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Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )

 

 

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SBA Communications Corporation

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SBA Communications Corporation

8051 Congress Avenue

Boca Raton, Florida 33487

NOTICE OF 20192022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

April 5, 2019March 30, 2022

Dear Shareholder:

It is my pleasure to invite you to attend SBA Communications Corporation’s 20192022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019,12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time at our corporate office, located at 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.* At the meeting, you will be asked to:

 

 1.

Elect threefour directors as follows: Kevin L. Beebe, Jack Langer and Jeffrey A. Stoops for a three-year term expiring at the 20222025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Jay L. Johnson for a term expiring at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 2.

Ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192022 fiscal year.

 

 3.

Approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.

 

 4.

Transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 201911, 2022 may vote at the Annual Meeting.

It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting, regardless of the number you may hold.Whether or not you plan to attend, please vote using the Internet, by telephone or by mail, in each case by following the instructions in our proxy statement. This will not prevent you from voting your shares in person if you are present.

I look forward to seeing you on May 16, 2019.12, 2022.

Sincerely,

 

Sincerely,

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Steven E. Bernstein

Chairman of the Board

 

Steven E. Bernstein*

ChairmanWe currently intend to hold the Annual Meeting in person. However, we are actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns that our shareholders may have, as well as protocols that federal, state, and local governments may impose. If it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include switching to a virtual meeting format, or changing the time, date or location of the BoardAnnual Meeting. Any such change will be announced via a press release, which will be available at our website, www.sbasite.com, under Investor Relations and filed as definitive additional soliciting materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access

our proxy statement and annual report on or about April 5, 2019.March 30, 2022.

SBA’s proxy statement and annual report are available online atwww.edocumentview.com/SBAC.

 

 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

  Page 

PROXY SUMMARY

  1 

Questions and Answers About Voting at the Annual Meeting and Related Matters

4

PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

  9 8 

Nominees Forfor Director

  1012 

Directors Continuing in Office

  1114
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE17 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCECorporate Governance Guidelines

  1417 

Board Leadership Structure

  1417 

Lead Independent Director

  14

Corporate Governance Guidelines

1418 

Board Independence

  1518 

Board and Committee Self-Evaluation and Refreshment

18

Risk Management

19

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

20

Executive Compensation “No Fault” Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy

24

Code of Ethics/Related Party Transactions/Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging

24

Board Meetings

  1626 

Board Committees

  16

Executive Compensation Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy

19

Code of Ethics/Related Party Transaction Policy

20

Risk Management

2126 

Director Compensation

  2229 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

  2432 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

  2735 

Executive Summary

  2736 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

  3140 

Compensation Setting Process

  3241 

Evaluating Compensation Program Design and Relative Competitive Position

  3241 

Executive Compensation Components and 20182021 Compensation Decisions

  3643 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

  4553 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  4654 

Summary Compensation Table

  4654 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

  4756 

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

  4857 

Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End

  4958 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

  5059 

Potential Payments Upon Termination orChange-in-Control

  5160 

CEO Pay Ratio

65
SECURITY OWNERSHIP66
PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

  5769 

PROPOSAL 3 – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  6173
Q&A ABOUT VOTING75
OTHER MATTERS78 

SECURITY OWNERSHIPDelinquent Section 16(a) Reports

  63

OTHER MATTERS

66

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

6678 

Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations for 2020 Annual Meeting

  6679 

List of Shareholders Entitled to Vote at the Annual Meeting

  6679 

Expenses Relating to this Proxy Solicitation

  6779 

Communication with SBA’s Board of Directors

  6779 

Available Information

  6780 

Electronic Delivery

  6880 

Householding

  6880 

APPENDIX A:  GAAP TONON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

  A-1 

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  i


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PROXY SUMMARY

 

 

This proxy summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement and does not contain all information that you should review and consider. Please read the entire proxy statement with care before voting.

2019 ANNUAL MEETING2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

Date and Time:

 Thursday, May 16, 2019,12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time

Place:

 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487

Record Date:

 March 15, 201911, 2022

Voting:

 Each share of SBA Class A common stock outstanding at the close of business on March 15, 2019the record date has one vote on each matter that is properly submitted for a vote at the annual meeting.

PROPOSALSProposals and Board Recommendations

Proposal

Board Recommendations 

Proposal 1: Election of Directors (page 8)

FOR each director nominee 

Proposal 2: Ratification of EY as Auditors (page 69)

FOR 

Proposal 3: Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (page 73)

FOR 

2021 FINANCIAL AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONOPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

In 2021, SBA continued to deliver strong financial and operational results. We deployed over $2 billion of capital, entered two new markets, grew our dividend meaningfully, repurchased shares opportunistically, improved our balance sheet and liquidity position and posted industry leading tower cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA margins. Highlights include:

(dollars in millions)

  2019   2020   2021 

Total revenue

  $2,015   $2,083   $2,309 

Net Income

  $147   $24   $238 

AFFO(1)

  $972   $1,070   $1,193 

Tower Count

         32,403        32,923          34,177(2) 

 

PROPOSALAdjusted EBITDA(1)

(in millions)

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  Board Recommendation

Page Reference
AFFO Per Share(1)

(for more details)

in dollars)

Election of Directors

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  FOR each director nominee

Tower Cash Flow(1)

(in millions)

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 9(1)

See the reconciliations of these Non-GAAP financial measures in Appendix A to this proxy statement.

Ratification of EY as Auditors

 FOR(2)57

Advisory voteDoes not include 1,445 towers acquired in Tanzania on executive compensationJanuary 4, 2022.

FOR61

2018 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

In 2018, SBA continued to deliver solid financial and operational results, and we once again led the tower industry in Tower Cash Flow Margin, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and AFFO Per Share. Highlights include:

    

(dollars in millions)

   2016    2017    2018 

Total revenue

  $1,633   $1,728   $1,866 

Net Income

  $76   $104   $47 

AFFO(1)(2)

  $761   $841   $885 

Tower Count

   26,197    27,909    29,578 

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SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  1


PROXY SUMMARY

 

 

(1)

For 2016, Adjusted EBITDA, AFFO and AFFO Per Share are presented net of the Oi Reserve. See Exhibit A for more information.

(2)

See reconciliation of GAAP toNon-GAAP financial measures in Exhibit A to this proxy statement.

We alsoIn 2021, we returned approximately $795.5$836 million in capital to our shareholders through the payment of $253.6 million in aggregate dividends during 2021 and the repurchase of approximately 5.01.9 million shares of our Class A common stock during 2018.stock.

This performance has contributed to our ability to create significant shareholder value as we delivered 54%283% Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) for the threefive years ended December 31, 2018.2021. As the chart below demonstrates, our TSR over that period exceedsmaterially surpassed the TSR of our large public tower company peer group (approximately 197%) and significantly exceeded the TSR of the S&P 500 Index (approximately 30%133%) and the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index (approximately 13%80%).

Total Shareholder Returns

 

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For more information relating to SBA’s financial performance, please review our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2021, filed with the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 28, 2019.March 1, 2022.

 

2SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


PROXY SUMMARY

 

 

Proposal 1 – Election of Directors (page 8)

GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION HIGHLIGHTSBoard Composition

The independent directors of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) are balanced with a mix of skills, experience, diversity and perspectives. See page 8 for more information.

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Governance Highlights

 

Effective Board

Leadership and

Independent Oversight

 

Our strong corporate governance practices and executive compensation standards include:

>      Meaningful proxy access right for shareholders. (Page19)

     Adoption of double trigger for acceleration of all outstanding and future equity awards held by our CEO and all equity awards issued to other officers after 2017. (Page29)

     Robust executive compensation recoupment or “clawback” policy. (Page19)

  All directors other than our CEO are independent.independent. (Page15) 18)

 

>  Independent Chair and Lead Independent Director ensure independent oversight. (Page 18)

>  Balanced Board with diversity of skills and experience. (Page 8)

>  Board refreshment has resulted in three independent directors joining since 2015. (Page 18)

>  Board risk oversight and assessment. (Page 19)

>  Board conducts annual self-evaluation of the Board, its Committees and each director to ensure independent oversight.determine effective functioning. (Page14) 18)

 

>  Independent directors regularly meet in executive session with the Lead Independent Director presiding. (Page 18)

>  Succession planning process for Board members and executives. (Page 18)

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  3


PROXY SUMMARY

Strong Governance

Policies

>  Directors and officers are subject to robust stock ownership guidelines.guidelines. (Page43) 51)

 

>     90% of our CEO’s target total compensation and an average of 85% of our other named executive officers’ target total compensation isat-risk or performance-based. (Page29)

     Advisory vote on executive compensation is conducted annually. (Page61)

  Majority voting standard and director resignation policy in uncontested elections.elections. (Page 9)17)

 

>  Executives prohibited from pledging shares that are subject to the stock ownership requirementsrequirements. (Page 17)

>  Directors and officers are strictly prohibited from hedging any shares. beneficially owned. (Page43) 25)

 

Commitment to

Shareholders and Other

Stakeholders

>     Board conducts annual self-evaluation to determine effective functioning.  Meaningful proxy access right for shareholders. (Page15) 29)

 

>  Proactive shareholder engagement program. (Page 4)

>  Strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives, including sustainable business practices. (Page 5)

Shareholder Engagement

We believe that shareholder engagement remains a key driver of our continued success. We engaged with our shareholders on a regular basis through our active engagement program led by management and our Board. Through our engagement, we solicit shareholder views on matters including business strategy, corporate governance, executive compensation, environmental and social initiatives and other important topics. We use this feedback to assist SBA and the Board with matters requiring a broader shareholder perspective. We also listen to the feedback our shareholders provide through the annual say on pay advisory votes on our executive compensation. We have established a variety of communication channels to best accommodate our shareholders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating effective discussions and feedback.

During the 2021-2022 shareholder engagement season, we continued to focus our shareholder engagement on understanding the views of our shareholders on a variety of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. During this period, we reached out to shareholders representing approximately 60% of the common stock held by our top 20 shareholders at the time of such request. As a result, we exchanged correspondence and held meetings with our top 20 shareholders representing approximately 40% of our outstanding common stock held by our shareholders at the time of such request. Our Lead Independent Director and/or Chair of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee participated in substantially all of these meetings. Our shareholder engagement included discussions of a variety of ESG issues, including:

       What We HeardHow We Responded

Shareholders supported sustainability-linked targets and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) targets as part of the executive compensation program.

For the 2021 compensation program and continuing with the 2022 program, DEI objectives are a component of our executives’ performance reviews and objectives, and a portion of their variable compensation is linked to the progress of our sustainability initiatives.

Shareholders supported sustainability-linked targets in our financial planning processes.

We added sustainability-linked targets to the renewal of our revolving credit facility and committed to meet specific, publicly-disclosed sustainability-linked KPIs over the course of the next five years to access lower interest rates.

4  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


PROXY SUMMARY

       What We HeardHow We Responded

Shareholders supported renewable energy procurement initiatives and resource efficiency initiatives.

Over the past two years, we have invested more than $12 million on energy efficiency programs alone, including LED office and tower lighting retrofits. We have also increased the mix of hybrid and electric commercial vehicles to reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicle fleet and have leveraged on-tower site renewable energy storage to further reduce the environmental impact of our portfolio.

Shareholders supported board oversight over ESG-related issues.

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has oversight over our ESG initiatives, including our corporate sustainability report, and it regularly receives reports from management on our sustainability program and initiatives.

Our engagement with a number of leading sustainability rating agencies and data aggregators reflects our sustained efforts to evolve with best practices and implement feedback from our shareholders. We also recognize the increasing importance of assessing and disclosing material climate-related risks and opportunities. Our inaugural Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report and publication of our second corporate sustainability report demonstrate our continued commitment to meeting our shareholders’ sustainability expectations.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

As a leader in wireless communications infrastructure and related solutions, we believe our duties extend beyond the cell site. We are firmly committed to sustainable leadership, benefiting our customers, shareholders, suppliers, team members and the communities in which we operate. We build resilient shared infrastructure for telecommunications networks in both developed and emerging markets, thereby enabling increased access to digital technologies with minimal environmental footprint.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on enacting business practices that are both responsible and drive long-term shareholder value. We believe this is best achieved by upholding the highest ethical standards while considering our impact on the planet, local communities and the economy. Our sustainability strategy and the various improvement programs are governed by the Executive Sustainability Committee, comprised of our President and Chief Executive Officer and members of our executive leadership team, and the Sustainability Steering Group, comprised of senior leaders across our business units. Together with our corporate values, the following core environmental, social and corporate governance pillars help guide and prioritize our sustainability strategy and resources:

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SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  5


PROXY SUMMARY

In December 2021, we published our second corporate sustainability report illustrating our commitment to continued engagement and communication of our sustainable and responsible business practices to our stakeholders. We invite you to review our sustainability report on our website at www.sbasite.com under “Company/Corporate-Responsibility/Sustainability”.

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has oversight over our Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) initiatives, including our corporate sustainability report. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has received reports from management on our sustainability program and initiatives at every regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee since it was assigned the oversight responsibility.

The Board of Directors regularly attend continuing education programsrecommends a vote “FOR” each of the director nominees..

Proposal 2 – Ratification of EY as Auditors (page 69)

The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed Ernst & Young LLP to continue to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2022 fiscal year.

Ernst & Young has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2002.

Each year, the Audit Committee evaluates the qualifications, performance and independence of SBA’s independent registered public accounting firm to determine whether to re-engage the same independent registered public accounting firm or whether it should be rotated.

Based on this evaluation, the Audit Committee believes that the continued retention of Ernst & Young is in the best interests of SBA and its shareholders.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2022 fiscal year.

Proposal 3 – Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (page 73)

Overview of Executive Compensation Practices

We pay for performance. The core of our executive compensation philosophy is that our executives’ pay should be linked to the performance of SBA. Accordingly, our executives’ compensation is heavily weighted toward compensation that is performance-based or equity-based. The compensation of our named executive officers, or NEOs, for 2021 reflects this commitment. Our executives’ compensation for 2021 consisted of a base salary, an annual incentive bonus and long-term equity awards that vest over or at the end of a three-year period. For 2021, 91% of our CEO’s target total compensation and an average of 87% of our other NEOs’ target total compensation was performance-based or equity-based. As a result, our executives only recognize value approaching their target compensation when our shareholders have enjoyed value creation.

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6  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


PROXY SUMMARY

Our long-term incentive award program is responsive to our shareholders. Our long-term incentive awards, which we structured following extensive engagement with our shareholders regarding our executive compensation plan design, are performance-based and we do not award stock options. Our long-term equity incentive awards are (1) two-thirds in the form of three-year performance-based restricted stock units which are earned equally based on our AFFO growth and our relative TSR performance against the S&P 500 and (2) one-third in the form of time-based restricted stock units.

Our executive compensation policies align our executives’ interests with those of our shareholders.

What We DoWhat We Do Not Do

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Robust stock ownership guidelinesLOGO    Limited perquisites

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Robust “no-fault” clawback policy that exceeds Dodd-Frank

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No acceleration of vesting of equity awards in connection with terminations, absent a change in control

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“Double trigger” change in control provisions in employment agreements

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No pledging of shares subject to stock ownership requirements

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All equity awards include a “Double trigger” in a change in control for acceleration

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No hedging of shares

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Reduced severance multiple, or limited severance if retirement eligible, for termination without cause not associated with change in control

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No tax gross-ups on perquisites or change in control benefits

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Annual incentive bonus tied to performance metrics designed to deliver long-term growth and drive shareholder value

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No pension or supplemental retirement plan benefits

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2/3rds of equity awards are performance-based and vest over or at the end of a three-year period; all equity awards have multi-year vesting

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No repricing or buy-outs of stock options without shareholder approval

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Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors

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No stock options granted below fair market value

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Independent compensation consultants, report directly to Compensation Committee and provide no other services to Company

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Equity plan does not permit liberal share recycling

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Comprehensive annual assessment of compensation risks

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No liberal change in control definition in equity plan or employment agreements

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” adoption of the resolution approving the compensation of our NEOs, as described in the CD&A section.

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  37


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SBA Communications Corporation

8051 Congress Avenue

Boca Raton, Florida 33487

PROXY STATEMENTPROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

You

Balanced Board with Unique Perspectives

SBA has delivered TSR of 283% over the past five years, significantly surpassing the TSR of 133% delivered by the S&P 500 over that same period and we believe that the sound stewardship of our Board has played an integral role in our ability to achieve this success. We are receivingcommitted to ensuring that our Board is made up of directors who bring to the Board a wealth of leadership experience, diverse viewpoints, knowledge, skills and business experience in the substantive areas that impact our business and align with our strategy.

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “NCG Committee”) regularly reviews the characteristics, skills, background and expertise of the Board as a whole and its individual members to assess those traits against the developing needs of the Board and SBA. SBA is committed to seeking diversity and balance among directors of race, gender, geography, thought, viewpoints, backgrounds, skills, experience, and expertise. As the fundamentals of the wireless network ecosystem continue to evolve, SBA has continued to pursue ways to adapt and prosper from the ever-changing landscape and our NCG Committee has sought to expand the perspectives of our Board to provide us guidance and insight on this evolution.

As part of our ongoing board refreshment efforts, we have added three new directors since 2015. In conducting each of these director searches, our NCG Committee considered the leadership, technical skills and operational experience that we believed would address the Board’s then current needs. For each of these searches, we utilized the services of a professional recruiter who was instructed to conduct an extensive search to (1) identify candidates with the leadership, skills and experience targeted by the NCG Committee from, among other areas, the traditional corporate environment (including different stakeholders in the telecommunications and/or wireless industry), government, academia, private enterprise, non-profit organizations, and professions such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and legal services and (2) ensure that the pool of candidates included diverse candidates with a particular focus on race and gender diversity. We believe that this board refreshment process has successfully allowed us to identify candidates who bring valuable viewpoints, backgrounds, skills, experience, and expertise, while also expanding the racial and gender diversity of our Board. Our three most recent additions to the Board – Ms. Chan in 2015, Ms. Russo in 2020 and Mr. Johnson in 2022 – are illustrative of that effort. Ms. Chan brought to the Board her leadership experience in the development and execution of General Motors’ launch of 4G LTE connectivity across its global portfolio of vehicle brands. Ms. Russo brought to the Board the leadership and vision of how technology can further strengthen the company’s business and identify additional opportunities as we began to explore the opportunities presented by the intersection of the wireless ecosystem and the data center, cloud and data sectors. Finally, our most recent addition, Mr. Johnson, brings to our Board his extensive experience in serving in senior finance roles at multiple REITs, including currently as Chief Financial Officer of Lamar Advertising Company, a leading outdoor advertising company REIT.

The matrix below sets forth the collective skills and experience that we have identified as being essential for our Board to provide sound stewardship and the relevance of such skill or experience to our long-term value creation. Our NCG Committee seeks to have a Board with unique and balanced perspectives; consequently, we do not expect nor seek for each director to have each skill or experience set forth in the matrix. The skills, experience and background of each of our directors, and the characteristics that our NCG Committee and our Board identified in connection with his or her nomination is set forth in the director’s biography which starts on page 12 of this proxy statement because you own shares of our Class A common stock that entitle you to vote at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies from shareholders who wish to vote at the meeting. By use of a proxy, you can vote even if you do not attend the meeting. This proxy statement describes the matters on which you are being asked to vote and provides information on those matters so that you can make an informed decision.

Date, Time and Place of the 2019 Annual Meeting

We will hold the 2019 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. local time at our corporate offices located at 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.

Questions and Answers About Voting at the Annual Meeting and Related Mattersstatement.

 

Q:

Who may vote at the Annual Meeting?

A:

You may vote all of the shares of our Class A common stock that you owned at the close of business on March 15, 2019, the record date. On the record date, there were 113,073,816 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding and entitled to be voted at the meeting. You may cast one vote for each share of our Class A common stock held by you on all matters presented at the meeting.

Q:

What constitutes a quorum, and why is a quorum required?

A:

We are required to have a quorum of shareholders present to conduct business at the meeting. The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the record date will constitute a quorum, permitting us to conduct the business of the meeting. Proxies received but marked as abstentions, if any, will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the meeting for quorum purposes. If we do not have a quorum, we will be forced to reconvene the Annual Meeting at a later date.

Q:

What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a beneficial owner?

A:

If your shares are registered directly in your name with SBA’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered the “shareholder of record” with respect to those shares. If your shares are held by a brokerage firm, bank, trustee or other agent (“nominee”), you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in street name. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) has been forwarded to you by your nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your nominee on how to vote your shares by following their instructions for voting by telephone or on the Internet or, if you specifically request a copy of the printed materials, you may use the voting instruction card included in such materials.

48  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


QUESTIONSPROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  BOARD QUALIFICATIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND RELATED MATTERSSKILLS

 

 

Q:

How do I vote?

A:

If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote:

via Internet;

by telephone;

by mail, if you have received a paper copy of the proxy materials; or

in person at the meeting.

Detailed instructionsThe table below sets forth, for Internetour director nominees and telephone voting are set forth on the Notice, which contains instructions on how to access our proxy statement and annual report online. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

If you are a beneficial shareholder, you must follow the voting procedures of your nominee included with your proxy materials. If your shares are held by a nominee and you intend to vote at the meeting, please bring with you evidence of your ownership as of the record date (suchcontinuing directors as a letter from your nominee confirming your ownershipgroup, the diverse skills, experience and perspective that they bring to our Board and why our NCG Committee believes that the specific skill, experience or a bank or brokerage firm account statement).

Q:

What am I voting on?

A:

At the Annual Meeting you will be asked to vote on the following three proposals. Our Board recommendation for each of these proposals is set forth below.

Proposal

Board Recommendation

1.  To elect Kevin L. Beebe, Jack Langer, and Jeffrey A. Stoops as directors for a three-year term expiring at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


FOR each director nominee

2.  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2019 fiscal year.

FOR

3.  To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, which we refer to as “Say on Pay.”

FOR

We will also consider other business that properly comes before the meeting in accordance with Florida law and our Bylaws.

Q:

What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?

A:

Other than the items of business described in this proxy statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Steven E. Bernstein and Jeffrey A. Stoops, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting in accordance with Florida law and our Bylaws.

perspective is important to an effective SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  5Board.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND RELATED MATTERS

Q:

What if I abstain on a proposal?

A:

If you sign and return your proxy marked “abstain” on any proposal, your shares will not be voted on that proposal. However, your shares will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

Q:

What is the required vote for approval of each of the proposals and what is the impact of abstentions?

A:

 

Proposal

  SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/PERSPECTIVE
     Votes Required for Approval     RELEVANCE TO SBA       AbstentionsDIRECTORS 

1.  ElectionLOGO

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVEGiven that we operate in 15 countries across four continents, international experience helps our Board understand and anticipate the opportunities and challenges of Directors

our business and contributes to a diversity of perspectives in Board decision-making.
  Majority of votes cast89% No impact

2.  Ratification of EYLOGO

WIRELESS/TECHNOLOGYDirectors with technical knowledge, experience in our industry and experience implementing technology strategies provide the Board operational insight and strengthen the Board’s expertise in evaluating and managing evolving technologies such as Auditors

mobile edge computing.
  Majority of votes cast56% No impact

3.  Say on Pay

LOGO
SENIOR LEADERSHIPSignificant leadership experience, including serving as a C-Suite or division executive, within a complex organization enhances the Board’s ability to manage risk and oversee operations.  100%Majority
LOGOFINANCIAL/ACCOUNTINGDirectors with strong financial and accounting backgrounds allow effective oversight and understanding of votes castfinancial reporting, financing transactions, complex acquisitions and internal controls.  78%No impact

A proposal has received a majority of the votes cast if the votes cast “FOR” a proposal exceed the votes cast “AGAINST” a proposal. In addition, we intend to evaluate the advisory proposal, Proposal 3, using the same standard. Consequently, abstentions will have no impact on the results, as they are not counted as votes cast.

LOGOQ:INVESTMENT/CAPITAL
ALLOCATION

Directors with experience with debt/capital market transactions and corporate finance experience assist in evaluating our financial vision and capital allocation strategy.78%
LOGOWhat is the effectPUBLIC COMPANY
BOARD/ CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Prior public company board and corporate governance experience supports our goals of the advisory vote on Proposal 3?

A:

Proposal 3 is an advisory vote. This means that while we ask shareholders to approve the resolution regarding Say on Pay, this is not an action that requires shareholder approval. If a majority of votes are cast “FOR” the Say on Pay proposal, we will consider the proposal to be approved. Abstentions are not counted as votes “FOR” or “AGAINST” this proposal. Although the vote on Proposal 3 isnon-binding, ourstrong Board and the Compensation Committee will review the result of the votemanagement accountability, transparency, effective oversight and take it into account in making determinations concerning executive compensation.

good governance.
100%

LOGOQ:RISK MANAGEMENT/
COMPLIANCE

What if I sign

Skills and return my proxy without making any selections?

experience in assessment and management of business and financial risk factors allow the Board to effectively oversee risk management and assist SBA in managing the risks that it encounters.
67%

A:

If you sign and return your proxy without making any selections, your shares will be voted “FOR” Proposals 1, 2 and 3. If other matters properly come before the meeting, Steven E. Bernstein and Jeffrey A. Stoops will have the authority to vote on those matters for you at their discretion. As of the date of this proxy, we are not aware of any matters that will come before the meeting other than those disclosed in this proxy statement.

LOGOQ:MERGERS AND
ACQUISITIONS/
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

What if I am

As portfolio growth is a beneficial shareholdervital element in SBA’s long-term growth strategy, experience in evaluating and I do not giveimplementing M&A and strategic investments furthers the nominee voting instructions?

Board’s management and oversight of these transactions.
100%

A:

If you are a beneficial shareholder

LOGOOPERATIONAL/ HUMAN
RESOURCES
Directors with operational and your shares are held inhuman capital experience provide the name of a broker, the broker is bound by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange regarding whether or not it can exercise discretionary voting power for any particular proposal if the broker has not received voting instructions from you. Brokers have the authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain “routine” matters. A brokernon-vote occurs when a

Board insight into effective recruitment, retention and succession planning.
89%

 

6SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  9


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  BOARD QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

We seek to have a Board of independent directors that bring to us a wide range of viewpoints and experiences. As discussed later in this proxy statement, we annually evaluate the independence of each of our directors utilizing the definition of “independent director” in the listing rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Our Board consists of independent, unaffiliated directors with a diversity of age, gender and ethnicity and a range of tenure, with our longer-serving directors providing important institutional knowledge and experience and our newer directors bringing fresh perspectives to deliberations. Our director nominees and continuing directors, excluding Mr. Bernstein, who founded SBA, and Mr. Stoops, our CEO, have a range of experience and tenure on our Board with an average tenure of 9 years.

As of March 28, 2022, the composition of our Board was as follows:

LOGO

Board Diversity Matrix (As of March 28, 2022) 

 Total Number of Directors

     9 
     Female     Male 

 Gender Identity

        

 Directors

     2      7 

 Demographic Background

        

 African American or Black

           1 

 Asian

     1       

 White

     1      6 

10  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND RELATED MATTERS

nominee who holds shares for another does not vote on a particular item because the nominee does not have discretionary voting authority for that item and has not received instructions from the owner of the shares. Brokernon-votes are included in the calculation of the number of votes considered to be present at the meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but are not counted as votes cast with respect to a matter on which the nominee has expressly not voted.

The table below sets forth, for each proposal on the ballot, whether a broker can exercise discretion and vote your shares absent your instructions and if not, the impact of such brokernon-vote on the approval of the proposal.

Proposal

Can Brokers Vote
        Absent Instructions?        
Impact of
  Broker Non-Vote  

1.     Election of Directors

NoNone

2.     Ratification of EY as Auditors

YesNot Applicable

3.     Say on Pay

NoNone

Q:

Can I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy?

A:

Yes. You may revoke your proxy at any time before its exercise. You may also revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial shareholder, you must contact your nominee to change your vote or obtain a proxy to vote your shares if you wish to cast your vote in person at the meeting.

Q:

Who can attend the Annual Meeting?

A:

Only shareholders and our invited guests are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. To gain admittance, you must bring a form of personal identification to the meeting, where your name will be verified against our shareholder list. If a broker or other nominee holds your shares and you plan to attend the meeting, you should bring a recent brokerage statement showing your ownership of the shares as of the record date, a letter from the broker confirming such ownership, and a form of personal identification.

Q:

If I plan to attend the Annual Meeting, should I still vote by proxy?

A:

Yes. Casting your vote in advance does not affect your right to attend the Annual Meeting.

If you vote in advance and also attend the meeting, you do not need to vote again at the meeting unless you want to change your vote. Written ballots will be available at the meeting for shareholders of record.

Beneficial shareholders who wish to vote in person must request a legal proxy from the broker or other nominee and bring that legal proxy to the Annual Meeting.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  7


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND RELATED MATTERS

Q:

Where can I find voting results of the Annual Meeting?

A:

We will announce the results for the proposals voted upon at the Annual Meeting and publish final detailed voting results in a Form8-K filed within four business days after the Annual Meeting.

Q:

Who should I call with other questions?

A:

If you have additional questions about this proxy statement or the meeting or would like additional copies of this proxy statement or our annual report, please contact: SBA Communications Corporation, 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, Attention: Investor Relations, Telephone: (561)995-7670.

8  SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement


LOGO

PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR NOMINEES

 

 

IntroductionOur Directors and Directors Nominees

Our Board, upon recommendation of our NCG Committee, has nominated Kevin L. Beebe, Jack Langer and Jeffrey A. Stoops, each a current Class II director, to be elected to serve as a member of the Board for a three-year term expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified, and has nominated Jay L. Johnson, a current Class I director, to be elected to serve as a member of the Board for a term expiring at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Each of Messrs. Beebe, Johnson, Langer and Stoops has consented to serve if elected.

Our Bylaws permit the Board of Directors to set the size of the Board. OurDuring 2021, our Board of Directors currently consistshad eight directors. However, concurrently with the appointment of Mr. Johnson as a Class I director, as described below, the Board size was expanded and returned to its historical level of nine directors effective March 28, 2022, eight directors.of whom are independent. For the size and scope of our business and operations, we believe a board of approximately this size is appropriate as it is small enough to allow for effective communication among the members but large enough so that we get a diverse set of perspectives and experiences in our board room.

Our Board of Directors appointed Mr. Johnson as a Class I director effective March 28, 2022. The Board was expanded from eight to nine directors effective upon his appointment. The NCG Committee has recommended that Mr. Johnson be nominated for re-election at the Annual Meeting, in accordance with Florida law, and, if re-elected, will serve as a Class I director, with a term expiring at the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Our Board of Directors is currently divided into three classes. We believe that the classified Board is the most effective way for the Board to be organized because it ensures a greater level of certainty of continuity fromyear-to-year which provides stability in organization and experience. This continuity and stability is particularly important given the long-term nature of the agreements under which we produce revenue. As a result of the three classes, at each Annual Meeting, directors are elected for a three-year term. Class terms expire on a rolling basis, so that one class of directors is elected each year.

Our Board, current directors and classifications are as follows:

 

Class I

                    Class I                  Class II

                        Class  III

        Class III        

Brian C. Carr

            Mary S. Chan
Kevin L. BeebeSteven E. Bernstein

Mary S. Chan

            George R. Krouse, Jr.Jack LangerDuncan H. Cocroft

George R. Krouse, Jr.

            Jay L. Johnson*Jeffrey A. Stoops            Fidelma Russo

The terms of the three current Class II directors expire* Mr. Johnson has been nominated for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Nominating and, Corporate Governance Committee (“NCG Committee”) has recommended that Kevin L. Beebe, Jack Langer, and Jeffrey A. Stoops, eachif re-elected, will serve as a current Class III director, be nominated forre-election forwith a three-year term expiring at the 20222024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each of Messrs. Beebe, Langer and Stoops has consented to serve if elected.as a current Class I director.

Our Bylaws provide that, in uncontested elections, directors will be elected by a majority of the votes cast, and in contested elections, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Our Bylaws further provide that a director who is not elected by a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, taking into consideration the recommendation of the NCG Committee, will then decide whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken.

WeAs discussed above, we believe that each of our directors possesses the experience, skills and qualities to fully perform his or her duties as a director and contribute to SBA’s success. Our directors were nominated because each is of high ethical character, highly accomplished in his or her field with superior credentials and recognition, has a reputation, both personal and professional, that is consistent with SBA’s image and reputation, has the ability to exercise sound business judgment, and is able to dedicate sufficient time to fulfilling his or her obligations as a director. Our directors as a group complement each other and each of their respective experiences, skills and qualities so that collectively the Board operates in an effective, collegial and responsive manner. Each director’s principal occupation and other pertinent information about particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that such person should serve as a director, appears on the following pages.

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  911


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

 

 

Nominees Forfor Director

 

 

Class I Director

Jay L. Johnson

Director since: 2022

Independent

Age: 45

Committees:

•  Audit

Mr. Johnson has served as the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Lamar Advertising Company, a leading outdoor advertising company, since October 2019. Prior to joining Lamar Advertising Company, Mr. Johnson served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of DiamondRock Hospitality Company, a self-advised real estate investment trust with a portfolio of hotels and resorts, from April 2018 until August 2019, and as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (“Host”), a major lodging real estate investment trust and owner of luxury hotels, from April 2015 to March 2018. Prior to his role as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Host, Mr. Johnson served from 2010 through 2015 in various roles within Host’s corporate finance and treasury group. Prior to joining Host, Mr. Johnson served in various positions at KeyBank Real Estate Capital and at Bank of America. Prior to those roles in banking, he worked with the management consulting practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP and in the investment banking group at Prudential Securities and the industrial markets trading division of Enron Corporation. Mr. Johnson also serves as a member of the board of directors at Newell Brands, Inc., a global consumer goods company.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Johnson to serve as a director of the Board because of his executive financial and management experience, financial expertise, and his extensive experience in real estate, REITs and financial services.

Class II Directors

For Terms that Expire at the 2022 Annual Meeting

 

 

Kevin L. Beebe

Director since:2009

Independent

Age:6063

Committees:

•  Audit

•  Nominating and Corporate GovernanceCompensation

  Since November 2007, Mr. Beebe has been President and Chief Executive Officer of 2BPartners, LLC, a partnership that provides strategic, financial and operational advice to investors and management. Previously he was Group President of Operations at ALLTEL Corporation, a telecommunications services company, from 1998 to 2007. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Beebe served as Executive Vice President of Operations for 360° Communications Co., a wireless communications company. Mr. Beebe also serves on the BoardBoards of Directors of Skyworks Solutions, Inc., a semiconductor company, and on the Board of Directors of NII Holdings, Inc.,Frontier Communications Corporation, a wireless service provider.communications company. In addition, Mr. Beebe is a founding partner in Astra Capital, a private equity firm.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Beebe to serve as a director of the Board because of his executive and management experience, and in particular his extensive experience in telecommunications and technology.

12  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


Qualifications.PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR The Board nominated Mr. Beebe to serve as a director of the Board because of his executive and management experience, and in particular his extensive experience in telecommunications.

 

 

Jack Langer

Director since:2004

Independent

Age:7073

Committees:

•  Compensation (Chair)

•  Nominating and   Corporate Governance

•  Compensation (Chair)

Lead Independent Director

  Mr. Langer is a private investor. From April 1997 to December 2002, Mr. Langer served as Managing Director and the GlobalCo-Head of the Media Group at Lehman Brothers Inc. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Langer served as the Managing Director and Head of Media Group at Bankers Trust & Company. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Langer served as Managing Director and Head of Media Group at Kidder Peabody & Company, Inc. Mr. Langer previously served on the Board of Directors of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Langer to serve as a director of the Board because of his management and advisory experience with national and global companies as well as his vast experience in investment banking, including his experience in raising capital for companies and mergers and acquisitions.

 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

Director since:1999

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Age:6063

  Mr. Stoops joined SBA in April 1997 and has served as a director of SBA since August 1999. Mr. Stoops was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective as of January 2002, President in April 2000, and previously served as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Stoops has served on the Board of Directors of Custom Truck One Source, Inc., a specialty equipment company, from July 2019 to June 2021.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Stoops to serve as a director of the Board because of his current and prior senior executive and financial management experience at SBA, his operational knowledge and experience at SBA and his business and competitive knowledge of the wireless infrastructure industry.

Recommendation of the Board because of his current and prior senior executive and financial management experience at SBA, his operational knowledge and experience at SBA and his business and competitive knowledgeDirectors

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the wireless infrastructure industry.director nominees

 

10SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  13


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

 

 

Directors Continuing in Office

 

Class I Directors

Terms Expire at the 2021 Annual Meeting

Brian C. Carr

Director since:2004

Independent

Age:57

Committees:

•  Audit

•  Compensation

Mr. Carr is an experienced investor, board member and strategic advisor to various companies. Since October 2017, Mr. Carr has served as an independent director for private equity-backed SingularBio, Inc., a San Francisco based diagnostic technology company. From January 2014 until June 2017, Mr. Carr served asnon-executive Chairman, and from March 2012 to December 2013 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of Regional Diagnostic Laboratories, Inc., a company founded to invest in various types of domestic and international medical laboratories. From October 2016 until May 2017, Mr. Carr was a board member of privately held Acuamark Diagnostics. Previously, Mr. Carr was aco-founder, Chief Executive Officer and director for OralDNA Labs, a privately held diagnostic company which was acquired by Quest Diagnostics. Mr. Carr was also aco-founder and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Esoteric Laboratories until it was acquired by publicly-held Sonic Healthcare Limited. Prior to that, Mr. Carr was President and a director of AmeriPath, Inc., a publicly-traded anatomic pathology company. Mr. Carr is a CPA (inactive) and has previous experience in Big Four public accounting firms as well as international consulting in Brazil, China and Spain.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Carr to serve as a director of the Board because of his experience in founding, growing and managing public and private companies, including extensive mergers and acquisitions experience, both domestically and internationally. The Board also recognized his accounting and financial experience gained initially through a Big Four public accounting firm and enhanced through his public and private company senior management positions.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  11


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

Mary S. Chan

Director since:2015

Independent

Age:56

Committees:

•  Audit

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance

Ms. Chan is a telecommunications executive and has over 25 years of extensive global management experience in the telecommunications and wireless technology industries. Ms. Chanco-founded and since February 2016 has served as Managing Partner of VectoIQ, LLC, a consulting firm focused on Smart transportation product and services. From May 2012 to April 2015, Ms. Chan served as President, Global Connected Consumer & OnStar Service, at General Motors Corporation, where she led the development and execution of General Motors’ strategic global infotainment plans, including the launch of 4G LTE connectivity across its global portfolio of vehicle brands. From September 2009 to March 2012, Ms. Chan served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Mobility Solutions & Services, at Dell Inc., where she helped expand Dell’s mobility product and service offerings. From December 2000 to August 2009, Ms. Chan held various senior vice president positions at Alcatel-Lucent and Lucent Technologies, including the positions of Executive Vice President, President of 4G/LTE Wireless Networks and Executive Vice President, President of Global Wireless Networks. Prior to Alcatel-Lucent/Lucent Technologies, Ms. Chan worked at AT&T Network Systems focusing on product and platform development of 2G and 3G wireless systems. Ms. Chan also serves on the Boards of Directors of Microelectronics Technology, Inc., a publicly-held technology company specializing in wireless communication product development, manufacturing and global sales, Dialog Semiconductor PLC, a publicly-held manufacturer of semiconductor based system solutions, and Magna International Inc., a publicly-held automotive parts supplier.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Ms. Chan to serve as a director of the Board because of her extensive experience in the telecommunications and wireless technology industries. The Board also recognized her management experience gained through various senior management positions at large multinational companies.

George R. Krouse, Jr.

Director since:2009

Independent

Age:73

Committees:

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)

•  Compensation

Mr. Krouse, an attorney, retired in December 2007 after spending 37 years at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, where he practiced in the corporate, capital markets and merger and acquisition areas. While at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Mr. Krouse served as Head of the Corporate Department, Senior Administrative Partner and was a member of the Executive Committee of the firm. Mr. Krouse also serves on the Board of Visitors at Duke University School of Law and is a 2002 recipient of the Law School’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2006, he was appointed a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University School of Law.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Krouse to serve as a director of the Board because of his years and depth of experience as a securities and M&A partner at a major law firm, where he counseled large companies on matters of corporate governance, risk oversight, capital markets, general business matters and acquisition transactions, as well as his senior financial and business management experience at this same firm.

12  SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

Class III Directors

Terms Expire at the 20202023 Annual Meeting

 

Steven E. Bernstein

Director since:1989

Independent

Age:5861

Chair

  Mr. Bernstein, our founder, has served as our Chair since our inception in 1989 and was our Chief Executive Officer from 1989 to 2001. Mr. Bernstein is also involved in a number of personal commercial real estate investments. Mr. Bernstein has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Real Estate from the University of Florida. Mr. Bernstein was previously a visiting professor at Lynn University, and serves on the boards of various local charities.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Bernstein to serve as a director of the Board because of his extensive senior management and operational experience in the wireless communications industry, including as the founder and first President and Chief Executive Officer of SBA.

 

Duncan H. Cocroft

Director since:2004

Independent

Age:7578

Committees:

•  Audit (Chair)

•  Compensation

  Mr. Cocroft is a private investor who retired in March 2004 from Cendant Corporation, a provider of consumer and business services primarily in the travel and real estate services industries. Mr. Cocroft was Executive Vice President – Finance and Treasurer of Cendant and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PHH Corporation, Cendant’s wholly-owned finance subsidiary. Prior to joining Cendant in June 1999, Mr. Cocroft served as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Kos Pharmaceuticals, where he was responsible for finance, information systems and human resources. His other prior senior management positions include Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer of International Multifoods, an operator of food manufacturing businesses in the U.S. and Canada, and Vice President and Treasurer of Smithkline Beckman, a pharmaceutical company.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Cocroft previously served onto serve as a director of the Board because of Directorshis past experience as a Chief Financial Officer and other financial oversight positions at large, global public companies, as well as other senior management experience including responsibility for information systems and human resources.

14  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

Fidelma Russo

Director since: 2020

Independent

Age: 58

Committees:

•  Audit

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance

Ms. Russo has served as senior vice president and chief technology officer of Visteon Corporation (VC)Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) since September 2021. Previously, she served as senior vice president of VMware, Inc., a global automotive suppliercloud computing and virtualization company, from OctoberMay 2020 to September 2021, where she oversaw the Cloud Services Business Unit. Prior to joining VMware, Ms. Russo served as executive vice president and chief technology officer of Iron Mountain Inc., an information management services company and REIT, from March 2017 to May 2020. Prior to joining Iron Mountain, Ms. Russo served as senior vice president and general manager at Dell EMC, a technology solutions company, from January 2011 to March 2017, where she led Dell EMC’s enterprise storage and software solutions team. From May 2010 to June 2016.January 2011, Ms. Russo served as chief operating officer of Sepaton, Inc., a privately held provider of storage and software products and services. From September 2007 to May 2010, Ms. Russo served as executive vice president, engineering and development at Sepaton.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Ms. Russo to serve as a director of the Board because of her leadership experience with extensive multi-disciplinary expertise across technology, finance and strategy. The Board also considered her experience in building and managing data-related businesses, her vision of how technology can be used to strengthen the company’s business and the contributions she would make to the Board in identifying opportunities in the evolving wireless communications industry.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Cocroft to serve as a director of the Board because of his past experience as a Chief Financial Officer and other financial oversight positions at large, global public companies, as well as other senior management experience including responsibility for information systems and human resources.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the director nominees.

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  1315


PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  >  DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

Class I Directors

Terms Expire at the 2024 Annual Meeting

Mary S. Chan

Director since: 2015

Independent

Age: 59

Committees:

•  Compensation

•  Nominating and   Corporate Governance

Ms. Chan is a telecommunications executive and has over 25 years of extensive global management experience in the telecommunications and wireless technology industries. Ms. Chan co-founded and since February 2016 has served as Managing Partner of VectoIQ, LLC, a consulting firm focused on Smart transportation product and services. Since January 2021, Ms. Chan has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of VectoIQ Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company. From May 2012 to April 2015, Ms. Chan served as President, Global Connected Consumer & OnStar Service, at General Motors Corporation, where she led the development and execution of General Motors’ strategic global infotainment plans, including the launch of 4G LTE connectivity across its global portfolio of vehicle brands. From September 2009 to March 2012, Ms. Chan served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Mobility Solutions & Services, at Dell Inc., where she helped expand Dell’s mobility product and service offerings. From December 2000 to August 2009, Ms. Chan held various senior vice president positions at Alcatel-Lucent and Lucent Technologies, including the positions of Executive Vice President, President of 4G/LTE Wireless Networks and Executive Vice President, President of Global Wireless Networks. Prior to Alcatel-Lucent/Lucent Technologies, Ms. Chan worked at AT&T Network Systems focusing on product and platform development of 2G and 3G wireless systems. Ms. Chan also serves on the Boards of Directors of CommScope Holding Company, Inc., a global network infrastructure provider, and Magna International Inc., a global automotive parts supplier.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Ms. Chan to serve as a director of the Board because of her extensive experience in the telecommunications and wireless technology industries, including her leadership experience in the development and execution of General Motors’ launch of 4G LTE connectivity across its global portfolio of vehicle brands. The Board also recognized her management experience gained through various senior management positions at large multinational companies.

George R. Krouse, Jr.

Director since: 2009

Independent

Age: 76

Committees:

•  Audit

•  Nominating and   Corporate Governance   (Chair)

Mr. Krouse, an attorney, retired in December 2007 after spending 37 years at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, where he practiced in the corporate, capital markets and merger and acquisition areas. While at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Mr. Krouse served as Head of the Corporate Department, managing partner and was a member of the Executive Committee of the firm. Mr. Krouse also serves on the Board of Visitors at Duke University School of Law and is a 2002 recipient of the Law School’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2006, he was appointed a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University School of Law.

Qualifications. The Board nominated Mr. Krouse to serve as a director of the Board because of his years and depth of experience as a securities and M&A partner at a major law firm, where he counseled large companies on matters of corporate governance, risk oversight, capital markets, general business matters and acquisition transactions, as well as his senior financial and business management experience at this same firm.

16  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


LOGO

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board of Directors has voluntarily adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines describe our corporate governance practices and policies and provide a framework for our Board governance. The topics addressed in our Corporate Governance Guidelines include director independence, director qualifications, committee membership and structure, shareholder communications with the Board, director compensation and the annual performance evaluation of the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide, among other things, that:

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In the event the Chair is not an independent director, the independent directors of the Board will, upon recommendation of the NCG Committee, appoint a Lead Independent Director;

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A majority of directors of the Board must be independent as defined by the Nasdaq Listing Standards;

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No director may serve on more than two public company boards in addition to SBA’s Board without prior consultation with the Chair of the NCG Committee;

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The Board will have, at all times, an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and NCG Committee (the “Committees”), and each of their members will be independent as defined by the Nasdaq Listing Standards and applicable SEC rules;

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The Board will appoint all members of the Committees;

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The Board will conduct an annual self-evaluation to determine whether it and its Committees are functioning effectively;

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Each director nominee must agree to tender his or her resignation for consideration by the Board if such director fails to receive a majority of votes cast in any uncontested re-election;

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No executive officer or director may pledge any shares of SBA’s Class A common stock that count toward satisfying such executive officer’s or director’s ownership requirement as set forth in the Stock Ownership Guidelines; and

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No executive officer or director may enter into hedging arrangements with respect to any shares of SBA’s Class A common stock.

The NCG Committee reviews our Corporate Governance Guidelines not less than annually, and, if necessary, will recommend changes to the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available to view at our website, www.sbasite.com, under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section.

Board Leadership Structure

 

As stated in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board has not adopted a formal policy regarding the need to separate or combine the offices of Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and instead the Board remains free to make this determination from time to time in a manner that seems most appropriate for SBA. Currently, SBA separates the positions of CEO and Chair in recognition of the differences between the two roles. The CEO is responsible for the strategic direction of SBA and the day to day leadership and performance of SBA, while the Chair provides guidance to the CEO, sets the agenda for the Board meetings and presides over meetings of the Board. In addition, SBA believes that the current separation provides a more effective monitoring and objective evaluation of the CEO’s performance. The separation also allows the Chair to strengthen the Board’s objective oversight of SBA’s performance and governance standards.

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Lead Independent Director

 

In order to facilitate and strengthen the Board’s independent oversight of SBA’s performance, strategy and succession planning and to uphold effective governance standards, the Board has established the role of a lead independent director.Lead Independent Director. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines only require the appointment of a lead independent directorLead Independent Director in the event that our Chair is not independent. Although our current Chair, Mr. Bernstein, is “independent” under the Nasdaq Listing Standards, the Board decided to continue to maintain a lead independent directorLead Independent Director for 20192022 as it believes that the lead independent directorLead Independent Director provides additional perspective and expanded communication among directors. Mr. Langer currently serves as SBA’s lead independent director.Lead Independent Director.

The lead independent director’sLead Independent Director’s duties, which are listed in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, include:

 

presiding at all executive sessions of the independent directors and Board meetings at which the Chair is not present;

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presiding at all executive sessions of the independent directors and Board meetings at which the Chair is not present;

 

serving as liaison between the Chair and the independent directors;

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serving as liaison between the Chair and the independent directors;

 

approving the Board meeting agendas and schedules and the subject matter of the information to be sent to the Board;

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approving the Board meeting agendas and schedules and the subject matter of the information to be sent to the Board;

 

the authority to call meetings of the independent directors;

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the authority to call meetings of the independent directors;

 

ensuring he or she is available for consultation and direct communication if requested by major shareholders; and

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ensuring he or she is available for consultation and direct communication if requested by major shareholders; and

 

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performing such other duties as the Board deems appropriate.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board of Directors has voluntarily adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines describe our corporate governance practices and policies and provide a framework for our Board governance. The topics addressed in our Corporate Governance Guidelines include director independence, director qualifications, committee membership and structure,

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shareholder communications with the Board, director compensation and the annual performance evaluation of the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide, among other things, that:

In the event the Chair is not an independent director, the independent directors of the Board will, upon recommendation of the NCG Committee, appoint a lead independent director;

A majority of directors of the Board must be independent as defined by the Nasdaq Listing Standards;

No director may serve on more than two public company boards in addition to SBA’s Board without prior consultation with the Chair of the NCG Committee;

The Board will have, at all times, an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and NCG Committee (the “Committees”), and each of their members will be independent as defined by the Nasdaq Listing Standards and applicable SEC rules;

The Board will appoint all members of the Committees;

The Board will conduct an annual self-evaluation to determine whether it and its Committees are functioning effectively;

Each director nominee must agree to tender his or her resignation for consideration by the Board if such director fails to receive a majority of votes cast in any uncontestedre-election;

No executive officer or director may pledge any shares of SBA’s Class A common stock that count toward satisfying such executive officer’s or director’s ownership requirement as set forth in the Stock Ownership Guidelines; and

No executive officer or director may enter into hedging arrangements with respect to any shares of SBA’s Class A common stock.

The NCG Committee reviews our Corporate Governance Guidelines not less than annually, and, if necessary, will recommend changes to the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available to view at our website, www.sbasite.com, under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section.

Board Independence

 

Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we require that a majority of our Board of Directors and all members of our three standing Committees be comprised of directors who are “independent,” as such term is defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Nasdaq Listing Standards”). Each year, the Board undertakes a review of director independence, which includes a review of each director’s responses to questionnaires asking about any relationships with us. This review is designed to identify and evaluate any transactions or relationships between a director or any member of his or her immediate family and us, or members of our senior management or other members of our Board of Directors, and all relevant facts and circumstances regarding any such transactions or relationships. Consistent with these considerations, our Board has affirmatively determined that alleach of ournon-employee directorsMs. Chan and nominees, who are listed below,Ms. Russo and each of Messrs. Beebe, Bernstein, Cocroft, Johnson, Krouse and Langer are independent.

            > Kevin L. Beebe

>Steven E. Bernstein>Brian C. Carr

            >Mary S. Chan

>Duncan H. Cocroft>George R. Krouse, Jr.

            >Jack Langer

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Executive Sessions. The independent members of the Board of Directors generally meet in executive session at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

MeetingsBoard and Committee Self-Evaluation and Refreshment

Our Board conducts annual self-evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees. These annual self-evaluations are overseen by the NCG Committee and are designed to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Board and each Committee and identify areas of potential improvement. They include written questionnaires that solicit feedback from the Board and Committee members on a range of topics, including the Committees’ roles, structure and composition; the extent to which the mix of skills, experience and other attributes of the individual directors is appropriate for the Board and each Committee; the scope of duties delegated to the

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Committees, including the allocation of risk assessment between the Board and its Committees; interaction with management; information and resources; the adequacy of open lines of communication between directors and members of management; the Board and Committee meeting process and dynamics; and follow-through on recommendations developed during the evaluation process.

Our Board has also implemented annual individual director self-evaluations that require each director to assess his or her performance as a director and the performance of the Board as a whole. This process involves directors providing direct feedback to the Chair of the Board, the Lead Independent Director and the Chair of the NCG Committee who, in turn, review the self-evaluations for any actions that should be taken to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.

Following the annual self-evaluations, the NCG Committee discusses areas for potential improvement with the Board and/or relevant Committees and, if necessary, identifies steps required to implement these improvements. Director suggestions for improvements to the evaluation questionnaires and process are considered for incorporation for the following year. As part of the NCG Committee’s discussion and evaluation of areas for improvement, board refreshment, including the commitment to have a balanced Board with diversity of skills and experience, is a topic that is considered.

The NCG Committee and the Board regularly review Board composition to consider succession related factors, skill sets, diversity and balance. As embodied in our Governance Guidelines, SBA is committed to seeking diversity and balance on our Board with directors of race, gender, geography, thoughts, viewpoints, backgrounds, skills, experience and expertise. As part of our ongoing board refreshment efforts, we have added three new directors since 2015. In conducting each of these director searches, our NCG Committee considered the leadership, technical skills and operational experience that we believed would address the Board’s then current needs. For each of these searches, we utilized the services of a professional recruiter who was instructed to conduct an extensive search to (1) identify candidates with the leadership, skills and experience targeted by the NCG Committee from, among other areas, the traditional corporate environment (including different stakeholders in the telecommunications and/or wireless industry), government, academia, private enterprise, non-profit organizations, and professions such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and legal services and (2) ensure that the pool of candidates included diverse candidates with a particular focus on race and gender diversity. We believe that this board refreshment process has successfully allowed us to identify candidates who bring valuable viewpoints, backgrounds, skills, experience, and expertise, while also expanding the racial and gender diversity of our Board. Our three most recent additions to the Board—Ms. Chan in 2015, Ms. Russo in 2020 and Mr. Johnson in 2022—are illustrative of that effort. Ms. Chan brought to the Board her leadership experience in the development and execution of General Motors’ launch of 4G LTE connectivity across its global portfolio of vehicle brands. Ms. Russo brought to the Board the leadership and vision of how technology can further strengthen the company’s business and identify additional opportunities as we began to explore the opportunities presented by the intersection of the wireless ecosystem and the data center, cloud and data sectors. Finally, our most recent addition, Mr. Johnson, brings to our Board his extensive experience in serving in senior finance roles at multiple REITs, including currently as Chief Financial Officer of Lamar Advertising Company, a leading outdoor advertising company REIT.

The NCG Committee and the Board review annually succession planning for SBA’s executive officers and develop and review succession planning for Board members, including succession planning for the Chair of the Board and/or Lead Independent Director.

Risk Management

Board Role in Management of Risk

The Board is actively involved in the oversight and management of risks that could affect SBA. This oversight and management is conducted primarily through Committees, as disclosed in the descriptions of each of the

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Committees below and in the charters of each of the Committees, but the full Board has retained responsibility for general oversight of risks. The NCG Committee is responsible for annually reviewing and delegating the risk oversight responsibilities of each Committee and ensuring that each Committee should be primarily responsible for that oversight. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the risk management function, specifically with respect to management’s assessment of risk exposures (including risks related to liquidity, credit, operations, regulatory compliance and information systems), risks arising from cybersecurity and the processes in place to monitor and control such exposures. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee works closely with Internal Audit and other members of SBA’s enterprise risk management team. In addition, each of the Committees of the Board considers the risks within their areas of responsibility. The Board satisfies its oversight responsibility through full reports by each Committee chair regarding the Committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within SBA.

Compensation Risks

In early 2022, as part of our risk management process, we conducted an annual comprehensive review and evaluation of our compensation programs and policies. The assessment covered each material component of executive and non-executive employee compensation. Based on a review and analysis of our incentive plans, policies and programs, we believe these programs are not reasonably likely to give rise to risks that would have a material adverse effect on our business. In evaluating our compensation components, we took into consideration the following risk-limiting characteristics:

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A significant percentage of our overall pay mix is equity-based, which, when combined with the vesting terms and our Stock Ownership Guidelines, aligns our executive officers’ interests with shareholders’ interests and minimizes the taking of inappropriate or excessive risk that would impair the creation of long-term shareholder value;

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Our Board approves the parameters of acquisition and land purchase transactions that contribute towards target performance and we have established due diligence processes for such transactions;

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We have established processes in place for the approval of new build projects using established financial parameters and to confirm the completion of new tower construction.

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We have effective management processes for establishing key financial and operating targets, and monitoring financial and operating metrics;

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Bonus payout under most of our incentive plans are capped, whether or not SBA exceeds the stretch threshold level of the relevant incentive plan performance metrics;

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We have effective segregation of duties throughout SBA; and

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We have effective monitoring by external and internal audit.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

As a leader in wireless communications infrastructure and related solutions, we believe our duties extend beyond the cell site. We are firmly committed to sustainable leadership by integrating sustainability into how we do business. Our responsible practices, policies and programs, and our philanthropic and advocacy efforts, reflect our commitment to making a positive impact.

In December 2021, we published our second corporate sustainability report illustrating our commitment to continued engagement and communication of our sustainable and responsible business practices to our stakeholders. We invite you to review our 2020 Sustainability Report on our website at www.sbasite.com under “Company/Company-Responsibility/Sustainability”.

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Our corporate responsibility spans beyond our operations and people to also benefit our shareholders, customers and communities. We build resilient shared infrastructure for telecommunications networks in both developed and emerging markets, thereby enabling increased access to digital technologies with minimal environmental footprint. SBA is helping to meet today’s challenge of building sustainable telecommunications networks.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on enacting business practices that are both responsible and drive long-term shareholder value. We believe this is best achieved by upholding the highest ethical standards while considering our impact on the planet, local communities and the economy. To this end, we have effective governance processes in place that facilitate the integration of our sustainability commitment across our value chain.

Our sustainability strategy and the various improvement programs are governed by the Executive Sustainability Committee, comprised of our President and Chief Executive Officer and members of our executive leadership team, and the Sustainability Steering Group, comprised of senior leaders across our business units. Together with our corporate values, the following core environmental, social and corporate governance pillars help guide and prioritize our sustainability strategy and resources:

LOGO

The Executive Sustainability Committee and Sustainability Steering Group meet regularly and function as forums to receive feedback on our sustainability strategic priorities, initiatives and progress. These meetings allow us to leverage the diverse expertise of our executives and senior leaders, ensuring that our sustainability strategy is embedded within our core business and contributes to a positive triple bottom line for our shareholders.

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In addition to our commitment to good Governance, which is discussed throughout this proxy statement, our Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) pillars focus on the following:

LOGO

Environmental

>  We believe that our business model plays an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of communications infrastructure by encouraging wireless service providers to co-locate their antennas on a single tower, thus reducing the needless proliferation of multiple towers. Our towers are built to host equipment from multiple tenants and are located on small geographic footprints, typically ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. Moreover, the ground beneath our tower sites is often permeable, allowing surface water to be absorbed into the ground rather than contributing to surface-water runoff.

>  We have developed intelligent energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions for our customers. Our intelligent energy services include solar panels and lithium-ion batteries which reduce our customers’ reliance on lead-acid batteries, diesel motor generators and the commercial grid, through a combination of on-site renewable energy generation and intelligent energy storage.

>  We also actively look for ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. As of 2020, less than 1% of our global tower sites house generators owned by SBA, and only a handful provide primary power for a site. We offer on-site renewable energy generation and intelligent energy storage to displace diesel and propane generators as a more cost-effective and sustainable back-up power solution to our customers.

>  We have implemented several sustainability initiatives and efficiency programs across our operations to reduce our environmental footprint, particularly concerning electricity and fuel. We prioritize environmental initiatives based on their relative climate impact, risks, opportunities and returns to our shareholders. We track our progress against a number of climate-related key performance indicators and have short- and long-term environmental targets.

>  We have invested in several energy efficiency programs, including LED retrofits at U.S. towers and offices. We seek to reduce our fuel consumption by switching to fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles and proactively using fleet route optimization software to improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicle fleet, reduce the number of miles driven and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last two years, we have switched nearly one-third of our vehicles to smaller and more fuel-efficient engines and introduced several hybrids and plug-in hybrids to our fleet. We also installed several electric vehicle charging stations at our offices.

>  We consider environmental protection and conservation during our site selection, development and operation. In the United States, our Avian Protection Plan guides our biodiversity and conservation efforts. We are committed to identifying, tracking and protecting migratory birds, including threatened or endangered species, that nest on SBA towers. In 2020, we completed 454 migratory bird evaluations and reviewed over 4,787 work proposals to mitigate the potential impact on migratory birds and their habitats. We limit or restrict access to any of our sites with nests containing eggs or flightless young, providing shelter for them to nest undisturbed.

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LOGO

Social

>  We seek to foster an inclusive work environment and we respect the diversity our employees bring to the organization through their unique ideas, opinions and contributions. We have been working hard to ensure that we attract, develop, promote and engage female team members and we are proud to say women represent 40% of our team members worldwide and 25% of our independent directors on the Board.

>  We recognize team member engagement as a crucial driver and contributor to our continued success. Consequently, SBA holds quarterly Town Hall meetings with our CEO and other informal meetings with executives. We consistently elicit employee feedback and 92% of our team members participated in our 2020 engagement survey. Internal team member communication is offered in multiple languages, fostering an inclusive multicultural environment.

>  We value all those who serve our country and are proud to support military veterans and their families as they transition out of the military. SBA has earned the distinction of being a Military Friendly Employer and a Veteran Employer. We are proud to have veterans on our team – their integrity, work ethic, ability to adapt and strong teamwork skills blend well with the SBA core values.

>  SBA is a member of the Technology in Education working group created by the Inter-American Dialogue. The mission of the working group is to contribute to an ecosystem for educational innovation in Latin America, where actors from the public and private sectors collaborate effectively to generate and scale-up innovations in education. This partnership seeks to promote student learning by adopting digital technology, facilitating knowledge sharing among countries and actors in the region, and supporting policies for the use of education technology.

>  We are dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and have developed and implemented a diversity strategy designed to foster greater diversity and inclusion in our executive, management, workforce and talent recruitment over the long-term. Built on our established diversity practices and overall commitment to excellence, this strategy emphasizes the importance of education and targeted multi-cultural awareness. Our objective is to attract and retain talent that reflects the communities and markets we serve, allowing us to fulfill our mission to enable today’s and tomorrow’s connectivity and to benefit our shareholders, customers and communities. This strategy has yielded encouraging results:

•  For the past three years, women represented over 40% of our global workforce and promotions.

•  Over a third of our global team members identified as a racial or ethnic minority with more than a quarter holding management positions.

•  As of December 2020, 14% of global team members were under the age of 30, 57% were between 30-50 years old and 29% were over the age of 50.

>  At SBA, providing a safe and healthy work environment for the protection of our employees is paramount. The safety of our tower climbers has been a key focus of the company since it started in 1989. In 2013, we opened our internal facility “Tower U” which provides a rigorous safety certification program that is required for all our employed tower climbers. We provide a corporate culture that cultivates a strong commitment to safety and is reflective in our dedication to “Building Better Wireless®”. Our global total recordable incident rate (TRIR) during 2020 was 0.6, well below the industry standard of 2.5.

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LOGO

Philanthropy

>  Philanthropy remains an essential focus for SBA and we are proud of the impact our employees have in supporting their communities. We offer 16 hours of team and individual volunteer time off each year and match our employee charitable donations up to a certain amount per year.

>  Through companywide philanthropic initiatives, we support critical outreach efforts for tower industry foundations and military veterans. In their local communities, our employees engage in an array of activities: partnering with nonprofits to preserve the environment and wildlife, constructing affordable housing units, focusing on foster care, sheltering lost, homeless and unwanted animals and providing services and care for companion animals.

>  Our “Tower U” safety professionals offer tower rescue training to first responders because we recognize that the safety of these first responders is paramount to the communities in which we operate.

Executive Compensation “No Fault” Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy

Our Board has adopted the Executive Compensation Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy (the “Recoupment Policy”), which covers all our executive officers (the “Covered Officers”), and applies to incentive compensation paid or awarded from the 2014 fiscal year and onwards. Under the Recoupment Policy, in the event of (1) a restatement of SBA’s financial results due to the material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws or (2) a determination by the Compensation Committee that a financial, operational or other metric upon which incentive-based compensation was paid or awarded was inaccurate, in either case regardless of fault, the Compensation Committee will review the impact, if any, of such events on the incentive compensation paid or awarded to the Covered Officers. If the Compensation Committee determines that a Covered Officer was paid or awarded more than he or she would have been paid or awarded absent the financial restatement or inaccurate performance metrics, then the Compensation Committee may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, seek to recover such excess compensation. This recovery may include repayment by the Covered Officer, forfeiture of unvested restricted stock units and unvested stock options, offset against any severance payable to such Covered Officer, and other legal or equitable remedies that might be available to SBA. Incentive-based compensation paid or awarded during the three years preceding any financial restatement or inaccurate performance metrics is subject to recoupment.

Code of Ethics/Related Party Transactions/Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging

The Board of Directors has adopted our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (“Code of Ethics”), our Code of Conduct for Directors, Officers and Employees (“Code of Conduct”) and our Statement of Policies and Procedures Governing Stock Trading in General and the Prevention of Insider Trading (“Insider Trading Policy”), each of which we periodically revise to reflect best corporate governance practices and changes in applicable rules.

Code of Ethics. Our Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer to promote honest and ethical conduct, proper disclosure in SBA’s periodic filings, and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Our Code of Ethics is available to view at our website, www.sbasite.com, under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section. We intend to provide disclosure of any amendments or waivers of our Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

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Code of Conduct/Related Party Transaction Policy. Our Code of Conduct requires directors, officers and all other employees to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest. Our Code of Conduct generally requires (1) officers and directors to disclose any outside activities, financial interests or relationships that may present a possible conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict to the General Counsel and (2) employees to disclose any outside activities, financial interests or relationships that may present a possible conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict to their immediate supervisor. The General Counsel will determine if any such outside activities, financial interests or relationships constitute a conflict of interest and a related person transaction on a case-by-case basis and will promptly disclose such activities, interests or relationships to the appropriate Committee for their review and appropriate action, if necessary. It is our preference to avoid related person transactions generally. Under applicable Nasdaq Listing Standards, all related person transactions must be approved by our Audit Committee or another independent body of the Board of Directors. Current SEC rules define transactions with related persons to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship (1) in which SBA is a participant, (2) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and (3) in which any executive officer, director, director nominee, beneficial owner of more than 5% of SBA’s Class A common stock, or any immediate family member of such persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. All directors must recuse themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional interests. All related person transactions will be disclosed in our applicable SEC filings as required under SEC rules.

No Related Party Transactions in 2021. Since January 1, 2021, we have not had any relationships or transactions with any of our executive officers, directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A common stock or any immediate family member of such persons that were required to be reported pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging Policy. Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits all directors, officers and employees from engaging in transactions in our common stock while in possession of material non-public information and restricts directors, officers and other “designated insiders” from engaging in most transactions involving our Class A common stock during periods, that we have determined, that those individuals are most likely to be aware of material, non-public information. Our Insider Trading Policy also prohibits any officer or director from entering into any transaction which has the effect of hedging or locking in the value of his or her stock holdings, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts. Additionally, our Insider Trading Policy prohibits any officer, director or employee from, directly or indirectly, engaging in “short sales” of our Class A common stock or transactions involving trading activities which by their aggressive or speculative nature may give rise to an appearance of impropriety, including the purchase or writing of put or call options.

Policies Regarding Political Contributions and Lobbying. Our Board of Directors has developed policies and procedures regarding political contributions and lobbying, which are set forth in our Code of Conduct and are reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. In accordance with this policy, we prohibit directors, officers or employees from making individual contributions with company funds, being reimbursed for any political contributions, coercing other directors, officers or employees to make contributions or, as part of any individual partisan political activities, stating or implying that they are speaking or acting on behalf of SBA. In those limited circumstances where SBA would be permitted to make a corporate political contribution under federal, state or local laws, our Board has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the responsibility for providing prior authorization for any such contribution. However, in the past decade, SBA has not made any political contribution to a political campaign, election or referenda.

With respect to lobbying activities, our Board of Directors’ approved policy and procedures provide that any corporate lobbying activities on behalf of SBA must be conducted only with the prior authorization of our Chief Executive Officer. Such activities must (1) comply with all lobbying laws and disclosure requirements, (2) be legal, ethical and consisted with our various policies, including our Anti-Corruption Compliance Policy, and (3) be related

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to business activities being conducted by SBA at that time. Typically, these activities are conducted only through our activities organized by trade groups and associations or by our employees whose duties specifically contemplate such activities.

Board Meetings

During 2018,2021, the Board of Directors held a total of 6 meetings. Each incumbentof our director nominees and continuing directors attended at least 75%all of the aggregate of (1) the total number ofBoard meetings and meetings of the Board during the period in which he or she was a director and (2) the total number of meetings of all Committees on which he or shethey served during the period in which he or she was a director.2021. It is the policy of the Board of Directors to encourage its members to attend SBA’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All members of the Board of Directors in 20182021 were present at SBA’s 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Board Committees

 

The Board has three standing Committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee. Copies of the Committee charters of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee setting forth the respective responsibilities of the Committees can be found under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section of our website at www.sbasite.com, and such information is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it through our Investor Relations department. Each of the Committees reviews, and revises if necessary, its respective charter not less than annually.

Audit Committee

 

Number of Meetings in 2018:2021: 6

Responsibilities. The Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. In doing so, it establishes our audit policies, evaluates the independence of and selects our independent auditors, and oversees the engagement of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee maintains free and open means of communication between our directors, management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee also oversees the performance of our internal audit function, develops controls to insure the integrity of our financial statements and the quality of disclosure, and monitors our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee is also responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of our information system, controlscybersecurity and security.data privacy controls. In connection with such responsibilities, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from our Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. The Audit Committee Chair reports on Audit Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Independence and Financial Expertise. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements under the Nasdaq Listing Standards and the enhanced independence standards for audit committee members required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).SEC. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Beebe, CarrCocroft and CocroftJohnson meets the requirements of an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules. For information regarding Mr. Beebe’s, Mr. Carr’s and Mr. Cocroft’sthe business experience of the members of the Audit Committee, see “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors.”

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Number of Meetings in 2018:2021: 5

Responsibilities. The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, each of our executive officers (our Executive Vice Presidents) and our Chief Accounting Officer (collectively, the “Officer Group”), the terms of any employment agreements with the Officer Group and the compensation for our directors. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers our equity-based compensation plans, including awards under such plans, and our Stock Ownership Guidelines. The Compensation Committee also oversees and administers our Executive Compensation Recoupment Policy. The Compensation Committee also reviews the results of any advisory shareholder votes on executive compensation and considers whether to recommend adjustments to our executive compensation policies and practices as a result of such votes. The Compensation Committee Chair reports on Compensation Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Role of Compensation Consultants and Advisors. The Compensation Committee has the authority, pursuant to its charter, to engage the services of outside legal or other experts and advisors as it in its sole discretion deems necessary and appropriate to assist the Compensation Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities. For 2018,2021, the Compensation Committee again selected and retained F.W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”), an independent management compensation consulting firm, and instructed FW Cook to provide the Compensation Committee with a review of competitive market data for each member of the Officer Group, and to work directly with the Compensation Committee to prepare proposals for 20182021 executive compensation and director compensation. FW Cook also assisted with structuring our retirement policy.performance-based equity award program and the 2021 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan. In addition, in 20182021 the Compensation Committee again selected and retained Norton Rose Fulbright (“Norton Rose”), a law firm which provides legal advice on compensation issues. Neither FW Cook nor Norton Rose performed any services for us other than their services to the Compensation Committee. We believe that the use of independent consultants provides additional assurance that our programs are reasonable and consistent with our objectives. The Compensation Committee reviewed the independence of each of FW Cook and Norton Rose in light of the SEC rules and the Nasdaq Listing Standards regarding compensation consultants and has concluded that neither FW Cook’s work nor Norton Rose’s work for the Compensation Committee during 20182021 raised any conflict of interest and that each of FW Cook and Norton Rose is independent.

Role of Management and Delegation of Authority. As more fully discussed under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Evaluating Compensation Program Design and Relative Competitive Position,” our CEO provides the Compensation Committee with (1) evaluations of each named executive officer, including himself, and (2) recommendations regarding base salary levels for the upcoming year for each named executive officer (other than himself), an evaluation of the extent to which the named executive officer met his annual incentive plan bonus target, and the aggregate total long-term incentive value that each named executive officer (other than himself) should receive. Our CEO typically attends all regularly-scheduled Compensation Committee meetings to assist the Compensation Committee in its discussion and analysis of the various agenda items, and is generally excused from the meetings as appropriate, including for discussions regarding his own compensation. The Compensation Committee may delegate to SBA’s management the authority to administer incentive compensation and benefit plans provided for employees, including the authority to grant awards to certain recipients under our equity-based compensation plans, as it deems appropriate and to the extent permitted by applicable laws, rules, regulations and Nasdaq Listing Standards.

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Independence. The Board reviewed the background, experience and independence of the Compensation Committee members based primarily on the directors’ responses to questions relating to their relationships, background and experience. Based on this review, the Board determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Standards, including the heightened independence requirements specific to compensation committee members.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During the 2018 fiscal year,2021, Ms. Chan and Messrs. Carr,Beebe, Cocroft Krouse and Langer served as members of the Compensation Committee, and none of these directors was, during 2018,is or has been an officer or employee of SBA, or formerly an officerSBA. During 2021, none of SBA.our executive officers served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee, and none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, whose executive officers served as a member of our Board.

There were no transactions during the 20182021 fiscal year between SBA and any of the directors who served as members of the Compensation Committee for any part of the 20182021 fiscal year that would require disclosure by SBA under the SEC’s rules requiring disclosure of certain relationships and related-party transactions.

Nominating and Corporate Governance CommitteeBoard Role in Management of Risk

 

Number of Meetings in 2018: 5

ResponsibilitiesThe NCG Committee (1) solicits, considers, recommends and nominates candidates to serve on the Board under criteria adopted by it from time to time; (2) nominates a lead independent directoris actively involved in the event the Chairoversight and management of risks that could affect SBA. This oversight and management is not an independent director; (3) recommends to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation tendered by a director who failed to receive a majority of votes cast in any uncontestedre-election; (4) advises the Board with respect to Board composition and procedures and Committee composition, function, structure, procedures and charters; (5) oversees periodic evaluations of the Board and theconducted primarily through Committees, including establishing criteria to be used in connection with such evaluations; (6) reviews and reports to the Board on a periodic basis with regard to matters of corporate governance; and (7) develops and reviews succession planning for Board members and executive officers. The NCG Committee also considers and recommends to the Board the approval of any waivers to SBA’s Code of Conduct (as defined below) for a director or executive officer. The NCG Committee Chair reports on NCG Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Consideration of Director Nominees. The NCG Committee considers possible candidates for nominees for directors from many sources, including management and shareholders. The NCG Committee evaluates the suitability of potential candidates nominated by shareholdersas disclosed in the same manner as other candidates recommended todescriptions of each of the NCG Committee, in accordance with the Criteria for Nomination to the Board of Directors, which is attached as Annex A to the NCG Committee charter. The Criteria for Nomination to the Board of Directors contains the following requirements, among others, for suitability:

 

high ethical character and a reputation that is consistent with SBA’s reputation;

superior credentials;

current or prior experience as a CEO, President or CFO of a public company or leading a complex organization;

relevant expertise and experience;

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Committees below and in the charters of each of the Committees, but the full Board has retained responsibility for general oversight of risks. The NCG Committee is responsible for annually reviewing and delegating the risk oversight responsibilities of each Committee and ensuring that each Committee should be primarily responsible for that oversight. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the risk management function, specifically with respect to management’s assessment of risk exposures (including risks related to liquidity, credit, operations, regulatory compliance and information systems), risks arising from cybersecurity and the processes in place to monitor and control such exposures. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee works closely with Internal Audit and other members of SBA’s enterprise risk management team. In addition, each of the Committees of the Board considers the risks within their areas of responsibility. The Board satisfies its oversight responsibility through full reports by each Committee chair regarding the Committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within SBA.

Compensation Risks

In early 2022, as part of our risk management process, we conducted an annual comprehensive review and evaluation of our compensation programs and policies. The assessment covered each material component of executive and non-executive employee compensation. Based on a review and analysis of our incentive plans, policies and programs, we believe these programs are not reasonably likely to give rise to risks that would have a material adverse effect on our business. In evaluating our compensation components, we took into consideration the following risk-limiting characteristics:

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A significant percentage of our overall pay mix is equity-based, which, when combined with the vesting terms and our Stock Ownership Guidelines, aligns our executive officers’ interests with shareholders’ interests and minimizes the taking of inappropriate or excessive risk that would impair the creation of long-term shareholder value;

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Our Board approves the parameters of acquisition and land purchase transactions that contribute towards target performance and we have established due diligence processes for such transactions;

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We have established processes in place for the approval of new build projects using established financial parameters and to confirm the completion of new tower construction.

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We have effective management processes for establishing key financial and operating targets, and monitoring financial and operating metrics;

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Bonus payout under most of our incentive plans are capped, whether or not SBA exceeds the stretch threshold level of the relevant incentive plan performance metrics;

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We have effective segregation of duties throughout SBA; and

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We have effective monitoring by external and internal audit.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

As a leader in wireless communications infrastructure and related solutions, we believe our duties extend beyond the cell site. We are firmly committed to sustainable leadership by integrating sustainability into how we do business. Our responsible practices, policies and programs, and our philanthropic and advocacy efforts, reflect our commitment to making a positive impact.

In December 2021, we published our second corporate sustainability report illustrating our commitment to continued engagement and communication of our sustainable and responsible business practices to our stakeholders. We invite you to review our 2020 Sustainability Report on our website at www.sbasite.com under “Company/Company-Responsibility/Sustainability”.

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Our corporate responsibility spans beyond our operations and people to also benefit our shareholders, customers and communities. We build resilient shared infrastructure for telecommunications networks in both developed and emerging markets, thereby enabling increased access to digital technologies with minimal environmental footprint. SBA is helping to meet today’s challenge of building sustainable telecommunications networks.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on enacting business practices that are both responsible and drive long-term shareholder value. We believe this is best achieved by upholding the number of other boards (and their committees)highest ethical standards while considering our impact on which a candidate serves;

the ability to exercise sound business judgment; and

the lack of material relationships with competitors or other third parties that could present realistic possibilities of conflict of interest or legal issues.

The NCG Committee Charter requires,planet, local communities and the Criteria for Nomination provides,economy. To this end, we have effective governance processes in place that when considering nominees forfacilitate the Board,integration of our sustainability commitment across our value chain.

Our sustainability strategy and the NCGvarious improvement programs are governed by the Executive Sustainability Committee, should seek to provide a diversitycomprised of our President and balance among directorsChief Executive Officer and members of race, gender, geography, thought, viewpoints, background, skills, experienceour executive leadership team, and expertise. Further, the NCG Committee Charter requires that any search firm retained to assistSustainability Steering Group, comprised of senior leaders across our business units. Together with our corporate values, the NCG Committee in seeking candidates for the Board be instructed to seek to include diverse candidates in terms of the Criteria for Nomination from, among other areas, the traditionalfollowing core environmental, social and corporate environment, government, academia, private enterprise,non-profit organizations,governance pillars help guide and professions such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources,prioritize our sustainability strategy and legal services.resources:

LOGO

The NCGExecutive Sustainability Committee identifies nominees by first evaluatingand Sustainability Steering Group meet regularly and function as forums to receive feedback on our sustainability strategic priorities, initiatives and progress. These meetings allow us to leverage the current membersdiverse expertise of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skillsour executives and experiencesenior leaders, ensuring that are relevant to SBA’sour sustainability strategy is embedded within our core business and who are willingcontributes to continue in service are considereda positive triple bottom line for our shareholders.

re-nomination,SBA Communications Corporation  balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the NCG Committee or the Board decides not tore-nominate|  2022 Proxy  Statement a member forre-election,  21 the NCG Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the Criteria for Nomination. Current members of the NCG Committee and Board are polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting the Criteria for Nomination of the NCG Committee.


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

In addition from time to time, the NCG Committee has engaged, and may in the future engage, the services of executive search firmsour commitment to assist the NCG Committee and the Board of Directors in identifying and evaluating potential director candidates.

Shareholder Nominations of Director Candidates. Our Bylaws permit an eligible shareholder or group of eligible shareholders of any size to nominate up to 25% of our board of directors for inclusion in ourgood Governance, which is discussed throughout this proxy statement, if they have continuously owned at least 3% of our Class A common stock for at least three years. However, candidates who were previously nominated by shareholders for any ofEnvironmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) pillars focus on the two most recent annual meetings and who received less than 20% of the total votes cast at any of those annual meetings are not eligible to be nominated utilizing the proxy access provisions. Shareholders who wish to nominate directors for inclusion in our proxy statement or directly at an annual meeting in accordance with the procedures in our Bylaws should follow the instructions under “Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations for 2019 Annual Meeting” in this proxy statement.following:

LOGO

Environmental

>  We believe that our business model plays an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of communications infrastructure by encouraging wireless service providers to co-locate their antennas on a single tower, thus reducing the needless proliferation of multiple towers. Our towers are built to host equipment from multiple tenants and are located on small geographic footprints, typically ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. Moreover, the ground beneath our tower sites is often permeable, allowing surface water to be absorbed into the ground rather than contributing to surface-water runoff.

>  We have developed intelligent energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions for our customers. Our intelligent energy services include solar panels and lithium-ion batteries which reduce our customers’ reliance on lead-acid batteries, diesel motor generators and the commercial grid, through a combination of on-site renewable energy generation and intelligent energy storage.

>  We also actively look for ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. As of 2020, less than 1% of our global tower sites house generators owned by SBA, and only a handful provide primary power for a site. We offer on-site renewable energy generation and intelligent energy storage to displace diesel and propane generators as a more cost-effective and sustainable back-up power solution to our customers.

>  We have implemented several sustainability initiatives and efficiency programs across our operations to reduce our environmental footprint, particularly concerning electricity and fuel. We prioritize environmental initiatives based on their relative climate impact, risks, opportunities and returns to our shareholders. We track our progress against a number of climate-related key performance indicators and have short- and long-term environmental targets.

>  We have invested in several energy efficiency programs, including LED retrofits at U.S. towers and offices. We seek to reduce our fuel consumption by switching to fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles and proactively using fleet route optimization software to improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicle fleet, reduce the number of miles driven and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last two years, we have switched nearly one-third of our vehicles to smaller and more fuel-efficient engines and introduced several hybrids and plug-in hybrids to our fleet. We also installed several electric vehicle charging stations at our offices.

>  We consider environmental protection and conservation during our site selection, development and operation. In the United States, our Avian Protection Plan guides our biodiversity and conservation efforts. We are committed to identifying, tracking and protecting migratory birds, including threatened or endangered species, that nest on SBA towers. In 2020, we completed 454 migratory bird evaluations and reviewed over 4,787 work proposals to mitigate the potential impact on migratory birds and their habitats. We limit or restrict access to any of our sites with nests containing eggs or flightless young, providing shelter for them to nest undisturbed.

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LOGO

Social

>  We seek to foster an inclusive work environment and we respect the diversity our employees bring to the organization through their unique ideas, opinions and contributions. We have been working hard to ensure that we attract, develop, promote and engage female team members and we are proud to say women represent 40% of our team members worldwide and 25% of our independent directors on the Board.

>  We recognize team member engagement as a crucial driver and contributor to our continued success. Consequently, SBA holds quarterly Town Hall meetings with our CEO and other informal meetings with executives. We consistently elicit employee feedback and 92% of our team members participated in our 2020 engagement survey. Internal team member communication is offered in multiple languages, fostering an inclusive multicultural environment.

>  We value all those who serve our country and are proud to support military veterans and their families as they transition out of the military. SBA has earned the distinction of being a Military Friendly Employer and a Veteran Employer. We are proud to have veterans on our team – their integrity, work ethic, ability to adapt and strong teamwork skills blend well with the SBA core values.

>  SBA is a member of the Technology in Education working group created by the Inter-American Dialogue. The mission of the working group is to contribute to an ecosystem for educational innovation in Latin America, where actors from the public and private sectors collaborate effectively to generate and scale-up innovations in education. This partnership seeks to promote student learning by adopting digital technology, facilitating knowledge sharing among countries and actors in the region, and supporting policies for the use of education technology.

>  We are dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and have developed and implemented a diversity strategy designed to foster greater diversity and inclusion in our executive, management, workforce and talent recruitment over the long-term. Built on our established diversity practices and overall commitment to excellence, this strategy emphasizes the importance of education and targeted multi-cultural awareness. Our objective is to attract and retain talent that reflects the communities and markets we serve, allowing us to fulfill our mission to enable today’s and tomorrow’s connectivity and to benefit our shareholders, customers and communities. This strategy has yielded encouraging results:

•  For the past three years, women represented over 40% of our global workforce and promotions.

•  Over a third of our global team members identified as a racial or ethnic minority with more than a quarter holding management positions.

•  As of December 2020, 14% of global team members were under the age of 30, 57% were between 30-50 years old and 29% were over the age of 50.

>  At SBA, providing a safe and healthy work environment for the protection of our employees is paramount. The safety of our tower climbers has been a key focus of the company since it started in 1989. In 2013, we opened our internal facility “Tower U” which provides a rigorous safety certification program that is required for all our employed tower climbers. We provide a corporate culture that cultivates a strong commitment to safety and is reflective in our dedication to “Building Better Wireless®”. Our global total recordable incident rate (TRIR) during 2020 was 0.6, well below the industry standard of 2.5.

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LOGO

Philanthropy

>  Philanthropy remains an essential focus for SBA and we are proud of the impact our employees have in supporting their communities. We offer 16 hours of team and individual volunteer time off each year and match our employee charitable donations up to a certain amount per year.

>  Through companywide philanthropic initiatives, we support critical outreach efforts for tower industry foundations and military veterans. In their local communities, our employees engage in an array of activities: partnering with nonprofits to preserve the environment and wildlife, constructing affordable housing units, focusing on foster care, sheltering lost, homeless and unwanted animals and providing services and care for companion animals.

>  Our “Tower U” safety professionals offer tower rescue training to first responders because we recognize that the safety of these first responders is paramount to the communities in which we operate.

Executive Compensation “No Fault” Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy

 

Our Board has adopted the Executive Compensation Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy (the “Recoupment Policy”), which covers all our executive officers (the “Covered Officers”), and applies to incentive compensation paid or awarded from the 2014 fiscal year and onwards. Under the Recoupment Policy, in the event of (1) a restatement of SBA’s financial results due to the material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws or (2) a determination by the Compensation Committee that a financial, operational or other metric upon which incentive-based compensation was paid or awarded was inaccurate, in either case regardless of fault, the Compensation Committee will review the impact, if any, of such events on the incentive compensation paid or awarded to the Covered Officers. If the Compensation Committee determines that a Covered Officer was paid or awarded more than he or she would have been paid or awarded absent the

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financial restatement or inaccurate performance metrics, then the Compensation Committee may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, seek to recover such excess compensation. This recovery may include repayment by the Covered Officer, forfeiture of unvested restricted stock units and unvested stock options, offset against any severance payable to such Covered Officer, and other legal or equitable remedies that might be available to SBA. Incentive-based compensation paid or awarded during the three years preceding any financial restatement or inaccurate performance metrics is subject to recoupment.

Code of Ethics/Related Party Transaction PolicyTransactions/Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging

 

The Board of Directors has adopted our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (“Code of Ethics”) and, our Code of Conduct for Directors, Officers and Employees (“Code of Conduct”) and our Statement of Policies and Procedures Governing Stock Trading in General and the Prevention of Insider Trading (“Insider Trading Policy”), each of which we periodically revise to reflect best corporate governance practices and changes in applicable rules.

Code of Ethics. Our Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer to promote honest and ethical conduct, proper disclosure in SBA’s periodic filings, and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Our Code of Ethics is available to view at our website, www.sbasite.com, under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section. We intend to provide disclosure of any amendments or waivers of our Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

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Code of Conduct/Related Party Transaction Policy. Our Code of Conduct requires directors, officers and all other employees to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest. Our Code of Conduct generally requires (1) officers and directors to disclose any outside activities, financial interests or relationships that may present a possible conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict to the General Counsel and (2) employees to disclose any outside activities, financial interests or relationships that may present a possible conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict to their immediate supervisor. The General Counsel will determine if any such outside activities, financial interests or relationships constitute a conflict of interest and a related person transaction on acase-by-case basis and will promptly disclose such activities, interests or relationships to the appropriate Committee for their review and appropriate action, if necessary. It is our preference to avoid related person transactions generally. Under applicable Nasdaq Listing Standards, all related person transactions must be approved by our Audit Committee or another independent body of the Board of Directors. Current SEC rules define transactions with related persons to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship (1) in which SBA is a participant, (2) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and (3) in which any executive officer, director, director nominee, beneficial owner of more than 5% of SBA’s Class A common stock, or any immediate family member of such persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. All directors must recuse themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional interests. All related person transactions will be disclosed in our applicable SEC filings as required under SEC rules.

No Related Party Transactions in 20182021. Since January 1, 2018,2021, we have not had any relationships or transactions with any of our executive officers, directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A common stock or any immediate family member of such persons that were required to be reported pursuant to Item 404(a) of RegulationS-K.

Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging Policy. Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits all directors, officers and employees from engaging in transactions in our common stock while in possession of material non-public information and restricts directors, officers and other “designated insiders” from engaging in most transactions involving our Class A common stock during periods, that we have determined, that those individuals are most likely to be aware of material, non-public information. Our Insider Trading Policy also prohibits any officer or director from entering into any transaction which has the effect of hedging or locking in the value of his or her stock holdings, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts. Additionally, our Insider Trading Policy prohibits any officer, director or employee from, directly or indirectly, engaging in “short sales” of our Class A common stock or transactions involving trading activities which by their aggressive or speculative nature may give rise to an appearance of impropriety, including the purchase or writing of put or call options.

20Policies Regarding Political Contributions and Lobbying. Our Board of Directors has developed policies and procedures regarding political contributions and lobbying, which are set forth in our Code of Conduct and are reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. In accordance with this policy, we prohibit directors, officers or employees from making individual contributions with company funds, being reimbursed for any political contributions, coercing other directors, officers or employees to make contributions or, as part of any individual partisan political activities, stating or implying that they are speaking or acting on behalf of SBA. In those limited circumstances where SBA would be permitted to make a corporate political contribution under federal, state or local laws, our Board has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the responsibility for providing prior authorization for any such contribution. However, in the past decade, SBA has not made any political contribution to a political campaign, election or referenda.

With respect to lobbying activities, our Board of Directors’ approved policy and procedures provide that any corporate lobbying activities on behalf of SBA must be conducted only with the prior authorization of our Chief Executive Officer. Such activities must (1) comply with all lobbying laws and disclosure requirements, (2) be legal, ethical and consisted with our various policies, including our Anti-Corruption Compliance Policy, and (3) be related

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to business activities being conducted by SBA at that time. Typically, these activities are conducted only through our activities organized by trade groups and associations or by our employees whose duties specifically contemplate such activities.

Board Meetings

During 2021, the Board of Directors held a total of 6 meetings. Each of our director nominees and continuing directors attended all of the Board meetings and meetings of the Committees on which they served during 2021. It is the policy of the Board of Directors to encourage its members to attend SBA’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All members of the Board of Directors in 2021 were present at SBA’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Board Committees

The Board has three standing Committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee. Copies of the Committee charters of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee setting forth the respective responsibilities of the Committees can be found under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section of our website at www.sbasite.com, and such information is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it through our Investor Relations department. Each of the Committees reviews, and revises if necessary, its respective charter not less than annually.

Audit Committee

Number of Meetings in 2021: 6

Responsibilities. The Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. In doing so, it establishes our audit policies, evaluates the independence of and selects our independent auditors, and oversees the engagement of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee maintains free and open means of communication between our directors, management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee also oversees the performance of our internal audit function, develops controls to insure the integrity of our financial statements and the quality of disclosure, and monitors our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee is also responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of our information system, cybersecurity and data privacy controls. In connection with such responsibilities, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from our Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. The Audit Committee Chair reports on Audit Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Independence and Financial Expertise. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements under the Nasdaq Listing Standards and the enhanced independence standards for audit committee members required by the SEC. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Beebe, Cocroft and Johnson meets the requirements of an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules. For information regarding the business experience of the members of the Audit Committee, see “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors.”

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Risk ManagementCompensation Committee

 

Number of Meetings in 2021: 5

Responsibilities. The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, each of our executive officers (our Executive Vice Presidents) and our Chief Accounting Officer (collectively, the “Officer Group”), the terms of any employment agreements with the Officer Group and the compensation for our directors. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers our equity-based compensation plans, including awards under such plans, and our Stock Ownership Guidelines. The Compensation Committee also oversees and administers our Executive Compensation Recoupment Policy. The Compensation Committee also reviews the results of any advisory shareholder votes on executive compensation and considers whether to recommend adjustments to our executive compensation policies and practices as a result of such votes. The Compensation Committee Chair reports on Compensation Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Role of Compensation Consultants and Advisors. The Compensation Committee has the authority, pursuant to its charter, to engage the services of outside legal or other experts and advisors as it in its sole discretion deems necessary and appropriate to assist the Compensation Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities. For 2021, the Compensation Committee selected and retained F.W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”), an independent compensation consulting firm, and instructed FW Cook to provide the Compensation Committee with a review of competitive market data for each member of the Officer Group, and to work directly with the Compensation Committee to prepare proposals for 2021 executive compensation and director compensation. FW Cook also assisted with structuring our performance-based equity award program and the 2021 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan. In addition, in 2021 the Compensation Committee selected and retained Norton Rose Fulbright (“Norton Rose”), a law firm which provides legal advice on compensation issues. Neither FW Cook nor Norton Rose performed any services for us other than their services to the Compensation Committee. We believe that the use of independent consultants provides additional assurance that our programs are reasonable and consistent with our objectives. The Compensation Committee reviewed the independence of each of FW Cook and Norton Rose in light of the SEC rules and the Nasdaq Listing Standards regarding compensation consultants and has concluded that neither FW Cook’s work nor Norton Rose’s work for the Compensation Committee during 2021 raised any conflict of interest and that each of FW Cook and Norton Rose is independent.

Role of Management and Delegation of Authority. As more fully discussed under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Evaluating Compensation Program Design and Relative Competitive Position,” our CEO provides the Compensation Committee with (1) evaluations of each named executive officer, including himself, and (2) recommendations regarding base salary levels for the upcoming year for each named executive officer (other than himself), an evaluation of the extent to which the named executive officer met his annual incentive plan bonus target, and the aggregate total long-term incentive value that each named executive officer (other than himself) should receive. Our CEO typically attends all regularly-scheduled Compensation Committee meetings to assist the Compensation Committee in its discussion and analysis of the various agenda items, and is generally excused from the meetings as appropriate, including for discussions regarding his own compensation. The Compensation Committee may delegate to SBA’s management the authority to administer incentive compensation and benefit plans provided for employees, as it deems appropriate and to the extent permitted by applicable laws, rules, regulations and Nasdaq Listing Standards.

Independence. The Board reviewed the background, experience and independence of the Compensation Committee members based primarily on the directors’ responses to questions relating to their relationships, background and experience. Based on this review, the Board determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Standards, including the heightened independence requirements specific to compensation committee members.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During 2021, Ms. Chan and Messrs. Beebe, Cocroft and Langer served as members of the Compensation Committee, and none of these directors is or has been an officer or employee of SBA. During 2021, none of our executive officers served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee, and none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, whose executive officers served as a member of our Board.

There were no transactions during the 2021 fiscal year between SBA and any of the directors who served as members of the Compensation Committee for any part of the 2021 fiscal year that would require disclosure by SBA under the SEC’s rules requiring disclosure of certain relationships and related-party transactions.

Board Role in Management of Risk

 

The Board is actively involved in the oversight and management of risks that could affect SBA. This oversight and management is conducted primarily through Committees, as disclosed in the descriptions of each of the

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Committees abovebelow and in the charters of each of the Committees, but the full Board has retained responsibility for general oversight of risks. The NCG Committee is responsible for annually reviewing and delegating the risk oversight responsibilities of each Committee and ensuring that each Committee should be primarily responsible for that oversight. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the risk management function, specifically with respect to management’s assessment of risk exposures (including risks related to liquidity, credit, operations, regulatory compliance and information systems), risks arising from cybersecurity and the processes in place to monitor and control such exposures. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee works closely with Internal Audit and other members of SBA’s enterprise risk management team. In addition, each of the Committees of the Board considers the risks within their areas of responsibility. The Board satisfies its oversight responsibility through full reports by each Committee chair regarding the Committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within SBA.

Compensation Risks

 

In early 2019,2022, as part of our risk management process, we conducted an annual comprehensive review and evaluation of our compensation programs and policies. The assessment covered each material component of executive andnon-executive employee compensation. Based on a review and analysis of our incentive plans, policies and programs, we believe these programs are not reasonably likely to give rise to risks that would have a material adverse effect on our business. In evaluating our compensation components, we took into consideration the following risk-limiting characteristics:

 

Bonus payout under our incentive plan is capped, whether or not SBA exceeds the stretch threshold level of the relevant incentive plan performance metrics;

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A significant percentage of our overall pay mix is equity-based, which, when combined with the vesting terms and our Stock Ownership Guidelines, aligns our executive officers’ interests with shareholders’ interests and minimizes the taking of inappropriate or excessive risk that would impair the creation of long-term shareholder value;

 

A significant percentage of our overall pay mix is equity-based, which, when combined with the vesting terms and our Stock Ownership Guidelines, aligns our executive officers’ interests with shareholders’ interests and minimizes the taking of inappropriate or excessive risk that would impair the creation of long-term shareholder value;

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Our Board approves the parameters of acquisition and land purchase transactions that contribute towards target performance and we have established due diligence processes for such transactions;

 

We have effective management processes for establishing key financial and operating targets, and monitoring financial and operating metrics;

We have effective monitoring by external and internal audit;

We have effective segregation of duties throughout SBA;

Our Board approves the parameters of acquisition and land purchase transactions that contribute towards target performance and we have established due diligence processes for such transactions; and

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We have established processes in place for the approval of new build projects using established financial parameters and to confirm the completion of new tower construction.

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We have effective management processes for establishing key financial and operating targets, and monitoring financial and operating metrics;

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Bonus payout under most of our incentive plans are capped, whether or not SBA exceeds the stretch threshold level of the relevant incentive plan performance metrics;

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We have effective segregation of duties throughout SBA; and

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We have effective monitoring by external and internal audit.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

As a leader in wireless communications infrastructure and related solutions, we believe our duties extend beyond the cell site. We are firmly committed to sustainable leadership by integrating sustainability into how we do business. Our responsible practices, policies and programs, and our philanthropic and advocacy efforts, reflect our commitment to making a positive impact.

In December 2021, we published our second corporate sustainability report illustrating our commitment to continued engagement and communication of our sustainable and responsible business practices to our stakeholders. We invite you to review our 2020 Sustainability Report on our website at www.sbasite.com under “Company/Company-Responsibility/Sustainability”.

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Our corporate responsibility spans beyond our operations and people to also benefit our shareholders, customers and communities. We build resilient shared infrastructure for telecommunications networks in both developed and emerging markets, thereby enabling increased access to digital technologies with minimal environmental footprint. SBA is helping to meet today’s challenge of building sustainable telecommunications networks.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on enacting business practices that are both responsible and drive long-term shareholder value. We believe this is best achieved by upholding the highest ethical standards while considering our impact on the planet, local communities and the economy. To this end, we have effective governance processes in place that facilitate the integration of our sustainability commitment across our value chain.

Our sustainability strategy and the various improvement programs are governed by the Executive Sustainability Committee, comprised of our President and Chief Executive Officer and members of our executive leadership team, and the Sustainability Steering Group, comprised of senior leaders across our business units. Together with our corporate values, the following core environmental, social and corporate governance pillars help guide and prioritize our sustainability strategy and resources:

LOGO

The Executive Sustainability Committee and Sustainability Steering Group meet regularly and function as forums to receive feedback on our sustainability strategic priorities, initiatives and progress. These meetings allow us to leverage the diverse expertise of our executives and senior leaders, ensuring that our sustainability strategy is embedded within our core business and contributes to a positive triple bottom line for the approval of new build projects and to confirm the completion of new tower construction.our shareholders.

 

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In addition to our commitment to good Governance, which is discussed throughout this proxy statement, our Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) pillars focus on the following:

LOGO

Environmental

>  We believe that our business model plays an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of communications infrastructure by encouraging wireless service providers to co-locate their antennas on a single tower, thus reducing the needless proliferation of multiple towers. Our towers are built to host equipment from multiple tenants and are located on small geographic footprints, typically ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. Moreover, the ground beneath our tower sites is often permeable, allowing surface water to be absorbed into the ground rather than contributing to surface-water runoff.

>  We have developed intelligent energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions for our customers. Our intelligent energy services include solar panels and lithium-ion batteries which reduce our customers’ reliance on lead-acid batteries, diesel motor generators and the commercial grid, through a combination of on-site renewable energy generation and intelligent energy storage.

>  We also actively look for ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. As of 2020, less than 1% of our global tower sites house generators owned by SBA, and only a handful provide primary power for a site. We offer on-site renewable energy generation and intelligent energy storage to displace diesel and propane generators as a more cost-effective and sustainable back-up power solution to our customers.

>  We have implemented several sustainability initiatives and efficiency programs across our operations to reduce our environmental footprint, particularly concerning electricity and fuel. We prioritize environmental initiatives based on their relative climate impact, risks, opportunities and returns to our shareholders. We track our progress against a number of climate-related key performance indicators and have short- and long-term environmental targets.

>  We have invested in several energy efficiency programs, including LED retrofits at U.S. towers and offices. We seek to reduce our fuel consumption by switching to fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles and proactively using fleet route optimization software to improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicle fleet, reduce the number of miles driven and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last two years, we have switched nearly one-third of our vehicles to smaller and more fuel-efficient engines and introduced several hybrids and plug-in hybrids to our fleet. We also installed several electric vehicle charging stations at our offices.

>  We consider environmental protection and conservation during our site selection, development and operation. In the United States, our Avian Protection Plan guides our biodiversity and conservation efforts. We are committed to identifying, tracking and protecting migratory birds, including threatened or endangered species, that nest on SBA towers. In 2020, we completed 454 migratory bird evaluations and reviewed over 4,787 work proposals to mitigate the potential impact on migratory birds and their habitats. We limit or restrict access to any of our sites with nests containing eggs or flightless young, providing shelter for them to nest undisturbed.

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LOGO

Social

>  We seek to foster an inclusive work environment and we respect the diversity our employees bring to the organization through their unique ideas, opinions and contributions. We have been working hard to ensure that we attract, develop, promote and engage female team members and we are proud to say women represent 40% of our team members worldwide and 25% of our independent directors on the Board.

>  We recognize team member engagement as a crucial driver and contributor to our continued success. Consequently, SBA holds quarterly Town Hall meetings with our CEO and other informal meetings with executives. We consistently elicit employee feedback and 92% of our team members participated in our 2020 engagement survey. Internal team member communication is offered in multiple languages, fostering an inclusive multicultural environment.

>  We value all those who serve our country and are proud to support military veterans and their families as they transition out of the military. SBA has earned the distinction of being a Military Friendly Employer and a Veteran Employer. We are proud to have veterans on our team – their integrity, work ethic, ability to adapt and strong teamwork skills blend well with the SBA core values.

>  SBA is a member of the Technology in Education working group created by the Inter-American Dialogue. The mission of the working group is to contribute to an ecosystem for educational innovation in Latin America, where actors from the public and private sectors collaborate effectively to generate and scale-up innovations in education. This partnership seeks to promote student learning by adopting digital technology, facilitating knowledge sharing among countries and actors in the region, and supporting policies for the use of education technology.

>  We are dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and have developed and implemented a diversity strategy designed to foster greater diversity and inclusion in our executive, management, workforce and talent recruitment over the long-term. Built on our established diversity practices and overall commitment to excellence, this strategy emphasizes the importance of education and targeted multi-cultural awareness. Our objective is to attract and retain talent that reflects the communities and markets we serve, allowing us to fulfill our mission to enable today’s and tomorrow’s connectivity and to benefit our shareholders, customers and communities. This strategy has yielded encouraging results:

•  For the past three years, women represented over 40% of our global workforce and promotions.

•  Over a third of our global team members identified as a racial or ethnic minority with more than a quarter holding management positions.

•  As of December 2020, 14% of global team members were under the age of 30, 57% were between 30-50 years old and 29% were over the age of 50.

>  At SBA, providing a safe and healthy work environment for the protection of our employees is paramount. The safety of our tower climbers has been a key focus of the company since it started in 1989. In 2013, we opened our internal facility “Tower U” which provides a rigorous safety certification program that is required for all our employed tower climbers. We provide a corporate culture that cultivates a strong commitment to safety and is reflective in our dedication to “Building Better Wireless®”. Our global total recordable incident rate (TRIR) during 2020 was 0.6, well below the industry standard of 2.5.

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LOGO

Philanthropy

>  Philanthropy remains an essential focus for SBA and we are proud of the impact our employees have in supporting their communities. We offer 16 hours of team and individual volunteer time off each year and match our employee charitable donations up to a certain amount per year.

>  Through companywide philanthropic initiatives, we support critical outreach efforts for tower industry foundations and military veterans. In their local communities, our employees engage in an array of activities: partnering with nonprofits to preserve the environment and wildlife, constructing affordable housing units, focusing on foster care, sheltering lost, homeless and unwanted animals and providing services and care for companion animals.

>  Our “Tower U” safety professionals offer tower rescue training to first responders because we recognize that the safety of these first responders is paramount to the communities in which we operate.

Executive Compensation “No Fault” Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy

Our Board has adopted the Executive Compensation Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy (the “Recoupment Policy”), which covers all our executive officers (the “Covered Officers”), and applies to incentive compensation paid or awarded from the 2014 fiscal year and onwards. Under the Recoupment Policy, in the event of (1) a restatement of SBA’s financial results due to the material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws or (2) a determination by the Compensation Committee that a financial, operational or other metric upon which incentive-based compensation was paid or awarded was inaccurate, in either case regardless of fault, the Compensation Committee will review the impact, if any, of such events on the incentive compensation paid or awarded to the Covered Officers. If the Compensation Committee determines that a Covered Officer was paid or awarded more than he or she would have been paid or awarded absent the financial restatement or inaccurate performance metrics, then the Compensation Committee may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, seek to recover such excess compensation. This recovery may include repayment by the Covered Officer, forfeiture of unvested restricted stock units and unvested stock options, offset against any severance payable to such Covered Officer, and other legal or equitable remedies that might be available to SBA. Incentive-based compensation paid or awarded during the three years preceding any financial restatement or inaccurate performance metrics is subject to recoupment.

Code of Ethics/Related Party Transactions/Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging

The Board of Directors has adopted our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (“Code of Ethics”), our Code of Conduct for Directors, Officers and Employees (“Code of Conduct”) and our Statement of Policies and Procedures Governing Stock Trading in General and the Prevention of Insider Trading (“Insider Trading Policy”), each of which we periodically revise to reflect best corporate governance practices and changes in applicable rules.

Code of Ethics. Our Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer to promote honest and ethical conduct, proper disclosure in SBA’s periodic filings, and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Our Code of Ethics is available to view at our website, www.sbasite.com, under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section. We intend to provide disclosure of any amendments or waivers of our Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

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Code of Conduct/Related Party Transaction Policy. Our Code of Conduct requires directors, officers and all other employees to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest. Our Code of Conduct generally requires (1) officers and directors to disclose any outside activities, financial interests or relationships that may present a possible conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict to the General Counsel and (2) employees to disclose any outside activities, financial interests or relationships that may present a possible conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict to their immediate supervisor. The General Counsel will determine if any such outside activities, financial interests or relationships constitute a conflict of interest and a related person transaction on a case-by-case basis and will promptly disclose such activities, interests or relationships to the appropriate Committee for their review and appropriate action, if necessary. It is our preference to avoid related person transactions generally. Under applicable Nasdaq Listing Standards, all related person transactions must be approved by our Audit Committee or another independent body of the Board of Directors. Current SEC rules define transactions with related persons to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship (1) in which SBA is a participant, (2) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and (3) in which any executive officer, director, director nominee, beneficial owner of more than 5% of SBA’s Class A common stock, or any immediate family member of such persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. All directors must recuse themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional interests. All related person transactions will be disclosed in our applicable SEC filings as required under SEC rules.

No Related Party Transactions in 2021. Since January 1, 2021, we have not had any relationships or transactions with any of our executive officers, directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A common stock or any immediate family member of such persons that were required to be reported pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Insider Trading and Anti-Hedging Policy. Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits all directors, officers and employees from engaging in transactions in our common stock while in possession of material non-public information and restricts directors, officers and other “designated insiders” from engaging in most transactions involving our Class A common stock during periods, that we have determined, that those individuals are most likely to be aware of material, non-public information. Our Insider Trading Policy also prohibits any officer or director from entering into any transaction which has the effect of hedging or locking in the value of his or her stock holdings, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts. Additionally, our Insider Trading Policy prohibits any officer, director or employee from, directly or indirectly, engaging in “short sales” of our Class A common stock or transactions involving trading activities which by their aggressive or speculative nature may give rise to an appearance of impropriety, including the purchase or writing of put or call options.

Policies Regarding Political Contributions and Lobbying. Our Board of Directors has developed policies and procedures regarding political contributions and lobbying, which are set forth in our Code of Conduct and are reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. In accordance with this policy, we prohibit directors, officers or employees from making individual contributions with company funds, being reimbursed for any political contributions, coercing other directors, officers or employees to make contributions or, as part of any individual partisan political activities, stating or implying that they are speaking or acting on behalf of SBA. In those limited circumstances where SBA would be permitted to make a corporate political contribution under federal, state or local laws, our Board has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the responsibility for providing prior authorization for any such contribution. However, in the past decade, SBA has not made any political contribution to a political campaign, election or referenda.

With respect to lobbying activities, our Board of Directors’ approved policy and procedures provide that any corporate lobbying activities on behalf of SBA must be conducted only with the prior authorization of our Chief Executive Officer. Such activities must (1) comply with all lobbying laws and disclosure requirements, (2) be legal, ethical and consisted with our various policies, including our Anti-Corruption Compliance Policy, and (3) be related

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to business activities being conducted by SBA at that time. Typically, these activities are conducted only through our activities organized by trade groups and associations or by our employees whose duties specifically contemplate such activities.

Board Meetings

During 2021, the Board of Directors held a total of 6 meetings. Each of our director nominees and continuing directors attended all of the Board meetings and meetings of the Committees on which they served during 2021. It is the policy of the Board of Directors to encourage its members to attend SBA’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All members of the Board of Directors in 2021 were present at SBA’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Board Committees

The Board has three standing Committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee. Copies of the Committee charters of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee setting forth the respective responsibilities of the Committees can be found under the Investor Relations – Corporate Governance section of our website at www.sbasite.com, and such information is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it through our Investor Relations department. Each of the Committees reviews, and revises if necessary, its respective charter not less than annually.

Audit Committee

Number of Meetings in 2021: 6

Responsibilities. The Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. In doing so, it establishes our audit policies, evaluates the independence of and selects our independent auditors, and oversees the engagement of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee maintains free and open means of communication between our directors, management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee also oversees the performance of our internal audit function, develops controls to insure the integrity of our financial statements and the quality of disclosure, and monitors our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee is also responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of our information system, cybersecurity and data privacy controls. In connection with such responsibilities, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from our Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. The Audit Committee Chair reports on Audit Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Independence and Financial Expertise. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements under the Nasdaq Listing Standards and the enhanced independence standards for audit committee members required by the SEC. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Beebe, Cocroft and Johnson meets the requirements of an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules. For information regarding the business experience of the members of the Audit Committee, see “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors.”

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Compensation Committee

Number of Meetings in 2021: 5

Responsibilities. The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, each of our executive officers (our Executive Vice Presidents) and our Chief Accounting Officer (collectively, the “Officer Group”), the terms of any employment agreements with the Officer Group and the compensation for our directors. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers our equity-based compensation plans, including awards under such plans, and our Stock Ownership Guidelines. The Compensation Committee also oversees and administers our Executive Compensation Recoupment Policy. The Compensation Committee also reviews the results of any advisory shareholder votes on executive compensation and considers whether to recommend adjustments to our executive compensation policies and practices as a result of such votes. The Compensation Committee Chair reports on Compensation Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Role of Compensation Consultants and Advisors. The Compensation Committee has the authority, pursuant to its charter, to engage the services of outside legal or other experts and advisors as it in its sole discretion deems necessary and appropriate to assist the Compensation Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities. For 2021, the Compensation Committee selected and retained F.W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”), an independent compensation consulting firm, and instructed FW Cook to provide the Compensation Committee with a review of competitive market data for each member of the Officer Group, and to work directly with the Compensation Committee to prepare proposals for 2021 executive compensation and director compensation. FW Cook also assisted with structuring our performance-based equity award program and the 2021 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan. In addition, in 2021 the Compensation Committee selected and retained Norton Rose Fulbright (“Norton Rose”), a law firm which provides legal advice on compensation issues. Neither FW Cook nor Norton Rose performed any services for us other than their services to the Compensation Committee. We believe that the use of independent consultants provides additional assurance that our programs are reasonable and consistent with our objectives. The Compensation Committee reviewed the independence of each of FW Cook and Norton Rose in light of the SEC rules and the Nasdaq Listing Standards regarding compensation consultants and has concluded that neither FW Cook’s work nor Norton Rose’s work for the Compensation Committee during 2021 raised any conflict of interest and that each of FW Cook and Norton Rose is independent.

Role of Management and Delegation of Authority. As more fully discussed under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Evaluating Compensation Program Design and Relative Competitive Position,” our CEO provides the Compensation Committee with (1) evaluations of each named executive officer, including himself, and (2) recommendations regarding base salary levels for the upcoming year for each named executive officer (other than himself), an evaluation of the extent to which the named executive officer met his annual incentive plan bonus target, and the aggregate total long-term incentive value that each named executive officer (other than himself) should receive. Our CEO typically attends all regularly-scheduled Compensation Committee meetings to assist the Compensation Committee in its discussion and analysis of the various agenda items, and is generally excused from the meetings as appropriate, including for discussions regarding his own compensation. The Compensation Committee may delegate to SBA’s management the authority to administer incentive compensation and benefit plans provided for employees, as it deems appropriate and to the extent permitted by applicable laws, rules, regulations and Nasdaq Listing Standards.

Independence. The Board reviewed the background, experience and independence of the Compensation Committee members based primarily on the directors’ responses to questions relating to their relationships, background and experience. Based on this review, the Board determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Standards, including the heightened independence requirements specific to compensation committee members.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During 2021, Ms. Chan and Messrs. Beebe, Cocroft and Langer served as members of the Compensation Committee, and none of these directors is or has been an officer or employee of SBA. During 2021, none of our executive officers served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee, and none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, whose executive officers served as a member of our Board.

There were no transactions during the 2021 fiscal year between SBA and any of the directors who served as members of the Compensation Committee for any part of the 2021 fiscal year that would require disclosure by SBA under the SEC’s rules requiring disclosure of certain relationships and related-party transactions.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Number of Meetings in 2021: 5

Responsibilities. The NCG Committee (1) solicits, considers, recommends and nominates candidates to serve on the Board under criteria adopted by it from time to time; (2) nominates the Lead Independent Director in the event the Chair is not an independent director; (3) recommends to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation tendered by a director who failed to receive a majority of votes cast in any uncontested re-election; (4) advises the Board with respect to Board composition and procedures and Committee composition, function, structure, procedures and charters; (5) oversees periodic evaluations of the Board, the Committees and directors, including establishing criteria to be used in connection with such evaluations; (6) reviews and reports to the Board on a periodic basis with regard to matters of corporate governance; (7) develops and reviews succession planning for Board members and executive officers; and (8) has oversight of our ESG initiatives and reporting, including our corporate sustainability report. The NCG Committee also considers and recommends to the Board the approval of any waivers to SBA’s Code of Conduct (as defined below) for a director or executive officer. The NCG Committee Chair reports on NCG Committee actions and recommendations at Board of Director meetings.

Consideration of Director Nominees. The NCG Committee considers possible candidates for nominees for directors from many sources, including management and shareholders. The NCG Committee evaluates the suitability of potential candidates nominated by shareholders in the same manner as other candidates recommended to the NCG Committee, in accordance with the Criteria for Nomination to the Board of Directors, which is attached as Annex A to the NCG Committee charter. The NCG Committee Charter requires, and the Criteria for Nomination provides, that, when considering nominees for the Board, the NCG Committee should seek to provide a diversity and balance among directors of race, gender, geography, thought, viewpoints, background, skills, experience and expertise. The Criteria for Nomination to the Board of Directors contains the following requirements, among others, for suitability:

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high ethical character and a reputation that is consistent with SBA’s reputation;

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superior credentials;

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current or prior experience as a CEO, President or CFO of a public company or leading a complex organization;

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relevant expertise and experience;

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the number of other boards (and their committees) on which a candidate serves;

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the ability to exercise sound business judgment; and

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the lack of material relationships with competitors or other third parties that could present realistic possibilities of conflict of interest or legal issues.

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The NCG Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to SBA’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the NCG Committee or the Board decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the NCG Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the Criteria for Nomination. Current members of the NCG Committee and Board are polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting the Criteria for Nomination of the NCG Committee.

From time to time, the NCG Committee has engaged, and may in the future engage, the services of executive search firms to assist the NCG Committee and the Board of Directors in identifying and evaluating potential director candidates. The NCG Committee Charter requires that any search firm retained to assist the NCG Committee in seeking candidates for the Board be instructed to seek to include diverse candidates in terms of the Criteria for Nomination from, among other areas, the traditional corporate environment, government, academia, private enterprise, non-profit organizations, and professions such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and legal services.

Shareholder Nominations of Director Candidates. Our Bylaws permit an eligible shareholder or group of eligible shareholders of any size to nominate up to 25% of our board of directors for inclusion in our proxy statement if they have continuously owned at least 3% of our Class A common stock for at least three years. However, candidates who were previously nominated by shareholders for any of the two most recent annual meetings and who received less than 20% of the total votes cast at any of those annual meetings are not eligible to be nominated utilizing the proxy access provisions. Shareholders who wish to nominate directors for inclusion in our proxy statement or directly at an annual meeting in accordance with the procedures in our Bylaws should follow the instructions under “Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations” in this proxy statement.

Director Compensation

 

General. The Board maintains a compensation arrangement for thenon-employee directors of the Board. The Board compensation arrangement is comprised of the following types and levels of compensation:

Initial Equity Grant. Each newly elected independent director, defined as a director who is a non-employee director pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), at the time of such initial election, is entitled to receive a grant of non-qualified stock options. These options vest and become exercisable in equal annual installments over a period of years following the grant date so long as the director continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Johnson received an initial equity grant of options to purchase 10,000 shares of Class A common stock on March 28, 2022, the effective date of his appointment to the Board. The options have a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of shares of Class A common stock at the grant date and will vest and become exercisable in equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date so long as the director continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

Initial

Annual Equity Grant. At each annual meeting, non-employee directors receive an equity grant in the form of restricted stock units. For 2021, the equity grant had an aggregate grant date value of $170,000. The aggregate grant date value is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, except that the stock price used in the calculation will be a derived price equal to the average closing price of our Class A common stock in the two calendar months of March and April. The restricted stock units and stock options vest and become exercisable on the first, second and third year anniversaries of their grant. In addition to the acceleration provisions provided under the relevant equity plan, annual equity grants to directors immediately vest if a director resigns from the board of directors, provided the director has completed three full years of service as a director prior to the effective date of such resignation.. Each newly elected independent director, defined as a director who is anon-employee director pursuant to Rule16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), at the time of such initial election, is entitled to receive a grant ofnon-qualified stock options. Newly elected directors are entitled to receive a grant ofnon-qualified stock options to purchase 10,000 shares of Class A common stock with a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of such stock at the grant date. These options vest and become exercisable in equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date so long as the director continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

 

Annual Equity Grant. At each annual meeting,non-employee directors receive an equity grant with an aggregate grant date value of $150,000, which the Board increased from $145,000 effective May 16, 2018. The annual equity grant tonon-employee directors is comprised oftwo-thirds restricted stock units andone-third stock options. The aggregate grant date value is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, except that the stock price used in the calculation will be a derived price equal to the average closing price of our Class A common stock in the two calendar months of March and April. The restricted stock units and stock options vest and become exercisable on the first, second and third year anniversary of their grant. In addition to the acceleration provisions provided under the relevant equity plan, annual equity grants to directors immediately vest if a director resigns from the board of directors, provided the director has completed three full years of service as a director prior to the effective date of such resignation.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Pursuant to this policy, on May 17, 2018,13, 2021, eachnon-employee director of the Board was granted 602619 restricted stock units, which represents a contingent right to receive 602an equal number of shares of Class A common stock. In addition, on May 17, 2018, eachnon-employee director of the Board was granted stock options to purchase 1,411 shares of Class A common stock with an exercise price of $157.51 per share, the closing price of the Class A common stock on May 17, 2018. The restricted stock units and stock options vest and become exercisable in three equal annual installments on May 1 of 2019, 2020,2022, 2023, and 2021.2024.

Retainer and Fees Paid in Cash. Effective May 16, 2018, the Board revised theRetainer and Fees Paid in Cash. For 2021, each non-employee director compensation policy to increase the annual retainer that eachnon-employee director is entitled to receive from $85,000 to $95,000. In addition, effective May 16, 2018, the Board increased the additional annual retainer for the Chair of the Board to $100,000. The lead independent director is entitled to an additional retainer of $25,000, and the Chairs of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee are entitled to an additional retainer of $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for incidental expenses associated with each Board of Directors and/or Committee meeting. Other than the Chair of each of the Committees, directors who serve on any of the Committees of the Board of Directors described above do not receive any additional compensation for their services as a Committee member. Directors who are employees do not receive any additional compensation for their services as a director.

22  SBA Communications Corporation director was entitled to an annual cash retainer of $95,000. In addition, the Chair of the Board was entitled to an additional annual retainer of $110,000. The Lead Independent Director was entitled to an additional retainer of $25,000, and the Chairs of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the NCG Committee were entitled to an additional retainer of $25,000, $25,000 and $25,000, respectively. |  2019 Proxy StatementNon-employee


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE directors are also reimbursed for incidental expenses associated with each Board of Directors and/or Committee meeting. Other than the Chair of each of the Committees, directors who serve on any of the Committees of the Board of Directors described above do not receive any additional compensation for their services as a Committee member. Directors who are employees do not receive any additional compensation for their services as a director.

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation of ournon-employee directors for 2018.2021. Mr. Stoops, our Chief Executive Officer and President, is omitted from the table as he does not receive any additional compensation for his services as a director. For more information on Mr. Stoops’ compensation, see “Executive Compensation” beginning on page 46.54.

 

Name 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

($)(1)

 Stock Awards
($)(2)(3)
 Option Awards
($)(2)(3)
 

Total

($)

     Fees Earned or  
Paid in Cash

($)

 

   Restricted
  Stock Units  

($)(1)(2)

 

         Total      
($)

 

 

Steven E. Bernstein

 $             170,000(4)  $             94,821  $              48,142  $            312,963    $194,801 (3)      $175,282     $370,083  

Kevin L. Beebe

  90,834   94,821   48,142   233,797    95,000          175,282     270,282  

Brian C. Carr

  90,834   94,821   48,142   233,797 

Duncan H. Cocroft

  110,834(5)   94,821   48,142   253,797    117,917 (4)      175,282    293,199  

George R. Krouse, Jr.

  100,834(6)   94,821   48,142   243,797    113,750 (5)      175,282    289,032  

Mary S. Chan

  90,834   94,821   48,142   233,797    95,000          175,282     270,282  

Jack Langer

  130,834(7)   94,821   48,142   273,797    140,833 (6)      175,282     316,115  
 

Fidelma Russo

   95,000          175,282     270,282  

 

(1)

Reflects annual retainers calculated on apro-rata basis.

(2)

Grants of restricted stock units and stock options were made on May 17, 2018,13, 2021 in connection with the annual grant discussed above. The amounts in the “Stock Awards” column and the “Option Awards” column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of awards for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the valuation assumptions regarding the fiscal 20182021 grants, refer to Note 14 in13 to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018,2021, which isare included in our Annual Report on Form10-K filed with the SEC.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

(3)(2)

The following table sets forth the aggregate number of restricted stock units and unexercised stock options outstanding at December 31, 20182021 for each of ournon-employee directors.

 

Name Aggregate Number of
Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding at
December 31, 2018
 Aggregate Number of
Unexercised Stock Options
Outstanding at
December 31, 2018
   Aggregate Number of
    Restricted Stock Units    
Outstanding at
December 31, 2021
  Aggregate Number of
    Unexercised Stock Options    
Outstanding at
December 31, 2021
 

Steven E. Bernstein

  1,444   13,439   1,182    9,096
 

Kevin L. Beebe

  1,444   13,439   1,182    9,096

Brian C. Carr

  1,444   7,595 
 

Mary S. Chan

  1,444   17,595   1,182    4,889
 

Duncan H. Cocroft

  1,444   13,439   1,182    9.096
 

George R. Krouse, Jr.

  1,444   6,057   1,182       501
 

Jack Langer

  1,444   11,796   1,182    9,096
 

Fidelma Russo

     999  10,000

 

(4)(3)

ReflectsIncludes additional annual retainer for service as Chair of the Board.

 

(5)(4)

ReflectsIncludes additional annual retainer for service as Audit Committee Chair.

 

(6)(5)

ReflectsIncludes additional annual retainer for service as NCG Committee Chair.

 

(7)(6)

ReflectsIncludes additional annual retainers for service as Compensation Committee Chair and lead independent director.Lead Independent Director.

Mr. Johnson was appointed to the Board of Directors, effective March 28, 2022. Consequently, he has been omitted from the table above as he was not a director and therefore did not receive any compensation in 2021. Effective on March 28, 2022, Mr. Johnson received an initial equity grant of non-qualified options to purchase 10,000 shares of Class A common stock, as described above under the heading “– Initial Equity Grant”.

 

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LOGO

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

 

Set forth below is certain information relating to our current executive officers and key employees. Biographical information with respect to Mr. Stoops is set forth above under “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors.”

 

Name Age  Position
 Executive Officers

Jeffrey A. Stoops

  60

 Jeffrey A. Stoops63  President and Chief Executive Officer

Brendan T. Cavanagh

 4750  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kurt L. Bagwell

 5457  Executive Vice President and President – International

Mark R. Ciarfella

 5356  Executive Vice President – Operations

Thomas P. Hunt

 6164  Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

Dipan D. Patel

 4548  Executive Vice President – Strategy, Technology and New Business Initiatives

Jason V. Silberstein

 5053  Executive Vice President – Site Leasing
 Key Employees

Brian D. Lazarus

  47

 Brian D. Lazarus50  Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Brian Allen

 51
 Brian Allen54  Senior Vice President – Site Leasing

Donald Day

 41
 Richard Cane57Senior Vice President – International Operations
 Donald Day44  Senior Vice President – Services

Michelle Eisner

 58
 Michelle Eisner61  Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Jorge Grau

 56
 Jorge Grau59  Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Larry Harris

 50
 Larry Harris53  Senior Vice President – U.S. Business Development

David Porte

 55
 Joshua Koenig42Senior Vice President, Legal – International
 David Porte58  Senior Vice President – International Strategy & Business Development

Neil H. Seidman

 5255  Senior Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions

Brendan T. Cavanagh, CPA, has served as our Executive Vice President since January 2014 and Chief Financial Officer since September 2008. Prior to serving as Executive Vice President, from September 2008 to December 2013, Mr. Cavanagh served as our Senior Vice President. Mr. Cavanagh joined SBA in 1998 and has held various positions, including serving as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from June 2004 to September 2008 and Vice President – Site Administration from January 2003 to June 2004. Prior to joining us, Mr. Cavanagh was with Arthur Andersen LLP.

Kurt L. Bagwell has served as our Executive Vice President and President – International since January 2014. From October 2010 to December 2013, Mr. Bagwell served as our Senior Vice President and President – International. Mr. Bagwell joined SBA in February 2001 as Vice President of Network Services and served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2002 to October 2010. Prior to joining us, Mr. Bagwell served as Vice President – Site Development for Sprint PCS.

Mark R. Ciarfellahas served as our Executive Vice President – Operations since January 2014. From October 2010 to December 2013, Mr. Ciarfella served as our Senior Vice President – Operations. He joined SBA in July 2007 as our Vice President – Tower Development. From 1997 to 2007, Mr. Ciarfella was theco-owner of a

32  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES

Florida based site development services company that provided site acquisition, zoning, construction management and program management services to the wireless telecommunication industry and was a partner in a communication tower company that specialized in building towers in the State of Florida. Mr. Ciarfella also has more than 20 years of experience in the wireless telecommunication industry working directly with PrimeCo Personal Communications and as a consultant for multiple other carriers.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES

Thomas P. Hunt has served as our Executive Vice President since January 2014, General Counsel since September 2000 and Chief Administrative Officer since May 2007. Prior to serving as Executive Vice President, from September 2000 to December 2013, Mr. Hunt served as our Senior Vice President. Prior to joining SBA, Mr. Hunt was a partner with Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., a South Florida law firm, where he practiced for 16 years in the corporate and real estate areas. Mr. Hunt is a member of the Florida Bar.

Dipan D. Patel, PhD, joined SBA in February 2019 as our Executive Vice President – Strategy, Technology and New Business Initiatives. Prior to joining SBA, Mr. Patel served as Vice President, New Growth & Development at Cox Communications, a national cable television and broadband services provider, where he joined in May 2012 as Executive Director. Prior to Cox Communications, Mr. Patel served as a Partner in the Communications, Media and Technology practice at Accenture plc, a global management consulting and professional services firm, from December 2003 to May 2012.

Jason V. Silberstein has served as our Executive Vice President – Site Leasing since January 2014. From February 2009 to December 2013, Mr. Silberstein served as our Senior Vice President – Property Management. Mr. Silberstein joined SBA in 1994 and has held various positions with us, including Vice President – Property Management from April 2000 to February 2009.

Below is a summary of the business experience of each of our key employees.

Brian D. Lazarus, CPA, has served as our Senior Vice President since January 2014 and Chief Accounting Officer since September 2008. Prior to serving as Senior Vice President, from September 2008 to December 2013, Mr. Lazarus served as our Vice President. Mr. Lazarus joined SBA in October 2006 and served as SBA’s Controller from October 2006 to September 2008. Prior to joining SBA, Mr. Lazarus was the Corporate Controller for AllianceCare, a privately owned multi-state health care organization, from December 2003 until October 2006. Mr. Lazarus previously was a Senior Audit Manager with Ernst & Young LLP and spent six years with KPMG LLP.

Brian Allen has served as our Senior Vice President of Site Leasing since January of 2014. Prior to serving as our Senior Vice President, from July 2011 to December 2013, Mr. Allen served as our Vice President. Mr. Allen originally joined SBA in January 1992, and has served in a variety of roles, including Project Director, Area Director and General Manager. In addition to his service at SBA, he served as a Business Development Manager for TowerCo, an independent wireless tower company, and as an independent consultant providing site development services to wireless service providers and public utility companies.

Richard Cane has served as our Senior Vice President – International Operations since November 2019. Prior to joining SBA, from August 2017 to November 2019, Mr. Cane was a Principal at Smart Aerial Solutions, where he advised municipalities and multiple start-ups to develop businesses related to 5G and mmW antenna communications, intelligent transport systems, wireline network transformations, fiber broadband, and smart cities. From August 2012 to August 2017, Mr. Cane served in a variety of senior roles at Ericsson, supporting managed services and field operations in North America. Mr. Cane also previously served as a senior executive for several wireless network operators including as Chief Operating Officer for Woosh Wireless in New Zealand, Chief Technical Officer for Bell Atlantic International/Grupo Iusacell in Mexico and Chief Operating Officer for PrimeCo Personal Communications in Chicago.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  33


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES

Donald Day has served as our Senior Vice President – Services since May 2018. Mr. Day joined SBA in May 2011 as the North Regional Vice President and was promoted to Vice President – Services in January 2013. Prior to joining SBA, Mr. Day was a Vice President at General Dynamics, a defense industry contractor, where he was responsible for managing the market and budget objectives of wireless deployment teams throughout the United States and served from January 2004 to May 2011. Prior to General Dynamics, Mr. Day served from March 2003 to January 2004 in a variety of roles at DWCC, Inc., a wireless services company, and from August 2000 to March 2003 in a variety of roles at Crown Castle International, an owner of wireless communications infrastructure. Prior to that, Mr. Day served in the United States Army for 4 years.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  25


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES

Michelle Eisner joined SBA in October 2018 as our Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining SBA, Ms. Eisner spent 17 years at Hollander Sleep Products, LLC, a manufacturer of pillows and mattress pads in North America, progressing from Director of Human Resources to Chief Human Resources and Talent Officer since she joined in 2002. Prior to Hollander Sleep Products, Ms. Eisner served as Senior Vice President Human Resources at Tyson Foods, a multinational protein-focused food company she joined in 2000.

Jorge Grau has served as our Senior Vice President since January 2014 and Chief Information Officer since January 2006. Prior to serving as our Senior Vice President, from January 2006 to December 2013, Mr. Grau served as our Vice President. Mr. Grau joined SBA in August 2003 as the Vice President of Information Technology. Prior to joining SBA, from July 2002 through August 2003, Mr. Grau was Director of Information Technology for Vision Care Holdings and, from August 1989 to May 2002, Mr. Grau served as Chief Information Officer of Bentley’s Luggage Corporation.

Larry Harris has served as our Senior Vice President – U.S. Business Development since February 2019. From January 2009 to February 2019, Mr. Harris served as our Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Harris joined SBA in March 1995 as a Site Selection Specialist and has since served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility.

Joshua Koenig has served as our Senior Vice President, Legal – International since May 2021. Prior to that, from April 2015 to May 2021, Mr. Koenig served as our Vice President and Associate General Counsel – International. Mr. Koenig joined SBA in January 2010 and served as its Corporate Counsel – Finance and Compliance from January 2010 to April 2015. Prior to joining us, Mr. Koenig was an associate with the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, specializing in corporate and financing transactions. Mr. Koenig is a member of the New York Bar and authorized house counsel in Florida.

David Porte has served as our Senior Vice President of International Strategy and Business Development since May 2018 having joined SBA as Vice President of International in May 2013. Prior to joining SBA, Mr. Porte was Chief Operating Officer of Lightbridge Communications Corporation, a privately owned international wireless services company, since its May 2010 acquisition of Wireless Facilities, Inc., for which Mr. Porte had served as Chief Executive Officer since May 2008. Mr. Porte previously held senior executive roles with American Tower Corp., an owner of wireless communications infrastructure, and Crown Castle.

Neil H. Seidman has served SBA in merger and acquisition activity since June 1997. From June 1997 to December 2001, Mr. Seidman served as our Director of Acquisitions and Associate General Counsel. From January 2002 to December 2008, Mr. Seidman served as our primary outside mergers and acquisitions counsel as a partner in the law firm of Seidman, Prewitt, DiBello & Lopez, P.A. In January 2009, Mr. Seidman rejoined SBA as our Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions. Since January 2014, Mr. Seidman has served as our Senior Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Seidman is a member of the Florida, New York, Maryland and Washington D.C. bars.

 

2634  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


LOGO

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

 

Introduction

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis is designed to provide our shareholders with a clear understanding of our compensation philosophy and objectives, compensation-setting process, and the 2018 compensation of our named executive officers, or NEOs. As discussed in Proposal 3 on page 61, we are conducting a Say on Pay vote this year that requests your approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this section and in the tables and accompanying narrative contained in “Executive Compensation.” As part of that vote, you should review our compensation philosophies, the design of our executive compensation programs and how, we believe, these programs have contributed to the strong financial performance that SBA has provided to shareholders over the long term.

Our named executive officers are those executive officers listed below:

 

  

Jeffrey A. Stoops

 President and Chief Executive Officer

Brendan T. Cavanagh

 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kurt L. Bagwell

 Executive Vice President and President, International

Thomas P. Hunt

 Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

Jason V. Silberstein

 Executive Vice President, Site Leasing

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  35


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive Summary

 

We Have Delivered Strong Shareholder Value-Creating Results

Our primary focus is the creation of shareholder value. We take a long-term view of our business, and we believe that growth in AFFO per share has the greatest impact on shareholder value creation. This metric underscores the strength of our business and long-term recurring cash flow potential of SBA. In order to maximize growth in AFFO per share, during the past five years we have focused on Adjusted EBITDA growth, same-tower organic growth, margin enhancements, portfolio growth on attractive terms, optimizing our capital structure, and a disciplined approach to capital allocation.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  27


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The following graphs illustrate our strong performance over the past five years.

 

LOGOTower Cash Flow and Margin(1)  LOGOAnnualized Adjusted EBITDA and Margin(1)(2)
LOGOLOGO

 

(1)  Annualized Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter-ended. See Appendix A for reconciliation ofNon-GAAP Metrics.

  

 

(2)  For 2016, excludes the Oi Reserve. See Appendix A for reconciliation ofNon-GAAP Metrics.

 

LOGOAFFO Per Share(1)  LOGOReturn on Invested Capital(1)
LOGOLOGO

 

(3)

(1)

See Appendix A for reconciliation ofNon-GAAPnon-GAAP Metrics.metrics.

 (2)

(4)  See Appendix AAnnualized Adjusted EBITDA for reconciliation ofNon-GAAP Metrics.the fourth quarter-ended.

36  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We believe that these financial results have resulted in our delivery of significant long-term shareholder value, reflected through our TSR growth of 54%283% over a three-yearfive-year period compared to increases in TSR of 30%133% for the S&P 500, 13%80% for the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITS Index and 26%134% for our 20182021 Compensation Peer Group over that same three-yearfive-year period.

28  SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

 

LOGO

LOGOCOVID-19 Response

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to evolve over the past year, we continued to focus on two key priorities—the health and safety of our team members and helping our customers continue to deliver the communications necessary to keep people connected to work and to each other. We proudly supported our local communities’ COVID-19 response and relief efforts. In preparation for a safe return to work, we invested in upgrades to our offices to improve air quality and allow for greater social distancing. Furthermore, we did not implement any workforce furloughs or pay reductions.

Our Executive Compensation Program Is ResponsiveLinked to ShareholdersPerformance

During the last eight annualSay-On-Pay advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers, our shareholders have expressed strong support of our executive compensation program. In 2018, 98.8% of the votes cast on the proposal were cast in favor of our executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee believes that these levels of shareholder approval indicate strong support for SBA’s executive compensation program and therefore continued the philosophy, principles and basic framework utilized in 2017 for our 2018 executive compensation program.

The core of our executive compensation philosophy is that our executives’ pay should be linked to the performance of SBA. Accordingly, our executives’ compensation is heavily weighted toward compensation that is performance-based or equity-based. The compensation of our named executive officers, or NEOs, for 2021 reflects this commitment. For 2018, 90%2021, 91% of our CEO’s target total compensation and an average of 85%87% of our other NEOs’ target total compensation was performance-based or equity-based. As a result, our executives only recognize value approaching their target compensation when our shareholders have enjoyed value creation.

Furthermore, in light of evolving compensation governance trends, our Compensation Committee committed to requiring that all future grants of equity to officers be subject to “double-trigger” acceleration. Consequently, the vesting of all equity awards to officers awarded in 2018 are only accelerated after a change in control to the extent that the employment of such officers is terminated without cause or the officer resigns for good reason in connection with such change in control. However, our CEO voluntarily agreed to retroactively apply this “double-trigger” acceleration provision to all his outstanding equity awards.

LOGO

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  37


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our Performance Metrics Drive Shareholder Value

We reward financial, operational and qualitative corporate metrics that we believe will drive long-term shareholder value appreciation. For 2018,2021, our annual incentive bonus for our CEO and each of our NEOs was:

30% based on the performance level of Annualized Adjusted EBITDA achieved;

30% based on the performance level of AFFO per share
>

30% based on the performance level of Annualized Adjusted EBITDA achieved; and

40% based on achievement of selected financial, operational and qualitative metrics and a subjective analysis of the contribution of such executive towards the attainment of such metrics. For 2018, these metrics included (1) institutional contribution, including employee engagement,

 

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  29


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
>

30% based on the performance level of AFFO per share achieved; and

 

>

40% based on an evaluation of the extent to which SBA met selected financial, operational and qualitative metrics and a subjective analysis of the contribution that each NEO made in the attainment of such metric. For 2021, these metrics included financial and operational metrics such as (i) tower acquisitions and ground lease purchases and extensions, (ii) leasing results on owned towers, (iii) the financial and operational performance of SBA’s international operations, and (iv) total cash selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of total cash revenue, and qualitative metrics such as (1) institutional contribution, including cross-departmental collaboration, succession planning, improved diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statistics, leadership and personnel development, and improved business processes and communications, and (2) tower acquisitions and ground lease extensions and acquisitions, (3) leasing results on owned towers, (4) the financial and operational performance of SBA’s international operations, (5) total cash selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of total cash revenue, and (6) executive performance, which includes numerous areas of focus, based on the executive, including regulatory compliance, expansion and integration activities, new business initiatives, sustainability initiatives, audit results and capital allocation. Based on his responsibilities, each NEO was assigned three to four of these financial, operational or qualitative metrics upon which he was evaluated.

Our Executive Compensation Program is Responsive to Shareholders

We believe that shareholder engagement remains a key driver of our continued success. We engaged with our shareholders on a regular basis through our active engagement program led by management and our Board of Directors. Through our engagement, we solicit shareholder views on matters including business strategy, corporate governance, executive compensation, environmental and social initiatives, and other important topics. We use this feedback to assist SBA and the Board with matters requiring a broader shareholder perspective. We also listen to the feedback our shareholders provide through the annual say on pay advisory votes on our executive compensation.

Historically, our shareholders have overwhelmingly supported our executive compensation program, which received the support of 96% of the votes cast at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. During the 2021-2022 shareholder engagement season, we reached out to shareholders representing approximately 60% of the common stock held by our top 20 shareholders at the time of such request. As a result, we exchanged correspondence and held meetings with our top 20 shareholders representing approximately 40% of our outstanding common stock held by our shareholders at the time of such request. Our Lead Independent Director and chair of the Compensation Committee, the chair of the NCG Committee and members of our management team actively participated in discussions with shareholders concerning our executive compensation program.

Aligning our Executive Compensation Program with Our ESG and DEI Commitments

We are committed to sustainable leadership by integrating sustainability into how we do business. As part of that commitment, we engaged with our shareholders to solicit their feedback on ESG and DEI topics. In our engagement, we learned that shareholders supported sustainability-linked targets and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) targets as part of the executive compensation program. Based on this feedback, the Compensation Committee revised the 2021 compensation program (and continuing with the 2022 compensation program) to (1) embed DEI objectives as a component of our executives’ performance reviews and objectives and (2) provide that a portion of their variable compensation be linked to the progress of our sustainability initiatives.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our Strong Corporate Governance Policies Further Align our Executives’ Interests Withwith Those of our Shareholders.

The Compensation Committee seeks to align our compensation practices with strong governance practices. For example, all equity grants to all employees are subject to “double-trigger” acceleration. For the 2021 compensation program, and continuing with the 2022 program, we also implemented DEI objectives as a component of our executives’ performance reviews and objectives, and a portion of their variable compensation is linked to the progress of our sustainability initiatives.

As is evidenced below, we believe that robust corporate governance practices are integrated into our 2021 executive compensation program.

 

  

What We Do

 

What We Do Not Do

    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Robust stock ownership guidelines - 6x base salary for CEO and 3x for other NEOs     ✗LOGO     Limited perquisites–All Other Compensation represented 0.2% of CEO’s 20182021 Total Compensation
    ✓

 LOGO    

 Robust “clawback” policy that exceeds Dodd-Frank– Applies to cash and equity incentive compensation and permits recoupment as a result of a financial restatement or determination that any financial, operational or other performance metric upon which incentive compensation was paid was inaccurate, regardless of fault.Dodd-Frank.     ✗

LOGO    

 No acceleration of vesting of equity awards in connection with terminations,, absent a change in control
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 “Double trigger” change in control provisions in employment agreements     ✗  

LOGO    

 No pledging of shares subject to stock ownership requirements
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 “DoubleAll new equity awards include a “Double trigger” in a change in control for acceleration of equity granted to all officers after 2017 and all outstanding equity awards to our CEO     ✗

LOGO    

 No hedging of shares
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Reduced severance multiple, or limited severance if retirement eligible, for termination without cause not associated with change in control     ✗  

LOGO    

 No taxgross-ups on perquisites or change in control benefits
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Annual incentive bonus tied to performance metrics designed to deliver long-term growth and drive shareholder value     ✗  

LOGO    

 No pension or supplemental retirement plan benefits
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Multi-year vesting2/3rds of equity awards are performance-based over a three-year period; all equity awards have multi-year vesting     ✗  

LOGO    

 No repricing orbuy-outs of stock options without shareholder approval
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors     ✗  

LOGO    

 No stock options granted below fair market value
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Independent compensation consultants,report directly to Compensation Committee and provide no other services to Company     ✗  

LOGO    

 Equity plan does not permit liberal share recycling
    ✓ 

 LOGO    

 Comprehensive annual assessment of compensation risks     ✗  

LOGO    

 No liberal change of control definition in equity plan or employment agreements

 

30SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  39


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVESPHILOSOPHY/PROGRAM DESIGN

 

 

We encourage you to read this Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a detailed discussion and analysis of our executive compensation program, including information about the 2018 compensation of the NEOs.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

The Compensation Committee believes that the caliber and motivation of all of our employees, and especially our executive leadership, are essential to SBA’s performance. The Compensation Committee believes our management compensation programs contribute to our ability to differentiate our performance from others in the marketplace and thereby deliver shareholders superior value. Moreover, we believe that SBA’s overall executive compensation philosophy and programs are market competitive, performance-based and shareholder aligned. The three principles of our compensation philosophy are as follows:

 

  
Principles  Implementation

Total direct compensation levels should be sufficiently competitive to attract, motivate and retain the highest quality executives

  OurThe Compensation Committee seeks to establish target total direct compensation (salary, annual incentive and long-term incentive) at upappropriate relationships to 110% of the target total direct compensation at the 50th percentile (or median) of our Peer Group, providing our executives the opportunity to be competitively rewarded for our financial, operational and stock price growth. Total direct compensation opportunity (i.e., maximum achievable compensation) should increase with position and responsibility.

Performance-based and“at-risk” incentive compensation should constitute a substantial portion of total compensation

  We seek to foster apay-for-performance culture, with a significant portion of total direct compensation being performance-based and/or “at risk.” Accordingly, such portion should be tied to, and vary with, our financial, operational and stock price performance, as well as individual performance. We view two components of our total compensation program—annual incentive compensation and equity-based compensation—as being performance-based and/or “at risk.” Executives with greater responsibilities and the ability to directly impact our strategic and operational goals and long-term results should bear a greater proportion of the risk if these goals and results are not achieved. Therefore, the more senior the executive the greater the percentage of total compensation is in the form of performance-based and/or “at risk” compensation.

Long-term incentive compensation should align executives’ interests with our shareholders’ interests to further the creation of long-term shareholder value

  Awards of equity-based compensation encourage executives to focus on our long-term growth and prospects and incentivize executives to manage our company from the perspective of owners with a meaningful stake, and to encourage them to remain with us for long and productive careers. Our stock ownership guidelines further enhance the incentive to create long-term shareholder value. Equity-based compensation also subjects our executives to market risk, a risk also borne by our shareholders.

This philosophy is the basis of the Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding each of the following three components of pay: base salary, annual incentive compensation and equity-based compensation, each of which is discussed in detail below.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >�� COMPENSATION SETTING PROCESS

The Compensation Committee does not decrease total direct compensation based upon realized or unrealized gains from prior compensation nor does it increase or decrease total direct compensation to compensate for stock price fluctuations. The Compensation Committee believes that doing so would reduce the motivation for continued high achievement and lower the correlation to gains or losses of our shareholders. Similarly, our severance and change in control arrangements, which we discuss later in this proxy statement under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination orChange-in-Control” on page 51,60, have not affected the Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding other components of compensation. Those arrangements serve very specific purposes that are unrelated to the determination of an NEO’s total direct compensation for a specific year.

In determining annual incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee calculates the actual results during the year on a constant currency basis (utilizing the budgeted exchange rates to eliminate the impact of movements in foreign currency) due to the belief that an individual should not benefit nor be penalized as a result of movements in foreign currency that are outside their control. No adjustments are made to equity-based compensation for movements in foreign currency exchange rates, consistent with the impact of such movements to our shareholders.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY/PROGRAM DESIGN

Compensation Setting Process

 

Annually, the Compensation Committee evaluates the design and competitiveness of SBA’s executive compensation program. As discussed above under the responsibilities of the Compensation Committee on page 17,25, the Compensation Committee has authority to retain compensation consultants, outside legal counsel and other advisors as it deems appropriate to assist in fulfilling its responsibilities. For 2018,2021, the Compensation Committee selected and retained F.W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”) to:

 

review those companies that comprise our Peer Group and propose changes if necessary;

>

review those companies that comprise our Peer Group and propose changes if necessary;

 

provide a competitive analysis of our compensation components for our NEOs against our 2018 Peer Group;

>

provide a competitive analysis of our compensation components for our NEOs against our 2021 Peer Group;

 

assist in the design of the executive compensation program and the determination of 2018 compensation for our NEOs;

>

assist in the design of the executive compensation program and the determination of 2021 compensation for our NEOs;

 

perform a competitive analysis of compensation levels fornon-employee directors and provide recommendations for our director compensation program; and

>

perform a competitive analysis of compensation levels for non-employee directors and provide recommendations for our director compensation program; and

 

review this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

>

review this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

FW Cook does not perform any other services for SBA other than its consulting services to the Compensation Committee, which included for 2018 assistance with structuring our retirement policy, discussed below on page 53.Committee. The Compensation Committee has reviewed the independence of FW Cook in light of SEC rules and Nasdaq Listing Standards regarding compensation consultants and has concluded that FW Cook’s work for the Compensation Committee during 20182021 did not raise any conflict of interest and that FW Cook is independent.

Evaluating Compensation Program Design and Relative Competitive Position

 

At the beginning of the executive compensation setting process each year, the Compensation Committee considers (i) the results of the prior year advisory vote on our say-on-pay proposal and (ii) the results of shareholder engagement, including the outreach discussed earlier on page 4. In addition, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with its independent compensation consultant, determinesFW Cook, assesses the process by which it will ensure that SBA’s executive compensation is competitive. As in prior years, the

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Compensation Committee decided to maintain a peer group with companies from both the communications-related industryprogram design and the real estate investment trust (“REIT”) industry as the Compensation Committee continues to believe that using companies from these two industries is appropriate as it believes that each of these two industries have business characteristics that are similar to our business. Four of the communications-related peer companies have also elected REIT status (American Tower Corporation, Crown Castle International Corporation, Digital Realty Trust and Equinix). The primary size measures used in selecting companies for the Peer Group were revenue, EBITDA/FFO, market capitalization and enterprise value. In addition toits relative competitive position by (i) reviewing the continued suitability of the current peers,companies within the Compensation Committee reviews evaluations from FW Cook which identifiespeer group and (ii) identifying potential candidates for addition to the peer group, based onUS-based public companies in related industries andthat fall within 1/3X–3X SBA’s size relative to the identified measures.

For 2018,The Compensation Committee strives to select companies that are of similar size (based on revenues, EBITDA/FFO, market capitalization and enterprise value), operate in similar business areas (i.e., companies that are either in the communications industry or REIT industry) and compete for the same talent. While the Compensation Committee decided,endeavors to select peer companies that are similar to SBA with respect to all these criteria, it recognizes that it cannot develop a peer group in which all companies satisfy all criteria. The Compensation Committee believes that, given the recommendationrelatively high market capitalization to revenue ratio that has been characteristic of the communications infrastructure industry, including SBA and the two other public tower companies, American Tower and Crown Castle International, it would be detrimental to the Company and shareholders to focus primarily on any one factor, such as revenues, when selecting peer companies as this could adversely affect its ability to attract and retain high-quality executive talent.

2021Peer Group. In mid-2020, the Compensation Committee requested that FW Cook to remove Akamai Technologies fromreevaluate the communications-related group and add Zayocompanies that comprise the Peer Group to determine if the communications-related group and to maintain the other 19 companies (the “2018 Peer Group”) as this group of companiesGroup continues to align with SBA’sreflect the size and business profile, basedother characteristics of SBA. Based on available public informationsuch review, FW Cook recommended, and the Compensation Committee

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY/PROGRAM DESIGN

approved, maintaining the same peer companies for 2021 compensation setting purposes as those that were used in late 2017.2020.

The table below sets forth the companies included within the 20182021 Peer Group.

 

2021 Peer Group

Communications Related Companies

REITS

American Tower Corporation

Avalonbay Communities, Inc.

Camden Property Trust

Crown Castle International Corp.

CyrusOne, Inc.

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

   Equinix, Inc.

   Lamar Advertising Company

   Level 3 Communications

   OUTFRONT Media Inc.

   U.S. Cellular

   Windstream Communications

   Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.

   Avalonbay Communities, Inc.

   Boston Properties, Inc.

   Camden Property Trust

Duke Realty Corporation

Equinix, Inc.

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

   Kimco Realty Corporation

   The MacerichExtra Space Storage, Inc.

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

Iron Mountain Inc.

Lamar Advertising Company

OUTFRONT Media Inc.

Prologis Inc.

Public Storage

Uniti Group Inc.

Ventas, Inc.

Viasat, Inc.

Welltower, Inc.

The table below reflects SBASBA’s position compared to the 25th, median and 75th percentile of the 20182021 Peer Group with respect to the four measures identified by the Compensation Committee.

 

   

 

Four fiscal quarters
ended June 30, 2017

 

   

 

As of July 12, 2017

 

 

 

Company

 

  

 

Revenue

 

   

 

EBITDA/FFO(1)

 

   

 

Market Cap

 

   

 

Ent. Value

 

 

 

75th Percentile

 

  

 

 

 

 

$3,930

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,613

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$26,069

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$36,694

 

 

 

 

 

Median

 

  

 

 

 

 

2,388

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

1,085

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

17,413

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

23,868

 

 

 

 

 

25th Percentile

 

  

 

 

 

 

1,461

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

639

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,742

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

12,356

 

 

 

 

 

SBA Communications

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,657

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,068

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$16,527

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$25,061

 

 

 

 

 

-- Percentile Rank

  

 

 

 

33

 

rd 

  

 

 

 

49

 

th 

  

 

 

 

47

 

th 

  

 

 

 

52

 

nd 

   
 

 

For the four quarters ended
June 30, 2020
As of Sept. 30, 2020
 Company    Revenue        FFO/EBITDA(1)        Market Cap        Ent. Value    
    

 75th Percentile

$4,207$1,434$39,068$47,322
    

 Median

2,33493314,21220,478
    

 25th Percentile

1,5144958,06811,512
    

 SBA Communications

$2,045$875$35,650$48,656
    

 -- Percentile Rank

40th48th73rd76th

Data Source: S&P’s Capital IQ ($M)

(1)

Reflects EBITDA (most recently reported four quarters) for Communications peers and FFO (most recently reported fiscal year) for REIT peers.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  PROGRAM DESIGN AND COMPETITIVE POSITION

(1) Reflects FFO of all peer companies other than ViaSat for which EBITDA is included.

Once the 20182021 Peer Group had been selected, the Compensation Committee began the 20182021 executive compensation setting process by reviewing historical 2016 compensation data and estimated 2017 and 20182021 target compensation levels of the 20182021 Peer Group. The Compensation Committee sets target compensation in January and February of each year. Therefore, the historical compensation data available to the Compensation Committee is based principally upon the data available from each company’s prior year’s proxy statement (which reflects compensation paid for two years prior). As a result, the Compensation Committee also reviewed FW Cook’s estimated 2017 and 2018 target compensation levels for the 2018 Peer Group, which were based on an assessment of historical data, SEC filings made after the relevant proxy statements, and market intelligence on executive compensation trends. Estimated 20182021 compensation levels were based on a historical analysis of the Peer Group andan assumed a four percent increase to prior year base salaries and target total cash compensation and a nine percent increase to long term incentive awards, unless a company had actually disclosed a different increase or reduction prior to the time that the 20182021 Peer Group data was compiled. The assumed rates of annual increases were based on a multi-year analysis of Peer Group compensation increases.

Based upon the factors set forth above, FW Cook prepared a review of the compensation data for the 2021 Peer Group for the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee compared (1) base salaries, (2) target total cash compensation (salary plus annual bonus target), (3) long-term incentive (“LTI”) awards and (4) target total direct compensation (“TDC”) (salary plus annual bonus target plus value of LTI) payable to each NEO to the 25th percentile, the median and 75th percentile target opportunity of the 20182021 Peer Group. Traditionally,In addition, the

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Compensation Committee has sought to set target TDC at up to 110%reviewed these metrics against the average of the 50th percentile (or median)ten middle companies in the 2021 Peer Group. The Compensation Committee uses the average of the target TDCmiddle ten as a supplemental data point as it is a statistical measure of the relevantmidpoint of the Peer Group. Group compensation data, and has the benefit of being less volatile than the commonly used median.

The Compensation Committee seeks to set base salaries and target total cash compensation moderately belowat approximately the median of the Peer Group. The Compensation Committee then uses long-term incentiveLTI awards, beingwhich are completely “at-risk”, to ensure that TDC is at the desired level.level that the Compensation Committee believes is appropriate for the executive, which may be above or below the median of the Peer Group. The Compensation Committee utilizes this comparative data as an important, but not sole, means to ensure that SBA is setting target compensation at a competitive level and, to the extent that SBA’s compensation for any individual NEO diverges from the 110% of the median, that the Compensation Committee understands and is cognizant of such divergence.level.

Based upon the factors set forth above, the independent compensation consultant prepared a review of the compensation data for the 20182022 Peer Group. The review indicated that the base salary and target total cash compensation for each of the NEOs were materially below the median, while the average target TDC for our NEOs was materially below 110% of the median of the target TDC of the 2018 Peer Group.

2019 Peer Group. Inmid-2018,mid-2021, in preparation for the upcoming 2019 compensation setting process, the Compensation Committee requested that FW Cook reevaluate the companies that comprise the Peer Group to determine if the Peer Group continues to reflect the size and other characteristics of SBA. As a result of this evaluation,Based on such review, FW Cook recommended, and the Compensation Committee approved, maintaining the removal of Level 3 Communications (due to its acquisition) and United States Cellular (as the business has become less comparable) from the Peer Group and adding Frontier Communications and Uniti Group, which had been identified as closer comparators to SBA in terms of operations and capital structure. There were no changes to the REIT peers. The 2019 Peer Group continues to be comprised of 20same peer companies 10 of which are communications-related companies and 10 of which are REITs. Relative to the new 2019 Peer Group, for the four most recent fiscal quarters and at June 30, 2018, (1) SBA’s revenue was between the 25th percentile and the median (2) SBA’s EBITDA/FFO was approximately at the median, (3) SBA’s market capitalization was slightly above the median and (4) SBA’s enterprise value was slightly above the median.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  PROGRAM DESIGN AND COMPETITIVE POSITION

Consideration of Shareholder Advisory Vote

As part of its2022 compensation setting process, the Compensation Committee annually reviews and considers the results of the prior-year’s shareholder advisory vote on our executive compensation. The Compensation Committee believespurposes as those that this advisory vote can provide useful feedback regarding whether shareholders believe that the Compensation Committee is achieving its goal of designing an executive compensation program that promotes the best interests of SBA and its shareholders by providing its executives with the appropriate compensation and meaningful incentives. In establishing the 2018 compensation program, the Compensation Committee took note that at the 2017 annual meeting 97% of the votes cast on the advisory vote supported SBA’s executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee took into consideration this overwhelming supportwere used in its decision to maintain the current compensation program and philosophy. The Compensation Committee intends to annually review the results of the advisory vote and will be cognizant of this feedback as it completes its annual review of each pay element and the total compensation packages for our NEOs.2021.

Evaluating Company and NEO Performance

 

Annually, our CEO provides the Compensation Committee a performance assessment for each named executive officer, including himself, and a compensation recommendation for each named executive officer, other than himself. The performance assessment includes an analysis of SBA’s performance against each of its quantitative and qualitative metrics and an evaluation of the contributions of each NEO to such performance. Our CEO also reviews each executive’s three-year compensation history and current compensation data provided by our independent compensation consultant. On the basis of this evaluation, our CEO provides the Compensation Committee recommendations regarding base salary levels for the upcoming year, an evaluation of the extent to which the NEO met his annual incentive plan target, and the aggregate total long-term incentive value that each NEO should receive. In addition, the CEO offers his proposal for the performance metrics, relative weightings and threshold and target levels for our annual incentive compensation for the upcoming year.

Establishing Individual Executive Compensation Packages

 

The Compensation Committee conducts an annual review of the executive compensation packages. Based on this review, the Compensation Committee approves, after considering the CEO’s recommendations, the following:

 

base salary changes;

>

base salary changes;

 

any amounts earned under the previous year’s annual incentive compensation program;

>

any amounts earned under the previous year’s annual incentive compensation program;

 

performance metrics, performance targets and annual bonus target under the annual incentive compensation program for the current year; and

>

performance metrics, performance targets and annual bonus target under the annual incentive compensation program for the current year; and

 

annual long-term incentive awards.

>

annual long-term incentive awards.

The Compensation Committee also approves such compensation package components for the CEO.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

Executive Compensation Components and 20182021 Compensation Decisions

 

To achieve its compensation philosophy and objectives, the Compensation Committee has utilized three components of total direct compensation (“TDC”): (1) base salary, (2) annual incentive compensation and (3) equity-based incentive compensation, or LTI. As previously stated, we do not currently provide our NEOs with

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

a pension plan, deferred compensation or other long-term incentive compensation other than the ability to contribute their earnings to SBA’s 401(k) Plan.Plan on the same basis available to all employees of SBA.

As discussed further below, each element of our 20182021 compensation program is intended to encourage and foster the following results and behaviors.

 

LOGO

LOGO

We designed our compensation program to provide executives the appropriate incentives to pursue quality long-term growth without encouraging inappropriate risk taking. As discussed below, under our program, our annual incentive opportunities are capped for each of our NEOs. We provide ourOur equity-based incentive compensation component using a mixconsists of equity instruments:restricted stock units, of which one-third (1/3rd) of the award is grantedwere in the form of time based restricted stock units (“Time RSUs”), which vest over three years, andtwo-thirds (2/3rds) of the award is grantedwere in the form of stock options. Providing a portion of long-term equity awards in the form ofthree-year performance-based restricted stock units reduces(“Performance RSUs”). The Performance RSUs are divided equally, with (i) 50% earned based on the cumulative AFFO per share dilution impactthat we are able to deliver and (ii) 50% earned based on our TSR relative to the TSR of the S&P 500, in each case over a three-year performance period.

The Compensation Committee selected AFFO per share as one of the two Performance RSU metrics as it believes that AFFO per share is the primary metric that investors and analysts evaluate in establishing the long-term valuation of wireless communications tower companies and REITs such as SBA.

The Compensation Committee selected relative TSR, rather than an absolute metric, as the second performance metric as it believes that relative TSR most accurately reflects management’s success in delivering value to shareholders, rather than just the performance of the market in general. We believe that this component of our long-term incentive program is responsive to our shareholders expressed positions and reducescontinues to align our executives’ interests with the structural risk associated with providing one forminterests of equity. However,shareholders.

44  two-thirdsSBA Communications Corporation  (2/3rds) of an executive’s equity-based compensation is still comprised of stock options, which generate realized value to the executive only if our stock price experiences long-term price appreciation. The mix of compensation components is reviewed annually.|  2022 Proxy  Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

Base Salaries

 

Why we pay base salariessalaries.. The Compensation Committee believes that payment of competitive base salaries is an important element for attracting, retaining and motivating our executives. In addition, the

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

Compensation Committee believes that having a certain level of fixed compensation allows our executives to dedicate their full-time business attention to our company. Each executive’s base salary is designed to provide the executive with a fixed amount of annual compensation that is competitive with the marketplace.

How base salaries are determined. To the extent that we have entered into an employment agreement with ana NEO, such employment agreement provides a minimum level of base salary for the NEO. The Compensation Committee, however, can increase each officer’s salary as it deems appropriate. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee reviews our CEO’s salary recommendations for each other NEO, and then establishes salaries for such year through Compensation Committee deliberations. When we set the base salaries for the NEOs, we consider a number of factors, including compensation market data discussed above, the position’s complexity and level of responsibility, the position’s importance in relation to other executive positions, and the assessment of the executive’s performance and other circumstances, including, for example, time in position. In addition, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration evaluations of each individual NEO, market changes and the economic and business conditions affecting SBA at the time of the evaluation.

20182021 Base Salary Decisions. In early 2018, upon2021, the Compensation Committee evaluated the base salaries of the NEOs based on an evaluation of the 20182021 Peer Group compensation data, our NEOs’ quick and effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and SBA’s strong financial and operational performance during 2020, including leading the tower industry in Tower Cash Flow Margin, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and AFFO Per Share, despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. Based on such evaluation, the Compensation Committee decided to increase salaries by 19%3% for Mr. Stoops and toby a range of 14%3% to 17%6.3% for our other NEOs. The increases reflectedAs a result of the significant shortfall of SBA’s salaries toincrease, Mr. Stoops’ base salary and target total cash compensation (base salary plus target annual cash incentive compensation) was still below the median for the 2021 Peer Group medians as well asand slightly above the Committee’s goalaverage of maintaining TDCthe middle ten companies within the 100% to 110% of median.2021 Peer Group.

Annual Incentive Compensation

 

Below is information regarding our annual incentive compensation program for our NEOs. Our annual incentive compensation program has traditionally consisted of an annual cash bonus payment that we award based on (1) achievement of company-wide annual performance measures and (2) athe Compensation Committee’s subjective evaluation of the executive’s contribution to SBA’s other financial, operational and qualitative metrics during the year. The Compensation Committee believes that by providing annual incentive compensation in the form of a cash bonus, it achieves an appropriate balance between cash (salary and annual incentive) andnon-cash annual compensation for our NEOs.

Why we pay annual incentive compensation. The Compensation Committee believes that the annual incentive compensation program encourages executive officers to focus on those short-term financial, operational and qualitative performance metrics that will be the basis of long-term growth. The Compensation Committee annually reviews, and revises if necessary, the appropriateness of each of these performance metrics, their correlation to SBA’s overall growth strategy and the impact of such performance metrics on long-term shareholder value.

How annual incentive compensation awards are determined. Annual incentive compensation awards in 20182021 were determined in five steps:

 

 (1)

determination of the annual bonus target for each NEO, expressed as a percentage of base salary;

 

 (2)

establishment of (a) the company-wide financial and/or operational performance metrics and (b) the other financial, operational and qualitative metrics for use in the Compensation Committee’s subjective evaluation;

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

 

 

 (3)

determination of the percentage of the annual bonus target that will be earned based upon (x)(a) the company-wide performance metric(s) and (y)(b) the Compensation Committee’s subjective evaluation of the NEO;

 

 (4)

approval of the minimum, budget, stretch and maximum levels of each performance metric for such year and the amount of annual bonus target that will be earned for achievement of such level; and

 

 (5)

upon completion of the year, a review of SBA’s and the NEO’s performance against such performance metrics.

How performance is measured. At the end of each year, the Compensation Committee determines the level at which SBA met its company-wide performance metric(s). For 2018,2021, achievement at the minimum level (set slightly below budget), entitled the NEO to approximately 50% of the amount of bonus earnable by the NEO for the applicable performance metric. Achievement at the budget level entitled the NEO to 75% of the amount of bonus earnable by the NEO for the applicable performance metric. Achievement at the stretch level entitled the NEO to 100% of the amount of bonus earnable by the NEO for the applicable performance metric. Achievement at the maximum level entitled the NEO to 200% of the amount of bonus earnable by the NEO for the applicable performance metric. If SBA achieves between (i) the minimum level and the budget level, (ii) the budget level and the stretch level, or (iii) the stretch level and the maximum level, the amount of the bonus payment with respect to that metric will be calculated on a linear basis.

With respect to the subjective component of the annual cash incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee first determined the extent to which SBA met the selected financial, operational and qualitative metrics that were set at the beginning of the year and then evaluated, based on the CEO’s recommendation, the contribution that each executive made in the attainment of such metric. The subjective component, similar to the financial and/or operational performance metrics, was awarded a score, with approximately 50% being performance at the minimum level for which a bonus would be awarded, 75% for performance at budget or expected levels, 100% for an excellent year and 200% for an extraordinary year. This evaluation, which is inherently subjective and depends on an overall analysis of the effectiveness of the individual executive and his contribution to SBA’s performance.performance, allows the Compensation Committee to take into account events and priorities for a given fiscal year that were not evident or budgeted for at the beginning of such year, to the extent appropriate.

2018In determining annual incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee calculates the actual results during the year on a constant currency basis (utilizing the budgeted exchange rates to eliminate the impact of movements in foreign currency) due to the belief that an individual should not benefit nor be penalized as a result of movements in foreign currency that are outside their control. No adjustments are made to equity-based compensation for movements in foreign currency exchange rates, consistent with the impact of such movements to our shareholders.

2021 Annual Incentive Compensation Decisions

 

For 2018,2021, the Compensation Committee maintained the annual incentive compensation program from 2017,2020, allocating 60% of the bonus target to the achievement of financial metrics, equally divided between Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO per share. The bonus targets remained at 150% of base salary for Mr. Stoops and 100% for the other NEOs and the bonus opportunity cap remained at 200% of the annual bonus target for each of the NEOs. As a result, for 2018:2021:

 

30% of each NEO’s annual bonus target was based on the performance level of Annualized Adjusted EBITDA achieved. We continue to believe that Adjusted EBITDA is one of our most important performance metrics, used by investors, shareholders and creditors as an indicator of the performance of our core operations. Furthermore, Adjusted EBITDA is a metric that every NEO can impact and therefore serves as an appropriate measure of company-wide performance. Based on the growing contribution of our international operations, especially Brazil, to SBA’s overall results and the volatility of the Brazilian real, the Committee measured Annualized Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis utilizing Brazilian real

>

30% of each NEO’s annual bonus target was based on the performance level of Annualized Adjusted EBITDA achieved. We continue to believe that Adjusted EBITDA is one of our most important performance metrics, used by investors, shareholders and creditors as an indicator of the performance of

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

 

 

 

our core operations. Furthermore, Adjusted EBITDA is a metric that every NEO can impact and Canadian dollartherefore serves as an appropriate measure of company-wide performance. Based on the growing contribution of our international operations to SBA’s overall results and the volatility of the certain currencies in which we conduct business, the Committee measured Annualized Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis utilizing exchange rates used in establishing the budget. The Committee believes that this allows it to more accurately capture the operating results of the business as impacted by the NEO.

>

30% of each NEO’s annual bonus target was based on the performance level of AFFO per share achieved. Like many REITs, our investors look to AFFO per share as one of the primary metrics that underscores the strength of our business. Based on the growing contribution of our international operations to SBA’s overall results and the volatility of the certain currencies in which we conduct business, the Committee measured AFFO per share on a constant currency basis utilizing exchange rates used in establishing the budget. The Committee believes that this allows it to more accurately capture the operating results of the business as impacted by the NEO.

 

30% of each NEO’s annual bonus target was based on the performance level of AFFO per share achieved. Like many REITs, our investors look to AFFO per share as one of the primary metrics that underscores the strength of our business. Based on the growing contribution of our international operations, especially Brazil, to SBA’s overall results and the volatility of the Brazilian real, the Committee measured AFFO per share on a constant currency basis utilizing exchange rates used in establishing the budget. The Committee believes that this allows it to more accurately capture the operating results of the business as impacted by the NEO.

40% of each NEO’s annual bonus target was based on an evaluation of the extent to which SBA met selected financial, operational and qualitative metrics and a subjective analysis of the contribution that each NEO made in the attainment of such metric. For 2018, these metrics included (i) institutional contribution, including cross-departmental collaboration, succession planning and improved business processes and communications, (ii) tower acquisitions and ground lease extensions and acquisitions, (iii) leasing results on owned towers, (iv) the financial and operational performance of SBA’s international operations, (v) total cash selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of total cash revenue, and (vi) executive performance, which includes numerous areas of focus, based on the executive, including regulatory compliance, audit results and capital allocation. Based on his responsibilities, each NEO was assigned three to four of these financial, operational or qualitative metrics upon which he was evaluated.

>

40% of each NEO’s annual bonus target was based on an evaluation of the extent to which SBA met selected financial, operational and qualitative metrics and the Compensation Committee’s analysis of the contribution that each NEO made in the attainment of such metric. For 2021, these metrics included

(1) financial and operational metrics such as (i) tower acquisitions and ground lease extensions and acquisitions, (ii) leasing results on owned towers, (iii) the financial and operational performance of SBA’s international operations and (iv) total cash selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of total cash revenue, and (2) qualitative metrics such as (a) institutional contribution, including cross-departmental collaboration, succession planning, leadership and personnel development, improved employee diversity statistics and improved business processes and communications, and (b) executive performance, which includes numerous areas of focus, based on the executive, including regulatory compliance, audit results, capital allocation and ESG-related improvement. Based on his responsibilities, each NEO was assigned three to four of these financial, operational or qualitative metrics upon which he was evaluated.

The table below sets forth the performance levels set by the Committee for Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO per share for 20182021 and the actual amount achieved in 2018.2021.

 

(amounts in millions) 

Minimum*

(50%)

  

Budget*

(75%)

  

Stretch*

(100%)

  

Maximum*

(200%)

  Actual(3) 
    

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 $1,277  $1,317  $1,357  $1,437  $1,363 
    

AFFO per share(2)

 $7.16  $7.46  $7.76  $8.36  $7.70 

(amounts in millions)    

    Minimum*    

(50%)

  

    Budget*    

(75%)

  

    Stretch*    

(100%)

  

    Maximum*    

(200%)

      Actual(3)    

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    

$1,600

  

$1,633

  

$1,666

  

$1,731

  

$1,646

AFFO per share(2)

    

$10.05

  

$10.26

  

$10.47

  

$10.88

  

$10.68

*

Financial targets disclosed in this section are done so in the limited context of our annual incentive compensation program and are not statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. We specifically caution investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.

(1)

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA minus annual tower cash flow, plus four (4) times tower cash flow for the fourth quarter.

(2)

Please refer to Appendix A for the calculation of AFFO per share.

(3)

For purposes of determining annual incentive compensation, Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO per share are calculated on a constant currency basis utilizing the budgeted exchange rates for the Brazilian real and the Canadian dollar and exclude the impact ofnon-core income and expenses.

In early 2019,2022, the Compensation Committee reviewed SBA’s 2021 Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO per share performance against the minimum, budget, stretch and maximum levels. The Compensation Committee determined that Annualized Adjusted EBITDA was above budget but below the stretch level but below theand that AFFO per

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

 

 

maximum level and that AFFO per share was above budgetthe stretch level but below the stretchmaximum level. As a result, each NEO earned 107.6%85% and 95.1%152% of their respective opportunity for Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO per share results. In addition,

The table below sets forth the financial and operational metrics that were established at the beginning of the period as part of the 2021 annual incentive compensation program as well as (i) the minimum, stretch and maximum performance levels established by the Compensation Committee and (ii) the actual 2021 performance achieved as a percentage of the budget/target performance level. The Compensation Committee selected these financial and operational metrics and it believed that each of these metrics were contributors to the overall performance of SBA as the metric either contributed to increased revenue or reduced expenses that could be directly impacted by the executive.

($ in millions)

Financial or Operational Metric

      Minimum      

    Budget/    

Target

      Stretch          Maximum      2021 Actual
Performance
    Score Earned    

U.S. Tower Acquisitions

  

$973

  

$1,175

  

$1,375

  

$1,775

  

68.1%

International Tower Acquisitions

  

$185

  

$399

  

$500

  

$1,000

  

57.4%*

Ground Lease Extensions and Acquisitions

  

$38.9

  

$43.2

  

$47.5

  

$60.5

  

78.6%

Domestic Leasing Results (BBE)

  

0.15

  

0.18

  

0.20

  

0.25

  

159.3%

Services Gross Profit

  

$27.0

  

$30.0

  

$33.0

  

$48.0

  

200.0%

International Performance:

          

New Builds

  

350

  

389

  

428

  

545**

  

Organic Lease-Up

  

$8.4

  

$9.3

  

$10.2

  

$13.0

  

200.0%

International Adjusted EBITDA

  

$260.0

  

$270.8

  

$281.6

  

$303.3

  

66.7%

Cash SG&A as % of Cash Revenue

  

6.35%

  

6.10%

  

5.87%

  

5.45%

  

92.1%

*

Includes acquisition of towers in Tanzania, which closed on January 4, 2022.

**

Did not meet minimum level.

The Compensation Committee then reviewed the extent to which SBA met its other financial operational and qualitativeoperational metrics and determined that SBA was between minimum and budget level for all of the contribution that each NEO made in attainmentmetrics other than (1) services gross profit and international organic lease-up, for which SBA exceeded the maximum level (and therefore phased out at 200%) and (2) international new builds, which were below the minimum level due to the continued impact of such metric. In determining the subjective score earned by each NEO,COVID-19 on international operations. Finally, the Compensation Committee highlighted the following results of SBA during 2018, among others:

Material expansion of international portfolio, including strong organic leasing results and Adjusted EBITDA, that exceeded threshold;

Successful completion of two debt financings aggregating $3 billion at attractive rates and terms;

Superior ground lease purchases during the year that exceeded stretch performance levels, but with more success in the U.S. than internationally;

Stronglease-up results, with domestic and internationallease-up each exceeding stretch goals, and continued development of positive relationships with wireless carriers;

Achieved reduction of cash SG&A as a percentage of cash revenue at budgeted levels;

Continued development of a strong corporate infrastructure to support our international growth;

Tower acquisitions that exceeded minimum, with US tower acquisitions exceeding budget;

Services segment profitability that significantly exceeded stretch levels; and

Exemplary compliance and audit results.

The Compensation Committee then evaluated the contribution that each NEO made to these financial and operational metrics and the performance of the NEO against the other qualitative measures that the Compensation Committee believed strengthened SBA for the long-term and thereby created value for shareholders. In connection with such evaluation, the Committee cited the following:

>

Continued international expansion, including the entry into two new markets – the Philippines and Tanzania – and international organic lease-up that exceeded the maximum level, despite the continued negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a greater impact on our international operations;

>

Continued development of a strong corporate infrastructure to support our international growth, including hiring, training and expanding strong international management teams and implementing other processes to help lay the foundation for future growth;

>

Continued success in preserving the benefits of the business model and defending our business terms despite pricing and other pressures from customers and competitors;

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>

Successful negotiation of new or amended master lease agreements with three major U.S. carriers;

>

Positive SG&A performance, both domestically and internationally, and services gross profit that exceeded the maximum level, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

>

Successful completion of a high yield debt refinancing and two securitization debt financings representing record low interest rates for SBA;

>

Robust succession planning efforts, including recruitment, integration and continued development of next-level successors, and progress on a variety of HR initiatives, including enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring decisions;

>

Strong response to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both domestically and internationally; and

>

Exemplary compliance and audit results.

Based on these financial and operational results and these evaluations, the Compensation Committee then approved the 2021 bonuses for each of the NEOs. The table below sets forth, in dollars and percentages, the annual bonus target of each of our NEOs in 20182021 and the annual incentive bonus earned by each NEO for his 20182021 performance as a percentage of annual bonus target.

 

  Annual Bonus Target   Incentive Bonus Earned 
 Annual Bonus Target Incentive Bonus Earned
Executive Officer  % of Base Salary   $   % of Annual
Bonus Target
           $              % of Base Salary                     $              % of Annual
        Bonus Target        
                 $             

Jeffrey A. Stoops

   150  $1,425,000    95  $1,353,750  

150%

 

$1,545,000

 

115%

 

$1,776,750

Brendan T. Cavanagh

   100  $575,000    95  $546,000  

100%

 

   $654,000

 

113%

 

   $740,590

Kurt L. Bagwell

   100  $600,000    100  $600,000  

100%

 

   $654,000

 

107%

 

   $701,088

Thomas P. Hunt

   100  $600,000    92  $552,000  

100%

 

   $654,000

 

107%

 

   $701,088

Jason Silberstein

   100  $485,000    115  $558,000  

100%

 

   $541,000

 

135%

 

   $731,432

Equity-Based Compensation

 

Why we pay equity-based compensation. The Compensation Committee’s philosophy is that a majority of an executive’s compensation should be based directly upon the value of long-term incentive

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compensation in the form of restricted stock units and stock optionequity awards so as to align the financial interests of our executives with those of our shareholders. The Compensation Committee believes that providing executives with the opportunities to acquire significant stakes in our growth and prosperity (through grants of equity-based compensation), while maintaining other components of our compensation program at competitive levels, will incentivize and reward executives for sound business management, develop a high-performance team environment, foster the accomplishment of short-term and long-term strategic and operational objectives and compensate executives for improvement in shareholder value, all of which are essential to our ongoing success.

How equity-based compensation is determined. Annually, the Compensation Committee evaluates the appropriate form and mix of equity-based compensation that SBA will grant as part of its long-term incentive compensation and approves the dollar value of long-term equity awards that will be granted to each NEO. In addition, the Compensation Committee approves the final list of equity award recipients.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

Initially, the Compensation Committee reviews the various forms of equity that may be awarded, including stock options, restricted stock units and other forms of equity-based compensation and receives reports from its compensation consultant with alternatives and recommendations. Since 2010, we have provided long-term incentiveFor the 2021 compensation program, the Compensation Committee continued the structure of the equity awards, as follows:providing 2/3rds of the equity award in the form of three-year Performance RSUs and 1/3rd in the form of restricted stock units and 2/3rds in the form of stock options. Both the restricted stock unit awards and the stock optionsTime RSUs, which vest over fourthree years.

The Compensation Committee believes,Performance RSUs vest based on two financial metrics: (i) 50% are earned based on the cumulative AFFO per share that we are able to deliver over the three-year period and conversations(ii) 50% are earned based on our TSR relative to the TSR of the S&P 500, in each case over a three-year performance period. In connection with our largest shareholders reinforce, that stock options provide strong alignment with shareholder interests as options have no value unless our stock price increases, which benefits shareholders. The Compensation Committee believes that restricted stock units are also an important component of long-term incentive as they (1) facilitate our stock ownership program, (2) improve retention, (3) materially reduce projected future share usage in our equity compensation plans and (4) mitigate structural risk associated with using purely stock options as equity compensation. The Compensation Committee chose restricted stock units, rather than restricted stock, as it believed that NEOs should not receive voting rights or dividend rights until, and that the shares should be counted as outstanding only once, the award had vested. Whileof the Performance RSUs, the Compensation Committee believesestablished a threshold, target and maximum performance level and determined that restricted stock unit awards are“at-risk,” they do not view them as performance-based. Consequently, to continue to ensure that a significant portion of compensation continues to be performance-based,(1) at threshold the Compensation Committee decided once again to limit restricted stock units to 1/3rdofficer would earn 50% of the total valuePerformance RSUs, (2) at target 100% of the 2018 long-term equity incentive grant. Conversations with our largest shareholders indicate that our shareholders understandPerformance RSUs would be earned and support our current structure and use of equity as part(3) at maximum 200% of the executive compensation program.Performance RSUs would be earned. With respect to the relative TSR, if SBA’s TSR exceeds the 25th percentile of the S&P 500, then 50% of the Performance RSUs will be earned, if SBA’s TSR exceeds the 50th percentile of the S&P 500, then 100% of the Performance RSUs will be earned and if SBA’s TSR exceeds the 85th percentile of the S&P 500, then 200% of the Performance RSUs will be earned. Performance between the performance levels would be calculated linearly.

The Compensation Committee then approves a target dollar value of the long-term incentive grants (“LTI Value”) for each NEO based on a review of the Peer Group analysis and an evaluation of the individual NEO’s responsibilities, contributions and performance in the prior year. Once a target LTI Value is approved, the Compensation Committee then determines (1) athe target number of restricted stock units for each form of equity award based on dividingone-third of the LTI Value by a derived price equal to the average closing price of our common stock in the two calendar months of January and February (the “derived price”) and (2) a target number of stock options by dividing two thirds of the LTI Value by the estimated compensation expense of an option under FASB ASC Topic 718 assuming a stock price equal to the derived price. However, the actual exercise price of a stock option is the closing price of the common stock on the date of grant, which determines the actual compensation expense under GAAP and the amount reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.. The Compensation Committee believes that utilizing thea two-month measurement period of January 1 through the end of February is appropriate because a two monthlonger reference period mitigates the potential short-term volatility of SBA’s stock price.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

20182021 Long-Term Incentive Awards. In February 2018, based on the increase in the stock price and an evaluation of the 2018 Peer Group compensation data, which indicated a significant shortfall to median levels, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to the overall LTI value pool for employees which resulted in a slightly lower fair value transfer than approved in 2017. As result,For 2021, the absolute LTI Value granted to our NEOs was also increased althoughslightly, with our CEO LTI value increasing 6.6% and the percentage of the pool allocatedincreases for our other NEOs ranging from 3.3% to each of the NEOs remained similar.8.8%. Specifically, the Compensation Committee approved the following LTI Value, restricted stock unitPerformance RSU and stock optionTime RSU awards for our NEOs:

 

Officer

2018

Long-Term Incentive
Target Value ($)

2018

Restricted
Stock Units (#)

2018

Stock
Options (#)

  

2021

Long-Term Incentive
Target Value ($)

   

2021

Performance
RSUs (#)1

   

2021

Time

RSUs (#)

 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

 7,125,000 14,343 137,601  

 

8,100,000    

 

  

 

20,236    

 

  

 

10,118

 

Brendan T. Cavanagh

 2,600,000 5,234 50,212  

 

3,100,000    

 

  

 

7,744    

 

  

 

3,872

 

Kurt L. Bagwell

 2,800,000 5,636 54,074  

 

3,100,000    

 

  

 

7,744    

 

  

 

3,872

 

Thomas P. Hunt

 2,800,000 5,636 54,074  

 

3,100,000    

 

  

 

7,744    

 

  

 

3,872

 

Jason V. Silberstein

 2,100,000 4,227 40,556  

 

2,380,000    

 

  

 

5,946    

 

  

 

2,973

 

1

Performance RSUs are awarded at target, but can be forfeited, earned partially or earned at up to 200% based on the AFFO generated and the performance of our relative TSR, in each case over the three-year period.

The stock optionsPerformance RSUs and the Time RSUs were granted on March 6, 2018 with an exercise price of $156.50.4, 2021. The actual grant date value of the restricted stock units and stock options granted to our NEOs is set forth under “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” on the “Summary Compensation Table” later in this proxy statement. Year-over-year increases in LTI values shown in the Summary Compensation Table are influenced by the difference between the derived price used to determine the number of restricted stock units awarded and the fair market value of such awards on the date of grant. This differential can fluctuate materially based on market conditions on the date of grant. Consequently, we believe that the year-over-year change in LTI values approved by the Compensation Committee, as described above, is a more accurate indication of compensation actions taken by the Compensation Committee.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

Other Benefits

 

We do not provide pension, supplemental retirement benefits or material perquisites to our executives as they are not tied to performance. Consequently, “All Other Compensation” constitutes less than 0.4% of the total compensation paid during 20182021 to our CEO and the averageor any of our other NEOs’ compensation.NEOs.

Our NEOs are eligible to participate in our active employee flexible benefits plans, which are generally available to all full-time employees. Under these plans, all employees are entitled to medical, vision, dental, life insurance and long-term disability coverage. All full-time employees are also entitled to vacation, sick leave and other paid holidays. SBA also provides all full-time employees, including our NEOs, with a 75% match on their 401(k) contributions up to $4,000. In addition to the benefits provided to all full-time employees, SBA’s officers, including our NEOs, are provided supplemental medical reimbursement insurance. Supplemental medical reimbursement insurance reimbursesfor which SBA pays the officer forco-pays,out-of-pocket expenses and most uncovered expenses.premiums. The Compensation Committee believes that SBA’s commitment to provide these employee benefits recognizes that the health and well-being of SBA’s NEOs contributes directly to a productive and successful work life that enhances results for SBA and its shareholders.

Severance and Change in Control Benefits

 

We currently have employment agreements with each of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt that provide for certain severance payments and benefits if the executive’s employment terminates under certain circumstances, including as a result of, or following, a change in control. These severance payments are greatly reduced, or in the case of executives who are “retirement eligible” (as defined in our equity plan retirement policy) limited, in the event of a covered termination not associated with a change in control. These severance and change in control severance benefits, as well as a summary of potential payments relating to these and other termination events, can be found under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination orChange-in-Control” on page 51.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

60.

Other Compensation Practices

 

Equity Grant Practices. It is the Compensation Committee’s practice to ensure that equity awards are not impacted by the release of materialnon-public information. Traditionally, the Compensation Committee has granted employee and executive officer equity awards after the release of SBA’s annual financial and operational results. Commencing in 2009, the Compensation Committee adopted an equity grant policy which provides that annual employee grants will be made on the fourth business day in March, absent any materialnon-public information, in part to assure the prior public dissemination of our annual report on Form10-K. The exercise price of a stock option will continue to be equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of the grant.

Officer and Director Stock Ownership Guidelines. Our Stock Ownership Guidelines establish minimum equity ownership requirements for our CEO, our Executive Vice Presidents, each of our other officers and each member of our Board. The purposes of the Guidelines are to align the interests of those officers and directors with the interests of shareholders and further promote our commitment to sound corporate governance. The minimum required ownership is determined (i) with respect to each officer, as a multiple of the officer’s annual base salary as of the date of calculation and (ii) with respect to each director, as a multiple of the director’s annual retainer as of the date of calculation and, in each instance, then converted to a fixed number of shares. During 2018, the Board increased the stock ownership requirements of our directors from 3x to 5x their annual retainer. As of December 31, 2018,2021, the minimum ownershipsownership levels are as follows:

 

Position  

Multiple of Base Salary
or        

Annual Retainer

CEO

  

6x Base Salary

Executive Vice Presidents

  

3x Base Salary

Other Officers

  

1x Base Salary

Director

  

5x Annual Retainer

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

The Guidelines provide that (1) outstanding shares directly owned, (2) outstanding shares indirectly owned (but only to the extent that the officer or director has an economic interest in, or a voting right over, such shares) and (3) shares held in savings, retirement or deferred compensation plans may be included in determining whether an officer or a director has met the minimum ownership requirement. Until an officer or director has met his or her minimum required ownership, he or she must retain 100% of all shares, net of taxes, received from the settlement of restricted stock unit awards granted under our incentive plans. Shares that are used in determining if an officer or a director has met the minimum ownership requirements may not be pledged.

Prohibition on Hedging. Officers, directors and directorsemployees and their respective family members are not permitted to enter into hedging arrangements with respect to shares of SBA Class A Common Stock that they beneficially own.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

 

Code Section 409A. Under Section 409A of the Code, amounts deferred by an NEO under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (including certain severance plans) may be included in gross income when earned and subject to a 20% additional federal tax, unless the plan complies with certain requirements related to the timing of deferral election and distribution decisions. We administer our plans consistent with Section 409A requirements and have amended plan documents to reflect Section 409A requirements.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  >  COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND DECISIONS

Code Sections 280G and 4999. Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code limit a public company’s ability to take a tax deduction for certain “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Sections 280G and 4999) and impose excise taxes on each executive that receives “excess parachute payments” in connection with his or her severance from a public company in connection with a change in control. The Compensation Committee considers, as one of many factors, the adverse tax liabilities imposed by Sections 280G and 4999, as well as other competitive factors, when it structures certain post-termination compensation payable to our NEOs. The potential adverse tax consequences to our company and/or the executive, however, are not necessarily determinative factors in such decisions.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis includes the followingnon-GAAP financial measures: Annualized Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, AFFO per share, Tower Cash Flow, Tower Cash Flow Margin and Return on Invested Capital. Please see Appendix A of this proxy statement for a reconciliation of such measures.

 

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LOGO

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the disclosure set forth above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management and, based on such review and discussions, it has recommended to the Board that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this proxy statement.

Respectfully submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board,

The Compensation Committee

Jack Langer

Brian C. CarrKevin L. Beebe

Mary S. Chan

Duncan H. Cocroft

George R. Krouse Jr.

March 27, 201925, 2022

 

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LOGO

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table presents certain summary information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 concerning compensation earned for services rendered in all capacities by our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our other three most highly compensated executive officers, in each instance whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2021. We refer to these officers collectively as our named executive officers.

 

Name and Principal Position Year  Salary ($)  

Stock

Awards

($)(1)

  

Option

Awards

($)(1)

  

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)(2)

  

All Other

Compensation

($)

  

Total

($)

 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

  2018  $  950,000  $  2,244,680  $  4,537,957  $        1,353,750  $             15,599(3)   $  9,101,986 

President and

  2017   800,000   2,052,675   4,139,923   1,200,000   12,746   8,205,344 

Chief Executive Officer

  2016   750,000   1,903,302   3,868,283   562,500   11,570   7,095,655 
             

Brendan T. Cavanagh

  2018   575,000   819,121   1,655,947   546,000   11,695(3)    3,607,763 

Executive Vice President

  2017   500,000   711,175   1,434,447   475,000   12,169   3,132,791 

and Chief Financial Officer

  2016   450,000   644,382   1,309,638   270,000   18,949   2,692,969 
             

Kurt L. Bagwell

  2018   600,000   882,034   1,783,312   600,000   15,006(3)    3,880,352 

Executive Vice President

  2017   525,000   810,221   1,634,177   551,250   26,343   3,546,990 

and President – International

  2016   475,000   763,079   1,550,890   285,000   18,409   3,092,377 
             

Thomas P. Hunt

  2018   600,000   882,034   1,783,312   552,000   2,817(3)    3,820,163 

Executive Vice President,

Chief Administrative Officer

and General Counsel

  2017   525,000   810,221   1,634,177   498,750   13,061   3,481,209 
  2016   475,000   763,079   1,550,890   285,000   -   3,073,968 
             
           

Jason V. Silberstein

  2018   485,000   661,526   1,337,500   558,000   8,461(3)    3,050,487 

Executive Vice President

  2017   415,000   594,163   1,198,381   394,250   15,369   2,617,161 

– Site Leasing

  2016   380,000   556,204   1,130,435   171,000   5,546   2,243,186 

   Name and Principal
   Position
 Year   

Salary

($)

   

Stock

Awards

($)(1)(2)

   

Option

Awards

($)(1)

   

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)(3)

   

All Other

Compensation

($)

   

Total

($)

 
      

Jeffrey A. Stoops

  2021    1,030,000     7,172,549     —     1,776,750     15,880(4)     9,995,179  

President and

  2020    1,000,000     10,198,671     —     1,603,500     16,873        12,819,044  

Chief Executive

Officer

 

  2019    980,000     2,543,085     5,075,868     1,543,500     13,798        10,156,251  
      

Brendan T. Cavanagh

  2021    654,000     2,744,822     —     740,590     21,592(4)     4,161,004  

Executive Vice

  2020    615,000     3,824,502     —     657,435     16,465        5,113,402  

President and Chief

Financial Officer

 

  2019    600,000     945,043     1,886,302     642,000     25,407        4,098,752  
      

Kurt L. Bagwell

  2021    654,000     2,744,822     —     701,088     21,592(4)     4,121,502  

Executive Vice

  2020    635,000     4,026,011     —     590,000     7,660        5,258,671  

President and

President –

International

 

  2019    625,000     996,634     1,989,177     687,500     15,658        4,313,969  
      

Thomas P. Hunt

  2021    654,000     2,744,822     —     701,088     17,592(4)     4,117,502  

Executive Vice

  2020    635,000     4,026,011     —     691,515     886        5,353,412  

President, Chief

Administrative

Officer and

General Counsel

 

  2019    625,000     996,634     1,989,177     637,500     7,044        4,255,355  
      

Jason V. Silberstein

  2021    541,000     2,107,530     —     731,432     16,204(4)     3,396,166  

Executive Vice

  2020    525,000     3,060,228     —     508,725     5,709        4,099,662  

President – Site

Leasing

 

  2019    510,000     755,998     1,509,014     510,000     7,464        3,292,476  

 

(1)

The amounts in these columns do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officer nor do they reflect the actual value that will be recognized by the named executive officer. Instead the amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the valuation assumptions regarding the restricted stock unit awards and the option awards, refer to Note 1413 to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018,2021, which are included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182021 filed with the SEC. Values shown above are based on grant date fair value of the awards, rather than the LTI values approved by the Compensation Committee as discussed on page 50.

54  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

(2)

For Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell, Hunt and Silberstein, $4,785,510, $1,831,340, $1,831,340, $1,831,340 and $1,406,140, respectively, of this amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of Performance RSUs granted in 2021. The aggregate grant date fair value of the Performance RSUs was computed based on the probable outcome of the applicable performance target as of the grant date and 100% achievement of such performance target. The value of the Performance RSUs at the grant date assuming the highest level of performance achieved (earned at 200% of target) would be $9,571,020, $3,662,680, $3,662,680, $3,662,680 and $2,812,280 for Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell, Hunt and Silberstein, respectively.

 

(2)(3)

The amounts reported in this column reflect compensation earned for 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 performance under our annual cash incentive compensation program. We make payments under this program in the first quarter of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which they were earned after finalization of our audited financial statements.

 

(3)(4)

These amounts represent reimbursements for health insurance and medical expensesinclude (a) premiums paid by SBA pursuant to our supplemental medical reimbursementinsurance program of $11,880 for Mr. Stoops, $17,592 for each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt and $12,204 for Mr. Silberstein and (b) other than Mr. Hunt, company matching contributions of $4,000 to each such named executive officer’s 401(k) plan.

 

46  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  55


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

 

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

The following table provides information about cash(non-equity) and equity incentive compensation awarded to our named executive officers in 20182021 including: (1) the range of possible cash payouts under our annual incentive compensation program; (2) the grant date of equity awards; (3) the number of time-based and performance-based restricted stock units granted; (4) the number of underlying shares and exercise price of stock option grants; and (5)(4) the grant date fair value of the time-based and performance-based restricted stock unit grants and stock option grants calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The time-based and performance-based restricted stock unit awards and stock option awards were granted under SBA’s 20102021 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan, which is discussed in greater detail in this proxy statement under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” The exercise price of all options was equal to the closing price of our Class A common stock on the date of grant.

 

Name  

Estimated Future
Payouts Under Non-

Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(1)

   Grant
Date
   

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive Plan

Awards(3)

   All other
stock
awards:
Number
of shares
of stock
or units
(#)(4)
   Grant date
fair value
of stock
awards ($)
 

Threshold
($)

   

Target
($)(2)

   

Threshold

(#)

   

Target

(#)

   

Maximum

(#)

 
 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

   $772,500   $1,545,000    3/4/2021    5,059    10,118    20,236      $2,387,039 
       3/4/2021    5,059    10,118    20,236       2,398,472 
 

Estimated Future Payouts

UnderNon-

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards(1)

  Grant
Date
 All other stock
awards:
Number of
shares of
stock or units
(#)(3)
 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(4)
 Exercise
or
Base
Price
of Option
Awards
($/Sh)
 Grant date
fair
value of
stock and
option
awards ($)
        

 

3/4/2021

 

 

 

         10,118    2,387,039 
Name Threshold
($)
   Target
($)(2)
 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

 $    712,500   $    1,425,000   3/6/2018  14,343   137,601  $  156.50  $  6,782,637 
 

Brendan T. Cavanagh

 287,500    575,000   3/6/2018  5,234   50,212  $156.50  2,475,068    327,000    654,000    3/4/2021    1,936    3,872    7,744       913,482 

Brendan T. Cavanagh

     3/4/2021    1,936    3,872    7,744       917,858 
       

 

3/4/2021

 

 

 

         3,872    913,482 
 

Kurt L. Bagwell

 300,000    600,000   3/6/2018  5,636   54,074  $156.50  2,665,346    327,000    654,000    3/4/2021    1,936    3,872    7,744       913,482 
       3/4/2021    1,936    3,872    7,744       917,858 
       

 

3/4/2021

 

 

 

         3,872    913,482 
 

Thomas P. Hunt

 300,000    600,000   3/6/2018  5,636   54,074  $156.50  2,665,346    327,000    654,000    3/4/2021    1,936    3,872    7,744       913,482 
       3/4/2021    1,936    3,872    7,744       917,858 
       

 

3/4/2021

 

 

 

         3,872    913,482 
 

Jason V. Silberstein

 242,500    485,000   3/6/2018  4,227   40,556  $156.50  1,999,026    270,500    541,000    3/4/2021    1,487    2,973    5,946       701,390 

Jason V. Silberstein

     3/4/2021    1,487    2,973    5,946       704,750 
         3/4/2021             2,973    701,390 

 

 

(1)

The amounts in these columns reflect potential payments of annual cash incentive compensation based on 20182021 performance. The 20182021 annual cash incentive payments were made in March 2019.2022. The actual amounts paid under our annual cash incentive compensation program are the amounts reflected in theNon-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.

 

(2)

As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section on page 27,47, each performance metric in the annual incentive compensation program has a minimum, budget, stretch threshold and maximum level, entitling the officer to 50%, 75%, 100% or 200% of the amount of annual incentive compensation allocated to such metric. An executive would be entitled to receive 100% of his annual cash incentive bonus target if SBA and the individual met each of the performance metrics at the stretch threshold.level.

 

(3)

This column represents the number of restricted stock unitsPerformance RSUs granted in 20182021 to the named executive officers. The threshold, target and maximum amounts reflect the maximum number of shares that may be earned assuming that 50%, 100% and 200% of the applicable performance target is achieved. See note 2 to the Summary Compensation Table and page 50 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section for additional information.

56  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO COMPENSATION TABLES

(4)

This column represents the number of Time RSUs granted in 2021 to the named executive officers. These restricted stock units vest in fourthree equal annual installments, beginning on March  6, 2019,4, 2022, the first anniversary of the grant date.

(4)

This column represents the number of stock options granted in 2018 to the named executive officers. These stock options vest and become exercisable ratably in four equal annual installments, beginning on March 6, 2019, the first anniversary of the grant date.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  47


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO COMPENSATION TABLE

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants ofPlan-Based Awards Table

 

Employment Agreements

As discussed above under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt in order to further our ability to retain their services as executive officers of SBA.

Material Terms of Employment Agreement with Mr. Stoops

Effective August 15, 2017,3, 2020 (as amended on October 1, 2021), we renewed our employment agreement with Mr. Stoops. Mr. Stoops’ employment agreement provides for him to serve in his present position until December 31, 2020.2023. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Stoops is entitled to receive a base salary and an annual cash bonus based on achievement of performance criteria established by the Board of Directors. For 2018,2021, Mr. Stoops had a minimum annual bonus target equal to 150% of his 20182021 base salary. The employment agreement also provides for noncompetition, noninterference,non-disparagement and nondisclosure covenants.

Material Terms of Employment Agreements with Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt

Effective October 1, 2018,2021, we renewed our employment agreements with Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt. These employment agreements provide for each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt to continue to serve in their present positions until December 31, 2022.2024.

The employment agreements with each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt provide that the executive is entitled to receive a minimum base salary, set at the rate in effect immediately prior to the effective date of the employment agreement, which amount may be increased by the Board, and that each executive officer will have a minimum target bonus opportunity, which may be increased by the Board. The 20182021 annual bonus targets were set at 100% of annual base salary for each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt. In addition, each of the employment agreements provides for noncompetition, noninterference,non-disparagement and nondisclosure covenants.

Terminations and Change in Control Provisions

Each of the employment agreements with Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt provide that upon termination of the executive’s employment without cause, or upon his resignation for good reason, he is entitled to receive certain benefits. A discussion of these benefits and how these provisions would be applied if any of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell, or Hunt had been terminated or if a change in control had occurred on December 31, 20182021 can be found under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination orChange-in-Control” beginning on page 51.60. Such payments are subject to the executive’s execution of a full release and waiver of claims against SBA.

 

48SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  57


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCALYEAR-END

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End

 

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options and unvested restricted stock units for each named executive officer outstanding as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2021. Each stock option and restricted stock unit grant is shown separately for each named executive officer.

 

   Option Awards Stock Awards     Option Awards   Stock Awards 
Name Equity Award
Grant Date
 # of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
exercisable
 # of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
unexercisable
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 # of
shares or
units of stock
that have
not vested
(#)(1)
 Market value
of shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested
($)(2)
  Equity
Award
Grant Date
 Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
exercisable
 Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
unexercisable
   

 

 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
   

 

 # of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested
(#)
   

 

 

Market

value

of shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested
($)(3)

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

# of

Unearned

Shares/Units
or Other

Rights

That Have

not Vested

(#)(4)

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares/Units or
Other

Rights that

Have

Not Vested

($)(3)

 
    

Jeffrey A. Stoops

  3/6/2013   143,858   -   72.99   3/6/2020   -   -   3/6/2018   103,200   34,401   (5)    156.50   3/6/2025     3,586   (1)    1,395,026       
  3/6/2019   74,449   74,997   (5)    182.30   3/6/2026     6,975   (1)    2,713,415       
  3/6/2014   174,483   -(3)    95.53   3/6/2021   -   -   2/25/2020                  6,512   (2)    2,533,298       
  3/5/2015   120,536   40,179(3)    124.59   3/5/2022   4,022  651,122   2/25/2020                         9,768   3,799,947 
  3/4/2016   100,807   100,807(3)    96.58   3/4/2023   9,854  1,595,264   2/25/2020                         9,768   3,799,947 
  3/6/2017   43,408   130,227(3)    115.17   3/6/2024   13,368  2,164,146   3/4/2021                  10,118   (2)    3,936,104       
  3/6/2018   -   137,601(3)    156.50   3/6/2025   14,343  2,321,988   3/4/2021                         10,118   3,936,104 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   3/4/2021                         10,118   3,936,104 
   583,092   408,814     41,587  6,732,520   

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

            177,649             109,398  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

        27,191  

 

      10,577,843             39,772           15,472,103 
    

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Brendan T. Cavanagh

  3/5/2015   40,808   13,603(3)    124.59   3/5/2022   1,362  220,494   3/6/2018   37,659   12,553   (5)    156.50   3/6/2025     1,309   (1)    509,227       
  3/4/2016   34,129   34,129(3)    96.58   3/4/2023   3,336  540,065   3/6/2019   27,870   27,871   (5)    182.30   3/6/2026     2,592   (1)    1,008,340       
  3/6/2017   15,040   45,123(3)    115.17   3/6/2024   4,632  749,874   2/25/2020                  2,442   (2)    949,987       
  3/6/2018   -   50,212(3)    156.50   3/6/2025   5,234  847,332   2/25/2020                         3,663   1,424,980 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   2/25/2020                         3,663   1,424,980 
   89,977   143,067     14,564  2,357,765   3/4/2021                  3,872   (2)    1,506,285       
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   3/4/2021                         3,872   1,506,285 
    3/4/2021                         3,872   1,506,285 
  

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

  65,529   40,424  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  10,215  

 

  3,973,839   15,070   5,862,531 
  

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
    

Kurt L. Bagwell

  3/5/2015   48,326   16,109(3)    124.59   3/5/2022   1,613  261,129   3/6/2018      13,519   (5)    156.50   3/6/2025     1,409   (1)    548,129       
  3/6/2019   1,096   29,391   (5)    182.30   3/6/2026     2,734   (1)    1,063,581       
  2/25/2020                  2,571   (2)    1,000,170       
  2/25/2020                         3,856   1,500,061 
  2/25/2020                         3,856   1,500,061 
  3/4/2016   40,416   40,416(3)    96.58   3/4/2023   3,951  639,627   3/4/2021                  3,872   (2)    1,506,285       
  3/6/2017   17,135   51,405(3)    115.17   3/6/2024   5,277  854,294   3/4/2021                         3,872   1,506,285 
  3/6/2018   -   54,074(3)    156.50   3/6/2025   5,636  912,412   3/4/2021                         3,872   1,506,285 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
   105,877   162,004     16,477  2,667,462  

 

  1,096   42,910  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  10,586  

 

  4,118,166   15,456   6,012,693 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
      

Thomas P. Hunt

  3/6/2012   44,908   -   47.52   3/6/2019   -   -   3/6/2018      13,519   (5)    156.50   3/6/2025     1,409   (1)    548,129       
  3/6/2013   62,448   -   72.99   3/6/2020   -    3/6/2019      29,391   (5)    182.30   3/6/2026     2,734   (1)    1,063,581       
  3/6/2014   73,062   -(3)    95.53   3/6/2021   -   -   2/25/2020                  2,571   (2)    1,000,170       
  3/5/2015   48,326   16,109(3)    124.59   3/5/2022   1,613  261,129   2/25/2020                         3,856   1,500,061 
  3/4/2016   40,416   40,416(3)    96.58   3/4/2023   3,951  639,627   2/25/2020                         3,856   1,500,061 
  3/6/2017   17,135   51,405(3)    115.17   3/6/2024   5,277  854,294   3/4/2021                  3,872   (2)    1,506,285       
  3/6/2018   -   54,074(3)    156.50   3/6/2025   5,636  912,412   3/4/2021                         3,872   1,506,285 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   3/4/2021                         3,872   1,506,285 
   286,295   162,004     16,477  2,667,462   

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

     42,910  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  10,586  

 

  4,118,166   15,456   6,012,693 
    

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
    

Jason V. Silberstein

  3/5/2015   35,223   11,742(3)    124.59   3/5/2022   1,176  190,383   3/4/2016   1,035       96.58   3/4/2023                
  3/4/2016   29,459   29,459(3)    96.58   3/4/2023   2,880  466,243   3/6/2017   50,262       115.17   3/6/2024                
  3/6/2017   12,565   37,697(3)    115.17   3/6/2024   3,870  626,514   3/6/2018   30,417   10,139   (5)    156.50   3/6/2025     1,057   (1)    411,194       
  3/6/2018   -   40,556(3)    156.50   3/6/2025   4,227  684,309   3/6/2019   22,296   22,296   (5)    182.30   3/6/2026     2,074   (1)    806,827       
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   2/25/2020                  1,954   (2)    760,145       
   77,247   119,454     12,153  1,967,449   2/25/2020                         2,931   1,140,218 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

   2/25/2020                         2,931   1,140,218 
                3/4/2021                  2,973   (2)    1,156,556       
  3/4/2021                         2,973   1,156,556 
  3/4/2021                         2,973   1,156,556 
  

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

  104,010   32,435  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  8,058  

 

  3,134,723   11,808   4,593,548 
  

 

  

 

       

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
                  

58  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

 

(1)

The restricted stock unitsTime RSUs that vest in four equal annual installments on the anniversary of the grant date.

 

(2)

Time RSUs that vest in three equal annual installments on the anniversary of the grant date.

(3)

The market value of the restricted stock unitsTime RSUs or Performance RSUs is calculated by multiplying the closing price of SBA’s Class A common stock on December 31, 20182021 ($161.89)389.02) by the number of restricted stock units.

 

(3)(4)

The Performance RSUs vest, to the extent earned, on the third anniversary of the grant date.

(5)

The stock options awarded pursuant to this stock option grant vest and become exercisable in four equal annual installments on the anniversary of the grant date.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  49


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

The following table provides information concerning exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units and the value realized on exercise of such stock options and vesting of restricted stock units on an aggregated basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 20182021 for each of the named executive officers.

 

  Option Awards  Stock Awards(1) 
Name # of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
  Value Realized on
Exercise ($)(2)
  # of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting  (#)(3)
  Value Realized on
Vesting ($)(4)
 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

  108,866   $12,556,020   17,856   $2,763,940 

Brendan T. Cavanagh

  164,007   $16,225,301   6,109   $   945,739 

Kurt L. Bagwell

  129,021(5)    $10,406,704   7,198   $1,114,260 

Thomas P. Hunt

  41,147(5)    $  4,843,002   7,198   $1,114,260 

Jason V. Silberstein

  12,831   $     904,876   5,206   $   805,818 

 Option Awards Stock Awards(1)
NameGross # of
Shares
    Acquired on    
Exercise (#)
Value
Realized on
    Exercise  ($)(2)    
 

 

    # of Shares    
Acquired on
Vesting (#)(3)

    Value    
Realized on

    Vesting ($)(4)    

    

 Jeffrey A. Stoops

 159,797  (5)  $92,017,222

 

 14,786 $3,608,111
    

 Brendan T. Cavanagh

 60,163   $15,061,235

 

 5,369 $1,310,477
    

 Kurt L. Bagwell

 44,800   $8,839,349

 

 5,820 $1,420,237
    

 Thomas P. Hunt

 113,114  (6)  $67,849,082

 

 5,820 $1,420,237
    

 Jason V. Silberstein

 —   

 

 4,361 $1,064,319

 

(1)

These columns reflect restricted stock units previously awarded to the named executive officers that vested during 2018.2021.

 

(2)

The value realized on exercise for shares exercised is calculated by multiplying the number of shares times the difference between the closing price of Class A common stock on the date of exercise and the per share exercise price of the options.

 

(3)

Of these amounts, shares were withheld by us to cover tax withholding obligations as follows: Mr. Stoops, 6,0464,870 shares; Mr. Cavanagh, 2,114 shares; Mr. Bagwell, 1,542 shares; Mr. Hunt, 1,542 shares and Mr. Bagwell, 2,836Silberstein, 1,104 shares.

 

(4)

Calculated based on the closing price of SBA Class A common stock on the business day prior to the applicable vesting dates.

 

(5)

Messrs. BagwellWe withheld 216,000 shares from Mr. Stoops’ option exercises to cover exercise prices and tax withholding obligations. Mr. Stoops received net shares of 159,797 upon his exercises.

(6)

We withheld 169,288 shares from Mr. Hunt’s option exercise to cover exercise prices and tax withholding obligations. Mr. Hunt exercised the options and held allreceived net shares of the shares acquired113,114 upon exercise of the options.his exercises.

 

50SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  59


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION ORCHANGE-IN-CONTROL

 

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination orChange-in-Control

 

Our employment agreements with Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt provide for severance payments under certain circumstances. The material terms of the severance provisions for the employment agreements in effect as of December 31, 20182021 are as follows:

Covered terminations. The executive would receive severance payments if his employment were terminated (1) by SBA without cause or (2) by the executive for good reason (a “Covered Termination”) or (3) due to death or disability. The amount of such severance payments varies to the extent that such termination occurs (A) on or after a change in control, (B) six months prior to a change in control if it is reasonably demonstrated that such termination was in contemplation of the change in control, or (C) at the time an executive is “Retirement Eligible” (defined as a person who (i) is at least 55 years old, (ii) has worked for us for at least five years and (iii) the sum of his or her age and length of service is at least 70).

Covered terminations. The executive would receive severance payments if his employment were terminated (1) by SBA without cause or (2) by the executive for good reason, with the amount of such payments varying to the extent that such termination occurs either (A) on or after a change in control or (B) six months prior to a change in control if it is reasonably demonstrated that such termination was in contemplation of the change in control.

 

“Cause,” means any of the following events: (i) the officer’s willful, material violation of any law applicable to our business; (ii) the officer’s conviction of, or plea of “no contest,” to a felony; (iii) any willful perpetration by the officer of an act involving moral turpitude or common law fraud; (iv) any act of gross negligence by the officer in the performance of his duties; (v) any material violation by the officer of our Code of Ethics, or with respect to Mr. Stoops, our Code of Ethics and our Code of Conduct; (vi) any willful misconduct by the officer that is materially injurious to our company; (vii) the willful and continued failure or refusal of the officer to satisfactorily perform the duties reasonably required of him; (viii) any breach by the officer of provisions in his employment agreement relating to noncompetition, noninterference,non-disparagement and nondisclosure; or (ix) the indictment for any crime, whether a felony or misdemeanor, involving the purchase or sale of any security, mail or wire fraud, theft, embezzlement, moral turpitude, or our property where such indictment has a material adverse impact on the officer’s ability to perform his duties.

 

“Good reason,” means any of the following events: (i) the officer’s position, title, duties, and reporting responsibilities in effect on the effective date become less favorable in any material respect, provided, however, that good reason will not have occurred if either (1) (a) the diminution in the officer’s position, duties or reporting responsibilities is solely and directly a result of SBA no longer being a publicly-traded company; (2)(b) the event resulting in SBA no longer being a publicly-traded entity is a leveraged buyout, acquisition by a private equity fund and/or other similar “going private” transaction and is not as a result of the acquisition of SBA or its business by another operating company; and (3)(c) the officer continues to hold the same position and title with SBA and no other act or omission has occurred that would constitute an event of good reason, or (2) the diminution in the officer’s position, duties or reporting responsibilities is during a period of physical or mental incapacity of the officer; (ii) a reduction in, or, in the case of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, a change in the form of, the base salary, bonus, or material benefits, as of the effective date, other than anacross-the-board reduction applicable to all of our senior executive officers; or (iii) the relocation, without the officer’s consent, of the officer’s principal place of business to a location that is more than 60 miles from the officer’s primary business location on the effective date.

 

A “change in control,” will be deemed to have occurred when (i) any person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of our securities representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding securities; (ii) a majority of the Board of Directors is not constituted of (A) individuals who were on the Board as of the effective date (“Incumbent Directors”) and (B) any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by our shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors; (iii) a merger or consolidation of our company is consummated, other than (A) a merger or consolidation which would result in our voting securities outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of our company (or similar transaction) in which no person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or

 

60  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  51


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION ORCHANGE-IN-CONTROL

 

 

 

actual or threatened election contest) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by our shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors; (iii) a merger or consolidation of our company is consummated, other than (A) a merger or consolidation which would result in our voting securities outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of our company (or similar transaction) in which no person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of our securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities; or (iv) our shareholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of our company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, other than a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of our company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of our company immediately prior to such sale.

Stoops Severance Payment. Pursuant to Mr. Stoops’ employment agreement, upon the occurrence of a Covered Termination, Mr. Stoops would receive a severance payment equal to the sum of:

Stoops Severance Payment. Upon the occurrence of a covered termination, Mr. Stoops would receive a severance payment equal to the sum of: (a) an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the minimum annual bonus target for the period of service in the year in which the termination or resignation occurs, and (b) an amount equal to the applicable multiple multiplied by the sum of Mr. Stoops’ (i) base salary for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs, (ii) Reference Bonus (as defined below) and (iii) Reference Benefits Value (as defined below). Mr. Stoops’ severance payment is payable in a lump sum. “Applicable multiple,” means two (2), in the event the termination occurs prior to a change in control of SBA, and three (3), in the event the termination occurs on or after a change in control of SBA. Reference Benefits Value means the greater of (x) $33,560 and (y) the value of all medical, dental, health, life, and other fringe benefit plans for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs. Reference Bonus

(a) an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the minimum annual bonus target for the period of service in the year in which the termination or resignation occurs; and

(b) an amount equal to the applicable multiple (as defined below) multiplied by the sum of Mr. Stoops’ (i) base salary for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs, (ii) reference bonus (as defined below) and (iii) reference benefits value (as defined below); provided, however, that Mr. Stoops will only be eligible to receive the amounts in this clause (b), if he is (A) not “Retirement Eligible” at the time of the termination or resignation or (B) such Covered Termination occurs after a change in control or within six months prior to a change in control and it is reasonably demonstrated that such Covered Termination was in contemplation of the Change in Control during such six month period.

“Applicable multiple,” means two, in the event the termination occurs prior to a change in control of SBA and three, in the event the termination occurs on or after a change in control of SBA. “Reference bonus” means the greater of (i) 75% of Mr. Stoops’ minimum annual bonus target for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs and (ii) 100% of the bonus paid for the year immediately preceding the year in which the termination or resignation occurred. “Reference benefits value” means the greater of (x) $33,560 and (y) the value of all medical, dental, health, life, and other fringe benefit plans for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs. Mr. Stoops’ severance payment is payable in a lump sum.

Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt Severance Payment. Pursuant to the respective employment agreement, upon the occurrence of a Covered Termination, Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt would receive a severance payment equal to the sum of:

(a) an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the minimum annual bonus target for the period of service in the year in which the termination or resignation occurs; and

(b) an amount equal to the applicable multiple multiplied by the sum of such officer’s (i) base salary for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs and (ii) the minimum annual bonus target; provided, however, that the executive will only be eligible to receive the amounts in this clause (b), if he is (A) not “Retirement Eligible” at the time of the termination or resignation or (B) such Covered Termination occurs after a change in control or within six months prior to a change in control and it is reasonably demonstrated that such Covered Termination was in contemplation of the Change in Control during such six month period.

“Applicable multiple,” means one, in the event a termination or resignation occurs prior to a change in control of SBA (and such officer is not Retirement Eligible at such time), and two, in the event termination or resignation occurs on or after a change in control of SBA. Each of Messrs. Cavanagh’s, Bagwell’s and Hunt’s severance payment is payable in a lump sum.

Death or Disability. If the employment of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell or Hunt is terminated due to death or disability, such officer or his estate would receive an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the minimum annual bonus target for the period of service in the year in which the termination occurs. This amount is payable in a lump sum. Based on a termination due to death or disability on December 31, 2021, the pro rata bonus severance amount would have been $1,545,000 for Mr. Stoops and $654,000 for each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt.

Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt Severance Payment. Upon the occurrence of a covered termination, Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt would receive a severance payment equal to the sum of: (a) an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the minimum annual bonus target for the period of service in the year in which the termination or resignation occurs, and (b) an amount equal to the applicable multiple multiplied by the sum of such officer’s (i) base salary for the year in which the termination or resignation occurs and (ii) the minimum annual bonus target. “Applicable multiple,” means one (1) in the event a termination or resignation occurs prior to a change in control of SBA, and two (2) in the event termination or resignation occurs on or after a change in control of SBA. Each of Messrs. Cavanagh’s, Bagwell’s and Hunt’s severance payment is payable in a lump sum.

Impact of termination upon Change in Control. Upon the occurrence of a change in control, the term of each of the employment agreements is extended three years in the case of Mr. Stoops, and the later of December 31, 2021 or two years in the case of each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt.

 

52SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  61


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION ORCHANGE-IN-CONTROL

 

 

Impact of termination upon Change in Control. Upon the occurrence of a change in control, the term of each of the employment agreements is extended three years in the case of Mr. Stoops, and the later of December 31, 2021 or two years in the case of each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt.

Benefit continuation. For each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, basic employee benefits such as medical, dental and life insurance, but excluding the supplemental medical reimbursement benefit, would be continued until the earlier of the applicable multiple of years from the date of termination or the date the officer becomes eligible for comparable benefits provided by a third party.

Benefit continuation. For each of Messrs. Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, basic employee benefits such as medical, dental and life insurance, but excluding the supplemental medical reimbursement benefit, would be continued until the earlier of the applicable multiple of years from the date of Covered Termination or the date the officer becomes eligible for comparable benefits provided by a third party, unless such executive was Retirement Eligible at the time of such Covered Termination and it was not after a change in control.

Excise tax. The employment agreements of each of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt do not provide forgross-up payments. Pursuant to the employment agreements of each of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, in the event that any payments made in connection with a termination of employment would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, and if the reduction of the payments to an amount that would not be subject to the excise tax is greater than if the payment had not been reduced, then, subject to limitations, the payments would be reduced to such amount.

Excise tax. The employment agreements of each of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt do not provide for gross-up payments. Pursuant to the employment agreements of each of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, in the event that any payments made in connection with a termination of employment would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, and if the reduction of the payments to an amount that would not be subject to the excise tax is greater than if the payment had not been reduced, then, subject to limitations, the payments would be reduced to such amount.

Acceleration of Vesting of Equity.In addition to the severance payments that would be payable under our existing employment agreements, our option and restricted stock unit agreements provide for either accelerated vesting or continued vesting under certain circumstances. Specifically, award agreements governing awards granted prior to 2018 are subject to accelerated vesting upon a change in control. However, in 2017, we amended our 2010 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan to require that all future grants of options and restricted stock units to officers be subject to double-trigger acceleration.“double-trigger” acceleration, and our 2020 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan requires the same. This means their vesting will only be accelerated after a change ofin control if the employment of such officers is terminated without cause or the officer resigns for good reason (1) within six months before such change in control, if the termination or resignation was in contemplation of the change in control, or (2) within twelve months after such change in control. Our CEO, Mr. Stoops, has voluntarily agreed to retroactively apply this double-trigger“double-trigger” acceleration provision to all his outstanding equity awards. In addition, pursuant to our equity plan retirement policy, award agreements governing certain awards granted in 2018 or prior and all awards granted after January 1, 2019 provide for continued vesting to the extent the employee terminates his or her employment due to a qualified retirement. A qualified retirement is defined as an employee who, at the time of retirement, (i) is at least 55 years old, (ii) has worked for us for at least five years, (iii) the sum of his or her age and length of service is at least 70, and (iv) provides us with at least six monthsmonths’ notice prior to such retirement. To receive qualified retirement treatment for awards following retirement, the employee must also comply with certain confidentiality,non-competition and other restrictive covenant agreements.

Mr. Silberstein does not have an employment agreement. Consequently, the only payments and benefits that he would receive upon a change in control would be the benefit resulting from the acceleration of his unvested stock options and restricted stock units. As of December 31, 2018,2021, the value of this acceleration would be $6,309,194$14,694,821 for Mr. Silberstein. The calculation of this acceleration is set forth in footnote 34 below.

 

62  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  53


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION ORCHANGE-IN-CONTROL

 

 

The estimated payments and benefits that would be provided to each of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, pursuant to their respective employment agreements, as a result of a termination for “good reason”reason,” “without cause” or “without cause,”“death or disability” are set forth in the table below. Calculations for this table are based on the assumption that the termination for “good reason” or “without cause” took place on December 31, 2018.2021.

 

Name and Type of Payment/Benefit 

Termination for
“good reason” or “without cause”
not in connection with a

Change in Control($)

 

Termination for
“good reason” or “without cause”
in connection with a

Change in Control($)

   

Termination for
“good reason” or
“without cause”
not in connection
with a

Change in Control
($)(1)

   

Termination for
“good reason” or
“without cause”
in connection with a

Change in Control
($)

 

Jeffrey A. Stoops

      

Base salary

  $1,900,000   $  2,850,000    $    $3,090,000 

Reference Bonus(1)(2)

  2,400,000   3,600,000        4,810,500 

Pro Rata Bonus(2)

  1,200,000   1,200,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(3)

  -   21,640,776 

Pro Rata Bonus(3)

   1,545,000    1,545,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(4)

       49,552,247 

Reference Benefits Value(4)

  67,120   100,680        100,680 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  5,567,120   29,391,456    1,545,000              59,098,427 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
      

Brendan T. Cavanagh

      

Base salary

  $   575,000   $  1,150,000    $654,000    $1,308,000 

Bonus

  575,000   1,150,000    654,000    1,308,000 

Pro Rata Bonus(2)

  575,000   575,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(3)

  -   7,472,912 

Pro Rata Bonus(4)

   654,000    654,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(4)

       18,516,687 

Health/life insurance benefits

  17,340   34,680    16,657    33,315 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  1,742,340   10,382,592                1,978,657    21,820,002 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
      

Kurt L. Bagwell

      

Base salary

  $   600,000   $  1,200,000    $    $1,308,000 

Bonus

  600,000   1,200,000        1,308,000 

Pro Rata Bonus(2)

  600,000   600,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(3)

  -   8,600,997 

Pro Rata Bonus(4)

   654,000    654,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(4)

       19,350,004 

Health/life insurance benefits

  17,957   35,914        34,588 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  1,817,957   11,636,911    654,000    22,654,592 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
      

Thomas P. Hunt

      

Base salary

  $   600,000   $  1,200,000    $    $1,308,000 

Bonus

  600,000   1,200,000        1,308,000 

Pro Rata Bonus(2)

  600,000   600,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(3)

  -   8,600,997 

Pro Rata Bonus(3)

   654,000    654,000 

Value of accelerated equity awards(4)

       19,350,004 

Health/life insurance benefits

  17,501   35,002        25,856 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  1,817,501   11,635,999    654,000    22,645,860 
 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
          

 

(1)

The employment agreements of Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt provide that, if at the time of a Covered Termination such executive officer is Retirement Eligible (and a change in control has not occurred), then such executive officer would not be entitled to receive the cash severance amount provided for in his employment agreement (other than a pro rata bonus) and would instead be eligible to continue vesting in his time-based and performance-based restricted stock units and stock options pursuant to the equity plan retirement policy. As of December 31, 2021, each of Messrs. Stoops, Bagwell and Hunt were Retirement Eligible pursuant to the equity plan retirement policy.

(2)

For purposes of the table, this amount reflects a payment equal to two times, in the event the termination occurs not in connection with a change in control, and three times, in the event the termination occurs in connection with a change in control, the amount equal to 100% of Mr. Stoops’ prior year annual bonus.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION ORCHANGE-IN-CONTROL

 

 

(2)(3)

For Messrs. Stoops, Cavanagh, Bagwell and Hunt, this amount was calculated based on their respective minimum annual bonus target for 2018,2021, which was equal to 150%, 100%, 100% and 100% of each of Messrs. Stoops’, Cavanagh’s, Bagwell’s and Hunt’s base salary, respectively.

 

(3)(4)

Represents the value of accelerated time-based and performance-based restricted stock units and stock options. The value of the accelerated restricted stock units is calculated by multiplying the closing price of SBA’s Class A common stock on December 31, 20182021 ($161.89)389.02) by the number of unvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2018.2021 which, in the case of performance-based restricted stock units, assumes target performance. The number of restricted stock units that are earned upon a “double-trigger” accelerated vesting of performance-based restricted stock units is the greater of target or actual performance calculated in accordance with the award agreement. The value of the accelerated stock options reflects the excess of the market price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 20182021 ($161.89)389.02) over the per share exercise price of any stock option which was unvested as of December 31, 2018.2021. All options and restricted stock units granted before 2018 are subject to accelerated vesting upon a change in control, except those granted to Mr. Stoops, which are subject to double-trigger“double-trigger” accelerated vesting, as described above. All options and restricted stock units granted to officers after 2017 provide for double-trigger“double-trigger” accelerated vesting upon a change in control, as described above.

 

(4)

For Mr. Stoops, this amount reflects a payment equal to two times, in the event the termination occurs not in connection with a change in control, and three times, in the event the termination occurs in connection with a change in control, the value of health and life insurance benefits and other fringe benefit plans and arrangements applicable to Mr. Stoops based on an amount of $33,560 under the terms of Mr. Stoops’ employment agreement.

64  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  55


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  >  CEO PAY RATIO

 

 

CEO Pay Ratio

 

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the median annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our CEO, Jeffrey A. Stoops.

As of December 31, 2018,2021, our employee population consisted of approximately 1,3471,596 individuals working at SBA and its subsidiaries, of which approximately 9901,132 are located in the United States and approximately 357464 are located outside the United States. We selected December 31, 2018, the last day of

In determining our fiscal year, as the determination datepay ratio for identifying the median employee.

2021, we concluded that there have been no significant changes to our employee compensation arrangements or in our employee population that would significantly affect our pay ratio disclosure. We previously identified our median employee as of December 31, 2017,2020, the last day of our 20172020 fiscal year, by calculating the amount of annual total cash compensation paid to all of our employees (other than our CEO). We did not make anycost-of-living or other adjustments in identifying the median employee. As of December 31, 2018, this employee was employed in the same capacity and we believe there have been no significant changes to our employee compensation arrangements or in our employee population that would significantly affect our pay ratio disclosure. Therefore, to determine our pay ratio for 2018,However, we used the samea different median employee for 2021 because the median employee previously identified in 2017.left SBA during 2021. As permitted by the SEC rules, the median employee used for 2021 is an employee whose compensation was substantially similar to the compensation of the previously identified median employee, based on the methodology used to select such previously identified median employee.

We calculated the 20182021 total annual compensation of suchthe new median employee in accordance with the requirements of the executive compensation rules for the Summary Compensation Table (Item 402(c)(2)(x) of RegulationS-K). Under this calculation, the median employee’s annual total compensation was $84,778.$96,104.

Utilizing the same executive compensation rules, and consistent with the amount reported in the “Total” Column of our 20182021 Summary Compensation Table in the Executive Compensation section above for our CEO, the annual total compensation of our CEO was $9,101,986.$9,995,179. The resulting ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the annual total compensation of the median employee was 107104 to 1. This ratio represents a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules based on the methodology described above. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio permit companies to use various methodologies and assumptions, to apply certain exclusions and to make reasonable estimates that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable with the pay ratio that we have reported.

 

56SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  65


LOGO

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

The table below shows the beneficial ownership as of March 11, 2022 of our Class A common stock held by each of the directors, nominees for director, named executive officers, all current directors and executive officers as a group and each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Class A common stock. As of March 11, 2022, we had 108,017,231 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

 Name  Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
   Percent of
Class A
Common
Stock
   

 

  

 Steven E. Bernstein

   126,907(2)   * 

 

  

 Jeffrey A. Stoops

   1,120,594(3)   1.0% 

 

  

 Kevin L. Beebe

   23,878(4)   * 

 

  

 Mary S. Chan

   8,873(5)   * 

 

  

 Duncan H. Cocroft

   73,155(6)   * 

 

  

 Jay L. Johnson

       

 

  

 George R. Krouse, Jr.

   9,595(7)   * 

 

  

 Jack Langer

   27,406(8)   * 

 

  

 Fidelma Russo

   4,490(9)   * 

 

  

 Kurt L. Bagwell

   74,395(10)   * 

 

  

 Brendan T. Cavanagh

   142,836(11)   * 

 

  

 Thomas P. Hunt

   150,957(12)   * 

 

  

 Jason V. Silberstein

   144,541(13)   * 

 

  

 All current directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)

   1,969,583(14)   1.8% 

 

  

 BlackRock, Inc.

   9,895,814(15)   9.2% 

 

  

 The Vanguard Group

   17,363,296(16)   16.1%  

 

* Less than 1% of outstanding shares.

Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in this table is c/o SBA Communications Corporation, 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.

(1)

In determining the number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by each person, shares that may be acquired by such person pursuant to options exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022 are deemed outstanding for purposes of determining the total number of outstanding shares for such person and are not deemed outstanding for such purpose for all other shareholders. To our knowledge, except as otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership includes sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all shares.

(2)

This number includes (a) 102,390 shares owned by the Bernstein Limited Partnership II (“BLP II”), an entity controlled, in part, by Mr. Bernstein and (b) 10,000 shares owned by the Steven E. Bernstein

66  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


SECURITY OWNERSHIP

Family Foundation Inc. (the “Bernstein Family Foundation”), a non-profit foundation for which Mr. Bernstein serves as a director. This number also includes an aggregate of 7,776 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days March 11, 2022. Mr. Bernstein disclaims beneficial ownership of those shares owned by BLP II except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in BLP II. Mr. Bernstein disclaims beneficial ownership of those shares of Class A common stock held by the Bernstein Family Foundation. This number also includes 102,390 shares of Class A common stock which are pledged or held in a margin account, which was in compliance, as of March 11, 2022, with SBA’s policy on pledging Class A common stock.

(3)

This number includes (a) an aggregate of 249,548 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 11, 2022, (b) an aggregate of 22,925 shares of Class A common stock held by four different trusts, each for the benefit of one of Mr. Stoops’ four children, and a trust for the benefit of Mr. Stoops’ current and future descendants, (c) 259,863 shares owned by Calculated Risk Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“CRLP”), of which Mr. Stoops and his spouse control the general partner and (d) 113,668 shares owned by Calculated Risk SBA Holdings, LLC (“CRLLC”), of which Mr. Stoops and his spouse control the manager. Mr. Stoops disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class A common stock held by the trusts, CRLP and CRLLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in CRLP and CRLLC. This number also includes 473,531 shares of Class A common stock which are pledged or held in a margin account, which was in compliance, as of March 11, 2022, with SBA’s policy on pledging Class A common stock. Of these shares, Mr. Stoops shares voting and investment power with respect to 707,997 shares of Class A common stock with his spouse. This number also includes 130,569 shares of Class A common stock held by a non-profit foundation (the “Stoops Family Foundation”), for which Mr. Stoops serves as the President and one of the two directors and his spouse serves as the other director and therefore Mr. Stoops and his spouse share voting power with respect to these shares. Neither Mr. Stoops nor his spouse has any pecuniary interest in shares of Class A common stock held by the Stoops Family Foundation.

(4)

This number includes 9,675 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022.

(5)

This number includes 5,468 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022.

(6)

This number includes 7,776 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022. This number also includes 63,379 shares of Class A common stock which are pledged or held in a margin account, which was in compliance, as of March 11, 2022, with SBA’s policy on pledging Class A common stock.

(7)

This number includes 1,080 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022.

(8)

This number includes 7,776 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022. This number also includes 14,958 shares of Class A common stock held by the Jack Langer 2012 Irrevocable Family Trust. The trustee of the trust is Mr. Langer’s spouse. Mr. Langer disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by the trust, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(9)

This number includes 4,396 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 11, 2022.

(10)

This number includes 29,310 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 11, 2022. This number also includes (a) 29,529 shares of Class A common stock held by trust pursuant to the Kurt L. Bagwell Revocable Trust Agreement, dated July 8, 1998 and as amended and restated June 29, 2007, for the benefit of Mr. Bagwell’s spouse, and

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  67


SECURITY OWNERSHIP

Mr. Bagwell, as trustee, has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares, (b) 15,530 shares of Class A common stock held by a limited liability company of which Mr. Bagwell is the sole manager and whose revocable trust is the sole member, and (c) 26 shares of Class A common stock held by a trust for the benefit of one of Mr. Bagwell’s children.

(11)

This number includes 92,017 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 11, 2022. This number also includes 19,052 shares of Class A common stock held by Cavanagh Investments, LLC (“CI LLC”). Mr. Cavanagh is the manager of CI LLC and a trust for the benefit of Mr. Cavanagh’s spouse owns all of the equity interests in CI LLC. Mr. Cavanagh disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by CI LLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(12)

This number includes 28,214 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 11, 2022. Mr. Hunt shares voting and investment power with respect to 122,743 shares of Class A common stock with his spouse.

(13)

This number includes 125,297 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 11, 2022.

(14)

This number includes 603,575 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 11, 2022.

(15)

According to the Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 6) filed on February 1, 2022, by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), of the 9,895,814 shares of SBA’s Class A common stock beneficially owned, BlackRock has (a) sole voting power with respect to 8,397,195 shares, and (b) sole investment power with respect to all 9,895,814 shares. The principal business address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

(16)

According to the Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 10) filed on February 10, 2022, by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”), of the 17,363,296 shares of SBA’s Class A common stock beneficially owned, Vanguard has (a) sole voting power with respect to 0 shares, (b) sole investment power with respect to 16,875,333 shares, (c) shared voting power with respect to 219,907 shares and (d) shared investment power with respect to 487,963 shares. The principal business address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

68  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


LOGO

PROPOSAL 2 –RATIFICATION– RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

 

Introduction

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm. To execute this responsibility, the Audit Committee engages in a comprehensive evaluation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence and whether the independent registered public accounting firm should be rotated, and considers the advisability and potential impact of selecting a different independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed EY to continue to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192022 fiscal year. EY has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2002. In accordance with SEC rules and EY policies, audit partners are subject to rotation requirements to limit the number of consecutive years an individual partner may provide audit service to us. For lead and concurring review audit partners, the maximum number of consecutive years of service in that capacity is five years. The process for selection of our lead audit partner pursuant to this rotation policy involves a meeting between the Chair of the Audit Committee and the candidate for the role, as well as discussion by the full Audit Committee and with management.

The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of EY as our independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interest of SBA and our shareholders, and we are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of EY as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2019.2022. Although ratification is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of EY to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on our independent registered public accounting firm and as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event our shareholders do not ratify the appointment, the appointment may be reconsidered by the Audit Committee. Ratification of the appointment of EY to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192022 fiscal year will in no way limit the Audit Committee’s authority to terminate or otherwise change the engagement of EY for the 20192022 fiscal year.

We expect a representative of EY to attend the Annual Meeting. The representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires and also will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

In connection with the audit of our 20192022 financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, we entered into an agreement with EY which sets forth the terms by which EY performed audit services for us.

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  5769


PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

 

Fees Paid to EY

 

We were billed for professional services provided with respect to fiscal years 20172020 and 20182021 by EY in the amounts set forth in the following table.

 

Services Provided

   2017     2018    

 

 2020   

 

 2021   

 

 

Audit Fees(1)

   $2,706,500     $2,595,000  $    3,193,614  $    3,662,000  

 

Audit-Related Fees

   -     -  

 

    

 

    

 

Tax Fees(2)

   360,500     355,368  

 

  463,982  

 

  503,200  

 

All Other Fees

   -     -  

 

    

 

    

 

  

 

   

 

  
  

 

    

 

 

Total

   $3,067,000     $2,950,368  $            3,657,596  $          4,165,200  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  
      

 

(1)

These professional services included (1) fees associated with (a) the audit of our annual financial statements (Form10-K), (b) reviews of our quarterly financial statements (Forms(Form 10-Q)10-Qs), (c) the audit of SBA’s internal control over financial reporting in connection with SBA’s compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and (d) other statutory audits required for the years ended 20172020 and 20182021 and (2) $562,500$740,000 of fees in 20172020 and $300,000$905,000 of fees in 20182021 associated with (a) the preparation and review of our various documents relating to our tower securitizations in 20172020 and 2018,2021 and high yield debt offerings in 2021, including the preparation of comfort letters, and (b) consents to our registration statements filed in 2017 and 2018, including review of our various documents relating to our REIT conversion.2021.

 

(2)

These professional services included fees associated with (1) transfer pricing calculations and analysis, (2) earnings and profits calculations for 2017, (3) Section 382 analysis in 2017, (4) reviews relating to REIT conversion and ongoing REIT testing in 2017, and (5) fees for tax compliance services, including services relating to tax returns, of $288,000$464,000 for 20172020 and $300,000$410,000 for 2018.2021.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures for Audit and PermittedNon-Audit Services

 

Consistent with requirements of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has responsibility for (1) appointing, (2) negotiating, (3) setting the compensation of and (4) overseeing the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee’s policy requires that the Audit Committee must approve any audit or permittednon-audit service proposed to be performed by its independent auditors in advance of the performance of such service. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has not implemented a policy or procedure which delegates the authority to approve, orpre-approve, audit or permittednon-audit services to be performed by EY. In connection with making anypre-approval decisions, the Audit Committee must consider whether the provision of such permittednon-audit services by EY is consistent with maintaining EY’s status as our independent auditors.

Consistent with these policies and procedures, the Audit Committee approved all of the services rendered by EY during fiscal year 2018,2021, as described above.

 

5870  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


LOGO

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes of SBA on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has primary responsibility for SBA’s financial statements, financial reporting process and internal controls over financial reporting. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of SBA’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls and issuing reports thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to select the independent auditors and monitor and oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of SBA, including SBA’s internal controls over financial reporting, and the audits of the financial statements of SBA.

During the course of 20182021 and the first quarter of 2019,2022, the Audit Committee regularly met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors. In the discussions related to SBA’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2018,2021, management represented to the Audit Committee that such consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditors the audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2018,2021, management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting, the results of the independent auditor’s testing and the evaluation of SBA’s internal control over financial reporting and the independent auditor’s attestation report regarding management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors those matters required to be discussed by the auditors with the Audit Committee under the rules adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. In addition, the Audit Committee received from the independent auditors the written disclosures and letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors that firm’s independence. In connection with this discussion, the Audit Committee also considered whether the provision of services by the independent auditors not related to the audit of SBA’s financial statements for fiscal year 20182021 is compatible with maintaining the independent auditors’ independence. The Audit Committee’s policy requires that the Audit Committee approve any audit or permittednon-audit service proposed to be performed by its independent auditors in advance of the performance of such service.

Based upon the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the independent auditors and the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management and the written disclosures and letter of the independent auditors provided to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20182021 be included in SBA’s Annual Report on Form10-K, for filing with the SEC.

See the portion of this proxy statement titled “Corporate Governance—Board Committees” beginning on page 1626 for information on the Audit Committee’s meetings in 2018.2021.

The Audit Committee

Duncan H. Cocroft

Kevin L. Beebe

Brian C. CarrGeorge R. Krouse, Jr.

Mary S. Chan

Duncan H. CocroftFidelma Russo

March 25, 20192022

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  5971


PROPOSAL 2 – AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that might incorporate future filings, including this proxy statement, in whole or in part, the Audit Committee Report above and the Compensation Committee Report above shall not be incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192022 fiscal year.

 

6072  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


LOGO

PROPOSAL 3 –ADVISORY– ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Introduction

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (known as the Dodd-Frank Act) requires us to provide our shareholders with the opportunity to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. At the 2017 Annual Meeting, our shareholders voted in favor of holding our Say on Pay vote annually, which the Board subsequently approved. The next shareholder vote on the frequency of our advisory Say on Pay vote is expected to be held at our 2023 Annual Meeting.

We provide our shareholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative disclosures that accompany those tables. At the 20192022 Annual Meeting, we are asking our shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the 20182021 compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.

We encourage shareholders to review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure on pages 2754 to 56.64. As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we believe that our compensation policies and decisions are designed to incentivize and reward the creation of shareholder value. OurAs is evidenced below, our Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) exceeded the TSR of the 20182021 Peer Group, which our Compensation Committee used to set executive compensation, for each of the three and five year periods ended December 31, 2018.2021.

LOGO

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  73


PROPOSAL 3 – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

We believe that our executive compensation program strikes the appropriate balance between utilizing responsible, measured pay practices and effectively incentivizing our executives to dedicate themselves fully to value creation for our shareholders. This balance is evidenced by the following:

 

We seek to foster apay-for-performance culture, with a significant portion of total direct compensation being performance-based and/or “at risk,” meaning that such portion be tied to, and vary with, our financial, operational and stock price performance, as well as individual performance. For 2018, 90% of our CEO’s target total compensation and an average of 85% of our other named executive officers’ target total compensation was performance-based or equity-based;

>

We seek to foster a pay-for-performance culture, with a significant portion of total direct compensation being performance-based and/or “at risk,” meaning that such portion be tied to, and vary with, our financial, operational and stock price performance, as well as individual performance. For 2021, 91% of our CEO’s target total compensation and an average of 87% of our other NEOs’ target total compensation was performance-based or equity-based;

 

Realized compensation for our executives is highly correlated to TSR;

>

Realized compensation for our executives is highly correlated to TSR;

 

We provide a balance of short-term and long-term compensation; our annual cash incentive bonus rewards the accomplishment of annual financial, operational and strategic goals, while our equity grants vest our executives’ financial interests in the long-term appreciation of our Class A common stock;

>

We provide a balance of short-term and long-term compensation; our annual cash incentive bonus rewards the accomplishment of annual financial, operational and strategic goals, while our equity grants vest our executives’ financial interests in the long-term appreciation of our Class A common stock;

 

We have stock ownership guidelines that promote continued alignment of our executives’ interests with those of our shareholders and discourage excessive risk taking for short-term gains; and

>

We have stock ownership guidelines that promote continued alignment of our executives’ interests with those of our shareholders and discourage excessive risk taking for short-term gains; and

 

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  61


PROPOSAL 3 – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

We review and implement our executive compensation programs within a strong corporate governance environment, including a wholly-independent compensation consultant, independent legal counsel for our Compensation Committee and independent directors.

>

We review and implement our executive compensation programs within a strong corporate governance environment, including a wholly-independent compensation consultant, independent legal counsel for our Compensation Committee and independent directors.

On the basis of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure on pages 2754 to 5664 of this proxy statement, we are requesting that our shareholders vote on the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders of SBA approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of SBA’s named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation, and the accompanying narrative disclosure, set forth in SBA’s 20192022 Annual Meeting proxy statement.

Although this Say on Pay vote on executive compensation isnon-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee will review the results of the vote and will take into account the outcome of the vote when determining future executive compensation arrangements.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR”FOR adoption of the resolution approving the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.

 

6274  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


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SECURITY OWNERSHIPQ&A ABOUT VOTING

 

 

The table below shows

Q:

Who may vote at the Annual Meeting?

A:

You may vote all of the shares of our Class A common stock that you owned at the close of business on March 11, 2022, the record date. On the record date, there were 108,017,231 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding and entitled to be voted at the meeting. You may cast one vote for each share of our Class A common stock held by you on all matters presented at the meeting.

Q:

What constitutes a quorum, and why is a quorum required?

A:

We are required to have a quorum of shareholders present to conduct business at the meeting. The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the record date will constitute a quorum, permitting us to conduct the business of the meeting. Proxies received but marked as abstentions, if any, will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the meeting for quorum purposes. If we do not have a quorum, we will be forced to reconvene the Annual Meeting at a later date.

Q:

What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a beneficial owner?

A:

If your shares are registered directly in your name with SBA’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered the “shareholder of record” with respect to those shares. If your shares are held by a brokerage firm, bank, trustee or other agent (“nominee”), you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in street name. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) has been forwarded to you by your nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your nominee on how to vote your shares by following their instructions for voting by telephone or on the Internet or, if you specifically request a copy of the printed materials, you may use the voting instruction card included in such materials.

Q:

How do I vote?

A:

If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote:

LOGOVia Internet
LOGOBy telephone
LOGOBy mail, if you have received a paper copy of the proxy materials
LOGOIn person at the meeting

Detailed instructions for Internet and telephone voting are set forth on the Notice, which contains instructions on how to access our proxy statement and annual report online. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  75


Q&A ABOUT VOTING

If you are a beneficial shareholder, you must follow the voting procedures of your nominee included with your proxy materials. If your shares are held by a nominee and you intend to vote at the meeting, please bring with you evidence of your ownership as of March 15, 2019 of our Class A common stock held by each of the directors, nominees for director, named executive officers, all current directors and executive officersrecord date (such as a group and each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Class A common stock. As of March 15, 2019, we had 113,073,816 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.letter from your nominee confirming your ownership or a bank or brokerage firm account statement).

 

Name  Number of
Shares
Beneficially
            Owned(1)
   Percent of  
Class A  
Common  
Stock  
 

Steven E. Bernstein

   191,971(2)     *   

Jeffrey A. Stoops

   1,495,943(3)     1.3

Kevin L. Beebe

   24,336(4)     *   

Brian C. Carr

   9,587(5)     *   

Mary S. Chan

   16,385(6)     *   

Duncan H. Cocroft

   88,352(7)     *   

George R. Krouse, Jr.

   15,759(8)     *   

Jack Langer

   28,652(9)     *   

Kurt L. Bagwell

   163,763(10)     *   

Brendan T. Cavanagh

   192,578(11)     *   

Thomas P. Hunt

   469,694(12)     *   

Jason V. Silberstein

   139,611(13)     *   

All current directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)

   2,859,653(14)     2.5

BlackRock, Inc.

   9,771,831(15)     8.6

The Vanguard Group

   18,062,976(16)     16.0
Q:

What am I voting on?

A:

At the Annual Meeting you will be asked to vote on the following three proposals. Our Board recommendation for each of these proposals is set forth below.

Proposal

Board
    Recommendations    
 Proposal 1:To elect Kevin L. Beebe, Jack Langer and Jeffrey A. Stoops as directors for a three-year term expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Jay L. Johnson for a term expiring at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.FOR each director nominee
 Proposal 2:To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2022 fiscal year.FOR
 Proposal 3:To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, which we refer to as “Say on Pay.”FOR

We will also consider other business that properly comes before the meeting in accordance with Florida law and our Bylaws.

Q:

What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?

A:

Other than the items of business described in this proxy statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Steven E. Bernstein and Jeffrey A. Stoops, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting in accordance with Florida law and our Bylaws.

Q:

What if I abstain on a proposal?

A:

If you sign and return your proxy marked “abstain” on any proposal, your shares will not be voted on that proposal. However, your shares will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

Q:

What is the required vote for approval of each of the proposals and what is the impact of abstentions?

A:

ProposalVote Required for
Approval
    Abstentions    
 Proposal 1:Election of Directors    Majority of votes cast    No impact
 Proposal 2:Ratification of EY as AuditorsMajority of votes castNo impact
 Proposal 3:Say on PayMajority of votes castNo impact

76  SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement


Q&A ABOUT VOTING

 

 

* Less than 1%A proposal has received a majority of outstanding shares.

Exceptthe votes cast if the votes cast “FOR” a proposal exceed the votes cast “AGAINST” a proposal. In addition, we intend to evaluate the advisory proposal, Proposal 3, using the same standard. Consequently, abstentions will have no impact on the results, as otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in this table is c/o SBA Communications Corporation, 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.they are not counted as votes cast.

 

(1)Q:

In determiningWhat is the effect of the advisory vote on Proposal 3?

A:

Proposal 3 is an advisory vote. This means that while we ask shareholders to approve the resolution regarding Say on Pay, this is not an action that requires shareholder approval. If a majority of votes are cast “FOR” the Say on Pay proposal, we will consider the proposal to be approved. Abstentions are not counted as votes “FOR” or “AGAINST” this proposal. Although the vote on Proposal 3 is non-binding, our Board and the Compensation Committee will review the result of the vote and take it into account in making determinations concerning executive compensation.

Q:

What if I sign and return my proxy without making any selections?

A:

If you sign and return your proxy without making any selections, your shares will be voted “FOR” Proposals 1, 2 and 3. If other matters properly come before the meeting, Steven E. Bernstein and Jeffrey A. Stoops will have the authority to vote on those matters for you at their discretion. As of the date of this proxy statement, we are not aware of any matters that will come before the meeting other than those disclosed in this proxy statement.

Q:

What if I am a beneficial shareholder and I do not give the nominee voting instructions?

A:

If you are a beneficial shareholder and your shares are held in the name of a broker, the broker is bound by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange regarding whether or not it can exercise discretionary voting power for any particular proposal if the broker has not received voting instructions from you. Brokers have the authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain “routine” matters. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee who holds shares for another does not vote on a particular item because the nominee does not have discretionary voting authority for that item and has not received instructions from the owner of the shares. Broker non-votes are included in the calculation of the number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by each person, shares that mayvotes considered to be acquired by such person pursuant to options exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019 are deemed outstandingpresent at the meeting for purposes of determining the total numberpresence of outstanding shares for such person anda quorum but are not deemed outstanding for such purpose for all other shareholders. To our knowledge, exceptcounted as otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership includes sole voting and dispositive powervotes cast with respect to all shares.a matter on which the nominee has expressly not voted.

The table below sets forth, for each proposal on the ballot, whether a broker can exercise discretion and vote your shares absent your instructions and if not, the impact of such broker non-vote on the approval of the proposal.

Proposal

Can Brokers Vote

  Absent Instructions?  

  Impact of Broker  

Non-Vote

 Proposal 1:Election of DirectorsNoNone
 Proposal 2:Ratification of EY as AuditorsYesNot Applicable
 Proposal 3:Say on PayNoNone

Q:

Can I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy?

 

(2)A:

This number includes (1) 165,142Yes. You may revoke your proxy at any time before its exercise. You may also revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial shareholder, you must contact your nominee to change your vote or obtain a proxy to vote your shares owned byif you wish to cast your vote in person at the Bernstein Limited Partnership II (“BLP II”), an entity controlled, in part, by Mr. Bernstein and (2) 13,400 shares owned by the Steven E. Bernstein Family Foundation Inc. (the “Bernstein Family Foundation”), for which Mr. Bernsteinmeeting.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIPOTHER MATTERS

 

 

serves as a director. This number also includes an aggregate of 12,610 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019. Mr. Bernstein disclaims beneficial ownership of those shares owned by BLP II and the Bernstein Family Foundation, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in BLP II. This number also includes 165,142 shares of Class A common stock which are pledged or held in a margin account, which was in compliance, as of March 15, 2019, with SBA’s policy on pledging Class A common stock.

(3)Q:

This number includes (1) an aggregate of 751,483 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2019, (2) an aggregate of 20,225 shares of Class A common stock held by four different trusts, each forWho can attend the benefit of one of Mr. Stoops’ four children, (3) 409,863 shares owned by Calculated Risk Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“CRLP”), of which Mr. Stoops and his spouse control the general partner, and (4) 106,958 shares of Class A common stock held by anon-profitAnnual Meeting? foundation (the “Foundation”), of which Mr. Stoops serves as the President and one of the two directors. Mr. Stoops disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class A common stock held by the trusts and CRLP, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in CRLP. Mr. Stoops disclaims beneficial ownership of those shares of Class A common stock held by the Foundation. This number also includes 618,821 shares of Class A common stock which are pledged or held in a margin account, which was in compliance, as of March 15, 2019, with SBA’s policy on pledging Class A common stock. Mr. Stoops shares voting and investment power with respect to 724,235 shares of Class A common stock with his spouse.

 

(4)A:

This number includes 12,610Only shareholders and our invited guests are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. To gain admittance, you must bring a form of personal identification to the meeting, where your name will be verified against our shareholder list. If a broker or other nominee holds your shares and you plan to attend the meeting, you should bring a recent brokerage statement showing your ownership of Class A common stock issuable pursuantthe shares as of the record date, a letter from the broker confirming such ownership, and a form of personal identification.

We currently intend to hold the Annual Meeting in person. However, we are actively monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns that our shareholders may have, as well as protocols that federal, state, and local governments may impose. If it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include switching to a virtual meeting format, or changing the time, date or location of the Annual Meeting. Any such change will be announced via a press release, which will be available at our website, www.sbasite.com under Investor Relations, and filed as definitive additional soliciting materials with the SEC.

Q:

If I plan to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019.attend the Annual Meeting, should I still vote by proxy?

 

(5)A:

This number includes 6,766 sharesYes. Casting your vote in advance does not affect your right to attend the Annual Meeting.

If you vote in advance and also attend the meeting, you do not need to vote again at the meeting unless you want to change your vote. Written ballots will be available at the meeting for shareholders of record.

Beneficial shareholders who wish to vote in person must request a legal proxy from the broker or other nominee and bring that legal proxy to the Annual Meeting.

Q:

Where can I find voting results of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019.the Annual Meeting?

 

(6)A:

This number includes 14,766 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vestWe will announce the results for the proposals voted upon at the Annual Meeting and publish final detailed voting results in a Form 8-K filed within 60four business days after March 15, 2019.the Annual Meeting.

 

(7)Q:

This number includes 12,610 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019. This number also includes 71,742 shares of Class A common stock which are pledged or held in a margin account, which was in compliance, as of March 15, 2019,Who should I call with SBA’s policy on pledging Class A common stock.other questions?

 

(8)A:

This number includes 5,228 sharesIf you have additional questions about this proxy statement or the meeting or would like additional copies of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisablethis proxy statement or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019.our annual report, please contact: SBA Communications Corporation, 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, Attention: Investor Relations, Telephone: (561) 995-7670.

(9)

This number includes 10,967 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019. This number also includes 14,883 beneficially owned shares of Class A common stock held by the Jack Langer 2012 Irrevocable Family Trust. The trustee of the trust is Mr. Langer’s spouse. Mr. Langer disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by the trust, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(10)

This number includes 66,970 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2019. This number also includes 57,573 shares of Class A common stock held by trust pursuant to the Kurt L. Bagwell Revocable Trust Agreement, dated July 8, 1998 and as amended and restated June 29, 2007, for the benefit of Mr. Bagwell’s spouse. Mr. Bagwell is the trustee of the trust and has sole voting and investment

64  SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement


SECURITY OWNERSHIP

power with respect to the 57,573 shares of Class A common stock. This number also includes 39,220 shares of Class A common stock held by the Kurt L. Bagwell 2017 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, of which Mr. Bagwell is the trustee, and Mr. Bagwell has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.

(11)

This number includes 148,238 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2019.

(12)

This number includes 308,357 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2019. Mr. Hunt shares voting and investment power with respect to 161,337 shares of Class A common stock with his spouse.

(13)

This number includes 126,422 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2019.

(14)

This number includes 1,483,786 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options that are exercisable or restricted stock units that vest within 60 days after March 15, 2019.

(15)

According to the Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 1) filed on February 6, 2019, by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), of the 9,771,831 shares of SBA’s Class A common stock beneficially owned, BlackRock has (a) sole voting power with respect to 8,592,335 shares, and (b) sole investment power with respect to all 9,771,831 shares. The principal business address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

(16)

According to the Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 7) filed on February 13, 2019, by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”), of the 18,062,976 shares of SBA’s Class A common stock beneficially owned, Vanguard has (a) sole voting power with respect to 159,878 shares, (b) sole investment power with respect to 17,874,000 shares, (c) shared voting power with respect to 54,245 shares and (d) shared investment power with respect to 188,976 shares. Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vanguard, is the beneficial owner of 104,006 shares of SBA’s Class A common stock as a result of its serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts. Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vanguard, is the beneficial owner of 140,842 shares of SBA’s Class A common stock as a result of its serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings. The principal business address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  65


LOGO

OTHER MATTERS

 

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC and Nasdaq reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our Class A common stock. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

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OTHER MATTERS

Based on the review of copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that, during the 2018 fiscal year,2021, our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners timely complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except that a Form 54 for Brian LazarusMark R. Ciarfella to report a giftcashless stock option exercise transaction made during 20182021 was not timely filed.filed due to an administrative error and Form 4s to report two transactions for Mr. Cavanagh were not timely filed due to a broker administrative error.

Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations for 2020 Annual Meeting

 

Shareholder proposals and director nominations pursuant to the advance notice provision or proxy access provision in our Bylaws should be sent to SBA at the address set forth in the Notice. To be considered for inclusion in SBA’s proxy statement for the 20202023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the deadline for submission of shareholder proposals, pursuant to Rule14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is December 7, 2019.November 30, 2022. Additionally, pursuant to the advance notice provision in our Bylaws, SBA must receive notice of any shareholder proposal or nomination for election as director to be submitted at the 20202023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but not required to be included in our proxy statement, no earlier than December 18, 201913, 2022 and no later than January 17, 2020.12, 2023. Our Bylaws and Annex B of the NCG Committee charter set forth the information that is required in a written notice of a shareholder proposal. Eligible stockholders who do not seek to use the advance notice provision for nomination of directors in Article I, Section 19 of our Bylaws, but who instead intend to nominate a person for election as director under the proxy access provision in our Bylaws, must comply with the provisions of and provide notice to us in accordance with Article I, Section 20 of our Bylaws. We must receive the required notice and information specified in Article I, Section 20 no later than December 7, 2019.November 30, 2022. The persons named in the proxies solicited by management may exercise discretionary voting authority with respect to such proposal.

List of Shareholders Entitled to Vote at the Annual Meeting

 

The names of shareholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at our corporate office for a period of 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting and continuing through the Annual Meeting.

66  SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement


OTHER MATTERS

Expenses Relating to this Proxy Solicitation

 

We will pay all expenses relating to this proxy solicitation. In addition to this solicitation by mail, our officers, directors, and employees may solicit proxies by telephone or personal call without extra compensation for that activity. We also expect to reimburse banks, brokers and other persons for reasonableout-of-pocket expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of our stock and obtaining the proxies of those owners.

Communication with SBA’s Board of Directors

 

Shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors by directing their communications in a hard copy (i.e.,non-electronic) written form to the attention of one or more members of the Board of Directors, or to the Board of Directors collectively, at our corporate office located at 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487. A shareholder communication must include a statement that the author of such communication is a beneficial or record owner of shares of Class A common stock of SBA. Our Corporate Secretary will review all communications meeting the requirements discussed above and will remove any communications relating to (1) the purchase or sale of products or services, (2) communications from landlords relating to our obligations or the obligations of one of our subsidiaries under a lease, (3) communications from tenants relating to our obligations or the obligations of one of our subsidiaries under a lease, (4) communications from suppliers or vendors relating to our obligations or the obligations of one of our subsidiaries to such supplier or vendor, (5) communications from opposing parties relating to pending or threatened legal or administrative proceedings regarding matters not

SBA Communications Corporation|  2022 Proxy  Statement  79


OTHER MATTERS

related to securities law matters or fiduciary duty matters, and (6) any other communications that the Corporate Secretary deems, in his or her reasonable discretion, unrelated to the business of SBA. The Corporate Secretary will compile all communications not removed in accordance with the procedure described above and will distribute such qualifying communications to the intended recipient(s). A copy of any qualifying communications that relate to our accounting and auditing practices will also be sent directly to the Chair of the Audit Committee, whether or not it was directed to such person.

Available Information

 

We maintain an internet website at www.sbasite.com. Copies of the Committee charters of each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and NCG Committee, together with certain other corporate governance materials, including our Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, can be found under the Investor Relations—Corporate Governance section of our website at www.sbasite.com, and such information is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it through our Investor Relations department at the address below.

We will furnish without charge to each person whose proxy is being solicited, upon request of any such person, a copy of the 20182021 Form10-K as filed with the SEC, including the financial statements and schedules thereto, but not the exhibits. In addition, such report is available, free of charge, through the Investor Relations—Corporate Governance section of our internet website at www.sbasite.com. A request for a copy of such report should be directed to SBA Communications Corporation, 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, Attention: Investor Relations. A copy of any exhibit to the 20182021 Form10-K will be forwarded following receipt of a written request with respect thereto addressed to Investor Relations.

SBA Communications Corporation|  2019 Proxy Statement  67


OTHER MATTERS

Electronic Delivery

 

This year we again have elected to take advantage of the SEC’s rule that allows us to furnish proxy materials to you online. We believe electronic delivery will expedite shareholders’ receipt of materials, while lowering costs and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting by reducing printing and mailing of full sets of materials. We mailed the Notice containing instructions on how to access our proxy statement and annual report online on or about April 4, 2019.March 30, 2022. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, the Notice contains instructions on how to receive a paper copy.

Householding

 

We have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure, shareholders of record who have the same address and last name will receive only one copy of our Notice, unless one or more of these shareholders notifies us that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. This procedure will reduce our printing costs and postage fees.

If you are eligible for householding, but you and other shareholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of the Notice, or if you hold stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of the Notice for your household, please contact our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. in writing: P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000, or by telephone: in the U.S., (877)282-1168; outside the U.S.,(781) 575-4706.

If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of the Notice, or if you do not wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive separate copies of the Notice in the future, please contact Computershare as indicated above. Beneficial shareholders can request information about householding from their nominee.

 

6880  SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement


APPENDIX A – GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

 

 

Appendix A

GAAP toNon-GAAP Reconciliations

For more information regarding the measures included in this ExhibitAppendix A, please see our Current Report on Form8-K dated February 21, 2019.28, 2022.

Tower Cash Flow and Tower Cash Flow Margin

We believe that Tower Cash Flow and Tower Cash Flow Margin are indicators of the performance of our site leasing operations. The tables below set forth the reconciliation of Tower Cash Flow to its most comparable GAAP measurement.

 

   

For the year

ended December 31,

 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
    (in thousands) 

 

Site leasing revenue

 

  $1,740,434    $1,623,173    $1,538,070    $1,480,634    $1,360,202  

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

   (18,643)    (16,419)    (31,650)    (49,064)    (56,866) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash site leasing revenue

 

   1,721,791     1,606,754     1,506,420     1,431,570     1,303,336  

Site leasing cost of revenues (excluding depreciation, accretion, and amortization)

 

   (372,296)    (359,527)    (342,215)    (324,655)    (301,313) 

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

   26,212     30,850     34,708     34,204     36,271  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tower Cash Flow

  $   1,375,707    $   1,278,077    $   1,198,913    $   1,141,119    $   1,038,294  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tower Cash Flow Margin

   79.9%     79.5%     79.6%     79.7%     79.7%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

For the year

ended December 31,

 
 

 

   

 

 2021    

 

 2020    

 

 2019    

 

 2018    

 

 2017 
  

 

   

 

 (in thousands) 

Site leasing revenue

   $  2,104,087      $  1,954,472      $  1,860,858      $  1,740,434      $  1,623,173   

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

 

 

  (30,117)   

 

  (3,475)   

 

  (12,368)   

 

  (18,643)   

 

  (16,419)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash site leasing revenue

 

 

  2,073,970    

 

  1,950,997    

 

  1,848,490    

 

  1,721,791    

 

  1,606,754   

Site leasing cost of revenues (excluding depreciation, accretion, and amortization)

 

 

  (386,391)   

 

  (373,778)   

 

  (373,951)   

 

  (372,296)   

 

  (359,527)  

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

 

 

  7,766    

 

  13,954    

 

  19,944    

 

  26,212    

 

  30,850   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tower Cash Flow

 $    1,695,345    $    1,591,173    $    1,494,483    $    1,375,707    $    1,278,077   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tower Cash Flow Margin

 

 

  81.7%     

 

  81.6%     

 

  80.8%     

 

  79.9%     

 

  79.5%    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                               

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  A-1


APPENDIX A – GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA, Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Margin

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are useful indicators of the financial performance of our core businesses. The tables below set forth the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Annualized Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin to their most comparable GAAP measurement.

Adjusted EBITDA

 

   

For the year

ended December 31,

 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
    (in thousands) 

Net income (loss)

  $47,451    $103,654    $76,238    $(175,656)   $(24,295) 

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

   (18,643)    (16,419)    (31,650)    (49,064)    (56,867) 

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

   26,212     30,850     34,708     34,204     36,271  

Non-cash compensation

   42,327     38,249     32,915     28,748     22,671  

Loss from extinguishment of debt, net

   14,443 ��   1,961     52,701     783     26,204  

Other (income ) / expense

   85,624     2,418     (94,278)    139,137     (10,628) 

Acquisition related adjustments and expenses

   10,961     12,367     13,140     11,864     7,798  

Asset impairment and decommission costs

   27,134     36,697     30,242     94,783     23,801  

Interest income

   (6,731)    (11,337)    (10,928)    (3,894)    (677) 

Interest expense(1)

   399,146     348,568     352,510     343,025     337,284  

Depreciation, accretion, and amortization

   672,113     643,100     638,189     660,021     627,072  

Provision (benefit) for taxes(2)

   5,035     14,026     12,708     10,827     10,120  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $1,305,072    $1,204,134    $1,106,495    $1,094,777    $998,754  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Oi Reserve(3)

           16,498          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA net of the Oi Reserve

  $   1,305,072    $   1,204,134    $   1,122,993    $   1,094,777    $   998,754  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

For the year

ended December 31,

 
 

 

   

 

 2021    

 

 2020    

 

 2019    

 

 2018    

 

 2017 
  

 

   

 

 (in thousands) 

Net income (loss)

   $  237,624      $  24,047      $  147,284      $  47,451      $  103,654   

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

 

 

  (30,117)   

 

  (3,475)   

 

  (12,368)   

 

  (18,643)   

 

  (16,419)  

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

 

 

  7,766    

 

  13,955    

 

  19,944    

 

  26,212    

 

  30,850     

Non-cash compensation

 

 

  84,402    

 

  68,890    

 

  73,214    

 

  42,327    

 

  38,249   

Loss from extinguishment of debt, net

 

 

  39,502    

 

  19,463    

 

  457    

 

  14,443    

 

  1,961   

Other (income) / expense

 

 

  74,284    

 

  222,159    

 

  (14,053)   

 

  85,624    

 

  2,418   

Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses

 

 

  27,621    

 

  16,582    

 

  15,228    

 

  10,961    

 

  12,367   

Asset impairment and decommission costs

 

 

  33,044    

 

  40,097    

 

  33,103    

 

  27,134    

 

  36,697   

Interest income

 

 

  (3,448)   

 

  (2,981)   

 

  (5,500)   

 

  (6,731)   

 

  (11,337)  

Total interest expense (1)

 

 

  419,593    

 

  412,802    

 

  415,695    

 

  399,146    

 

  348,568   

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

 

 

  700,161    

 

  721,970    

 

  697,078    

 

  672,113    

 

  643,100   

Provision (benefit) for taxes (2)

 

 

  15,847    

 

  (40,895)   

 

  40,548    

 

  5,035    

 

  14,026   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $    1,606,279    $    1,492,614    $    1,410,630    $    1,305,072    $    1,204,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                               

 

 

(1)

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

 

(2)

Provision (benefit) forThese amounts include franchise and gross receipt taxes includes $802, $789, $1,643, $1,766, and $1,485 of franchise taxeswhich are reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

(3)

Oi Reserve represents a bad debt provision related to amounts owed or potentially owed by Oi S.A. as of June 20, 2016, the date Oi S.A. filed a petition for judicial reorganization in Brazil.applicable year.

 

A-2SBA Communications Corporation|  20192022 Proxy Statement


APPENDIX A – GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

 

 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA

 

   For the quarter ended 
   12/31/2018   12/31/2017   12/31/2016   12/31/2015   12/31/2014 
    (in thousands) 

Net income (loss)

  $57,152    $7,660    $5,256    $31,019    $388  

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

   (2,953)    (3,979)    (6,695)    (9,963)    (14,133) 

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

   5,884     7,389     8,097     8,410     8,901  

Non-cash compensation

   10,187     9,355     8,163     6,845     5,440  

Loss from extinguishment of debt, net

           18,189     783     1,124  

Other (income) / expense

   (24,550)    18,636     (2,139)    (39,572)    9,758  

Acquisition related adjustments and expenses

   1,789     5,510     4,167     4,380     (2,930) 

Asset impairment and decommission costs

   4,356     10,789     7,063     20,598     10,247  

Interest income

   (1,760)    (2,689)    (3,224)    (1,610)    (249) 

Total interest expense

   103,601     92,403     84,063     89,561     81,644  

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

   169,454     162,643     158,554     161,461     162,214  

Provision for taxes

   16,105     2,347     5,523     2,411     4,288  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $339,265    $310,064    $287,017    $274,323    $266,692  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA

  $   1,357,060    $   1,240,256    $   1,148,068    $   1,097,292    $   1,066,768  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 For the quarter ended 
 

 

   

 

 12/31/2021    

 

 12/31/2020    

 

 12/31/2019    

 

 12/31/2018    

 

 12/31/2017 
  

 

   

 

 (in thousands) 

Net income

   $  48,902      $  106,185      $  67,556      $  57,152      $  7,660   

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

 

 

  (9,630)   

 

  (152)   

 

  (3,023)   

 

  (2,953)   

 

  (3,979)  

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

 

 

  1,383    

 

  3,053    

 

  4,064    

 

  5,884    

 

  7,389   

Non-cash compensation

 

 

  25,227    

 

  16,975    

 

  12,581    

 

  10,187    

 

  9,355   

Loss from extinguishment of debt, net

 

 

  25,829    

 

  —    

 

  —    

 

  —    

 

  —   

Other (income) / expense

 

 

  24,892    

 

  (77,986)   

 

  (35,349)   

 

  (24,550)   

 

  18,636   

Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses

 

 

  10,095    

 

  4,024    

 

  5,559    

 

  1,789    

 

  5,510   

Asset impairment and decommission costs

 

 

  14,484    

 

  10,994    

 

  9,472    

 

  4,356    

 

  10,789   

Interest income

 

 

  (1,324)   

 

  (641)   

 

  (808)   

 

  (1,760)   

 

  (2,689)  

Total interest expense

 

 

  99,631    

 

  103,195    

 

  105,727    

 

  103,601    

 

  92,403   

Depreciation, accretion and amortization

 

 

  169,895    

 

  180,383    

 

  179,487    

 

  169,454    

 

  162,643   

Provision for taxes

 

 

  (331)   

 

  34,566    

 

  17,127    

 

  16,105    

 

  2,347   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $  409,053    $  380,596    $  362,393    $  339,265    $  310,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA

 $    1,636,212    $    1,522,384    $    1,449,572    $    1,357,060    $    1,240,256   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                               

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Margin

 

   For the quarter ended 
   12/31/2018   12/31/2017   12/31/2016   12/31/2015   12/31/2014 
    (in thousands) 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA

  $1,357,060    $1,240,256    $1,148,068    $1,097,292    $1,066,768  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues for three months ended

   483,849     443,073     416,505     406,941     404,734  

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue for three months ended

   (2,953)    (3,979)    (6,695)    (9,963)    (14,133) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash site leasing revenue for three months ended

   480,896     439,094     409,810     396,978     390,601  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Margin

   70.5%     70.6%     70.0%     69.1%     68.3%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 For the quarter ended 
 

 

   

 

 12/31/2021    

 

 12/31/2020    

 

 12/31/2019    

 

 12/31/2018    

 

 12/31/2017 
  

 

   

 

 (in thousands) 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA

   $    1,636,212      $    1,522,384      $    1,449,572      $    1,357,060      $    1,240,256   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues for three months ended

 

 

  595,262    

 

  535,905    

 

  513,659    

 

  483,849    

 

  443,073   

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue for three months ended

 

 

  (9,630)   

 

  (152)   

 

  (3,023)   

 

  (2,953)   

 

  (3,979)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash site leasing revenue for three months ended

 

 

  585,632    

 

  535,753    

 

  510,636    

 

  480,896    

 

  439,094   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Margin

 

 

  69.8%    

 

  71.0%    

 

  71.0%    

 

  70.5%    

 

  70.6%   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                               

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  A-3


APPENDIX A – GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

 

 

 

Funds From Operations, Adjusted Funds From Operations and Adjusted Funds From Operations per Share

We believe that FFO, AFFO, and AFFO per share provide investors useful indicators of the financial performance of our core business. The tables below set forth the reconciliations of FFO and AFFO to their most comparable GAAP measurement.

 

   

 

 

For the year

ended December 31,

 
   

 

 2021   

 

 2020   

 

 2019   

 

 2018   

 

 2017 
  

For the year

ended December 31,

 
  2018   2017   2016   2015   2014    

 

 (in thousands) 
  (in thousands) 

Net income (loss)

  $    47,451     $103,654     $76,238     $(175,656)    $(24,295)     $  237,624      $  24,047      $  147,284      $  47,451      $  103,654   

Real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion

   668,668      639,219      632,985      653,990      621,208    

 

  696,020    

 

  717,728    

 

  692,718    

 

  668,668    

 

  639,219   

Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures(1)

   1,835      1,640      -      -      -   

Asset impairment and decommission costs(1)

 

 

  33,044    

 

  40,097    

 

  33,103    

 

  27,134    

 

  36,697   

Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures(2)

 

 

  —    

 

  —    

 

  2,365    

 

  1,835    

 

  1,640   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

FFO

  $717,954     $744,513     $709,223     $478,334     $596,913    $  966,688    $  781,872    $  875,470    $  745,088    $  781,210   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Adjustments to FFO:

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash straight-line leasing revenue

   (18,643)     (16,419)     (31,650)     (49,064)     (56,867)   

 

  (30,117)   

 

  (3,475)   

 

  (12,367)   

 

  (18,643)   

 

  (16,419)  

Non-cash straight-line ground lease expense

   26,212      30,850      34,708      34,204      36,271    

 

  7,766    

 

  13,955    

 

  19,943    

 

  26,212    

 

  30,850   

Non-cash compensation

   42,327      38,249      32,915      28,747      22,671    

 

  84,402    

 

  68,890    

 

  73,214    

 

  42,327    

 

  38,249   

Adjustment fornon-cash portion of tax provision(2)

   (15,287)     (3,961)     1,409      2,211      2,705   

Adjustment for non-cash portion of tax provision(3)

 

 

  (8,510)   

 

  (63,188)   

 

  15,936    

 

  (15,287)   

 

  (3,961)  

Non-real estate related depreciation, amortization and accretion

   3,444      3,882      5,204      6,031      5,862    

 

  4,141    

 

  4,242    

 

  4,358    

 

  3,444    

 

  3,882   

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts

   22,929      24,819      23,339      20,659      44,684    

 

  66,674    

 

  44,927    

 

  25,660    

 

  22,929    

 

  24,819   

Interest deemed paid upon conversion of convertible notes

   -      -      -      -      7,537   

Loss from extinguishment of debt, net

   14,443      1,961      52,701      783      26,204    

 

  39,502    

 

  19,463    

 

  457    

 

  14,443    

 

  1,961   

Other (income) expense

   85,624      2,418      (94,278)     139,137      (10,628)   

 

  74,284    

 

  222,159    

 

  (14,052)   

 

  85,624    

 

  2,418   

Acquisition related adjustments and expenses

   10,961      12,367      13,140      11,863      7,798   

Asset impairment and decommission costs

   27,134      36,697      30,242      94,783      23,801   

Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses

 

 

  27,621    

 

  16,582    

 

  15,227    

 

  10,961    

 

  12,367   

Non-discretionary cash capital expenditures

   (34,887)     (35,225)     (32,452)     (33,600)     (27,243)   

 

  (39,389)   

 

  (35,490)   

 

  (34,472)   

 

  (34,887)   

 

  (35,225)  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures(1)

   2,302      349      -      -      -   

Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures(2)

 

 

  —    

 

  —    

 

  3,040    

 

  2,302    

 

  349   
  

 

  

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

AFFO

  $884,513     $840,500     $744,501     $734,088     $679,709    $  1,193,062    $  1,069,937    $  972,414    $  884,513    $  840,500   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Oi Reserve

   -      -      16,498      -      -   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

AFFO net of the Oi Reserve

  $884,513     $840,500     $760,999     $734,088     $679,709   

Weighted average number of common shares(4)

 

 

  111,177    

 

  113,465    

 

  114,694    

 

  116,515    

 

  121,022   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares(3)

   116,515      121,022      125,144      128,918      130,061   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

AFFO per share

  $7.59     $6.95     $5.95     $5.69     $5.23    $  10.74    $  9.43    $  8.48    $  7.59    $  6.95   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

AFFO per share net of the Oi reserve

  $7.59     $6.95     $6.08     $5.69     $5.23   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  
               

 

 

(1)

Prior year amounts have been reclassed to conform to the current year presentation.

(2)

Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures represent (a) with respect to the calculation of FFO, that portion of the joint ventures’ depreciation, amortization and accretion to the extent included in our net income and

 

A-4SBA Communications Corporation|  20192022 Proxy Statement


APPENDIX A – GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

 

 

 our net income and (b) with respect to the calculation of AFFO, that portion of the joint ventures’ straight-line leasing revenue and ground lease expense, other (income) expense and acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses, in each case to the extent included in our net income.

 

(2)(3)

Removes thenon-cash portion of the tax provision for the period specified.

 

(3)(4)

For purposes of the AFFO per share calculation, the basic weighted average number of common shares has been adjusted to include the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units.

Return on Invested Capital

We believe that Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) is useful to investors as a measure of the effectiveness of the use of capital in our operations. The table below sets forth the reconciliation of ROIC.

 

   

 

 For the quarter ended December 31, 
   

 

 2021   

 

 2020   

 

 2019   

 

 2018   

 

 2017 
  For the quarter ended 
  12/31/18     12/31/17   12/31/16   12/31/15   12/31/14    

 

 (in thousands) 
  (in thousands) 

Annualized Adjusted EBITDA

  $   1,357,060      $1,240,256    $1,148,068    $1,097,292    $1,066,768      $  1,636,212      $  1,522,384      $  1,449,572      $  1,357,060      $  1,240,256   

Less: Annualized cash taxes

   (13,868)      (20,348)    (11,440)    (7,764)    (5,164)   

 

  (21,872)   

 

  (18,596)   

 

  (28,712)   

 

  (13,868)   

 

  (20,348)  

Numerator

  $1,343,192      $1,219,908    $1,136,628    $1,089,528    $1,061,604    $  1,614,340    $  1,503,788    $  1,420,860    $  1,343,192    $  1,219,908   
  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Historical Gross Property and Equipment

   6,227,133       5,894,993     5,585,804     5,321,218     4,888,932   

Historical Gross Intangibles

   6,812,456       6,529,683     6,183,879     6,040,459     5,689,793   

Historical Gross Property and Equipment(1)

 

 

  6,997,330    

 

  6,783,826    

 

  6,532,617    

 

  6,227,133    

 

  5,894,993   

Historical Gross Intangibles(1)

 

 

  8,854,284    

 

  7,747,026    

 

  7,528,264    

 

  6,812,456    

 

  6,529,683   

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Denominator

  $13,039,589      $   12,424,676    $   11,769,682    $   11,361,677    $   10,578,724    $    15,851,614    $    14,530,852    $    14,060,881    $    13,039,589    $    12,424,676   
  

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Return on Invested Capital

   10.3%       9.8%     9.7%     9.6%     10.0%    

 

  10.2%     

 

  10.3%     

 

  10.1%     

 

  10.3%     

 

  9.8%   

 

 

(1)

Calculated using historical foreign currency exchange rates in effect at date of investment and excludes any impairment charges

 

SBA Communications Corporation  |  20192022 Proxy  Statement  A-5


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For Against Abstain    
04—Jay L. Johnson**    
**For a term expiring at the 2024 Annual Meeting    
For Against Abstain    For Against Abstain
2. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as SBA’s    3. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of SBA’s
independent registered public accounting firm for the 2022    named executive officers.
fiscal year.    
Note: Such other business as may properly come before the    
Annual Meeting and any postponements or adjournments    
thereof.    
B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below.
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below.    Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.
C 1234567890    J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE
140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
1UPX    538658 MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND+
03LYAC


LOGO

We are actively monitoring the coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic and are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns that our shareholders may have, as well as protocols that federal, state, and local governments may impose. If it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include switching to a virtual meeting format, or changing the time, date or location of the Annual Meeting. Any such change will be announced via a press release, which will be available at our website, www.sbasite.com, under Investor Relations and filed as definitive additional soliciting materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON

MAY 16, 2019

Communications Corporation
Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors for Annual Meeting — May 12, 2022
The undersigned shareholder acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and hereby appoints Steven E. Bernstein and Jeffrey A. Stoops, or either of them, proxies for the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, to vote all of the undersigned’s shares of Class A common stock of SBA Communications Corporation (“SBA”) at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at SBA’s corporate office, 8051 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on Thursday, May 16, 2019,12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournmentspostponement or postponementsadjournment thereof.


PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE ENCLOSED. THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1 AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 2 AND PROPOSAL 3. THIS PROXY WILL REVOKE ALL PRIOR PROXIES SIGNED BY YOU.


In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
(Please SignItems to be voted appear on Reverse Side)

Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)

reverse side)
  FOLD AND DETACH HERE  

The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR the director nominees in Proposal 1, andFOR Proposals 2 and 3. If no specification is made, the shares will be voted in accordance with such Board of Directors’ recommendation.

Please Mark Here for Address Change or Comments  

SEE REVERSE SIDE

1. Election of Director Nominees:3. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of SBA’s named executive officers.
For a three-year term expiring at the 2022 Annual Meeting:FOR        AGAINST        ABSTAIN

1a. Kevin L. Beebe

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

1b. Jack Langer

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

1c. Jeffrey A. Stoops   

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

2. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as SBA’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2019 fiscal year.

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN


Note. Such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any postponements or adjournments thereof.
If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please mark the WILL ATTEND box  WILL ATTEND

Signature

Signature

Date

Signature should agree with name printed hereon. If stock is held in the name of more than one person, EACH joint owner should sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, and attorneys should indicate the capacity in which they sign. Attorneys should submit powers of attorney.

  FOLD AND DETACH HERE

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE PROXY SUBMISSION,

BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

Internet and telephone proxy submission is available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

the day prior to Annual Meeting day.

Your Internet or telephone proxy submission authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

INTERNETORTELEPHONE


If you submit your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.

To submit a proxy by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.


SBA’s proxy statement and annual report are available online at www.edocumentview.com/SBAC.
C Non-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below.