SEC Info - Spectrasite Inc - 10-K405

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		Alternative Formats (RTF, XML, et al.) Business Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Operations Directors and Executive Officers Executive Compensation Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K Index to Financial Statements Legal Proceedings Management s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Market for Registrant s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters Part I Part Ii Part Iii Properties Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks Risk Factors Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management Selected Consolidated Financial Data Signatures Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Table of Contents
1	1st Page
"	Table of Contents
"	Part I
"	Item 1. Business
"	Item 1a. Risk Factors
"	Item 2. Properties
"	Item 3. Legal Proceedings
"	Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
"	Part Ii
"	Item 5. Market for Registrant s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
"	Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
"	Item 7. Management s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
"	Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
"	Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
"	Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
"	Part Iii
"	Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers
"	Item 11. Executive Compensation
"	Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
"	Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
"	Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
"	Index to Financial Statements
"	Consolidated Statements of Operations
"	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
"	Signatures


x	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001


o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to .

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

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

As of February 28, 2002, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $100,628,699 based on the closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on such date.

There were 153,571,078 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2002.

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

Certain statements contained in this report, including information with respect to our future business plans, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those described in this report. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, our business strategy and operations, future expansion plans, future prospects, financial position, anticipated revenues or losses and projected costs, and objectives of management. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Part I, Item 1a. “Risk Factors” and other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and SEC filings.

SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Regency Forest Drive, Suite 400, Cary, North Carolina 27511, and our telephone number at that address is (919) 468-0112. Our World Wide Web site address is http://www.spectrasite.com. The information in our website is not part of this report.

We operate in two business segments, site leasing and network services. For financial information about our business segments, as well as financial information about the geographic areas in which we operate, refer to Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this report.

In this report, “Holdings” refers to SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. and “SpectraSite,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to SpectraSite Holdings, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and all predecessor entities collectively, unless the context requires otherwise. The term “common stock” refers to Holdings’ common stock, par value $.001 per share.

We are one of the largest wireless tower operators in the United States and a leading provider of outsourced network services to the wireless communications and broadcast industries in the United States and Canada. Our businesses include the ownership and leasing of antenna sites on towers, managing in-building and rooftop telecommunications access on commercial real estate, network planning and deployment and construction of towers and related wireless facilities. Our customers are leading wireless service providers, including AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint PCS, Verizon Wireless, VoiceStream and their affiliates, and broadcasters, including Paxson Communications and Pegasus Communications. As of December 31, 2001, we own or manage over 20,000 sites, including 7,925 towers, primarily in the top 100 markets in the United States and with major metropolitan market clusters in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Detroit and Dallas.

The wireless communications industry is growing rapidly and carriers are making large capital investments to expand their networks. We believe that the number of wireless communications sites, including towers, is likely to continue to increase together with the growth in demand for wireless services. This expected growth in communications sites is the result of several factors, including:


	•	the continuing build-out of higher frequency technologies, such as personal communications services, which have a reduced cell range and require a more concentrated network of towers than previous wireless technologies;

	•	the need to expand the capacity of existing networks to accommodate growth in subscribers and minutes of use; and

	•	the emergence of new wireless technologies.

As carriers deploy these networks, they are faced with a proliferation in both the number and type of competitors. Because of this increasingly competitive environment, carriers must also focus on satisfying customer demand for enhanced services, seamless and comprehensive coverage, better call quality, faster data transmission and lower prices.

We believe that as carriers face the increased challenges of expanding their networks and improving their services, they must allocate their available capital and resources in the most efficient manner. In particular, carriers are increasingly outsourcing tower ownership, as well as network planning deployment and management, to independent tower owners like SpectraSite. This outsourcing allows our customers to focus on their core competencies and to rely on us for planning and deploying their networks. Our services are designed to

We are one of the largest independent owners and operators of wireless communications and broadcast towers in the United States and Canada. We provide antenna site leasing services, which primarily involve the leasing of antenna space on our communications and broadcast towers to wireless carriers and broadcasters. In leasing antenna space, we generally receive monthly lease payments from customers. Our wireless customer leases typically have original terms of five to ten years, with four or five renewal periods of five years each, and usually provide for periodic rent increases. Monthly lease pricing varies with the tower location and the number and type of antennas installed on a given site.

The following chart shows the locations of our towers, including 69 broadcast towers, as of December 31, 2001:

On August 25, 2000, we entered into an agreement to acquire leasehold and sub-leasehold interests in approximately 3,900 wireless communications towers from affiliates of SBC Communications (collectively, “SBC”). In addition, we entered into a five-year exclusive build-to-suit agreement with Cingular, an affiliate of SBC, under which we will develop and construct towers for Cingular. On November 14, 2001, we completed an amendment to the SBC acquisition agreements. This amendment reduces the maximum number of towers that we will lease or sublease by 300 towers, from 3,900 in the original agreement to 3,600 towers in the agreement as amended. From the initial closing on December 14, 2000 through a closing on February 25, 2002, we leased or subleased a total of 2,706 towers (2,665 of which were acquired during 2000

In November 2001, we announced that we would reduce our planned new tower acquisition and construction programs for 2002. We expect to construct between 300 and 350 new towers during 2002, primarily for Cingular.

We are a leading provider of in-building neutral host distributed antenna systems serving telecommunications carriers in the United States. We have the exclusive rights to provide in-building systems in over 300 retail shopping malls, casino/hotel resorts and office buildings in the United States, including, the MGM-Mirage and Park Place Entertainment properties in Las Vegas, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and Trump Properties in Atlantic City, and the nationwide retail mall portfolios of Rouse, Simon, Taubman and Westfield.

For property owners, a neutral host in-building system can boost the value of the property and give the property a competitive advantage in attracting tenants and guests by offering improved cellular coverage and enhanced mobile quality. For communications carriers, a neutral host in-building system provides its subscribers enhanced quality and better coverage in particular locations and gives the carriers the opportunity to offload traffic from the area network to the in-building system once a subscriber enters the building. Our in-building systems can accommodate the full spectrum of wireless service providers, including personal communications service, cellular, enhanced specialized mobile radio, specialized mobile radio, wireless data, paging and virtual private networks. Supplementing and connecting to our in-building system, patch antennas can be mounted on the sides of buildings to focus coverage on street and sidewalk traffic, which addresses the common problem of urban canyons found in densely developed areas such as midtown and downtown Manhattan.

Our leases with property owners for the rights to install and operate the in-building systems are generally for an initial period of ten years. Some of these leases contain automatic extension provisions and continue after the initial period unless terminated by SpectraSite. Under these leases, we are the exclusive operator of in-building neutral host distributed antenna systems for the term of the lease. We are also responsible for marketing the property as part of our portfolio of telecommunications sites and for installing, operating and maintaining the distributed antenna system at the properties. We grant rights to communications carriers to attach their equipment to our in-building system for a fee under licenses with the carriers that typically have an initial term of ten years. We typically share a portion of the collected fees with the property owners.

We also provide rooftop services to telecommunications service providers in the United States. We are the exclusive site manager for over 12,400 real estate properties, with significant access clusters in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore/ Washington, Atlanta, New England, Florida, Western Pennsylvania/ Ohio/ Indiana, Chicago, Seattle, Southern California, Texas and St. Louis. Wireless service providers utilize our managed rooftop sites as transmitting locations, often where there are no existing towers for co-location or where new towers are difficult to build. Our transmitting tenants encompass a broad array of wireless service providers, including personal communications service, cellular, enhanced specialized mobile radio, specialized mobile radio, wireless data, two-way radio, microwave, wireless cable and paging companies. We provide services to the facilities-based (wired and wireless) competitive local exchange carrier and Internet service provider market, including Cogent Communications Group and Yipes Communications. These access agreements are, to date, predominantly for office and industrial properties.

Our rooftop management contracts are generally for an initial period of three to five years. These contracts contain automatic extension provisions and continue after the initial period unless terminated by either party. Under these contracts, we are engaged as the exclusive site manager for rooftop management. In many cases, we are also engaged as the exclusive manager for riser and telecommunications access management. As the site manager, we are responsible for marketing the properties as part of our portfolio of potential telecommunications sites, reviewing existing license agreements, negotiating new license agreements,

managing and enforcing those agreements, supervising installation of equipment by carriers to ensure, among other things, non-interference with other users, as well as site billing, collections and contract administration. For these services, we receive a percentage of occupancy fees. Upon any termination of a management contract with a building owner, unless due to our default, we are entitled to continue to receive our percentage with respect to carriers added during the term of our management agreement for so long as they remain tenants.

We are a leading provider of design and deployment services for wireless networks. These services include architectural and engineering design, tower construction, line and antenna installation and site acquisition services. We offer these services individually and as an integrated package. We believe that we have a competitive advantage in our ability to provide comprehensive network development services by eliminating our customers’ need to seek services from different providers.

In providing these network design and deployment services, we have developed the capability to effectively manage multiple site acquisition and tower development projects in various locations at the same time. Where appropriate, we supplement our in-house expertise with a pre-qualified pool of local contractors and advisors. In addition, we have developed detailed and standardized site acquisition and construction specifications and procedures that allow us to rapidly construct tower networks. Wireless carriers can require aggressive network build-out schedules, and uniform procedures and specifications allow for reduced employee training time, improved vendor performance and quicker identification of potential tower sites.

Tower Construction. Our engineering, general contracting, electrical, structural steel and other specialty licenses allow us to perform services required to design, develop and construct communications towers. Our ability to perform civil and electrical engineering as well as tower construction enables us to expedite and simplify this phase of development by minimizing the need to subcontract.

During tower construction, a project team of five to seven people is dispatched to the site. A temporary field office is established at the site. The project team is typically composed of our permanent employees, but may be supplemented with local hires.

We use our information technology abilities to create construction models, development budgets, critical path schedules and status reports covering schedules and costs throughout the course of a project. Our civil engineering capability allows us to prepare the construction site by leveling the land, removing vegetation and installing access roads as needed. Based on the results of soil tests that we conduct at each site, we design and build the tower foundation. After the foundation is in place, we erect the tower. We utilize our structural engineering capability by constructing a tower designed for maximum antenna capacity.

Line and Antenna Installation. After erecting the tower and placing the equipment shelter, we install the antennas and feed lines. Depending on the project, electricity is installed either during the erection process to conform with the FAA lighting requirements or after the tower has been constructed. Our technical crews are regularly trained in cellular, microwave, fiber optic and direct current power plant system installation and testing methods. We are also a leader in designing and implementing in-building wireless systems, as well as a broad range of cellular and personal communications services repeater systems. Our test equipment and dedicated radio frequency testing teams allow us to monitor and maintain system integrity and quality control.

We also offer the ability to construct the switch facility that controls an antenna’s communications with other communications sites. Although switch construction is not performed at every project site, it is an additional specialty service we provide.

After constructing the tower, placing the equipment shelter and completing the antenna work, we install grounding lines and protective fencing around the site. We then perform final grounding and landscaping as necessary to complete the project.

Architectural and Engineering Design. Our architecture and engineering team manages a complex array of electrical, structural and architectural elements while interfacing with our clients and construction crews to ensure that site-specific objectives are reflected in construction documents.

Our structural engineering and design abilities enable us to construct towers that have maximum antenna site capacity based on the physical features of the land on which the tower is constructed and the demand in the market in which the tower is located. We seek to design aesthetically acceptable sites and construct towers with minimal environmental impact. Our custom structure design abilities combined with our engineering skills also allow us to build towers in geographically difficult locations at competitive prices. We believe that this specialty service will enable us to compete effectively in regions in which other companies are not able to participate on a cost-efficient basis.

Site Acquisition Services. We offer a full range of communications site acquisition services, including network pre-design, site selection, site acquisition and local zoning and permitting. We offer these services through independent local contractors who have knowledge and expertise in the specific geographic area.

We are a leading provider of broadcast tower analysis, design, fabrication, installation, and technical services. We have over 50 years of experience in the broadcast tower industry and have worked on the development of more than 700 broadcast towers, which we believe represent approximately 50% of the existing broadcast tower infrastructure in the United States. Our broadcast tower group extends our core business of outsourced wireless antenna sites to broadcast towers.

In 1996, the FCC mandated the conversion of analog television signals to digital. In general, the mandate provides that by May 1, 2002, each commercial television station in the United States must complete construction of new digital broadcasting facilities. (Non-commercial stations have been given until May 1, 2003, to complete digital construction.) By April 21, 2003, all television stations must be simulcasting at least 50% of their programming on both their analog and digital facilities and must convert to 100% simulcasting within two years. The simulcasting transition is scheduled to end in 2006, when television broadcasters will be required to terminate analog service, unless that date has been extended based on satisfaction of statutory standards demonstrating that significant portions of the viewing public do not have the ability to receive digital television signals. Although these deadlines have resulted from past extensions by the FCC of previous deadlines, various broadcasters have requested that the FCC further extend the current conversion deadlines. The FCC recently declined to issue a blanket extension of the current deadlines, and instead agreed to consider extension requests by particular broadcasters on a case-by-case basis. The FCC also made it easier for broadcasters to qualify for such extensions. We believe that, although the planned conversion to digital might continue to be delayed indefinitely through FCC extensions or the failure of various broadcasters to complete the conversion in accordance with the established deadlines, if and when the conversion occurs it will create significant potential for increased demand for co-location on broadcast towers and related services.

Broadcast towers require a high level of technical design and erection expertise, as they reach heights of up to 2,000 feet. The existing domestic broadcast tower infrastructure was generally developed to accommodate individual broadcast signals. This broadcast tower infrastructure was built primarily in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Today, it is considered to be at capacity and somewhat antiquated. The FCC mandate requiring the conversion of analog to digital broadcast signals potentially creates significant infrastructure deployment requirements for the broadcast community in the United States. In addition, the engineering and construction expertise for broadcast towers is limited to a relatively small number of fabrication and construction companies that specialize in broadcast towers.

Our primary customers currently are Nextel, Cingular and Sprint PCS, which represented approximately 20%, 10% and 7% of our revenues, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2001. Our other customers include several of the largest wireless service providers in the United States, including AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless and VoiceStream. We also have provided services to enhanced specialized mobile radio,

specialized mobile radio and cellular wireless providers. For the year ended December 31, 2000, Nextel and Sprint PCS accounted for 25% and 12% of our revenues, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 1999, Nextel accounted for 35% of our revenues. Affiliates of Nextel and Cingular are two of our significant shareholders.

We believe that our ability to satisfy a wide range of our customers’ network deployment requirements make us a preferred provider of all outsourced antenna site and network services. Our sales and marketing goals are to:


	•	use existing relationships and develop new relationships with wireless service providers to lease antenna space on our owned and managed communication sites; and

	•	form affiliations with select communications system vendors who utilize end-to-end services, including those provided by SpectraSite, which will enable us to market our services and products through additional channels of distribution.

Historically, we have capitalized on the strength of our experience, performance and relationships with wireless service providers to obtain build-to-suit projects, and we intend to continue to emphasize our capability in these areas in selling our broad range of services.

Maintaining and cultivating relationships with wireless service providers is a main focus of senior management. In addition, we have a dedicated group of representatives focused on sales efforts and establishing relationships with wireless service providers. The representatives are assigned specific accounts based on historical experience with a provider and the quality of the relationship between the SpectraSite representative and such provider. Most wireless service providers have national corporate headquarters with regional offices. We believe that most decisions for site acquisition and site leasing services are made by providers at the regional level with input from their corporate headquarters. Our sales representatives work with provider representatives at the local level and, when appropriate, at the national level. Our sales staff compensation is heavily weighted to incentive-based goals and measurements. In addition to our dedicated marketing and sales staff, we rely upon our executive and operations personnel at the national and field office levels to identify sales opportunities within existing customer accounts, as well as acquisition opportunities.

Our principal competitors include American Tower Corp., Crown Castle International Corp., Pinnacle Holdings, Inc., SBA Communications Corp., Sprint Sites USA, numerous independent tower operators and the owners of non-tower antenna sites, including rooftops, water towers and other alternate structures. Wireless service providers, such as AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS, own and operate their own tower networks and lease (or may in the future decide to lease) antenna sites to other providers. We compete principally on the basis of tower location and capacity, price, quality of service and density of service within geographic market.

The emergence of new technologies that do not require ground-based antenna sites and that can be substituted for those that do, could have a negative impact on our operations. The growth in delivery of video, voice and data services by satellites, which allow communication directly to users’ terminals without the use of ground-based facilities, could lessen demand for our services. Low earth orbit satellite systems provide mobile voice and data services to consumers, as well as to government and defense industry customers. Other geostationary orbit satellite systems provide television and Internet access services directly to home and small office users. Moreover, the FCC has issued licenses for several additional satellite systems (including low earth orbit systems) that are intended to provide more advanced, high speed data services directly to consumers. Although these systems are highly capital-intensive, the existing ones currently, and along with future systems will more increasingly, compete with land-based wireless communications systems, thereby reducing the demand for the infrastructure services we provide.

Besides expanding the use of systems that do not require ground-based antenna systems, technological developments are also making it possible for carriers to expand their use of existing facilities to expanded service without additional tower facilities. The increased use by carriers of signal combining and related technologies, which allow two or more carriers to provide services on different transmission frequencies using the communications antenna and other facilities normally used by only one carrier, could reduce the demand for tower-based broadcast transmissions and antenna space. In addition to sharing transmitters, carriers are, through joint ventures and other arrangements (such as Cingular’s recently announced infrastructure joint ventures with VoiceStream and AT&T Wireless), sharing (or considering the sharing of) telecommunications infrastructure in ways that might adversely impact the growth of our business.

In addition, wireless service providers frequently enter into agreements with competitors allowing them to utilize one another’s wireless communications facilities to accommodate customers who are out of range of their home providers’ services. These roaming agreements may be viewed by wireless service providers as a superior alternative to leasing space for their own antennas on communications sites we own.

As of December 31, 2001, SpectraSite had 2,284 employees, none of whom are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good. Due to the nature of the site construction business, we may experience fluctuations in the number of our employees as site construction contracts are entered into or completed.

During 2001 we ceased development efforts in Europe and Mexico. Our primary focus is on operations in the United States and Canada.

Both the FCC and the FAA regulate towers used for communications transmitters and receivers. These regulations control the siting, marking and lighting of towers and generally, based on the characteristics of the tower, require registration of tower facilities with the FCC. Wireless and broadcast communications antennas operating on towers are separately regulated and independently authorized by the FCC based upon the particular frequency being used and the service provided. In addition to these regulations, SpectraSite must comply with certain environmental laws and regulations.

Under the requirements of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, the FCC, in conjunction with the FAA, has developed standards to consider proposals for new or modified antenna structures. These standards mandate that the FCC and the FAA consider the height of the proposed antenna structure, the relationship of the structure to existing natural or man-made obstructions and the proximity of the structure to runways and airports. Proposals to construct new communications sites or modify existing communications sites that could affect air traffic must be filed with and reviewed by the FAA to ensure the proposals will not present a hazard to aviation. The FAA may condition its issuance of no-hazard determinations upon compliance with specified lighting and marking requirements. The FCC will not authorize the operation of communications antennas on towers unless the tower has been registered with the FCC or a determination has been made that such registration is not necessary. The FCC will not register a tower unless it has received all necessary clearances from the FAA. The FCC also enforces special lighting and marking requirements. Owners of towers on which communications antennas are located have an obligation to maintain marking and lighting to conform to FCC standards. Tower owners also bear the responsibility of notifying the FAA of any tower lighting failures. We generally outsource the monitoring of the lighting of our towers to contractors that specialize in those services. However, under the FCC’s rules, we remain fully liable for the acts and omissions of those contractors. We generally indemnify our customers against any failure to comply with applicable standards. Failure to comply with the applicable requirements (including as a result of acts or omissions of our

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 amended the Communications Act of 1934 by limiting state and local zoning authorities’ jurisdiction over the construction, modification and placement of wireless communications towers. The law preserves local zoning authority but prohibits any action that would discriminate between different providers of wireless services or ban altogether the construction, modification or placement of communications towers. It also prohibits state or local restrictions based on the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent the facilities comply with the FCC regulations. The 1996 Act also requires the federal government to help licensees of wireless communications services gain access to preferred sites for their facilities. This may require that federal agencies and departments work directly with licensees to make federal property available for tower facilities.

In October 2000, the FCC adopted rules and policies related to telecommunications service providers’ access to rooftops, other rights-of-way and conduits in multi-tenant buildings. The FCC prohibited telecommunications carriers in commercial settings from entering into new exclusive contracts with building owners, including contracts that effectively restrict premises owners or their agents from permitting access to other telecommunications service providers. The FCC also established procedures to ensure that the demarcation point in buildings, which marks the end of the incumbent local exchange carrier’s control over on-premises wiring and the beginning of the customer’s or building owner’s control, will, at the premises owner’s request, be at the “minimum point of entry” to the structure rather than further inside the premises. In addition, the FCC determined that, under the Communications Act, utilities, including local exchange carriers, will be required to afford telecommunications carriers and cable service providers reasonable and nondiscriminatory access to conduits and rights-of-way in customer buildings, to the extent such conduits and rights-of-way are owned or controlled by the utility. Finally, the FCC amended its existing rules to give building tenants the same ability to place on their leased or owned property small satellite dishes for receiving telecommunications and other fixed wireless signals that they currently have for receiving video services.

In the same October 2000 action, the FCC sought comment on a number of related issues, including whether the prohibition on exclusive contracts should be extended to residential buildings; whether it should be broadened to prohibit preferences other than exclusive access, such as exclusive marketing or landlord bonuses for tenants; whether the FCC should prohibit carriers from enforcing exclusive access provisions in existing contracts for commercial or residential multi-tenant buildings; and whether the agency has authority to prohibit local exchange carriers from providing services to multi-tenant buildings where the owners maintain policies unreasonably preventing competing carriers from gaining access to potential customers within the building. Federal legislation addressing the building access issue had also been pending before the FCC action was adopted. We cannot predict with certainty whether, and if so, when, the FCC’s proposals or any related legislative initiatives will be adopted, and, if they are, the effect they will have on our business.

Most states regulate certain aspects of real estate acquisition and leasing activities. Where required, SpectraSite outsources site acquisition to licensed real estate brokers or agents. Local regulations and restrictions include building codes and other local ordinances, zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by community developers. These regulations and restrictions vary greatly, but typically require tower owners to obtain a permit or other approval from local officials or community standards organizations prior to tower construction and prior to modifications of towers, including installation of equipment for new customers. Local zoning authorities generally have been hostile to construction of new transmission towers in their communities because of the height and visibility of the towers. Companies owning or seeking to build or modify towers have encountered an array of obstacles arising from state and local regulation of tower site construction and modification, including environmental assessments, fall radius assessments, marking and lighting requirements, and concerns with interference with other electronic devices. The delays resulting from the administration of such restrictions can last for several months and, when appeals are involved, can take several years.

Owners and operators of communications towers are subject to environmental laws. The FCC’s decision to register a proposed tower may be subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of their decisions under certain circumstances. The FCC has issued regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act as well as the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. These regulations place responsibility on each applicant to investigate potential environmental and other effects of operations and to disclose any significant effects in an environmental assessment prior to constructing a tower or co-locating a new tenant on a tower. In the event the FCC determines that a proposed tower would have a significant environmental impact based on the standards the FCC has developed, the FCC would be required to prepare an environmental impact statement. In addition, various environmental groups routinely petition the FCC to deny applications to register new towers. This regulatory process can be costly and could significantly delay the registration of a particular tower. In addition, we are subject to environmental laws which may require investigation and clean-up of any contamination at facilities we own or operate or at third-party waste disposal sites. These laws could impose liability even if we did not know of, or were not responsible for, the contamination. Although we believe that we currently have no material liability under applicable environmental laws, the costs of complying with existing or future environmental laws, responding to petitions filed by environmental protection groups, investigating and remediating any contaminated real property and resolving any related liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other statements we make or our representatives make from time to time. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this report.

We are, and will continue to be, highly leveraged. As of December 31, 2001, we had total consolidated indebtedness of approximately $2.3 billion. Our high level of indebtedness could interfere with our ability to grow. For example, it could:


	•	increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

	•	limit our ability to obtain additional financing;

	•	require the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness;

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

	•	place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to less leveraged competitors.

Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to pay the principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness is uncertain. In particular, we may not meet our anticipated revenue growth and operating expense targets, and, as a result, our future debt service obligations could exceed cash available to us. Further, we may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

We currently anticipate that, in order to pay the principal of our outstanding indebtedness, or to redeem or repurchase such indebtedness upon a change of control, as defined in the instruments governing our

indebtedness, we will be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as refinancing our indebtedness or selling our equity securities or the equity securities or assets of our subsidiaries. We continuously evaluate our capital structure in light of our capital needs and market conditions and from time to time consider transactions to raise additional capital, reduce or refinance our indebtedness or otherwise alter our existing capital structure. These transactions often include the possibility of issuing additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into shares of common stock, which would dilute our existing stockholders. No assurances can be given that any particular transaction will be completed nor can any prediction or assurance be made regarding the possible impact of future transactions on our business, results or capitalization. We cannot assure you that we could effect any of the foregoing alternatives on terms satisfactory to us, that any of the foregoing alternatives would enable us to pay the principal of our indebtedness or that any of such alternatives would be permitted by the terms of our credit facility and other indebtedness then in effect.

We incurred net losses of $654.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. We have not achieved profitability and expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future.

Over time, we will continue to require significant capital expenditures for the construction and acquisition of communication sites. We have agreed to acquire 894 towers from SBC from April 2003 to January 2004 and have agreed to build towers for Cingular, an affiliate of SBC, over the next four years. Under our build-to-suit agreement with Cingular, we will be required to construct new towers in locations to be determined by Cingular. These towers may have limited appeal to other providers of wireless communications services, which may limit our opportunities to attract additional tenants, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We had cash and cash equivalents of $31.5 million at December 31, 2001. We also had $695.0 million outstanding under our credit facility at that date. The remaining $605.0 million under the credit facility was undrawn. Our ability to borrow under the credit facility is limited by the financial covenants regarding the total debt to EBITDA and interest and fixed charge coverage ratios of SpectraSite Communications and its subsidiaries. Under the terms of the credit facility, we could draw approximately $142 million in additional borrowings as of December 31, 2001 while remaining in compliance with these covenants. Additional borrowing within these covenants will become available as our pro forma cash flow increases. We may need additional sources of debt or equity capital in the future. Additional financing may not be available or may be restricted by the terms of our credit facility and the terms of our other outstanding indebtedness. Additional sales of equity securities will dilute our existing stockholders.

Holdings is a holding company with no business operations of its own. Holdings’ only significant asset is and will be outstanding capital stock of its subsidiaries. Holdings conducts all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. Accordingly, Holdings’ only source of cash to pay interest on, and the principal of, its outstanding indebtedness is distributions with respect to its ownership interest in its subsidiaries from the earnings and cash flow generated by those subsidiaries. We currently expect that Holdings’ subsidiaries will retain and use available earnings and cash flow to support their operations, including to service their respective debt obligations. We cannot assure you that the subsidiaries will generate sufficient earnings and cash flow to pay dividends or distributions to Holdings or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including negative covenants contained in the debt instruments of Holdings’ subsidiaries, will permit such dividends or distributions.

Our credit facility prohibits, subject to certain limited exceptions, dividends or other distributions by Holdings’ subsidiaries to Holdings. However, the credit facility permits distributions to Holdings in an amount sufficient to pay scheduled interest payments on Holdings’ outstanding indebtedness, so long as no default

under the credit facility then exists or would exist after giving effect to such payment, including under the financial covenants set forth in the credit facility. If Holdings’ subsidiaries are unable to make distributions to Holdings, we will have to pursue other alternatives to make the scheduled interest payments on Holdings’ indebtedness, which may include refinancing the credit facility or seeking other sources of debt or equity capital. We cannot assure you that we would be able to secure sources of capital on terms acceptable to us or at all.

Our business depends on demand for communications sites from wireless service providers, which, in turn, depends on the demand for wireless services. A reduction in demand for communications sites or increased competition for co-location tenants could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In particular, the success of our business requires us to secure co-location tenants, and securing co-location tenants depends upon the demand for communications sites from a variety of service providers in a particular market. The extent to which wireless service providers lease communications sites on our towers depends on, among other things, the level of demand by consumers for wireless services, the financial condition and access to capital of those providers, the strategy of providers with respect to owning, leasing or sharing communications sites, available spectrum and related infrastructure, consolidation among our customers and potential customers, government regulation of communications licenses, changes in telecommunications regulations, the characteristics of each company’s technology, and geographic terrain. There can be no assurance that the demand for communications sites will not decrease significantly or fail to grow from current levels, which decrease or failure to grow could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Various wireless service providers, which are our primary existing and potential customers, could enter into mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures with each other over the next few years. Such consolidation in the wireless industry could have a negative impact on the demand for our services. Recent regulatory developments have made such consolidation in the wireless industry easier and more likely. Until recently, cellular and PCS providers were subject to a spectrum aggregation cap of 45 MHz in any geographic area. This rule limited the ability of wireless carriers to consolidate. In November 2001, the FCC raised this limit to 55 MHz. On January 2, 2003, the spectrum cap will be eliminated completely in favor of a case-by-case review of spectrum transactions. The FCC also lifted, for major metropolitan areas, a previous rule limiting the ownership by a single entity of interests in both cellular carriers in an overlapping cellular service area. It is possible that at least some wireless service providers may take advantage of this relaxation of spectrum and ownership limitations and consolidate their businesses. There can be no assurance that such consolidation will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

It is expected that additional spectrum for the provision of wireless services will be made available over the next few years. For example, the FCC is required to make available for commercial use a portion of the frequency spectrum currently reserved for government use. Some portion of this spectrum may be used to create new land-mobile services or to expand existing offerings. Further, the FCC has auctioned or announced plans to auction large blocks of spectrum that will in the future be used to expand existing wireless networks and create new or advanced wireless services. This additional spectrum could be used to replace existing spectrum, and could be deployed in a manner that reduces the need for the communications towers to transmit signals over existing spectrum. There can be no assurance that such increased spectrum will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Nextel and Cingular account for a significant portion of our total revenues. Nextel and Cingular represented approximately 20% and 10%, respectively, of our revenues for 2001. If Nextel or Cingular were to

suffer financial difficulties or if Nextel or Cingular were unwilling or unable to perform its obligations under its arrangements with us, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

If we are unable to successfully compete, our business will suffer. We believe that tower location and capacity, price, quality of service and density within a geographic market historically have been, and will continue to be, the most significant competitive factors affecting the site leasing business. We compete for site leasing tenants with:


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

	•	other independent tower operators;

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

	•	owners of non-tower antenna sites, including rooftops, water towers and other alternate structures.

Wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers generally are substantially larger and have substantially greater financial resources than we do. For example, AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS own and operate their own tower networks.

We compete for acquisition, new tower construction and network development opportunities primarily with other independent tower companies and site construction firms. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do.

Most types of wireless and broadcast services currently require ground-based network facilities, including communications sites for transmission and reception. The development and growth of communications technologies that do not require ground-based sites could reduce the demand for space on our towers, as could certain other alternatives.

In particular, the emergence of new technologies that do not require ground-based antenna sites and that can be substituted for those that do, could have a negative impact on our operations. The growth in delivery of video, voice and data services by satellites, which allow communication directly to users’ terminals without the use of ground-based facilities, could lessen demand for our services. Low earth orbit satellite systems provide mobile voice and data services to consumers, as well as to government and defense industry customers. Other geostationary orbit satellite systems provide television and Internet access services directly to home and small office users. Moreover, the FCC has issued licenses for several additional satellite systems (including low earth orbit systems) that are intended to provide more advanced, high speed data services directly to consumers. Although these systems are highly capital-intensive, the existing ones currently, and along with future systems will more increasingly, compete with land-based wireless communications systems, thereby reducing the demand for the infrastructure services we provide.

Any of the conditions and developments described above could reduce demand for ground-based antenna sites and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our business depends on our ability to construct or modify towers and add new customers as they expand their tower network infrastructure. Regulatory and other barriers could adversely affect our ability to construct or modify towers in accordance with the requirements of our customers, and, as a result, we may be subject to penalties and forfeiture provisions under our anchor tenant leases. Our ability to construct new towers may be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including zoning and local permitting requirements, FAA considerations, FCC tower registration procedures, availability of tower components and construction equipment, availability of skilled construction personnel, weather conditions and environmental compliance issues. These same factors could affect our ability to modify our towers, including installation of equipment for new customers. In addition, because the concern over tower proliferation has grown in recent years, many communities now restrict new tower construction and modifications or delay granting permits required for construction or co-location.

We may not be able to overcome the barriers to new construction or modification, and we may not complete the number of towers planned for construction or modification. Our failure to complete the necessary construction or modification could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Acquiring additional tower assets and complementary businesses has been an integral part of our business strategy. We may not be able to realize the expected benefits of past or future acquisitions. Although we conduct a thorough due diligence investigation in connection with each acquisition, unexpected problems may be discovered only after an acquisition is made and our recourse against the seller in such cases may be unavailable or inadequate. In addition, the process of integrating acquired operations into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties, divert managerial attention or require significant financial resources. We have agreed to complete the sublease of 894 towers from SBC during the period beginning April 2003 and ending January 2004. These subleases and other future acquisitions will require us to incur additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Affiliates of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe own approximately 34 million shares, or 21.9%, of our common stock as of December 31, 2001. In addition, Welsh, Carson and certain of our other stockholders have a right to board representation under a stockholders’ agreement. As a result, Welsh, Carson is able to exert significant influence over the management and policies of SpectraSite. Welsh, Carson and the other parties to the stockholders’ agreement may have interests that are different from yours.

Our future success depends to a significant extent on the continued services of our Chief Executive Officer, Stephen H. Clark, our Chief Operating Officer, Timothy G. Biltz, our Chief Financial Officer, David P. Tomick, our Executive Vice President — Wireless Tower Group, Richard J. Byrne and our Executive Vice President — Construction Operations, Calvin J. Payne. Although each of these officers has an employment agreement with Holdings, the loss of any of these key employees would likely have a significantly detrimental effect on our business.

Our operations require compliance with and approval from federal, state and local regulatory authorities.

We are subject to a variety of regulations, including those at the federal, state and local levels. Both the FCC and the FAA regulate towers and other sites used for wireless communications transmitters and receivers. These regulations control the siting, marking, and lighting of towers and generally, based on the characteristics of the tower, require registration of tower facilities with the FCC. Wireless and broadcast communications antennas operating on towers are separately regulated and independently authorized by the FCC based upon the particular frequency used and the services provided. Any proposals to construct new communications sites or modify existing communications sites that could affect air traffic must be filed with and reviewed by the FAA to ensure that the proposals will not present a hazard to aviation. Tower owners may have an obligation to mark their towers or install lighting to conform to FCC and FAA standards and to maintain such marking or lighting. Tower owners also bear the responsibility for notifying the FAA of any tower lighting failure. We generally outsource the monitoring of the lighting of our towers to contractors that specialize in those services. However, under the FCC’s rules, we remain fully liable for the acts or omissions of our contractors. We generally indemnify our customers against any failure by us to comply with applicable standards. Failure to comply with applicable requirements (including as a result of acts or omissions of our contractors, which may be beyond our control) may lead to monetary forfeitures or other enforcement action, as well as civil penalties, contractual liability and/or tort liability, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business.

Local regulations and restrictions include building codes and other local ordinances, zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by community developers. These regulations and restrictions vary greatly, but typically require tower owners to obtain a permit or other approval from local officials or community standards organizations prior to tower construction and prior to modifications of towers, including installation of equipment for new customers. Local regulations can delay or prevent new tower construction or modifications, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customers’ demands. In addition, these regulations increase the costs associated with new tower construction and modifications. Existing regulatory policies may adversely affect the timing or cost of new tower construction and modification, and additional regulations may be adopted that will increase these delays or result in additional costs to us. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and on our ability to implement or achieve our business objectives.

We also have operations in Canada. As a result, we are subject to regulation in Canada. In addition, our customers are also subject to regulation and may become subject to new regulatory policies which may adversely affect the demand for communications sites.

We generally lease or sublease the land under our towers and may not be able to maintain these leases.

Our real property interests relating to towers primarily consist of leasehold and sub-leasehold interests, private easements and licenses and easements and rights-of-way granted by governmental entities. A loss of these interests, including losses arising from the bankruptcy of one or more of our significant lessors or from the default by one or more of our lessors under their mortgage financing, would interfere with our ability to conduct our business and generate revenues. Our ability to protect our rights against persons claiming superior rights in towers depends on our ability to:


	•	recover under title policies, the policy limits of which may be less than the purchase price of a particular tower;

	•	in the absence of title insurance coverage, recover under title warranties given by tower sellers, which warranties often terminate after the expiration of a specific period, typically one to three years;

	•	recover from landlords under title covenants contained in lease agreements; and

	•	obtain so-called “non-disturbance agreements” from mortgagees and superior lessors of the land under our towers.

Our inability to protect our rights to the land under our towers could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to environmental laws that impose liability without regard to fault.

Our operations are subject to federal, state, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations regarding the use, storage, disposal, emission, release and remediation of hazardous and nonhazardous substances, materials or wastes. Under these laws, we could be held strictly, as well as jointly and severally, liable for the investigation and remediation of hazardous substance contamination at our facilities or at third-party waste disposal sites and also could be held liable for any personal or property damage related to such contamination. These laws could impose liability even if we did not know of, or were not responsible for, the contamination. Although we believe that we currently have no material liability under applicable environmental laws, the costs of complying with existing or future environmental laws, responding to petitions filed by environmental protection groups, investigating and remediating any contaminated real property and resolving any related liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The FCC requires tower owners who are subject to the agency’s antenna structure registration program to comply at the time of registration with federal environmental rules that may restrict the siting of towers. Under these rules, tower owners are required initially to identify whether proposed sites are in environmentally sensitive locations. If so, the tower owner must prepare and file an environmental assessment, which must be reviewed by the FCC staff prior to registration and construction of the particular tower. Moreover,

environmental protection groups routinely petition the FCC to delay applications for new towers. The preparation of such a registration filing and any response to petitions filed by environmental protection groups could be time consuming and costly, and might therefore adversely affect the timing and cost of new tower construction. In the event the FCC determines that a proposed tower would have a significant environmental impact based on the standards the FCC has developed, the FCC would be required to prepare an environmental impact statement. This regulatory process could also significantly delay the registration of a particular tower.

Our towers are subject to risks associated with natural disasters such as ice and wind storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes as well as other unforeseen damage. We self-insure almost all of our towers against such risks. A tower accident for which we are uninsured or underinsured, or damage to a tower or group of towers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Perceived health risks of radio frequency emissions could impact our business.

The wireless service providers that utilize our sites are subject to FCC requirements and other guidelines relating to radio frequency emissions. FCC safety guidelines apply to all emitters of radio frequency emissions, including cellular and personal communications service hand-held telephones that were authorized by the FCC after August 1, 1996. The safety guidelines for radio frequency emissions from our sites require us to undertake safety measures to protect workers whose activities bring them into proximity with the emitters and to restrict access to our sites by others. If radio frequency emissions were found harmful, our tenants and possibly we could face lawsuits claiming damages from such emissions, and demand for wireless services and new towers, and thus our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Although we have not been subject to any claims relating to radio frequency emissions, we cannot assure you that these claims will not arise in the future.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, our credit facility and the terms of our outstanding indebtedness restrict our ability to pay dividends. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then-existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that the board of directors considers relevant. Furthermore, because Holdings is a holding company, it depends on the cash flow of its subsidiaries, and SpectraSite Communications’ credit facility imposes restrictions on Holdings’ subsidiaries’ ability to distribute cash to Holdings.

Our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “SITE” since September 3, 1999. The market price of our common stock has been and can be expected to be significantly affected by:


	•	quarterly variations in our operating results;

	•	operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;

	•	changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;

	•	changes in market valuations of other communications tower companies;


	•	announcements of technological innovations or new services by us, our current and potential competitors or our current and potential customers;

	•	announcements of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us, our current and potential competitors or our current and potential customers;

	•	additions or departures of key personnel;

	•	future sales of equity and debt securities or other changes to our capitalization; and

	•	stock market price and volume fluctuations.

In addition, the stock market in general and our market sector in particular have experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.

The market price of our common stock could drop as a result of the introduction of a large number of shares of our common stock into the market. As of December 31, 2001, there were approximately 153.4 million shares of common stock outstanding. Of these, approximately 91.4 million are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, and are subject to the volume, holding period and other restrictions of that rule, the remainder are freely tradeable. Holders of approximately 86.7 million of these restricted securities have registration rights with respect to their shares. Most of the remaining shares of restricted stock can be freely sold without regard to the limitations of Rule 144. Also, approximately 9.3 million shares of our common stock are issuable upon conversion of our outstanding convertible notes. We have an effective registration statement for the resale of these shares. As we close on additional towers with SBC, we expect to issue approximately 3.4 million shares in 2003 and 2004, all of which will be restricted securities but subject to registration rights. Based on our stock price on December 31, 2001, we expect to be required to issue approximately 10 million additional shares of common stock in connection with an adjustment payment to SBC.

We have also filed registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering 20 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan and one million shares of common stock for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan. We expect to add additional shares to these plans at our 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and over time. Any additional shares will also be registered and available for public resale.

We cannot predict whether future sales of our common stock or the availability of our common stock for sale will adversely affect the market price for our common stock or our ability to raise capital by offering equity securities.

Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq National Market. On February 28, 2002, the closing price of our common stock was $1.28. Under Nasdaq’s listing maintenance standards, if the price of our common stock is under $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days, Nasdaq may choose to notify us that it intends to delist our common stock from the Nasdaq National Market. If the price of our common stock does not thereafter regain compliance for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days during the 90 days following notification by Nasdaq, Nasdaq may delist our common stock from trading on the Nasdaq National Market. There can be no assurance that our common stock will remain eligible for trading on the Nasdaq National Market. If our stock were delisted, the ability of our shareholders to sell our common stock would be severely limited.

SpectraSite is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, where it currently leases 218,246 square feet of office space. We have established regional offices in: Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Jackson, Mississippi; Portland, Oregon; Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; and St. Louis, Missouri. We open and close project offices from time to time in connection with our network design and development services, which offices are generally leased for periods not exceeding three years.

We own a broadcast tower manufacturing facility located in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania. We also own five acres of land in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on which a 10,000 square foot wireless tower fabrication, assembly and storage facility and a 5,000 square foot office building are located; four acres of land near Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on which a 7,000 square foot facility is located; a one acre lot in Houston, Texas, on which approximately 2,500 square feet of office space and 5,000 square feet of warehouse space are located; 8.6 acres of land in Visalia, California, on which a 57,000 square foot broadcast tower manufacturing facility is located; one acre of land in Charlotte, North Carolina on which approximately 43,000 square feet of office and warehouse space is located; 0.8 acres of land in Tequesta, Florida on which 16,000 square feet of office space is located; 11.2 acres of land in Cary, North Carolina adjacent to our leased office space; and 0.4 acres of land in Tucson, Arizona, on which a 6,250 square foot office building is located. We also lease project office space in 27 states in the United States and three provinces in Canada.

Our interests in communications sites are comprised of a variety of fee interests, leasehold and sub-leasehold interests created by long-term lease or sublease agreements, private easements, and easements and licenses or rights-of-way granted by government entities. In rural areas, a communications site typically consists of a three-to-five acre tract which supports towers, equipment shelters and guy wires to stabilize the structure. Less than 2,500 square feet are required for a self-supporting tower structure of the kind typically used in metropolitan areas. Land leases generally have an initial term of five years, with five additional five-year renewal periods. You should read Item 1. “Business — Products and Services — Site Leasing — Tower Ownership, Leasing and Management” for a list of the locations of our towers.

From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any such legal proceeding, the adverse outcome of which, individually or in the aggregate, is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “SITE”. The following table sets forth on a per share basis the high and low sales prices for consolidated trading in our common stock

As of February 28, 2002, there were approximately 305 holders of record of our common stock, including record holders on behalf of an indeterminate number of beneficial owners.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, our credit facility and the terms of our other indebtedness restrict our ability to pay dividends. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then-existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that the board of directors considers relevant. Furthermore, because Holdings is a holding company, it depends on the cash flow of its subsidiaries, and SpectraSite Communications’ credit facility imposes restrictions on Holdings’ subsidiaries’ ability to distribute cash to Holdings.

In 2001, Holdings issued 7,185,676 shares of unregistered common stock to SBC in connection with the acquisition of subleasehold interests in 1,926 towers from SBC. In 2001, Holdings also issued 680,373 shares of unregistered common stock to the shareholders of Vertical Properties, Inc. (“VPI”) in connection with the acquisition of VPI. The issuance of these securities was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. SBC and the shareholders of VPI represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the instruments representing such securities issued in such transactions. SBC and the shareholders of VPI had adequate access to information about SpectraSite.

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data derived from our consolidated financial statements, as of and for:

The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

(1)

EBITDA consists of operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash compensation charges and restructuring and non-recurring charges. EBITDA is provided because it is a measure commonly used in the communications site industry as a measure of a company’s operating performance. EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered an alternative to net income as a measure of performance or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is not necessarily comparable with similarly titled measures for other companies. We believe that EBITDA can assist in comparing company performance on a consistent basis without regard to depreciation and amortization expense, which may vary significantly depending on accounting methods where acquisitions are involved or non-operating factors such as historical cost bases.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements, including statements concerning possible or assumed future results of operations. Our representatives may also make oral forward-looking statements from time to time. You should understand that the factors described below, in addition to those discussed in this report under Item 1a. “Risk Factors,” could affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include:


	•	substantial capital requirements and leverage principally as a consequence of ongoing acquisitions and construction activities;

	•	dependence on demand for wireless communications;

	•	the success of our tower construction program;

	•	our ability to co-locate additional tenants on our towers;

	•	material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve;

	•	future regulatory actions and conditions in our operating areas;

	•	competition from others in the communications tower industry and technological innovation;

	•	the integration of our operations with those of businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future and the realization of the expected benefits; and

	•	other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and SEC filings.

During the year ended December 31, 2001, we consummated transactions involving the acquisition of various communications sites and two service providers for an aggregate purchase price of $722.8 million, including the issuance of approximately 7.9 million shares of common stock valued at $122.8 million. The principal transactions were as follows:

AirTouch — On February 16, 2000, we entered into an agreement with AirTouch Communications (now Verizon Wireless) and several of its affiliates, under which we agreed to lease or sublease up to 430 communications towers located throughout southern California for $155.0 million, subject to adjustment. As partial security for obligations under the agreement to sublease, we deposited $23.0 million into escrow. Under the terms of the agreement, we will manage, maintain and lease the available space on the AirTouch towers covered by the agreement. AirTouch will pay a monthly fee per site for its cellular, microwave and paging facilities. We also have the right to lease available tower space to co-location tenants in specified situations. In addition, we entered into a three-year exclusive build-to-suit agreement with AirTouch in southern California. Under the terms of the build-to-suit agreement, we will develop and construct locations for wireless communications towers on real property designated by AirTouch.

The AirTouch transaction closed in stages with the initial closing occurring on August 15, 2000 and the final closing under the original agreement occurring on February 15, 2001. At each respective closing, we paid for the towers included in that closing according to a formula contained in the master sublease. The final closing of 69 towers occurred on February 15, 2001 for aggregate cash consideration of $24.8 million, including $3.7 million released from the deposit escrow. The leases for the remaining 128 towers contemplated in the original agreement were not closed. As a result, the remaining $6.8 million escrow deposit was returned to us. In March 2001, we agreed to amend the agreement with AirTouch and extend the opportunity to sublease the remaining 128 towers through the second quarter of 2001. On June 29, 2001, we subleased 6 towers for aggregate consideration of $2.0 million.

SBC — On August 25, 2000, we entered into an agreement to acquire leasehold and sub-leasehold interests in approximately 3,900 wireless communications towers from affiliates of SBC Communications (collectively, “SBC”) in exchange for $982.7 million in cash and $325.0 million in common stock. Under the agreement, and assuming the sublease of all 3,900 towers, the stock portion of the consideration was initially approximately 14.3 million shares valued at $22.74 per share. The stock consideration is subject to an adjustment payment to the extent the average closing price of Holdings’ common stock during the 60-day period immediately preceding December 14, 2003 (the third anniversary of the initial closing) decreases from $22.74 down to a floor of $12.96. The adjustment payment may be accelerated if there is a change of control of Holdings or upon the occurrence of certain specified liquidity events. In any case, the adjustment payment is payable by us, at our option, in the form of cash or shares of our common stock. The maximum amount potentially payable by us to satisfy the adjustment payment is approximately 10.8 million shares of common stock or $139.8 million in cash. We and SBC entered into a Lease and Sublease Agreement pursuant to which we will manage, maintain and lease available space on the SBC towers and have the right to co-locate tenants on the towers. SBC is an anchor tenant on all of the towers and will pay a monthly fee per tower of $1,400, subject to an annual adjustment. In addition, we have agreed to build towers for Cingular, an affiliate of SBC, over the next four years under an exclusive build-to-suit agreement.

On November 14, 2001, we completed an amendment to the SBC acquisition agreements. This amendment reduces the maximum number of towers that we will lease or sublease by 300 towers, from 3,900 in the original agreement to 3,600 towers in the agreement as amended. From the initial closing on December 14, 2000 through a closing on February 25, 2002, we leased or subleased a total of 2,706 towers and under the terms of the amended agreement, the parties agreed to complete the lease or sublease of the remaining 894 towers during the period beginning April 2003 and ending January 2004. In addition, pursuant to the amendment we will receive all new co-location revenue on the towers remaining to be subleased after February 25, 2002. The amendment also extends the December 14, 2003 stock adjustment date to the last date on which towers will be subleased, which is expected to be January 1, 2004. As consideration for entering into the amendment, we paid SBC a fee of $35.0 million.

The SBC transaction closes in stages. In the year ended December 31, 2001, we subleased 1,926 towers, for which we paid $493.9 million in cash and issued approximately 7.2 million shares of common stock valued at $121.2 million.

As of February 28, 2002, we have issued approximately 9.9 million shares of common stock to SBC pursuant to the SBC acquisition agreements. Assuming the sublease of all 3,600 towers, we will be required to issue in the aggregate approximately 13.2 million shares to SBC and, based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2001, we would be required to issue approximately 10 million additional shares of common stock to SBC under the stock adjustment provisions described above.

Paxson — On December 19, 2001 we acquired 21 broadcast towers and management rights to 15 broadcast towers from Paxson for $34.0 million in cash.

Nextel — In April 1999, we entered into a master site commitment agreement with affiliates of Nextel Communications (“Nextel”) under which Nextel agreed to offer us exclusive opportunities, under specific terms and conditions, relating to the construction or purchase of, or co-location on, 1,700 additional communications sites. Since that time the number of communications sites subject to the Nextel agreement has been increased to approximately 2,111. These sites are then leased by Nextel under the terms of a master

During the year ended December 31, 2000, we consummated transactions involving the acquisition of various communications sites and service providers for an estimated purchase price of $765.1 million, including the issuance of approximately 9.2 million shares of common stock valued at $165.0 million. The purchase price also includes the issuance of 191,465 options to purchase common stock at a price of $3.58 per share valued at $2.0 million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The principal transactions were as follows:

Apex — On January 5, 2000, we acquired Apex Site Management Holdings, Inc. in a merger transaction for approximately 4.5 million shares of common stock valued at $55.8 million and 191,465 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $3.58 per share. We also used approximately $6.2 million in cash to repay outstanding indebtedness and other obligations of Apex in connection with the merger. Apex provides rooftop and in-building access to wireless carriers.

International Towers — On January 28, 2000, we acquired substantially all of the assets of International Towers Inc. and its subsidiaries (“ITI”), including S&W Communications Inc. ITI owned a broadcast tower manufacturing facility and, through S&W Communications, provided integrated services for the erection of broadcast towers, foundations and multi-tenant transmitter buildings. We paid $5.4 million and issued 0.35 million shares of common stock, valued at $7.1 million, in connection with this acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2000, we recorded adjustments to ITI goodwill due to the finalization of appraisals of assets which resulted in a decrease to fourth quarter costs of network services operations of $1.2 million.

Air Touch — During 2000, we subleased 233 towers from AirTouch Communications under the agreement discussed above for aggregate cash consideration of $83.9 million, including $12.5 million released from the deposit escrow.

Lodestar — On May 18, 2000, we acquired Lodestar Towers, Inc. for approximately $178.6 million in cash. As of May 18, 2000, Lodestar owned 110 wireless towers and 11 broadcast towers and managed an additional 120 wireless towers and 10 broadcast towers.

Pegasus — On July 17, 2000, we acquired 11 broadcast towers from Pegasus Communications for approximately 1.4 million shares of common stock valued at $37.5 million.

GOCOM — On August 24, 2000, we acquired 12 broadcast towers and 14 other communications towers from GOCOM Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries for $28.2 million in cash.

SBC — The initial closing under our agreement with SBC discussed above occurred on December 14, 2000. The initial closing involved 739 towers, for which we paid $175.0 million in cash and issued approximately 2.5 million shares of common stock valued at $57.9 million.

U.S. RealTel — On December 8, 2000, we purchased substantially all of the United States assets and operations of U.S. RealTel, Inc. for $16.5 million in cash. U.S. RealTel is an international provider of rooftop and in-building telecommunication access.

Nextel — During 2000, we acquired 479 wireless communications towers from Nextel under the commitment agreement discussed above for a total purchase price of $86.9 million in cash.

Consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 were $473.0 million, an increase of $126.1 million from the year ended December 31, 2000. Revenues from site leasing increased to $221.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $116.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, primarily as a result of revenues derived from towers which we acquired or constructed during 2000 and 2001.

We owned or operated 7,925 towers at December 31, 2001, as compared to 5,030 towers at December 31, 2000. The remaining factor contributing to the increase is incremental revenue in 2001 for towers that existed as of December 31, 2000 from new co-location tenants.

Revenues from network services increased to $251.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $230.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, primarily as a result of revenue generated from acquisitions, new construction offices and increased demand for existing services.

Costs of operations increased to $290.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $222.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase in costs was primarily attributable to operating costs of the communications towers acquired or constructed during 2000 and 2001, acquisitions in 2000 and 2001 and overall growth in operating activities. Costs of operations for site leasing as a percentage of site leasing revenues increased to 41% for the year ended December 31, 2001 from 40% for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase was primarily due to the addition of new towers and higher tower operating expenses partially offset by increased revenues generated from new co-location tenants on existing towers. As our site leasing operations mature we expect that additional tenants on a tower will generate increases in our margins for site leasing and in cash flow because a significant percentage of tower operating costs are fixed and do not increase with additional tenants. Costs of operations for network services as a percentage of network services revenues increased to 79% for the year ended December 31, 2001 from 76% for the year ended December 31, 2000. This increase is primarily due to costs associated with the opening of new construction offices in the first half of 2001.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $86.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $67.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase is a result of expenses related to additional corporate overhead and field operations to manage and operate the growth of our ongoing operations and acquisition activities. For the year ended December 31, 2001, we recorded non-cash compensation charges of $2.1 million related to the issuance of stock options and restricted shares of common stock to employees. We recorded non-cash compensation charges of $2.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2000 related to stock options and restricted shares of common stock issued to employees. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 18% for the year ended December 31, 2001 from 20% for the year ended December 31, 2000 primarily due to cost reduction efforts implemented in the second quarter of 2001.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $186.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $96.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, primarily as a result of the increased depreciation from towers we have acquired or constructed and amortization of goodwill related to acquisitions.

In June 2001, we announced that we would divest our operations in Mexico. As a result, we recorded non-recurring charges of $32.2 million of which $10.7 million related to the write-off of goodwill, $17.6 million related to the write-down of long-term assets and $3.9 million related to the costs of employee severance and other costs related to the divestiture. Also in June 2001, we announced that we would close operations from the purchase of Vertical Properties. As a result, we recorded non-recurring charges of $4.3 million of which $4.2 million was related to the write-off of goodwill and $0.1 million was related to the costs of employee severance and other costs related to the closing.

In November 2001, we announced that we would reduce our planned new tower construction and acquisition programs for 2002. As a result of the reduced new tower activity, we recorded restructuring charges of $71.5 million. Of this amount, $27.7 million was related to the write-off of work in progress related to sites in development that we plan to terminate, $5.7 million was related to the costs of closing certain offices and $3.1 million was related to the costs of employee severance. In addition, we completed an amendment to our agreement to acquire leasehold and sub-leasehold interests in approximately 3,900 communications towers from affiliates of SBC Communications. This amendment provides for the number of towers to be leased or subleased to be reduced by 300 and for the lease or sublease date on at least 850 towers to be postponed to 2003 and January 2004. In exchange for these modifications, we paid a fee of $35.0 million, which has been included as part of the restructuring charge.

As a result of the factors discussed above, our loss from operations was $233.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to a loss of $40.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000.

Net interest expense increased to $195.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2001 from $106.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase reflects additional interest expense due to the issuance of our 12 7/8% senior discount notes due 2010 in March 2000, our 10 3/4% senior notes due 2010 in March 2000, our 6 3/4% senior convertible notes due 2010 in November 2000 and our 12 1/2% senior notes due 2010 in December 2000, as well as additional borrowings under our credit facility in 2001.

Other income (expense) was a net expense of $223.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2001. Of this amount, $61.8 million related to losses from investments in affiliates accounted for under the equity method, primarily our investment in SpectraSite-Transco Communications, Ltd., $121.9 million related to the write-down of our investment in SpectraSite-Transco and $20.0 million related to the write-off of a loan to SpectraSite-Transco. We completed the sale of our interest in SpectraSite-Transco in October 2001. In addition, $7.5 million related to a write-off of the Company’s investment in Evolution Holdings, Inc., a network services company that ceased operations in the second quarter. Other income (expense) for 2001 also includes $7.0 million related to the write-down of a loan to Concourse Communications, Inc., an affiliate of the Company which provides in-building antenna sites primarily in airports and other public sites in New York City. Other income (expense) was an expense of $8.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2000 primarily due to our 50% equity in the net loss of SpectraSite-Transco.

As a result of the factors discussed above, net loss was $654.8 million, or $4.36 per share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to a net loss of $157.6 million, or $1.31 per share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2000.

Consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 were $346.9 million, an increase of $246.8 million from the year ended December 31, 1999. Revenues from site leasing increased to $116.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 from $46.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, primarily as a result of revenues derived from towers which we acquired or constructed during 1999 and 2000. We owned or operated 5,030 towers at December 31, 2000, as compared to 2,765 towers at December 31, 1999. The remaining factor contributing to the increase is incremental revenue in 2000 for towers that existed as of December 31, 1999 from new co-location tenants. Revenues from network services increased to $230.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $53.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, primarily as a result of revenue generated from acquisitions in late 1999 and in 2000.

Costs of operations increased to $222.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 from $54.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase in costs was primarily attributable to operating costs of the communications towers acquired or constructed during 1999 and 2000, acquisitions in late 1999 and in 2000 and overall growth in operating activities. Costs of operations for site leasing as a percentage of site leasing revenues increased to 40% for the year ended December 31, 2000 from 38% for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily due to the addition of new towers and higher tower operating expenses partially offset by increased revenues generated from new co-location tenants on existing towers. Costs of operations for network services as a percentage of network services revenues increased to 76% for the year ended December 31, 2000 from 68% for the year ended December 31, 1999. This increase is due to construction activities associated with Westower operations that have higher levels of direct costs than site acquisition activities. We ceased directly providing site acquisition services in late 1999.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $67.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 from $38.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase is a result of expenses related to additional corporate overhead and field operations to manage and operate the growth of our ongoing operations and acquisition activities. For the year ended December 31, 2000, we recorded non-cash compensation charges of $2.6 million related to the issuance of stock options and restricted shares of common stock to employees. We recorded non-cash compensation charges of $0.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1999 related to stock options and restricted shares of common stock issued to employees.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 20% for the year ended December 31, 2000 from 38% for the year ended December 31, 1999. The decrease was primarily the result of high levels of administrative expenses incurred in 1999 associated with site acquisition activities and costs associated with the integration of towers acquired from Nextel.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $96.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 from $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, primarily as a result of the increased depreciation from towers we have acquired or constructed and amortization of goodwill related to acquisitions.

In March 1999, we announced that we would relocate our marketing and administrative operations from Little Rock, Arkansas and Birmingham, Alabama to our corporate headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. As a result, we recorded a restructuring and non-recurring charge of $0.6 million for employee termination and other costs related to the relocation of these activities. In September 1999, we announced that we would no longer directly provide site acquisition services. As a result, we recorded restructuring and non-recurring charges of $7.1 million, of which $6.2 million related to the write-off of goodwill associated with the purchase of Telesite Services, LLC and $0.9 million related to costs of employee severance.

As a result of the factors discussed above, our loss from operations was $40.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to a loss of $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.

Net interest expense increased to $106.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2000 from $58.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase reflects additional interest expense due to the issuance of our 11 1/4% senior discount notes due 2009 in April 1999, our 12 7/8% senior discount notes due 2010 in March 2000, our 10 3/4% senior notes due 2010 in March 2000, our 6 3/4% senior convertible notes due 2010 in November 2000 and our 12 1/2% senior notes due 2010 in December 2000, as well as borrowings under our credit facility.

Other income (expense) was a net expense of $8.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2000 primarily due to our 50% equity in the net loss of SpectraSite-Transco. Other income (expense) was an expense of $0.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1999.

As a result of the factors discussed above, net loss was $157.6 million, or $1.31 per share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to a net loss of $98.4 million, or $12.48 per share (basic and diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2000.

SpectraSite Holdings is a holding company whose only significant asset is the outstanding capital stock of its subsidiary, SpectraSite Communications. Our only source of cash to pay interest on and principal of our indebtedness is distributions from SpectraSite Communications.

For the year ended December 31, 2001, cash flows used in operating activities were $12.1 million as compared to cash flows provided by operations of $11.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2000. The change is primarily attributable to the $35.0 million fee paid to SBC to amend our agreement to acquire leasehold and sub-leasehold interests in wireless communications towers partially offset by increased favorable cash flow generated from earnings before interest, non-recurring charges, non-cash compensation charges, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA was $98.6 million in 2001 compared to $58.7 million in 2000.

For the year ended December 31, 2001, cash flows used in investing activities were $984.7 million compared to $1,108.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. In the year ended December 31, 2001, we invested $958.9 million in purchases of property and equipment, primarily related to the acquisition of communications towers. In the year ended December 31, 2000, we invested $681.3 million in purchases of property and equipment and deposits on future acquisitions, primarily related to the acquisition of communication towers. In addition, in the year ended December 31, 2000 we used an aggregate of $224.5 million in

In the year ended December 31, 2001, cash flows provided by financing activities were $475.8 million, as compared to $1,612.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2000. The cash provided by financing activities in 2001 was primarily attributable to draws on our credit facility. The cash provided by financing activities in 2000 was attributable to the proceeds from the issuance of common stock, senior notes, senior convertible notes and senior discount notes.

On June 26, 1998, we issued $225.2 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of 12% senior discount notes due 2008 for gross proceeds of $125.0 million. Prior to July 15, 2003, interest expense on the 12% senior discount notes will consist solely of non-cash accretion of original issue discount and the notes will not require cash interest payments. After such time, the 12% senior discount notes will have accreted to $225.2 million and will require semi-annual cash interest payments of $13.5 million. The 12% senior discount notes mature on July 15, 2008.

On April 20, 1999, we issued $586.8 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of 11 1/4% senior discount notes due 2009 for gross proceeds of $340.0 million. Prior to April 15, 2004, interest expense on the 11 1/4% senior discount notes will consist solely of non-cash accretion of original issue discount and the notes will not require cash interest payments. After such time, the 11 1/4% senior discount notes will have accreted to $586.8 million and will require semi-annual cash interest payments of $33.0 million. The 11 1/4% senior discount notes mature on April 15, 2009.

On February 4, 2000, we completed an underwritten public offering of our common stock. We sold 25.6 million shares of common stock, including an over-allotment option exercised by the underwriters. We received net proceeds of $411.3 million from the offering. Upon closing of the offering, all 70.7 million outstanding shares of our preferred stock converted into shares of common stock on a share-for-share basis.

On March 15, 2000, we issued $559.8 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of 12 7/8% senior discount notes due 2010 for gross proceeds of $300.0 million. Prior to March 15, 2005, interest expense on the 12 7/8% senior discount notes will consist solely of non-cash accretion of original issue discount and the notes will not require cash interest payments. After such time, the 12 7/8% senior discount notes will have accreted to $559.8 million and will require semi-annual cash interest payments of $36.0 million. The 12 7/8% senior discount notes mature on March 15, 2010.

On March 15, 2000, we also issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 10 3/4% senior notes due 2010. The 10 3/4% senior notes require semi-annual cash interest payments of $10.75 million and mature on March 15, 2010.

On July 28, 2000, we completed an underwritten public offering of 11.0 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $220.2 million. On August 2, 2000, the underwriters purchased an additional 1.65 million shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of their overallotment option for net proceeds of $33.2 million.

On November 20, 2000, the Trimaran group purchased 4.0 million shares of common stock for $75.0 million. In addition, the Trimaran group received warrants to purchase an additional 1.5 million shares of common stock. The warrants are immediately exercisable. The exercise price of the warrants for 0.6 million shares is $21.56 per share, the exercise price for 0.45 million shares is $23.86 per share and the exercise price for the remaining 0.45 million shares is $28.00 per share.

On November 20, 2000, we also issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6 3/4% senior convertible notes due 2010. Each note is convertible into common stock at any time on or before November 15, 2010 at a conversion price of $21.5625 per share, subject to adjustment if certain events affecting our common stock occur. The 6 3/4% senior convertible notes require semi-annual cash interest payments of $6.75 million and mature on November 15, 2010.

On December 20, 2000, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 12 1/2% senior notes due 2010 for proceeds of $195.9 million, net of original issue discount. The 12 1/2% senior notes require semi-annual cash interest payments of $12.5 million and mature on November 15, 2010.

SpectraSite Communications is a party to a credit facility that provides for an aggregate borrowing capacity of up to $1.3 billion, subject to the covenants and conditions contained in the credit facility. The credit facility consists of:


	•	a $350.0 million revolving credit facility which may be drawn, at any time, subject to the satisfaction of certain financial covenants. The amount available will be reduced (and, if necessary, the amounts outstanding must be repaid) in quarterly installments beginning on September 30, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2007;

	•	a $500.0 million multiple draw term loan that may be drawn, subject to the satisfaction of certain financial covenants, at any time through August 22, 2002, at which time the amount drawn must be repaid in quarterly installments beginning on September 30, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2007; and

	•	a $450.0 million term loan that was drawn in full in February 2001 and which will, from September 30, 2003 through June 30, 2007, amortize at a rate of .25% per quarter and be payable in quarterly installments and, from July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, amortize at a rate of 48% per quarter and be payable on September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007.

On October 31, 2001, we amended financial covenants under the credit facility to delay the step-down of the total debt to annualized EBITDA ratio limit and the step-up of the interest coverage ratio limit. The amendment also increased our applicable interest rate margins over the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s base rate and the Eurodollar Rate to those described below.

The revolving credit loans and the multiple draw term loans will bear interest, at our option, at either Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s base rate plus an initial applicable margin of 2.00% per annum, which margin may, over time, decrease based on a leverage ratio, or the Eurodollar rate plus an initial applicable margin of 3.25% per annum, which margin may, over time, decrease based on a leverage ratio.

The term loan bears interest, at our option, at either Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s base rate plus 2.75% per annum or the Eurodollar rate plus 4.00% per annum.

We are required to pay a commitment fee of between 1.375% and 0.500% per annum in respect of the undrawn portions of the multiple draw term loan and the revolving credit facility, depending on the respective undrawn amounts. We may be required to prepay the credit facility in part upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a sale of assets, the incurrence of certain additional indebtedness, the termination of the SBC transaction or the generation of excess cashflow.

The credit facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict SpectraSite Communications’ ability to incur additional indebtedness; create liens on assets; make investments or acquisitions or engage in mergers or consolidations; dispose of assets; enter into new lines of business; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and pay dividends or make capital distributions. SpectraSite Communications, however, is permitted to pay dividends for the purpose of paying interest on Holding’s senior notes, senior convertible notes and senior discount notes so long as no default under the credit facility then exists or would exist after giving effect to such payment. In addition, the credit facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a requirement that SpectraSite Communications and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, maintain a maximum ratio of total debt to annualized EBITDA, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. At December 31, 2001, we were in compliance with these covenants.

We continuously evaluate our capital structure in light of our capital needs and market conditions and from time to time consider transactions to raise additional capital, reduce or refinance our indebtedness or otherwise alter our existing capital structure. These transactions often include the possibility of issuing additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into shares of common stock, which would dilute our existing stockholders. No assurances can be given that any particular transaction will be completed nor can

We had cash and cash equivalents of $31.5 million at December 31, 2001. We also had $695.0 million outstanding under our credit facility at that date. The remaining $605.0 million under the credit facility was undrawn. Our ability to borrow under the credit facility is limited by the financial covenants regarding the total debt to EBITDA and interest and fixed charge coverage ratios of SpectraSite Communications and its subsidiaries. Under the terms of the credit facility, we could draw approximately $142 million in additional borrowings as of December 31, 2001 while remaining in compliance with these covenants. Additional borrowing within these covenants will become available as our pro forma cash flow increases. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the credit facility as of December 31, 2001 was 5.75%.

Our ability to fund capital expenditures, make scheduled payments of principal or pay interest on our debt obligations and our ability to refinance any such debt obligations will depend on our future performance, including our ability to generate cash flow from operations, which, to a certain extent, depends on the demand for wireless services, developments in competing technologies and our ability to co-locate new tenants, as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. While we have taken steps to reduce our capital commitments, our business strategy continues to contemplate substantial capital expenditures, primarily to fund the construction and acquisition of additional communications towers. We expect capital expenditures for 2002 to be between $170 million and $190 million. We believe that cash flow from operations, available cash on hand and anticipated borrowings under our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our capital expenditures and other currently anticipated cash needs for the foreseeable future. However, if we make additional acquisitions or pursue other opportunities or if our estimates prove inaccurate, we may seek additional sources of debt or equity capital or reduce the scope of tower construction and acquisition activity. We currently anticipate that, in order to pay the principal of our outstanding indebtedness, or to redeem or repurchase such indebtedness upon a change of control, as defined in the instruments governing our indebtedness, we will be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as refinancing our indebtedness or selling our equity securities or the equity securities or assets of our subsidiaries. We cannot assure you that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings or equity or debt financings will be available on terms acceptable to us, in amounts sufficient to service our indebtedness and make anticipated capital expenditures.

The following table provides a summary of our material debt, lease and other contractual commitments as of December 31, 2001.


(1)	Based on the average purchase price of towers previously acquired from SBC. All payments due in less than one year from December 31, 2001 were paid in January and February of 2002.

We expect to build approximately 800 towers over the next four years for Cingular, an affiliate of SBC, pursuant to our build-to-suit agreement with them. Based on the cost of towers built to date, we estimate that these towers will cost from $150 million to $250 million in the aggregate.

In addition, we had standby letters of credit of $10.2 million and performance bonds of $9.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2001, most of which expire within one year.

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses. We have identified the following critical accounting policies that affect the more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the matters described below. These estimates are based on the information that is currently available to us and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could vary from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Site leasing revenues are recognized when earned based on lease agreements. Increases based on fixed escalation clauses that are included in certain lease agreements are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Network services revenues related to construction activities are derived from service contracts with customers which provide for billing on a time and materials or fixed price basis. For time and material contracts, revenues are recognized as services are performed. For fixed price contracts, we recognize revenue and profit as work progresses using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, which relies on estimates of total expected contract revenues and costs. We follow this method because reasonably dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. Because the financial reporting of these contracts depends on estimates, which are assessed continually during the term of the contract, recognized revenues and profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Revisions in profit estimates are reflected in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Accordingly, favorable changes in estimates result in additional revenue and profit recognition, and unfavorable changes in estimates result in the reversal of previously recognized revenue and profits. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.

We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial down-grading of credit ratings), we record a specific allowance against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we reserve a percentage of the remaining outstanding accounts receivable balance based on a review of the aging of customer balances, industry experience and the current economic environment. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in one or more significant customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to us), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due us could be reduced by a material amount.

Property and equipment, including towers, are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. We capitalize costs incurred in bringing towers to an operational state. Costs clearly associated with the acquisition, development and construction of towers are capitalized as a cost of that tower. Indirect costs that relate to several towers are capitalized and allocated to the towers to which the costs relate. Indirect costs that do not clearly relate to projects under development or construction are charged to expense as incurred. Estimates and cost allocations are reviewed at the end of each financial reporting period. Costs are revised and reallocated as necessary for material changes on the basis of current estimates.

The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in purchase business combinations has been recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is amortized over 15 years for purchase business combinations consummated prior to June 30, 2001. For purchase business combinations consummated subsequent to June 30, 2001, goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or as impairment indicators are identified, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. On an ongoing basis, we assess the recoverability of goodwill by determining the ability of the specific assets acquired to generate future cash flows sufficient to recover the unamortized goodwill over the remaining useful life. We estimate future cash flows based on the current performance of the acquired assets and our business plan for those assets. Changes in business conditions, major customers or other factors could result in changes in those estimates. Goodwill determined to be unrecoverable based on future cash flows is written-off in the period in which such determination is made. See “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” below for changes regarding the amortization of goodwill that will take effect in 2002.

On June 29, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, and No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations except for qualifying business combinations that were initiated prior to July 1, 2001. SFAS 141 also includes new criteria to recognize intangible assets separately from goodwill. The requirements of SFAS 141 are effective for any business combination accounted for by the purchase method that is completed after June 30, 2001. Under SFAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The amortization provisions of SFAS 142 requiring nonamortization of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets apply to goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to July 1, 2001, we are required to adopt SFAS 142 in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2002. We have performed the first of the required impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets and have determined that we will incur a goodwill impairment loss as a result of initially adopting SFAS 142 of approximately $377 million. The impairment loss will be recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the first quarter of 2002. In addition, application of the nonamortization provisions of the Statement is expected to result in a decrease in depreciation and amortization expense of $33.9 million per year.

In August 2001, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, and the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations for a Disposal of a Segment of a Business. SFAS 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. We expect to adopt SFAS 144 as of January 1, 2002 and do not expect that the adoption of the Statement will have a significant impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Some of our expenses, such as those for marketing, wages and benefits, generally increase with inflation. However, we do not believe that our financial results have been, or will be, adversely affected by inflation in a material way.

We use financial instruments, including fixed and variable rate debt, to finance our operations. The information below summarizes our market risks associated with debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2001.

The following table presents principal cash flow and related weighted average interest rates by fiscal year of maturity of our fixed rate debt.

In addition, as of December 31, 2001, we had $695.0 million of variable rate debt outstanding under our credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 5.75%. A 1% increase in the interest rate on our variable rate debt would have increased interest expense by approximately $4.8 million in 2001.

The financial statements and related financial information required by this Item are included in this report beginning on page F-1.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to SpectraSite’s Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

(1) The required financial statements are included in this report beginning on page F-1.

(2) No financial statement schedules are required to be filed by Items 8 and 14(d) of this report because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is set forth in the applicable financial statements or notes thereto.

(3) Listed below are the exhibits which are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K).

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the related consolidated statements of operations, redeemable convertible preferred stock and shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]



	Shareholders’ Equity

	Accumulated
	Other
	Comprehensive			Accumulated
	Income			Deficit			Total

Balance at December 31, 1998	$	—		$	(14,068	)	$	(14,067	)
Net loss		—			(97,668	)		(97,668	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		192			—			192
Total comprehensive loss
Issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of $6,714		—			—			227,149
Issuance of Series C preferred stock		—			—			301,494
Accretion of redemption value		—			(760	)		(760	)
Cancellation of redemption status of preferred stock		—			—			41,416

Balance at December 31, 1999		192			(112,496	)		457,756
Net loss		—			(157,616	)		(157,616	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(14,946	)		—			(14,946	)
Unrealized holding gains arising during period		16,676			—			16,676
Total comprehensive loss
Issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of $37,150		—			—			906,638
Issuance of warrants		—			—			13,720
Non-cash compensation charges								2,572
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock		—			—			—

Balance at December 31, 2000		1,922			(270,112	)		1,224,800
Net loss		—			(654,769	)		(654,769	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		13,558			—			13,558
Unrealized holding gains arising during period		6,504			—			6,504
Total comprehensive loss
Issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of $296		—			—			127,127
Non-cash compensation charges		—			—			2,125

Balance at December 31, 2001	$	21,984		$	(924,881	)	$	719,345


Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		56-2027322 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

100 Regency Forest Drive, Suite 400 Cary, North Carolina (Address of principal executive offices)		27511 (Zip Code)


PART I
	Item 1. Business
	Item 1a. Risk Factors
	Item 2. Properties
	Item 3. Legal Proceedings
	Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
	Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
	Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
	Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
	Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
	Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
	Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers
	Item 11. Executive Compensation
	Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
	Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
	Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
SIGNATURES
AMENDMENT NO.2 TO THE SBC AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO.3 TO THE SBC AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO.4 TO THE SBC AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT NO.1 TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
AMENDMENT NO.2 TO THE BTS AGREEMENT
EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN OF THE REGISTRANT
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP



	Common Stock

	High		Low

2000
First quarter		30.3750		10.7500
Second quarter		28.5000		15.1250
Third quarter		29.5000		14.5000
Fourth quarter		21.3750		10.8750

2001
First quarter		18.4375		3.9375
Second quarter		10.1700		2.8540
Third quarter		8.1800		2.0300
Fourth quarter		3.8700		2.1200

2002
First quarter (through February 28, 2002)		4.0000		1.0500


				Telesite
				(Predecessor)			SpectraSite
				January 1,			April 25,			Telesite &			SpectraSite
				1997 —			1997 —			SpectraSite			Year Ended December 31,
				May 12,			December 31,			Combined
				1997			1997			1997			1998			1999			2000			2001


				(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations
Data:
Revenues:
	Site leasing			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	656		$	46,515		$	116,476		$	221,614
	Network services				1,926			5,002			6,928			8,142			53,570			230,432			251,358

			Total revenues		1,926			5,002			6,928			8,798			100,085			346,908			472,972

Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations (excluding depreciation and amortization expense):
		Site leasing			—			—			—			299			17,825			46,667			91,689
		Network services			595			1,120			1,715			2,492			36,489			176,247			198,480
Selling, general and administrative expenses					1,742			7,390			9,132			9,690			38,182			67,893			86,297
Depreciation and amortization expense					56			489			545			1,268			37,976			96,734			186,224
Restructuring and non-recurring charges					—			—			—			—			7,727			—			143,785

Total operating expenses					2,393			8,999			11,392			13,749			138,199			387,541			706,475

Operating income (loss)				$	(467	)	$	(3,997	)	$	(4,464	)	$	(4,951	)	$	(38,114	)	$	(40,633	)	$	(233,503	)

Net income(loss)				$	(503	)	$	(3,890	)	$	(4,393	)	$	(9,079	)	$	(97,668	)	$	(157,616	)	$	(654,769	)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders					(503	)		(4,390	)		(4,893	)		(11,235	)		(98,428	)		(157,616	)		(654,769	)
Net loss per share (basic and diluted)							$	(5.21	)				$	(11.98	)	$	(12.48	)	$	(1.31	)	$	(4.36	)
Weighted average common shares Outstanding (basic and diluted)								842						938			7,886			120,731			150,223
Other Data:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities				$	(71	)	$	223		$	152		$	(2,347	)	$	17,555		$	11,365		$	(12,133	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities					(322	)		(7,178	)		(7,500	)		(45,002	)		(813,225	)		(1,108,690	)		(984,724	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities					390			9,189			9,579			144,663			733,900			1,612,200			475,751
EBITDA(1)					(411	)		(908	)		(1,319	)		(3,683	)		7,939			58,673			98,631
Capital expenditures					64			850			914			26,598			644,778			658,283			958,894
Selected Operating Data (at end of period):
Number of owned or operated towers											5			106			2,765			5,030			7,925
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments										$	2,234		$	114,962		$	37,778		$	552,653		$	31,547
Total assets											13,642			161,946			1,219,953			3,054,105			3,201,599
Total long-term debt											2,331			132,913			718,778			1,709,055			2,315,332
Redeemable convertible preferred stock											—			40,656			—			—			—
Total shareholders’ (deficiency) equity											(1,898	)		(14,067	)		457,756			1,224,800			719,345



	Payments Due by Period ($ thousands)

			Less than
Contractual Obligations	Total		1 year		1-3 years		4-5 years		After 5 years

Long-Term Debt	$	2,315,332	$	—	$	68,000	$	131,500	$	2,115,832
Capital Lease Payments		25,522		4,515		5,682		3,110		12,215
Operating Leases Payments		403,641		80,192		128,186		64,034		131,229
SBC Tower Purchase Commitment(1)		237,498		10,078		227,420		—		—
Other Contractual Obligations		11,268		11,268		—		—		—

Total Contractual Cash Obligations	$	2,993,261	$	106,053	$	429,288	$	198,644	$	2,259,276


		Page

PART I
Item 1.	Business		4
Item 1a.	Risk Factors		12
Item 2.	Properties		21
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings		21
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders		21
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters		21
Item 6.	Selected Consolidated Financial Data		22
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		24
Item 7a.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks		35
Item 8.	Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data		35
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure		35
PART III
Item 10.	Directors and Executive Officers		36
Item 11.	Executive Compensation		36
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management		36
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions		36
Item 14.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K		36


	Number
State/Province	of Towers

California		1,340
Texas		989
Illinois		733
Ohio		544
Michigan		384
Florida		349
Missouri		320
Georgia		223
Alabama		206
Pennsylvania		204
Oklahoma		202
New York		182
North Carolina		175
Louisiana		174
Washington		147
Indiana		129
Wisconsin		122
Maryland		110
Mississippi		99
Nevada		96
Tennessee		94
Arkansas		87
New Jersey		84
Oregon		82
Kansas		75
Massachusetts		67
South Carolina		66
Iowa		65
Idaho		62
Utah		61
Arizona		59
Connecticut		53
Minnesota		52
Virginia		49
Colorado		46
New Mexico		31
Delaware		25
Quebec		24
West Virginia		22
Other		93

Total		7,925


	*We have substantial indebtedness, and servicing our indebtedness could reduce funds available to grow our business.*


	*Repayment of the principal of our outstanding indebtedness will require additional financing. We are not certain of the source or availability of any such financing at this time.*


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


	*We anticipate significant capital expenditures and may need additional financing which may not be available.*


	*Holdings is a holding company and its only source of cash to pay interest on, and the principal of, its indebtedness is distributions from our subsidiaries.*


	*Our business depends on the demand for wireless communications sites and our ability to secure co-location tenants.*


	*The increase in the spectrum available for wireless services may impact the demand for our communication towers.*


	*A significant portion of our revenues depends on Nextel and Cingular.*


	*Customers*


	*Sales and Marketing*


	*We face significant competition from a variety of sources.*


	Competing technologies and other service options offer alternatives to ground-based antenna systems and allow our customers to increase wireless capacity without increased use of ground-based facilities, both of which could reduce the demand for our services.


	*We may be unable to construct or modify towers and add new customers as contemplated by our business plan.*


	*We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquisitions with our operations, which could limit our revenue growth and our ability to achieve or sustain profitability.*


	*A small number of stockholders beneficially own a substantial amount of our common stock and could significantly affect matters requiring a shareholder vote.*


	*We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and, because we are a holding company, we may be unable to pay dividends.*


	Our stock price may be affected by the availability of shares for sale. The future sale of large amounts of our stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could negatively affect our stock price.


	*Failure to comply with Nasdaq’s listing standards could result in our delisting by Nasdaq from the Nasdaq National Market and severely limit your ability to sell any of our common stock.*


	•	the period from January 1, 1997 to May 12, 1997;

	•	the period from SpectraSite’s inception on April 25, 1997 to December 31, 1997 and

	•	the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.


Item 7.	*Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*

Spectrasite Inc · 10-K405 · For 12/31/01

Filed On 3/22/02 · SEC File 0-27217 · Accession Number 950144-2-2590

Annual Report -- [X] Reg. S-K Item 405 · Form 10-KFiling Table of Contents

10-K405 · Spectrasite Holdings, Inc.Document Table of Contents

This is an EDGAR HTML document rendered as filed. [ Alternative Formats ]

Annual Report -- [X] Reg. S-K Item 405 · Form 10-K
Filing Table of Contents

10-K405 · Spectrasite Holdings, Inc.
Document Table of Contents



		Expected Maturity Date

		2002		2003		2004		2005		2006		Thereafter			Total


		(dollars in thousands)
Long-term obligations:
	Fixed rate	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,620,332		$	1,620,332
	Average interest rate		—		—		—		—		—		11.25	%		11.25	%


Exhibit
Number		Description

	2.1	Agreement to Sublease, dated as of February 16, 2000, by and between AirTouch Communications, Inc. and the other parties named therein as Sublessors, California Tower, Inc. and the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 2.9 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
	2.2	Amendment to the AirTouch Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2001. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 2.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001.
	2.3	Agreement to Sublease, dated as of August 25, 2000, by and among SBC Wireless, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, the Registrant, and Southern Towers, Inc. (the “SBC Agreement”). Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated August 25, 2000 and filed August 31, 2000.
	2.4	Amendment No. 1 to the SBC Agreement, dated December 14, 2000. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 2.8 to the registration statement on Form S-3 of the Registrant, file no. 333-45728.
	2.5*	Amendment No. 2 to the SBC Agreement, dated November 14, 2001.
	2.6*	Amendment No. 3 to the SBC Agreement, dated January 31, 2002.
	2.7*	Amendment No. 4 to the SBC Agreement, dated February 25, 2002.
	3.1	Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 3.1 to the amended registration statement on Form 8-A/ A of the Registrant, filed on December 12, 2000.
	3.2	Amended Bylaws of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 3.8 to the registration statement on Form S-1 of the Registrant, file no. 333-93873.


	Page

Report of Independent Auditors		F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and 2001.		F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001.		F-4

Consolidated Statement of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001.		F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001.		F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-7



			As of December 31,

			2000			2001


			(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	552,653		$	31,547
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,585 and $8,891			92,487			90,776
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings			20,531			18,578
	Inventories			8,995			14,391
	Prepaid expenses and other			10,044			11,769

		Total current assets		684,710			167,061
Property and equipment, net				1,540,337			2,462,103
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net				570,749			515,215
Investments in affiliates				177,117			2,128
Other assets				81,192			55,092

		Total assets	$	3,054,105		$	3,201,599

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	54,562		$	54,585
	Accrued and other expenses			45,227			76,642
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings			10,218			8,674

		Total current liabilities		110,007			139,901
Long-term debt				200,812			695,000
Senior notes				400,000			400,000
Senior convertible notes				200,000			200,000
Senior discount notes				908,243			1,020,332
Other long-term liabilities				10,243			27,021

		Total liabilities		1,829,305			2,482,254

Shareholders’ equity:
	Common stock, $0.001 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 144,914,484 and 153,424,509 issued and outstanding, respectively			145			153
	Additional paid-in-capital			1,492,845			1,622,089
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			1,922			21,984
	Accumulated deficit			(270,112	)		(924,881	)

		Total shareholders’ equity		1,224,800			719,345

		Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,054,105		$	3,201,599


				Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
				December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
				1999			2000			2001


				(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
	Site leasing			$	46,515		$	116,476		$	221,614
	Network services				53,570			230,432			251,358

			Total revenues		100,085			346,908			472,972

Operating expenses:
	Cost of operations, excluding depreciation and amortization expense:
		Site leasing			17,825			46,667			91,689
		Network services			36,489			176,247			198,480
	Selling, general and administrative expenses				38,182			67,893			86,297
	Depreciation and amortization expense				37,976			96,734			186,224
	Restructuring and non-recurring charges				7,727			—			143,785

			Total operating expenses		138,199			387,541			706,475

Operating loss					(38,114	)		(40,633	)		(233,503	)

Other income (expense):
	Interest income				8,951			28,391			17,037
	Interest expense				(67,513	)		(134,664	)		(212,174	)
	Other income (expense)				(424	)		(8,536	)		(223,582	)

			Total other income (expense)		(58,986	)		(114,809	)		(418,719	)

Loss before income taxes					(97,100	)		(155,442	)		(652,222	)
Income tax expense					568			2,174			2,547

Net loss				$	(97,668	)	$	(157,616	)	$	(654,769	)

Loss applicable to common shareholders:
Net loss				$	(97,668	)	$	(157,616	)	$	(654,769	)
Accretion of redemption value of preferred stock					(760	)		—			—

Net loss applicable to common shareholders				$	(98,428	)	$	(157,616	)	$	(654,769	)

Net loss per common share:
	Basic and diluted			$	(12.48	)	$	(1.31	)	$	(4.36	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic and diluted				7,886			120,731			150,223



	Redeemable Convertible
	Preferred Stock						Shareholders’ Equity

	Redeemable			Redeemable
	Convertible			Convertible			Convertible			Convertible			Convertible
	Preferred			Preferred			Preferred			Preferred			Preferred			Common Stock				Additional		Comprehensive
	Stock			Stock			Stock			Stock			Stock							Paid-in		Income
	Series A			Series B			Series A			Series B			Series C			Shares		Amount		Capital		(Loss)

Balance at December 31, 1998	$	11,300		$	29,356		$	—		$	—		$	—			956,753	$	1	$	—
Net loss		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—	$	(97,668	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		192

Total comprehensive loss																						$	(97,476	)

Issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of $6,714		—			—			—			—			—			19,234,851		19		227,130
Issuance of Series C preferred stock		—			—			—			—			301,494			—		—		—
Accretion of redemption value		200			560			—			—			—			—		—		—
Cancellation of redemption status of preferred stock		(11,500	)		(29,916	)		10,000			28,000			—			—		—		3,416

Balance at December 31, 1999		—			—			10,000			28,000			301,494			20,191,604		20		230,546
Net loss		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—	$	(157,616	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		(14,946	)
Unrealized holding gains arising during period		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		16,676

Total comprehensive loss																						$	(155,886	)

Issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of $37,150		—			—			—			—			—			53,973,255		54		906,584
Issuance of warrants		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		13,720
Non-cash compensation charges		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		2,572
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock		—			—			(10,000	)		(28,000	)		(301,494	)		70,749,625		71		339,423

Balance at December 31, 2000		—			—			—			—			—			144,914,484		145		1,492,845
Net loss		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—	$	(654,769	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		13,558
Unrealized holding gains arising during period		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		—		6,504

Total comprehensive loss																						$	(634,707	)

Issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of $296		—			—			—			—			—			8,510,025		8		127,119
Non-cash compensation charges		—			—			—			—			—			—		—		2,125

Balance at December 31, 2001	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—			153,424,509	$	153	$	1,622,089