SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) Information


A Brief History of SBA Communications Corporation

Company Overview

SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure in North America and Brazil. Founded in 1989, the company has significantly expanded its portfolio, which now includes approximately 9,864 sites across various regions as of September 30, 2024.

Financial Performance

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, SBA Communications reported:

  • Revenues: $1,985,934,000
  • Cost of Revenues: $429,598,000
  • Operating Income: $1,556,336,000
  • Net Income: $569,886,000
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $1,405,095,000

Debt Structure

As of September 30, 2024, SBA Communications had a principal balance of $2.3 billion on its 2024 Term Loan, which matures on January 25, 2031. The company also issued various Secured Tower Revenue Securities totaling approximately $6.9 billion, with a blended effective interest rate of 4.778%.

Stock Performance

As of September 30, 2024, the basic earnings per share was $5.35, and diluted earnings per share was $5.33. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding was 107,683,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Recent Developments

In 2024, SBA Communications repaid $620 million of its 2014-2C Tower Securities and issued new 2024 Tower Securities valued at $2.07 billion. The company has also maintained compliance with all covenants related to its mortgage loan agreements.

Cash Flow Analysis

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash flows were as follows:

Cash Flow Type Amount (in thousands)
Cash provided by operating activities $1,024,697
Cash used in investing activities ($480,420)
Cash used in financing activities ($533,848)
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $10,429

Asset Overview

As of September 30, 2024, total assets amounted to $10,201,663,000, with domestic site leasing assets valued at $6,173,557,000 and international site leasing assets at $3,641,169,000.

Conclusion of Financial Review

SBA Communications continues to demonstrate strong financial stability and growth potential within the wireless communications sector as of 2024, supported by a robust portfolio of tower sites and strategic financial management.



A Who Owns SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC)

Ownership Structure

As of 2024, SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) has a diverse ownership structure comprising institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. The following table summarizes the major shareholders and their respective ownership percentages:

Shareholder Type Number of Shares (in millions) Ownership Percentage
Institutional Investors 74.5 69.2%
Mutual Funds 30.2 28.3%
Individual Investors 2.5 2.5%
Insider Ownership 0.3 0.3%

Major Institutional Shareholders

The largest institutional shareholders as of 2024 are detailed below:

Institution Shares Owned (in millions) Ownership Percentage
BlackRock, Inc. 12.8 12.0%
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 10.5 9.9%
State Street Corporation 8.3 7.7%
Wellington Management Company, LLP 6.9 6.5%
Invesco Ltd. 5.4 5.0%

Shareholder Trends

Over the past year, institutional ownership has seen a slight increase, reflecting growing confidence in SBA Communications' business model and market position. The following table illustrates the changes in ownership percentages from 2023 to 2024:

Year Institutional Ownership (%) Mutual Fund Ownership (%)
2023 67.5% 26.8%
2024 69.2% 28.3%

Performance Metrics

As of September 30, 2024, SBA Communications reported the following key financial metrics:

Metric Value
Total Revenue (in millions) $1,985.9
Net Income (in millions) $575.9
Basic Earnings per Share $5.35
Diluted Earnings per Share $5.33

Insider Transactions

Insider ownership and transactions are monitored closely. As of 2024, insider transactions included:

  • Insider sales totaling approximately $1.2 million in shares.
  • Insider purchases amounting to $0.3 million in shares.

Conclusion on Ownership Dynamics

Ownership dynamics at SBA Communications Corporation indicate a strong institutional backing, with significant investments from major asset managers. This trend reflects a positive outlook on the company's growth potential within the telecommunications infrastructure sector.



SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) Mission Statement

Mission Overview

SBA Communications Corporation is dedicated to being the leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure. The company focuses on enhancing connectivity through its extensive portfolio of towers and related assets.

Core Values

  • Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business practices.
  • Innovation: Continuously improving and adapting to meet evolving market demands.
  • Customer Commitment: Delivering exceptional service to clients and partners.
  • Community Engagement: Contributing positively to the communities where they operate.
  • Sustainability: Focusing on environmentally responsible practices in their operations.

Strategic Goals

The company aims to:

  • Expand its tower portfolio through strategic acquisitions and developments.
  • Enhance operational efficiency to maximize profitability.
  • Support wireless service providers with scalable infrastructure solutions.
  • Maintain high tenant retention rates by providing quality service and infrastructure.

Financial Performance Metrics

As of September 30, 2024, the company's financial metrics reflect its commitment to growth and sustainability:

Metric Value
Total Revenue (9 months) $1,985.9 million
Net Income (9 months) $575.9 million
Adjusted EBITDA $1,405.1 million
Total Assets $10,201.7 million
Total Liabilities $14,659.6 million
Shareholders' Deficit $(5,174.9) million

Operational Highlights

SBA Communications operates a significant portfolio of communication towers, providing a robust infrastructure for wireless service providers:

  • Total Towers Owned: 39,762
  • Site Leasing Revenue (Q3 2024): $625.7 million
  • Site Development Revenue (Q3 2024): $41.9 million
  • International Operations: Significant presence in Brazil, Central America, and other regions.

Recent Developments

In a strategic move to enhance its footprint in Central America, SBA Communications announced the acquisition of over 7,000 communication sites from Millicom International Cellular S.A. for approximately $975 million in cash. This acquisition is expected to close in 2025 and will include long-term lease agreements to further secure revenue streams.

Future Outlook

The company anticipates continued growth in organic site leasing revenue, supported by the increasing demand for wireless services and infrastructure enhancements. The strategic focus remains on expanding the tower portfolio while maintaining a strong operational framework.

Dividend Payments

SBA Communications maintains a consistent dividend policy, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders:

Dividend Declaration Date Amount Per Share Total Paid Date Paid
February 26, 2024 $0.98 $108.1 million March 28, 2024
April 29, 2024 $0.98 $105.3 million June 18, 2024
July 28, 2024 $0.98 $105.3 million September 18, 2024


How SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) Works

Overview of Operations

SBA Communications Corporation operates primarily in the telecommunications infrastructure sector, focusing on the ownership and leasing of communication towers. As of September 30, 2024, the company owned a total of 9,864 tower sites, which are crucial for mobile and broadband communications.

Financial Performance

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, SBA Communications reported total revenues of $1,985,934,000, a decrease from $2,036,560,000 in the same period of the previous year. The breakdown of revenues is as follows:

Segment 2024 Revenue (in thousands) 2023 Revenue (in thousands) Change (in thousands) % Change
Domestic Site Leasing $1,389,563 $1,379,959 $9,604 0.7%
International Site Leasing $490,867 $500,892 $(10,025) -2.0%
Site Development $105,504 $155,709 $(50,205) -32.2%
Total $1,985,934 $2,036,560 $(50,626) -2.5%

Operating Income

The operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was reported at $1,053,424,000, compared to $713,972,000 for the same period in 2023. The total operating income by segment is detailed below:

Segment 2024 Operating Income (in thousands) 2023 Operating Income (in thousands)
Domestic Site Leasing $923,316 $652,738
International Site Leasing $160,635 $88,762
Site Development $9,813 $22,487
Other $(40,340) $(50,015)

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

SBA Communications reported a net income of $569,886,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which marks a significant increase from $387,887,000 in the previous year. The earnings per share (EPS) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation were:

Period Basic EPS Diluted EPS
2024 (Nine months) $5.35 $5.33
2023 (Nine months) $3.62 $3.60

Debt and Capital Expenditures

As of September 30, 2024, SBA Communications had outstanding debt totaling approximately $6.9 billion in secured tower revenue securities. The company's cash capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were reported at $441,163,000, compared to $268,781,000 for the same period in 2023.

Asset Management

The total assets of SBA Communications as of September 30, 2024, were valued at $10,201,663,000, reflecting growth from $10,178,441,000 at the end of 2023. The breakdown of assets is as follows:

Asset Type 2024 Value (in thousands) 2023 Value (in thousands)
Domestic Site Leasing $6,173,557 $5,876,648
International Site Leasing $3,641,169 $3,871,164
Site Development $55,076 $66,001
Other $331,861 $364,628

Market Trends and Future Outlook

SBA Communications continues to adapt to the evolving telecommunications landscape, focusing on expanding its tower portfolio and optimizing existing assets. The company’s strategic initiatives include enhancing operational efficiencies and pursuing new leasing agreements to capture market growth.



How SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

SBA Communications Corporation primarily generates revenue through its leasing business and site development services. The company operates in two main geographical segments: domestic and international.

Revenue Source Q3 2024 Revenue (in thousands) Q3 2023 Revenue (in thousands) Change (%)
Domestic Site Leasing $464,860 $468,371 -0.7%
International Site Leasing $160,837 $169,069 -4.9%
Site Development $41,898 $45,104 -7.1%
Total Revenue $667,595 $682,544 -2.2%

Domestic Site Leasing

Domestic site leasing remains the largest revenue generator for SBA Communications. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, domestic site leasing revenue was $1,389,563, up from $1,379,959 in the same period of 2023, representing a 0.7% increase.

International Site Leasing

International site leasing reported revenues of $490,867 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down from $500,892 in 2023, reflecting a decrease of 2.0%. However, when adjusted for constant currency, international revenues increased by 1.7%.

Site Development

Site development revenues decreased significantly, totaling $105,504 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $155,709 in the same period of 2023, marking a decrease of 32.2%.

Operational Performance

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, operating income for domestic site leasing was $395,952, while international site leasing posted $111,797. The total operating profit for the site leasing segment was $507,749, which is a decline compared to the previous year.

Segment Operating Income (in thousands) Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Domestic Site Leasing $395,952 -1.4% $401,603
International Site Leasing $111,797 3.0% $117,560
Total Site Leasing $507,749 -0.5% $519,163

Cash Flow and Expenditures

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $1,024,697, compared to $1,111,782 in 2023, a decline of 7.8%. Cash used in investing activities amounted to $480,420, an increase from $361,876 in the prior year.

Debt Management

SBA Communications had total interest expense of $327,752 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down from $346,619 in the same period of 2023, showing a decrease of 5.4%.

Adjusted EBITDA

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $1,405,095, slightly down from $1,413,189 in 2023, indicating a decrease of 0.6%.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%)
Net Income $569,886 $387,887 47.0%
Adjusted EBITDA $1,405,095 $1,413,189 -0.6%

Conclusion

The company continues to focus on expanding its tower portfolio and enhancing its operational efficiencies. SBA Communications Corporation's revenue model is heavily reliant on leasing revenues from its domestic and international tower sites, which are complemented by site development services.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.