Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORP Interim / Quarterly Report 2017

May 8, 2017

30276_10-q_2017-05-08_5a4e86d3-91f9-4c62-ba7d-0b056b1652a9.zip

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

10-Q 1 sbac-20170331x10q.htm 10-Q HTML document created with Certent Disclosure Management 6.6.0.153 Created on: 5/8/2017 4:04:06 PM 20170331 Q1 10Q

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10- Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

OR

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 00 1 - 16853

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


Florida 65-0716501
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

8051 Congress Avenue
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:


Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 (NASDAQ Global Select Market)

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

None

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 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the r egistrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company , or an emerging growth company . See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company , ” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 — Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer

Non-Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company

 Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) . Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outst anding of each issuer’s classes of common stock , as of the latest practicable date: 12 1 , 301 , 176 s hares of Class A common stock as of April 30, 2017 .

Table of Contents

Table of Contents



Page
 PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016 1
 Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 2
 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 3
 Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 4
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 5
 Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 7
Item 2 . Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 21
I tem 3 . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 36
I tem 4 . Controls and Procedures 38

 PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2 . Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 39

Item 6 . Exhibits 39


 SIGNATURES 40

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except par values)



 March 31, December 31,
 2017 2016
ASSETS (unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 132,222 $ 146,109
Restricted cash 30,674 36,786
Accounts receivable, net 74,214 78,344
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts 13,108 11,127
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 51,049 52,205
Total current assets 301,267 324,571
Property and equipment, net 2,785,944 2,792,076
Intangible assets, net 3,605,548 3,656,924
Other assets 604,691 587,374
Total assets $ 7,297,450 $ 7,360,945
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 29,628 $ 28,320
Accrued expenses 53,956 61,129
Current maturities of long-term debt 20,000 627,157
Deferred revenue 96,039 101,098
Accrued interest 19,214 44,503
Other current liabilities 9,756 11,240
Total current liabilities 228,593 873,447
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net 8,646,174 8,148,426
Other long-term liabilities 339,177 334,993
Total long-term liabilities 8,985,351 8,483,419
Shareholders' deficit:
Preferred stock - par value $.01, 30,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outst.
Common stock - Class A, par value $.01, 400,000 shares authorized, 121,256
and 121,004 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017
and December 31, 2016, respectively 1,213 1,210
Additional paid-in capital 2,029,480 2,010,520
Accumulated deficit (3,604,288) (3,637,467)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (342,899) (370,184)
Total shareholders' deficit (1,916,494) (1,995,921)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit $ 7,297,450 $ 7,360,945

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

1

Table of Contents

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts)

 —  For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016
Revenues:
Site leasing $ 397,550 $ 374,450
Site development 25,813 25,319
Total revenues 423,363 399,769
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion,
and amortization shown below):
Cost of site leasing 89,382 82,762
Cost of site development 21,588 19,833
Selling, general, and administrative (1) 34,223 30,406
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 2,969 3,182
Asset impairment and decommission costs 8,351 6,183
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization 159,031 159,801
Total operating expenses 315,544 302,167
Operating income 107,819 97,602
Other income (expense):
Interest income 3,234 1,866
Interest expense (77,602) (83,804)
Non-cash interest expense (705) (455)
Amortization of deferred financing fees (6,698) (5,265)
Other income (expense), net 14,948 45,900
Total other expense (66,823) (41,758)
Income before provision for income taxes 40,996 55,844
Provision for income taxes (3,398) (2,205)
Net income $ 37,598 $ 53,639
Net income per common share
Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.43
Diluted $ 0.31 $ 0.43
Weighted average number of common shares
Basic 121,049 125,398
Diluted 121,734 126,124

(1) Includes non-cash compensation of $8,826 and $7,686 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

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

2

Table of Contents

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited) (in thousands)



 For the three months
 ended March 31,

 2017 2016
Net income $ 37,598 $ 53,639
Foreign currency translation adjustments 27,285 60,693
Comprehensive income $ 64,883 $ 114,332

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

3

Table of Contents

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS ’ DEFICIT

(unaudited) (in thousands)



 Accumulated
 Class A Additional Other
 Common Stock Paid-In Accumulated Comprehensive
 Shares Amount Capital Deficit Loss Total

BALANCE, December 31, 2016 121,004 $ 1,210 $ 2,010,520 $ (3,637,467) $ (370,184) $ (1,995,921)
Net income 37,598 37,598
Common stock issued in connection with
stock purchase/option plans 294 3 9,490 9,493
Non-cash compensation 9,470 9,470
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (42) (4,419) (4,419)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 27,285 27,285
BALANCE, March 31, 2017 121,256 $ 1,213 $ 2,029,480 $ (3,604,288) $ (342,899) $ (1,916,494)

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

4

Table of Contents

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited) (in thousands)



 For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 37,598 $ 53,639
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization 159,031 159,801
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs 7,047 4,196
Non-cash compensation expense 9,277 7,785
Amortization of deferred financing fees 6,698 5,265
Gain on remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan (13,659) (44,765)
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations 35 (121)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of
billings on uncompleted contracts, net 1,444 90
Prepaid expenses and other assets (4,777) (12,266)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (3,899) (8,277)
Accrued interest (25,290) (14,552)
Other liabilities (1,199) (6,151)
Net cash provided by operating activities 172,306 144,644
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions (42,651) (91,832)
Capital expenditures (35,747) (36,060)
Other investing activities (5,879) (4,447)
Net cash used in investing activities (84,277) (132,339)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility 70,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility (110,000) (50,000)
Repayment of Term Loans (5,000) (5,000)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, inclusive of fees (4,419) (50,012)
Other financing activities 7,147 1,689
Net cash used in financing activities (112,272) (33,323)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 3,744 6,032

NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH (20,499) (14,986)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period 185,970 146,619
End of period $ 165,471 $ 131,633

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

5

Table of Contents

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)



 For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 102,875 $ 98,434
Income taxes $ 2,806 $ 2,359

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Assets acquired through capital leases $ — $ 273

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

6

Table of Contents

SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 for SBA Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, omit or condense certain footnotes and other information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair financial statement presentation have been made. The results of operations for an interim period may not give a true indication of the results for the year. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts or balances to conform to the presentati on adopted in the current year.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, the actual amounts, when known, may vary from these estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for the Company’s Central American subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries which are not denominated in U.S. dollars are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are remeasured at monthly average rates prevailing during the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the U.S. dollar as its functional currency are translated at period-end rates of exchange, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Unrealized remeasurement gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit.

Intercompany Loans

In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in O ther income (expense), ne t in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as settlement is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future . F or the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , t he Company recorded a $13.7 million gain and a $44.8 million gain, respectively, on the remeasurement of intercompany loans. As of March 31, 2017 , the outstanding balance under this agreement was $433.3 million.

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard provides guidance to help entities determine whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 provides revised guidance to determine when an acquisition meets the definition of a business or should be accounted for as an asset acquisition, likely resulting in more acquisitions being accounted for as asset acquisitions as opposed to business combinations. The Company adopted this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2017. Under this update, substantially all of the Company’s acquisitions are expected to qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For asset acquisitions, external, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired, while internal costs related to the asset acquisition will continue to be expensed as incurred. Additionally, earnout liabilities will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB released an updated standard regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The core principle of the standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects

7

Table of Contents

to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted but not before the first quarter of 2017. This standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect being recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the standard and does not expect a material financial statement impact upon adoption since the standard only affects the Company’s site development segment which represents approximately 6% of the Company’s total revenues.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The accounting for lessors remains largely unchanged from existing guidance. This standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has established a cross functional project plan to assess the impact of the standard, expects this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet due to the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases with a term greater than 12 months, and continues to assess additional impacts to its consolidated financial statements, including the consolidated statement of operations.

2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis — The Company’s earnout liabilities related to business combinations are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs and are recorded in Accrued expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in estimate are recorded in Acquisition related adjustments and expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company determines the fair value of earnouts (contingent consideration) and any subsequent changes in fair value using a discounted probability-weighted approach using Level 3 inputs. Level 3 valuations rely on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The fair value of the earnouts is reviewed quarterly and is based on the payments the Company expects to make based on historical internal observations related to the anticipated performance of the underlying assets. The Company’s estimate of the fair value of its obligation contained in various acquisitions prior to January 1, 2017 was $3.7 million and $4.1 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets prior to January 1, 2017 was $5.0 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis — The Company’s long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. The Company considers many factors and makes 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. The fair value of the long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations is calculated using a discounted cash flow model.

Asset impairment and decommission costs for all periods presented and the related impaired assets primarily relate to the Company’s site leasing operating segment. The following summarizes the activity of asset impairment and decommission costs (in thousands) :



 For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016

Asset impairment (1) $ 3,014 $ —
Write-off of carrying value of decommissioned towers 3,971 4,196
Other third party decommission costs 1,366 1,987
Total asset impairment and decommission costs $ 8,351 $ 6,183

(1) Represents impairment charges resulting from the Company’s analysis that the future cash flows from certain towers would not recover the carrying value of the investment in those towers .

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, and short-term investments approximate their estimated fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments.

8

Table of Contents

Short-term investments consisted of $0.2 million in Treasury securities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company’s estimate of the fair value of its held-to-maturity investments in treasury and corporate bonds, including current portion, are based primarily upon Level 1 reported market values. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying value and fair value of the held -to-maturity investments were $0.7 million . These amounts are recorded in O ther assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company determines fair value of its debt instruments utilizing various Level 2 sources including quoted prices and indicative quotes (non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility is considered to approximate the carrying value because the interest payments are based on Eurodollar rates that reset weekly or month ly . The Company does not believe its credit risk has changed materially from the date the applicable Eurodollar Rate plus 137.5 to 200.0 basis points was set for the Revolving Credit Facility. Refer to Note 10 for the fair values, principal balances, and carrying values of the Company’s debt instruments.

3. RESTRICTED CASH

The cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances on the consolidated statement of cash flows consists of the following:



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Included on Balance Sheet

 (in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents $ 132,222 $ 146,109
Securitization escrow accounts 30,487 36,607 Restricted cash - current asset
Payment and performance bonds 187 179 Restricted cash - current asset
Surety bonds and workers compensation 2,575 3,075 Other assets - noncurrent
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 165,471 $ 185,970

Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities (see Note 10), the Company is required to establish a securitization escrow account, held by the indenture trustee, into which all rents and other sums due on the towers that secure the Tower Securities are directly deposited by the lessees. These restricted cash amounts are used to fund reserve accounts for the payment of (1) debt service costs, (2) ground rents, real estate and personal property taxes and insurance premiums related to towers, (3) trustee and servicing expenses, and (4) management fees. The restricted cash in the securitization escrow account in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Borrowers (as defined in Note 10) monthly, provided that the Borrowers are in compliance with their debt service coverage ratio and that no event of default has occurred. All monies held by the indenture trustee are classified as restricted cash on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Payment and performance bonds relate primarily to collateral requirements for tower construction currently in process by the Company. Cash is pledged as collateral related to surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary course of business and primarily relate d to the Company’s tower removal obligations. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $38.8 million and $39.2 million in surety , payment and performance bonds, respectively, for which it wa s only required to post $0.0 million and $0.5 million in collateral as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively . The Company periodically evaluates the collateral posted for its bonds to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had also pledged $2.5 million as collateral related to its workers compensation policy.

9

Table of Contents

4. OTHER ASSETS

The Company’s other assets are comprised of the following:



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016

 (in thousands)
Long-term investments $ 8,379 $ 7,884
Prepaid land rent 194,819 191,615
Straight-line rent receivable 307,535 302,893
Deferred lease costs, net 29,172 29,660
Other 64,786 55,322
Total other assets $ 604,691 $ 587,374

5. ACQUISITIONS

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash acquisition capital expenditures:



 For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016

 (in thousands)
Towers and related intangible assets $ 31,147 $ 74,844
Land buyouts and other assets (1) 11,504 16,988
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 42,651 $ 91,832

(1) In addition, the Company paid $2.7 million and $3.6 million for ground lease extensions during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company’s acquisitions generally qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For acquisitions which qualify as asset acquisitions, the aggregate purchase price is allocated on a relative fair value basis to non-current, non-financial assets.

The fair values of these net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management at the time. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could be subject to a possible impairment of the intangible assets, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent periods.

For Business Combinations, the estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition are subject to adjustment during the measurement period (up to one year from the particular acquisition date). During the measurement period, the Company will adjust assets and/or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in a revised estimated value of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocations that are not yet finalized relate to the fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration and any related tax impact.

The maximum pote ntial obligation related to performance targets for business combinations and asset acqui sitions was $8.6 million and $5.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

10

Table of Contents

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company acquired 90 completed towers and related assets and liabilities for $31.1 million in cash consisting of $12.1 million of property and equipment, $17.6 million of intangible assets, and $1.4 million of working capital adjustments.

Subsequent to March 31, 2017 , the Company acquired 9 towers and related assets for $5.6 million in cash.

6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The following table provides the gross and net carrying amounts for each major class of intangible assets:



 As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book
 amount amortization value amount amortization value

 (in thousands)
Current contract intangibles $ 4,179,583 $ (1,473,948) $ 2,705,635 $ 4,141,968 $ (1,401,025) $ 2,740,943
Network location intangibles 1,525,534 (625,621) 899,913 1,515,348 (599,367) 915,981
Intangible assets, net $ 5,705,117 $ (2,099,569) $ 3,605,548 $ 5,657,316 $ (2,000,392) $ 3,656,924

All intangible assets noted above are included in the Company’s site leasing segment. The Company amortizes its intangible assets using the straight-line method over 15 years. Amortization expense relating to the intangible assets above was $94.9 million and $90.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively .

7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net (including assets held under capital leases) consists of the following:



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016

 (in thousands)
Towers and related components $ 4,601,648 $ 4,563,756
Construction-in-process 42,266 38,926
Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 51,004 50,671
Land, buildings, and improvements 590,869 578,680
Total property and equipment 5,285,787 5,232,033
Less: accumulated depreciation (2,499,843) (2,439,957)
Property and equipment, net $ 2,785,944 $ 2,792,076

Construction-in-process represents costs incurred related to towers that are under development and will be used in the Company’s operations. Depreciation expense was $64.1 million and $69.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , non-cash capital expenditures that are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were $4.7 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

11

Table of Contents

8. COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS

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



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016

 (in thousands)
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 29,946 $ 34,577
Estimated earnings 10,592 11,185
Billings to date (27,721) (36,027)
 $ 12,817 $ 9,735

These amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions:



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016

 (in thousands)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 13,108 $ 11,127
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on
uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (291) (1,392)
 $ 12,817 $ 9,735

Eight significant customers comprised 88.2% and 81.6% of the costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

9. ACCRUED EXPENSES

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



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016

 (in thousands)
Accrued earnouts $ 3,667 $ 4,128
Salaries and benefits 8,115 11,910
Real estate and property taxes 7,077 7,644
Other 35,097 37,447
Total accrued expenses $ 53,956 $ 61,129

12

Table of Contents

10. DEBT

The principal values, fair values, and carrying values of debt consist of the following (in thousands):



 As of As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Maturity Date Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value
2014 Senior Notes July 15, 2022 $ 750,000 $ 759,375 $ 737,505 $ 750,000 $ 763,125 $ 736,992
2016 Senior Notes Sep. 1, 2024 1,100,000 1,083,500 1,079,520 1,100,000 1,083,500 1,078,954
2012-1C Tower Securities Dec. 11, 2017 610,000 610,171 607,905 610,000 610,165 607,157
2013-1C Tower Securities April 10, 2018 425,000 423,827 423,192 425,000 423,381 422,768
2013-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2023 575,000 576,777 567,807 575,000 563,322 567,545
2013-1D Tower Securities April 10, 2018 330,000 330,281 328,560 330,000 334,521 328,225
2014-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2019 920,000 923,183 912,889 920,000 922,199 912,219
2014-2C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2024 620,000 619,932 612,843 620,000 608,921 612,641
2015-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2020 500,000 502,555 491,828 500,000 495,145 491,289
2016-1C Tower Securities July 9, 2021 700,000 695,877 691,752 700,000 688,072 691,322
Revolving Credit Facility Feb. 5, 2020 280,000 280,000 280,000 390,000 390,000 390,000
2014 Term Loan Mar. 24, 2021 1,458,750 1,460,573 1,448,858 1,462,500 1,467,984 1,452,039
2015 Term Loan June 10, 2022 491,250 491,250 483,515 492,500 494,347 484,432
Total debt $ 8,760,000 $ 8,757,301 $ 8,666,174 $ 8,875,000 $ 8,844,682 $ 8,775,583
Less: current maturities of long-term debt (20,000) (627,157)
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 8,646,174 $ 8,148,426

13

Table of Contents

The table below reflects cash and non-cash interest expense amounts recognized by debt instrument for the periods presented:



 For the three months ended March 31,
 2017 2016
 Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash
 Interest Interest Interest Interest


5.625% Senior Notes $ — $ — $ 7,031
5.75% Senior Notes 11,500
2014 Senior Notes 9,141 178 9,141 169
2016 Senior Notes 13,406 234
2010-2C Tower Securities 7,058
2012-1C Tower Securities 4,524 4,534
2013 Tower Securities 10,804 10,804
2014 Tower Securities 12,785 12,785
2015-1C Tower Securities 3,985 3,985
2016-1C Tower Securities 5,090
Revolving Credit Facility 2,770 833
2014 Term Loan 11,284 128 12,138 125
2015 Term Loan 3,800 165 4,087 161
Capitalized interest and other 13 (92)
Total $ 77,602 $ 705 $ 83,804 $ 455

Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit Agreement

The Revolving Credit Facility is governed by the Senior Credit Agreement. T he Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan under which up to $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, based upon specific financial ratios and subject to the satisfaction of other customary conditions to borrowing. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility accrue interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranges from 137.5 basis points to 200.0 basis points or (ii) the Base Rate plus a margin that ranges from 37.5 basis points to 100.0 basis points, in each case based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA, calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement. In addition, SBA Senior Finance II is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on the amount of unused commitment. If not earlier terminated by SBA Senior Finance II, the Revolving Credit Facility will terminate on, and SBA Senior Finance II will repay all amounts outstanding on or before, February 5, 2020 . The proceeds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes. SBA Senior Finance II may, from time to time, borrow from and repay the Revolving Credit Facility. Consequently, the amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at the end of a period may not be reflective of the total amounts outstanding during such period.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company repaid $110.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. A s of March 31, 2017 , SBA Senior Finance II was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit Agreement.

Subsequent to March 31, 2017 , the Company repaid $190.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.

14

Table of Contents

Term Loans under the Senior Credit Agreement

Repricing Amendment to the Senior Credit Agreement

On January 20, 2017, SBA Senior Finance II amended its Senior Credit Agreement, primarily to reduce the stated rate of interest applicable to its senior secured term loans. As amended, the senior secured term loans accrue interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 125 basis points (with a zero Base Rate floor) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 225 basis points (with a zero Eurodollar Rate floor).

2014 Term Loan

The 2014 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion that mature s on March 24, 2021 . Prior to the reduction in the term loan interest rates as discussed above, th e 2014 Term Loan accrue d interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 150 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 1.75% ) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75% ). The 2014 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2014 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.24% per annum. Principal payments on the 2014 Term Loan commenced on September 30, 2014 and are be ing made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $3.8 million. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2014 Term Loan. To the extent not previously repaid, the 2014 Term Loan will be due and payable on the maturity date. However, to the extent the 2014 Term Loan is prepaid prior to July 20, 2017 from proceeds of certain refinancing or repricing transactions, a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of such prepayment will apply. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $14.1 million in relation to this transaction which are being amort ized through the maturity date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company repaid $ 3.8 million of principal on the 2014 Term Loan. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2014 Term Loan had a principal balance of $1.5 billion.

2015 Term Loan

The 2015 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million that matures on June 10, 2022 . Prior to the reduction in the term loan interest rates as discussed above, th e 2015 Term Loan accrue d interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 150 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 1.75% ) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75% ). The 2015 Term Loan was issued at 99.0% of par value. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2015 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.24% per annum. Principal payments on the 2015 Term Loan commence d on September 30, 2015 and are being made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $1.3 million. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2015 Term Loan. To the extent not previously repaid, the 2015 Term Loan will be due and payable on the maturity date. However, to the extent the 2015 Term Loan is prepaid prior to July 20, 2017 from proceeds of certain refinancing or repricing transactions, a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of such prepayment will apply. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $5.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amort ized through the maturity date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company repaid $1.3 million of principal on the 2015 Term Loan. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2015 Term Loan had a principal balance of $491.3 million.

Secured Tower Revenue Securities

2012 -1C Tower Securities

On August 9, 2012, the Company, through a New York common law trust (the “ Trust ”) , issued $610.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2012-1C (the “2012 -1C Tower Securities”) which ha d an anticipated repayment date of December 11, 2017 and a final maturity date of December 9, 2042 . The fixed interest rate of the 2012 -1C Tower Securities wa s 2.933% per annum, payable monthly. The Company had incurred deferred financing fees of $14.9 million in relation to this transaction which we re being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2012 -1C Tower Securities.

On April 17 , 2017, the Company repaid in full the 2012-1C Tower Securities with proceeds from the 201 7 -1C Tower Securities . In con n e ction with the prepayment, the Company expensed $ 2 .0 million of net deferred financing fees.

15

Table of Contents

The sole asset of the Trust consists of a non-recourse mortgage loan made in favor of those entities that are borrowers on the mortgage loan (the “Borrowers”).

2013 Tower Securities

On April 18, 2013, the Company, through the Trust, issued $425.0 million of 2.240% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 10, 2018 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2043 (the “2013-1C Tower Securities”) , $575.0 million of 3.722% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2023 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2048 (the “ 2013-2C Tower Securities”) , and $330.0 million of 3.598% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D which have an anticipated repayment date of April 10, 2018 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2043 (the “2013-1D Tower Securities”) (collectively the “2013 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.33 billion of 2013 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.218% per annum, payable monthly. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $25.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2013 Tower Securities.

2014 Tower Securities

On October 15, 2014, the Company, through the Trust, issued $920.0 million of 2.898% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2019 and a final maturity date of October 11, 2044 (the “2014-1C Tower Securities”) and $620.0 million of 3.869% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2024 and a final maturity date of October 8, 2049 (the “2014-2C Tower Securities”) (collectively the “2014 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.54 billion of 2014 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.289% per annum, payable monthly . The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $22.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2014 Tower Securities.

201 5-1C Tower Securities

On October 1 4 , 201 5 , the Company, through the Trust, issued $500.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 201 5 -1C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2020 and a final maturity date of October 10, 2045 (the “201 5-1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate of the 2015-1C Tower Securities is 3.156% per annum, payable monthly. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $11.2 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 201 5-1C Tower Securities.

201 6-1C Tower Securities

On July 7, 2016, the Company, through the Trust , issued $700.0 million of Secured Tower R evenue Securities Series 2016-1 C which have an anticipated repayment date of July 9, 2021 and a final maturity date of July 10, 2046 (the “2016 -1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate of the 2016-1C Tower Securities is 2.877% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the full $550.0 million outstanding on the 2010 -2C Tower Securities and for general corporate purposes. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $9.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2016-1C Tower Securities.

201 7-1C Tower Securities

On April 17 , 2017, the Company, through the Trust, issued $760.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the “2017-1C Tower Securities ” ). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1C Tower Securities is 3.168% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the entire $61 0.0 million aggregate principal amount , as well as accrued and unpaid interest, of the 2012-1C Tower Securities and for general corporate purposes. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $ 9.7 million to date in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2017-1C Tower Securities .

In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Comp any, purchased $40.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1R issued by the Trust which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the “2017-1R Tower Securities ” ). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1R Tower Securities is 4.459% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2017-1R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation.

16

Table of Contents

Debt Covenants

As of March 31, 2017 , the Borrowers met the debt service coverage ratio required by the mortgage loan agreement and were in compliance with all other covenants as set forth in the agreement.

Senior Notes

2014 Senior Notes

On July 1, 2014, the Company issued $750.0 million of unsecured senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “2014 Senior Notes”). The 2014 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2014 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $11.6 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.

2016 S enior Notes

On August 15, 2016, the Company issued $1.1 billion of unsecured senior notes due September 1, 2024 (the “2016 Senior Notes”). The 2016 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2016 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on March 1, 2017. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $12.8 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. Net proceeds from this offering and cash on hand were used to redeem $800.0 million, the aggregate principal amount outstanding, of Telecommunications’ 5.75% Senior Notes and $250.0 million of the Compan y’s 5.625% Senior Notes and pay the associated call premiums.

11. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock equivalents

The Company has potential common stock equivalents (see Note 12) related to its outstanding stock options and restricted stock units . These potential common stock equivalents were considered in the C ompany’s diluted earnings per share calculation (see Note 15).

Stock Repurchases

On June 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan. This plan authorized the Company to purchase, from time to time, up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company repurchased 42,163 shares of its Class A common stock for $4.4 million, at an average price per share of $104.81 under this plan. Shares purchased were retired.

On January 12, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase plan, replacing the plan authorized on June 4, 2015 which had a remaining authorization of $150.0 million. This plan authorizes the Company to purchase, from time to time, up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. Shares purchased will be retired. The new plan has no time deadline and will continue until otherwise modified or terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors at any time in its sole discretion. As of the date of this filing, the Company had the full $1.0 billion authorization remaining under the current stock repurchase program.

17

Table of Contents

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Options

The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company uses a combination of historical data and historical volatility to establish the expected volatility. Historical data is used to estimate the expected option life. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:



 For the three months ended
 March 31,
 2017 2016

Risk free interest rate 1.91% 1.33% - 1.43%
Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%
Expected volatility 20 % 20 %
Expected lives 4.6 years 4.7 years

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as follows (dollars and number of shares in thousands, except for per share data):



 Weighted-
 Weighted- Average
 Average Remaining
 Number Exercise Price Contractual Aggregate
 of Shares Per Share Life (in years) Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 4,447 $ 93.09
Granted 1,149 $ 115.17
Exercised (213) $ 62.99
Canceled (20) $ 102.89
Outstanding at March 31, 2017 5,363 $ 98.98 5.0 $ 118,838
Exercisable at March 31, 2017 2,451 $ 87.48 3.8 $ 82,673
Unvested at March 31, 2017 2,912 $ 108.66 6.0 $ 36,165

The weighted-average per share fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $23.84 . The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $11.0 million.

18

Table of Contents

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 :



 Weighted-
 Average
 Grant Date
 Number of Fair Value per
 Shares Share
 (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 291 $ 101.74
Granted 161 $ 115.17
Vested (115) $ 98.50
Forfeited/canceled (2) $ 105.21
Outstanding at March 31, 2017 335 $ 109.29

13. INCOME TAXES

The primary reason for the difference in the Company’s effective tax rate and the U . S . statutory rate is a result of the Company ’s REIT election and the Company having a full valuation allowance on the U.S. net deferred tax assets of the taxable REIT subsidiary . The Company has concluded that it is not more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized and has recorded a full valuation allowance. A foreign tax provision is recognized because certain international subsidiaries of the Company have profitable operations or are in a net deferred tax liability position.

The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with its taxable year ending December 31, 2016. As a REIT, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on that portion of its net income that it distributes to its shareholders. As a REIT, the Company will continue to pay U.S. federal income tax on earnings, if any, from assets and operations held through its taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). These assets and operations currently consist primarily of the Company’s site development services and its international operations. The Company’s international operations would continue to be subject, as applicable, to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those operations are located. The Company may also be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local and foreign income, property and other taxes on its assets and operations. The Company’s determination as to the timing and amount of future dividend distributions will be based on a number of factors, including REIT distribution requirements, its existing federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2016, the Company’s financial condition, earnings, debt covenants, and other possible uses of such funds. The Company may use these NOLs to offset its REIT taxable income, and thus any required distributions to shareholders may be reduced or eliminated until such time as the NOLs have been fully utilized .

14. SEGMENT DATA

The Company operates principally in two business segments : site leasing and site development . The Company’s site leasing business includes two reportable segments , domestic site leasing and international site leasing. The Company’s business segments are strategic business units that offer different services . They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. The site leasing segment include s results of the managed and sublease businesses. The site development segment includes the results of both consulting and construction related activities. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker utilizes segment operating profit and operating income as his two measures of segment profit in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level.

19

Table of Contents

Revenues, cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion and amortization), 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 continues to operate are presented below.



 Not
 Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Identified by
 Leasing Leasing Development Segment Total

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 (in thousands)
Revenues $ 321,130 $ 76,420 $ 25,813 $ — $ 423,363
Cost of revenues (2) 65,427 23,955 21,588 110,970
Operating profit 255,703 52,465 4,225 312,393
Selling, general, and administrative 19,356 5,959 3,617 5,291 34,223
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 1,901 1,068 2,969
Asset impairment and decommission costs 7,430 816 105 8,351
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 123,896 32,825 711 1,599 159,031
Operating income (loss) 103,120 11,797 (208) (6,890) 107,819
Other expense (principally interest expense
and other income (expense)) (66,823) (66,823)
Income before provision for income taxes 40,996
Cash capital expenditures (3) 50,433 26,890 133 942 78,398

For the three months ended March 31, 2016
Revenues $ 315,230 $ 59,220 $ 25,319 $ — $ 399,769
Cost of revenues (2) 64,475 18,287 19,833 102,595
Operating profit 250,755 40,933 5,486 297,174
Selling, general, and administrative 17,998 4,385 3,537 4,486 30,406
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 1,842 1,340 3,182
Asset impairment and decommission costs 6,021 162 6,183
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 131,393 26,877 1,025 506 159,801
Operating income (loss) 93,501 8,169 924 (4,992) 97,602
Other expense (principally interest expense
and other income (expense)) (41,758) (41,758)
Income before provision for income taxes 55,844
Cash capital expenditures (3) 105,353 21,380 556 876 128,165


 Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified
 Leasing Leasing Development by Segment (1) Total

 (in thousands)
Assets
As of March 31, 2017 $ 5,313,286 $ 1,856,435 $ 37,787 $ 89,942 $ 7,297,450
As of December 31, 2016 $ 5,396,394 $ 1,839,703 $ 43,769 $ 81,079 $ 7,360,945

20

Table of Contents

(1) Assets not identified by segment consist primarily of general corporate assets.

(2) Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.

(3) Includes cash paid for capital expenditures and acquisitions and vehicle capital lease additions .

15. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share was computed by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings per share was calculated by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding ad justed for any dilutive Common Stock equivalents, including unvested restricted stock and shares issuable upon exercise of stock options as determined under the “If-Converted” method and also Common Stock warrants as determined under the “Treasury Stock” method.

The following table sets forth basic and diluted net income per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data):



 For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016
Numerator:
Net income $ 37,598 $ 53,639
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 121,049 125,398
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares 685 726
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 121,734 126,124
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.43
Diluted $ 0.31 $ 0.43

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded an additional 2.4 million shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options because th e impact would be anti-dilutive .

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We are a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communica tions infrastructure, including tower structures, rooftops and other structures that support antennas used for wireless communications, which we collectively refer to as “towers” or “sites.” Our principal operations are in the United States and its territories. In addition, we own and operate towers in South America, Central America, and Canada . Our primary business line is our site leasing business, which contributed 98.6% of our total segment operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . In our site leasing business, we (1) lease antenna space to wireless service providers on towers that we own or operate and (2) manage rooftop and tower sites for property owners under various contractual arrangements. As of March 31, 2017 , we owned 26,284 towers , a substantial portion of which have been built by us or built by other tower owners or operators who, like us, have built such towers to lease space to multiple wireless service providers. We also managed or leased approximately 5,000 actual or potential tower s, approximately 500 of which were revenue producing as of March 31, 2017 . Our other business line is our site development business, through which we assist wireless service providers in developing and maintaining their own wireless service networks.

REIT Conversion

We believe that our business has been operated in a manner that complies with the REIT rules since January 1, 2016, and as a result, we made the election to be subject to tax as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2016. A REIT is a

21

Table of Contents

corporation that qualifies for special treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes because, among other things, it derives most of its income from real estate-based sources and makes a special election under the Code. We operate as a REIT that principally invests in, and derives most of its income from the ownership, operation and leasing of, towers. As a REIT, we generally will be entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and therefore not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on that portion of our net income that we distribute to our shareholders. However, we will continue to pay U.S. federal income tax on earnings, if any, from assets and operations held through TRSs. These assets and operations currently consist primarily of our site development services and our international operations. Our international operations will continue to be subject, as applicable, to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those operations are located. We may also be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local and foreign income, property and other taxes on our assets and operations.

As a REIT, we will generally be required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income after the utilization of any available NOLs (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year to our shareholders. In addition to the REIT distribution requirements , our determination as to the timing and amount of future dividend distributions will be based on a number of factors, including investment opportunities around our core business, the availability of our existing federal NOLs of approximately $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2016 that are attributes of the REIT, our financial condition, earnings, debt covenants, and other possible uses of such funds. We may use these NOLs to offset our REIT taxable income, and thus any required distributions to shareholders may be reduced or eliminated until such time as the NOLs have been fully utilized.

Site Leasing Services

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 in the United States, Canada, Central America, and South America . As of March 31, 2017 , (1) no U.S. state or territory included more than 10% of our total tower portfolio by tower count, and (2) no U.S. state or territory accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . In addition, as of March 31, 2017 , approximately 27.7 % of our total towers are located in Brazil and less than 3% of our total towers are located in each of our other international markets (each country is considered a market). We derive s ite leasing revenues primarily from wireless service provider tenants, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Oi S.A. , Telefonica , Claro , and TIM . Wireless service providers enter into tenant leases with us, each of which relates to the lease or use of space at an individual site . In the United States and Canada, our tenant leases are generally for an initial term of five to ten years with five 5-year renewal periods at the option of the tenant. These tenant leases typically contain specific rent escalators, which average 3-4% per year, including the renewal option periods. Tenant leases in our Central American and South American markets typically have an initial term of ten years with multiple five year renewal periods. In Central America, we have similar rent escalators to that of leases in the United States and Canada while our leases in South America escalate in accordance with a standard cost of living index. Site leases in South America typically provide for a fixed rental amount and a pass through charge for the underlying ground lease rent.

In our Central American markets and Ecuador , significantly all of our revenue, expenses, and capital expenditures arising from our new build activities are denominated in U.S. dollars. Specifically, most of our ground leases, tenant leases, and tower-related expenses are due and paid in U.S. dollars. In our Central American markets, our local currency obligations are principally limited to (1) permitting and other local fees, (2) utilities, and (3) taxes. In our Brazilian , Canadian, and Chilean operations, significantly all of our revenue , expenses , and capital expenditures, including tenant leases, ground leases, and other tower-related expenses are denominated in local currency.

Cost of site leasing revenue primarily consists of:

· Rental payments on ground leases and other underlying property interests;

· Straight-line rent adjustment for the difference between rental payments made and the expense recorded as if the payments had been made evenly throughout the lease term (which may include renewal terms) of the underlying property interests;

· Property taxes;

· Site maintenance and monitoring costs (exclusive of employee related costs);

· Utilities;

· Property insurance; and

· Deferred lease origination cost amortization.

Ground leases are generally for an initial term of five years or more with multiple renewal terms of five - year periods at our option and provide for rent escalators which typically average 2-3% annually, or in our South American markets, adjust in accordance

22

Table of Contents

with a standard cost of living index. As of March 31, 2017 , approximately 72% of our tower structures were located on parcels of land that we own, land subject to perpetual easements, or parcels of land in which we have a leasehold interest that extends beyond 20 years. For any given tower, costs are relatively fixed over a monthly or an annual time period. As such, operating costs for owned towers do not generally increase as a result of adding additional customers to the tower. The amount of direct costs associated with operating a tower varies from site to site depending on the taxing jurisdiction and the height and age of the tower. The ongoing maintenance requirements are typically minimal and include replacing lighting systems, painting a tower, or upgrading or repairing an access road or fencing.

As indicated in the table below, our site leasing business generates substantially all of our total segment operating profit. For information regarding our operating segments, see Note 14 of our Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report.



 For the three months ended
 March 31,

Segment operating profit as a percentage of total 2017 2016

Domestic site leasing 81.9% 84.4%
International site leasing 16.7% 13.8%
Total site leasing 98.6% 98.2%

We believe that over the long-term, site leasing revenues will continue to grow as wireless service providers lease additional antenna space on our towers due to increasing minutes of network use and data transfer, network expansion and network coverage requirements. During 2017, we expect organic site leasing revenue in both our domestic and international segments to be consistent with our growth in 2016. We believe our site leasing business is characterized by stable and long-term recurring revenues, predictable operating costs and minimal non-discretionary capital expenditures. Due to the relatively young age and mix of our tower portfolio, we expect future expenditures required to maintain these towers to be minimal. Consequently, we expect to grow our cash flows by (1) adding tenants to our towers at minimal incremental costs by using existing tower capacity or requiring wireless service providers to bear all or a portion of the cost of tower modifications and (2) executing monetary amendments as wireless service providers add or upgrade their equipment. Furthermore, because our towers are strategically positioned and our customers typically do not relocate, we have historically experienced low tenant lease terminations as a percentage of revenue other than in connection with customer consolidation or cessations of specific technology (e.g. iD EN , MetroPCS, Clearwire, and Cricket ) .

Site Development Services

Our site development business, which is conducted in the United States only, is complementary to our site leasing business and provides us the ability to keep in close contact with the wireless service providers who generate substantially all of our site leasing revenue and to capture ancillary revenues that are generated by our site leasing activities, such as antenna and equipment installation at our tower locations. Site development services revenues are earned primarily from providing a full range of end to end services to wireless service providers or companies providing development or project management services to wireless service providers. Our services include: (1) network pre-design; (2) site audits; (3) identification of potential locations for towers and antennas on existing infrastructure ; (4) support in leasing of the location; (5) assistance in obtaining zoning approvals and permits; (6) tower and related site construction; (7) antenna installation; and (8) radio equipment installation, commissioning, and maintenance. We provide site development services at our towers and at towers owned by others on a local basis, through regional, market , and project offices. The market offices are responsible for all site development operations .

Capital Allocation Strategy

Our capital allocation strategy is to prioritize investment in quality assets that meet our return criteria and then stock repurchases when we believe our stock price is below its intrinsic value. A primary goal of our capital allocation strategy is to increase our Adjusted Funds From Operations per share. To achieve this, we expect we would continue to deploy capital between portfolio growth and stock repurchases, subject to compliance with REIT distribution requirements, available funds and market conditions, while maintaining our target leverage levels. Key elements of our capital allocation strategy include:

Portfolio Growth. We intend to continue to grow our tower portfolio, domestically and internationally, through tower acquisitions and the construction of new towers.

23

Table of Contents

Stock repurchase program. We currently utilize stock repurchases as part of our capital allocation policy when we believe our share price is below intrinsic value. W e believe that share repurchases, when purchased at the right price, will facilitate our goal of increasing our Adjusted Funds From Operations per share.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have identified the policies and significant estimation processes listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 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 2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Our preparation of our financial 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.

Acquisitions

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard provides guidance to help entities determine whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 provides revised guidance to determine when an acquisition meets the definition of a business or should be accounted for as an asset acquisition. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 and all changes will be accounted for prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 did not have a material impact on our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Our acquisitions generally qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For acquisitions which qualify as asset acquisitions, the aggregate purchase price is allocated on a relative fair value basis to non-current, non-financial assets. For asset acquisitions, external, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired.

We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at fair market value at the date of each acquisition and the results of operations of the acquired assets are included with those from the dates of the respective acquisitions. We continue to evaluate all acquisitions for a period not to exceed one year after the applicable closing date of each transaction to determine whether any additional adjustments are needed to the allocation of the purchase price paid for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of information available at the acquisition date.

The fair values of net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management at the time. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could be subject to a possible impairment of the intangible assets, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent periods.

The intangible assets represent the value associated with the current leases at the acquisition date (“Current contract intangibles”) and future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the towers (“Network location intangibles”) and were calculated using the discounted values of the current or future expected cash flows. The intangible assets are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years.

In connection with certain acquisitions, we may agree to pay contingent consideration (or earnouts) in cash or stock if the communication sites or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets over a period of one to three years after they have been acquired. We accrue for contingent consideration in connection with business combinations at fair value as of the date of the acquisition. All subsequent changes in fair value of contingent consideration payable in cash are recorded through Consolidated Statements of Operations. Contingent consideration in connection with asset acquisitions will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired.

24

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This report presents our financial results and other financial metrics after eliminating the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that providing these financial results and metrics on a constant currency basis, which are non-GAAP measures, gives management and investors the ability to evaluate the performance of our business without the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We eliminate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates by dividing the current period’s financial results by the average monthly exchange rates of the prior year period.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

Revenue s and Segment Operating Profit:



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

Revenues (in thousands)
Domestic site leasing $ 321,130 $ 315,230 $ — $ 5,900 1.9%
International site leasing 76,420 59,220 10,398 6,802 11.5%
Site development 25,813 25,319 494 2.0%
Total $ 423,363 $ 399,769 $ 10,398 $ 13,196 3.3%
Cost of Revenues
Domestic site leasing $ 65,427 $ 64,475 $ — $ 952 1.5%
International site leasing 23,955 18,287 3,667 2,001 10.9%
Site development 21,588 19,833 1,755 8.8%
Total $ 110,970 $ 102,595 $ 3,667 $ 4,708 4.6%
Operating Profit
Domestic site leasing $ 255,703 $ 250,755 $ — $ 4,948 2.0%
International site leasing 52,465 40,933 6,731 4,801 11.7%
Site development 4,225 5,486 (1,261) (23.0%)

Revenues

Domestic site leasing revenues increase d $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compare d to the prior year, due to (i) revenues from 302 towers acquired and 56 towers built since J anuary 1, 201 6 and (ii) organic site leasing growth, primarily from monetary lease amendments for additional equipment added to our towers as well as new leases and contractual rent escalators, partially offset by lease non-renewals primarily by MetroPCS, Clearwire, and Cricket .

Internatio nal site leasing revenues increase d $17.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year. On a constant currency basis, international site leasing revenues increase d $6.8 million. These changes were primarily due to (i) revenues from 319 towers acquired and 374 towers built since J anuary 1, 201 6 , (ii) organic site leasing growth from new leases and contractual escalators, and ( iii) an increase in reimbursable pass-through expenses. Site leasing revenue in Brazil represented 13.4% of total site leasing revenue for the period. No other individual international market represented more than 3% of our total site leasing revenue.

Site development revenues increase d $ 0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, as a result of increased carrier activity .

Operating Profit

Domestic site leasing segment operating profit increase d $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, primarily due to additional profit generated by ( i) towers acquired and built since J anuar y 1, 201 6 and organic site

25

Table of Contents

leasing growth as noted above, (ii) continued control of o ur site leasing cost of revenue , and (iii) the positive impact of our ground lease purchase program.

International site leasing segment operating profit increase d $11.5 million for t he three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year . On a constant currency basis , i nternational site leasing segment operating prof it increased $4.8 million . These changes were primarily due to towers acquired and built since J anuary 1, 201 6 and organic site leasing growth as noted above, partially offset by increases in cost of revenues.

Site development segment operating profit decrease d $1.3 million for the three months e n ded March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a change in the mix of work performed .

Selling, G eneral, and A dministrative E xpenses :



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Domestic site leasing $ 19,356 $ 17,998 $ — $ 1,358 7.5%
International site leasing 5,959 4,385 603 971 22.1%
Total site leasing $ 25,315 $ 22,383 $ 603 $ 2,329 10.4%
Site development 3,617 3,537 80 2.3%
Not identified by segment 5,291 4,486 805 17.9%
Total $ 34,223 $ 30,406 $ 603 $ 3,214 10.6%

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increase d $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year . On a constant currency basis, s elling, general, and administrative expenses increase d $3.2 million. Th ese increase s w ere primarily as a result of increase s in non-cash compensation, legal fees, personnel, salaries, benefits, and other support costs.

Acquisition Related Adjustments and Expenses:



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Domestic site leasing $ 1,901 $ 1,842 $ — $ 59 3.2%
International site leasing 1,068 1,340 202 (474) (35.4%)
Total $ 2,969 $ 3,182 $ 202 $ (415) (13.0%)

Acquisition related adjustments and expenses decrease d $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year . On a constant currency basis, a cquisition related adjustments and expenses decrease d $0.4 million. Th e s e changes w ere primarily as a result of changes in our estimated pre-acquisition contingencies as compared to the prior year period and our adoption of ASU 2017-01 which now requires capitalization of third party costs rather than expensing in the period in which the costs were incurred , partially offset by an increase in the number of towers we acquired .

26

Table of Contents

A sset Impairment and Decommission Costs :



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Domestic site leasing $ 7,430 $ 6,021 $ — $ 1,409 23.4%
International site leasing 816 162 103 551 340.1%
Total site leasing $ 8,246 $ 6,183 $ 103 $ 1,960 31.7%
Site development 105 105 —%
Total $ 8,351 $ 6,183 $ 103 $ 2,065 33.4%

A sset impairment and decommission costs increase d $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year . On a constant currency basis, asset impairment and decommission cost s increase d $2.1 m illion . Th ese changes were primarily as a resul t o f a $3.0 million increase in impairment charges resulting from our analysis that the future cash flows would not recover the c arrying value of the investment, partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in the impairment charge recorded on decommissioned towers for the three months ended March 31, 2017 .

Depreciation, A ccretion, and A mortization E xpense s :



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Domestic site leasing $ 123,896 $ 131,393 $ — $ (7,497) (5.7%)
International site leasing 32,825 26,877 4,456 1,492 5.6%
Total site leasing $ 156,721 $ 158,270 $ 4,456 $ (6,005) (3.8%)
Site development 711 1,025 (314) (30.6%)
Not identified by segment 1,599 506 1,093 216.0%
Total $ 159,031 $ 159,801 $ 4,456 $ (5,226) (3.3%)

Depreciation, accretion, and amortization expense decreased $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year . On a constant currency basis, d epreciation, accretion, and amortization expense decreased $5.2 million. These changes were primarily due to a decrease in depreciation associated with assets that became fully depreciated since the prior year period, partially offset by additional depreciation associated with the increase in the number of towers we acquired and b uilt since Januar y 1, 201 6 .

27

Table of Contents

Operating Income (Expense):



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Domestic site leasing $ 103,120 $ 93,501 $ — $ 9,619 10.3%
International site leasing 11,797 8,169 1,367 2,261 27.7%
Total site leasing $ 114,917 $ 101,670 $ 1,367 $ 11,880 11.7%
Site development (208) 924 (1,132) (122.5%)
Not identified by segment (6,890) (4,992) (1,898) 38.0%
Total $ 107,819 $ 97,602 $ 1,367 $ 8,850 9.1%

Domestic site leasing operating income increase d $9.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher segment operating profit and a decrease in depreciation, accretion, and amortization expense, partially offset by increase s in selling, general, and administrative expenses and asset impairment and decommission costs .

International site leasing operating income increased $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year . On a constant currency basis, i nternational site leasing operating income increase d $2.3 million. These changes were primarily due to higher segment operating profit and a decrease in acquisition related adjustments and expenses, partially offset by increase s in selling, general, and administrative expenses and depreciation, accretion, and amortization .

Site development operating income decrease d $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower segment operating profit and an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation, accretio n, and amortization expense .

Other Income (Expense):



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Interest income $ 3,234 $ 1,866 $ 481 $ 887 47.5%
Interest expense (77,602) (83,804) (5) 6,207 (7.4%)
Non-cash interest expense (705) (455) (250) 54.9%
Amortization of deferred financing fees (6,698) (5,265) (1,433) 27.2%
Other income (expense), net 14,948 45,900 (31,892) 940 2.0%
Total $ (66,823) $ (41,758) $ (31,416) $ 6,351 (15.2%)

Interest income increase d $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year. On a constant currency basis, interest income increase d $0.9 million. These changes were primarily due to a higher amount of in terest bearing deposits held as compared to the prior year period , partially offset by lower average interest rate earned on deposits .

Interest expense decreased $6.2 million , on an actual and constant currency basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, due to a lower weighted average interest rate on debt , partially offset by a higher average principal amount of cash-interest bearing debt outstandin g as compared to the prior year . The decrease primarily result ed from the repayment of the 2010-2C Tower Securities in July 2016, the 5.75% Senior Notes in August 2016, and the 5.625% Senior Notes in October 2016, partially offset by the issuance of the 2016-1C Tower Securities in July 2016 and the 2016 Senior Notes in August 20 16 and a higher average balance outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facil ity in the current year period .

28

Table of Contents

Amortization of deferred financing fees increase d $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year, primarily resulting from the issuance of the 2016-1C Tower Securities in July 2016 and the 2016 Senior Notes in August 2016, partially offset by the repayment o f the 2010-2C Tower Securities in July 2016, the 5.7 5% Senior Notes in August 201 6, and the 5.625% Senior Notes in October 2016.

Other income (expense), net includes a $13.7 million gain on the foreign currency-related remeasurement of intercompany loans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , while the prior year period included a $44.8 million gain .

Net Income :



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Net income $ 37,598 $ 53,639 $ (30,054) $ 14,013 26.1%

Net income decreased $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year. On a constant currency basis, net income increased $14.0 million. These changes were primaril y due to a decrease in the gain recorded on the remeasurement of an intercompany loan, partially offset by an increase in operating income and a decrease in interest expense .

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This report contains information regarding a non-GAAP measure, Adjusted EBITDA. We have provided below a description of Adjusted EBITDA, a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure and an explanation as to why management utilizes this measure. This report also presents our financial results and other financial metrics after eliminating the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that providing these financial results and metrics on a constant currency basis, which are non-GAAP measures, gives management and investors the ability to evaluate the performance of our business without the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We eliminate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates by dividing the current period’s financial results by the average monthly exchange rates of the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income excluding the impact of non-cash straight-line leasing revenue, non-cash straight-line ground lease expense, non-cash compensation, net loss from extinguishment of debt, other income and expenses, acquisition related adjustments and expenses, asset impairment and decommission costs, interest income, interest expenses, depreciation, accretion, and amortization, and provision for or benefit from taxes.

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors or other interested parties in evaluating our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is the primary measure used by management (1) to evaluate the economic productivity of our operations and (2) for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, our operations. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA helps investors or other interested parties meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations (1) from period to period and (2) to our competitors, by excluding the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges from our outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation, amortization and accretion) from our financial results. Management also believes Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by investors or other interested parties in the evaluation of REITs. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the calculation that has been used by our lenders to determine compliance with certain covenants under our Senior Credit Agreement and the indentures relating to the 2014 Senior Notes and 2016 Senior Notes (defined below) . Adjusted EBITDA should be considered only as a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance.

29

Table of Contents



 For the three months ended Constant
 March 31, Foreign Constant Currency
 2017 2016 Currency Impact Currency Change % Change

 (in thousands)
Net income $ 37,598 $ 53,639 $ (30,054) $ 14,013 26.1%
Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue (3,939) (8,847) (709) 4,908 (55.5%)
Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense 8,070 8,494 86 (424) (5.0%)
Non-cash compensation 9,277 7,785 60 1,492 19.2%
Other income (expense), net (14,948) (45,900) 31,892 (940) 2.0%
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 2,969 3,182 202 (415) (13.0%)
Asset impairment and decommission costs 8,351 6,183 103 2,065 33.4%
Interest income (3,234) (1,866) (481) (887) 47.5%
Interest expense (1) 85,005 89,524 5 (4,524) (5.1%)
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization 159,031 159,801 4,456 (5,226) (3.3%)
Provision for taxes (2) 3,986 2,660 35 1,326 49.8%
Adjusted EBITDA $ 292,166 $ 274,655 $ 5,595 $ 11,388

(1) Interest expense includes interest expense, non-cash interest expense, and amortization of deferred financing fees.

(2) Provision for taxes includes $588 and $455 of franchise taxes reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA increase d $17.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the prior year period. On a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA increase d $11.4 million. The se changes were primarily due to increases in domestic and international site leasing segment operating profit, partially offset by an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses and a decrease in site development segment operating profit.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

SBA C is a holding company with no business operations of its own. SBAC’s only significant asset is 100% of the outstanding capital stock of SBA Telecommunications, LLC (“Telecommunications”), which is also a holding company that owns equity interests in entities that directly or indirectly own all of our domestic and international towers and assets. We conduct all of our business operations through Telecommunications’ 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.

30

Table of Contents

A summary of our cash flows is as follows:



 For the three months ended
 March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016

 (in thousands)
Cash provided by operating activities $ 172,306 $ 144,644
Cash used in investing activities (84,277) (132,339)
Cash used in financing activities (112,272) (33,323)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (24,243) (21,018)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equiv., and restricted cash 3,744 6,032
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 185,970 146,619
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 165,471 $ 131,633

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $172.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $144.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 . The increase was primarily due to increases in segment operating profit from domestic site leasing and international site leasing operating segments, partially offset by decreased site devel opment segment operating profit, increased selling, general, and administrative expen ses , and increased interest payments .

Investing Activities

A detail of our cash capital expenditures is as follows:



 For the three months
 ended March 31,
 2017 2016

 (in thousands)
Acquisitions $ 31,147 $ 74,844
Construction and related costs on new tower builds 16,816 18,944
Augmentation and tower upgrades 11,115 9,292
Land buyouts and other assets (1) 11,504 16,988
Tower maintenance 6,647 6,662
General corporate 1,169 1,162
Total cash capital expenditures $ 78,398 $ 127,892

(1) Excludes $2.7 million and $3.6 million spent on ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying our towers for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Subsequent to March 31, 2017 , we acquired 9 towers and related assets for $5.6 million in cash .

During all of 2017 , inclusive of the capital expenditures made during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we expect to incur non-discretionary cash capital expenditures associated with tower maintenance and general corporate expenditures of $31.0 million to $41.0 million and discretionary cash capital expenditures, based on current acquisition obligations, planned new tower construction, forecasted tower augmentations, and forecasted ground lease purchases, of $310.0 million to $330.0 million as well as potential, additional tower acquisitions not yet under contract. We expect to fund these cash capital expenditures from cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility or new financings. The exact amount of our future cash capital expenditures will depend on a number of factors , including amounts necessary to support our tower portfolio, our new tower build and acquisition programs, and our ground lease purchase program.

31

Table of Contents

Financing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we repaid $110.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2017 , we had $280.0 million outstanding under the $1.0 billion Revolving Credit Facility. Subsequent to March 31, 2017 , we repaid $190.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we repurchased 42,163 shares of its Class A common stock for $4.4 million, at an average price per share of $104.81 under the stock repurchase plan authorized on June 4, 2015 . Shares purchased were retired.

On January 12, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the authorization of a new $1.0 billion stock repurchase plan replacing the prior plan which had a remaining authorization of $150.0 million. As of the date of this filing , we h ad the full $1.0 billion authorization remaining under the new plan.

On January 20, 2017, SBA Senior Finance II repriced its senior secured term loans from a Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75%) to a Eurodollar Rate plus 225 basis points (with a zero Eurodollar floor).

On April 17, 2017, we , through a New York common law trust ( the “ Trust ”) , issued $760.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the “2017-1C Tower Securities). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1C Tower Securities is 3.168% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the entire $610.0 million aggregate principal amount, as well as accrued and unpaid interest, of the 2012-1C Tower Securities and for general corporate purposes.

Registration Statements

We have on file with the Commission a shelf registration statement on Form S-4 registering shares of Class A common stock that we may issue in connection with the acquisition of wireless communication towers or antenna sites and related assets or companies who own wireless communication towers, antenna sites, or related assets. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we did not issue any shares of Class A common stock under this registration statement. As of March 31, 2017 , we had approximately 1.7 million shares of Class A common stock remaining under this shelf registration statement.

On March 3, 2015 , we filed with the Commission an automatic shelf registration statement for well-known seasoned issuers on Form S-3ASR. This registration statement enables us to issue shares of our Class A common stock, preferred stock or debt securities either separately or represented by warrants, or depositary shares as well as units that include any of these securities. Under the rules governing automatic shelf registration statements, we will file a prospectus supplement and advise the Commission of the amount and type of securities each time we issue securities under this registration statement. No shares were issued under this registration statement through the date of this filing.

Debt Instruments and Debt Service Requirements

Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit Agreement

The Revolving Credit Facility is governed by the Senior Credit Agreement. T he Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan under which up to $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, based upon specific financial ratios and subject to the satisfaction of other customary conditions to borrowing. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility accrue interest , at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranges from 1 3 7.5 basis points to 2 00.0 basis points or (ii) the Base Rate plus a margin that ranges from 3 7.5 basis points to 100.0 basis points, in each case based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA, calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement. In addition, SBA Senior Finance II is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on the amount of unused commitment. If not earlier terminated by SBA Senior Finance II, the Revolving Credit Facility will terminate on, and SBA Senior Finance II will repay all amounts outstanding on or before, February 5, 2020 . The proceeds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes. SBA Senior Finance II may, from time to time, borrow from and repay the Revolving Credit Facility. Consequently, the amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at the end of a period may not be reflective of the total amounts outstanding during such period.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we repaid $110.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2017 , SBA Senior Finance II was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit Agreement.

32

Table of Contents

Subsequent to March 31, 2017 , we repaid $190.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of the date of this filing, $90.0 million was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Term Loans under the Senior Credit Agreement

Repricing Amendment to the Senior Credit Agreement

On January 20, 2017, SBA Senior Finance II amended its Senior Credit Agreement, primarily to reduce the stated rate of interest applicable to its senior secured term loans. As amended, the senior secured term loans accrue interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 125 basis points (with a zero Base Rate floor) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 225 basis points (with a zero Eurodollar Rate floor).

2014 Term Loan

The 2014 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion that matures on March 24, 2021. Prior to the reduction in the term loan interest rates as discussed above , t he 2014 Term Loan accrue d interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 150 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 1.75%) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75%). The 2014 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2014 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.24% per annum. Principal payments on the 2014 Term Loan commence d on September 30, 2014 and are being made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $3. 8 million. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2014 Term Loan. To the extent not previously repaid, the 201 4 Term Loan will be due and payable on the maturity date. However, to the extent the 201 4 Term Loan is prepaid prior to July 20, 2017 from proceeds of certain refinancing or repricing transactions, a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of such prepayment will apply. We incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $14.1 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we repaid $3.8 million of principal on the 2014 Term Loan. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2014 Term Loan had a principal balance of $1.5 billion.

2015 Term Loan

The 2015 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million that matures on June 10, 2022 . Prior to the reduction in the term loan interest rates as discussed above , t he 2015 Term Loan accrue d interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 150 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 1.75%) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75%). The 2015 Term Loan was issued at 99.0% of par value. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2015 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.24% per annum. Principal payments on the 2015 Term Loan commence d on September 30, 2015 and are being made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $1.3 million. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2015 Term Loan. To the extent not previously repaid, the 2015 Term Loan will be due and payable on the maturity date. However, to the extent the 2015 Term Loan is prepaid prior to July 20, 2017 from proceeds of certain refinancing or repricing transactions, a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of such prepayment will apply. We incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $5.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amort ized through the maturity date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we repaid $1.3 million of principal on the 201 5 Term Loan. As of March 31, 2017 , the 2015 Term Loan had a principal balance of $491.3 million.

Secured Tower Revenue Securities

2012 -1C Tower Securities

On August 9, 2012, we, through the Trust, issued $610.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2012 -1C (the “2012 -1C Tower Securities”) which ha d an anticipated repayment date of December 1 1 , 2017 and a final maturity date of December 9 , 2042. The fixed interest rate of the 2012 -1C Tower Securities wa s 2.933% per annum, payable monthly. We had incurred deferred financing fees of $14.9 million in relation to this transaction which we re being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2012 -1C Tower Securities.

33

Table of Contents

On April 17 , 2017, we repaid in full the 2012-1C Tower Securities with proceeds from the 201 7 -1C Tower Securities . In connection with the prepayment, we expensed $2.0 million of net deferred financing fees.

The sole asset of the Trust consists of a non-recourse mortgage loan made in favor of those entities that are borrowers on the mortgage loan (the “Borrowers”).

2013 Tower Securities

On April 18, 2013, we, through the Trust, issued $425.0 million of 2.240% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 1 0 , 2018 and a final maturity date of April 9 , 2043 (the “2013-1C Tower Securities”) , $575.0 million of 3.722% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11 , 2023 and a final maturity date of April 9 , 2048 (the “2013-2C Tower Securities”) , and $330.0 million of 3.598% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D which have an anticipated repayment date of April 1 0 , 2018 and a final maturity date of April 9 , 2043 (the “2013-1D Tower Securities”) (collectively the “2013 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.33 billion of 2013 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.218% per annum, payable monthly . We incurred deferred financing fees of $25.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2013 Tower Securities.

2014 Tower Securities

On October 15, 2014, we , through the Trust, issued $920.0 million of 2.898% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2019 and a final maturity date of October 11, 2044 (the “2014-1C Tower Securities”) and $620.0 million of 3.869% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2024 and a final maturity date of October 8, 2049 (the “2014-2C Tower Securities”) (collectively the “2014 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.54 billion of 2014 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.289% per annum, payable monthly . We incurred deferred financing fees of $22.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2014 Tower Securities.

2015 -1C Tower Securities

On October 14, 2015, we , through the Trust, issued $500.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2015-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8 , 2020 and a final maturity date of October 1 0 , 2045 (the “2015 -1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate of the 2015 -1C Tower Securities is 3.156% per annum, payable monthly. We incurred deferred financing fees of $11.2 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2015 -1C Tower Securities .

201 6-1C Tower Securities

On July 7, 2016, we , through the Trust , issued $700.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2016-1 C which have an anticipated repayment date of July 9, 2021 and a final maturity date of July 10, 2046 (the “2016-1C Tower Securities”) . The fixed interest rate of the 2016-1C Tower Securities is 2.877 % per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the full $550.0 million outstanding on the 2010 -2C Tower Securities and for general corporate purposes. We incurred deferred financing fees of $9.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2016-1C Tower Securities.

201 7-1C Tower Securities

On April 17 , 2017, we , through the Trust, issued $760.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the “2017-1C Tower Securities ” ). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1C Tower Securities is 3.168% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the entire $61 0.0 million aggregate principal amount , as well as accrued and unpaid interest, of the 2012-1C Tower Securities and for general corporate purposes. We incurred deferred financing fees of $ 9.7 million to date in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2017-1C Tower Securities.

In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiar y , purchased $40.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1R issued by the Trust which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the

34

Table of Contents

“2017-1R Tower Securities ” ). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1R Tower Securities is 4.459% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2017-1R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation.

Debt Covenants

As of March 31, 2017 , the Borrowers met the debt service coverage ratio required by the mortgage loan agreement and were in compliance with all other covenants as set forth in the agreement.

Senior Notes

2014 Senior Notes

On July 1, 2014, we issued $750.0 million of unsecured senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “2014 Senior Notes”). The 2014 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2014 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We incurred deferred financing fees of $11.6 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.

2016 Senior Notes

On August 15, 2016, we issued $1.1 billion of unsecured senior notes due September 1, 2024 (the “2016 Senior Notes”) . The 2016 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2016 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on March 1, 2017. We incurred deferred financing fees of $12.8 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. Net proceeds from th is offering and cash on hand were used to redeem $800.0 million, the aggregate principal amount outstanding, of Telecommunications’ 5.75% Senior Notes and $250.0 million of our 5.625% Senior Notes and pay the associated call premiums .

Debt Service

As of March 31, 2017 , we believe that our cash on hand, capacity available under our Revolving Credit Facility and our cash flows from operations for the next twelve months will be sufficient to service our outstanding debt during the next twelve months.

The following table illustrates our estimate of our de bt service requirement over the twelve months ended March 31, 2018 based on the amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and the inte rest rates accruing on those amounts on such date (in thousands):



2014 Senior Notes $ 36,563
2016 Senior Notes 53,625
2012-1C Tower Securities (1) 622,112
2013-1C Tower Securities 9,655
2013-2C Tower Securities 21,585
2013-1D Tower Securities 11,978
2014-1C Tower Securities 26,954
2014-2C Tower Securities 24,185
2015-1C Tower Securities 15,939
2016-1C Tower Securities 20,361
Revolving Credit Facility 10,060
2014 Term Loan 62,081
2015 Term Loan 20,856
Total debt service for the next 12 months (2) $ 935,954

(1) The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2012-1C Tower Securities wa s December 11, 2017 and December 9, 2042, respectively. On April 17 , 2017, we repaid in full the 2012-1C Tower Securities with proceeds from the 201 7 -1C Tower Securities .

35

Table of Contents

(2) Our total debt service does not include any amounts for the 2017-1C Tower Securities issued on April 17, 2017. Total debt service for the next twelve months related to the 20 17-1C Tower Securities is $23.0 million .

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to certain market risks that are inherent in our financial instruments. These instrument s arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business.

The following table presents the future principal payment obligations and fair values associated with our long-term debt instruments assuming our actual level of long-term indebtedness as of March 31, 2017 :



 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total Fair Value

Debt: (in thousands)
2014 Senior Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 750,000 $ 750,000 $ 759,375
2016 Senior Notes 1,100,000 1,100,000 1,083,500
2012-1C Tower Securities (1) 610,000 610,000 610,171
2013-1C Tower Securities (2) 425,000 425,000 423,827
2013-2C Tower Securities (2) 575,000 575,000 576,777
2013-1D Tower Securities (2) 330,000 330,000 330,281
2014-1C Tower Securities (2) 920,000 920,000 923,183
2014-2C Tower Securities (2) 620,000 620,000 619,932
2015-1C Tower Securities (2) 500,000 500,000 502,555
2016-1C Tower Securities (2) 700,000 700,000 695,877
Revolving Credit Facility 280,000 280,000 280,000
2014 Term Loan 11,250 15,000 15,000 15,000 1,402,500 1,458,750 1,460,573
2015 Term Loan 3,750 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 467,500 491,250 491,250
Total debt obligation $ 625,000 $ 775,000 $ 940,000 $ 800,000 $ 2,107,500 $ 3,512,500 $ 8,760,000 $ 8,757,301

(1) The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2012-1C Tower Securities is December 11, 2017 and December 9, 2042, respectively. On April 17 , 2017, we repaid in full the 2012-1C Tower Securities with proceeds from the 201 7 -1C Tower Securities . The anticipated repayment date and final maturity date for the 2017-1C Tower Securities is April 11, 2022 and April 9, 2047 , respectively.

(2) The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2013-1C Tower Securities is April 10, 2018 and April 9, 2043, respectively.

The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2013-2C Tower Securities is April 11, 2023 and April 9, 2048, respectively.

The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2013-1D Tower Securities are April 10, 2018 and April 9, 2043, respectively.

The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2014-1C Tower Securities is October 8, 2019 and October 11, 2044, respectively.

The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2014-2C Tower Securities is October 8, 2024 and October 8, 2049, respectively.

The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2015-1C Tower Securities is October 8, 2020 and October 10, 2045, respectively.

The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2016-1C Tower Securities is July 9, 2021 and July 10, 2046, respectively.

Our current primary market risk exposure is (1) in terest rate risk relating to our ability to refinance our debt at commercially reasonable rates, if at all, and (2 ) interest rate risk relating to the impact of interest rate movements on our 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan and any borrowings that we may incur under our Revolving Credit Facility, which are at floating rates. We manage the interest rate risk on our outstanding debt through our large percentage of fixed rate debt. While we cannot predict our ability to

36

Table of Contents

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.

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates in connection with our operations in Brazil , Ca nada , and Chile , and to a lesser extent, our markets in Central America. In each of these countrie s , we pay most of our selling, general, and administrative expenses and a portion of our operating expenses, such as taxes and utilities incurred in the country in local currency. In addition, in Brazil , Canada , and Chile , we receive significantly all of our revenue and pay significantly all of our operating expenses in local currency. All transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar are reported in U.S. Dollars at the applicable exchange rate. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the applicable fiscal reporting period and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the period. The cumulative translation effect is included in equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , approximately 13.4% of our revenues and approximately 15.7% of our total operating expenses were denominated in foreign currencies.

We have performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in the Brazilian Rea l from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at March 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2017 , the analysis indicated that such an adverse movement would have caused our revenues and operating income to decline by approximately 1.1% and 2.9% , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 .

As of March 31, 2017 , we ha d intercompany debt, which is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the subsidiary in which it is recorded. As settlement of this debt is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future, any changes in the foreign currency exchange rates will result in unrealized gains or losses, which will be included in our determination of net income. A change of 10% in the underlying exchange rates of our unsettled intercompany debt at March 31, 2017 would have result ed in approximately $43.7 million of unrealized gains or losses that would have be en included in O ther income ( expense ), net in our C onsolidated S tatement of O perations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 .

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements concern expectations, beliefs, projections, plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Specifically, this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements regarding:

· our expectations on the future growth and financial health of the wireless industry and the industry participants, the drivers of such growth, the demand for our towers, and the tre nds developing in our industry;

· our ability to capture a nd capitalize on industry growth and the impact of such growth on our financial and operational results;

· our intent to grow our tower portfolio domestically and internationally and our expectations regarding specific growth levels ;

· our belief that over the long-term, site leasing revenues will continue to grow as wireless service providers increase their use of our towers due to increasing minutes of network use and data transfer, network expansion and network coverage requirements ;

· our expectation regarding site leasing revenue growth, on an organic basis, in our domestic and international segments;

· our belief that our site leasing business is characterized by stable and long-term recurring revenues, predictable operating costs, and minimal non-discretionary capital expenditures ;

· our expectation that, due to the relatively young age and mix of our tower portfolio, future expenditures required to maintai n these towers will be minimal;

· our expectation that we will grow our cash flows by adding tenants to our towers at minimal incremental costs and executing monetary amendments;

· our ability to qualify and to remain qualified as a REIT and the timing of such qualification and our election to be subject to a tax as a REIT;

· our belief that our business is currently operated in a manner that complies with the REIT rules and our intent to continue to do so;

· our plans regarding our distribution policy, and the amount and timing of, and source of funds for, any such distributions;

· our expectations regarding the use of NOLs to reduce REIT taxable income;

· our expectations regarding our capital allocation strategy , the impact of the REIT conversion on that strategy , and our goal of increasing our Adjusted Funds From Operations per share ;

37

Table of Contents

· our expectations regarding our future cash capital expenditures, both discretionary and non-discretionary, including expenditures required to maintain, improve, and modify our towers, ground lease purchases, and general corporate expenditures, and the source o f funds for these expenditures;

· our intended use of our liquidity;

· our expectations regarding our debt service and our belief that our cash on hand, capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility, and our cash flows from operations for the next twelve months will be sufficient to service our outstanding debt during the next twelve months;

· our belief regarding our credit risk; and

· our estimates regarding certain accounting and tax matters.

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:

· the impact of consolidation among wireless service pr oviders on our leasing revenue;

· our ability to continue to comply with covenants and the terms of our credit instruments and our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our capital expenditures;

· our ability to successfully manage the risks associated with international operations, including risks relating to political or economic conditions, tax laws, currency restrictions and exchange rate fluctuations, legal or judici al systems, and land ownership;

· our ability to successfully manage the risks associated with our acquisition initiatives, including our ability to effectively integrate acquired towers into our business and to achieve the financial results projected in our valuation models for the acquired towers;

· developments in the wireless communications industry in general, and for wireless communications infrastructure providers in particular, that may slow growth or affect the willingness or ability of the wireless service providers to expend capital to fund net work expansion or enhancements;

· our ability to secure as many site leasing tenants as anticipated, recognize our expected economies of scale with respect to new tenants on our towers, and re tain current leases on towers;

· our ability to secure and deliver anticipated services bu siness at contemplated margins;

· our ability to build new towers, including our ability to identify and acquire land that would be attractive for our customers and to successfully and timely address zoning, permitting, weather, availability of labor and supplies and other issues that arise in connection with th e building of new towers;

· competition for the acquisition of towers and other factors that may adversely affect our ability to purchase towers that meet our investment criteria and are available at prices which we believe will be accretive to our shareholders and allow us to maintain our long-term target leverage ratios while achieving our expected portfolio growth levels ;

· our capital allocation decisions and the impact on our ability to achieve our expected tower portfolio growth levels;

· our ability to protect our rights to the land under our towers, and our ability to acquire land underneath our towe rs on terms that are accretive;

· our ability to sufficiently increase our revenues and maintain expenses and cash capital expenditures at appropriate levels to permit us to meet our anticipated uses of liquidity for operations, debt service and estimated portfolio growth;

· our ability to successfully estimate the impact of reg ulatory and litigation matters;

· natural disasters and other unforeseen damage for which our insurance may not provide adequate coverage;

· a dec rease in demand for our towers;

· the introduction of new technologies or changes in a tenant’s business model that may make our tower leasing business less desira ble to potential tenants;

· our ability to qualify for treatment as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and to comply with and conduct our business in accordance with such rules;

· our ability to utilize available NOLs to reduce REIT taxable income; and

· our ability to successfully estimate the impact of certain accounting and tax matters, including the effect on our company of adopting certain accounting pronouncements and the availability of sufficient NOLs to offset future REIT taxable income.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In order to ensure that the information we must disclose in our filings with the 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

38

Table of Contents

Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of March 31, 2017 . Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of March 31, 2017 , our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information related to our repurchases of Class A common stock during the first quarter of 2017 .



 Total Total Number of Shares Approximate Dollar Value
 Number Average Purchased as Part of of Shares that May Yet Be
 of Shares Price Paid Publicly Announced Purchased Under the
Period Purchased Per Share Plans or Programs (1) Plans or Programs

1/1/2017 - 1/31/2017 42,163 $ 104.81 42,163 $ 1,000,000,000
2/1/2017 - 2/28/2017 $ — $ 1,000,000,000
3/1/2017 - 3/31/2017 $ — $ 1,000,000,000
Total 42,163 $ 104.81 42,163 $ 1,000,000,000

(1) On June 4, 2015, we announced a $1.0 billion stock repurchase plan. This plan authorize d us to purchase from time to time our outstanding common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion. Shares purchased w ere retired. This plan ha d no time deadline .

On January 12, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase plan, replacing the plan authorized on June 4, 2015 which had a remaining authorization of $150.0 million. This plan authorizes us to purchase, from time to time, up to $1.0 billion of our outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. Shares purchased will be retired. The new plan has no time deadline and will continue until otherwise modified or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time in its sole discretion. As of the date of this filing, we had the full $1.0 billion authorization remaining under the current stock repurchase program.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



Exhibit No. Description of Exhibits
31.1 Certification by Jeffrey A. Stoops, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification by Brendan T. Cavanagh, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 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.
32.2 Certification by Brendan T. Cavanagh, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

39

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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 CORPORATION

May 8, 2017 /s/ Jeffrey A. Stoops
 Jeffrey A. Stoops
 Chief Executive Officer
 (Duly Authorized Officer)

May 8 , 2017 /s/ Brendan T. Cavanagh
 Brendan T. Cavanagh
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer)

40