(Mark One) | ||
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 41-2116508 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (408) 933-4000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
Voting Common Stock, $.0001 par value | The NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.Yes o No x
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 whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes o 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 Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer x | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of the Registrants common stock held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2009, the last business day of the Registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $61.2 million. The Registrant has not elected the scaled disclosure available to smaller reporting companies.
As of March 5, 2010, 275,681,839 shares of voting common stock and 19,275,750 shares of nonvoting common stock were outstanding. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to common stock in this Report mean Registrants voting common stock.
Portions of the Registrants Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report.
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Certain statements contained in 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 anticipated capital spending (including for future satellite procurements and launches), 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 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, commercial acceptance of our new Simplex products, including our SPOT satellite GPS messengerTM products, problems relating to the ground-based facilities operated by us or by independent gateway operators, worldwide economic, geopolitical and business conditions and risks associated with doing business on a global basis 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 Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Report. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this Report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.
Globalstar, Inc. (we, us or the Company) is a leading provider of mobile voice and data communications services via satellite. By providing wireless services in areas not served or underserved by terrestrial wireless and wireline networks, we seek to address our customers increasing desire for connectivity. Currently, using 44 in-orbit satellites and 27 ground stations, which we refer to as gateways, we offer voice and data communications services in over 120 countries. We also sell communication services on a wholesale basis to independent companies which operate 14 of these gateways which we refer to as independent gateway operators or IGOs.
Our network, originally owned by Globalstar, L.P. (Old Globalstar) was designed, built and launched in the late 1990s by a technology partnership led by Loral Space and Communications and Qualcomm Incorporated, or Qualcomm. In 2002, Old Globalstar filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In 2004, we completed the acquisition of the business and assets of Old Globalstar. Thermo Capital Partners LLC, which owns and operates companies in diverse business sectors and is referred to in this Report, together with its affiliates, as Thermo, became our principal owner in this transaction.
We were formed as a Delaware limited liability company in November 2003 and were converted into a Delaware corporation in March 2006.
We currently provide the following telecommunications services:
| two-way voice communication between mobile or fixed handsets or user terminals and other mobile and fixed devices; |
| two-way data transmissions (which we call duplex) between mobile and fixed data modems; and |
| one-way data transmissions (which we call Simplex) between a mobile or fixed device that transmits its location or other telemetry information and a central monitoring station. |
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We currently are authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC) to operate a global wireless communications network via satellite over 25.225 MHz of radio spectrum, which is comprised of two blocks of contiguous global radio frequencies. A small number of countries limit us to less than 25.225 MHz because of conflicting internal frequency assignments. We refer to our licensed radio frequencies as our spectrum. The FCC also licenses us to use 19.275MHz of our spectrum to provide an ancillary terrestrial component, known as ATC, in the United States in combination with our existing satellite communications service. ATC services enable the integration of a satellite-based service with terrestrial wireless service, resulting in a hybrid network designed to provide customers with advanced service and broad coverage. See Regulation.
Our services are available only with equipment designed to work on our network. The equipment we offer to our customers consists principally of:
| SPOT satellite GPS messengerTM products; |
| mobile telephones; |
| fixed telephones; |
| telephone accessories, such as car kits and chargers; and |
| data modems. |
At December 31, 2009, we served approximately 391,000 subscribers. We increased our net subscribers by approximately 13% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009. We count subscribers based on the number of devices that are subject to agreements which entitle them to use our voice or data communications services rather than the number of persons or entities who own or lease those devices. In the future, we expect to benefit from our growing subscriber base as our duplex product offerings become more attractive due to our second-generation satellite constellation scheduled to begin coming into service in the fourth quarter of 2010.
In early 2007 S-band antenna amplifiers in our satellites began to degrade quite rapidly, adversely affecting the ability of our duplex (i.e., two-way) voice and data subscribers to set up and maintain calls on demand. Service remained and still remains available, but not at all times in all locations. Service became dependent upon the health of the particular satellites passing overhead. We believe that, when voice calls are established, the voice quality of those calls is the best in the industry. In order to counter the negative effects of the degradation on our revenue, we undertook two major initiatives: first, as planned prior to the degradation, we entered into agreements for the construction and launch of a second generation of satellites and ground equipment, and second, we turned our business focus to market segments and products that would not be affected by the degraded duplex service. We describe these initiatives in detail below.
Old Globalstar launched our satellite constellation in the late 1990s. To supplement our then-existing satellite constellation, we launched eight spare satellites in 2007. We expect these eight satellites to be an integral part of our second-generation constellation. All of our satellites launched prior to 2007 have experienced various anomalies over time, including the degradation in the performance of the solid-state power amplifiers of the S-band communications antenna subsystem described above. The S-band antenna provides the downlink from the satellite to a subscribers phone or data terminal. Degraded performance of an S-band antenna amplifier reduces the availability of two-way voice and data communication between the affected satellite and the subscriber.
This degradation does not adversely affect our one-way Simplex data transmission services, which use only the L-band uplink from a subscribers Simplex terminal to our satellites. The satellites transmit the signal back down on our C-band feeder links, which are functioning normally. We have exploited and intend to continue to exploit our ability to provide uninterrupted Simplex services with the introduction of new products and services, including a consumer-oriented, hand-held tracking and emergency messaging device. We began sales of SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services in November 2007.
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In December 2009, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Axonn L.L.C. (Axonn), a provider of one way data Simplex products (e.g. Axtracker, MMT and SMARTONE), in exchange for $1.5 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment, and $5.5 million in shares of our voting common stock. Of these amounts, $500,000 in cash is held in an escrow account to cover expenses related to the voluntary replacement of first production models of our second-generation SPOT satellite GPS messenger devices. Additionally, 2,750,000 shares of stock are held in escrow for any pre-acquisition contingencies not disclosed during the transaction. We are obligated to pay up to an additional $10.8 million over a five-year earnout period based on sales of existing and new products. We will make any earnout payments principally in stock (not to exceed 10% of our pre-transaction outstanding common stock), but we may pay them in cash after 13 million shares have been issued.
Our revenue for 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $64.3 million, $86.1 million, and $98.4 million, respectively. Our net loss for 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $74.9 million, $15.2 million, and $27.9 million, respectively.
We compete in the mobile satellite services sector of the global communications industry. Mobile satellite services operators provide voice and data services using a network of one or more satellites and associated ground facilities. Mobile satellite services are usually complementary to, and interconnected with, other forms of terrestrial communications services and infrastructure and are intended to respond to users desires for connectivity at all times and locations. Customers typically use satellite voice and data communications in situations where existing terrestrial wireline and wireless communications networks are impaired or do not exist.
Worldwide, government organizations, military, natural disaster aid associations, event-driven response agencies and corporate security teams depend on mobile and fixed voice and data communications services on a regular basis. Businesses with global operating scope require communications services when operating in remote locations around the world. Mobile satellite services users span the forestry, maritime, government, oil and gas, mining, leisure, emergency services, construction and transportation sectors, among others. We believe many existing customers increasingly view satellite communications services as critical to their daily operations.
Over the past two decades, the global mobile satellite services market has experienced significant growth. Increasingly, better-tailored, improved-technology products and services are creating new channels of demand for mobile satellite services. Growth in demand for mobile satellite voice services is driven by the declining cost of these services, the diminishing size and lower costs of the handsets, as well as heightened demand by governments, businesses and individuals for ubiquitous global voice coverage. Growth in mobile satellite data services is driven by the rollout of new applications requiring higher bandwidth, as well as low cost data collection and asset tracking devices.
Communications industry sectors that are relevant to our business include:
| mobile satellite services, which provide customers with connectivity to mobile and fixed devices using a network of satellites and ground facilities; |
| fixed satellite services, which use geostationary satellites to provide customers with voice and broadband communications links between fixed points on the earths surface; and |
| terrestrial services, which use a terrestrial network to provide wireless or wireline connectivity and are complementary to satellite services. |
Within the major satellite sectors, fixed satellite services and mobile satellite services operators differ significantly from each other. Fixed satellite services providers, such as Intelsat Ltd., Eutelsat Communications (Eutelsat) and SES Global, and very small aperture terminals companies, such as Hughes Networks and Gilat Satellite Networks, are characterized by large, often stationary or fixed, ground terminals that send and receive high-bandwidth signals to and from the satellite network for video and high speed data customers and international telephone markets. On the other hand, mobile satellite services providers, such as Globalstar, Inmarsat P.L.C. (Inmarsat) and Iridium Communications, Inc. (Iridium), focus more on voice and data services (including data services which track the location of remote assets such as shipping containers), where mobility
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or small sized terminals are essential. As mobile satellite terminals begin to offer higher bandwidth to support a wider range of applications, we expect mobile satellite services operators will increasingly compete with fixed satellite services operators.
Low earth orbit (LEO) systems, such as the systems we and Iridium currently operate, reduce transmission delay compared to a geosynchronous system due to the shorter distance signals have to travel. In addition, LEO systems are less prone to signal blockage and, consequently, can provide a better overall quality of service.
Currently, our principal mobile satellite services global competitors are Inmarsat and Iridium. United Kingdom-based Inmarsat owns and operates a geostationary satellite network and U.S.-based Iridium owns and operates a low earth orbit satellite network. Inmarsat provides communications services, such as telephony, fax, video, email and high-speed data services. Iridium offers narrow-band data, fax and voice communications services. We also compete with several regional mobile satellite services providers that operate geostationary satellites, such as Thuraya Satellite Communications Company (Thuraya), principally in the Middle East and Africa; SkyTerra (formerly Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV)) and SkyTerra (Canada) Inc. (formerly Mobile Satellite Ventures Canada) in the Americas.
We sell our products and services through a variety of retail and wholesale channels depending on the nature of the product and the targeted market. Our sales and marketing efforts are tailored to each of our geographic regions and targeted markets. Our sales professionals focus on specific commercial markets and customers with face-to-face meetings, product trials, advertising in specific publications for those markets and direct mailings. Our current marketing campaign targets mass audiences for our SPOT satellite GPS messenger and strategic market segments for our other Simplex products and services. We also focus our marketing efforts on attending tradeshows. In 2009, we attended approximately 22 corporate tradeshows, where we sponsored booths and demonstrated our products. Our dealers and resellers attended additional tradeshows where they showcased our products.
We have significantly curtailed the marketing of our two-way communications business, except store-and-forward data, pending the launch of our second-generation satellites. However, as we approach the second-generation constellation scheduled to begin coming into service in the fourth quarter of 2010, we plan to enhance our dealer and reseller network which would include shared sales and marketing with coop programs and advanced sales of handsets at favorable pricing.
Our distribution managers are responsible for conducting direct sales with key accounts and for managing agent, dealer and reseller relationships in assigned territories in over 30 countries. They conduct direct sales with key customers and manage over 800 distribution outlets. We also distribute our services and products indirectly through over 50 major resellers and value added resellers in the United States and through ten independent gateway operators that employ their own salespeople to sell the full range of our voice and data products and services, directly and indirectly, in over 60 countries. Wholesale sales to independent gateway operators represented approximately 2% of our service revenue for 2009. No agent, dealer or reseller represented more than 10% of our revenue for 2009.
The reseller channel for duplex and Simplex equipment and service is comprised primarily of communications equipment retailer companies and commercial communications equipment rental companies that retain and bill clients directly, outside of our billing system. Many of our resellers specialize in niche vertical markets where high-use customers are concentrated. We have productive sales arrangements with major resellers to market our services, including some value added resellers that integrate our products into their proprietary end products or applications.
Our typical dealer is a communications services business-to-business equipment retailer. We offer competitive service and equipment commissions to our network of dealers to encourage increased sales. We continually monitor the effectiveness of our dealers and have terminated our relationship with underperforming dealers and agents and replaced them with better performing new dealers and agents.
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In addition to sales through our distribution managers, agents, dealers and resellers, customers can place orders through our websites at www.globalstar.com and www.findmespot.com or by calling our customer sales office at (877) 728-7466.
We distribute and sell our SPOT satellite GPS messenger through a variety of existing and new distribution channels. We have also expanded our distribution channels through product alliances. We have distribution relationships with a number of Big Box retailers and other similar distribution channels including Amazon.com, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Big Rock Sports, Cabelas, Campmor, Joes Sport, London Drugs, Outdoor and More, Gander Mountain, REI, Sportsmans Warehouse, Pep Boys, Wal-Mart.com, West Marine, DBL Distributing, D.H. Distributions, and CWR Electronics. We currently sell SPOT satellite GPS messenger products through over 10,000 distribution points. We also sell SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services directly using our existing sales force and through our direct e-commerce website (www.findmespot.com).
Our wholesale operations encompass primarily bulk sales of wholesale minutes to the independent gateway operators (IGO) around the globe. These independent gateway operators maintain their own subscriber bases that are mostly exclusive to us and promote their own service plans. The independent gateway operator system has allowed us to expand in regions that hold significant growth potential but are harder to serve without sufficient operational scale or where local regulatory requirements or business or cultural norms do not permit us to operate directly. Our wholesale efforts also include our Simplex and duplex data tracking devices.
Set forth below is a list of independent gateway operators as of December 31, 2009:
Location | Gateway | Independent Gateway Operators | ||
Argentina | Bosque Alegre | TE.SA.M Argentina | ||
Australia | Dubbo | Pivotal Group PTY Limited | ||
Australia | Mount Isa | Pivotal Group PTY Limited | ||
Australia | Meekatharra | Pivotal Group PTY Limited | ||
China | Beijing | China Spacecom | ||
Italy | Avezzano | Elsacom N.V. | ||
South Korea | Yeo Ju | LG Dacom | ||
Mexico | San Martin | Globalstar de Mexico | ||
Nigeria | Kaduna | Globaltouch (West Africa) Limited | ||
Peru | Lurin | TE.SA.M Peru | ||
Russia | Khabarovsk | GlobalTel | ||
Russia | Moscow | GlobalTel | ||
Russia | Novosibirsk | GlobalTel | ||
Turkey | Ogulbey | Globalstar Avrasya |
We do not own or control these independent gateway operators nor do we operate their gateways. However, we have a 30% equity interest in the operator of the Nigerian gateway, and we have signed an agreement with LG Dacom to acquire the South Korean gateway. No closing date has been set for the acquisition of the South Korean gateway. We own and operate gateways in the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, France and Brazil, and we own a gateway in Nicaragua that we have temporarily mothballed. We also own a gateway in Singapore which SingTel operates under contract to us. See Item 2. Properties.
Sales of services accounted for approximately 78%, 72%, and 80% of our total revenues for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We also sell the related voice and data equipment to our customers, which accounted for approximately 22%, 28%, and 20% of our total revenues for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
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Our principal services are satellite communications services, including mobile and fixed voice and data services, SPOT satellite GPS messenger services and asset tracking and monitoring services. We offer these services via monthly plans at price levels that vary depending upon expected usage. Our services primarily fall into two categories: 1) Two-way communications, which we refer to as duplex and 2) one-way communications, which we refer to as Simplex. We provide both duplex and Simplex services to independent gateway operators (IGOs) and other customers directly.
Subscribers under these plans typically pay an initial activation fee to the agent or dealer, as well as a monthly usage fee to us that entitles the customer to a fixed number of minutes in addition to services such as voicemail, call forwarding, short messaging, email, data compression and internet access. Extra fees may apply for non-voice services, roaming and long-distance.
We regularly monitor our service offerings in accordance with customer demands and market changes. We have introduced a number of innovative pricing plans such as bundled minutes, annual plans and unlimited plans.
In addition to data utilization through fixed and mobile services described above, we offer data-only services. Our system is well-suited to handle duplex data transmission. Duplex devices have two-way transmission capabilities; for asset-tracking applications, this enables customers to control directly their remote assets and perform more complicated monitoring activities. We offer asynchronous and packet data service in all of our territories. Customers can use our products to access the internet, corporate virtual private networks and other customer specific data centers. Satellite data modems are sold principally through integrators and value added resellers, who developed innovative end-market solutions. Our satellite data modems can be activated under any one of our current pricing plans. Satellite data modems are a growing product group that provide solutions that are accessible in every region we serve. Their store-and-forward capability reduces the impact of our S-band downlink degradation for customers who do not require real-time transmission and reception of data. The revenue that flows from these products provides an important and growing source of recurring service revenue and subscriber equipment sales for us.
Additionally, we offer a data acceleration and compression service to the satellite data modem market. This service increases web-browsing, email and other data transmission speeds without any special equipment or hardware.
We provide fixed voice and data services in rural villages, at remote industrial, commercial and residential sites and on ships at sea, among other places. Fixed voice and data satellite communications services are in many cases an attractive alternative to mobile satellite communications services in situations where multiple users will access the service within a defined geographic area and cellular or ground phone service is not available. Our fixed units also may be mounted on vehicles, barges and construction equipment and benefit from the ability to have higher gain antennas. Our fixed voice and data service plans are similar to our mobile voice and data plans and offer similar flexibility. In addition to offering monthly service plans, our fixed phones can be configured as pay phones (installed at a central location, for example, in a rural village) that accept tokens, debit cards, prepaid usage cards, or credit cards.
Our commercial customers, as compared to our SPOT satellite GPS messenger customers who pay an annual subscription fee, generally pay an activation fee and a flat monthly fee for Simplex service. Our Simplex service is designed to address the market for a small and cost-effective solution for sending data (such as geographic coordinates) from assets or individuals in remote locations to a central monitoring station.
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Simplex is a one-way burst data transmission from a Simplex device to our network. A customer may locate the device, for example, on a container in transit. At the heart of the Simplex service is an application server, called an appliqué, which is located at a gateway. The appliqué-equipped gateways provide coverage over vast areas of the globe. The server receives and collates messages from all Simplex telemetry devices transmitting over our satellite network. Simplex devices consist of a telemetry unit, an application specific sensor, a battery (with up to a seven-year life depending on the number of transmissions) and optional global positioning functionality. The small size of the devices makes them attractive for use in tracking asset shipments, monitoring unattended remote assets, trailer tracking and mobile security. Current users include various governmental agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army and the Mexican Ministry of Education, as well as commercial and non-governmental organizations such as General Electric, Dell and The Salvation Army.
Customers are able to realize an efficiency advantage from tracking assets on a single global system as opposed to several regional systems. Our Simplex services are currently available in countries served by the gateways in North America, France, Venezuela, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Peru and Brazil. We sell our Simplex services (except our SPOT satellite GPS messenger services) through value added resellers. Value added resellers purchase the services directly from us by subscribing to various pricing options offered by us to address various applications for this service and resell them to their end users. We receive a monthly subscription service fee and a one-time activation fee for each activated Simplex device.
We also provide certain engineering services to assist customers in developing new applications related to our system. These services include installation of gateways and antennas.
We offer our services for use only with equipment designed to work on our network, which users generally purchase in conjunction with an initial service plan. Our mobile phones, similar to ordinary cellular phones, are simple to use. Since the fourth quarter of 2006, we have offered a satellite-only GSP-1700 phone, which includes a user-friendly color LCD screen and a rugged, water resistant case available in multiple colors. The phones represent a significant improvement over earlier-generation equipment, and we believe that the advantages will drive increased adoption from prospective users as well as increased revenue from our existing subscribers as we launch our second-generation satellites. We also believe that the GSP-1700 is among the smallest, lightest and least-expensive satellite phones available. We are the only satellite network operator currently using the patented Qualcomm CDMA technology that permits the selection of the strongest signal available. Qualcomm will supply us with what we project will be a sufficient number of advanced mobile phone units and accessories and advanced data products to meet our expected demand through 2011.
The GSP-1720 is a satellite voice and data modem board with multiple antenna configurations and an enlarged set of commands for modem control and is smaller, less expensive and easier to operate than our previous product. We expect this board will be attractive to integrators because it has more user interfaces that are easily programmable, which makes it easier for value added resellers to integrate the satellite modem processing with the specific application (e.g., monitoring and controlling oil and gas pumps, monitoring and controlling electric power plants and more economically facilitating security and control monitoring of remote facilities).
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Our SPOT satellite GPS messenger is 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 our Simplex network and web-based mapping software, this device provides consumers with the capability to trace geographically or map the location of individuals or equipment. The product also enables users to transmit messages to a specific preprogrammed email address, phone or data device, including a request for assistance in the event of an emergency.
| 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. Our objective is to capture 2-3% of that market in the next few years. 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 $150.00 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 $225.00 per unit (subject to foreign currency exchange rates). Our distributors set their own retail prices for SPOT satellite GPS messenger equipment.
Although we began commercial sales of SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services in November 2007, the commercial success of these products and services cannot be assured. However, sales of SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services to date have shown that there is a viable market for affordable emergency and tracking functionality worldwide. We introduced the second generation of our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products in July 2009.
We are expanding our product offerings through our recent acquisition of Axonn assets. There are currently over 150,000 Simplex units, including the enterprise products AXTrackerTM STX2 Satellite Transmitter, AXTracker MMT and SMARTONE, used worldwide by industrial, commercial and government customers. These products provide cost-efficient, low power, ultra-reliable, secure monitoring that help solve a variety of problems in a variety of markets.
The specialized needs of our global customers span many markets. Our system is able to offer our customers cost-effective communications solutions in areas underserved or unserved by existing telecommunications infrastructures. Although traditional users of wireless telephony and broadband data services have access to these services in developed locations, our targeted customers often operate, travel to or live in remote regions or regions with under-developed telecommunications infrastructure where these services are not readily available or are not provided on a reliable basis.
Our top revenue generating markets in the United States and Canada are (i) government (including federal, state and local agencies), public safety and disaster relief, (ii) recreation and personal and (iii) maritime and fishing, comprising 24%, 18% and 6%, respectively, of our total subscribers in those regions at December 31, 2009. We also serve customers in the telecommunications, oil and gas, natural resources (mining and forestry), and construction and utilities markets, which together comprised approximately 19% of our total subscribers in the United States and Canada at December 31, 2009. We focus our attention on obtaining customers who will be long-term users of our services and products and who will generate high average revenue per user and, therefore, higher revenue growth.
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None of our customers was responsible for more than 10% of our revenue in 2009, 2008 or 2007.
In most of the world, we were originally authorized to operate a wireless communications network via satellite in 27.85 MHz of radio spectrum comprised of two blocks of contiguous global radio frequencies. In the United States, the FCC reduced our assignment from 27.85 MHz to 25.225 MHz in November 2007. In October 2008, the FCC directed us to reduce our global spectrum usage by the same amount. We have asked the FCC to reconsider its October 2008 decision applying its November 2007 decision outside the United States. Our petition for reconsideration is still pending. See Regulation United States FCC Regulation. Most of our competitors only have access to spectrum frequencies regionally. Access to this global spectrum enables us to design satellites, network and terrestrial infrastructure enhancements cost effectively because the products and services can be deployed and sold worldwide. This broad spectrum assignment enhances our ability to capitalize on existing and emerging wireless and broadcast applications.
Because most of the desirable spectrum below 3GHz has already been allocated by the FCC or will be auctioned by the FCC for terrestrial wireless services, we believe there are limited options for new MSS spectrum allocations in the United States. The European Community has decided to authorize MSS service in the 2 GHz MSS spectrum. Other countries may follow suit. The FCC authorized ICO Global and TerreStar to operate in this band several years ago. Our spectrum location near the PCS bands should allow us to deploy cost effectively the terrestrial component of an ATC network by leveraging existing terrestrial wireless infrastructures and by adopting off-the-shelf infrastructure equipment to our spectrum bands. Further, we believe the ability of our current network to support ATC services allows us to introduce new services and capabilities before our competitors, who must first launch new satellites. To that end, we have entered into an agreement with Open Range Communications, Inc., which began to deploy its ATC services in 2009. See Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) ATC Opportunities. We are exploring selective opportunities with a variety of additional media and communication companies to capture the full potential of our spectrum and U.S. ATC license. See Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC).
We supply services and products to a number of foreign customers. Although most of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, we are exposed to currency risk for sales in Canada, Europe, Brazil and other countries. In 2009, approximately 33% of our sales were denominated in foreign currencies. For information on our revenue from sales to foreign and domestic customers, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Report.
Our satellite network is currently configured for 48 low earth orbit satellites of which 44 are currently in use. The design of our orbital planes ensures that generally at least one satellite is visible from any point on the earths surface between 70o north latitude and 70o south latitude. A gateway must be within line-of-sight of a satellite to provide services and we have positioned our gateways to cover most of the worlds land and population. In response to the S-band degradation in our existing satellites launched prior to 2007, described elsewhere in this Report, we believe we have optimized the service availability of our duplex services, while seeking to maintain the reliability of our Simplex services, by creating a constellation that combines two different orbital configurations. Each satellite has a high degree of on-board subsystem redundancy, an on-board fault detection system and isolation and recovery for safe and quick risk mitigation. Our ability to reconfigure the orbital location of each satellite provides us with operating flexibility and continuity of service. The design of our space and ground control system facilitates the real time intervention and management of the satellite constellation and service upgrades via hardware and software enhancements.
In November 2006, we and Thales Alenia Space entered into a contract for the construction of our second-generation low-earth-orbit satellites, which we expect to extend the life of our network until at least 2025. The contract required Thales Alenia Space to commence delivery of the satellites in the third quarter of 2009. A major earthquake in April 2009 damaged Thales satellite component fabrication facility in LAquila, Italy. Although none of our satellites or components at the facility were damaged, damage to the factory caused a delay in delivery of some of our satellites. We believe that this delay will not have a material
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adverse effect on our operations and business plan because we are able to defer a significant portion of our capital expense unrelated to the launch and construction of our satellites. We currently expect the first of four launches of six second-generation satellites each to take place in the late summer of 2010 and the fourth launch to be completed in the late spring or early summer of 2011.
We entered into an additional agreement with Thales Alenia Space in March 2007 for the construction of the Satellite Operations Control Centers, Telemetry Command Units and In Orbit Test Equipment (collectively Control Network Facility) for our second-generation satellite construction. In September, 2007, we entered into a contract with Arianespace, our Launch Provider, for the launch of our second-generation satellites and certain pre- and post-launch services. Pursuant to the contract, our Launch Provider will make four launches of six satellites each and have the option to require our Launch Provider to make up to two additional launches if a launch failure occurs or if we elect an optional fifth launch.
In May 2008, we entered into a contract with Hughes Network Systems, LLC (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. In January 2010, we issued an authorization to proceed on $2.7 million of new features which will result in a revised total contract purchase price of approximately $103.5 million, payable in increments over a period of 57 months. We have the option to purchase additional RANs and other software and hardware improvements at pre-negotiated prices.
In October 2008, we signed an agreement with Ericsson Federal Inc. (Ericsson), a leading global provider of technology and services to telecom operators. In December 2009, we amended this contract by $5.1 million for additional deliverables and features. According to the $27.8 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. We are currently designing the new core network system with Ericsson.
Our satellites communicate with a network of 27 gateways, each of which serves an area of approximately 700,000 to 1,000,000 square miles. We own 13 of these gateways and the rest are owned by independent gateway operators. In addition to our satellites and 13 gateways, we have in storage spare parts for our gateways and our independent gateway operators gateways, including antennas and gateway electronic equipment. We selectively replace parts as necessary, and anticipate that this supply will be sufficient to serve all of our gateway needs throughout the expected life of our existing satellite constellation and beyond the introduction of upgraded gateways designed and supplied by Hughes.
Each of our gateways has multiple antennas that communicate with our satellites and pass calls seamlessly between antenna beams and satellites as the satellites traverse the gateways, thereby reflecting the signals from our users terminals to our gateways. Once a satellite acquires a signal from an end-user, the serving gateway authenticates the user and establishes the voice or data channel to complete the call to the public switched telephone network, to a cellular or another wireless network or to the internet (for a data call), or, in the case of a Simplex data call, to the internet.
We believe that our terrestrial gateways provide a number of advantages over the in-orbit switching used by our principal competitor, including better call quality and convenient regionalized local phone numbers for inbound calling. We also believe that our networks design, which relies on terrestrial gateways rather than in-orbit switching, enables faster and more cost-effective system maintenance and upgrades because the systems software and much of its hardware is based on the ground. Our multiple gateways allow us to reconfigure our system quickly to extend another gateways coverage to make up some or all of the coverage of a disabled gateway or to handle increased call capacity resulting from surges in demand.
Our network uses Qualcomms patented CDMA technology to permit dynamic selection of the strongest available signals. Patented receivers in our handsets track the pilot channel or signaling channel as well as three additional communications channels simultaneously. Compared to other satellite and network architectures, we offer superior call clarity, virtually no discernable delay and, with satellites unaffected by the
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S-band antenna degradation, a low incidence of dropped calls. Our system architecture provides full frequency re-use. This maximizes diversity (which maximizes quality) and maximizes capacity as the assigned spectrum can be reused in every satellite beam in every satellite. Our network also works with internet protocol data for reliable transmission of IP messages.
We and Qualcomm have mutually agreed to terminate our business relationship when Qualcomms current contractual obligations to deliver second-generation phones, data modems and accessories is completed in January 2012. Although our network is currently CDMA-based, it is configured so that we can also support one or more other air interfaces that we select in the future. For example, we have developed a non-Qualcomm proprietary CDMA technology for our Simplex data services. Because our satellites are essentially mirrors in the sky, and all of our networks switches and hardware are located on the ground, we can easily and relatively inexpensively modify our ground hardware and software to use other wave forms to meet customer demands for new and innovative services and products. At this time, we are developing several inexpensive additional products and services which will operate in this manner.
We have completed construction of a gateway in Singapore at a total cost of approximately $4.0 million. This gateway was fully operational for Simplex service in October 2008. We expect to introduce duplex service at this gateway when our second-generation constellation becomes operational.
In October 2007, we entered into an agreement with Globaltouch (West Africa) Limited to construct and operate a gateway in Kaduna, Nigeria, for which Globaltouch has paid us $7.6 million of its $8.4 million purchase obligation. The gateway began commercial Simplex service in November 2009. As of December 31, 2009, we held a 30% equity interest in Globaltouch.
In June 2009 we signed a Business Transfer Agreement with LG Dacom, our IGO in South Korea, to acquire the gateway and associated assets. The closing of this transaction is not yet scheduled.
We are unable to predict the timing or cost of further acquisitions because independent gateway operations vary in size and value.
In February 2003, the FCC adopted rules that permit satellite service providers to establish ATC networks. ATC authorization enables the integration of a satellite-based service with terrestrial wireless services, resulting in a hybrid mobile satellite services/ATC network designed to provide advanced services and broad coverage throughout the United States. The ATC network would extend our services to urban areas and inside buildings where satellite services currently are impractical, as well as to rural and remote areas that lack terrestrial wireless services. We believe we are at the forefront of ATC development and expect to be among the first market entrants. For a description of the FCCs ATC rules and our authorization to provide ATC services, see Regulation United States FCC Regulation ATC.
In April 2008, the FCC issued a decision extending our ATC authorization from 11MHz to a total of 19.275 MHz of our spectrum, 7.775 MHz of which is in the L-band and 11.5 MHz is in the S-band. Outside the United States, other countries are implementing regulations to facilitate ATC services. We expect to pursue ATC licenses in jurisdictions such as Canada and the European Community as market conditions dictate.
In keeping with the FCCs decision, ATC services must be complementary or ancillary to mobile satellite services in an integrated service offering, which can be achieved by using dual-mode devices capable of transmitting and receiving mobile satellite and ATC signals. Further, user subscriptions that include ATC services must also include mobile satellite services. Because of these requirements, the number of potential early stage competitors in providing ATC services is limited, as only mobile satellite services operators who are offering commercial satellite services can provide ATC services. By certain dates in 2010 and 2011, we must meet, or secure from the FCC a waiver, of all of the FCCs authorization, or gating requirements, including having an operational in-orbit spare satellite. In December 2009, we asked the FCC to delay the deadlines predicated on the delay in delivery of our second generation satellites because of the earthquake in LAquila, Italy, discussed elsewhere in this Report. The FCC has not responded to our request.
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We believe we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the development of our ATC license given our existing in-orbit satellite fleet and ground stations and we expect to be the first to introduce these services. Unlike several of our competitors, who need to launch new satellites and build ground facilities, our existing constellation and our ground stations, with relatively minor modification have been technically capable of accommodating ATC operations. Even with high-bit rate applications, we believe that our network and spectrum are sufficient to meet the demanding band-width requirements of the current and next generation of wireless services.
We could offer the following terrestrial services, among others, with ATC:
| mobile voice |
| mobile broadband data |
| fixed broadband data |
| voice over internet protocol, or VOIP |
| multi-casting and broadcasting services for music and video |
In October 2007, we entered into an agreement with Open Range Communications, Inc., or Open Range, 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 terrestrial wireless WiMAX services with a dual mode terrestrial/MSS terminal to over 500 rural American communities. Open Range will use our spectrum to offer dual mode mobile satellite based and terrestrial wireless WiMAX services to up to over 500 rural American communities. 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 several years, some of which are conditional upon Open Range electing to use all of the licensed spectrum covered by the agreement. Commercial availability began in 2009. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations Overview.
In April 2008, the FCC increased our ATC grant to a total of 19.275 MHz in our two frequency bands. The FCCs order is now final and effective. In May 2008, we filed an application with the FCC to modify our authorization by adding additional wave forms. One of these is the time division duplex (TDD) WiMAX wave form that Open Range intends to deploy. In October 2008, the FCC granted us the authority necessary to implement our agreement with Open Range but deferred a decision on waveforms other than WiMax. CTIA The Wireless Industry Association petitioned the FCC to reconsider its decision and Iridium filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. At the FCCs request, the court is holding the appeal in abeyance pending the FCCs action on the petition for reconsideration.
The global communications industry is highly competitive. We currently face substantial competition from other service providers that offer a range of mobile and fixed communications options. Our most direct competition comes from other global mobile satellite services providers. Our two largest global competitors are Inmarsat and Iridium. We compete primarily on the basis of coverage, quality, portability and pricing of services and products.
Inmarsat has been a provider of global communications services since 1982. Inmarsat owns and operates a fleet of geostationary satellites. Due to its multiple-satellite geostationary system, Inmarsats coverage area extends and covers most bodies of water more completely than we do. Accordingly, Inmarsat is the leading provider of satellite communications services to the maritime sector. Inmarsat also offers global land-based and aeronautical communications services. Inmarsat generally does not sell directly to customers. Rather, it markets its products and services principally through a variety of distributors, including Stratos Global Corporation, Telenor Satellite Services, Vizada (formerly France Telecom Mobile Satellite), KDDI Corporation and The SingTel Group, who, in most cases, sell to additional downstream entities who sell to the ultimate customer. We compete with Inmarsat in several key areas, particularly in our maritime markets. We believe
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that the size and functionality of our mobile handsets and data devices are superior to Inmarsats fixed units, which tend to be significantly bulkier and more cumbersome to operate. In addition, our products generally are substantially less expensive than those of Inmarsat.
Iridium owns and operates a fleet of low earth orbit satellites that is similar to our network of satellites. Iridium entered into bankruptcy protection in March 2000 and was out of service from March 2000 to January 2001. Since Iridium emerged from bankruptcy in 2001, we have faced increased competition from Iridium in some of our target markets. Iridium provides data and voice services at rates of up to 2.4 Kbps, which is approximately 25% of our uncompressed speed. In August 2009, the FCC approved the merger of GHL Acquisition Corp. (GHQ) with Iridium, which should strengthen Iridium as a competitor to Globalstar.
We compete with regional mobile satellite communications services in several markets. In these cases, our competitors serve customers who require regional, not global, mobile voice and data services, so our competitors present a viable alternative to our services. All of these competitors operate geostationary satellites. Our regional mobile satellite services competitors currently include Thuraya, principally in the Middle East and Africa; ACeS (now operated by Inmarsat) in Asia; SkyTerra (formerly MSV) and SkyTerra (Canada), Inc. (formerly Mobile Satellite Ventures Canada) in the Americas; and Optus MobileSat (Thuraya) in Australia.
In some of our markets, such as rural telephony, we compete directly or indirectly with very small aperture terminal operators that offer communications services through private networks using very small aperture terminals or hybrid systems to target business users. Very small aperture terminal operators have become increasingly competitive due to technological advances that have resulted in smaller, more flexible and cheaper terminals.
We compete indirectly with terrestrial wireline (landline) and wireless communications networks. We provide service in areas that are inadequately covered by these ground systems. To the extent that terrestrial communications companies invest in underdeveloped areas, we will face increased competition in those areas. We believe that local telephone companies currently are reluctant to invest in new switches and landlines to expand their networks in rural and remote areas due to high costs and to decreasing demand and subscriber line loss associated with wireless telephony. Many of the underdeveloped areas are sparsely populated so it would be difficult to generate the necessary returns on the capital expenditures required to build terrestrial wireless networks in such areas. We believe that our solutions offer a cost-effective and reliable alternative to ground-based wireline and wireless systems and that continued growth and utilization will allow us to further lower costs to consumers.
With the launch of the SPOT satellite GPS messenger, we created a new product category by combining a GPS receiver with a multi-featured satellite transmitter. The SPOT satellite GPS messenger can send a users GPS coordinates and status to others for tracking, notification of OK or HELP status, or to alert emergency responders. Our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products compete indirectly with Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). A variety of manufacturers, including ACR Electronics and McMurdo, offer PLBs to an industry specification. PLBs provide only emergency response services via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, and therefore do not assess any service fees. Currently, PLB hardware is considerably more expensive than SPOT satellite GPS messenger hardware.
Our industry has significant barriers to entry, including the cost and difficulty associated with obtaining spectrum licenses and successfully building and launching a satellite network. In addition to cost, there is a significant amount of lead-time associated with obtaining the required licenses, designing and building the satellite constellation and synchronizing the network technology. We will continue to face competition from Inmarsat and Iridium and other businesses that have developed global mobile satellite communications services in particular regions. We will also face competition from incipient mobile satellite service providers such as Solaris Mobile and mobile satellite ATC services providers, such as TerreStar and ICO Global, who are currently designing core satellite operating businesses with terrestrial component around their spectrum holdings.
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As of December 31, 2009, we had 332 full-time employees and 3 part-time employees. Approximately 35 of those employees who work in Brazil were subject to collective bargaining agreements. We consider our employee relations to be good.
At December 31, 2009, we held 92 U.S. patents with 19 additional U.S. patents pending and 12 foreign patents with 21 additional foreign patents pending. These patents expire between 2010 and 2021. These patents cover many aspects of our satellite system, our global network and our user terminals. In recent years, we have reduced our foreign filings and allowed some previously-granted foreign patents to lapse based on (a) the significance of the patent, (b) our assessment of the likelihood that someone would infringe in the foreign country, and (c) the probability that we could or would enforce the patent in light of the expense of filing and maintaining the foreign patent which, in some countries, is quite substantial. We continue to maintain all of the patents in the United States, Canada and Europe which we believe are important to our business. Our intellectual property is pledged as security for our obligations under our senior secured credit facility (our Facility Agreement).
We are a defendant in certain intellectual property litigation. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Our satellite constellation and four U.S. gateways are licensed by the FCC. Prior to November 9, 2007, we held regulatory authorization for two pairs of frequencies on our current system: user links (from the user to the satellites, and vice versa) in the 1610 1621.35 and 2483.5 2500 MHz bands and feeder links (from the gateways to the satellites, and vice versa) in the 5091 5250 and 6875 7055 MHz bands. On November 9, 2007, the FCC released a Second Order on Reconsideration, Second Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In the Report and Order (R&O) portion of the decision, the FCC effectively decreased the L-band spectrum available to us while increasing the L-band spectrum available to Iridium by 2.625 MHz. On May 1, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed the FCCs decision. In a related matter, on October 15, 2008, the FCC interpreted its November 7, 2007 decision as applying to our service globally, not only in the United States where the FCC has jurisdiction. The FCC invited us to file a request for waiver of its decision where the decision would cause unusual hardship, and we have done so. We have also petitioned the FCC to reconsider its interpretation. We cannot predict when, or if, the FCC will act on our waiver request and petition.
The FCC authorizes the operation of our existing satellite constellation and our gateways and mobile phones in the United States. We have decided to register our second-generation constellation in France, rather than the U.S., and we have filed applications with the FCC to modify our gateway and mobile phone authorizations to reflect that decision.
Three of our subsidiaries hold our FCC licenses. Globalstar Licensee LLC holds our mobile satellite services license. GUSA Licensee LLC (GUSA), is authorized by the FCC to distribute mobile and fixed subscriber terminals and to operate gateways in the United States. GUSA also holds the licenses for our gateways in Texas, Florida and Alaska. Another subsidiary, GCL Licensee LLC (GCL), holds an FCC license to operate a gateway in Puerto Rico. GCL is also subject to regulation by the Puerto Rican regulatory agency.
In January 2006, the FCC granted our application to add an ATC service to our existing mobile satellite services. ATC authorization enables the integration of a satellite-based service with terrestrial wireless services, resulting in a hybrid mobile satellite services/ATC network designed to provide advanced services and ubiquitous coverage throughout the United States. The FCC regulates mobile satellite services operators ability to provide ATC-related services, and our authorization is predicated on compliance with and achievement of various gating criteria adopted by the FCC in February 2003.
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In April 2008, the FCC granted, in part, our petition to use all of our remaining spectrum for ATC services. We are now authorized to provide ATC over an aggregate 19.275 MHz of our licensed spectrum, including the portion of our S-band between 2483.5 and 2495 MHz and in the portion of the L-band that we do not share with Iridium. In October 2008 the FCC conditionally granted our request for modification of our authority so that our partner, Open Range, could commence deployment of wireless broadband using the WiMAX air interface protocol. The FCC reaffirmed that we would have to comply with two of the gating criteria as of July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, respectively, in order not to forfeit our right to operate an ATC service. In December 2009 Globalstar requested the FCC to extend the two deadlines based on the confluence of unforeseen events which would make it impossible to meet the deadlines. Globalstars principal competitor, Iridium, and CTIA, the terrestrial wireless trade association, have opposed our request. We cannot predict when the FCC will act on our request or whether the FCC will act favorably.
On July 17, 2001, the FCC granted Old Globalstar and seven other applicants authorizations to construct, launch and operate mobile satellite services systems in the 2 GHz mobile satellite services band, subject to strict milestone requirements. In the case of foreign-licensed applicants, the FCC reserved spectrum but required the foreign applicants to meet the same milestones as the domestic applicants. On July 17, 2002, Old Globalstar requested the FCC to grant certain waivers of later milestones. On January 30, 2003, the FCCs International Bureau denied our waivers and declared the 2 GHz license to be null and void. In June 2004, the FCC declined to reverse that decision, and we requested reconsideration, which request remains pending. Subsequently, all but two of the other licensees (TerreStar Networks, Inc., a Canadian company licensed by Industry Canada, and ICO Global Communications, a company licensed in the U.K.) either surrendered their licenses or had them cancelled.
On December 9, 2005, the FCC decided to reserve all of the 40 MHz allocation for TerreStar and ICO Global Communications, both of which are non-U.S. corporations, although the reservation was made expressly subject to the outcome of our request for reconsideration of the invalidation of our 2 GHz license. It is unlikely that the FCC will reverse its decision; however, we do not believe that our existing operations or plans for the introduction of ATC services or for a second-generation satellite constellation will be adversely impacted if the 2 GHz license is not reinstated.
In July 2004, the FCC issued a decision giving Iridium shared access to the 1618.25 1621.35 MHz portion of our 1610 1621.35 MHz band and requested comments on whether it should require us to share an additional 2.25 MHz of spectrum with Iridium. On November 9, 2007, the FCC issued a Second Order on Reconsideration changing our and Iridiums assignments. We and Iridium each now have access to 7.775 MHz of unshared spectrum, and we share 0.950 MHz of spectrum in the center of the band. The FCC expects us and Iridium to reach a mutually acceptable coordination agreement in the shared portion. We appealed the FCCs decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On May 1, 2009, the Court affirmed the FCCs decision. On October 15, 2008, the FCC released an Order of Modification (Order) modifying both our and Iridiums satellite constellation licenses consistent with its Second Report. The FCCs Order, which was effective December 14, 2008, reduces our spectrum assignment not only in the United States but globally. The FCC invited us to file applications for waiver of the Order in the event that the Order would cause particular hardship which we have done. We have also petitioned the FCC to reconsider its decision.
Also in the July 2004 decision, the FCC required us to share the 2496 2500 MHz portion of our downlink spectrum with certain Broadband Radio Service fixed wireless licensees and with about 100 grandfathered Broadcast Auxiliary Service licensees. We expect the latter to be relocated out of the band eventually. Although we and others requested reconsideration of certain of the rules that will govern our sharing with these Broadband Radio Service and Broadcast Auxiliary Service licensees, the FCC affirmed this portion of its decision in an order issued in April 2006. Certain parties have filed further requests with the FCC for reconsideration of this decision, which we have opposed. In addition, on July 21, 2006, Sprint Nextel Corporation (Sprint Nextel) one of the largest Broadband Radio Service licensees, filed an appeal of the FCCs decision with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The court is holding the case in abeyance pending the FCCs decision on reconsideration.
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We have decided to register our second generation satellite constellation with the International Telecommunication Union (the ITU) through France rather than the United States. The French radiofrequency spectrum regulatory agency, ANFR, submitted the technical papers to the ITU on our behalf in July 2009. As with the first generation constellation, the ITU will require us to coordinate our spectrum assignments with other companies that use any portion of our spectrum bands. We cannot predict how long the coordination process will take; however, we are able to use the frequencies during the coordination process in accordance with our national licenses.
Our system operates in frequencies which were allocated on an international basis for mobile satellite services user links and mobile satellite services feeder links. We are required to engage in international coordination procedures with other proposed mobile satellite services systems under the aegis of the International Telecommunications Union. We believe that we have met all of our obligations to coordinate our system.
In order to operate gateways, the independent gateway operators and our affiliates in each country are required to obtain a license from that countrys telecommunications regulatory authority. In addition, the gateway operator must enter into appropriate interconnection and financial settlement agreements with local and interexchange telecommunications providers. All 27 gateways which we and the independent gateway operators operate are licensed. An independent gateway operator in South Africa, Vodacom, was unable to secure a license to activate and operate the gateway in that country and turned the gateway over to Telkom, the South African telephone company, in settlement of debts. The gateway is inactive, and we are considering extending service to Southern Africa through a new gateway in Botswana.
We have initiated efforts to reestablish the business in South Africa through our own subsidiary. In January 2009, we obtained new operating licenses that allow us to provide a broad array of services in South Africa. However, we expect to do so with or through a local telecommunications company, which we have not yet arranged.
Our subscriber equipment generally must be type certified in countries in which it is sold or leased. The manufacturers of the equipment and our affiliates or the independent gateway operators are jointly responsible for securing type certification. Thus far, our equipment has received type certification in each country in which that certification was required.
The United States International Traffic in Arms regulations under the United States Arms Export Control Act authorize the President of the United States to control the export and import of articles and services that can be used in the production of arms. The President has delegated this authority to the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Among other things, these regulations limit the ability to export certain articles and related technical data to certain nations. Some information involved in the performance of our operations falls within the scope of these regulations. As a result, we may have to obtain an export authorization or restrict access to that information by international companies that are our vendors or service providers. We have received and expect to continue to receive export licenses for our telemetry and control equipment located outside the United States and for providing technical data to our Launch Provider and the developers of our next generation of satellites.
We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety (including those governing the management, storage and disposal of hazardous materials). Some of our operations require continuous power supply. As a result, current and historical operations at our ground facilities, including our gateways, include storing fuel and batteries, which may contain hazardous materials, to power back-up generators. As an owner or operator of property and in connection with our current and historical operations, we could incur significant costs, including cleanup costs, fines, sanctions and third-party claims, as a result of violations of or in connection with liabilities under environmental laws and regulations.
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We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information that issuers (including Globalstar) file electronically with the SEC. Our electronic SEC filings are available to the public at the SECs internet site, www.sec.gov.
We make available free of charge financial information, news releases, SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC, on our website at www.globalstar.com. The documents available on, and the contents of, our website are not incorporated by reference into this Report.
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You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as all of the information in this Report and our other past and future filings with the SEC, in evaluating and understanding us and our business. Additional risks not presently known or that we currently deem immaterial may also impact our business operations and the risks identified below may adversely affect our business in ways we do not currently anticipate. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
In 2009, our debt increased by $193.9 million to $465.8 million. We anticipate that our cash requirements for the next 12 months will require us to borrow additional funds available under our Facility Agreement.
If an event of default were to occur with respect to our Facility Agreement or other indebtedness, our creditors could accelerate the maturity of our indebtedness. Our indebtedness under our Facility Agreement is secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets and the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and the lenders could foreclose on these assets to repay the indebtedness.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance indebtedness obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to sell assets, seek additional capital or seek to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful or feasible. Our Facility Agreement restricts our ability to sell assets. Even if we could consummate those sales, the proceeds that we realize from them may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.
We have incurred operating losses of $53.8 million, $57.7 million and $24.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These losses are largely as a result of problems with our two-way communications services. We expect that we will continue to incur operating losses until we have deployed and placed into service our second-generation satellite constellation.
Since the first Old Globalstar satellites were launched in 1998, sixteen satellites have failed in orbit and have been retired, and we expect others to fail in the future. We consider a satellite failed only when it can no longer provide any communications service, and we do not intend to undertake any further efforts to return it to service or when the other satellite subsystems can no longer support operations. In-orbit failure may result from various causes, including component failure, loss of power or fuel, inability to control positioning of the satellite, solar or other astronomical events, including solar radiation and flares, the quality of construction, gradual degradation of solar panels, the durability of components, and collision with other satellites or space debris. Radiation induced failure of satellite components may result in damage to or loss of a satellite before the end of its currently expected life.
As a result of the issues described above, some of our in-orbit satellites may not be fully functioning at any given time. As discussed below, all of our current satellites launched before 2007 have experienced S-band downlink communications degradation and some have experienced failures of other types. Except for the sixteen satellites that have been decommissioned, this does not impair their ability to continue to support Simplex data transmissions in the L-band, and accordingly, we do not classify them as failed.
Although we do not incur any direct cash costs related to the failure of a satellite, if a satellite fails, we record an impairment charge reflecting its net book value. There are some remote tools we use to remedy
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certain types of problems affecting the performance of our satellites, but the physical repair of satellites in space is not feasible. We do not insure our satellites against in-orbit failures, whether such failures are caused by internal or external factors.
The degradation of the S-band antenna amplifier in our satellites launched prior to 2007, has negatively affected our ability to provide two-way voice and data communications at all times and in all locations. The S-band antenna provides the downlink from the satellite to a subscribers phone or data terminal. Degraded performance of the S-band antenna reduces the call completion rate for 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 for Simplex service and over the constellation as a whole. The root cause of the degradation in performance of the S-band antenna amplifiers is unknown, although we believe it may result from the satellites being exposed to radiation over their life in orbit. The S-band antenna amplifier degradation does not affect adversely our one-way Simplex data transmission services, which utilize only the L-band uplink from a subscribers Simplex terminal to the satellites.
In the past, we have reconfigured our constellation and placed less impaired satellites into key orbital positions to maximize our capacity and quality of service. We will continue to do this. We forecast the time and duration of two-way service coverage at any particular location in our service area, and we have made this information available without charge to our customers and service providers, including our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, value added resellers, and IGOs, so that they may work with their subscribers to reduce the impact of the service interruptions in their respective service areas. Nonetheless, we expect the S-band antenna amplifier degradation to continue as our satellites age in orbit. Substantially all of our in-orbit satellites launched prior to 2007 have ceased to be able to provide two-way communications as a result of this degradation.
Accordingly, as the number of in-orbit satellites (other than the eight spare satellites launched in 2007) with properly functioning S-band antenna amplifiers has decreased, even with optimized placement in orbit of the eight spare satellites, increasingly larger coverage gaps have occurred and will continue to occur over areas in which we have provided two-way communications service. This has materially adversely affected our ability to attract new subscribers and maintain our existing subscribers for our two-way communications services, equipment sales of two-way communication devices, retail average revenue per unit, or ARPU, and our results of operations and is likely to have a further material adverse effect on each of these in the future. If our subscriber base declines, our ability to attract and retain subscribers at higher rates when our second-generation constellation is placed in service may be affected adversely.
During 2009, our retail ARPU decreased approximately 28% from 2008. In addition, our service revenue declined from $61.8 million to $50.2 million. We believe that customer reaction to the S-band antenna amplifier degradation and our related price reductions have been the primary causes of the reductions in service revenue. If we are unable to maintain our customer base for two-way communications service, our business and profitability may be further materially and adversely affected. In addition, after our second-generation satellite constellation becomes operational, we may face challenges in maintaining our current subscriber base for two-way communications service because we plan then to increase prices, consistent with market conditions, to reflect our improved two-way service and coverage.
The FCC licenses us to use a portion of our spectrum to provide ATC services in the United States in combination with our existing communication services. If we can integrate ATC services with our existing business, which will require us to make satisfactory arrangements with terrestrial wireless or other communications service providers, we will be able to use the spectrum currently licensed to us to provide an integrated telecommunications offering incorporating both our satellite and ground station system and a terrestrial-based cellular-like system. If successful, this will allow us to address a broader market for our products and services, thereby increasing our revenue and profitability and the value of our business.
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However, neither we nor any other company has yet successfully integrated a commercial ATC service with satellite services, and we may be unable to do so.
Northern Sky Research estimates that development of an independent terrestrial network to provide ATC services could cost $2.5 to $3.0 billion in the United States alone. We do not expect to have sufficient capital resources to develop independently the terrestrial component of an ATC network. Therefore, in the foreseeable future full exploitation of our ATC opportunity will require us to lease portions of our ATC-licensed spectrum to, or form satisfactory partnerships, service contracts, joint ventures or other arrangements with, other telecommunications or spectrum-based service providers.
We have entered into an ATC lease agreement with Open Range. We may not be able to establish additional arrangements to exploit our ATC authority at all or on favorable terms and, if such arrangements are established, the other parties may not fulfill their obligations. If we are unable to form additional suitable partnerships or enter into service contracts, joint venture agreements or additional leases, we may not be able to capitalize fully on our plan to deploy ATC services, which would limit our ability to expand our business and reduce our revenues and profitability, and adversely affect the value of our ATC license. In addition, in such event we will lose any resources we have invested in developing ATC services, which may be substantial.
The FCC rules governing ATC are relatively new and are subject to interpretation. The scope of ATC services that we will be permitted and required to provide under our existing FCC license is unclear and we may be required to seek additional amendments to our ATC license to execute our business plan. The FCCs rules require ATC service providers to demonstrate that their mobile satellite and ATC services satisfy certain gating criteria, such as constituting an integrated service offering, and maintain at least one in-orbit spare satellite. The FCC reserves the right to rescind ATC authority if the FCC determines that a licensee has failed to provide an integrated service offering or to comply with other gating criteria. We have asked the FCC to extend two of our deadlines for meeting the gating requirements. If the FCC does not grant the requested extension or waive the requirement, we would be obligated to discontinue our ATC service until we came into compliance, in which case we could lose our revenues from such services, and Open Range could terminate its lease agreement with us.
The development and operation of our ATC system may also infringe on unknown and unidentified intellectual property rights of other persons, which could require us to modify our business plan, thereby increasing our development costs and slowing our time to market. If we are unable to meet the regulatory requirements applicable to ATC services or develop or acquire the required technology, we may not be able to realize our plan to offer ATC services, which would decrease our revenues and profitability.
Demand for wireless communication services via satellite may not grow, or may even shrink, either generally or in particular geographic markets, for particular types of services or during particular time periods. A lack of demand could impair our ability to sell our services and to develop and successfully market new services, or could exert downward pressure on prices, or both. This, in turn, could decrease our revenues and profitability and adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and profitability over time.
The success of our business plan will depend on a number of factors, including:
| our ability to complete the construction, delivery and launch of our second-generation satellites and, once launched, our ability to maintain their health, capacity and control; |
| our ability to maintain or reduce costs until our second-generation constellation is in service; |
| the level of market acceptance and demand for all of our services; |
| our ability to introduce new products and services that meet this market demand; |
| our ability to retain our existing voice and duplex data customers until we have launched our second-generation satellite constellation; |
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| our ability to obtain additional business using our existing spectrum resources both in the United States and internationally; |
| our ability to control the costs of developing an integrated network providing related products and services; |
| our ability to market successfully our new Simplex products and services, especially our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services; |
| our ability to develop and deploy innovative network management techniques to permit mobile devices to transition between satellite and terrestrial modes; |
| our ability to limit the effects of further degradation of, and to maintain the capacity and control of, our existing satellite network; |
| our ability to sell the equipment inventory on hand and under commitment to purchase from Qualcomm; |
| the effectiveness of our competitors in developing and offering similar products and services and in persuading our customers to switch service providers; and |
| with the addition of our retail product line, general economic conditions that affect consumer discretionary spending and consumer confidence, which have declined sharply in the current recession. |
As a result of the factors described above, our customers currently are unable to access our two-way communications service at all times and places. Our ability to generate revenue and positive cash flow, at least until our second-generation satellite constellation is deployed and begins to generate revenue, will depend upon several factors, including:
| whether we can maintain a sufficient number of our existing two-way communications service customers; |
| whether we can introduce successfully new product and service offerings; and |
| whether we can continue to compete successfully against other mobile satellite service providers. |
Our ability to generate revenue and cash flow has been adversely impacted by our need to reduce our prices for two-way communications services as we seek to maintain our customer base in the face of the challenges to our two-way services. We have implemented new pricing strategies designed to stem further diminution of revenue from two-way services described above.
Further, our business plan and our ability to return to profitability assume that we will be able to deploy successfully our second-generation satellite constellation. In order to do so, we are dependent on third parties to build and launch our satellites. The construction of these satellites is technically complex and subject to construction and delivery delays that could result from a variety of causes, including the failure of third-party vendors to perform as anticipated, changes in the technical specifications of the satellites and other unforeseen circumstances. For example, when we entered into the contracts with Thales Alenia Space, our satellite manufacturer, we anticipated launch of our second-generation satellites beginning in the first quarter of 2010 into late 2010. However, Thales Alenia Space has informed us that delivery of our satellites will be delayed due to earthquake damage to its assembly facility in LAquila, Italy, which will delay our launch schedule. We currently expect the first of four launches of six second generation satellites each to take place in the late summer of 2010 and the fourth launch to be completed in the late spring or early summer of 2011. Should we experience additional launch delays, our operations and business plan, which now assume a functioning second-generation constellation in the first half of 2011, may be materially adversely affected.
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We have filed an application with the FCC to modify our approved orbital configuration and to phase in the second generation satellites over a period of three years. If the FCC were to deny or dismiss our application as filed, we might not be able to re-establish our duplex services as soon as planned.
Launching satellites is inherently risky. Our predecessor and others have incurred launch failures resulting in the loss of satellites. Our Launch Provider generally is not responsible for any loss of our satellites on launch. Insurance proceeds would likely be available in the event of a launch failure, but acquiring replacements for any satellites would cause a delay in the deployment of our second-generation constellation and any insurance proceeds would not cover lost revenue. We do not insure our existing satellites during their remaining in-orbit operational lives.
If launch insurance rates were to rise substantially, our future launch costs would increase. Our Facility Agreement requires us to obtain launch insurance for the first 24 satellites of the second-generation constellation. Launch insurance rates have fluctuated significantly in the past and are highly contingent on market conditions. We anticipate our launch insurance policy will include specified exclusions, deductibles and material change limitations. Some (but not all) exclusions could include damage arising from acts of war, anti-satellite devices and other similar potential risks for which exclusions were customary in the industry at the time the policy was written.
We cannot assure you that sufficient launch insurance will be obtained on acceptable terms. It is also possible that insurance could become unavailable, either generally or for a specific launch vehicle, or that new insurance could be subject to broader exclusions on coverage.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we derived approximately 77% and 86%, respectively, of our revenue from products and services sold through independent agents, dealers and resellers, including, outside the United States, independent gateway operators. If these third parties are unable to market our products and services successfully, our revenue and profitability may decrease.
Although we derive most of our revenue from retail sales to end users in the United States, Canada, a portion of Western Europe, Central America and portions of South America, either directly or through agents, dealers and resellers, we depend on independent gateway operators to purchase, install, operate and maintain gateway equipment, to sell phones and data user terminals, and to market our services in other regions where these independent gateway operators hold exclusive or non-exclusive rights. Not all of the independent gateway operators have been successful and, in some regions, they have not initiated service or sold as much usage as originally anticipated. Some of the independent gateway operators are not earning revenues sufficient to fund their operating costs. If they are unable to continue in business, we will lose the revenue we receive for selling equipment to them and providing services to their customers. Although we have implemented a strategy for the acquisition of certain independent gateway operators when circumstances permit, we may not be able to continue to implement this strategy on favorable terms and may not be able to realize the additional efficiencies that we anticipate from this strategy. In some regions it is impracticable to acquire the independent gateway operators either because local regulatory requirements or business or cultural norms do not permit an acquisition, because the expected revenue increase from an acquisition would be insufficient to justify the transaction, or because the independent gateway operator will not sell at a price acceptable to us. In those regions, our revenue and profits may be adversely affected if those independent gateway operators do not fulfill their own business plans to increase substantially their sales of services and products.
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In 2007, we launched new products to expand the scope of our Simplex services. In November 2007, we introduced the SPOT satellite GPS messenger, aimed at both recreational and commercial customers who require personal tracking, emergency location and messaging solutions that operate beyond the range of traditional terrestrial and wireless communications. In July 2009, we unveiled our second generation SPOT satellite GPS messenger.
We plan on introducing additional duplex and Simplex products and services. However, we cannot predict with certainty the potential longer term demand for these products and services or the extent to which we will be able to meet demand. Our business plan assumes growing our duplex subscriber base beyond levels achieved in the past, rapidly growing our Simplex subscriber base and returning the business to profitability. However, we may not be able to generate sufficient positive cash flow from our operations to enable us to fund a portion of the cost of our second-generation satellite constellation. Among other things, end user acceptance of our duplex and Simplex products and services will depend upon:
| the actual size of the addressable market; |
| our ability to provide attractive service offerings at competitive prices to our target markets; |
| the cost and availability of user equipment, including the data modems that operate on our network; |
| the effectiveness of our competitors in developing and offering alternate technologies or lower priced services; and |
| general and local economic conditions, which have been adversely affected by the current recession. |
Our business plan assumes a growing subscriber base for Simplex products. If we cannot implement this business plan successfully and gain market acceptance for these planned Simplex products and services, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, our cost of services is comprised primarily of network operating costs, which generally are fixed in nature. Accordingly, we generally are unable to adjust our operating costs or capital expenditures to match fluctuations in our revenue.
We are subject to product liability and product recall claims if any of our consumer products is alleged to have resulted in injury to persons or damage to property. If any of our products proves to be defective, we may need to recall and/or redesign it. In addition, any claim or product recall that results in significant adverse publicity may negatively affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. We maintain product liability insurance, but this insurance may not adequately cover losses related to product liability claims brought against us. We may also be a defendant in class action litigation, for which no insurance is available. Product liability insurance could become more expensive and difficult to maintain and may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. In addition, we do not maintain any product recall insurance, so any product recall we are required to initiate could have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We regularly investigate potential quality issues as part of our ongoing effort to deliver quality products to our customers.
We are currently voluntarily replacing a few thousand of the first production models of our second-generation SPOT satellite GPS messenger device, the cost of which we believe will be borne by Axonn pursuant to the terms of our acquisition agreement with Axonn. Actual costs of this replacement and any future product replacement or recall will depend upon several factors, including the number of units that require repair and administrative costs, whether the cost of any corrective action is borne initially by us or the supplier, and, if initially borne by us, whether we will be successful in recovering our costs from the supplier.
Because consumers will use SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services in isolated and, in some cases, dangerous locations, we cannot predict whether users of the device who suffer injury or death
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may seek to assert claims against us alleging failure of the device to facilitate timely emergency response. Although we will seek to limit our exposure to any such claims through appropriate disclaimers and liability insurance coverage, we cannot assure investors that the disclaimers will be effective, claims will not arise or insurance coverage will be sufficient.
We estimate that capitalized expenditures related to procuring and deploying our second-generation satellite constellation and upgrading our gateways and other ground facilities will approximate $1.3 billion, including total contract values for Thales, our 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 nature of these purchases requires us to enter into long-term fixed price contracts. We could cancel some of these purchase commitments, subject to the incurrence of specified cancellation penalties. We believe we currently have most of the funds necessary to fulfill these purchase commitments but may need to access additional funds through debt and/or equity issuances.
Our objective is to establish a worldwide service network, either directly or through independent gateway operators, but to date we have been unable to do so in certain areas of the world and we may not succeed in doing so in the future. We have been unable to finance our own gateways or to find capable independent gateway operators for several important regions and countries, including Eastern and Southern Africa, India, and certain parts of Southeast Asia. In addition to the lack of global service availability, cost-effective roaming is not yet available in certain countries because the independent gateway operators have been unable to reach business arrangements with one another. This could reduce overall demand for our products and services and undermine our value for potential users who require service in these areas.
The hardware and software we currently utilize in operating our gateways were designed and manufactured over 10 years ago and portions are becoming obsolete. We have contracted to replace the hardware and software beginning in 2012; however the original equipment may become less reliable as it ages and will be more difficult and expensive to service. Although we maintain inventories of spare parts, it nonetheless may be difficult or impossible to obtain all necessary replacement parts for the hardware before the new equipment and software is fully deployed. We expect to face competition in the future from companies using new technologies and new satellite systems. The space and communications industries are subject to rapid advances and innovations in technology. New technology could render our system obsolete or less competitive by satisfying consumer demand in more attractive ways or through the introduction of incompatible standards. Particular technological developments that could adversely affect us include the deployment by our competitors of new satellites with greater power, greater flexibility, greater efficiency or greater capabilities, as well as continuing improvements in terrestrial wireless technologies. We have had to commit, and must continue to commit, to make significant capital expenditures to keep up with technological changes and remain competitive. Customer acceptance of the services and products that we offer will continually be affected by technology-based differences in our product and service offerings. New technologies may be protected by patents and therefore may not be available to us.
Natural disasters could damage or destroy our ground stations resulting in a disruption of service to our customers. In addition, the collateral effects of such disasters such as flooding may impair the functioning of our ground equipment. If a natural disaster were to impair or destroy any of our ground facilities, we might be unable to provide service to our customers in the affected area for a period of time. Even if our gateways are not affected by natural disasters, our service could be disrupted if a natural disaster damages the public switch telephone network or terrestrial wireless networks or our ability to connect to the public switch telephone network or terrestrial wireless networks. Such failure or service disruptions could harm our business and results of operations.
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Under the FCCs plan for mobile satellite services in our frequency bands, we must share frequencies in the United States with other licensed mobile satellite services operators. To date, there are no other authorized CDMA-based mobile satellite services operators and no pending applications for authorization. However the FCC or other regulatory authorities may require us to share spectrum with other systems that are not currently licensed by the United States or any other jurisdiction. The FCCs decision in October 2008 to reduce the number of channels we have available in our L-band may impair our ability to grow over the long term.
We have decided to register our second generation satellite constellation with the ITU through France rather than the United States. The French radiofrequency spectrum regulatory agency, ANFR, submitted the technical papers to the ITU on our behalf in July 2009. As with the first generation constellation, the ITU will require us to coordinate our spectrum assignments with other companies that use any portion of our spectrum bands. We cannot predict how long the coordination process will take; however, we are able to use the frequencies during the coordination process in accordance with our national licenses.
Our business plan may include forming strategic partnerships to maximize value for our spectrum, network assets and combined service offerings in the United States and internationally. Value that we may be able to realize from such partnerships will depend in part on the value ascribed to our spectrum. Valuations of spectrum in other frequency bands historically have been volatile, and we cannot predict at what amount a future partner may be willing to value our spectrum and other assets. In addition, to the extent that the FCC takes action that makes additional spectrum available or promotes the more flexible use or greater availability (e.g., via spectrum leasing or new spectrum sales) of existing satellite or terrestrial spectrum allocations, the availability of such additional spectrum could reduce the value of our spectrum authorizations and business.
There are currently four other satellite operators providing services similar to ours on a global or regional basis: Iridium, Inmarsat and its subsidiary ACeS, SkyTerra, and Thuraya. In addition, ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited launched a satellite in 2008 but has not offered any services yet, TerreStar Corporation launched a satellite in 2009 and plans to start offering services in 2010 and SkyTerra plans to launch its new satellites in 2010. The provision of satellite-based products and services is subject to downward price pressure when the capacity exceeds demand.
Although we believe there is currently no commercially available product comparable in size, price and functionality to our SPOT satellite GPS messenger, other providers of satellite-based products could introduce their own similar products if the SPOT satellite GPS messenger is successful, which may materially adversely affect our business plan. In addition, we may face competition from new competitors or new technologies. With so many companies targeting many of the same customers, we may not be able to retain successfully our existing customers and attract new customers and as a result may not grow our customer base and revenue.
In addition to our satellite-based competitors, terrestrial wireless voice and data service providers are continuing to expand into rural and remote areas, particularly in less developed countries, and providing the same general types of services and products that we provide through our satellite-based system. Many of these companies have greater resources, greater name recognition and newer technologies than we do. Industry consolidation could adversely affect us by increasing the scale or scope of our competitors and thereby making it more difficult for us to compete. We could lose market share and revenue as a result of increasing competition from the extension of land-based communication services.
Although satellite communications services and ground-based communications services are not perfect substitutes, the two compete in certain markets and for certain services. Consumers generally perceive wireless voice communication products and services as cheaper and more convenient than satellite-based ones.
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We also expect to compete with a number of other satellite companies that plan to develop ATC integrated networks. For example, SkyTerra, TerreStar and ICO Global have received licenses from the FCC to operate an ATC network. Other competitors are expected to seek approval from the FCC to operate ATC services. Any of these competitors could offer an integrated satellite and terrestrial network before we do, could combine with terrestrial networks that provide them with greater financial or operational flexibility than we have, or could offer an ATC network that customers prefer over ours.
We may lose customers due to competition, consolidation, regulatory developments, business developments affecting our customers or their customers, the constellation degradation or for other reasons. Our top 10 customers for the year ended December 31, 2009 accounted for, in the aggregate, approximately 9.7% of our total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2009, revenues from our largest customer were $0.9 million or 1.4% of our total revenues. If we fail to maintain our relationships with our major customers, if we lose them and fail to replace them with other similar customers, or if we experience reduced demand from our major customers, our revenue could be significantly reduced. In addition, we may incur additional costs to the extent that amounts due from these customers become uncollectible. More generally, our customers may fail to renew or may cancel their service contracts with us, which could negatively affect future revenues and profitability.
Our customers include multiple agencies of the U.S. government. Service sales to U.S. government agencies constituted approximately 8% and 12% of our total service revenue for 2009 and 2008, respectively. Government sales are made pursuant to individual purchase orders placed from time to time by the governmental agencies and are not related to long-term contracts. U.S. government agencies may terminate their business with us at any time without penalty and are subject to changes in government budgets and appropriations.
Our ownership and operation of wireless communication systems are subject to significant regulation in the United States by the FCC and in foreign jurisdictions by similar local authorities. The rules and regulations of the FCC or these foreign authorities may change and may not continue to permit our operations as presently conducted or as we plan to conduct them. For example, the FCC has cancelled and refused to date to reinstate our license for spectrum in the 2 GHz band and has since licensed this spectrum to other entities for their mobile satellite service systems.
Failure to provide services in accordance with the terms of our licenses or failure to operate our satellites, ground stations, or other terrestrial facilities (including those necessary to provide ATC services) as required by our licenses and applicable government regulations could result in the imposition of government sanctions against us, up to and including cancellation of our licenses.
Our system requires regulatory authorization in each of the markets in which we or the independent gateway operators provide service. We and the independent gateway operators may not be able to obtain or retain all regulatory approvals needed for operations. For example, the company with which Old Globalstar contracted to establish an independent gateway operation in South Africa was unable to obtain an operating license from the Republic of South Africa and abandoned the business in 2001. Regulatory changes, such as those resulting from judicial decisions or adoption of treaties, legislation or regulation in countries where we operate or intend to operate, may also significantly affect our business. Because regulations in each country are different, we may not be aware if some of the independent gateway operators and/or persons with which we or they do business do not hold the requisite licenses and approvals.
Our current regulatory approvals could now be, or could become, insufficient in the view of foreign regulatory authorities. Furthermore, any additional necessary approvals may not be granted on a timely basis, or at all, in all jurisdictions in which we wish to offer services, and applicable restrictions in those jurisdictions could become unduly burdensome.
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Our operations are subject to certain regulations of the United States State Departments Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (i.e., the export of satellites and related technical data), United States Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (i.e., financial transactions) and the United States Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security (i.e., our gateways and phones). These regulations may limit or delay our ability to operate in a particular country. As new laws and regulations are issued, we may be required to modify our business plans or operations. If we fail to comply with these regulations in any country, we could be subject to sanctions that could affect, materially and adversely, our ability to operate in that country. Failure to obtain the authorizations necessary to use our assigned radio frequency spectrum and to distribute our products in certain countries could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and on our overall competitive position.
Our business depends on technical knowledge, and we believe that our future success is based, in part, on our ability to keep up with new technological developments and incorporate them in our products and services. We own or have the right to use our patents, work products, inventions, designs, software, systems and similar know-how. Although we have taken diligent steps to protect that information, the information may be disclosed to others or others may independently develop similar information, systems and know-how. Protection of our information, systems and know-how may result in litigation, the cost of which could be substantial. Third parties may assert claims that our products or services infringe on their proprietary rights. Any such claims, if made, may prevent or limit our sales of products or services or increase our costs of sales. Thus far, two companies have filed lawsuits against us for allegedly infringing their patent rights. See Item 1 Legal Proceedings. Additional claims could be made in the future.
We license much of the software we require to support critical gateway operations from third parties, including Qualcomm and Space Systems/Loral Inc. This software was developed or customized specifically for our use. We also license software to support customer service functions, such as billing, from third parties which developed or customized it specifically for our use. If the third party licensors were to cease to support and service the software, or the licenses were to no longer be available on commercially reasonable terms, it may be difficult, expensive or impossible to obtain such services from alternative vendors. Replacing such software could be difficult, time consuming and expensive, and might require us to obtain substitute technology with lower quality or performance standards or at a greater cost.
Although our most economically important geographic markets currently are the United States and Canada, we have substantial markets for our mobile satellite services in, and our business plan includes, developing countries or regions that are underserved by existing telecommunications systems, such as rural Venezuela, Brazil and Central America. Developing countries are more likely than industrialized countries to experience market, currency and interest rate fluctuations and may have higher inflation. In addition, these countries present risks relating to government policy, price, wage and exchange controls, social instability, expropriation and other adverse economic, political and diplomatic conditions.
Although we receive a majority of our revenues in U.S. dollars, and our independent gateway operators are required to pay us in U.S. dollars, limited availability of U.S. currency in some local markets or governmental controls on the export of currency may prevent an independent gateway operator from making payments in U.S. dollars or delay the availability of payment due to foreign bank currency processing and approval. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations may affect our ability to control the prices charged for the independent gateway operators services.
Our operations involve transactions in a variety of currencies. Sales denominated in foreign currencies primarily involve the Canadian dollar and the Euro. Certain of our obligations are denominated in Euros. Accordingly, our operating results may be significantly affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates for these
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currencies, and increases in the value of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar have effectively increased the Euro-denominated costs of procuring our second-generation satellite constellation and related ground facilities. Further declines in the dollar will exacerbate this problem. A 1% decline in the dollar vis-à-vis the Euro would increase our committed purchase obligations by approximately $3.0 million. Approximately 33% and 36% of our total sales were to retail customers in Canada, Europe, Venezuela and Brazil (which we added in the first quarter of 2008) during 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our results of operations for 2009 and 2008, reflected a gain of $1.7 million and a loss of $4.5 million, respectively, on foreign currency transactions. We may be unable to offset unfavorable currency movements as they adversely affect our revenue and expenses or to hedge them effectively. Our inability to do so could have a substantial negative impact on our operating results and cash flows.
We operate in various U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. The process of determining our anticipated tax liabilities involves many calculations and estimates which are inherently complex. We believe that we have complied in all material respects with our obligations to pay taxes in these jurisdictions. However, our position is subject to review and possible challenge by the taxing authorities of these jurisdictions. If the applicable taxing authorities were to challenge successfully our current tax positions, or if there were changes in the manner in which we conduct our activities, we could become subject to material unanticipated tax liabilities. We may also become subject to additional tax liabilities as a result of changes in tax laws, which could in certain circumstances have a retroactive effect.
A tax authority has previously notified us that our Company (formerly known as Globalstar LLC), one of our subsidiaries, and our predecessor, Globalstar L.P., were under audit for the taxable years ending December 31, 2005, December 31, 2004, and June 29, 2004, respectively. During the taxable years at issue, we, our predecessor, and our subsidiary were treated as partnerships for U.S. income tax purposes. In December 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notices of Final Partnership Administrative Adjustments related to each of the taxable years at issue. We disagree with the proposed adjustments, and intend to pursue the matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures as appropriate.
As a result of us not yet realizing any current tax benefits related to the deductions from the proposed adjustments, we would not incur any current additional tax as a result of any adjustment. However, if there is any adjustment to the basis of our assets, this could reduce our net operating losses and allowed deductions in future years which could negatively impact our future cash flow. The potential impact of such a possibility has been considered in our analysis, and we have adjusted our gross deferred tax asset before valuation allowance to a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained.
As a result of our acquisition of an independent gateway operator in Brazil during 2008, we are exposed to potential pre-acquisition tax liabilities. During 2009, the seller paid $4.5 million on these liabilities, but the seller remains subject to an additional $10.7 million in liabilities. We may be exposed to potential pre-acquisition liabilities for which we may not be fully indemnified by the seller, or the seller may fail to perform its indemnification obligations.
We have depended on Qualcomm as the exclusive manufacturer of phones using the IS 41 CDMA North American standard, which incorporates Qualcomm proprietary technology. We and Qualcomm have mutually agreed to terminate our business relationship when Qualcomms current contractual obligations to deliver second-generation phones, data modems and accessories is completed in January 2012. Although we have contracted with Hughes and Ericsson to provide new hardware and software for our ground component, there could be a substantial period of time in which their products or services are not available and Qualcomm no longer supports its products and services.
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We may pursue acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic transactions on an opportunistic basis. We may face costs and risks arising from any such transactions, including integrating a new business into our business or managing a joint venture. These may include legal, organizational, financial and other costs and risks.
In addition, if we were to choose to engage in any major business combination or similar strategic transaction, we may require significant external financing in connection with the transaction. Depending on market conditions, investor perceptions of us and other factors, we may not be able to obtain capital on acceptable terms, in acceptable amounts or at appropriate times to implement any such transaction. Any such financing, if obtained, may further dilute our existing stockholders.
Our Facility Agreement contains a number of significant restrictions and covenants that limit our ability to:
| incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; |
| pay dividends or make distributions to our stockholders; |
| make investments, acquisitions or capital expenditures; |
| repurchase or redeem capital stock or subordinated indebtedness; |
| grant liens on our assets; |
| incur restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make other payments to us; |
| enter into transactions with our affiliates; |
| merge or consolidate with other entities or transfer all or substantially all of our assets; and |
| transfer or sell assets. |
Complying with these restrictive covenants, as well as the financial covenants in the Facility Agreement and those that may be contained in any agreements governing future indebtedness, may impair our ability to finance our operations or capital needs or to take advantage of other favorable business opportunities. Our ability to comply with these covenants will depend on our future performance, which may be affected by events beyond our control. If we violate any of these covenants and are unable to obtain waivers, we would be in default under the agreement and payment of the indebtedness could be accelerated. The acceleration of our indebtedness under one agreement may permit acceleration of indebtedness under other agreements that contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not be able to repay our indebtedness or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if we are able to obtain new financing, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms or on terms that are acceptable to us. If our indebtedness is in default for any reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, complying with these covenants may also cause us to take actions that are not favorable to holders of the common stock and may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business plan and compete against companies who are not subject to such restrictions. Furthermore, our ability to draw on our credit facility is subject to conditions, including that no default is continuing or would be likely to result from a proposed plan.
Financial markets continue to be uncertain and could significantly adversely impact global economic conditions. As a result, consumer confidence and demand have declined substantially. These conditions could lead to further reduced consumer spending in the foreseeable future, especially for discretionary travel and related products. A substantial portion of the potential addressable market for our SPOT satellite GPS messenger products and services relates to recreational users, such as mountain climbers, campers, kayakers,
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sport fishermen and wilderness hikers. These potential customers may reduce their activities or their spending due to economic conditions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Our voting common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol GSAT. For continued inclusion on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we must generally maintain, among other requirements, either (a) shareholders equity of at least $10 million, a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share and a market value of our public float of at least $5 million; or (b) market capitalization of at least $50 million, a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share and a market value of our public float of at least $15 million. If we fail to meet the minimum closing bid price or the minimum market value standards described above for at least 30 consecutive trading days, our common stock could be at risk of being removed from listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. On September 29, 2009, NASDAQ informed us that our common stock was not in compliance with the minimum bid requirement and that we had a grace period of 180 days, or until March 29, 2010, to regain compliance. We regained compliance with NASDAQs Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) as of January 21, 2010; however, the stock price again fell below $1.00 on various dates and we may be subject to another notice from NASDAQ if we do not comply in the future. If our common stock were removed from listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, our common stock may be transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market if we satisfy the listing criteria for the NASDAQ Capital Market, or trading of our common stock may be conducted in the over-the-counter market in the so-called pink sheets or, if available, the National Association of Securities Dealers Electronic Bulletin Board. Consequently, broker-dealers may be less willing or able to sell and/or make a market in our common stock, which may make it more difficult for shareholders to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations for the price of, our common stock. Removal of our common stock from listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market may also make it more difficult for us to raise capital through the sale of our securities.
If our common stock is not listed on a U.S. national stock exchange, such as NASDAQ, or approved for quotation and trading on a national automated dealer quotation system or established automated over-the-counter trading market, holders of our 5.75% Notes and 8% Notes will have the option to require us to repurchase the Notes, which we may not have sufficient financial resources to do. In addition, if our common stock is not listed on a U.S. national stock exchange, we will be obligated to make any earn-out payments for the Axonn acquisition in cash rather than common stock.
We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Our Facility Agreement currently prohibits the payment of cash dividends. Any future dividend payments are within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, business opportunities, anticipated cash needs, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. We may not generate sufficient cash from operations in the future to pay dividends on our common stock.
The trading price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock may include:
| actual or anticipated variations in our operating results; |
| further failure in the performance of our current or future satellites or a delay in the launch of our second-generation satellites; |
| changes in financial estimates by research analysts, or any failure by us to meet or exceed any such estimates, or changes in the recommendations of any research analysts that elect to follow our common stock or the common stock of our competitors; |
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| actual or anticipated changes in economic, political or market conditions, such as recessions or international currency fluctuations; |
| actual or anticipated changes in the regulatory environment affecting our industry; |
| actual or anticipated sales of common stock by our controlling stockholder or others; |
| changes in the market valuations of our industry peers; and |
| announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives. |
The trading price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. Our stockholders may be unable to resell their shares of our common stock at or above the initial purchase price. Additionally, because we are a controlled company there is a limited market for our common stock and we cannot assure our stockholders that a trading market will develop further or be maintained.
Trading volume for our common stock historically has been low. Sales of significant amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market could lower the market price of our stock.
We may in the future issue our previously authorized and unissued securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our current stockholders. Following our Annual Meeting on September 23, 2009, we are authorized to issue 1.0 billion shares of common stock (135 million are designated as nonvoting), of which approximately 274.4 million shares of voting common stock and 16.8 million shares of nonvoting common stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009 and 708.8 million were available for future issuance. The potential issuance of such additional shares of common stock, whether directly or pursuant to any conversion right of any convertible securities, may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock for capital raising or other business purposes. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that sales could occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
Subject to the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock and set the terms of the preferred stock without seeking any further approval from holders of our common stock. Currently, there are 100 million shares of preferred stock authorized; one share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was issued and subsequently converted to shares of voting and nonvoting common stock during 2009. Any preferred stock that is issued may rank ahead of our common stock in terms of dividends, priority and liquidation premiums and may have greater voting rights than holders of our common stock.
Selling short is a technique used by a stockholder to take advantage of an anticipated decline in the price of a security. A significant number of short sales or a large volume of other sales within a relatively short period of time can create downward pressure on the market price of a security. Further sales of common stock could cause even greater declines in the price of our common stock due to the number of additional shares available in the market, which could encourage short sales that could further undermine the value of our common stock. Holders of our securities could, therefore, experience a decline in the value of their investment as a result of short sales of our common stock.
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Provisions of Delaware law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and our Facility Agreement and indenture could hamper a third partys acquisition of us or discourage a third party from attempting to acquire control of us. These provisions include:
| the absence of cumulative voting in the election of our directors, which means that the holders of a majority of our common stock may elect all of the directors standing for election; |
| the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting rights or with rights senior to those of the common stock without any further vote or action by the holders of our common stock; |
| the division of our board of directors into three separate classes serving staggered three-year terms; |
| the ability of our stockholders, at such time when Thermo does not own a majority of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, to remove our directors only for cause and only by the vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors; |
| prohibitions, at such time when Thermo does not own a majority of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, on our stockholders acting by written consent; |
| prohibitions on our stockholders calling special meetings of stockholders or filling vacancies on our board of directors; |
| the requirement, at such time when Thermo does not own a majority of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, that our stockholders must obtain a super-majority vote to amend or repeal our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws; |
| change of control provisions in our Facility Agreement, which provide that a change of control will constitute an event of default and, unless waived by the lenders, will result in the acceleration of the maturity of all indebtedness under the credit agreement; |
| change of control provisions relating to our 5.75% Notes and 8% Notes, which provide that a change of control will permit holders of the Notes to demand immediate repayment; and |
| change of control provisions in our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, which provide that a change of control may accelerate the vesting of all outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. |
We also are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits us from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder, as defined in that section, for a period of three years following the date on which that stockholder became an interested stockholder. This provision does not apply to Thermo, which became our principal stockholder prior to our initial public offering.
These provisions also could make it more difficult for you and our other stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions, and could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
As of December 31, 2009, Thermo owned approximately 69.6% of our outstanding equity and 67.7% of our voting power. Additionally, Thermo owns warrants and 8.00% Notes that may be converted into or exercised for additional shares of common stock. Thermo is able to control the election of all of the members of our board of directors and the vote on substantially all other matters, including significant corporate transactions such as the approval of a merger or other transaction involving our sale.
We have depended substantially on Thermo to provide capital to finance our business. In 2006 and 2007, Thermo purchased an aggregate of $200 million of common stock at prices substantially above market. On
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December 17, 2007, Thermo assumed all of the obligations and was assigned all of the rights (other than indemnification rights) of the administrative agent and the lenders under our amended and restated credit agreement. To fulfill the conditions precedent to our Facility Agreement, in 2009, Thermo converted the loans outstanding under the credit agreement into equity and terminated the credit agreement. In addition, Thermo and its affiliates deposited $60.0 million in a contingent equity account to fulfill a condition precedent for borrowing under the Facility Agreement, purchased $11.4 million of our 8% Notes, and loaned us $25.0 million to fund our debt service reserve account under the Facility Agreement.
Thermo is controlled by James Monroe III, our chairman. Through Thermo, Mr. Monroe holds equity interests in, and serves as an executive officer or director of, a diverse group of privately-owned businesses not otherwise related to us. Although Mr. Monroe receives no compensation from us, he has advised us that he intends to devote whatever portion of his time is necessary to perform his duties as our chairman. We do reimburse Thermo and Mr. Monroe for certain expenses they incur in connection with our business.
The interests of Thermo may conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Thermo may take actions it believes will benefit its equity investment in us or loans to us even though such actions might not be in your best interests as a holder of our common stock.
Thermo owns common stock representing more than a majority of the voting power in election of our directors. As a result, we are considered a controlled company within the meaning of the corporate governance standards in the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Under these rules, a controlled company may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirement that a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors and the requirement that it have a compensation committee and a nominating/corporate governance committee that are composed entirely of independent directors. We have elected to be treated as a controlled company and thus utilize these exemptions. As a result, we do not have a majority of independent directors nor do we have compensation and nominating/corporate governance committees consisting entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, you do not have the same protection afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.
Our certificate of incorporation as in effect when we entered into the irrevocable standby stock purchase agreement with Thermo in 2006 provided that stockholders who are accredited investors (as defined under the Securities Act) were entitled to pre-emptive rights with respect to the transaction with Thermo. We may offer our stockholders as of June 15, 2006 who are accredited investors the opportunity to participate in the transaction contemplated by the irrevocable standby stock purchase agreement with Thermo on a pro rata basis on substantially the same terms as Thermo. Some of our stockholders could allege that the offering does not comply fully with the terms of our prior certificate of incorporation. Although we believe any variance from the requirements of our former certificate of incorporation is immaterial and that we had valid reasons for delaying the pre-emptive rights offering until after our initial public offering, a court may not agree with our position if these stockholders allege that we have violated their pre-emptive rights. In that case, we cannot predict the type of remedy the court could award such stockholders.
The pre-emptive rights offering will be made pursuant to a registration statement filed with, and potentially reviewed by, the SEC. After giving effect to waivers that we have already received, up to 785,328 shares of our common stock may be purchased if the pre-emptive rights offering is fully subscribed. Such shares may be purchased at approximately $16.17 per share, regardless of the trading price of our common stock. The nature of the pre-emptive rights offering may negatively affect the trading price of our common stock.
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Not Applicable
Our principal headquarters are located in Milpitas, California, where we currently lease approximately 55,300 square feet of office space. We own or lease the facilities described in the following table (in approximate square feet):
Location | Country | Sq Feet | Facility Use | Owned/Leased | ||||
El Dorado Hills, California | USA | 11,000 | Back-Up Control Center | Leased | ||||
Mississauga, Ontario | Canada | 18,200 | Canada Office | Leased | ||||
Milpitas, California | USA | 55,300 | Corporate Office | Leased | ||||
Covington, Louisiana | USA | 10,000 | Research and Development | Leased | ||||
Dublin | Ireland | 1,700 | Europe Office | Leased | ||||
Caracas | Venezuela | 2,200 | Venezuela Office | Leased | ||||
Panama City | Panama | 1,100 | GAT Office | Leased | ||||
Seletar Satellite Earth Station | Singapore | 4,500 | Gateway | Leased | ||||
Clifton, Texas | USA | 10,000 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Sebring, Florida | USA | 9,000 | Gateway | Leased | ||||
Barrio of Las Palmas, Cabo Rojo | Puerto Rico | 6,000 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Aussaguel | France | 4,600 | Gateway | Leased | ||||
Los Velasquez, Edo Miranda | Venezuela | 9,700 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Wasilla, Alaska | USA | 5,000 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Smith Falls, Ontario | Canada | 6,500 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
High River, Alberta | Canada | 6,500 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Managua | Nicaragua | 10,900 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Manaus | Brazil | 1,900 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Presidente Prudente | Brazil | 1,300 | Gateway | Owned | ||||
Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | 4,000 | Brazil Office | Leased | ||||
Petrolina | Brazil | 2,500 | Gateway | Owned |
Our owned properties in Clifton, Texas and Wasilla, Alaska are encumbered by liens in favor of the administrative agent under our Facility Agreement for the benefit of the lenders thereunder. See Managements Discussion and Analysis Contractual Obligations and Commitments.
From time to time, we are involved in various litigation matters involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to our business. Management currently believes that the outcome of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. We are involved in certain litigation matters as discussed below.
IPO Securities Litigation. On February 9, 2007, the first of three purported class action lawsuits was filed against us, our then-current CEO and CFO in the Southern District of New York alleging that our registration statement related to its initial public offering in November 2006 contained material misstatements and omissions. The Court consolidated the three cases as Ladmen Partners, Inc. v. Globalstar, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:07-CV-0976 (LAP), and appointed Connecticut Laborers Pension Fund as lead plaintiff. The parties and our insurer have agreed to a settlement of the litigation for $1.5 million to be paid by the insurer, which received the presiding judges preliminary approval on September 18, 2009. After a hearing on February 18, 2010, the judge approved the settlement.
Walsh and Kesler v. Globalstar, Inc. (formerly Stickrath v. Globalstar, Inc.). On April 7, 2007, Kenneth Stickrath and Sharan Stickrath filed a purported class action complaint against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 07-cv-01941. The complaint is based on alleged violations of California Business & Professions Code § 17200 and California Civil Code § 1750, et seq., the Consumers Legal Remedies Act. In July 2008, we filed a motion to deny class certification and a motion for summary
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judgment. The court deferred action on the class certification issue but granted the motion for summary judgment on December 22, 2008. The court did not, however, dismiss the case with prejudice but rather allowed counsel for plaintiffs to amend the complaint and substitute one or more new class representatives. On January 16, 2009, counsel for the plaintiffs filed a Third Amended Class Action Complaint substituting Messrs. Walsh and Kesler as the named plaintiffs. A joint notice of settlement was filed with the court on March 9, 2010. We have recorded a liability for this settlement; however, the amount is not material.
Appeal of FCC S-Band Sharing Decision. This case is Sprint Nextel Corporations petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for review of, among others, the FCCs April 27, 2006, decision regarding sharing of the 2495-2500 MHz portion of our radio frequency spectrum. This is known as The S-band Sharing Proceeding. The Court of Appeals has granted the FCCs motion to hold the case in abeyance while the FCC considers the petitions for reconsideration pending before it. The Court has also granted our motion to intervene as a party in the case. We cannot determine when the FCC might act on the petitions for reconsideration.
Appeal of FCC ATC Decision. On October 31, 2008, the FCC issued an Order granting us modified ATC authority. The modified authority allows us and Open Range Communications, Inc. to implement their plan to roll out ATC service in rural areas of the United States. On December 1, 2008, Iridium Communications filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for review of the FCCs Order. On the same day, CTIA-The Wireless Association petitioned the FCC to reconsider its Order. The court has granted the FCCs motion to hold the appeal in abeyance pending the FCCs decision on reconsideration.
Sorensen Research & Development Trust v. Axonn LLC, et al. On July 2, 2008, our subsidiary, Spot LLC, received a notice of patent infringement from Sorensen Research and Development. Sorensen asserts that the process used to manufacture the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger violates a U.S. patent held by Sorensen. The manufacturer, Axonn LLC, has assumed responsibility for managing the case under an indemnity agreement with us and Spot LLC. Axonn was unable to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement with Sorensen, and on January 14, 2009, Sorensen filed a complaint against Axonn, Spot LLC and us in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. We and Axonn filed an answer and counterclaim and a motion to stay the proceeding pending completion of the re-examination of the subject patent. The court granted the motion for stay on July 29, 2009. In connection with our acquisition of Axonns assets in December 2009, Axonn agreed to continue to be responsible for this case, subject to certain limitations. If Axonn fails to perform this obligation, however, our recourse is generally limited to seeking recovery from our stock held in escrow or reducing the earnout payments that may otherwise be owed to Axonn under the acquisition agreement.
YMax Communications Corp. v. Globalstar, Inc. and Spot LLC. On May 6, 2009, YMax Communications Corp. filed a patent infringement complaint against us and our subsidiary, Spot LLC, in the Delaware U.S. District Court (Civ. Action No. 09-329) alleging that the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger service infringes a patent for which YMax is the exclusive licensee. The complaint followed an exchange of correspondence between us and YMax in which we endeavored to explain why the SPOT service does not infringe the YMax patent. We filed our answer to the complaint on June 26, 2009. On February 11, 2010, we and Ymax agreed to settle our dispute on mutually acceptable terms, and on February 17 the court approved our settlement. We have recorded a liability for this settlement; however, the amount is not material.
Tax Matters. We operate in various U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. The process of determining our anticipated tax liabilities involves many calculations and estimates which are inherently complex. We believe that we have complied in all material respects with our obligations to pay taxes in these jurisdictions. However, our position is subject to review and possible challenge by the taxing authorities of these jurisdictions. If the applicable taxing authorities were to challenge successfully our current tax positions, or if there were changes in the manner in which we conduct our activities, we could become subject to material unanticipated tax liabilities. We may also become subject to additional tax liabilities as a result of changes in tax laws, which could in certain circumstances have a retroactive effect.
A tax authority has previously notified us that we, one of our subsidiaries, and our predecessor, Globalstar L.P., were under audit for the taxable years ending December 31, 2005, December 31, 2004, and
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June 29, 2004, respectively. During the taxable years at issue, we, our predecessor, and our subsidiary were treated as partnerships for U.S. income tax purposes. In December 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notices of Final Partnership Administrative Adjustments related to each of the taxable years at issue. We disagree with the proposed adjustments, and intend to pursue the matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures as appropriate.
As a result of us not yet realizing any current tax benefits related to the deductions from the proposed adjustments, we would not incur any current additional tax as a result of any adjustment. However, if there is any adjustment to the basis of our assets, this could reduce our net operating losses and allowed deductions in future years which could negatively impact our future cash flow. The potential impact of such a possibility has been considered in our analysis and we have adjusted our gross deferred tax asset before valuation allowance to a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained.
As a result of our acquisition of an independent gateway operator in Brazil during 2008, we are exposed to potential pre-acquisition tax liabilities which are of a non-income tax nature. During 2009, the seller paid $4.5 million on these liabilities but the seller remains subject to an additional $10.7 million in liabilities. We may also be exposed to potential pre-acquisition liabilities for which we may not be fully indemnified by the seller or the seller may fail to perform its indemnification obligations.
Except for the matters noted above, we are not aware of any ongoing audits or other matters although numerous tax years remain subject to examination by tax authorities.
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Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol GSAT. The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices for our common stock over the eight quarters ending December 31, 2009.
Quarter Ended: | High | Low | ||||||
March 31, 2008 | $ | 9.05 | $ | 6.50 | ||||
June 30, 2008 | $ | 7.59 | $ | 2.79 | ||||
September 30, 2008 | $ | 3.20 | $ | 1.55 | ||||
December 31, 2008 | $ | 1.75 | $ | 0.15 | ||||
March 31, 2009 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.20 | ||||
June 30, 2009 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 0.40 | ||||
September 30, 2009 | $ | 1.09 | $ | 0.76 | ||||
December 31, 2009 | $ | 1.02 | $ | 0.64 |
As of March 5, 2010, we had 186 holders of record of our common stock. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. Our Facility Agreement prohibits us from paying dividends. We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
The following table presents our selected historical consolidated financial information and other data for the last five years, and as of December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Our selected historical consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 has been derived from our audited consolidated balance sheets as of those dates, which are not included in this Report.
You should read the selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, all included in Items 6 and 7 of this Report. The selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below are not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations.
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue | $ | 50,228 | $ | 61,794 | $ | 78,313 | $ | 92,037 | $ | 81,472 | ||||||||||
Subscriber equipment sales(1) | 14,051 | 24,261 | 20,085 | 44,634 | 45,675 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenue | 64,279 | 86,055 | 98,398 | 136,671 | 127,147 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 36,204 | 37,132 | 27,775 | 28,091 | 25,432 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales(2) | 9,881 | 17,921 | 13,863 | 40,396 | 38,742 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales Impairment of assets | 913 | 405 | 19,109 | 1,943 | | |||||||||||||||
Total cost of subscriber equipment sales | 10,794 | 18,326 | 32,972 | 42,339 | 38,742 | |||||||||||||||
Marketing, general and administrative | 49,210 | 61,351 | 49,146 | 43,899 | 37,945 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 21,862 | 26,956 | 13,137 | 6,679 | 3,044 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of assets | | | | | 114 | |||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 118,070 | 143,765 | 123,030 | 121,008 | 105,277 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | (53,791 | ) | (57,710 | ) | (24,632 | ) | 15,663 | 21,870 | ||||||||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt | | 49,042 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | 502 | 4,713 | 3,170 | 1,172 | 242 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense(3) | (6,730 | ) | (5,733 | ) | (9,023 | ) | (587 | ) | (269 | ) | ||||||||||
Derivative loss, net | (15,585 | ) | (3,259 | ) | (3,232 | ) | (2,716 | ) | | |||||||||||
Other | 665 | (4,497 | ) | 8,656 | (3,980 | ) | (622 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total other income (expense) | (21,148 | ) | 40,266 | (429 | ) | (6,111 | ) | (649 | ) | |||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (74,939 | ) | (17,444 | ) | (25,061 | ) | 9,552 | 21,221 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (16 | ) | (2,283 | ) | 2,864 | (14,071 | ) | 2,502 | ||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | (74,923 | ) | $ | (15,161 | ) | $ | (27,925 | ) | $ | 23,623 | $ | 18,719 |
Balance Sheet Data: | As of December 31, 2009 |
As of December 31, 2008 |
As of December 31, 2007 |
As of December 31, 2006 |
As of December 31, 2005 |
|||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 67,881 | $ | 12,357 | $ | 37,554 | $ | 43,698 | $ | 20,270 | ||||||||||
Restricted cash(4) | $ | 40,473 | $ | 57,884 | $ | 80,871 | $ | 52,581 | $ | | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,257,996 | $ | 808,234 | $ | 512,975 | $ | 331,701 | $ | 113,545 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 463,551 | $ | 238,345 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 417 | $ | 631 | ||||||||||
Redeemable common stock | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 4,949 | $ | | ||||||||||
Ownership equity | $ | 587,148 | $ | 436,753 | $ | 405,544 | $ | 260,697 | $ | 71,430 |
(1) | Includes related party sales of $0, $0, $59, $3,423 and $440 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
(2) | Includes costs of related party sales of $0, $0, $46, $3,041 and $314 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
(3) | Includes related party amounts of $0, $0, $83, $0 and $176 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
(4) | Restricted cash is comprised of funds held in escrow by two financial institutions to secure our payment obligations related to (i) our contract for the construction of the second-generation satellite constellation and (ii) the next five semi-annual interest payments on our 5.75% Notes and (iii) cash related to the Axonn acquisition. |
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This Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Item 7 of this Report.
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 customers 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 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 subscribers 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 subscribers 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 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.
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| Launch delays. A major earthquake in Italy in April 2009 damaged Thales satellite component fabrication facility in LAquila, Italy. Although none of our satellites or components were damaged, the delivery of some of our satellites has been delayed. We believe that this delay will not have a material adverse effect on our operations and business plan because we are able to defer a significant portion of our capital expense unrelated to the launch and construction of our satellites. We currently expect the first of four launches of six second-generation satellites each to take place in the late summer of 2010 and the fourth launch to be completed in the late spring or early summer of 2011. |
| The economy. The current recession and its effects on credit markets and consumer spending is adversely affecting sales of our products and services and our access to capital. |
| 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 76% of our total assets at December 31, 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 from 2007 through 2009, and we expect to incur additional significant expenditures through 2013 to complete and launch our second-generation constellation and related upgrades. |
| Introduction of new products. We work continuously with the manufacturers of the products we sell to offer our customers innovative and improved products. Prior to our recent acquisition of Axonns assets, virtually all engineering, research and development costs of these new products have been 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 MapsTM. 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. 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
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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 $150.00 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 $225.00 per unit (subject to foreign currency exchange rates). Our distributors set their own retail prices for SPOT satellite GPS messenger equipment.
| 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 distribution relationships 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, Cabelas, Campmor, London Drugs, Gander Mountain, REI, Sportsmans Warehouse, Wal-Mart.com, West Marine, DBL Distributing, D.H. Distributing, and CWR Electronics. We currently sell SPOT satellite GPS messenger products through approximately 10,000 distribution points. 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-three 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 40% for 2009 and 2008, respectively) is denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, certain 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 we are the first market entrant through our contract with Open Range described below. We are considering a range of additional 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. |
In October 2007, we entered into an agreement with Open Range, 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 S-band spectrum to offer dual mode mobile satellite based and terrestrial wireless WiMAX services to over 500 rural American communities. In December 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 Ranges 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 began in selected markets in the last quarter of 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
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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 Ranges 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 and $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 Ranges 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 2009, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | % of Total Revenue |
Revenue | % of Total Revenue |
Revenue | % of Total Revenue |
|||||||||||||||||||
Service Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mobile (voice and data) | $ | 26,573 | 42 | % | $ | 41,883 | 49 | % | $ | 60,920 | 62 | % | ||||||||||||
Fixed (voice and data) | 2,331 | 4 | 3,506 | 4 | 5,369 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Data | 613 | 1 | 784 | 1 | 1,649 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Simplex | 13,430 | 21 | 6,362 | 7 | 2,407 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Independent gateway operators | 1,191 | 2 | 3,098 | 4 | 4,465 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other(1) | 6,090 | 8 | 6,161 | 7 | 3,503 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Service Revenue | 50,228 | 78 | 61,794 | 72 | 78,313 | 80 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subscriber Equipment Sales: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mobile equipment | 2,402 | 4 | 8,095 | 9 | 11,931 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fixed equipment | 183 | | 1,164 | 1 | 2,160 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Data and Simplex | 7,619 | 12 | 10,170 | 12 | 1,946 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accessories/misc. | 3,847 | 6 | 4,832 | 6 | 4,048 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Subscriber Equipment Sales | 14,051 | 22 | 24,261 | 28 | 20,085 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 64,279 | 100 | % | $ | 86,055 | 100 | % | $ | 98,398 | 100 | % |
(1) | Includes activation fees and engineering service revenue. |
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Subscribers and ARPU for 2009, 2008 and 2007. The following table set forth our average number of subscribers and ARPU for retail, IGO and Simplex customers for 2009, 2008 and 2007. The following numbers are subject to immaterial rounding inherent in calculating averages.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | % Net Change | ||||||||||
Average number of subscribers for the period: |
||||||||||||
Retail | 111,784 | 118,580 | (6 | )% | ||||||||
IGO | 70,018 | 79,202 | (12 | ) | ||||||||
Simplex | 189,819 | 118,072 | 61 | |||||||||
ARPU (monthly): |
||||||||||||
Retail | $ | 25.22 | $ | 35.19 | (28 | )% | ||||||
IGO | $ | 1.42 | $ | 3.26 | (56 | ) | ||||||
Simplex | $ | 5.85 | $ | 4.48 | 31 |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | % Net Change |
||||||||||
Average number of subscribers for the period: |
||||||||||||
Retail | 118,580 | 122,709 | (3 | )% | ||||||||
IGO | 79,202 | 90,254 | (12 | ) | ||||||||
Simplex | 118,072 | 64,034 | 84 | |||||||||
ARPU (monthly): |
||||||||||||
Retail | $ | 35.19 | $ | 46.26 | (24 | )% | ||||||
IGO | $ | 3.26 | $ | 4.12 | (21 | ) | ||||||
Simplex | $ | 4.48 | $ | 3.11 | 44 |
December 31, 2009 |
December 31, 2008 |
% Net Change |
||||||||||
Ending number of subscribers: |
||||||||||||
Retail | 106,974 | 115,371 | (7 | )% | ||||||||
IGO | 64,723 | 73,763 | (12 | ) | ||||||||
Simplex | 218,897 | 155,196 | 41 | |||||||||
Total | 390,594 | 344,330 | 13 | % |
December 31, 2008 |
December 31, 2007 |
% Net Change |
||||||||||
Ending number of subscribers: |
||||||||||||
Retail | 115,371 | 118,747 | (3 | )% | ||||||||
IGO | 73,763 | 87,930 | (16 | ) | ||||||||
Simplex | 155,196 | 77,449 | 100 | |||||||||
Total | 344,330 | 284,126 | 21 | % |
The total number of net subscribers increased from approximately 344,000 at December 31, 2008 to approximately 391,000 at December 31, 2009. Although we experienced a net increase in our total customer base of 13% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009, our total service revenue decreased for the same period. This is due primarily to lower contributions from subscribers in addition to the change in our subscriber mix.
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Currently, 14 of the 27 gateways in our network are owned and operated by unaffiliated companies, which we call independent gateway operators, some of whom operate more than one gateway. Except for the new gateway in Nigeria, in which we hold a 30% equity interest, we have no financial interest in these independent gateway operators other than arms length contracts for wholesale minutes of service. Some of these independent gateway operators have been unable to grow their businesses adequately due in part to limited resources. Old Globalstar initially developed the independent gateway operator acquisition strategy to establish operations in multiple territories with reduced demands on its capital. In addition, there are territories in which for political or other reasons, it is impractical for us to operate directly. We sell services to the independent gateway operators on a wholesale basis and they resell them to their customers on a retail basis.
We have acquired, and intend to continue to pursue the acquisition of, independent gateway operators when we believe we can do so on favorable terms and the current independent operator has expressed a desire to sell its assets to us, subject to capital availability. We believe that these acquisitions can enhance our results of operations in three respects. First, we believe that, with our greater financial and technical resources, we can grow our subscriber base and revenue faster than some of the independent gateway operators. Second, we realize greater margin on retail sales to individual subscribers than we do on wholesale sales to independent gateway operators. Third, we believe expanding the territory we serve directly will better position us to market our services directly to multinational customers who require a global communications provider.
However, acquisitions of independent gateway operators do require us to commit capital, as well as management resources and working capital to support the gateway operations, and therefore increase our risk in operating in these territories directly rather than through the independent gateway operators. In addition, operating the acquired gateways increases our marketing, general and administrative expenses. Our Facility Agreement limits to $25.0 million the aggregate amount of cash we may invest in foreign acquisitions without the consent of our lenders and requires us to satisfy certain conditions in connection with any acquisition.
In March 2008, we acquired an independent gateway operator that owned three satellite gateway ground stations in Brazil for $6.5 million, paid in shares of our common stock. We also incurred transaction costs of $0.3 million related to this acquisition. In June 2009, we entered into a business transfer agreement with LG Dacom, the independent gateway operator in South Korea, to acquire its gateway and other Globalstar assets for approximately $1 million in cash. No closing has been set for the South Korean acquisition.
We are unable to predict the timing or cost of further acquisitions because independent gateway operations vary in size and value.
Our management reviews and analyzes several key performance indicators in order to manage our business and assess the quality of and potential variability of our earnings and cash flows. These key performance indicators include:
| total revenue, which is an indicator of our overall business growth; |
| subscriber growth and churn rate, which are both indicators of the satisfaction of our customers; |
| average monthly revenue per unit, or ARPU, which is an indicator of our pricing and ability to obtain effectively long-term, high-value customers. We calculate ARPU separately for each of our retail, IGO and Simplex businesses; |
| operating income, which is an indication of our performance; |
| EBITDA, which is an indicator of our financial performance; and |
| capital expenditures, which are an indicator of future revenue growth potential and cash requirements. |
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Our results of operations are subject to seasonal usage changes. April through October are typically our peak months for service revenues and equipment sales. Government customers in North America tend to use our services during summer months, often in support of relief activities after events such as hurricanes, forest fires and other natural disasters.
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our revenues and expenses for the periods reported and the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, including contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the financial statements. We evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, inventory, long-lived assets, income taxes, derivative instruments and stock-based compensation, on an on-going basis. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following accounting policies are most important to understanding our financial results and condition and require complex or subjective judgments and estimates.
We bill monthly access fees to retail customers and resellers, representing the minimum monthly charge for each line of service based on its associated rate plan on the first day of each monthly bill cycle. We bill airtime minute fees in excess of the monthly access fees in arrears on the first day of each monthly billing cycle. To the extent that billing cycles fall during the course of a given month and a portion of the monthly services has not been delivered at month end, we prorate fees and defer fees associated with the undelivered portion of a given month. Under certain annual plans, where customers prepay for minutes, we defer revenue until the minutes are used or the prepaid time period expires. Unused minutes accumulate until they expire, usually one year after activation. In addition, we offer other annual plans under which the customer is charged an annual fee to access our system. We recognize these fees on a straight-line basis over the term of the plan. In some cases, we charge a per minute rate whereby we recognize the revenue when each minute is used.
Occasionally we have granted credits to customers which are expensed or charged against deferred revenue when granted.
Subscriber acquisition costs include items such as dealer commissions, internal sales commissions and equipment subsidies and are expensed at the time of the related sale.
We also provide certain engineering services to assist customers in developing new technologies related to our system. We record the revenues associated with these services when the services are rendered, and we record the expenses when incurred. We record revenues and costs associated with long term engineering contracts on the percentage-of-completion basis of accounting.
We own and operate our satellite constellation and earn a portion of our revenues through the sale of airtime minutes on a wholesale basis to independent gateway operators. We recognize revenue from services provided to independent gateway operators based upon airtime minutes used by their customers and contractual fee arrangements. If collection is uncertain, we recognize revenue when cash payment is received.
During the second quarter of 2007, we introduced an unlimited airtime usage service plan (the Unlimited Loyalty plan) which allows existing and new customers to use unlimited satellite voice minutes for anytime calls for a fixed monthly or annual fee. The unlimited loyalty plan incorporates a declining price schedule that reduces the fixed monthly fee at the completion of each calendar year through the duration of the customer agreement, which ends on June 30, 2010. Customers have an option to extend their customer agreement by one year at the fixed price. We record revenue for this plan on a monthly basis based on a straight line average derived by computing the total fees charged over the term of the customer agreement and dividing it by the number of the months. If a customer cancels prior to the ending date of the customer agreement, we recognize the balance in deferred revenue.
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We sell SPOT satellite GPS messenger services as annual plans and bill them to the customer at the time the customer activates the service. We defer revenue on such annual service plans upon activation and recognize it ratably over the service term.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, our deferred revenue aggregated approximately $22.5 million (with $2.6 million included in non-current liabilities) and $20.6 million (with $1.3 million included in non-current liabilities), respectively.
Subscriber equipment revenue represents the sale of fixed and mobile user terminals, accessories and our SPOT satellite GPS messenger product. We recognize revenue upon shipment provided title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed and determinable and collection is probable.
Inventory consists of purchased products, including fixed and mobile user terminals, accessories and gateway spare parts. We state inventory transactions at the lower of cost or market. At the end of each quarter, we review product sales and returns from the previous twelve months and write off any excess and obsolete inventory. Cost is computed using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. We record inventory allowances for inventories with a lower market value or that are slow moving in the period of determination.
Our Globalstar System assets include costs for the design, manufacture, test and launch of a constellation of low earth orbit satellites, including eight satellites previously held as ground spares which we launched in May and October 2007, which we refer to as the space segment, and primary and backup terrestrial control centers and gateways, which we refer to as the ground segment. We recognize a loss from an in-orbit failure of a satellite as an expense in the period it is determined that the satellite is not recoverable. We regard these recently launched satellites as part of the second-generation constellation which will be supplemented by the second-generation satellites currently being constructed. We estimate the second-generation satellites scheduled to be launched in 2010 and 2011 will have an in-orbit life of 15 years.
We review the carrying value of the Globalstar System for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value of the space segment and ground segment may not be recoverable. We look to current and future undiscounted cash flows, excluding financing costs, as primary indicators of recoverability. If we determine an impairment exists, we calculate any related impairment loss based on fair value. We believe our two-way telecommunications services, or duplex services, after the launch of our second-generation constellation, and Simplex services will generate sufficient undiscounted cash flow after our second-generation system becomes operational, to justify our carrying value for our second-generation costs.
We began depreciating the satellites previously recorded as spare satellites and subsequently incorporated into the Globalstar System on the date each satellite was placed into service (the In-Service Date) over an estimated life of eight years.
Until January 1, 2006, we and our U.S. operating subsidiaries were treated as partnerships for U.S. tax purposes. Generally, taxable income or loss, deductions and credits of a partnership are passed through to its partners. Effective January 1, 2006, we elected to be taxed as a C corporation for U.S. tax purposes and began accounting for income taxes as a corporation.
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had gross deferred tax assets of approximately $150.9 million and $125.1 million, respectively. We established a valuation reserve of $150.9 million and $125.1 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively due to our concern that it may be more likely than not that we may not be able to utilize the deferred tax assets.
Prior to December 10, 2008, we utilized a derivative instrument in the form of an interest rate swap agreement. We used the interest rate swap agreement to manage risk and not for trading or other speculative
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purposes. At the end of each accounting period, we recorded the derivative instrument on our balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. The interest rate swap agreement did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement were recognized as Derivative gain (loss) over the life of the agreements. We terminated the interest swap agreement on December 10, 2008 by making a payment of approximately $9.2 million.
In June 2009, in connection with entering into the Facility Agreement, which provides for interest at a variable rate, we entered into ten-year interest rate cap agreements. The interest rate cap agreements reflect a variable notional amount ranging from $586.3 million to $14.8 million at interest rates that provide us coverage for exposure resulting from escalating interest rates over the term of the Facility Agreement. The interest rate cap provides limits on the 6-month Libor rate (Base Rate) used to calculate the coupon interest on outstanding amounts on the Facility Agreement of 4.00% from the date of issuance through December 2012. Thereafter, the Base Rate is capped at 5.50% should the Base Rate not exceed 6.5%. Should the Base Rate exceed 6.5%, our Base Rate will be 1% less than the then 6-month Libor rate.
We recorded the conversion rights and features embedded within the 8.00% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes (8.00% Notes) as a compound embedded derivative liability within Other Non-Current Liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet with a corresponding debt discount which is netted against the face value of the 8.00% Notes. We are accreting the debt discount associated with the compound embedded derivative liability to interest expense over the term of the 8.00% Notes using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the compound embedded derivative liability will be marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period, with any changes in value reported as Derivative gain (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We determine the fair value of the compound embedded derivative on a quarterly basis using a Monte Carlo simulation model based upon a risk-neutral stock price model.
Due to the cash settlement provisions and reset features in the warrants issued with the 8.00% Notes, we recorded the warrants as Other Long Term Liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet with a corresponding debt discount which is netted against the face value of the 8.00% Notes. We are accreting the debt discount associated with the warrant liability to interest expense over the term of the warrants using the effective interest rate method. The fair value of the warrant liability will be marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period, with any changes in value reported as Derivative gain (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We determine the fair value of the Warrant derivative at each reporting date using a Monte Carlo simulation model based upon a risk-neutral stock price model.
We determined that the warrants issued in conjunction with the availability fee for the Contingent Equity Agreement, were a liability and recorded it as a component of Other Non-Current Liabilities, at issuance. The corresponding benefit is recorded in prepaid and other current assets and is being amortized over the one-year availability period. The fair value of the warrant liability will be marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period, with any changes in value reported as Derivative gain (loss) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We determine the fair value of the Warrant derivative at each reporting date using a risk-neutral binomial model. See Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
U.S. GAAP requires us to recognize compensation expense in the financial statements for both employee and non-employee share-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards. To measure compensation expense, we use complex models which require estimates such as, forfeitures, vesting terms (calculated based on market conditions associated with a certain award), volatility, risk free interest rates. Additionally, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which is generally commensurate with the vesting term.
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Statements of Operations | Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
% Change |
|||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||
Service revenue | $ | 50,228 | $ | 61,794 | (19 | )% | ||||||
Subscriber equipment sales | 14,051 | 24,261 | (42 | ) | ||||||||
Total Revenue | 64,279 | 86,055 | (25 | ) | ||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 36,204 | 37,132 | 3 | |||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales: | ||||||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales | 9,881 | 17,921 | 45 | |||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales Impairment of assets | 913 | 405 | (125 | ) | ||||||||
Total cost of subscriber equipment sales | 10,794 | 18,326 | 41 | |||||||||
Marketing, general and administrative | 49,210 | 61,351 | 20 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 21,862 | 26,956 | 19 | |||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 118,070 | 143,765 | 18 | |||||||||
Operating loss | (53,791 | ) | (57,710 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt | | 49,042 | N/A | |||||||||
Interest income | 502 | 4,713 | (89 | ) | ||||||||
Interest expense | (6,730 | ) | (5,733 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||
Derivative loss, net | (15,585 | ) | (3,259 | ) | (378 | ) | ||||||
Other | 665 | (4,497 | ) | N/A | ||||||||
Loss Before Income Taxes | (74,939 | ) | (17,444 | ) | (330 | ) | ||||||
Income tax benefit | (16 | ) | (2,283 | ) | (99 | ) | ||||||
Net Loss | $ | (74,923 | ) | $ | (15,161 | ) | (394 | ) |
Revenue. Total revenue decreased $21.8 million, or approximately 25%, to $64.3 million for 2009, from $86.1 million for 2008. We attribute this decrease mainly to lower service revenue which we believe stems from lower price service plans introduced in order to maintain our subscriber base despite our two-way communication issues and from reductions in sales of our duplex equipment. Our retail ARPU during 2009 decreased by 28% to $25.22 from $35.19 in 2008. We added approximately 46,000 net subscribers during 2009.
Service Revenue. Service revenue decreased $11.6 million, or approximately 19%, to $50.2 million for 2009, from $61.8 million for 2008. Although our subscriber base grew 13% during 2009 to approximately 391,000, we experienced decreased retail ARPU resulting in lower service revenue. The primary reason for this decrease in our service revenue was the reduction of our prices in response to our two-way communication issues.
Subscriber Equipment Sales. Subscriber equipment sales decreased $10.2 million, or approximately 42%, to $14.1 million for 2009, from $24.3 million for 2008. We attribute this decrease to reduced sales of our duplex products.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses decreased $25.7 million, or approximately 18%, to $118.1 million for 2009, from $143.8 million for 2008. This decrease was due primarily to lower marketing, general and administrative costs due in part to our reductions in headcount, lower cost of goods sold as a result of lower equipment sales related to our duplex products and reduced depreciation and amortization costs. These reductions were partially offset by higher research and development expenses.
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Cost of Services. Our cost of services for 2009 and 2008 were $36.2 million and $37.1 million, respectively. Our cost of services is comprised primarily of network operating costs, which are generally fixed in nature. The decrease in the cost of services during 2009 is due primarily to lower contract labor and other operating expenses partially offset by higher research and development expenses related to our second-generation ground component development.
Cost of Subscriber Equipment Sales. Cost of subscriber equipment sales decreased approximately $7.5 million, or approximately 41%, to $10.8 million for 2009, from $18.3 million for 2008. This decrease was due primarily to lower sales of our duplex products.
Marketing, General and Administrative. Marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased $12.2 million, or approximately 20%, to $49.2 million for 2009, from $61.4 million for 2008. This decrease was due primarily to lower marketing and advertising costs, reduced stock based compensation costs and lower commissions related to the reduced revenue.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased approximately $5.1 million, or 19%, to $21.9 million for 2009, from $27.0 million for 2008. This decrease was due primarily to the first-generation satellite constellation reaching fully-depreciated status at December 31, 2008.
Operating Loss. Operating loss decreased approximately $3.9 million, to $53.8 million for 2009, from $57.7 million for 2008. The decrease was due to lower marketing, general and administrative costs due to various cost savings measures including the reduction of headcount during 2009 and lower depreciation and amortization costs due to our first generation satellite constellation being fully depreciated in 2008.
Interest Income. Interest income decreased by $4.2 million to $0.5 million for 2009, from $4.7 million for 2008. This decrease was due to lower average cash balances on hand and lower interest rates as compared to the prior year.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $1.0 million, to $6.7 million for 2009 from $5.7 million for 2008. This increase resulted from higher expenses due to the amortization of our deferred financing costs related to our financing in June 2009.
Derivative Loss, net. For 2009, derivative loss was $15.6 million compared to $3.3 million in 2008. This increased loss resulted from fair market value adjustments related to the derivatives from our 8% Notes, the adjustment of the exercise price of our warrants associated with our 8% Notes, which resulted in the number of shares of common stock subject to the warrants increasing by 16.2 million due to the issuance of stock as part of our acquisition of the assets of Axonn, and a decrease in the fair value of our interest rate cap agreement as a result of a decrease in market interest rates.
Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) generally consists of foreign exchange transaction gains and losses. Other income increased by $5.2 million for 2009 as compared to 2008 This change resulted primarily from an expense in 2008 due to unfavorable exchange rate on the euro denominated escrow account for our second-generation constellation procurement contract resulting from the appreciation of the U.S dollar in 2008. The gain in 2009 was due primarily to the favorable change in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar.
Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for 2009 was approximately $16,000 compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $2.3 million for 2008. The change between periods was primarily a result of benefits from the conversion of our 5.75% Notes into shares of our common stock during 2008.
Net Loss. Our net loss increased approximately $59.7 million to a loss of $74.9 million for 2009, from a net loss of $15.2 million for 2008. This increase in net loss primarily resulted from a $49.0 million gain on the extinguishment of debt in 2008, from our lower service and equipment sales revenue during 2009 when compared to 2008, decreases in interest income and increased derivative losses as described above.
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Statements of Operations | Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
% Change |
|||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||
Service revenue | $ | 61,794 | $ | 78,313 | (21 | )% | ||||||
Subscriber equipment sales(1) | 24,261 | 20,085 | 21 | |||||||||
Total Revenue | 86,055 | 98,398 | (13 | ) | ||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 37,132 | 27,775 | 34 | |||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales: |
||||||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales(2) | 17,921 | 13,863 | 29 | |||||||||
Cost of subscriber equipment sales Impairment of assets | 405 | 19,109 | (98 | ) | ||||||||
Total cost of subscriber equipment sales | 18,326 | 32,972 | (44 | ) | ||||||||
Marketing, general and administrative | 61,351 | 49,146 | 25 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 26,956 | 13,137 | 105 | |||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 143,765 | 123,030 | 17 | |||||||||
Operating loss | (57,710 | ) | (24,632 | ) | 134 | |||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt | 49,042 | | N/A | |||||||||
Interest income | 4,713 | 3,170 | 49 | |||||||||
Interest expense | (5,733 | ) | (9,023 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||||
Derivative loss, net | (3,259 | ) | (3,232 | ) | 1 | |||||||
Other | (4,497 | ) | 8,656 | N/A | ||||||||
Loss Before Income Taxes | (17,444 | ) | (25,061 | ) | (30 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (2,283 | ) | 2,864 | N/A | ||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (15,161 | ) | $ | (27,925 | ) | (46 | ) |
(1) | Includes related party amounts of $0 and $59 for 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
(2) | Includes related party amounts of $0 and $46 for 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
Revenue. Total revenue decreased by $12.3 million, or approximately 13%, to $86.1 million for 2008, from $98.4 million for 2007. This decrease is attributable to lower service revenues as a result of our two-way communication issues. Our service revenue was lower primarily due to price reductions aimed at maintaining our subscriber base despite our two-way communication issues. Our subscriber equipment sales increased during 2008 as compared to 2007 as a result of the launch of our SPOT satellite GPS messenger product and services. Our retail ARPU during 2008, decreased by 24% to $35.19 from $46.26 for 2007. We added approximately 60,000 net subscribers in 2008 compared to 21,000 net subscriber additions in 2007.
Service Revenue. Service revenue decreased $16.5 million, or approximately 21%, to $61.8 million for 2008, from $78.3 million for 2007. Although our subscriber base grew 21% during 2008 to approximately 344,000, we experienced decreased retail ARPU resulting in lower service revenue. The primary reason for this decrease in our service revenue was the reduction of our prices in response to our two-way communication issues.
Subscriber Equipment Sales. Subscriber equipment sales increased by $4.2 million, or approximately 21%, to $24.3 million for 2008, from $20.1 million for 2007. The increase was due primarily to sales in 2008 of our SPOT satellite GPS messenger product and services.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased $20.7 million, or approximately 17%, to $143.8 million for 2008, from $123.0 million for 2007. This increase was due to higher cost of goods sold related to our new SPOT satellite GPS messenger product, increased marketing, general and administrative
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expenses due to our commencing sales of SPOT satellite products and services in late 2007, as well as higher depreciation and amortization expenses related to our eight spare satellites launched in 2007, all of which were partially offset by a $19.1 million asset impairment charge recognized in 2007. In 2008, we incurred a $0.4 million asset impairment charge.
Cost of Services. Our cost of services for 2008 and 2007 were $37.1 million and $27.8 million, respectively. Our cost of services is comprised primarily of network operating costs. Although our costs are generally fixed in nature, these costs were higher in 2008 as a result of our recently acquired subsidiary in Brazil and higher research and development expenses related to our second generation ground component development.
Cost of Subscriber Equipment Sales. Cost of subscriber equipment sales decreased approximately $14.6 million, or approximately 44%, to $18.3 million for 2008, from $33.0 million for 2007. This decrease was due primarily to the absence in 2008 of a $19.1 million impairment charge recorded in 2007 offset by higher costs from the launch of our SPOT satellite GPS messenger product, which began in November 2007.
Marketing, General and Administrative. Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased $12.2 million, or approximately 25%, to $61.4 million for 2008, from $49.1 million for 2007. This increase was due primarily to higher sales and marketing costs related to our SPOT satellite GPS messenger product, costs associated with the acquisition of our subsidiary in Brazil, and increased labor and fringe costs.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately $13.8 million, or 105%, to $27.0 million for 2008, from $13.1 million for 2007. This increase was due primarily to the additional depreciation associated with placing into service all of our spare satellites launched in 2007.
Operating Income (Loss). Operating loss increased approximately $33.1 million, to $57.7 million for 2008, from $24.6 million for 2007. The increase was due to the higher operating costs described above and lower service revenue.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt. We recognized $49.0 million in gains from the conversions of 5.75% Notes into common stock during 2008.
Interest Income. Interest income increased by $1.5 million to $4.7 million for 2008, from $3.2 million for the same period in 2007. This increase was due to increased average cash and restricted cash balances on hand.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $3.3 million, to $5.8 million for 2008 from $9.0 million for 2007. This decrease was due primarily to the expensing, in 2007, of our deferred debt issuance costs of $8.1 million as a result of Thermo Funding assuming all of the obligations of the administrative agent and the lenders under our credit agreement with Wachovia Investment Holdings, LLC and the other lenders parties thereto. In 2008, we expensed $1.9 million in deferred financing costs.
Derivative Loss, net. For 2008, interest rate derivative loss was $3.3 million compared to $3.2 million in 2007. This increase was due to the unfavorable change in fair value in our interest rate swap agreement which we terminated during the fourth quarter of 2008.
Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) generally consists of foreign exchange transaction gains and losses. Other income decreased by $13.2 million for 2008 as compared to 2007 due to an unfavorable exchange rate on the Euro denominated escrow account and a decline in the Canadian dollar during 2008.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for 2008 was $2.3 million compared to expense of $2.9 million during 2007. The change between periods was primarily a result of benefits resulting from conversion of our 5.75% Notes into shares of common stock during 2008.
Net Loss. Our net loss decreased approximately $12.7 million to a loss of $15.2 million for 2008, from a net loss of $27.9 million for 2007. This decrease was due to the gain on extinguishment of debt, partially offset by increases in costs related to Brazil, higher depreciation and lower service revenue.
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The following table shows our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for 2009, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
Statements of Cash Flows | Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (18,423 | ) | $ | (30,585 | ) | $ | (7,669 | ) | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (311,692 | ) | (258,581 | ) | (183,378 | ) | ||||||
Net cash from financing activities | 386,756 | 252,533 | 193,489 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (1,117 | ) | 11,436 | (8,586 | ) | |||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 55,524 | $ | (25,197 | ) | $ | (6,144 | ) |
At January 1, 2010, our principal short-term liquidity needs were:
| to make payments to procure our second-generation satellite constellation and construct the Control Network Facility, in a total amount not yet determined, but which will include approximately €110.6 million payable to Thales Alenia Space by December 31, 2010 under the purchase contract for our second-generation satellites and €1.3 million payable to Thales Alenia Space by June 2010 under the contract for construction of the Control Network Facility; |
| to make payments related to the launch of our second-generation satellite constellation of approximately $44.7 million payable to our Launch Provider by December 31, 2010; |
| to make payments related to the construction of our second-generation ground component of approximately $15.7 million by December 31, 2010; and |
| to fund our working capital. |
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, our principal sources of liquidity were:
Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Cash on-hand at beginning of period | $ | 12.4 | $ | 37.6 | $ | 43.7 | ||||||
Net proceeds from 5.75% Notes | $ | | $ | 145.1 | $ | | ||||||
Net proceeds from 8.00% Notes | $ | 51.3 | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Borrowings under Thermo Funding credit agreement, net | $ | 35.0 | $ | 116.1 | $ | 50.0 | ||||||
Proceeds from Thermo equity purchases | $ | 1.0 | $ | | $ | 152.7 | ||||||
Borrowings under Facility Agreement | $ | 371.2 | $ | | $ | |
We plan to fund our short-term liquidity requirements from the following sources:
| cash from our Facility Agreement ($215.1 million was available at December 31, 2009); and |
| cash on hand at December 31, 2009. |
Our principal long-term liquidity needs are:
| to pay the remaining costs of procuring and deploying the remainder of our second-generation satellite constellation and upgrading our gateways and other ground facilities; |
| to fund our working capital, including any growth in working capital required by growth in our business; |
| to fund the cash requirements of our independent gateway operator acquisition strategy, in an amount not determinable at this time; and |
| to fund repayment of our indebtedness when due. |
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Sources of long-term liquidity may include, if necessary, a $34.3 million debt service reserve account and related $12.5 million guarantee and a $60.0 million contingent equity account established in connection with the Facility Agreement and additional debt and equity financings which have not yet been arranged. We also expect cash flow from operations to be a source of long-term liquidity once we have deployed our second-generation satellite constellation.
Based on our operating plan combined with our borrowing capacity under our Facility Agreement, we believe we will have sufficient resources to meet our cash obligations for at least the next 12 months.
Net cash used in operating activities for 2009 decreased to a cash outflow of $18.4 million from an outflow of $30.6 million for 2008. This decrease was due primarily to cost savings efforts in our general and administrative areas and reduced inventory purchases.
Net cash used in operating activities for 2008 increased to a cash outflow of $30.6 million from an outflow of $7.7 million for 2007. This increase was due primarily to lower revenues, lower inventory turnover and higher operating expenses during 2008 as compared to 2007.
Cash used in investing activities was $311.7 million for 2009, compared to $258.6 million in 2008. This increase was primarily the result of increased payments related to the construction of our second-generation satellite constellation.
Cash used in investing activities was $258.6 million for 2008, compared to $183.4 million in 2007. This increase was primarily the result of capital expenditures associated with construction expenses for our second-generation satellite constellation.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $134.3 million to $386.8 million in 2009 from $252.5 million in 2008. This is a direct result of our increased borrowings, primarily from our Facility Agreement and 8% Notes, in 2009.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $59.0 million to $252.5 million in 2008 from $193.5 million in 2007. The increase was primarily due to $116.1 million, net drawn on the credit agreement with Thermo Funding and the $145.1 million from the issuance of our 5.75% Notes.
We have incurred significant capital expenditures from 2007 through 2009, and we expect to incur additional significant expenditures through 2013 to complete and launch our second-generation constellation and related upgrades.
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The amount of actual and contractual capital expenditures related to the construction of the second-generation constellation and satellite operations control centers, ground component and related costs and the launch services contracts is presented in the table below (in millions):
Contract | Currency of Payment |
Payments through December 31, 2009 |
2010 | 2011 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Thales Alenia Second Generation Constellation | EUR | € | 358 | € | 110 | € | 88 | € | 123 | € | 679 | (1) | ||||||||||||
Thales Alenia Satellite Operations Control Centers | EUR | € | 9 | € | 1 | € | | € | | € | 10 | (1) | ||||||||||||
Arianespace Launch Services | USD | $ | 157 | $ | 45 | $ | 14 | $ | | $ | 216 | |||||||||||||
Hughes second-generation ground component (including research and development expense) | USD | $ | 35 | $ | 15 | $ | 37 | $ | 16 | $ | 103 | |||||||||||||
Ericsson | USD | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 8 | $ | 18 | $ | 28 |
(1) | Of these amounts, all but €227 million is payable at a fixed exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.42. See Item 7A for an analysis of our foreign currency exposure. |
As of December 31, 2009, our total cash and cash equivalents were $67.9 million and we had total indebtedness of $465.8 million, compared to total cash and cash equivalents and total indebtedness at December 31, 2008 of $12.4 million and $271.9 million, respectively.
On June 5, 2009, we entered into a $586.3 million senior secured facility agreement (the Facility Agreement) with a syndicate of bank lenders, including BNP Paribas, Natixis, Société Générale, Caylon, Crédit Industriel et Commercial as arrangers and BNP Paribas as the security agent and COFACE agent. Ninety-five percent of our obligations under the agreement are guaranteed by COFACE, the French export credit agency. The initial funding process of the Facility Agreement began on June 29, 2009 and was completed on July 1, 2009. The new facility is comprised of:
| a $563.3 million tranche for future payments to and to reimburse us for amounts we previously paid to Thales Alenia Space for construction of our second-generation satellites. Such reimbursed amounts will be used by us (a) to make payments to the Launch Provider for launch services, Hughes for ground network equipment, software and satellite interface chips and Ericsson for ground system upgrades, (b) to provide up to $150 million for our working capital and general corporate purposes and (c) to pay a portion of the insurance premium to COFACE; and |
| a $23.0 million tranche that will be used to make payments to Arianespace for launch services and to pay a portion of the insurance premium to COFACE. |
The facility will mature 96 months after the first repayment date. Scheduled semi-annual principal repayments will begin the earlier of eight months after the launch of the first 24 satellites from the second generation constellation or December 15, 2011. The facility bears interest at a floating LIBOR rate, capped at 4%, plus 2.07% through December 2012, increasing to 2.25% through December 2017 and 2.40% thereafter. Interest payments will be due on a semi-annual basis.
The Facility Agreement requires that:
| we not permit our capital expenditures (other than those funded with cash proceeds from insurance and condemnation events, equity issuances or the issuance of our stock to acquire certain assets) to exceed $391.0 million in 2009 and $234.0 million in 2010 (with unused amounts permitted to be carried over to subsequent years) |
| after the second scheduled interest payment, we maintain a minimum liquidity of $5.0 million; |
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| we achieve for each period the following minimum adjusted consolidated EBITDA as defined in the agreement: |
Period | Minimum Amount | |||
1/1/09 12/31/09 | $(25.0) million | |||
7/1/09 6/30/10 | $(21.0) million | |||
1/1/10 12/31/10 | $(10.0) million | |||
7/1/10 6/30/11 | $10.0 million | |||
1/1/11 12/31/11 | $25.0 million | |||
7/1/11 6/30/12 | $35.0 million | |||
1/1/12 12/31/12 | $55.0 million | |||
7/1/12 6/30/12 | $65.0 million | |||
1/1/13 12/31/13 | $78.0 million |
| beginning in 2011, we maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.00:1, gradually increasing to a ratio of 1.50:1 through 2019; |
| beginning in 2012, we maintain a maximum net debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA ratio of 9.90:1, gradually decreasing to 2.50:1 through 2019. |
At December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with the covenants of the Facility Agreement.
Our obligations under the Facility Agreement are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by all of our domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets and those of our domestic subsidiaries (other than FCC licenses), including patents and trademarks, 100% of the equity of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the equity of certain foreign subsidiaries.
We are required to make principal payments on the borrowings on the last day of each interest period after the full facility has been borrowed or the earlier of seven months after the launch of the second generation constellation or November 15, 2011, but amounts repaid may not be reborrowed. We must repay the loans (a) in full upon a change in control or (b) partially (i) if there are excess cash flows on certain dates, (ii) upon certain insurance and condemnation events and (iii) upon certain asset dispositions. In addition to the financial covenants described above, the Facility Agreement places limitations on our ability and our subsidiaries to incur debt, create liens, dispose of assets, carry out mergers and acquisitions, make loans, investments, distributions or other transfers and capital expenditures or enter into certain transactions with affiliates.
See Note 15: Borrowings of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for descriptions of our other debt agreements.
At December 31, 2009, we have a remaining commitment to purchase a total of $58.5 million of mobile phones, services and other equipment under various commercial agreements with Qualcomm. We expect to fund this remaining commitment from our working capital, funds generated by our operations, and, if necessary, additional capital from the issuance of equity or debt or a combination thereof. In August 2009, we and Qualcomm amended our agreement to extend the term for five additional months and defer delivery of mobile phones and related equipment until January 2012.
In June 2009, we and Thales Alenia Space entered into an amended and restated contract for the construction of our second-generation low-earth orbit 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, is approximately €678.9 million.
In March 2007, we and Thales Alenia Space entered into an agreement 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. The total contract price for the construction and associated services is €9.8 million consisting of €4.1 million for the Satellite Operations
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Control Centers, €3.6 million for the Telemetry Command Units and €2.1 million for the In Orbit Test Equipment, with payments to be made on a quarterly basis through final acceptance of the Control Network Facility scheduled for April 2010.
In September 2007, we and Arianespace (the Launch Provider) entered into an agreement for the launch of our second-generation satellites and certain pre and post-launch services. Pursuant to the agreement, the Launch Provider agreed to make four launches of six satellites each, and we had the option to require the Launch Provider to make four additional launches of six satellites each. The total contract price for the first four launches is approximately $216.1 million. In July 2008, we amended our agreement with the 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 became payable one month from the corresponding launch date. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had approximately none and $47.3 million, respectively, in deferred payments outstanding to the Launch Provider. In June 2009 we amended the agreement further to, among other things, reduce the Launch Providers commitment for optional launches from four to one.
In May 2008, we and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) entered into an agreement 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. In January 2010, we issued an authorization to proceed on $2.7 million of new features which will result in a revised total contract purchase price of approximately $103.5 million, payable in various increments over a period of 57 months. we have the option to purchase additional RANs and other software and hardware improvements at pre-negotiated prices. In August 2009, we and Hughes amended our agreement extending the performance schedule by 15 months and revising certain payment milestones. Costs associated with certain projects under this contract are being capitalized because we have determined that technological feasibility has been achieved. As of December 31, 2009, we had made payments of $35.0 million under this contract.
In October 2008, we signed an agreement with Ericsson Federal Inc., a leading global provider of technology and services to telecom operators. In December 2009, we amended this contract by $5.1 million for additional deliverables and features. According to the $27.8 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.
Long-term obligations at December 31, 2009, assuming borrowing of the entire $586 million under our Facility Agreement, are as follows:
Contractual Obligations: | Less than 1 Year |
1 3 Years | 3 5 Years | More Than 5 Years |
Total | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations(1)(2) | $ | 2.3 | $ | 126.2 | $ | 135.8 | $ | 421.0 | $ | 685.3 | ||||||||||
Operating lease obligations | 1.6 | 2.9 | 0.3 | | 4.8 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations(3) | 219.9 | 378.4 | 13.9 | | 612.2 | |||||||||||||||
Pension obligations | 0.3 | 2.6 | 1.7 | | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 224.1 | $ | 510.1 | $ | 151.7 | $ | 421.0 | $ | 1,306.9 |
Payments due by period:
(1) | Does not include interest on debt obligations. Approximately $586 million of our debt bears interest at a floating rate and, accordingly, we are unable to predict interest costs in future years. |
(2) | All of the indebtedness may be accelerated upon default of related covenants. See Note 15: Borrowings of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report. |
(3) | The purchase obligations for the construction of our low-earth satellites and the Control Network facility are converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.42. |
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We have no material off-balance sheet transactions.
See Note 2: Summary of Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Our services and products are sold, distributed or available in over 120 countries. Our international sales are made primarily in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Brazilian reais and Euros. In some cases, insufficient supplies of U.S. currency may require us to accept payment in other foreign currencies. We reduce our currency exchange risk from revenues in currencies other than the U.S. dollar by requiring payment in U.S. dollars whenever possible and purchasing foreign currencies on the spot market when rates are favorable. We currently do not purchase hedging instruments to hedge foreign currencies. We are obligated to enter into currency hedges with the original lenders no later than 90 days after any fiscal quarter during which more than 25% of revenues is denominated in a single currency other than U.S. or Canadian dollars. Otherwise, we cannot enter into hedging agreements other than interest rate cap agreements or other hedges described above without the consent of the COFACE agent, and with that consent the counterparties may only be the original lenders.
As discussed in Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources Contractual Obligations and Commitments, we have entered into two separate contracts with Thales Alenia Space to construct low earth orbit satellites for our second-generation satellite constellation and to provide launch-related and operations support services, and to construct the Satellite Operations Control Centers, Telemetry Command Units and In-Orbit Test Equipment for our second-generation satellite constellation. A substantial majority of the payments under the Thales Alenia Space agreements, are denominated in Euros.
Our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates has decreased as a result of certain portions of our contracts for the construction of our second-generation constellation satellite and the related control network facility, which are payable primarily in Euros, are at a fixed exchange rate. A 1.0% decline in the relative value of the U.S. dollar, on the remaining balance not at a fixed exchange rate of approximately €227 million on December 31, 2009, would result in $3.2 million of additional payments. See Note 4: Property and Equipment of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Our interest rate risk arises from our variable rate debt under our Facility Agreement, under which loans bear interest at a floating rate based on the LIBOR. In order to minimize the interest rate risk, we completed an arrangement with the lenders under the Facility Agreement to limit the interest to which we are exposed. The interest rate cap provides limits on the 6 month Libor rate (Base Rate) used to calculate the coupon interest on outstanding amounts on the Facility Agreement of 4.00% from the date of issuance through December 2012. Thereafter, the Base Rate is capped at 5.50% should the Base Rate not exceed 6.5%. Should the Base Rate exceed 6.5%, our base rate will be 1% less than the then 6 month Libor rate. The applicable margin from the Base Rate ranges from 2.07% to 2.4% through the termination date of the facility. Assuming that we borrowed the entire $586.3 million under the Facility Agreement, a 1.0% change in interest rates would result in a change to interest expense of approximately $5.9 million annually.
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58
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Globalstar, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Globalstar, Inc. (Globalstar) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of loss, comprehensive loss, ownership equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. We also have audited Globalstars internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Globalstars management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Globalstar as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Globalstar maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP
Oak Brook, Illinois
March 12, 2010
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December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 67,881 | $ | 12,357 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $5,735 (2009), and $5,205 (2008) | 9,392 | 10,075 | ||||||
Inventory | 61,719 | 55,105 | ||||||
Advances for inventory | 9,332 | 9,314 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 5,404 | 5,565 | ||||||
Total current assets | 153,728 | 92,416 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 961,768 | 642,264 | ||||||
Other assets: |
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Restricted cash | 40,473 | 57,884 | ||||||
Deferred financing costs | 64,156 | 1,425 | ||||||
Other assets, net | 37,871 | 14,245 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,257,996 | $ | 808,234 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND OWNERSHIP EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable | $ | 76,661 | $ | 28,370 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 30,520 | 29,998 | ||||||
Payables to affiliates | 541 | 3,344 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 19,911 | 19,354 | ||||||
Current portion of long term debt | 2,259 | 33,575 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 129,892 | 114,641 | ||||||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility | | 66,050 | ||||||
Long term debt | 463,551 | 172,295 | ||||||
Employee benefit obligations, net of current portion | 4,499 | 4,782 | ||||||
Derivative liabilities | 49,755 | | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 23,151 | 13,713 | ||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 540,956 | 256,840 | ||||||
Ownership equity: |
||||||||
Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding none at December 31, 2009 and 2008: |
||||||||
Series A Preferred Convertible Stock, $0.0001 par value: one share authorized and none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009; none authorized, issued or outstanding at December 31, 2008 | | | ||||||
Voting Common Stock, $0.0001 par value; 865,000,000 and 800,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, 274,384,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009; 136,606,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 | 27 | 14 | ||||||
Nonvoting Common Stock, $0.0001 par value; 135,000,000 shares authorized, 16,750,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009; none authorized, issued or outstanding at December 31, 2008 | 2 | | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 684,539 | 463,822 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,718 | ) | (6,304 | ) | ||||
Retained deficit | (95,702 | ) | (20,779 | ) | ||||
Total ownership equity | 587,148 | 436,753 | ||||||
Total liabilities and ownership equity | $ | 1,257,996 | $ | 808,234 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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