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| GSAT > SEC Filings for GSAT > Form 10-Q on 10-Aug-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
10-Aug-2009
Quarterly Report
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this Report, other than purely historical information, including, but not limited to, estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, such as the statements regarding our ability to develop and expand our business, our ability to manage costs, our ability to exploit and respond to technological innovation, the effects of laws and regulations (including tax laws and regulations) and legal and regulatory changes, the opportunities for strategic business combinations and the effects of consolidation in our industry on us and our competitors, our anticipated future revenues, our anticipated capital spending (including for future satellite procurements and launches), our anticipated financial resources, our expectations about the future operational performance of our satellites (including their projected operational lives), the expected strength of and growth prospects for our existing customers and the markets that we serve, and our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed and other statements contained in this Report regarding matters that are not historical facts, involve predictions. Risks and uncertainties that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, those in Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Report or incorporated by reference into this Report, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Report are based upon reasonable assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Report may not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.
New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events or performance. We cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.
This "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition" should be read in conjunction with the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition" and information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Overview
We are a provider of mobile voice and data communication services via satellite. Our communications platform extends telecommunications beyond the boundaries of terrestrial wireline and wireless telecommunications networks to serve our customer's desire for connectivity. Using in-orbit satellites and ground stations, which we call gateways, we offer voice and data communications services to government agencies, businesses and other customers in over 120 countries.
Material Trends and Uncertainties. Our satellite communications business, by providing critical mobile communications to our subscribers, serves principally the following markets: government, public safety and disaster relief; recreation and personal; oil and gas; maritime and fishing; natural resources, mining and forestry; construction; utilities; and transportation. Our industry has been growing as a result of:
† favorable market reaction to new pricing plans with lower service charges;
† awareness of the need for remote communication services;
† increased demand for communication services by disaster and relief agencies and emergency first responders;
† improved voice and data transmission quality;
† a general reduction in prices of user equipment; and
† innovative data products and services.
Nonetheless, as further described under Part II. Item 1A "Risk Factors," we face a number of challenges and uncertainties, including:
† Constellation life and health. Our current satellite constellation is aging. We successfully launched our eight spare satellites in 2007. All of our satellites launched prior to 2007 have experienced various anomalies over time, one of which is a degradation in the performance of the solid-state power amplifiers of the S-band communications antenna subsystem (our "two-way communication issues"). The S-band antenna provides the downlink from the satellite to a subscriber's phone or data terminal. Degraded performance of the S-band antenna amplifiers reduces the availability of two-way voice and data communication between the affected satellites and the subscriber and may reduce the duration of a call. When the S-band antenna on a satellite ceases to be functional, two-way communication is impossible over that satellite, but not necessarily over the constellation as a whole. We continue to provide two-way subscriber service because some of our satellites are fully functional but at certain times in any given location it may take longer to establish calls and the average duration of calls may be reduced. There are periods of time each day during which no two-way voice and data service is available at any particular location. The root cause of our two-way communication issues is unknown, although we believe it may result from irradiation of the satellites in orbit caused by the space environment at the altitude that our satellites operate.
The decline in the quality of two-way communication does not affect adversely our one-way Simplex data transmission services, including our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services, which utilize only the L-band uplink from a subscriber's Simplex terminal to the satellites. The signal is transmitted back down from the satellites on our C-band feeder links, which are functioning normally, not on our S-band service downlinks.
We continue to work on plans, including new products and services and pricing programs to mitigate the effects of reduced service availability upon our customers and operations until our second-generation satellites are deployed. See "Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors-Our satellites have a limited life and some have failed, which causes our network to be compromised and which materially and adversely affects our business, prospects and profitability".
† The economy. The current recession and its effects on credit markets and consumer spending is adversely affecting sales of our products and services.
† Competition and pricing pressures. We face increased competition from both the expansion of terrestrial-based cellular phone systems and from other mobile satellite service providers. For example, Inmarsat plans to commence offering satellite services to handheld devices in the United States in 2010, and several competitors, such as ICO Global and TerreStar, are constructing or have launched geostationary satellites that provide mobile satellite service. Increased numbers of competitors, and the introduction of new services and products by competitors, increases competition for subscribers and pressures all providers, including us, to reduce prices. Increased competition may result in loss of subscribers, decreased revenue, decreased gross margins, higher churn rates, and, ultimately, decreased profitability and cash.
† Technological changes. It is difficult for us to respond promptly to major technological innovations by our competitors because substantially modifying or replacing our basic technology, satellites or gateways is time-consuming and very expensive. Approximately 77% of our total assets at June 30, 2009 represented fixed assets. Although we plan to procure and deploy our second-generation satellite constellation and upgrade our gateways and other ground facilities, we may nevertheless become vulnerable to the successful introduction of superior technology by our competitors.
Capital expenditures. We have incurred significant capital expenditures during 2007 through June 30, 2009 and we expect to incur additional significant expenditures through 2013 under the following commitments:
† We estimate that the capitalized expenditures related to procuring and deploying our second-generation satellite constellation and upgrading our gateways and other ground facilities will cost approximately $1.29 billion (at a weighted average conversion rate of €1.00=$1.3460 including total contract values for Thales, the Launch Provider, Hughes and Ericsson and excluding launch costs for the second 24 satellites, internal costs and capitalized interest), which we expect will be reflected in capital expenditures through 2013. The following obligations are included in this amount:
† In June 2009, we and Thales Alenia Space France entered into an amended and restated contract for the construction of our second-generation satellites to incorporate prior amendments, acceleration requests and make other non-material changes to the contract entered into in November 2006. The total contract price, including subsequent additions, will be approximately €678.9 million (approximately $936.6 million at a weighted average conversion rate of €1.00 = $1.3797 at June 30, 2009, including approximately €146.8 million which was paid by us in U.S. dollars at a fixed conversion rate of €1.00 = $1.2940). We have made payments in the amount of approximately €298.9 million (approximately $400.5 million) through June 30, 2009 under this contract.
† In March 2007, we entered into a €9.2 million (approximately $13.2 million at a weighted average conversion rate of €1.00 = $1.4336) agreement with Thales Alenia Space for the construction of the Satellite Operations Control Centers, Telemetry Command Units and In Orbit Test Equipment (collectively, the "Control Network Facility") for our second-generation satellite constellation. We have made aggregate payments under this contract of approximately €8.2 million (approximately $11.8 million) through June 30, 2009.
† In September 2007, we entered into a contract with our Launch Provider for the launch of our second-generation satellites and certain pre and post-launch services. Pursuant to the contract, as amended, our Launch Provider will make four firm launches of six satellites each and up to two replacement launches and one optional launch of six satellites each, not to exceed a total of six launches. The total contract price for the first four launches is $216.1 million. In July 2008, we amended our agreement with our Launch Provider for the launch of our second-generation satellites and certain pre and post-launch services. Under the amended terms, we could defer payment on up to 75% of certain amounts due to the Launch Provider. The deferred payments incurred annual interest at 8.5% to 12% and become payable one month before the corresponding launch date. In June 2009, we and the Launch Provider again amended the agreement in certain respects including cancelling the deferred payment provisions. We paid all deferred amounts to the vendor in July 2009.
† In May 2008, we entered into a contract with Hughes under which Hughes will design, supply and implement the Radio Access Network ("RAN") ground network equipment and software upgrades for installation at a number of our satellite gateway ground stations and satellite interface chips to be a part of the User Terminal Subsystem (UTS) in our various next-generation devices. The total contract purchase price of approximately $100.8 million is payable in various increments over a period of 40 months. We have the option to purchase additional RANs and other software and hardware improvements at pre-negotiated prices. We have made aggregate payments under this contract of approximately $5.9 million through June 30, 2009. We expensed $1.8 million of these payments and capitalized $4.1 million as second-generation ground component.
† In October 2008, we signed an agreement with Ericsson Federal Inc., a leading global provider of technology and services to telecom operators. According to the $22.7 million contract, Ericsson will work with us to develop, implement and maintain a ground interface, or core network, system that will be installed at our satellite gateway ground stations. The all Internet protocol (IP) based core network system is wireless 3G/4G compatible and will link our radio access network to the public-switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or Internet. Design of the new core network system is now underway.
See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of our requirements and resources for funding these capital expenditures.
During the first quarter of 2009, we adopted various cost cutting measures, including reducing worldwide labor and non-labor costs. We will continue to assess our operations and may continue to reduce costs by eliminating additional labor costs that we deem necessary to reduce further our cash outflow in the short term.
† Introduction of new products. We work continuously with the manufacturers of the products we sell to offer our customers innovative and improved products. Virtually all engineering, research and development costs of these new products are paid by the manufacturers. However, to the extent the costs are reflected in increased inventory costs to us, and we are unable to raise our prices to our subscribers correspondingly, our margins and profitability would be reduced.
Simplex Products (Personal Tracking Services and Emergency Messaging). In early November 2007, we introduced the SPOT satellite GPS messenger, aimed at attracting both the recreational and commercial markets that require personal tracking, emergency location and messaging solutions for users that require these services beyond the range of traditional terrestrial and wireless communications. Using the Globalstar Simplex network and web-based mapping software, this device provides consumers with the capability to trace or map the location of the user on Google Maps™. The product enables users to transmit messages to specific preprogrammed email addresses, phone or data devices, and to request assistance in the event of an emergency. On July 21, 2009, we introduced our SPOT 2.0 with new features and improvied functionality. We are continuing to work on additional SPOT-like applications.
† SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger Addressable Market
We believe the addressable market for our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services in North America alone is approximately 50 million units consisting primarily of outdoor enthusiasts. Our objective is to capture 2-3% of that market in the next few years. The reach of our Simplex System, on which our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services rely, covers approximately 60% of the world population. We intend to market our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services aggressively in our overseas markets including South and Central America, Western Europe, and through independent gateway operators in their respective territories.
† SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger Pricing
We intend the pricing for SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services and equipment to be very attractive in the consumer marketplace. Annual service fees, depending whether they are for domestic or international service, currently range from $99.99 to approximately $117.00 for our basic level plan, and $149.98 to approximately $168.00 with additional tracking capability. The equipment is sold to end users at $149.99 to approximately $333.00 per unit (subject to foreign currency rates). Our distributors set their own retail prices for SPOT satellite GPS messenger equipment and service.
† SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger Distribution
We are distributing and selling our SPOT satellite GPS messenger through a variety of existing and new distribution channels. We have signed distribution agreements with a number of "Big Box" retailers and other similar distribution channels including Amazon.com, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Pep Boys, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Big Rock Sports, Cabela's, Campmor, London Drug, Gander Mountain, REI, Sportsman's Warehouse, Wal-Mart.com, West Marine, DBL Distribution, D.H. Distributions, and CWR Electronics. We currently sell SPOT satellite GPS messenger products through approximately 9,000 distribution points and expect to reach 10,000 in 2009. We also sell directly using our existing sales force into key vertical markets and through our direct e-commerce website (www.findmespot.com).
SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services have been on the market for only twenty months in North America and their commercial introduction and their commercial success globally cannot be assured.
† Fluctuations in currency rates. A substantial portion of our revenue (33% and 35% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2009, respectively) is denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, a substantial majority of our obligations under the contracts for our second-generation constellation and related control network facility are denominated in Euros. Any decline in the relative value of the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our revenues and increase our capital expenditures. See "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" for additional information.
† Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC). ATC is the integration of a satellite-based service with a terrestrial wireless service resulting in a hybrid mobile satellite service. The ATC network would extend our services to urban areas and inside buildings in both urban and rural areas where satellite services currently are impractical. We believe we are at the forefront of ATC development and expect to be the first market entrant through our contract with Open Range described below. In addition, we are considering a range of options for rollout of our ATC services. We are exploring selective opportunities with a variety of media and communication companies to capture the full potential of our spectrum and U.S. ATC license.
On October 31, 2007, we entered into an agreement with Open Range Communications, Inc. that permits Open Range to deploy service in certain rural geographic markets in the United States under our ATC authority. Open Range will use our spectrum to offer dual mode mobile satellite based and terrestrial wireless WiMAX services to over 500 rural American communities. On December 2, 2008, we amended our agreement with Open Range. The amended agreement reduced our preferred equity commitment to Open Range from $5 million to $3 million (which investment was made in the form of bridge loans that converted into preferred equity at the closing of Open Range's equity financing). Under the agreement as amended, Open Range will have the right to use a portion of our spectrum within the United States and, if Open Range so elects, it can use the balance of our spectrum authorized for ATC services, to provide these services. Open Range has options to expand this relationship over the next six years, some of which are conditional upon Open Range electing to use all of the licensed spectrum covered by the agreement. Commercial availability is expected to begin in selected markets in 2009. The initial term of the agreement of up to 30 years is co-extensive with our ATC authority and is subject to renewal options exercisable by Open Range. Either party may terminate the agreement before the end of the term upon the occurrence of certain events, and Open Range may terminate it at any time upon payment of a termination fee that is based upon a percentage of the remaining lease payments. Based on Open Range's business plan used in support of its $267 million loan under a federally authorized loan program, the fixed and variable payments to be made by Open Range over the initial term of 30 years indicate a value for this agreement between $0.30-$0.40/MHz/POP. Open Range satisfied the conditions to implementation of the agreement on January 12, 2009 when it completed its equity and debt financing, consisting of a $267 million broadband loan from the Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Program and equity financing of $100 million. Open Range has remitted to us its initial down payment of $2 million. Open Range's annual payments in the first six years of the agreement will range from approximately $0.6 million to up to $10.3 million, assuming it elects to use all of the licensed spectrum covered by the agreement. The amount of the payments that we will receive from Open Range will depend on a number of factors, including the eventual geographic coverage of and the number of customers on the Open Range system.
In addition to our agreement with Open Range, we hope to exploit additional ATC monetization strategies and opportunities in urban markets or in suburban areas that are not the subject of our agreement with Open Range. Our system is flexible enough to allow us to use different technologies and network architectures in different geographic areas.
Service and Subscriber Equipment Sales Revenues. The table below sets forth amounts and percentages of our revenue by type of service and equipment sales for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands).
Three months ended Three months ended Six months ended Six months ended
June 30, 2009 June 30, 2008 June 30, 2009 June 30, 2008
% of Total % of Total % of Total % of Total
Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue
Service Revenue:
Mobile $ 6,780 43 % $ 12,020 52 % $ 13,286 43 % $ 23,223 51 %
Fixed 636 4 946 4 1,250 4 1,897 4
Data 144 1 171 1 290 1 426 1
Simplex 2,998 19 1,522 7 5,562 18 2,401 5
IGO 469 3 868 4 836 3 1,728 4
Other(1) 1,535 10 1,146 4 2,469 8 3,008 7
Total Service
Revenue 12,562 80 16,673 72 23,693 77 32,683 72
Subscriber
Equipment Sales:
Mobile 606 4 1,816 8 1,619 5 4,340 10
Fixed 36 - 422 2 113 - 891 2
Data and Simplex 2,445 16 2,328 10 4,296 14 4,535 10
Accessories 67 - 1,760 8 1,158 4 2,684 6
Total Subscriber
Equipment Sales 3,154 20 6,326 28 7,186 23 12,450 28
Total Revenue $ 15,716 100 % $ 22,999 100 % $ 30,879 100 % $ 45,133 100 %
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Operating Loss. We realized an operating loss of $30.2 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2009, compared to an operating loss of $23.6 million for the same period in 2008. We attribute the increase in operating loss principally to lower service revenue.
Subscribers and ARPU for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. The following table set forth our average number of subscribers and ARPU for retail, IGO and Simplex customers for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. The following numbers are subject to immaterial rounding inherent in calculating averages.
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
% Net % Net
2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
Average number of
subscribers for the period:
Retail 112,922 120,729 (6 )% 113,693 118,855 (4)
IGO 71,378 78,730 (9 ) 72,381 82,640 (12 )
Simplex 179,877 105,127 71 171,393 96,480 78
ARPU (monthly):
Retail $ 25.80 $ 38.57 (33 ) $ 24.44 $ 38.36 (36 )
IGO $ 2.19 $ 3.68 (40 ) $ 1.93 $ 3.49 (45 )
Simplex $ 5.53 $ 4.78 16 $ 5.40 $ 4.12 31
June 30, 2009 June 30, 2008 % Net Change
Ending number of subscribers:
Retail 112,113 119,641 (6 )%
IGO 69,491 77,929 (11 )
Simplex 189,879 118,341 60
Total 371,483 315,911 18 %
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The total number of net subscribers increased from approximately 316,000 at June 30, 2008 to approximately 371,000 at June 30, 2009. Although we experienced a net increase in our total customer base of 18% from June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2009, our total service revenue decreased for the same period. This is due primarily to reduction of our prices in response to our two-way communication issues in addition to the change in our product mix.
Independent Gateway Acquisition Strategy
Currently, 13 of the 26 gateways in our network are owned and operated by unaffiliated companies, which we call independent gateway operators, some of . . .
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