AAT Communications will satisfy all closing conditions, including our ability to amend our existing senior credit facility;

our expectations regarding the consummation of the closing in stages commencing on May 9, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2003;

our estimates regarding our ability to comply with the covenants contained in our senior credit facility;

our estimates regarding wireless carrier activity in 2003;

our estimate that our operations will produce positive free cash flow;

our estimate that we will not build or acquire a material number of towers in 2003;

our intent to focus our tower ownership activities in the Eastern U.S.;

the impact of the capital expenditure reduction plan on our future financial performance, long-term growth rates, liquidity and free cash flow position;

anticipated trends in the site development industry and its effect on our revenue and profits;

our belief that our towers have significant capacity to accommodate additional tenants;

our estimates regarding the future development of the site leasing industry and its effect on our site leasing revenues;

our estimates regarding the financial impact of adopting certain recently issued accounting pronouncements; and

our estimate of the amount of capital expenditures, and the funding sources, for the twelve months ending December 31, 2003.

 

our estimates regarding our liquidity, capital expenditures and sources of both, and our ability to fund operations and meet our obligations as they become due for the foreseeable future;

our expectations regarding our incurrence of additional net losses in 2004;

our expectations regarding the final aggregate gross cash proceeds to be generated by the Western tower sale;

our ability to sell the 61 towers remaining in the Western two-thirds of the United States;

our estimates of the amount and timing of site development revenue to be generated from the network development contract with Sprint Spectrum L.P.;

our strategy to focus our business on the site leasing business, and the consequential shift in our revenue stream and gross profits from project driven revenues to recurring revenues, predictable operating costs and minimal capital expenditures;

our belief that our towers have significant capacity to accommodate additional tenants;

our estimates regarding the future development of the site leasing industry and site development industry and its effect on our revenues and profits;

our estimate that we will not make any additional material change to our tower portfolio in 2004;

our belief that the Western tower sale will not have a material impact on our site leasing gross profit margin;

our intent to focus our tower ownership activities in the eastern third of the United States;

our belief regarding our position to capture additional site leasing business in our markets and identify and participate in site development projects across our markets;

our expectations regarding the incurrence of material additional charges in 2004 for the write-off of deferred financing fees and extinguishment of debt;

our estimates that interest expense and depreciation charges will continue to be substantial in the future;

our belief regarding the financial impact of certain accounting pronouncements; and

our estimates regarding non-cash compensation expense in each year from 2004 through 2006.

These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We wish to caution readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The most important factors that could prevent us from achieving our goals, and cause the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements and the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

our inability to sufficiently increase our revenues and maintain or decrease expenses and cash capital expenditures to permit us to fund operations and meet our obligations as they become due;

our potential adjustments to the purchase price of the Western tower sale;

our ability to identify suitable purchasers for the additional 61 towers held for sale and enter into agreements on mutually acceptable terms;

the inability of our clients to access sufficient capital or their unwillingness to expend capital to fund network expansion or enhancements;

our ability to continue to comply with covenants and the terms of our senior credit facility and to access sufficient capital to fund our operations;

our ability to secure as many site leasing tenants as planned;

our ability to expand our site leasing business and maintain or expand our site development business;

our ability to successfully address zoning issues;

our ability to retain current lessees on our towers;

the actual amount and timing of services rendered and revenues received under ourcontract with Sprint Spectrum L.P.;

our ability to realize economies of scale from our tower portfolio;

the impact of our lack of a permanent Chief Financial Officer and our inability totimely hire a permanent Chief Financial Officer; and

the continued use of towers and dependence on outsourced site development servicesby the wireless communications industry.

We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

the decision by AAT Communications to elect to purchase the additional 122 towers and potential adjustments to the purchase price based on the aggregate tower cash flow of those towers sold;

our ability to satisfy all closing conditions necessary to consummate the AAT Transaction, including the receipt of the necessary amendment to our senior credit facility, consents from third parties and other customary closing conditions;

our ability to continue to comply with covenants and the terms of our senior credit facility.

the inability of our clients to access sufficient capital or their unwillingness to expend capital to fund network expansion or enhancements;

our inability to sufficiently increase our revenues and maintain or decrease expenses and cash capital expenditures sufficiently to permit us to be positive free cash flow;

33


our ability to access sufficient capital to fund our operations;

our ability to secure as many site leasing tenants as planned;

our ability to expand our site leasing business and maintain or expand our site development business;

our ability to retain current lessees on newly acquired towers; and

the continued use of towers and dependence on outsourced site development services by the wireless communications industry.

ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial statements and supplementary data for the Company are on pages F-1 through F-31.F-35.

ITEM 9.ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 None.

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In order to ensure that the information we must disclose in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis, we have formalized our disclosure controls and procedures. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as of December 31, 2003. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of December 31, 2003, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely

alerting them to material information relating to us (and our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.

As previously discussed, in performing the audits of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 and the interim reviews of our consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003, our independent auditors, Ernst & Young, LLP (“E&Y”), noted a matter involving internal control and its operation that E&Y considered to be a material weakness. Specifically, E&Y, noted that we did not have an adequate process in place to ensure that the appropriate personnel, with adequate understanding of the relevant generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting implications, thoroughly assessed and applied the proper accounting and reporting principles to certain significant asset or business acquisition and disposition transactions.

To address the matter identified, we have established a process to ensure that our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer are involved throughout each significant asset or business acquisition or disposition and that such officers have the appropriate knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and consult the applicable accounting literature and outside professionals as appropriate. In performing the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, E&Y, noted no matters involving internal control and its operation that it considered to be a material weakness. As of the date of the filing of this report, we do not have a Chief Financial Officer. We have continued to actively pursue our search for a qualified individual to fill the vacancy in our Chief Financial Officer position by engaging an executive search firm who has identified several possible candidates.

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

          The items required by Part III, Item 10, are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30, 2003.

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The items required by Part III, Item 10 are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 29, 2004.

 

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The items required by Part III, Item 11 are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 20032004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30, 2003.

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS29, 2004.

 The items required by Part III, Item 12 are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30, 2003.

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The items required by Part III, Item 12 are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 29, 2004.

 

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The items required by Part III, Item 13 are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 20032004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30, 2003.

ITEM 14.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 29, 2004.

 (a)  Within 90 days prior

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The items required by Part III, Item 14 are incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to the date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d–14(c).  Basedbe filed on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.or before April 29, 2004.

          (b)  There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation described in the preceding paragraph.

PART IV

ITEM 15.ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)

Documents filed as part of this report:

(1) 

Financial Statements

(1)Financial Statements

See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for Financial Statements included with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

(2)

See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for Financial Statements included with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules

Report of Predecessor Independent Certified Public Accountants on Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for Financial Statements Schedules included with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for Financial Statements Schedules included with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(3)Exhibits

 

(3)

Exhibits


Exhibit
No.

No.


Description of Exhibits



3.4

 3.4

—Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of SBA Communications Corporation.(1)

3.5

 3.5

—Amended and Revised By-Laws of SBA Communications Corporation.(1)

4.1

 4.1

—Indenture, dated as of March 2, 1998, between SBA Communications Corporation and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as trustee, relating to $269,000,000 in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 12% Senior Discount Notes due 2008.(2)

4.3

 4.3

—Specimen Certificate of 12% Senior Discount Note due 2008 (included in Exhibit 4.1)

4.4

 4.4

—Indenture, dated as of February 2, 2001, between SBA Communications Corporation and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as trustee, relating to $500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount and maturity of 10¼% senior notes due 2009.(3)

4.5

 4.5

—Form of 10¼% senior note due February 1, 2009.(3)

4.6

 4.6

—Rights Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2002, between the Company and the Rights Agent.(4)

4.7

—Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2003, among SBA Communications Corporation, SBA Telecommunications, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to the $402,024,000 in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 9¾% senior discount notes due 2011.*

4.8

10.1

—Form of 9¾% senior discount note due 2011.*
10.1

—SBA Communications Corporation Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 5, 1997, among the Company, Steven E. Bernstein, Ronald G. Bizick, II and Robert Grobstein.(2)

10.3

10.12

EmploymentPurchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 14, 1997, between the Company17, 2003, by and Jeffrey A. Stoops.among SBA Properties, Inc.*, SBA Towers, Inc., SBA Properties Louisiana LLC and AAT Communications Corp.(2)(8)

10.23

10.23

—1996 Stock Option Plan.(1)

10.24

10.24

—1999 Equity Participation Plan.(1)

10.25

10.25

—1999 Stock Purchase Plan.(1)

10.27

10.27

—Incentive Stock Option Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2000, between SBA Communications Corporation and Thomas P. Hunt.(5)

10.28

10.28

—Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2000, between SBA Communications Corporation and Thomas P. Hunt.(5)

10.29

—Employment Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2000, between the Company and Thomas P. Hunt.(5)

10.30

—Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2000, by and among TeleCorp Realty, LLC, TeleCorp Puerto Rico Realty, Inc., TeleCorp Communications, Inc., SBA Towers, Inc. and SBA Telecommunications, Inc.(5)

10.31

—Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2000, by and between Louisiana Unwired

35


10.33  

L.L.C. and SBA Properties, Inc.(5)

10.32

—$300,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2001, among SBA Communications Corporation, SBA Telecommunications, Inc., the several lenders from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement, Lehman Brothers, Inc., Barclays Capital, Barclays Bank PLC and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.(6)

10.33

—2001 Equity Participation Plan.(7)(6)

10.35  

10.34

—Second Amendment to $300,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2002, among SBA Communications Corporation, SBA Telecommunications, Inc., the several lenders from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement, Lehman Brothers, Inc., Barclays Capital, Barclays Bank PLC and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.(8)

10.35

—Employment Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2003, between SBA Properties Inc. and Jeffrey A. Stoops.*

(7)
10.36  

10.36

—Employment Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2003, between SBA Properties Inc. and Kurt L. Bagwell.*

(7)
10.37  

10.37

—Employment Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2003, between SBA Properties Inc. and Thomas P. Hunt.(7)

10.39

—$195,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2003, among SBA Senior Finance, Inc., as borrower, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, General Electric Capital Corporation as Administrative Agent and GECC Capital Markets Group, Inc. as Lead Arranger and Bookrunner.(9)

10.41

—$400,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2004, among SBA Senior Finance, Inc., as borrower, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation as Co-Lead Arranger and Co-Syndication Agent, and TD Securities (USA) Inc., as Documentation Agent.*

10.42  

21

Subsidiaries.Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated January 30, 2004 among SBA Communications Corporation, SBA Telecommunications, Inc., SBA Senior Finance, Inc. and certain of their subsidiaries in favor of Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc.*

21  

—Subsidiaries.*
23.1

—Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*

31.1  

—Certification by Jeffrey A. Stoops, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
99.1
31.2

—Certification by John F. Fiedor, Chief Accounting Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1—Certification by Jeffrey A. Stoops, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Jeffrey A. Stoops.2002.*

32.2  

99.2

—Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adoptedby John F. Fiedor, Chief Accounting Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for John Marino.2002.*

 

*

Filed herewith

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-76547).

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-50219).

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-58128).

(4)

Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K, dated January 11, 2002, previously filed by the Registrant.

(5)

Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, previously filed by the Registrant.

(6)

Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, previously filed by the Registrant.

(7)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, previously filed by the Registrant (Registration No. 333-69236).

(7)
(8)

Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q10-K for the quarteryear ended June 30,December 31, 2002, previously filed by the Registrant.

(8)

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K:

The Company filed a report onIncorporated by reference to Form 8-K, dated October 16, 2002.  In the report, the Company reported under Item 5 that it had lowered its third quarter 2002 EBITDA guidance.  The Company also reported it was reaffirming its total revenue guidance.  Under Item 7, the Company included the related press release.

May 9, 2003, previously filed by Registrant.

36


(9)

The Company filed a report onIncorporated by reference to the Form 8-K, dated November 7, 2002.  In21, 2003, previously filed by the report, the Company reported under Item 5, certain operational information for the third quarter of 2002.  Under Item 7, the Company included the related press release.

Registrant.

(b)

The Company filed a reportReports on Form 8-K dated November 15, 2002.  In the report, the Company reported under Item 5 that it had received a notice from Nasdaq Listing Qualifications of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. dated November 12, 2002 indicating that the Company was not in compliance with Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(5), because the Company’s Class A Common Stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement during the past 30 consecutive trading days.

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated November 22, 2002.  In the report, the Company reported under Item 5, that it recently issued an Investor News Report dated November 2002.

8-K:

37The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 2003. In the report, the Company reported under Items 5 and 7 that its re-audit had been substantially completed and announced its plans to restate its fiscal year 2001, fiscal year 2002, first and second quarter 2003 financial statements and discussed the anticipated impact of the restatement.


The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2003. In the report, the Company furnished under Item 12, the Company’s financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003.

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2003. In the report, under Items 5 and 12, the Company announced its plans to restate its financial statements for fiscal year 2002, fiscal year 2001 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, and discussed the anticipated impact of the restatement.

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2003. In the report, the Company disclosed under Items 5 and 12, the effect of the financial statement restatements for fiscal year 2002, fiscal year fiscal year 2001 and the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, and the restated audited financial statements for fiscal years 2002 and 2001 and the amended Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for Fiscal Years 2002 and 2001.

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2003. In the report, the Company reported under Item 5, that SBA Senior Finance, Inc., a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of SBA Telecommunications, Inc., assumed all rights and obligations of SBA Telecommunications, Inc., under the existing $195.0 million senior credit facility pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement. Under Item 7, the Company included the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 21, 2003.

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2003. In the report under Item 7, the Company included a press release announcing its intent to issue approximately $200 million in gross proceeds of senior discount notes due 2011. Under Items 9 and 12, the Company released selected historical financial data for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999, and 1998, and other financial and operations data.

The Company filed a report for Form 8-K dated December 10, 2003. In the report under Items 5 and 7, the Company reported that on December 8, 2003, it priced an offering by the Company and SBA Telecommunications, Inc., of $402.0 million aggregate principal amount at maturity ($275 million in gross proceeds) of 9¾% senior discount notes due 2011.

The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on December 23, 2003. In the report under Items 5 and 7, the Company announced the expiration of a tender offer and its related consent solicitation with respect to its 12% senior discount notes due 2008 and its use of net proceeds from its recent issue of $275 million of 9¾% senior discount notes due 2011. Additionally, the Company reported that 5.5 million shares of Class B common stock held by Steven E. Bernstein, SBA’s Chairman, converted into 5.5 million shares of Class A common stock. As a result, the Class A common stock now held by Mr. Bernstein no longer have the super-voting rights that the Class B common stock held by Mr. Bernstein had.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATIONCOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

By:

By:

/s/    STEVEN E. BERNSTEIN


Steven E. Bernstein

Chairman of the Board of Directors

DateMarch 11, 2004

 

Date

March 31, 2003

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature


Title


Date




/s/    STEVENSTEVEN E. BERNSTEINBERNSTEIN        


Steven E. Bernstein

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

March 11, 2004

March 31, 2003

Steven E. Bernstein

/s/    JEFFREYJEFFREY A. STOOPSSTOOPS        


Jeffrey A. Stoops

  

Chief Executive Officer and President


(Principal (Principal Executive Officer)

March 31, 2003

11, 2004

Jeffrey A. Stoops

/s/    JOHN MARINOJOHN F. FIEDOR        


Chief Financial Officer


(Principal Financial Officer)

March 31, 2003

John Marino

/s/  JOHNF. FIEDORFiedor

  

Chief Accounting Officer


(Principal (Principal Accounting Officer)

March 31, 2003

11, 2004

John F. Fiedor

/s/    DONALDDONALD B. HEBB, JR.HEBB, JR.        


Donald B. Hebb, Jr.

  

Director

March 11, 2004

March 31, 2003

Donald B. Hebb, Jr.

/s/    RICHARDRICHARD W. MILLERMILLER        


Richard W. Miller

  

Director

March 11, 2004

March 31, 2003

Richard W. Miller

/s/    STEVENSTEVEN E. NIELSENNIELSEN        


Steven E. Nielsen

  

Director


March 31, 2003

Steven E. Nielsen

11, 2004

38


CERTIFICATION

I, Jeffrey A. Stoops, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of SBA Communications Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c)

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


Date:  March 31, 2003

/s/ JEFFREY A. STOOPS


Jeffrey A. Stoops

Chief Executive Officer


CERTIFICATION

I, John Marino, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of SBA Communications Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c)

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


Date:  March 31, 2003

/s/ JOHN MARINO


John Marino

Chief Financial Officer


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents

Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants

F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20022003 and 20012002

F-4

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 20002001

F-5

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001

F-6

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 20002001

F-7

F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-9

F-8

Report of Predecessor Independent Certified Public Accountants on Schedule

F-30

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

F-31

F-35

F-1


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Board of Directors

SBA Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries

 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of SBA Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended.  Our audit also included the 2002 financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a).  These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.  The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2001 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2001, and the financial statement schedule for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 listed in the Index at Item 15(a), were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and whose report dated February 22, 2002, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements and schedule. 

          We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

          In our opinion, the 2002 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of SBA Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Also, in our opinion, the related 2002 financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the 2002 basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

          The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that SBA Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries will continue as a going concern.  As more fully described in Note 2, it is likely that the Company will not remain in compliance with certain covenants of its credit agreement during the year ended December 31, 2003.  The Company will need to obtain a waiver in order for its credit agreement not to be considered in default.  These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2.  The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

          As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets.

          As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of SBA Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2001 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in Note 5, these financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2002. Our audit procedures with respect to the disclosures in Note 5 with respect to 2001 and 2000 included (a) agreeing the previously reported net loss to the previously issued financial statements and the adjustments to reported net loss representing amortization expense recognized in those periods related to goodwill, to the Company’s underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation of adjusted net loss to reported net loss, and the related loss-per-share amounts. In our opinion, the disclosures for 2001 and 2000 in Note 5 are appropriate. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such disclosures and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

/s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

West Palm Beach, Florida

March 7, 2003, except for the second paragraph of Note 20,

  as to which the date is March 17, 2003

F-2


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To SBA Communications Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SBA Communications Corporation (a Florida corporation) and subsidiariesSubsidiaries as of December 31, 20012003 and 2000,2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001.2003. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of SBA Communications Corporation and subsidiariesSubsidiaries as of December 31, 20012003 and 2000,2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20012003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

West Palm Beach, Florida,

  February 22, 2002.

THIS IS A COPY OF THE AUDIT REPORT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP IN CONNECTION WITH SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001.  THIS AUDIT REPORT HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP IN CONNECTION WITH THIS FILING ON FORM 10-K. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN

As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” As also discussed in Note 5, effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

/s/    ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 7 OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 FOR ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT WE MAY FILE IN THE FUTURE.  ACCORDINGLY, INVESTORS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SUE ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP PURSUANT TO SECTION 11(A) (4) OF THE SECURITIES ACT WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND, THEREFORE, ULTIMATE RECOVERY FROM ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP MAY ALSO BE LIMITED AS A RESULT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP’S FINANCIAL CONDITION OR OTHER MATTERS RESULTING FROM THE VARIOUS CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAWSUITS AGAINST THAT FIRM.

F-3


West Palm Beach, Florida

March 5, 2004

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except par values)

   

December 31,

2003


  

December 31,

2002


 
ASSETS         

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $8,338  $61,141 

Short-term investments

   15,200   —   

Restricted cash

   10,344   —   

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,400 and $5,572 in 2003 and 2002, respectively

   19,414   36,292 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

   10,227   10,425 

Prepaid and other current assets

   5,009   5,129 

Assets held for sale

   395   202,409 
   


 


Total current assets

   68,927   315,396 

Property and equipment, net

   856,213   940,961 

Deferred financing fees, net

   24,253   24,517 

Other assets

   31,181   18,787 

Intangible assets, net

   2,408   3,704 
   


 


Total assets

  $982,982  $1,303,365 
   


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY         

Current liabilities:

         

Accounts payable

  $11,352  $16,810 

Accrued expenses

   17,709   13,943 

Deferred revenue

   11,137   11,142 

Interest payable

   20,319   22,919 

Long-term debt, current portion

   11,538   60,083 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

   1,577   2,362 

Other current liabilities

   1,807   3,595 

Liabilities held for sale

   608   2,685 
   


 


Total current liabilities

   76,047   133,539 
   


 


Long-term liabilities:

         

Long-term debt

   859,220   964,199 

Deferred revenue

   511   703 

Other long-term liabilities

   3,327   1,434 
   


 


Total long-term liabilities

   863,058   966,336 
   


 


Commitments and contingencies

         

Shareholders’ equity:

         

Preferred stock-$.01 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding

   —     —   

Common stock-Class A par value $.01 (200,000 and 100,000 shares authorized, 55,016 and 45,674 shares issued and outstanding in 2003 and 2002, respectively)

   550   457 

Common stock-Class B par value $.01 (8,100 shares authorized, 0 and 5,456 shares issued and outstanding in 2003 and 2002, respectively)

   —     55 

Additional paid-in capital

   679,961   667,441 

Accumulated deficit

   (636,634)  (464,463)
   


 


Total shareholders’ equity

   43,877   203,490 
   


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $982,982  $1,303,365 
   


 


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

December 31, 2002

 

December 31, 2001

 

  

 


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

61,141

 

$

13,904

 

 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $5,572 and $4,641 in 2002 and 2001, respectively

 

 

36,292

 

 

56,796

 

 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

 

 

10,425

 

 

11,333

 

 Prepaid and other current assets

 

 

5,741

 

 

10,254

 

  

 



 



 

 Total current assets

 

 

113,599

 

 

92,287

 

Property and equipment, net 

 

1,140,625

 

 

1,198,559

 

Deferred financing fees, net 

 

24,517

 

 

27,807

 

Other assets 

 

21,853

 

 

24,178

 

Intangible assets, net 

 

4,321

 

 

5,588

 

Goodwill, net 

 

—  

 

 

80,592

 

  

 



 

 Total assets

 

$

1,304,915

 

$

1,429,011

 

  

 



 



 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Accounts payable

 

$

16,810

 

$

56,293

 

 Accrued expenses

 

 

15,081

 

 

13,046

 

 Deferred revenue

 

 

12,427

 

 

11,216

 

 Interest payable

 

 

22,919

 

 

21,815

 

 Long-term debt, current portion

 

 

189,397

 

 

365

 

 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

 

 

2,362

 

 

6,302

 

 Other current liabilities

 

 

3,595

 

 

2,664

 

  

 



 



 

 Total current liabilities

 

 

262,591

 

 

111,701

 

  

 



 



 

Long-term liabilities: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Long-term debt

 

 

834,885

 

 

845,088

 

 Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

18,429

 

 

18,429

 

 Deferred revenue

 

 

1,944

 

 

2,394

 

 Other long-term liabilities

 

 

1,593

 

 

755

 

  

 



 



 

 Total long-term liabilities

 

 

856,851

 

 

866,666

 

  

 



 



 

Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 2 and 17) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Common stock-Class A par value $.01 (200,000 and 100,000 shares authorized, 45,674 and 43,233 shares issued and outstanding in 2002 and 2001, respectively)

 

 

457

 

 

432

 

 Common stock-Class B par value $.01 (8,100 shares authorized, 5,456 shares issued and outstanding in 2002 and 2001)

 

 

55

 

 

55

 

 Additional paid-in capital

 

 

672,946

 

 

664,977

 

 Accumulated deficit

 

 

(487,985

)

 

(214,820

)

  

 



 



 

 Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

185,473

 

 

450,644

 

  

 



 



 

 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,304,915

 

$

1,429,011

 

  

 



 



 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

Revenues:

             

Site leasing

  $127,842  $115,081  $85,487 

Site development

   84,218   125,041   139,735 
   


 


 


Total revenues

   212,060   240,122   225,222 
   


 


 


Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion and amortization shown below):

             

Cost of site leasing

   42,021   40,650   30,657 

Cost of site development

   77,810   102,473   108,532 
   


 


 


Total cost of revenues

   119,831   143,123   139,189 
   


 


 


Gross profit

   92,229   96,999   86,033 

Operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative

   31,244   34,352   42,103 

Restructuring and other charges

   2,505   47,762   24,399 

Asset impairment charges

   16,965   25,545   —   

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

   84,380   85,728   66,104 
   


 


 


Total operating expenses

   135,094   193,387   132,606 
   


 


 


Operating loss from continuing operations

   (42,865)  (96,388)  (46,573)

Other income (expense):

             

Interest income

   692   601   7,059 

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (81,501)  (54,822)  (47,709)

Non-cash interest expense

   (9,277)  (29,038)  (25,843)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

   (5,115)  (4,480)  (3,887)

Write-off of deferred financing fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

   (24,219)  —     (5,069)

Other

   169   (169)  (76)
   


 


 


Total other expense

   (119,251)  (87,908)  (75,525)
   


 


 


Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (162,116)  (184,296)  (122,098)

Provision for income taxes

   (1,820)  (309)  (1,493)
   


 


 


Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (163,936)  (184,605)  (123,591)

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

   (7,690)  (3,717)  (2,201)
   


 


 


Loss before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (171,626)  (188,322)  (125,792)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (545)  (60,674)  —   
   


 


 


Net loss

  $(172,171) $(248,996) $(125,792)
   


 


 


Basic and diluted loss per common share amounts:

             

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

  $(3.14) $(3.66) $(2.61)

Loss from discontinued operations

   (0.15)  (0.07)  (0.05)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (0.01)  (1.20)  —   
   


 


 


Net loss per common share

  $(3.30) $(4.93) $(2.66)
   


 


 


Weighted average number of common shares

   52,204   50,491   47,321 
   


 


 


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001

(in thousands)

   Common Stock

  

Additional

Paid-In

Capital


  

Accumulated

Deficit


  Total

 
   Class A

  Class B

    
   Number

  Amount

  

Number


  Amount

    

BALANCE, December 31, 2000

  40,989  $410  5,456  $55  $627,370  $(89,675) $538,160 

Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions

  1,575   16  —     —     29,784   —     29,800 

Non-cash compensation

  —     —    —     —     3,326   —     3,326 

Common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase/ option plans

  669   6  —     —     3,244   —     3,250 

Net loss

  —     —    —     —     —     (125,792)  (125,792)
   
  

  

 


 


 


 


BALANCE, December 31, 2001

  43,233   432  5,456   55   663,724   (215,467)  448,744 

Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions

  1,316   13  —     —     1,383   —     1,396 

Non-cash compensation

  —     —    —     —     2,017   —     2,017 

Common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase/ option/severance plans

  1,125   12  —     —     317   —     329 

Net loss

  —     —    —     —     —     (248,996)  (248,996)
   
  

  

 


 


 


 


BALANCE, December 31, 2002

  45,674   457  5,456   55   667,441   (464,463)  203,490 

Conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock

  5,456   55  (5,456)  (55)  —     —     —   

Non-cash compensation

  —     —    —     —     832   —     832 

Payment of restricted stock guarantee

  —     —    —     —     (936)  —     (936)

Common stock issued in exchange for 10¼% senior notes

  3,853   38  —     —     12,593   —     12,631 

Common stock issued in connection with employee stock option plans

  33   —    —     —     31   —     31 

Net loss

  —     —    —     —     —     (172,171)  (172,171)
   
  

  

 


 


 


 


BALANCE, December 31, 2003

  55,016  $550  —    $—    $679,961  $(636,634) $43,877 
   
  

  

 


 


 


 


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

             

Net loss

  $(172,171) $(248,996) $(125,792)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

             

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

   84,380   85,728   66,104 

Non-cash restructuring and other charges

   1,327   43,438   24,119 

Asset impairment charges

   16,965   25,545   —   

Non-cash items reported in discontinued operations (primarily depreciation, asset impairment charges and loss on sale of towers)

   9,837   16,600   12,604 

Non-cash compensation expense

   832   2,017   3,326 

Provision for doubtful accounts

   3,554   3,371   2,641 

Amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs

   11,011   33,518   29,730 

Write-off of deferred financing fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

   24,219   —     5,069 

Amortization of deferred gain from derivative

   (676)  (133)  —   

Interest converted to term loan

   3,227   —     —   

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

   545   60,674   —   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:

             

Short-term investments

   (15,200)  —     —   

Accounts receivable

   13,129   17,133   (3,972)

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

   198   908   3,201 

Prepaid and other current assets

   (343)  1,356   (3,849)

Other assets

   (4,176)  (5,674)  2,721 

Accounts payable

   (5,758)  (15,229)  (12,183)

Accrued expenses

   (54)  (144)  (2,417)

Deferred revenue

   1,466   761   6,113 

Interest payable

   (2,387)  1,104   21,766 

Other liabilities

   1,052   (230)  (584)

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

   (785)  (3,940)  156 
   


 


 


Total adjustments

   142,363   266,803   154,545 
   


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (29,808)  17,807   28,753 
   


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

             

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap agreement

   —     5,369   —   

Capital expenditures

   (15,136)  (86,361)  (307,557)

Acquisitions and related earn-outs

   (3,126)  (29,724)  (239,143)

Proceeds from sale of towers

   192,450   —     —   

Receipt (payment) of restricted cash

   (18,732)  8,000   (8,000)
   


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   155,456   (102,716)  (554,700)
   


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

             

Proceeds from employee stock purchase/option plans

   31   329   3,250 

Proceeds from 9¾% senior discount notes payable, net of financing fees

   267,109   —     —   

Proceeds from 10¼% senior notes, net of financing fees

   —     —     484,223 

Borrowings under senior credit facility, net of financing fees

   356,955   143,809   134,430 

Repayment of senior credit facility and notes payable

   (505,085)  (445)  (105,634)

Repurchase of senior discount notes and senior notes

   (296,925)  —     —   

Payment of restricted stock guarantee

   (936)  —     —   

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(in thousands)

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

Bank overdraft borrowings (repayments)

   400   (11,547)  8,602 
   


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (178,451)  132,146   524,871 
   


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (52,803)  47,237   (1,076)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

             

Beginning of year

   61,141   13,904   14,980 
   


 


 


End of year

  $8,338  $61,141  $13,904 
   


 


 


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

             

Cash paid during the year for:

             

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

  $84,847  $58,261  $25,943 
   


 


 


Taxes

  $1,852  $1,502  $2,215 
   


 


 


NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:

             

Assets acquired in connection with acquisitions

  $—    $3,396  $4,835 
   


 


 


Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions

  $—    $(2,000) $(3,685)
   


 


 


Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions

  $—    $(1,396) $(29,800)
   


 


 


Class A common stock issued in exchange for 10¼% senior notes and accrued interest

  $12,631  $—    $—   
   


 


 


10¼% senior notes and accrued interest redeemed for Class A common stock

  $(13,713) $—    $—   
   


 


 


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

Revenues: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Site development

 

$

125,041

 

$

139,735

 

$

115,892

 

 Site leasing

 

 

139,633

 

 

103,159

 

 

52,014

 

  

 



 



 

 Total revenues

 

 

264,674

 

 

242,894

 

 

167,906

 

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below): 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cost of site development

 

 

102,473

 

 

107,932

 

 

88,892

 

 Cost of site leasing

 

 

49,641

 

 

36,722

 

 

19,502

 

  

 



 



 

 Total cost of revenues

 

 

152,114

 

 

144,654

 

 

108,394

 

  

 



 



 

 Gross profit

 

 

112,560

 

 

98,240

 

 

59,512

 

Operating expenses: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Selling, general and administrative

 

 

35,605

 

 

41,342

 

 

27,799

 

 Restructuring and other charges

 

 

77,560

 

 

24,399

 

 

—  

 

 Depreciation and amortization

 

 

102,328

 

 

80,465

 

 

34,831

 

  

 



 



 

 Total operating expenses

 

 

215,493

 

 

146,206

 

 

62,630

 

  

 



 



 

 Operating loss

 

 

(102,933

)

 

(47,966

)

 

(3,118

)

Other income (expense): 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Interest income

 

 

601

 

 

7,059

 

 

6,253

 

 Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

 

 

(56,171

)

 

(47,709

)

 

(4,879

)

 Non-cash amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs

 

 

(33,518

)

 

(29,730

)

 

(26,006

)

 Other

 

 

(169

)

 

(76

)

 

68

 

  

 



 



 

 Total other expense

 

 

(89,257

)

 

(70,456

)

 

(24,564

)

  

 



 



 

 Loss before provision for income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

(192,190

)

 

(118,422

)

 

(27,682

)

Provision for income taxes 

 

(383

)

 

(1,654

)

 

(1,233

)

  

 



 



 

 Loss before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

(192,573

)

 

(120,076

)

 

(28,915

)

Extraordinary item, write-off of deferred financing fees 

 

—  

 

 

(5,069

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(80,592

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

 Net loss

 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

  

 



 



 

Basic and diluted loss per common share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

$

(3.83

)

$

(2.53

)

$

(0.70

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(0.11

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(1.60

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

Basic and diluted loss per common share 

$

(5.43

)

$

(2.64

)

$

(0.70

)

  

 



 



 

Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock 

 

50,308

 

 

47,437

 

 

41,156

 

  

 



 



 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

Accumulated
Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

Amount

 

Number

 

Amount

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

BALANCE, December 31, 1999 

 

21,547

 

$

215

 

 

7,645

 

$

77

 

$

109,049

 

$

(60,760

)

$

48,581

 

Offering of common stock, net of issuance costs 

 

14,750

 

 

148

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

464,896

 

 

—  

 

 

465,044

 

Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions 

 

1,123

 

 

11

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

48,762

 

 

—  

 

 

48,773

 

Non-cash compensation 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

313

 

 

—  

 

 

313

 

Common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase/option plans 

 

1,003

 

 

10

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

4,354

 

 

—  

 

 

4,364

 

Issuance of restricted stock 

 

20

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Conversion of Class B to Class A 

 

2,189

 

 

22

 

 

(2,189

)

 

(22

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Exercise of warrants 

 

357

 

 

4

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(4

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Net loss 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(28,915

)

 

(28,915

)

  

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

BALANCE, December 31, 2000 

 

40,989

 

 

410

 

 

5,456

 

 

55

 

 

627,370

 

 

(89,675

)

 

538,160

 

Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions 

 

1,575

 

 

16

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

31,037

 

 

—  

 

 

31,053

 

Non-cash compensation 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

3,326

 

 

—  

 

 

3,326

 

Common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase/option plans 

 

669

 

 

6

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

3,244

 

 

—  

 

 

3,250

 

Net loss 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(125,145

)

 

(125,145

)

  

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

BALANCE, December 31, 2001 

 

43,233

 

 

432

 

 

5,456

 

 

55

 

 

664,977

 

 

(214,820

)

 

450,644

 

Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions 

 

1,316

 

 

13

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

5,635

 

 

—  

 

 

5,648

 

Non-cash compensation 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

2,017

 

 

—  

 

 

2,017

 

Common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase/option/severance plans 

 

1,125

 

 

12

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

317

 

 

—  

 

 

329

 

Net loss 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(273,165

)

 

(273,165

)

  

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

BALANCE, December 31, 2002 

 

45,674

 

$

457

 

 

5,456

 

$

55

 

$

672,946

 

$

(487,985

)

$

185,473

 

  

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

 

 

For the years ended December 31

 

  

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Net loss

 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Depreciation and amortization

 

 

102,328

 

 

80,465

 

 

34,831

 

 Non-cash restructuring and other charges

 

 

73,236

 

 

24,399

 

 

—  

 

 Non-cash compensation expense

 

 

2,017

 

 

3,326

 

 

313

 

 Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

2,590

 

 

1,361

 

 

1,663

 

 Amortization of original issue discount and debt  issuance costs

 

 

33,518

 

 

29,730

 

 

26,006

 

 Amortization of deferred gain from termination of interest rate swap agreement

 

 

(133

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 Write-off of deferred financing fees

 

 

—  

 

 

5,069

 

 

 

 

 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

80,592

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Accounts receivable

 

 

17,914

 

 

(2,692

)

 

(25,193

)

 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

 

 

908

 

 

3,201

 

 

(10,029

)

 Prepaid and other current assets

 

 

1,356

 

 

(4,271

)

 

(929

)

 Other assets

 

 

2,325

 

 

(5,212

)

 

(14,480

)

 Accounts payable

 

 

(39,483

)

 

(22,290

)

 

35,342

 

 Accrued expenses

 

 

(144

)

 

(1,334

)

 

7,055

 

 Deferred revenue

 

 

761

 

 

6,113

 

 

4,569

 

 Interest payable

 

 

1,104

 

 

21,766

 

 

—  

 

 Other liabilities

 

 

(230

)

 

(1,626

)

 

2,809

 

 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

 

 

(3,940

)

 

156

 

 

3,980

 

 Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

—  

 

 

(16

)

 

10,494

 

  

 



 



 

 Total adjustments

 

 

274,719

 

 

138,145

 

 

76,431

 

  

 



 



 

 Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

1,554

 

 

13,000

 

 

47,516

 

  

 



 



 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap agreement

 

 

5,369

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 Tower acquisitions and other capital expenditures

 

 

(103,379

)

 

(530,273

)

 

(445,280

)

  

 



 



 

 Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(98,010

)

 

(530,273

)

 

(445,280

)

  

 



 



 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Proceeds of common stock offerings, net of issuance costs

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

465,044

 

 Proceeds from employee stock purchase/option plans

 

 

329

 

 

3,250

 

 

4,364

 

 Proceeds from senior notes payable

 

 

—  

 

 

484,261

 

 

—  

 

 Borrowings under senior credit facility, net of financing fees

 

 

143,809

 

 

134,320

 

 

11,000

 

 Repayment of senior credit facility and notes payable

 

 

(445

)

 

(105,634

)

 

(70,795

)

  

 



 



 

 Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

143,693

 

 

516,197

 

 

409,613

 

  

 



 



 

 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

47,237

 

 

(1,076

)

 

11,849

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Beginning of year

 

 

13,904

 

 

14,980

 

 

3,131

 

  

 



 



 

 End of year

 

$

61,141

 

$

13,904

 

$

14,980

 

  

 



 



 

F-7


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(in thousands)

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

  

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Interest, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

58,261

 

$

25,943

 

$

4,896

 

  

 



 



 

 Taxes

 

$

1,502

 

$

2,215

 

$

1,996

 

  

 



 



 

NON-CASH ACTIVITIES: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Assets acquired in connection with acquisitions

 

$

7,648

 

$

58,088

 

$

63,049

 

  

 



 



 

 Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions

 

$

(2,000

)

$

(4,655

)

$

(2,197

)

  

 



 



 

 Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions

 

$

(5,648

)

$

(31,053

)

$

(48,773

)

  

 



 



 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-8


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

 

SBA Communications Corporation (the “Company” or “SBA”) was incorporated in the State of Florida in March 1997. The Company holds all of the outstanding capital stock of SBA Telecommunications, Inc. (“SBA Telecommunications”).  SBA Telecommunications holds all of the capital stock of SBA Network Services,Senior Finance, Inc. (“Network Services”Senior Finance”), SBA Leasing, Inc., (“Leasing”),. Senior Finance holds all of the capital stock of SBA Towers, Inc., SBA Properties, Inc., SBA Sites, Inc., and certain other tower companies (collectively “Tower Companies”)., SBA Leasing, Inc. (“Leasing”) and SBA Network Services, Inc. SBA Network Services, Inc. holds all of the capital stock of other companies engaged in similar businesses.businesses (collectively “Network Services”).

 

The Tower Companies own and operate transmission towers in the eastern third of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Space on these towers is leased primarily to wireless communications carriers.

Leasing leases antenna tower sites from owners and then subleases such sites to wireless telecommunications providers.

Network Services provides comprehensive turnkey services for the telecommunications industry in the areas of site development services for wireless carriers and the construction and repair of transmission towers. Site development services provided by Network Services include network pre-design, site audits, site identification and acquisition, contract and title administration, zoning and land use permitting, construction management, microwave relocation and the construction and repair of transmission towers, including the hanging of antennae,antennas, cabling and associated tower components. In addition to providing turnkey services to the telecommunications industry, Network Services historically has constructed, manyor has overseen the construction of, approximately 60% of the newly-built towers that the Company owns.

 The Tower Companies own and operate transmission towers in various parts of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Space on these towers is leased primarily to wireless communications carriers.

          Leasing leases antenna tower sites from owners and then subleases such sites to wireless telecommunications providers.

2.       LIQUIDITY AND MANAGEMENT’S PLANS

          The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  The Company has significant borrowings under the senior credit facility, the 10 ¼% senior notes and the 12% senior discount notes, each containing certain covenants.  Among other things, these covenants restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, sell assets for less than fair market value, pay dividends, redeem outstanding debt or engage in other restricted payments.  If the Company fails to comply with these covenants, it could result in an event of default under one or all of these debt instruments.   The senior credit facility requires SBA Telecommunications to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding SBA Telecommunications’ consolidated debt coverage, debt service, cash interest expense and fixed charges for each quarter and satisfy certain financial condition tests including maintaining a minimum consolidated EBITDA (earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and unusual or non-recurring expenses). The Company is in full compliance with all of the financial ratios and tests as of December 31, 2002.  Based on declines that the Company has been experiencing in its site development business and that it believes will continue in 2003, the Company estimated that it would not be in compliance with one or more of the senior credit facility’s existing financial ratios or tests in 2003.

          As a result of these estimates and the Company’s expectations that it will not comply with one or more of the financial covenants of the senior credit facility during 2003, the auditor’s opinion on the Company’s 2002 consolidated financial statements calls attention to substantial doubts about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through 2003. 

          The issuance of this audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, if not remedied by April 30, 2003, would be an event of default under the senior credit facility.  Upon the occurrence of this, or any other event of default, the lenders can prevent the Company from borrowing any additional amounts under the senior credit facility.  In addition, upon the occurrence of any event of default, other than certain bankruptcy events, the senior credit facility lenders, by a majority vote, can elect to declare all amounts of principal outstanding under the senior credit facility, together with all accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.  The acceleration of amounts due under the senior credit facility would cause a cross-default under the indentures governing the 10¼% senior notes and the 12% senior discount notes, thereby permitting the acceleration of such indebtedness.  If the indebtedness under the senior credit facility and/or indebtedness under the 10¼% senior notes or 12% senior discount notes were to be accelerated, the current assets of the Company would not be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness.  If the Company was unable to repay amounts that become due under the senior credit facility, its lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness.  Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as security under the senior credit facility. 

F-9


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

          As part of the Company’s plan to addresss its anticipated non-compliance with certain financial covenants under its senior credit facility commencing in 2003 and to reduce its significant level of indebtedness and the risks associated with such indebtedness, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of  801 towers (see Note 20).  The Company is also currently exploring, and may from time to time take advantage of, various strategic opportunities including, but not limited to, the sale of certain assets or lines of business, the issuance of equity or the repurchasing, restructuring, or refinancing of  some or all of its debt.  The Company believes that the AAT Transaction, in conjunction with the amendment to the senior credit facility, will upon consummation, eliminate the issues that gave rise to the “going concern” qualification from its auditors with respect to its 2002 consolidated financial statements.  Furthermore, based on its current estimates, subsequent to the successful sale of either 679 or 801 towers, and the anticipated amendment to the senior credit facility, the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to achieve positive free cash flow.  However, the Company cannot assure you that either the AAT Transaction and/or any other plan or action can be consummated, or if consummated, would effectively address its liquidity concerns, the possible defaults under its debt instruments or any of the other risks associated with its significant level of indebtedness.

          Based on its previous experience with its lender syndicate for its senior credit facility, the Company believes that it will be able to successfully negotiate with its present senior credit bank syndicate, an amendment to its senior credit facility that, among other things, (1) waives any default that arises as a result of receiving an audit opinion with a “going concern” qualification, (2) modifies the financial covenants to levels that we believe are better aligned with our site leasing business and can be satisfied during 2003 and beyond and (3) permits certain actions that are part of the AAT Transaction.  This would thereby permit the Company to prevent the occurrence of any event of default or the acceleration of its indebtedness.  However, the Company’s prior ability to obtain necessary waivers and/or amendments does not insure its ability to obtain these waivers and/or amendments, especially in light of the recent financial performance of the wireless telecommunications industry and the Company. 

          The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from this uncertainty.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements is as follows:

a. Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompanyinter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

b. Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the datedates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The more significant estimates made by management includerelate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, receivable, the costs and revenue relating to the Company’s site development and construction contracts, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, carrying value of long-lived assets, and the economic useful lives of towers.towers and asset retirement obligations. Actual results couldwill differ from those estimates.estimates and such differences could be material.

c. Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company classifies as cash and cash equivalents all interest-bearing deposits or investments with original maturities of three months or less, and highly liquid short-term commercial paper.

F-10


d. Short Term Investments

The Company’s short-term investments consist of debt securities which are acquired and held for a short period of time. Trading securities are recorded at fair value. Investment income and unrealized holding gains and losses are included in earnings.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

          d.e. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.cost, adjusted for asset impairment and estimated asset retirement obligations. Costs associated with the acquisition, development and construction of towers are capitalized as a cost of the towers. Costs for self-constructed towers include direct materials and labor, indirect costs and capitalized interest. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years. Maintenance and repair items are expensed as incurred.

 

Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows:

Towers and related components

–15- 15 years

Furniture, equipment and vehicles

- 7 years

Buildings and improvements

–39- 39 years

 

Capitalized costs incurred subsequent to when an asset is originally placed in service are depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life. There has been no material impact for changes in estimated useful lives for any years presented.

 

Interest is capitalized in connection with the self-construction of Company ownedCompany-owned towers. The capitalizedCapitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Approximately $0.1 million, $1.7 million and $3.5$3.9 million of interest cost was capitalized in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Approximately $1.9 million of capitalized interest was reclassified to discontinued operations in 2002. No capitalized interest was reclassified in 2003.

          e.f. Deferred Financing Fees

 

Financing fees related to the issuance of the senior credit facility, the 10¼% senior notes, the 12% senior discount notes, and the related original issue discount on the 12% senior discount notes,debt have been deferred and are being amortized using a method that approximates the effective interest rate method over the length of indebtedness to which they relate.

          f.g. Deferred Lease Costs

 

The Company defers certain initial direct costs associated with lease originations and lease amendments and amortizes these costs over the initial lease term, generally five years. TotalSuch costs deferred were approximately $2.2$2.0 million, $1.7 million and $1.9$1.6 million in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Amortization expense was $1.0$1.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million for the yearyears ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and is included in cost of site leasing in the accompanying 2002 Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations. As of December 31, 20022003 and 2001,2002, unamortized deferred lease costs were $4.2$4.1 million and $3.1$3.4 million, respectively, and are included in other assets. Accumulated amortization totaled $2.0$3.2 million and $0.9$1.6 million at December 31, 20022003 and 2001,2002, respectively.

          g.h. Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets are comprised of costs paid related to covenants not to compete. These finite-lived intangibles are being amortized over the terms of the contracts, which range from 3 to 105 years.  Amortization expense was $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.  As of December 31, 2002, covenants not to compete totaled $7.6 million and accumulated amortization totaled $3.3 million.

          h.i. Goodwill

          Goodwill at December 31, 2001, is comprised of costs paid in excess of the fair value of assets acquired.  There was no goodwill at December 31, 2003 or 2002 or amortization of goodwill during 2003 and 2002, as a result of adopting the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”) in 2002.  During 2001, goodwill was being amortized over periods that ranged from 7 to 40 years. 

          i.j. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144,144”), long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If an asset is

F-11


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value as determined by an estimate of discounted future cash flows. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market conditions, historical operating results, tower lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up.

 In early 2002, certain tower sites held and used in operations were considered to be impaired.  Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no current tenants and little or no prospects for future lease-up.  An impairment charge of approximately $16.4 million was recorded to restructuring and other charges during 2002.

          Losses on assets held for disposal are recognized when management has approved and committed to a plan to dispose of the assets, and the assets are available for disposal.

          j.k. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying valuevalues of the Company’s financial instruments, which primarily includes cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable, approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments. The senior credit facility has a floating rate of interest and is carried at an amount which approximates fair value.

The Company’s 12% senior discount notes are publicly traded and were trading based on a 28.5% yield at December 31, 2002, indicating a fair value of approximately $145.2 million as compared to a carrying value of approximately $263.9 million. The Company’s 10¼% senior notes are publicly traded and were trading based on a 25.0% yield at December 31, 2002, indicating a fair value of approximately $275.0 million as compared to a carrying value of $500.0 million.

          At December 31, 2001, the Company’s 12%traded. The 9¾% senior discount notes were trading based on a 14.4% yield, indicating a fair valuesold in December 2003 pursuant to Rule 144A of approximately $209.8 million as compared to a carrying value of $234.9 millionthe Securities and Exchange Commission. Since the Company’s 10¼% senior discount notes were trading basedare not registered, they are subject to certain restrictions on a 13.1% yield, indicating aresale. The following table reflects yields, fair valuevalues as determined by quoted market prices and carrying values of approximately $435.0 millionthese notes as compared to a carrying value of $500.0 million.December 31, 2003 and 2002:

   As of December 31, 2003

  

As of December 31, 2002


   Yield

  Fair
Value


  Carrying
Value


  Yield

  Fair
Value


  Carrying
Value


   (dollars in millions)  (dollars in millions)

12% Senior Discount Notes

  2.8% $71.6  $65.7  28.5% $145.1  $263.9

10¼% Senior Notes

  10.8% $398.3  $406.4  25.0% $275.0  $500.0

9¾% Senior Discount Notes

  8.8% $279.9  $275.8  —     —     —  

          k.l. Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

 

Revenue from site leasing is recorded monthly and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease agreements. Receivables recorded related to the straight-lining of site leases is reflected in prepaid and other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Site development projects in which the Company performs consulting services include contracts on a time and materials basis or a fixed price basis. Time and materials based contracts are billed at contractual rates as the services are rendered. For those site development contracts in which the Company performs work on a fixed price basis, site development billing (and revenue recognition) is based on the completion of agreed upon phases of the project on a per site basis. Upon the completion of each phase on a per site basis, the Company recognizes the revenue related to that phase. Revenue related to services performed on

uncompleted phases of site development projects was not recorded by the Company at the end of the reporting periods presented as it was not material to the Company’s results of operations. Any estimated losses on a particular phase of completion are recognized in the period in which the loss becomes evident. Site development projects generally take from 3 to 12 months to complete.

 

Revenue from construction projects is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. The asset “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents expenses incurred and revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.

 Cost of site development project revenue and construction revenue include all material costs, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly related to the projects.  All costs related to site development projects and construction projects are recognized as incurred.

Cost of site leasing revenue includes rent, property taxes, maintenance (exclusive of employee related costs) and other tower expenses.

F-12


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)Cost of site development revenue includes all materials costs, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects are recognized as incurred.

 

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience, and specific customer collection issues identified.identified and past due balances as determined based on contractual terms. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts in the period in which uncollectability is determined to be probable. If the capital markets and the ability of wireless carriers to access capital remains weak or further deteriorates,were to deteriorate, the ultimate collectibilitycollectability of accounts receivable may be negatively impacted.

 

          l.m. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent those costs incurred which are related to the administration or management of the Company. Also included in this category are corporate development expenses incurred in the normal course of business that representedrepresent costs incurred in connection with proposed acquisitions which have not been consummated, new build activities where a capital asset is not produced, and expansion of the customer base. The above costs are expensed as incurred. There were no corporate development expenses in 2003 or 2002. Development expenses included in selling, general and administrative were $4.2 million and $2.6 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  There were no recurring development expenses in 2002.2001.

 

          m.       n.Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes.  Taxes (“SFAS 109”). SFAS 109 requires the Company to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future income tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the temporary differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. In assessing the likelihood of utilization of existing deferred tax assets, management has considered historical results of operations and the current operating environment.

          n.o. Stock-Based Compensation

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Compensation—Transition and Disclosure – Disclosure—an amendmentAmendment of SFAS 123 (“SFAS 148”) which provides alternative methods for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123.123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The Company has

elected to continue to account for its stock-based employee compensation plans under APB Opinion 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), and related interpretations.  The following disclosures are provided in accordance withinterpretations and adopt the disclosure provisions of SFAS 148.

The Company has various stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The company accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations.  From time to time, options to purchase Class A common stock have been granted under the Company’s 1999 Equity Participation Plan and the 2001 Equity Participation Plan which were below market value at the time of the grant.  The Company recorded non-cash compensation expense of $2.0 million, $3.3 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  Except for the amount on non-cash compensation recognized, no other stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all other options granted the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

          The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used with the following assumptions:

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

Risk free interest rate 

 

4.5

%

 

10

%

 

10

%

Dividend yield 

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

0

%

Expected volatility 

 

171

%

 

99

%

 

86

%

Expected lives 

 

4 years

 

 

4 years

 

 

3 years

 

          The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation.

Year Ended December 31
 
 
 
  
2002
  
2001
  
2000
 
  
  
  
 
Net loss, as reported$(273.2)$(125.1)$(28.9)
Deduct: Total stock-based employee
   compensation expense determined under fair value
   based method for all awards, net of related
   tax effects
(7.2)(9.0)(9.4)
Pro forma net loss$(280.4)$(134.1)$(38.3)
Loss per share:

      Basic and Diluted—as reported

$(5.43)$(2.64)$(0.70)

      Basic and Diluted—pro forma

$(5.57)$(2.83)$(0.93)

The effect of applying SFAS 123 in the pro-forma disclosure is not necessarily indicative of future results.

          o.       Reclassifications

          Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2002 presentation.

p. Loss Per Share

Basic and diluted loss per share are calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 128,Earnings per Share. Weighted average shares outstanding include the effect of shares issuable under acquisition earn-out obligations. The Company has potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options. These potential common stock equivalents were not included in diluted loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, basic and diluted loss per common share and the weighted average number of shares used in the computations are the same for all periods presented. There were 3.8 million, 2.8 million 3.8 million and 3.13.8 million options outstanding at December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, and 2000, respectively. The computation of basic and fully diluted loss per share is as follows:

F-13


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands except per share information)

 

Loss before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

$

(192,573

)

$

(120,076

)

$

(28,915

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(5,069

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(80,592

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

Loss to common stockholders 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

  

 



 



 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding 

 

50,308

 

 

47,437

 

 

41,156

 

Loss per share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

$

(3.83

)

$

(2.53

)

$

(0.70

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

(0.11

)

 

—  

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(1.60

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

Loss per share 

$

(5.43

)

$

(2.64

)

$

(0.70

)

  

 



 



 

q. Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss

 

During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000,2001, the Company did not have any changes in its equity resulting from non-owner sources and, accordingly, comprehensive income (loss)loss was equal to the net loss amounts presented for the respective periods in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

r. Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002 and 2001 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2003 presentation.

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In March 2003 certain of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement (the “Western tower sale”) to sell up to an aggregate of 801 towers, which represented substantially all of the Company’s towers in the Western two-thirds of the United States. The Company ultimately sold 784 of the 801 towers. Gross proceeds realized during 2003 from the sale of the 784 towers was $196.7 million, subject to certain remaining potential adjustments. At December 31, 2003, approximately $7.3 million of the proceeds were held by an escrow agent in accordance with adjustment provisions of the agreement. At December 31, 2003, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $2.6 million for the estimated remaining potential adjustments associated with the Western tower sale which is reflected in accrued expenses in the December 31, 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, we estimate that the final gross cash proceeds to be realized from the Western tower sale, after all potential remaining purchase price adjustments, will be approximately $194.1 million.

In consideration of the Company’s recent Western tower sale, the Company evaluated the scope and operating plan with respect to its 64 remaining towers in the same U.S. geographic market as the 784 towers sold. This evaluation resulted in the Company’s decision to sell all tower operations in this geographic market. The Company has begun to market these towers for sale on its own and believes that the activities necessary to sell the towers will be completed within one year. As a result of this decision, the Company has accounted for the remaining 64 towers as discontinued operations, which includes the 17 towers subsequently excluded from the original 801 Western tower sale. During 2003, the Company sold 3 of the 64 towers held for sale leaving 61 towers held for sale as of December 31, 2003.

The Company evaluated these 61 towers for impairment. The December 31, 2003 loss from discontinued operations includes a $4.5 million asset impairment charge associated with the write-down of the carrying value of these towers to their fair value less estimated costs to sell.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the Company has classified the operating results of the 784 towers sold in the Western tower sale and 64 remaining western

towers as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. All prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

The discontinued operations affect only the Company’s site leasing segment. The following is a summary of the operating results of the discontinued operations:

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 
   (in thousands) 

Revenues

  $11,198  $24,542  $17,672 
   


 


 


Site leasing gross profit

  $7,049  $15,564  $11,607 
   


 


 


Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  $(5,605) $(3,717) $(2,201)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes

   (2,085)  —     —   
   


 


 


Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  $(7,690) $(3,717) $(2,201)
   


 


 


A portion of the Company’s interest expense has been allocated to discontinued operations based upon the debt balance attributable to those operations. Interest expense allocated to discontinued operations was $0.8 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. No interest expense was allocated to discontinued operations in 2001 as there was no associated debt outstanding during 2001.

The following is a summarized balance sheet presenting the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to the towers held for sale and classified as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively:

   As of December 31,

   2003

  2002

   (in thousands)

Property and equipment, net

  $148  $198,259

Other assets

   247   4,150
   

  

Assets held for sale

  $395  $202,409
   

  

Liabilities held for sale

  $608  $2,685
   

  

The notes to the consolidated financial statements for all years presented have been adjusted for the discontinued operations described above.

4.       CURRENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 142.  This standard eliminated the amortization of goodwill and certain intangible assets against earnings. Instead, goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value-based test. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets will be written-down against earnings only in the periods in which the recorded value of the asset is more than its fair value.  SFAS 142 required the Company to complete a transitional goodwill impairment test within six months from the date of adoption.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002 and completed the required transitional tests prior to June 30, 2002.  In addition, the Company performed an impairment assessment of goodwill as of June 30, 2002.  Other intangibles will continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally 3 to 15 years.  See Note 5 for further discussion regarding the implementation of SFAS 142.

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143,Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”).This standard requires companies to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizeswe capitalize a cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Companywe either settlessettle the obligation for its recorded amount or incursincur a gain or loss upon settlement. TheWe adopted this standard will be adopted effective January 1, 2003. Management has not completed its analysis as to the effect adoptionAs a result of SFAS 143 will have on the consolidated financial statements, but believes it may be material given the Company’s obligationsour obligation to restore leaseholds to their original condition upon termination of ground leases underlying a majority of our towers and our estimate as to the Company’s towers.  The Company will record theprobability of incurring these obligations, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of adopting this Statement asapproximately $0.5 million during the first quarter of January 1, 2003.

          Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”).  SFAS 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long Lived Assets to Be Disposed of (“SFAS 121”).  This Statement supersedes SFAS 121, however it retains the fundamental provisions of that statement related to the recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets to be “held and used.”  In addition, the Statement provides more guidance on estimating cash flows when performing a recoverability test, requires that a long-lived asset (group) to be disposed of other than by sales (e.g. abandoned) be classified as “held and used” until it is disposed of, and establishes more

F-14


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

restrictive criteria to classify an asset (group) as “held for sale.”  The Statement also supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of APB 30 for the disposal of a segment of a business and would extend the reporting of a discontinued operation to a “component of an entity” increasing the likelihood that a disposition will represent a discontinued operation.  Further, the Statement requires operating losses from a “component of an entity” to be recognized in the period(s) in which they occur (rather than as of the measurement date as previously required by APB 30). The adoption of SFAS 144 did not have a material effect on143 resulted in an increase in tower fixed assets of approximately $0.9 million and the consolidated financial statements.recording of an asset retirement obligation liability of approximately $1.4 million.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145,Rescission of FASB Statements Nos. 4, 44 and 62, Amendment of SFAS No. 13 and Technical Corrections(“ (“SFAS 145”). For most companies, SFAS 145 will requirerequires gains and losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as income or loss from continuing operations rather than as extraordinary items as previously required under SFAS 4. Extraordinary treatment will beis required for certain extinguishments as provided in APB Opinion No. 30. The statement also amended SFAS 13 for certain sales-leasebacksale-

leaseback and sublease accounting. The Company is required to adoptWe adopted the provisions of SFAS 145 effective January 1, 2003. Pursuant to SFAS 145, the Company’sour previously reported extraordinary item will beof $5.1 million, related to the early extinguishment of debt, was reclassified to operating expense in consolidated financial statement presentation subsequent tothe accompanying December 31, 2002. 2001 Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities(“ (“SFAS 146”) and nullified EITF Issue No. 94–3.94-3. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred, whereas EITF No. 94–394-3 had required recognition ofrecognized the liability at the commitment date to an exit plan. SFAS 146 requires that the initial measurement of a liability be at fair value. The Company is required to adoptWe adopted the provisions of SFAS 146 effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.January 1, 2003. The effectadoption of adopting SFAS 146 isdid not expected to behave a material to theeffect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure (“SFAS 148”).148. SFAS 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. This statement also amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2002. The CompanyWe adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 148 as of December 31, 2002. We will continue to account for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB No. 25. As such, the Company doeswe do not expect this standard towill have a material impact on itsour consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149 (“SFAS 149”),Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (“SFAS 133”),Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.The Company has adoptedstatement was effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the disclosure-onlyFASB issued SFAS No. 150 (“SFAS 150”),Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This standard was effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities that are subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 148 asthis Statement for the first fiscal period beginning after December 15, 2003. The adoption of December 31, 2002.this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45’45”),Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of OthersOthers.. FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. FIN 45 also clarifies requirements for the recognition of guarantees at the onset of an arrangement. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issuedused or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective for interim or annual financial statements after December 15, 2002. The CompanyWe implemented the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 as of December 31, 2002 and there was no material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statementsour consolidated financial statements as a result of this implementation.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46,Consolidation for Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 which requires all variable interest entities (“VIEs”VIES”) to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that holds the majority of the beneficial interest in the VIE. In addition, the interpretation expands the disclosure requirements for both variable interest entities that are consolidated as well as VIEs from which the entity is the holder of a significant amount of beneficial

interests, but not the majority. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all VIEs and for all special purpose entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003.quarter ended March 31, 2004. The Company doesadoption of FIN 46 did not expecthave, nor is it expected to have, a material impact on the effect of adopting this FIN will be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.consolidated financial statements.

F-15


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

5.       GOODWILL AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGECHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLEPRINCIPLES

 

a. SFAS 143

Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 143. Under the new accounting principle, the Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made, and accretes such liability through the obligation’s estimated settlement date. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets and depreciated over the estimated useful life.

The Company has entered into ground leases for the land underlying the majority of the Company’s towers. A majority of these leases require the Company to restore leaseholds to their original condition upon termination of the ground lease. SFAS 143 requires that the net present value of future restoration obligations be recorded as a liability as of the date the legal obligation arises and this amount be capitalized to the related operating asset. At January 1, 2003, the effective date of adoption, the cumulative effect of the change on prior years resulted in a charge of approximately $0.5 million ($0.01 per share), which is included in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003. In addition, at the date of adoption, the Company recorded an increase in tower assets of approximately $0.9 million and recorded an asset retirement obligation liability of approximately $1.4 million. The asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2003 of $1.2 million is included in other long-term liabilities in the December 31, 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet. In determining the impact of SFAS 143, the Company considered the nature and scope of legal restoration obligation provisions contained in its third party ground leases, the historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current and future value and timing of estimated restoration costs, and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations.

The following pro-forma summary presents the Company’s loss from continuing operations, net loss and related loss per share information as if the Company had been accounting for asset retirement obligations under SFAS 143 for the periods presented:

   For the years ended
December 31,


 
   2002

  2001

 
   (in thousands, except per
share data)
 

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

  $(184,794) $(123,748)

Per share loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

  $(3.66) $(2.62)

Net loss

  $(249,206) $(125,970)

Per share net loss

  $(4.94) $(2.66)

The following summarizes the activity of the asset retirement obligation liability:

   For the years ended
December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 
   (in thousands) 

Asset retirement obligation at January 1

  $—    $957 

Liability recorded in transition

   1,140   —   

Accretion expense

   119   130 

Revision in estimates

   (64)  (38)
   


 


Asset retirement obligation at December 31

  $1,195  $1,049 
   


 


b. SFAS 142

During 2002, the Company completed the transitional impairment test of goodwill required under SFAS 142,Goodwill and other Intangible Assets(“SFAS 142”), which was adopted effective January 1, 2002. As a result of completing the required transitional test, the Company recorded a charge retroactive to the adoption date for the cumulative effect of the accounting change in the amount of $80.6$60.7 million, representing the excess of the carrying value of reporting unitscertain assets as compared to their estimated fair value. Of the total $80.6$60.7 million cumulative effect adjustment, $61.6$58.5 million related to the site development construction reporting segment and $19.0$2.2 million related to the site leasing reporting segment.

          DuringIn addition, during 2002, the Company recorded additional goodwill totaling approximately $13.4$9.2 million resulting from the achievement of certain earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2001.  In accordance with SFAS 142, in addition to the transitional test described above, goodwill is subject to an impairment assessment at least annually, or at any time that indicators of impairment are present.  The Company determined that during 2002 indicators of impairment were present, thereby requiring an impairment analysis be completed.  The indicators of impairment giving rise to this analysis included significant deterioration of overall company value, continued negative trends with respect to carrier capital expenditure plans and related demand for wireless construction services, and perceived reduction in value of similar site development construction services businesses.  As a result of this analysis, using a discounted cash flow valuation method for estimating fair value, $13.4 million of goodwill within the site development construction reporting segment2001, which was determined to be impaired.impaired during 2002 and written off (See Note 18). The $13.4 millionCompany currently does not have any remaining goodwill impairment charge is included within restructuring andor other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.  intangible assets subject to SFAS 142.

 

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the Company’s net loss and per share information as if the Company had been accounting for its goodwill under SFAS 142 for all periods presented:

 

 

For the years ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

December 31,
2002

 

December 31,
2001

 

December 31,
2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Reported net loss 

$

(273,165

)

$

(125,145

)

$

(28,915

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

80,592

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

Loss excluding cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(192,573

)

 

(125,145

)

 

(28,915

)

Add back goodwill amortization 

 

—  

 

 

5,560

 

 

3,344

 

  

 



 



 

Adjusted net loss 

$

(192,573

)

$

(119,585

)

$

(25,571

)

  

 



 



 

Reported basic and diluted loss per share 

$

(5.43

)

$

(2.64

)

$

(0.70

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

1.60

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

Loss per share excluding cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

$

(3.83

)

$

(2.64

)

$

(0.70

)

Add back goodwill amortization 

 

—  

 

 

.12

 

 

.08

 

  

 



 



 

Adjusted net loss per share 

$

(3.83

)

$

(2.52

)

$

(0.62

)

  

 



 



 

 

   For the years ended
December 31,


 
   2002

  2001

 
   (in thousands, except per
share data)
 

Reported net loss

  $(248,996) $(125,792)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   60,674   —   
   


 


Loss excluding cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   (188,322)  (125,792)

Add back goodwill amortization

   —     3,802 
   


 


Adjusted net loss

  $(188,322) $(121,990)

Reported basic and diluted loss per share

  $(4.93) $(2.66)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   1.20   —   
   


 


Loss per share excluding cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   (3.73)  (2.66)

Add back goodwill amortization

   —     .08 
   


 


Adjusted net loss per share

  $(3.73) $(2.58)
   


 


6. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The carrying value of short-term investments of $15.2 million equaled the fair value of these investments at December 31, 2003. In January 2004 these investments were sold for their face value plus accrued interest.

7. RESTRICTED CASH

Restricted cash at December 31, 2003 was $18.7 million. This balance includes $11.4 million of cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations of the Company and certain of its affiliates related to surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Approximately $8.4 million of the collateral relates to tower removal obligations, is long-term in nature, and is included in other assets in the December 31, 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Approximately $3.0 million of the collateral relates to payment and performance bonds, which are shorter term in nature and are included in restricted cash and reflected as a current asset. The remaining $7.3 million of restricted cash relates to funds being held by an escrow agent in accordance with certain potential purchase price adjustments to the Western tower purchase and sale agreement. These funds are classified as current as they are expected to be released, net of any required obligations, to the Company during the next twelve months.

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Amortization expense was $1.4$1.3 million, $6.9$1.1 million and $3.6$1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 and 2000,2002, total costs of covenants not to compete were $6.3 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and accumulated amortization totaled $3.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense on the Company’s covenants not to compete for the next five calendar years and thereafter is as follows:

F-16

   Year ending December 31,

   (in thousands)

2004

  $1,051

2005

   976

2006

   375

2007

   6
   

Total

  $2,408
   


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ending December 31,
(in thousands)

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 2003

 

$

1,297

 

 2004

 

 

1,276

 

 2005

 

 

1,119

 

 2006

 

 

417

 

 2007

 

 

40

 

 Thereafter

 

 

172

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,321

 

 

 

 

6.9. ACQUISITIONS

 

During 2003, the Company did not acquire any towers or businesses. However, during 2003, the Company paid approximately $3.1 in settlement of contingent purchase price amounts payable as a result of towers or businesses it acquired having met or exceeded earnings or new tower targets.

During 2002, the Company acquired 53 towers and related assets from various sellers. The aggregate consideration paid was $15.5 million in cash and 330,736 shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the Company issued 397,773 shares of Class A Common Stockcommon stock in settlement of contingent purchase price amounts payable as a result of towers or businesses it previously acquired having met or exceeded certain earnings or new tower targets.  The 397,773 shares issued excludes the shares issued to Atlantic Telecom Services discussed below.

 

During 2001, the Company purchased two site development construction companies. On January 1, 2001, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Atlantic Telecom Services, Inc. (“Atlantic Telecom”). The Company paid $2.4$14.5 million in cash and issued 213,524413,631 shares of its Class A common stock to the shareholders of Atlantic Telecom.sellers. During the first quarter of 2002 the shareholders receivedCompany paid $7.0 million in cash and issued 587,260 shares of Class A common stock to the former owners of these two companies as a result of certain 2001 earnings targets beinghaving been met. In addition, as of December 31, 2002, certain of the former shareholders of Atlantic Telecomowners were entitled to receive an additional $2.0 million as a result of certain 2002 earnings targets being met. Therefore,The Company accrued the Company has accrued $2.0 million within other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2002. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, or approximately $9.7$12.2 million was recorded as goodwill, which was being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 15 years.  The $9.7 million in original goodwill plus the $2.0$12.0 million in goodwill that was recorded as a result of the earn-out targets having been met were written off during 2002 in connection with the implementation of SFAS 142.142 (See Note 5). Subsequent toDuring 2003, the $2.0 million accrued at December 31, 2002 this $2.0 million was paid in cash by the Company.      cash.

 On June 1, 2001, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Total Tower Service, Inc. (“Total Tower”). The Company paid $12.1 million in cash and issued 200,107 shares of its Class A common stock to the shareholders of Total Tower.  The former shareholders of Total Tower were paid $7.0 million during 2002 as a result of meeting certain net income targets during the first year after the closing date. The excess of the original purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, or approximately $10.1 million was recorded as goodwill, which was being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 15 years.  The $10.1 million in goodwill plus the $7.0 million in goodwill that was recorded as a result of the earn-out payment, were written off during 2002 in connection with the implementation of SFAS 142 (see Note 5).

Additionally, during 2001, the Company acquired 677 towers and related assets from various sellers. The aggregate consideration paid to the sellers for these acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $214.4$218.7 million in cash and 370,502 shares of its Class A common stock. In addition, the Company issued 790,495 shares of its Class A Common Stockcommon stock as a result of towers or businesses it acquired having met or exceeded certain earnings or new tower targets identified in the various acquisition agreements.

 

The Company accounted for all the above acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations of the acquired assets and companies are included with those of the Company from the dates of the respective acquisitions. None of the individual acquisitions consummated were deemed significant to the Company and, accordingly, pro forma financial information has not been presented.  The acquisitions were paid for from the issuance of Class A common stock, proceeds from debt offerings, cash provided from operations, cash on hand and borrowings under the senior credit facility.

F-17


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7.10. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

 

The Company’s credit risks consist primarily of accounts receivable with national and local wireless communications providers and federal and state governmental agencies. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and provides allowances for doubtful accounts as

required based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. The Company generally does not require collateral. The following is a list of significant customers and the percentage of total revenue derived from such customers:

For the year ended
December 31, 2003


(% of revenue)

Bechtel Corporation

14.3%

AT&T Wireless

10.8%

Cingular Wireless

10.2%
YearFor the year ended
December 31, 2002




(% of revenue)

AT&T Wireless

Bechtel Corporation

  

10.7

15.3%

Cingular Wireless

  

11.4

12.6%
Bechtel Corporation (contractor for

AT&T Wireless and Cingular)

  

10.1%

13.9


YearFor the year ended
December 31, 2001




(% of revenue)

Sprint PCS

Bright/Horizon

  

10.3

11.3%

Nextel

  

11.1


Year ended
December 31, 2000

10.9%

AT&T Wireless


(% of revenue)

Sprint PCS  

10.7

10.5%

 

The Company’s site development consulting, site development construction and site leasing segments derive revenue from these customers.

8.11. COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS

 

Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts 

$

74,506

 

$

64,400

 

Estimated earnings 

 

17,148

 

 

14,200

 

Billings to date 

 

(83,591

)

 

(73,569

)

  

 



 

  

$

8,063

 

$

5,031

 

  

 



 

 

   As of December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (in thousands) 

Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts

  $43,738  $74,506 

Estimated earnings

   3,809   17,148 

Billings to date

   (38,897)  (83,591)
   


 


   $8,650  $8,063 
   


 


These amounts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets under the following captions:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts 

$

10,425

 

$

11,333

 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 

 

(2,362

)

 

(6,302

)

  

 



 

  

$

8,063

 

$

5,031

 

  

 



 

F-18

   As of December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (in thousands) 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

  $10,227  $10,425 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

   (1,577)  (2,362)
   


 


   $8,650  $8,063 
   


 



SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9.12. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment, excluding assets held for sale, consists of the following:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Towers and related components 

$

1,297,220

 

$

1,224,891

 

Construction-in-process 

 

5,288

 

 

48,998

 

Furniture, equipment and vehicles 

 

41,751

 

 

38,148

 

Buildings and improvements 

 

2,689

 

 

2,406

 

Land 

 

15,406

 

 

12,275

 

  

 



 

  

 

1,362,354

 

 

1,326,718

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 

 

(221,729

)

 

(128,159

)

  

 



 

Property and equipment, net 

$

1,140,625

 

$

1,198,559

 

  

 



 

 

   As of December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (in thousands) 

Towers and related components

  $1,055,912  $1,058,805 

Construction-in-process

   498   4,595 

Furniture, equipment and vehicles

   38,403   40,883 

Land, buildings and improvements

   16,160   16,500 
   


 


    1,110,973   1,120,783 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (254,760)  (179,822)
   


 


Property and equipment, net

  $856,213  $940,961 
   


 


Construction-in-process represents costs incurred related to towers that are under development and will be used in the Company’s operations (see Note 14).operations.

 

Depreciation expense was $100.9$83.0 million, $84.5 million and $61.0 million for the yearyears ended December 31, 2002.2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

10.13. ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

The Company’s accrued expenses are comprised of the following:

 

 

As of December 31, 2002

 

 

 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Salaries and benefits 

$

1,791

 

Real estate and property taxes 

 

5,289

 

Restructuring and other charges 

 

2,181

 

Insurance 

 

3,738

 

Other 

 

2,082

 

  

 

  

$

15,081

 

  

 

 

   As of December 31,

   2003

  2002

   (in thousands)

Salaries and benefits

  $2,421  $1,791

Real estate and property taxes

   6,084   5,289

Restructuring and other charges

   1,040   1,706

Insurance

   1,234   3,738

Tower sale purchase price adjustment

   2,573   —  

Other

   4,357   1,419
   

  

   $17,709  $13,943
   

  

 

11.14. CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

10¼% senior notes, unsecured, interest payable semi-annually, balloon principal payment of $500,000 due at maturity on February 1, 2009, including deferred gain at December 31, 2002 related to termination of interest rate swap agreement of $5,236 (see Note 16). 

$

505,236

 

$

500,000

 

12% senior discount notes, net of unamortized original issue discount of  $5,077 at December 31, 2002, and $34,115 at December 31, 2001, unsecured, cash interest payable semi-annually in arrears beginning September 1, 2003, balloon principal payment of $269,000 due at maturity on March 1, 2008. 

 

263,923

 

 

234,885

 

Senior secured credit facility loans, interest at varying rates (3.41% to 3.81% at December 31, 2002) quarterly installments based on reduced availability beginning September 30, 2003, maturing June 15, 2007. 

 

255,000

 

 

110,000

 

Notes payable, interest at varying rates (2.9% to 11.4% at December 31, 2002). 

 

123

 

 

568

 

  

 



 

  

 

1,024,282

 

 

845,453

 

Less:  current maturities 

 

(189,397

)

 

(365

)

  

 



 

Long-term debt 

$

834,885

 

$

845,088

 

  

 



 

F-19

   As of December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (in thousands) 
10¼% senior notes, unsecured, interest payable semi-annually, balloon principal payment of $406,441 due at maturity on February 1, 2009, including deferred gain related to termination of derivative of $4,559 and $5,236 at December 31, 2003, and 2002, respectively. See Note 20.  $411,000  $505,236 
9¾% senior discount notes, net of unamortized original issue discount of $126,204 at December 31, 2003, unsecured, cash interest payable semi-annually in arrears beginning June 15, 2008, balloon principal payment of $402,024 due at maturity on December 15, 2011.   275,820   —   
12% senior discount notes, net of unamortized original issue discount of $5,077 at December 31, 2002, unsecured, cash interest payable semi-annually in arrears beginning September 1, 2003, balloon principal payment of $65,673 due at maturity on March 1, 2008. See Note 24.   65,673   263,923 
Senior secured credit facility loans, interest at varying cash rates (5.15% to 5.17% at December 31, 2003). Additional interest accrues at 3.5% and is payable at maturity. See Note 24.   118,227   —   

Senior secured credit facility loans. This facility was paid in full in May 2003.

   —     255,000 
Notes payable, interest at varying rates (2.9% to 11.4% at December 31, 2003 maturing at various dates through 2004).   38   123 
   


 


    870,758   1,024,282 

Less: current maturities

   (11,538)  (60,083)
   


 


Long-term debt

  $859,220  $964,199 
   


 



SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10¼% Senior Notes

 

In February 2001, the Company issued $500.0 million of its 10¼% senior notes due 2009, which produced net proceeds of approximately $484.3 million after deducting offering expenses. Interest accrues on the notes and is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2001. Proceeds from the senior notes were used to acquire and construct telecommunications towers, repay borrowings under the senior credit facility, and for general working capital purposes.

Approximately $105.6 million of the proceeds were used to repay all borrowingborrowings under the Company’s former senior credit facility, and the senior credit agreement in existence at the time it was terminated.facility. The Company wrote off the deferred financing fees relating to the former senior credit facility and recorded a $5.1 million extraordinary losscharge in the first quarter of 2001 in connection with the termination of this facility. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company exchanged $13.5 million in principal amount of its 10¼% senior notes for 3.85 million shares of Class A common stock. Additionally, the Company repurchased $80.1 million in principal amount of its 10¼% senior notes in the open market for $79.5 million in cash. During 2003, the Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million and wrote-off deferred financing fees of $1.9 million in connection with the 10¼% senior note retirement transactions. See Note 24 for further discussion of repurchase activity subsequent to December 31, 2003.

 

The 10¼% senior notes are unsecured and are pari passu in right of payment with the Company’s other existing and future senior indebtedness. The 10¼% senior notes place certain restrictions on, among other things, the incurrence of debt and liens, issuance of preferred stock, payment of dividends or other distributions, sales of assets, transactiontransactions with affiliates, sale and leaseback transactions, certain investments and the Company’s ability to merge or consolidate with other entities. The ability of the Company to comply with the covenants and other terms of the 10¼% senior notes and to satisfy its respective debt obligations will depend on the future operating performance of the Company. In the event the Company fails to comply with the various covenants contained in the 10¼% senior notes, it would be in default thereunder, and in any such case, the maturity of a portion or all of its long-term indebtedness could be accelerated. In addition, the acceleration of amounts due under the senior credit facility willwould also cause a cross-default under the indenture for the 10¼% senior notes.

     12%9¾% Senior Discount Notes

 

In March 1998,December 2003, the Company issued $269.0and Telecommunications co-issued $402.0 million of its 12%9¾% senior discount notes due March 1, 2008. The issuance2011, which produced net proceeds of the senior discount notes netted approximately $150.2$267.1 million in proceeds to the Company.after deducting offering expenses. The senior discount notes accrete in value until March 1, 2003December 15, 2007 at which time they will have an aggregate principal amount of $269.0$402.0 million. Thereafter, interest will accrueaccrues on the senior discount notes and will be payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on March 1June 15 and September 1,December 15, commencing September 1, 2003.June 15, 2008. Proceeds from the senior discount notes were used to acquiretender for approximately $153.3 million of the Company’s 12% senior discount notes and construct telecommunications towers as well as for general working capital purposes.

 

The 12%9¾% senior discount notes are unsecured and are pari passu in right of payment with the Company’s other existing and future senior indebtedness. The 12%9¾% senior discount notes place certain restrictions on, among other things, the incurrence of debt and liens, issuance of preferred stock, payment of dividends or other distributions, sales of assets, transaction with affiliates, sale and leaseback transactions, certain investments and the Company’s ability to merge or consolidate with other entities. The ability of the Company to comply with the covenants and other terms of the 12%9¾% senior discount notes and to satisfy its respective debt obligations will depend on the future operating performance of the Company. In the event the Company fails to comply with the various covenants contained in the 12%9¾% senior discount notes, it would be in default thereunder, and in any such case, the maturity of a portion or all of its long-term indebtedness could be accelerated. In addition, the acceleration of amounts due under the senior credit facility willwould also cause a cross-default under the indenture for the 12%9¾% senior discount notes.

12% Senior Credit FacilityDiscount Notes

 

In March 1998, the Company issued $269.0 million of its 12% senior discount notes due March 1, 2008, which produced net proceeds of approximately $150.2 million. The senior discount notes accreted in value until March 1, 2003 at which time they had an aggregate principal amount of $269.0 million. Thereafter, interest accrues on the senior discount notes and is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 2003. Proceeds from the senior discount notes were used to acquire and construct telecommunications towers as well as for general working capital purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company repurchased $50.0 million in principal amount of its 12% senior discount notes in the open market for $50.3 million in cash. Additionally, during 2003, the Company

completed a tender for 70% of its outstanding 12% senior discount notes and retired $153.3 million face value of its 12% senior discount notes for $167.1 million. During 2003, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of $14.6 million and wrote-off deferred financing fees of $4.8 million in connection with the 12% senior discount note retirement transactions. See Note 24 for a discussion of repurchase activity subsequent to December 31, 2003.

The 12% senior discount notes were unsecured and were pari passu in right of payment with the Company’s other existing and future senior indebtedness. The 12% senior discount notes placed certain restrictions on, among other things, the incurrence of debt and liens, issuance of preferred stock, payment of dividends or other distributions, sales of assets, transactions with affiliates, sale and leaseback transactions, certain investments and the Company’s ability to merge or consolidate with other entities.

Senior Secured Credit Facility (put in place January 2004)

During January 2004, SBA Senior Finance closed on a new senior credit facility in the amount of $400.0 million. This facility consists of a $275.0 million term loan which was funded at closing, a $50.0 million delayed draw term loan which the Company has until November 15, 2004 to draw and a $75.0 million revolving line of credit. The revolving lines of credit may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn. Amortization of the term loans commence September 2004 at an annual rate of 1% in each of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. All remaining amounts under the term loan are due in 2008. There is no amortization of the revolving loans and all amounts outstanding are due on August 31, 2008. Amounts borrowed under this facility accrue interest at either the base rate, as defined in the agreement, plus 250 basis points or the Euro dollar rate plus 350 basis points. Had this facility been in place on December 31, 2003, the borrowing rate under this facility would have been 4.6%. This facility may be prepaid at any time with no prepayment penalty. Amounts borrowed under this facility are secured by a first lien on substantially all of SBA Senior Finance’s assets. In addition, each of SBA Senior Finance’s domestic subsidiaries has guaranteed the obligations of SBA Senior Finance under the senior credit facility and has pledged substantially all of their respective assets to secure such guarantee, and the Company and Telecommunications have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure SBA Senior Finance’s obligations under this senior credit facility.

This new credit facility requires SBA Senior Finance to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding its debt to annualized operating cash flow, debt service, cash interest expense and fixed charges for each quarter. This new senior credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restricts SBA Senior Finance’s ability to incur debt and liens, sell assets, commit to capital expenditures, enter into affiliate transactions or sale-leaseback transactions, and/or build towers without anchor tenants. Additionally, this facility permits distributions by SBA Senior Finance to Telecommunications and SBA Communications to service their debt, pay consolidated taxes, pay holding company expenses and for the repurchase of senior notes and senior discount notes subject to compliance with the covenants discussed above. SBA Senior Finance’s ability in the future to comply with the covenants and access the available funds under the senior credit facility will depend on its future financial performance.

On January 30, 2004, SBA Senior Finance used the proceeds from funding of the $275.0 million term loan under the new senior credit facility to repay the old credit facility in full, consisting of $144.2 million outstanding. In addition to the amounts outstanding, the Company was required to pay $8.0 million to the lenders under the old facility to facilitate the assignment of the old facility to the new lenders. As a result of this prepayment, SBA Senior Finance has written off deferred financing fees associated with the old facility of $5.4 million in addition to the $8.0 million fee paid to facilitate the assignment during the first quarter of 2004. Additionally, SBA Senior Finance has recorded deferred financing fees of approximately $5.4 million associated with this new facility in the first quarter of 2004.

Senior Secured Credit Facility (paid in full January 2004)

On May 9, 2003, Telecommunications closed on a senior credit facility in the amount of $195.0 million from General Electric Capital Corporation (“GECC”) and affiliates of Oak Hill Advisors, Inc. (“Affiliates of Oak Hill”). The facility consisted of $95.0 million of term loans and a $100.0 million revolving line of credit. In November, 2003, in connection with the offering of the Company’s 9¾% senior discount notes and the Company’s tender offer for 70% of its outstanding 12% senior discount notes, SBA Senior Finance, a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Telecommunications, assumed all rights and obligations of Telecommunications under the senior credit facility pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement with the senior credit lenders. Telecommunications was released from any obligation to repay the indebtedness under the senior credit facility. Simultaneously with this assumption, Telecommunications contributed substantially all of its assets, consisting primarily of stock in our various operating subsidiaries,

to SBA Senior Finance. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had $98.2 million outstanding under the term loan and $20.0 million outstanding under the revolving line of credit. The Company refinanced this credit facility in January 2004 and used the proceeds from the new facility to repay this facility in full. See senior credit facility discussion above.

Senior Secured Credit Facility (paid in full May 2003)

In June 2001, SBA Telecommunications entered into a $300.0 million senior secured credit facility. The facility providesprovided for a $100.0 million term loan and a $200.0 million revolving loan, the availabilityline of which is based on compliance with certain covenants.credit. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had $100.0 million outstanding under the term loan and $155.0 million outstanding under the revolving loan.line of credit. In addition, the Company had $14.5 million of letters of credit issued on its behalf to serve as collateral to secure certain obligations in the ordinary course of business. BasedThe Company refinanced this credit facility in May 2003 and used the proceeds from the new credit facility, cash on hand and a portion of the proceeds from the Western tower sale to repay this credit facility in full. As a result of this prepayment, the Company has written off deferred financing fees associated with this facility of approximately $4.4 million during 2003.

At December 31, 2002 the current agreement,portion of long-term debt in the term loan andamount of $60.0 million had been reclassified to reflect the revolving loan mature June 15, 2007 and amortization of the term loan begins

F-20


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

in September 2003.  Under the current terms ofamount by which the senior credit facility borrowings were reduced through the Company is required to use substantially all net proceedsMay 2003 refinancing. The portion of asset sales to repay outstandingthis debt under the senior credit facility.  As a result, the Company has calculated its current debt outstandingreflected as long-term at December 31, 2002, to include substantially all$195.0 million, represents the amount of the net proceeds fromfacility which was replaced by the proposed sale of 801 towers to AAT Communications of $188.0 million.  However, as more fully discussed in Note 2, it is the Company’s intent to seek an amendment to the senior credit facility and in exchange for certain modifications, the Company would repay approximately $150.0 million of this facility in 2003.  The receipt of this amendment to the senior credit facility is a condition to the consummation of the AAT Transaction.  Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility accrue interest at the euro dollar rate plus a margin or a base rate plus a margin, as defined in the agreement. The senior secured credit facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of SBA Telecommunications and its subsidiaries.  The senior credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants.  These covenants place certain restrictions on, among other things, the incurrence of debt and liens, the sale of assets, capital expenditures, transactions with affiliates, sale and lease-back transactions and the number of towers that can be built without anchor tenants.  If the Company fails to comply with these covenants, it could result in an event of default under the senior creditnew facility.  The acceleration of amounts due under the senior credit facility will also cause a cross-default under both of the Company’s indentures.

 

As of December 31, 2002,2003, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of each of the above agreements, (see Note 2).as applicable.

 

The Company’s debt, excluding the deferred interest rate swap discussed below, at December 31, 2002 matures2003, would have matured as follows:follows had the senior credit facility not been refinanced:

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2003 

$

189,397

 

2004 

 

3,981

 

2005 

 

6,569

 

2006 

 

6,568

 

2007 

 

48,608

 

Thereafter 

 

763,923

 

  

 

 Total

 

$

1,019,046

 

  

 



 

 

   (in thousands)

2004

  $11,538

2005

   17,250

2006

   17,250

2007

   72,227

2008

   65,673

Thereafter

   682,261
   

Total

  $866,199
   

The Company previously entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate movements by effectively converting a portion of its $500$500.0 million senior notes from interest-rate fixed interest rate to variable rate notes. During October 2002, the counter-party to this agreement elected to terminateterminated the agreement. This termination resulted in a $5.4 million deferred gain which is recorded in long-term debt and is being recognized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the notes to which the swap related. Amortization during 2003 and 2002 was approximately $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The amortization of the remaining deferred gain as of December 31, 20022003 is as follows:

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2003 

$

676

 

2004 

 

740

 

2005 

 

810

 

2006 

 

886

 

2007 

 

969

 

Thereafter 

 

1,155

 

  

 

 Total

 

$

5,236

 

  

 



 

 

   (in thousands)

2004

  $740

2005

   810

2006

   886

2007

   969

2008

   1,061

2009

   93
   

Total

  $4,559
   

See Note 1620 for further discussion regarding the interest rate swap agreement.

12.15. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

a. Offerings of Common Stock

 

In July 2000, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering the sale of up to $500.0 million of any combination of the following securities: Class A common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, or warrants.

F-21


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

b. Registration of Additional Shares

 

During 2001, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering an aggregate 5.0 million shares of its Class A common stock. These 5.0 million shares are in addition to 3.0 million shares registered during 2000. These shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions of wireless communication towers or companies that provide related services. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2003, 2002 the Company issued 1.3 million shares under these registration statements for one acquisition and certain earn-outs.  During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company issued zero shares, 1.3 million and 1.6 million shares, respectively, of its Class A common stock pursuant to these registration statements in connection with six acquisitions and certain earn-outs. acquisitions.

c. Other Common Stock Transactions

During the year ended December 31, 2000,2003, the Company issued 1.1exchanged $13.5 million of its 10¼% senior notes for 3.85 million shares pursuantof its Class A common stock.

The issuance of these shares triggered an event whereby the 5.5 million of Class B common stock outstanding automatically converted to these registration statements in connection with ten acquisitions.Class A common stock.

          c.d. Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

In 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 1999 Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). A total of 500,000 shares of Class A common stock arewere reserved for purchase under the Purchase Plan. During 2003, an amendment to the Purchase Plan was adopted which increased the number of shares reserved for purchase from 500,000 to 1,500,000 shares. The Purchase Plan permits eligible employee participants to purchase Class A common stock at a price per share which is equal to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of the Class A common stock on the first or the last day of an offering period. As of December 31, 2002,2003, employees had purchased 271,038 shares under the Purchase Plan.

          d.       Shareholder rights plane. Non-cash Compensation

 

From time to time, restricted shares of Class A common stock or options to purchase Class A common stock have been granted under the Company’s equity participation plans at prices below market value at the time of grant. As a result, the Company expects to record approximately $0.5 million in non-cash compensation expense in each year from 2004 through 2006. In addition, the Company had bonus agreements with certain executives and employees to issue shares of the Company’s Class A common stock in lieu of cash payments. The Company recorded approximately $0.8 million and $2.0 million of non-cash compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

In connection with an employment agreement with one of the officers of the Company, the Company was obligated to pay an amount equal to the difference between $1.0 million and the value of all vested options and restricted stock belonging to this officer on September 19, 2003. The Company had the option of settling the obligation in cash or shares of Class A common stock. This obligation was settled in September 2003 in cash for $0.9 million. This amount had been expensed over the three-year period of the original agreement as non-cash compensation expense.

f. Shareholder Rights Plan and Preferred Stock

During January 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan and declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock. Each of these rights which are currently not exercisable, will entitle the holder to purchase one one-thousandth (1/1000) of a share of the Company’s newly designated Series E Junior Participating Preferred Stock. In the event that any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock or commences or announces an intention to commence a tender offer that would result in such person or group owning 15% or more of the Company’s common stock, each holder of a right (other than the acquirer) will be entitled to receive, upon payment of the exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. In order to retain flexibility and the ability to maximize shareholder value in the event of transactions that may arise in the future, the Board retains the power to redeem the rights for a set amount. The rights were distributed on January 25, 2002 and expire on January 10, 2012, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged or terminated in accordance with the Rights Agreement.

13.16. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

 

The Company has three stock option plans (the 1996 Stock Option Plan, the 1999 Equity Participation Plan and the 2001 Equity Participation Plan), whereby options (both non-qualified and incentive stock options), stock appreciation rights and restricted stock may be granted to directors, employees and consultants. Upon adoption of the 2001 Equity Participation Plan, all unissued options under the 1996 Stock Option Plan and the 1999 Equity Participation Plan were cancelled. The 2001 Equity Participation Plan provides for a maximum issuance of shares, together with all outstanding options and unvested shares of restricted stock under all three of the plans, equal to 15% of the Company’s common stock outstanding, adjusted for certain shares issued pursuant to the exercise of certain options. A summary of shares reserved for future issuance under these plans as of December 31, 2003 is as follows:

(in thousands)

Reserved for 1996 Stock Option Plan

  

195,401

186

Reserved for 1999 Equity Participation Plan

  

919,939

758

Reserved for 2001 Equity Participation Plan

  

6,459,433

7,215
   

   

7,574,773

8,159
   

These options generally vest between three and six year periodsyears from the date of grant.grant on a straight-line basis and generally have a ten year life. The Company accounts for these plans under APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees under which compensation cost is not recognized on those issuances where the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date. From time to time, options to purchase shares of Class A common stock have been granted under the 1999 Equity Participation Plan and the 2001 Equity Participation Plan at prices which were below market value at the time of grant.

F-22


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The As a result, the Company recorded non-cash compensation expense of $0.8 million, $2.0 million $3.3 million and $0.3$3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 2001 and 2000,2001, respectively.

As required by FASB Statement No.SFAS 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”), for those options which the Company granted at or above fair market value, the Company has determined the pro-forma effect of the options granted had the Company accounted for stock options granted under the fair value method of SFAS 123.

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans including their weighted average exercise price is as follows:

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Shares

 

Price

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Outstanding at beginning of year 

 

3,823,911

 

$

20.57

 

 

3,089,656

 

$

16.97

 

 

3,177,194

 

$

7.11

 

Granted 

 

2,444,610

 

 

10.17

 

 

1,748,195

 

 

23.34

 

 

1,001,493

 

 

36.87

 

Exercised/redeemed 

 

(144,652

)

 

0.93

 

 

(587,560

)

 

4.26

 

 

(973,569

)

 

3.95

 

Forfeited/canceled 

 

(3,276,083

)

 

21.59

 

 

(426,380

)

 

27.65

 

 

(115,462

)

 

24.99

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year 

 

2,847,786

 

$

11.37

 

 

3,823,911

 

$

20.57

 

 

3,089,656

 

$

16.97

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Options exercisable at end of year 

 

993,110

 

$

12.63

 

 

1,616,968

 

$

14.12

 

 

1,172,564

 

$

6.29

 

  

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year 

 

 

 

$

6.63

 

 

 

 

$

27.37

 

 

 

 

$

36.91

 

 

   2003

  2002

  2001

   Shares

  Price

  Shares

  Price

  Shares

  Price

   (shares in thousands)

Outstanding at beginning of year

  2,848  $11.37  3,824  $20.57  3,090  $16.97

Granted

  1,630  $2.20  2,445  $10.17  1,748  $23.34

Exercised/redeemed

  (34) $1.26  (145) $0.93  (588) $4.26

Forfeited/canceled

  (656) $9.78  (3,276) $21.59  (426) $27.65
   

     

     

   

Outstanding at end of year

  3,788  $7.79  2,848  $11.37  3,824  $20.57
   

     

     

   

Options exercisable at end of year

  1,235  $12.66  993  $12.63  1,617  $14.12

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year

     $2.20     $6.63     $27.37

Option groups outstanding at December 31, 20022003 and related weighted average exercise price and remaining life, in years, information are as follows:

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 


 


 

Range

 

Outstanding

 

Average
Contractual Life

 

Average Exercise
Price

 

Exercisable

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

$  0.05  -  $   4.00 

387,019

 

6.7

 

$

1.76

 

230,554

 

$

2.25

 

$  5.37  -  $   9.75 

1,491,326

 

6.8

 

$

8.07

 

339,687

 

$

8.29

 

$ 10.17 -  $ 13.35 

361,715

 

8.1

 

$

12.49

 

20,440

 

$

10.99

 

$ 15.25 -  $ 24.75 

352,069

 

5.8

 

$

17.52

 

273,257

 

$

16.35

 

$ 26.63 -  $ 51.94 

255,657

 

4.0

 

$

35.17

 

129,172

 

$

34.95

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

  

2,847,786

 

6.6

 

$

11.37

 

993,110

 

$

12.63

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

F-23

Options Outstanding


 

Options Exercisable


Range


 

Outstanding

(in thousands)


 

Weighted Average

Contractual Life


 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price


 

Exercisable

( in thousands)


 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price


$  0.05 –   $  4.00

 1,890 8.7 $  2.13 249 $  2.19

$  5.37 –   $  9.75

 1,060 5.3 $  8.03 464 $  8.06

$10.17 –   $13.35

 311 7.0 $12.40 92 $12.14

$15.25 –   $24.75

 303 4.9 $17.31 262 $16.62

$26.63 –   $51.94

 224 2.5 $35.12 168 $35.03
  
     
  
  3,788   $  7.79 1,235 $12.66
  
     
  


The Company has various stock-based employee compensation plans. From time to time, options to purchase Class A common stock have been granted under the Company’s 1999 Equity Participation Plan and the 2001 Equity Participation Plan which were below market value at the time of the grant. The Company recorded non-cash compensation expense of $0.8 million, $2.0 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Except for the amount of non-cash compensation recognized, no other stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net loss, as all other options granted under the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans had an exercise price equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used with the following assumptions:

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

Risk free interest rate

  2.0% 3.25% 4.5%

Dividend yield

  0% 0% 0%

Expected volatility

  90% 171% 99%

Expected lives

  4 years  4 years  4 years 

The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, to stock-based employee compensation:

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 
   (in millions) 

Net loss, as reported

  $(172.2) $(249.0) $(125.8)

Non-cash compensation charges included in net loss

   0.8   2.0   3.3 

Incremental stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

   (4.2)  (6.2)  (19.9)
   


 


 


Pro forma net loss

  $(175.6) $(253.2) $(142.4)
   


 


 


Loss per shares

             

Basic and diluted – as reported

  $(3.30) $(4.93) $(2.66)

Basic and diluted – pro forma

  $(3.36) $(5.01) $(3.01)

The effect of applying SFAS 123 in the pro-forma disclosure is not necessarily indicative of future results.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

14.17. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES

 

In response to capital market conditions in the telecommunications industry during the past three years, the Company has implemented various restructuring plans discussed below.

Restructuring expense consisted of the following during these three years:

   For the years ended December 31,

   2003

  2002

  2001

   (in thousands)

Abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work-in-process and related construction materials

  $635  $40,380  $24,088

Employee separation and exit costs

   1,870   6,907   311
   

  

  

   $2,505  $47,287  $24,399
   

  

  

In August 2001, in response to deteriorating capital market conditions within the telecommunications industry, the Company implemented a plan of restructuring primarily associated with the downsizing of its new tower build construction activities. The plan included the abandonment of certain acquisition and new tower build sites resulting in a non-cash charge of approximately $24.1 million. The plan also included the elimination of 102 employee positions and closing and/or consolidation of selected offices. Payments made related to employee separation and office closings were approximately $0.3 million.

 

In February 2002, as a result of the continuing deterioration of capital market conditions for wireless carriers, the Company announced that it was further reducingreduced its capital expenditures for new tower development and acquisition activities, suspendingsuspended any material new investment for additional towers, reducingreduced its workforce and closingclosed or consolidatingconsolidated offices. Under currentthen existing capital market conditions, the Company doesdid not anticipate building or buying a material number of new towers beyond those it iswas currently contractually obligated to build or buy, thereby resulting in the abandonment of a majority of its existing new tower build and acquisition work in process during 2002. In connection with this restructuring, a portion of the Company’s workforce has beenwas reduced and certain offices have beenwere closed, substantially all of which were primarily dedicated to new tower development activities. As a result of the implementation of its plans, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $63.7$47.3 million in accordance with SFAS 144, andEmergingand Emerging Issues Task Force 94-3,Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity, including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring.

Of the $63.7$47.3 million restructuring charge recorded during the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately $40.4 million related to the abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in process and related construction materials on approximately 764 sites and approximately $16.4 million relates to the impairment of approximately 144 tower sites held and used in operations.  The abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in process resulted in the write-off of all costs incurred to date.  The impairment of operating tower assets resulted primarily from the Company’s evaluation of its operating tower portfolio using a projected cash flow analysis and assets were written down to fair value determined on a discounted cash flow analysis. Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no current tenants and little or no prospects for future lease-up.sites. The remaining $6.9 million chargeof restructuring expense related primarily to the costs of employee separation for approximately 470 employees and exit costs associated with the closing and consolidation of approximately 40 offices. ExitThe accrual of approximately $1.0 million remaining at December 31, 2003, with respect to the 2002 plan, relates primarily to remaining obligations through the year 2012 associated with offices exited or downsized as part of this plan.

The following summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2003, related to the 2002 and 2001 restructuring plans:

   Accrued as of
January 1,
2003


  

Restructuring

Charges


  

Payments/

Adjustments


  Payments Related to
January 1, 2003
Accrual


  

Accrual as of

December 31,

2003


       Cash

  Non-Cash

   
   (in thousands)

Abandonment of new tower build work in process

  $—    $59  $   $(59) $—    $—  

Employee separation and exit costs

   1,706   122   (167)  45   (666)  1,040
   

  

  


 


 


 

   $1,706  $181  $(167) $(14) $(666) $1,040
   

  

  


 


 


 

In 2003, in response to the continued deterioration in expenditures by wireless service providers, particularly with respect to site development activities, the Company committed to new plans of restructuring associated with further downsizing activities, including reduction in workforce and closing or consolidation of offices. As a result of the implementation of its plans, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2003, in accordance with SFAS 146. Of the $2.5 million charge recorded during the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately $0.6 million related to the abandonment of new tower build work in process. The remaining $1.9 million related primarily to the costs of employee separation for approximately 165 employees and exit costs associated with the closing andor consolidation of offices primarily representapproximately 17 offices. In connection with employee separation costs, the Company paid approximately $0.7 million in one-time termination benefits. Of the $2.5 million in expense recorded during the year ended December 30, 2003, $2.4 million pertains to the Company’s estimate of future lease obligations after considering sublease opportunities.site development segment and $0.1 million pertains to the Company’s site leasing segment.

 Approximately $1.7 million remains in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2002, representing primarily future lease obligations

The following summarizes the activity related to closed offices and future ground lease obligations on canceled sites.  A summary of the 2003 restructuring chargeplan for the year ended December 31, 20022003:

   

Restructuring

Charges


  

Payments/

Adjustments


   Accrual as of
December 31,
2003


     Cash

  Non-Cash

   
   (in thousands)

Abandonment of new tower build work in process

  $576  $—    $(576)  $—  

Employee separation and exit costs

   1,748   (1,012)  (736)   —  
   

  


 


  

   $2,324  $(1,012) $(1,312)  $—  
   

  


 


  

18. ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

In accordance with SFAS 144, long-lived assets consisting primarily of tower assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If an asset is as follows:

 

 

Total charges
during year ended
December 31, 2002

 

Deductions

 

Accrued as of
December 31,
2002

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

Non-cash

 

 

 

 


 


 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Abandonment of new tower build and acquisition work in process and related construction materials 

$

40,380

 

$

—  

 

$

40,380

 

$

—  

 

Impairment of tower assets held and used in operations 

 

16,381

 

 

—  

 

 

16,381

 

 

—  

 

Employee separation and exit costs 

 

6,907

 

 

4,324

 

 

877

 

 

1,706

 

  

 



 



 



 

  

$

63,668

 

$

4,324

 

$

57,638

 

$

1,706

 

  

 



 



 



 

          In connection with the Company’s implementation of SFAS 142, goodwill of $13.4 million recorded during  2002 resulting from the achievement of certain contingent earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements was subject to an impairment.  As a result of this analysis, the entire $13.4 million of goodwill within the site development construction segment was determined to be impaired, (see Note 5).the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value as determined by an estimate of discounted future cash flows. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market conditions, historical operating results, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. During the second and fourth quarters of 2003, the Company modified its future tower lease-up assumptions for certain tower assets that had not achieved expected lease-up results. The $13.4 goodwillchanges to the future cash flow expectations and the resulting change in the fair value of these towers, as determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, resulted in an impairment charge isof $10.3 million during the second quarter of 2003 related to approximately 40 operating towers and an impairment charge of $6.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2003 related to approximately 30 additional operating towers. These amounts are included within the restructuring and otherin asset impairment charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2003.

During the first quarter of 2003, tower assets previously impaired in 2002 were evaluated under the provisions of recently adopted SFAS 143 as to the existence of asset retirement obligations. In connection with the adoption of SFAS 143, effective January 1, 2003, approximately $0.5 million of additional tower costs were capitalized to the previously impaired assets effective January 1, 2003. The recoverability of the capitalized tower costs were evaluated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 144 and determined to be impaired. As discussed above, during the second and fourth quarters of 2003, the Company identified approximately 70 operating towers that were determined to be impaired.

During the first and second quarters of 2002, the Company recorded goodwill totaling approximately $9.2 million resulting from the achievement of certain earn-out obligations under various construction acquisition agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2001. In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill is subject to an impairment assessment at least annually, or at any time that indicators of impairment are present. The Company determined that as of June 30, 2002, indicators of impairment were present, thereby requiring an impairment analysis be completed. The indicators of impairment during the quarter ended June 30, 2002 giving rise to this analysis included significant deterioration of overall Company value, continued negative trends with respect to wireless carrier capital expenditure plans and related demand for wireless construction services, and perceived reduction in value of similar site development construction services businesses. As a result of this analysis, using a discounted cash flow valuation method for estimating fair value, $9.2 million of goodwill within the site development construction reporting segment was determined to be impaired as of June 30, 2002 and was written off.

In the first quarter of 2002, certain tower sites held and used in operations were considered to be impaired. Towers determined to be impaired were primarily towers with no tenants and little or no prospects for future lease-up. An asset impairment charge of approximately $16.4 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2002.

F-24


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

15.19. INCOME TAXES

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated statements offrom continuing operations consists of the following components:

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Current provision (benefit) for taxes: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Federal income tax

 

$

(1,382 

$

—  

 

$

—  

 

 Foreign income tax

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 State income tax

 

 

1,765

 

 

1,654

 

 

1,233

 

  

 



 



 

 Total current

 

 

383

 

 

1,654

 

 

1,233

 

  

 



 



 

Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Federal income tax

 

 

(58,271

)

 

(39,799

)

 

(8,156

)

 State income tax

 

 

(3,767

)

 

(1,528

)

 

(1,173

)

 Increase in valuation allowance

 

 

62,038

 

 

41,327

 

 

9,329

 

  

 



 



 

 Total deferred

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

  

 



 



 

 Total

 

$

383

 

$

1,654

 

$

1,233

 

  

 



 



 

 

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 
   (in thousands) 

Current provision (benefit) for taxes:

             

Federal income tax

  $125  $(1,382) $—   

State and local taxes

   1,695   1,691   1,493 
   


 


 


Total current

   1,820   309   1,493 
   


 


 


Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes:

             

Federal income tax

   (58,122)  (57,000)  (39,868)

State and local taxes

   7,728   (3,767)  (1,528)

Increase in valuation allowance

   50,394   60,767   41,396 
   


 


 


Total deferred

   —     —     —   
   


 


 


Total

  $1,820  $309  $1,493 
   


 


 


A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations at the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate (34%) and the effective income tax rate is as follows:

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Statutory Federal benefit 

$

(92,746

)

$

(41,987

)

$

(9,401

)

State income tax 

 

(1,322

)

 

83

 

 

40

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

31,865

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Other 

 

395

 

 

367

 

 

235

 

Goodwill amortization 

 

153

 

 

1,864

 

 

1,029

 

Valuation allowance 

 

62,038

 

 

41,327

 

 

9,330

 

  

 



 



 

  

$

383

 

$

1,654

 

$

1,233

 

  

 



 



 

 

   For the years ended December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 
   (in thousands) 

Statutory Federal benefit

  $(55,119) $(62,653) $(41,513)

State and local taxes

   6,219   (1,371)  (23)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   —     3,018   —   

Other

   326   395   367 

Goodwill amortization

   —     153   1,266 

Valuation allowance

   50,394   60,767   41,396 
   


 


 


   $1,820  $309  $1,493 
   


 


 


The components of the net deferred income tax asset (liability) accounts are as follows:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts 

$

1,922

 

$

1,876

 

Deferred revenue 

 

8,555

 

 

5,818

 

Accrued liabilities 

 

4,612

 

 

2,220

 

Other 

 

106

 

 

87

 

Valuation allowance 

 

(15,195

)

 

(10,001

)

  

 



 

Current deferred tax liabilities 

$

—  

 

$

—  

 

  

 



 

Original issue discount 

$

44,559

 

$

33,176

 

Net operating loss 

 

95,913

 

 

51,096

 

Book vs. tax depreciation 

 

(38,727

)

 

(39,090

)

Straight-line rents 

 

(4,930

)

 

(3,392

)

Other 

 

5,721

 

 

1,813

 

Valuation allowance 

 

(120,965

)

 

(62,032

)

  

 



 

Non-current deferred tax liabilities 

$

(18,429

)

$

(18,429

)

  

 



 

F-25

   As of December 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (in thousands) 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $759  $1,922 

Deferred revenue

   4,465   8,555 

Accrued liabilities

   5,654   4,612 

Other

   48   106 

Valuation allowance

   (10,926)  (15,195)
   


 


Current net deferred taxes

  $—    $—   
   


 


Original issue discount

  $13,028  $44,559 

Net operating loss

   198,385   96,731 

Book vs. tax depreciation

   (34,566)  (38,726)

Straight-line rents

   (6,152)  (4,930)

Other

   2,323   5,720 

Valuation allowance

   (173,018)  (103,354)
   


 


Non-current net deferred taxes

  $—    $—   
   


 



SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

          In connection with the acquisition of certain towers during 2001, the Company recorded deferred tax liabilities of $4.6 million related to book/tax basis difference in the acquired towers.  No deferred tax liabilities were recorded in connection with tower acquisitions during 2002.

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as management believes that it is not “more likely than not” that the Company will be able to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to recognize the assets.

 

The Company has available at December 31, 2002,2003, a net operating tax loss carry-forward of approximately $282.1$583.5 million. Approximately $8.6 million, $35.8 million, $99.9$105.7 million, $140.0 million and $137.8$293.4 million of the net operating tax loss carry-forwards will expire in 2019, 2020, 2021 2022, and 2022,2023, respectively. The Internal Revenue Code places limitations upon the future availability of net operating losses based upon changes in the equity of the Company. If these occur, the ability for the Company to offset future income with existing net operating losses may be limited.

16.20. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

          Effective January 2002, the

The Company entered intopreviously had an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate movements by effectively converting a portion of its $500.0 millionfixed rate senior notes from interest rate fixed to variable rates. The Company accounted for the swap in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and its corresponding amendments under SFAS 138, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.  SFAS 133 required the Company to record the fair value of the swap on the balance sheet.  The Company’s swap was accounted forqualified as a fair value hedge under SFAS 133.  The swap qualified for the shortcut method of recognition and, therefore, no portion of the swap was treated as ineffective.  Accordingly, the entire change in fair value of the swap was offset against the change in fair value of the related senior notes.hedge.

 

The notional principal amount of the swap was $100.0 million and the maturity date and payment provisions matched that of the underlying senior notes. The swap was to mature in seven years and provided for the exchange of fixed rate payments for variable rate payments without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. The variable rates were based on six-month EURO plus 4.47% and were reset on a semi-annual basis. The differential between fixed and variable rates to be paid or received was accrued as interest rates changed in accordance with the agreement and were recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The Company recorded a reduction of approximately $3.1 million to interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2002 as a result of the differential between fixed and variable rates.

 During October 2002, the

The counter-party to the interest rate swap agreement elected to terminateterminated the swap agreement effectivein October 15, 2002. In connection with this termination, the counter-party was required to paypaid the Company $6.2 million, which included approximately $.8$0.8 million in accrued interest. The remaining approximately $5.4 million received was deferred and is being recognized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the senior notes using the effective interest method. Amortization of the deferred gain during 2003 and 2002 was approximately $0.7 million and $0.2 million.million, respectively. The remaining deferred gain balance at December 31, 2003 and 2002 of $4.5 million and $5.2 million, respectively is included in long-term debt in the December 31, 2002 balance sheet.Consolidated Balance Sheets.

17.21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

a. Operating Leases

 

The Company is obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for land, office space, vehicles and equipment, and site leases that expire at various times through May 2100. The annual minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases in effect as of December 31, 20022003 are as follows:

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2003 

$

28,519

 

2004 

 

24,126

 

2005 

 

18,655

 

2006 

 

11,767

 

2007 

 

8,510

 

Thereafter 

 

52,262

 

  

 

 Total

 

$

143,839

 

  

 

F-26

   (in thousands)

2004

  $26,195

2005

   20,162

2006

   13,596

2007

   10,477

2008

   7,930

Thereafter

   46,620
   

Total

  $124,980
   


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Principally, all of the leases provide for renewal at varying escalations. Leases providing for fixedFixed rate escalations have been reflectedincluded in the table disclosed above.

 

Rent expense for operating leases was $34.3$29.5 million, $26.3$29.3 million and $17.0$23.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000,2001, respectively. The rent expense of $34.3$29.5 million and $29.3 million for yearthe years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, excludes $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, which is included in restructuring and other charge.charges. In addition, certain of the Company’s leases include contingent rent provisions which provide for the lessor to receive additional rent upon the attainment of certain tower operating results and/or lease-up. Contingent rent expense for the yearyears ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $1.8 million.$1.4 million, $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

b.Tenant Leases

 

The annual minimum tower lease income to be received for tower space and antenna rental under non-cancelable operating leases in effect as of December 31, 20022003 are as follows:

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2003 

$

137,264

 

2004 

 

128,152

 

2005 

 

104,468

 

2006 

 

67,023

 

2007 

 

32,599

 

Thereafter 

 

59,718

 

  

 

 Total

 

$

529,224

 

  

 



 

 

   (in thousands)

2004

  $129,114

2005

   108,744

2006

   79,291

2007

   50,669

2008

   30,840

Thereafter

   44,850
   

Total

  $443,508
   

Principally, all of the leases provide for renewal, generally at the tenant’s option, at varying escalations. Leases providing for fixedFixed rate escalations have been reflectedincluded in the table disclosed above.

 

c.Employment Agreements

 

The Company has employment agreements with certain officers of the Company that grant these employees the right to receive their base salary and continuation of certain benefits, for a defined period of time, in the event of a termination, (asas defined by the agreement of such employees).employees. In connection with one of these agreements, the Company was obligated to pay an amount equal to the difference between $1.0 million and the value of all vested options and restricted stock belonging to a particular officer on September 19, 2003. The Company had the option of settling the obligation in cash or shares of Class A common stock. This obligation was settled in September 2003 in cash for $0.9 million. This amount had been expensed over the three year period of the original agreement which ended in September 2003 as non cash compensation expense.

d.Litigation

 

The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs that may be incurred, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, or results of operations.operations or liquidity.

e.Contingent Purchase Obligations

 

The Company sometimes agrees to pay additional acquisition purchase price consideration if the towers or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain earnings or new tower targets in the 1-3 years after they have been acquired. As of December 31, 2002,2003, the Company had an obligation to pay up to an additional $5.8$1.4 million in consideration if the earnings targets identifiedcontained in various acquisition agreements are met. This obligation consisted of approximately $2.0 million associated with an acquisition within the Company’s site development construction segment and approximately $3.8 millionwas associated with acquisitions within the Company’s site leasing segment. At the Company’s option, a majority of the additional consideration may be paid in cash or shares of Class A common stock. The Company records such obligations as additional consideration when it becomes probable that the earnings targets will be met. As of December 31, 2002, certain earnings targets associated with an acquisition within the site development construction segment were achieved, and therefore, the Company accrued approximately $2.0 million, within other current liabilities on the December 31, 2002 Consolidated Balance Sheet. This amount was paid in cash in February 2003. In addition, approximately $1.1 million in cash was paid during the year ended December 31, 2003 associated with acquired towers meeting or exceeding new tower targets during 2003.

F-27


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

18.22. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN

 

The Company has a defined contribution profit sharing plan under Section 401 (k) of the Internal Revenue Code that provides for voluntary employee contributions of 1% to 14% of compensation. Employees have the opportunity to participate following completion of three months of employment and must be 21 years of age. Employer matching begins after completion of one year of service. TheFor the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company currently makesmade a discretionary matching contribution of 50% of an employee’s contributions up to a maximum of $3,000. Company matching contributions were $.8 million forFor the year ended December 31, 2002.2001, the Company made a discretionary matching contribution of 50% of an employee’s contributions up to a maximum of $1,000. Company matching contributions were approximately $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

19.23. SEGMENT DATA

 

The Company operates principally in three business segments: site development consulting, site development construction, and site leasing. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. Revenues, gross profit, capital expenditures (including assets acquired through the issuance of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock) and identifiable assets pertaining to the segments in which the Company operatescontinues to operate are presented below:

 

 

Site
Development
Consulting

 

Site
Development
Construction

 

Site
Leasing

 

Assets not
identified
by segment

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

December 31, 2002
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues 

$

27,204

 

$

97,837

 

$

139,633

 

$

—  

 

$

264,674

 

Cost of revenues 

 

20,594

 

 

81,879

 

 

49,641

 

 

—  

 

 

152,114

 

Gross profit 

 

6,610

 

 

15,958

 

 

89,992

 

 

—  

 

 

112,560

 

Capital expenditures 

 

430

 

 

13,033

 

 

93,999

 

 

1,565

 

 

109,027

 

Assets 

 

13,293

 

 

54,900

 

 

1,162,498

 

 

74,224

 

 

1,304,915

 

December 31, 2001
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues 

$

24,251

 

$

115,484

 

$

103,159

 

$

—  

 

$

242,894

 

Cost of revenues 

 

17,097

 

 

90,835

 

 

36,722

 

 

—  

 

 

144,654

 

Gross profit 

 

7,154

 

 

24,649

 

 

66,437

 

 

—  

 

 

98,240

 

Capital expenditures 

 

2,458

 

 

36,959

 

 

516,859

 

 

5,050

 

 

561,326

 

Assets 

 

24,850

 

 

177,322

 

 

1,198,051

 

 

28,788

 

 

1,429,011

 

December 31, 2000
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues 

$

24,251

 

$

91,641

 

$

52,014

 

$

—  

 

$

167,906

 

Cost of revenues 

 

15,626

 

 

73,266

 

 

19,502

 

 

—  

 

 

108,394

 

Gross profit 

 

8,625

 

 

18,375

 

 

32,512

 

 

—  

 

 

59,512

 

Capital expenditures 

 

1,489

 

 

25,570

 

 

465,400

 

 

1,594

 

 

494,053

 

Assets 

 

14,248

 

 

99,962

 

 

815,660

 

 

18,948

 

 

948,818

 

 We have

   Site
Leasing


  Site
Development
Consulting


  Site
Development
Construction


  Assets Not
Identified
by Segment


  Total

For the year ended

December 31, 2003


               

Revenues

  $127,842  $18,092  $66,126  $—    $212,060

Cost of revenues

   42,021   16,723   61,087   —     119,831

Gross profit

   85,821   1,369   5,039   —     92,229

Capital expenditures

   15,105   124   2,458   575   18,262

For the year ended

December 31, 2002


               

Revenues

  $115,081  $27,204  $97,837  $—    $240,122

Cost of revenues

   40,650   20,594   81,879   —     143,123

Gross profit

   74,431   6,610   15,958   —     96,999

Capital expenditures

   93,999   430   21,487   1,565   117,481

For the year ended

December 31, 2001


               

Revenues

  $85,487  $24,251  $115,484  $—    $225,222

Cost of revenues

   30,657   17,097   91,435   —     139,189

Gross profit

   54,830   7,154   24,049   —     86,033

Capital expenditures

   536,151   1,794   34,125   4,430   576,500

Assets


               

As of December 31, 2003

  $897,880  $9,511  $46,807  $28,784  $982,982

As of December 31, 2002

   958,684   13,294   54,755   276,632   1,303,365

Assets not identified by segment consist primarily of assets held for sale and general corporate assets.

The Company has client concentrations with respect to revenues in each of ourits financial reporting segments.  Of our total site development consulting revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, the following two customers represented 63.8% of total revenue from this segment: Cingular represented 29.6% and Bechtel Corporation represented 34.2%.  Of our total site development construction revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, one customer, Bechtel Corporation, represented 28.1% of such revenue.  Of our total site leasing revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, one customer, AT&T Wireless, represented 15.7% of such revenue.segments as follows:

   Percentage of Site
Leasing Revenue
for the years ended
December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

AT&T Wireless

  16.9% 15.5%

Cingular Wireless

  11.1% 10.8%

   Percentage of Site
Development
Consulting
Revenue for the
years ended
December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Bechtel Corporation

  30.5% 34.2%

Cingular Wireless

  24.0% 29.6%

Verizon Wireless

  14.5% 3.9%

   Percentage of Site
Development
Construction
Revenue for
the years ended
December 31,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Bechtel Corporation

  37.7% 28.1%

Sprint PCS

  12.9% 3.0%

20.24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

During January 2004, SBA Senior Finance closed on a new senior credit facility in the amount of $400.0 million. This facility consists of a $275.0 million term loan which was funded at closing, a $50.0 million delayed draw term loan which the Company has until November 15, 2004 to draw and a $75.0 million revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn. Amortization of the term loans commence September 2004 at an annual rate of 1% in each of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. All remaining amounts under the term loan are due in 2008. There is no amortization of the revolving loans and all amounts outstanding are due on August 31, 2008. This facility will require amortization payments of approximately $1.6 million in 2004, as compared to $11.5 million which would have been required under the facility which was in existence at December 31, 2003. Amounts borrowed under this facility accrue interest at either the base rate, as defined in the agreement, plus 250 basis points or the Euro dollar rate plus 350 basis points. This facility may be prepaid at any time with no prepayment penalty. Amounts borrowed under this facility are secured by a first lien on substantially all of SBA Senior Finance’s assets. In February 2003,addition, each of SBA Senior Finance’s domestic subsidiaries has guaranteed the obligations of SBA Senior Finance under the senior credit facility and has pledged substantially all of their respective assets to secure such guarantee, and the Company and Telecommunications have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure SBA Senior Finance’s obligations under this senior credit facility.

This new credit facility requires SBA Senior Finance to maintain specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding its debt to annualized operating cash flow, debt service, cash interest expense and fixed charges for each quarter. This new senior credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restricts its ability to incur debt and liens, sell assets, commit to capital expenditures, enter into affiliate transactions or sale-leaseback transactions, and/or build towers without anchor tenants. SBA Senior Finance’s ability in responsethe future to comply with the covenants and access the available funds under the senior credit facility will depend on its future financial performance.

On January 30, 2004, SBA Senior Finance used the proceeds from the funding of the $275.0 million term loan under the new senior credit facility to repay the old credit facility in full, consisting of $144.2 million outstanding. In addition to the continued deterioration in expenditures by wireless service providers, particularly with respect to site development activities,amounts outstanding, the Company committedwas required to a new plan of restructuringpay $8.0 million associated with further downsizing activities, including reductionthe assignment to the new lenders of the old facility. As a result of this prepayment, SBA Senior Finance has written off deferred financing fees associated with the old facility of $5.4 million in workforce and closing or consolidation of offices.  The Company anticipates closing an additional 9addition to 15 offices and eliminating the positions of 70$8.0 million fee paid to 100 employeesfacilitate the assignment during the first quarter of 2004. Additionally, SBA Senior Finance has recorded additional deferred financing fees of approximately $5.4 million associated with this new facility.

Subsequent to December 31, 2003, substantially all related to the Company’s site development operations.Company repurchased $19.3 million of its 12% senior discount notes in open market transactions. The Company anticipates incurringpaid $20.9 million plus accrued interest in cash and recognized a restructuring chargeloss of $1.6 million related to these costsdebt repurchases and write-off $0.4 million of updeferred financing fees. Additionally, on March 1, 2004, the Company, pursuant to $2.0 million.the indentures for the 12% senior discount notes, called and retired all remaining outstanding 12% notes. These notes were callable at a price of 107.5% of the principal balances outstanding. In accordance with this transaction, the Company recorded a loss of $3.5 million associated with the premium paid and wrote off $1.0 million of deferred financing fees associated with this debt issue.

F-28


Subsequent to December 31, 2003, the Company repurchased $51.1 million of it’s 10¼% senior notes in open market transactions. The Company paid $51.9 million plus accrued interest in cash and issued 1.0 million shares of its Class A Common Stock. The Company recognized a loss of $0.8 million related to these repurchases and wrote off $1.0 million of deferred financing fees associated with this debt retirement.

25. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

   Quarters Ended

 
   December 31,
2003


  September 30,
2003


  

June 30,

2003


  

March 31,

2003


 
   (in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Revenues

  $57,588  $52,386  $50,390  $51,696 

Gross profit

   24,507   22,566   22,879   22,277 

Restructuring and other charges

   (68)  (1,065)  (396)  (976)

Asset impairment charges

   (6,199)  (50)  (10,265)  (451)

Write-off of deferred financing fees and loss on extinguishment of debt

   (18,968)  (409)  (4,842)  —   

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (53,149)  (32,584)  (45,448)  (32,755)

Loss from discontinued operations

   1,981   12,918   (22,134)  (455)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   —     —     —     (545)
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $(51,168) $(19,666) $(67,582) $(33,755)
   


 


 


 


Per common share – basic and diluted:

                 

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

  $(0.98) $(0.62) $(0.89) $(0.64)

Loss from discontinued operations

   0.03   0.24   (0.43)  (0.01)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   —     —     —     (0.01)
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $(0.95) $(0.38) $(1.32) $(0.66)
   


 


 


 


   Quarters Ended

 
   December 31,
2002


  September 30,
2002


  

June 30,

2002


  

March 31,

2002


 
   (in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Revenues

  $57,425  $60,811  $63,627  $58,259 

Gross profit

   23,216   23,892   25,556   24,335 

Restructuring and other charges

   (1,132)  (1,225)  (7,667)  (37,738)

Asset impairment charges

   —     —     (9,165)  (16,380)

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   (29,354)  (30,526)  (42,257)  (82,468)

Loss from discontinued operations

   (983)  (1,147)  (826)  (761)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   —     —     —     (60,674)
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $(30,337) $(31,673) $(43,083) $(143,903)
   


 


 


 


Per common share – basic and diluted:

                 

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

  $(0.57) $(0.60) $(0.84) $(1.66)

Loss from discontinued operations

   (0.02)  (0.02)  (0.01)  (0.01)

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle

   —     —     —     (1.22)
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $(0.59) $(0.62) $(0.85) $(2.89)
   


 


 


 


The reported amounts for 2002 and the quarter ended March 31, 2003 above have been restated to reflect the Company’s discontinued operations discussed in Note 3.

Because loss per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common shares outstanding during each quarter, the sum of the per share amounts for the four quarters may not equal the total loss per share amounts for the year.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

On March 17, 2003 certain of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a definitive agreement with AAT Communications to sell 679 towers or, if AAT Communications elects to purchase an additional 122 towers, an aggregate of 801 towers, which represent substantially all of the Company’s towers in the western two-thirds of the U.S.  Gross proceeds from the sale are anticipated to be $160.0 million if 679 towers are sold, or $203.0 million if 801 towers are sold, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.  The AAT Transaction is expected to close in stages commencing on May 9, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2003.  The Company intends to use substantially all of the proceeds, net of anticipated transaction costs of approximately $5 million, to reduce indebtedness.  The sale is subject to a number of conditions, including an amendment to the senior credit facility.  As of December 31, 2002, the carrying value of the 679 towers included in the first part of the AAT Transaction was approximately $165.5 and the carrying value of the remaining 122 towers included in the second part of the AAT Transaction was approximately $30.5 million.

21.     QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

 

 

Quarters Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

December 31, 2002

 

September 30, 2002

 

June 30, 2002

 

March 31, 2002(1)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands except per share)

 

Revenues 

$

64,074

 

$

67,048

 

$

69,608

 

$

63,944

 

Gross profit 

 

27,369

 

 

27,832

 

 

29,335

 

 

28,024

 

Restructuring and other charges 

 

(1,133

)

 

(1,225

)

 

(21,085

)

 

(54,117

)

Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

(30,335

)

 

(31,673

)

 

(47,336

)

 

(83,229

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(80,592

)

Net loss 

 

(30,335

)

 

(31,673

)

 

(47,336

)

 

(163,821

)

Per common share – basic and diluted: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

$

(0.59

)

$

(0.62

)

$

(0.94

)

$

(1.70

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(1.64

)

Net loss 

 

(0.59

)

 

(0.62

)

 

(0.94

)

 

(3.34

)


 

 

Quarters Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

December 31, 2001

 

September 30, 2001

 

June 30, 2001

 

March 31, 2001

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands except per share)

 

Revenues 

$

69,150

 

$

63,033

 

$

57,755

 

$

52,956

 

Gross profit 

 

28,075

 

 

25,924

 

 

23,431

 

 

20,810

 

Restructuring and other charges 

 

—  

 

 

(24,399

)

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

Loss before extraordinary item 

 

(29,710

)

 

(49,118

)

 

(23,321

)

 

(17,927

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(5,069

)

Net loss 

 

(29,710

)

 

(49,118

)

 

(23,321

)

 

(22,996

)

Per common share – basic and diluted: 

 

 

 

 

       

 

Loss before extraordinary item 

$

(0.62

)

$

(1.03

)

$

(0.50

)

$

(0.38

)

Extraordinary item 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

—  

 

 

(0.11

)

Net loss 

 

(0.62

)

 

(1.03

)

 

(0.50

)

 

(0.49

)

(1)The reported amounts above for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 are different than the amounts previously reported in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.  This difference is a result of the $80.6 million cumulative effect charge related to the implementation of SFAS 142, which was recorded retroactive to the adoption date of January 1, 2002.  The charge increased the first quarter’s previously reported net loss of ($83.2) million, or ($1.70) per share to ($163.8) million, or ($3.34) per share.

F-29


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PREDECESSOR CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SCHEDULE

          We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated financial statements of SBA Communications Corporation, and have issued our reports thereon dated February 22, 2002. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of consolidated financial statements is the responsibility of the Company’s management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

West Palm Beach, Florida,
  February 22, 2002.

THIS IS A COPY OF THE REPORT ON SCHEDULE PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP IN CONNECTION WITH SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001.  THIS AUDIT REPORT HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP IN CONNECTION WITH THIS FILING ON FORM 10-K.  THE SCHEDULE LISTED UNDER ITEM 14 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR IS LISTED UNDER ITEM 15 IN THIS REPORT.

WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 7 OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 FOR ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT WE MAY FILE IN THE FUTURE.  ACCORDINGLY, INVESTORS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SUE ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP PURSUANT TO SECTION 11(A)(4) OF THE SECURITIES ACT WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND, THEREFORE, ULTIMATE RECOVERY FROM ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP MAY ALSO BE LIMITED AS A RESULT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP’S FINANCIAL CONDITION OR OTHER MATTERS RESULTING FROM THE VARIOUS CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAWSUITS AGAINST THAT FIRM.


SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESII

SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

 

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

 

Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses(1)

 

Deduction
From
Reserves(3)

 

Balance at
End of Period

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts For the Years Ended: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2002 

$

4,641

 

$

2,590

 

$

1,659

 

$

5,572

 

December 31, 2001 

$

2,117

 

$

2,661

(2)

$

137

 

$

4,641

 

December 31, 2000 

$

785

 

$

1,663

 

$

331

 

$

2,117

 

Tax Valuation Account For the Years Ended: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2002 

$

72,033

 

$

64,127

 

$

—  

 

$

136,160

 

December 31, 2001 

$

35,202

 

$

36,831

 

$

—  

 

$

72,033

 

December 31, 2000 

$

17,450

 

$

17,752

 

$

—  

 

$

35,202

 


   Balance at
Beginning
of Period


  Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses (1)


  Deduction
From
Reserves(3)


  Balance at
End of
Period


   (in thousands)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts For the Years Ended:

                

December 31, 2003

  $5,572  $3,554  $7,726  $1,400

December 31, 2002

  $5,921  $3,371  $3,720  $5,572

December 31, 2001

  $2,117  $3,941(2) $137  $5,921

Tax Valuation Account For the Years Ended:

                

December 31, 2003

  $118,549  $65,395  $—    $183,944

December 31, 2002

  $54,422  $64,127  $—    $118,549

December 31, 2001

  $35,202  $19,219  $—    $54,422



(1)

For tax valuation account, amounts include adjustments for stock option compensation.

(2)

Includes additions of $1,300 to allowance for doubtful accounts from acquired companies.

(3)

Represents accounts written off.


F-35