Item 1. Business
THE COMPANY
Overview
Loral Space & Communications Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Loral,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”), is a leading satellite communications company engaged, through our ownership interests in affiliates, in satellite-based communications services. The term “Parent Company” is a reference to Loral Space & Communications Inc., excluding its subsidiaries. Prior to completion of the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”)), we were also engaged in the satellite manufacturing business (see “Recent Developments” below).
Recent Developments
On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, in a series of transactions, Loral received total cash payments of $967.9 million plus, for the sale of certain real estate used in connection with SS/L’s business, a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $101 million (the “Land Note”).
Satellite Services
Subsequent to the Sale, Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite-based communications services. (See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for results by segment prior to the Sale.)
Loral participates in satellite services operations through its 62.8% economic interest in Telesat Holdings Inc. (“Telesat Holdco”), which owns Telesat Canada (“Telesat”), a leading global fixed satellite services (“FSS”) provider, with industry leading backlog, and one of only three FSS providers operating on a global basis. Telesat owns and leases a satellite fleet that operates in geosynchronous earth orbit approximately 22,000 miles above the equator. In this orbit, satellites remain in a fixed position relative to points on the earth’s surface and provide reliable, high-bandwidth services anywhere in their coverage areas, serving as the backbone for many forms of telecommunications.
At December 31, 2012, Telesat provided satellite services to customers from its fleet of 13 in-orbit satellites. In addition, Telesat owns the Canadian Ka-band payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite which was launched in October 2011. Telesat successfully launched the Nimiq 6 satellite in May 2012 and placed it into commercial service during June 2012. One additional satellite, Anik G1, is awaiting launch which is anticipated in the first half of 2013.
Telesat provides video distribution and direct-to-home (“DTH”) video, as well as end-to-end communications services using both satellite and hybrid satellite-ground networks.
Our economic interest in Telesat decreased from 64% to 62.8% in December 2012 when certain key employees of Telesat exercised a total of 5,311,568 stock options granted under Telesat’s share based compensation plan in exchange for 2,249,747 non-voting preferred shares.
Telesat Services
Telesat earns the majority of its revenues by providing satellite-based services to customers, who use these services for their own communications requirements or to provide services to customers further down the distribution chain for video and data services. Telesat also earns revenue by providing ground-based transmit and receive services, selling equipment, installing, managing and maintaining satellite networks, and providing consulting services in the field of satellite communications. Telesat categorizes its revenues into: Broadcast, Enterprise Services and Consulting & Other.
Broadcast
Telesat’s broadcast services business provided approximately 52% of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012. These services included:
DTH. Both Canadian DTH service providers (Bell TV and Shaw Direct) use Telesat’s satellites as a distribution platform for their services, delivering television programming, audio and information channels directly to customers’ homes. In addition, Telesat’s Anik and Nimiq 5 satellites are used by EchoStar (Dish Network) for DTH services in the United States.
Video Distribution and Contribution. Major broadcasters, cable networks and DTH service providers use Telesat satellites for the full-time transmission of television programming. Additionally, Telesat provides certain broadcasters and DTH service providers bundled value-added services that include satellite capacity, digital encoding of video channels and uplinking and downlinking services to and from Telesat satellites and earth station facilities.
Occasional Use Services. Occasional use services consist of satellite transmission services for the timely broadcast of video news, sports and live event coverage on a short-term basis enabling broadcasters to conduct on-the-scene transmissions using small, portable antennas.
Enterprise Services
Telesat’s enterprise services provided approximately 45% of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012. These services include:
Telecommunication carrier services. Telesat provides satellite capacity and end-to-end services for data and voice transmission to telecommunications carriers located throughout the world. These services include (i) connectivity and voice circuits to remote locations in Canada for customers such as Bell Canada and Northwestel and (ii) space segment services and terrestrial facilities for internet backhaul and access, cellular backhaul and services such as rural telephone and internet access to telecommunications carriers and network services integrators around the world.
Government Services. The U.S. government is the largest single consumer of fixed satellite services in the world and a significant user of Telesat’s international satellites. Over the course of several years, Telesat has implemented a successful strategy to sell through government service integrators, rather than directly to U.S. government agencies. Telesat is also a significant provider of satellite services to the Canadian Government, providing a variety of services from a maritime network for a Canadian Government entity to satellite services to the Department of National Defence.
Two-way Internet Services: Telesat provides Ka-band satellite capacity to Xplornet Communications Inc. and other resellers in Canada who use it to provide two-way broadband Internet services in Canada. Telesat also provides Ka-band satellite capacity to ViaSat/WildBlue which uses it to provide similar services in the United States.
Resource: Telesat provides communications services to geographically diverse locations, both on and off shore, for the oil and gas and mining industries.
Maritime and Aeronautical: Telesat is increasingly providing satellite capacity to customers serving the growing maritime market bringing communications services to commercial vessels including cruise and working ships.
Retail: Telesat operates VSAT networks in Canada providing end-to-end services including installation and maintenance of the end user terminal, maintenance of the VSAT hub and provision of satellite capacity. These networks include the support of point-of-sale and other applications at thousands of retail petroleum sites.
Consulting & Other
Telesat’s consulting & other category provided approximately 3% of its revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012. Telesat’s consulting operations allow it to realize operating efficiencies by leveraging Telesat’s existing employees and the facility base dedicated to its core satellite communication business. With over 40 years of engineering and technical experience, Telesat is a leading consultant in establishing, operating and upgrading satellite systems worldwide, having provided services to businesses and governments in over 40 countries across six continents. In 2012, the international consulting business provided satellite-related services in approximately 19 countries.
Competitive Strengths
Telesat’s business is characterized by the following key competitive strengths:
Leading Global FSS Operator
Telesat is the fourth largest FSS operator in the world and the largest in Canada, with a strong and growing business. It has a leading position as a provider of satellite services in the North American video distribution market. Telesat provides services to both of the major DTH providers in Canada, Bell TV and Shaw Direct, which together have approximately 2.8 million subscribers, as well as to EchoStar (Dish Network) in the United States, which has approximately 14 million subscribers. Its international satellites are well positioned to serve a number of emerging, high growth markets and serve a range of important customers in those markets. Telstar 11N provides service to American, European and African regions and aeronautical and maritime markets of the Atlantic Ocean Region. Telstar 12 provides intercontinental connectivity from the Americas to the Middle East. Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 offers high powered coverage of the Americas, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the North Atlantic Ocean Region (‘‘NAOR’’). Telstar 18 delivers video distribution and contribution throughout Asia and offers connectivity to the US mainland via Hawaiian teleport facilities. Telesat’s current enterprise services customers include leading telecommunications service providers as well as a range of network service providers and integrators, which provide services to enterprises, governments and international agencies and multiple ISPs.
Blue Chip Customer Base
Telesat offers its broad suite of satellite services to more than 400 customers worldwide, which include some of the world’s leading television broadcasters, cable programmers, DTH service providers, ISPs, telecommunications carriers, corporations and government agencies. Over 40 years of operation, Telesat has established long-term, collaborative relationships with its customers and has developed a reputation for creating innovative solutions and providing services essential for its customers to reach their end users. Telesat’s customers represent some of the strongest and most financially stable companies in their respective industries. These customers frequently commit to long-term contracts for Telesat’s services, which enhances the predictability of its future revenues and cash flows and supports its future growth.
Large Contracted Backlog and Young Satellite Fleet Underpin Anticipated Growth and High Revenue Visibility
Historically, Telesat has been able to generate strong cash flows from its operating activities due to the high operating margins in the satellite industry and its disciplined control of expenses. The stability of Telesat’s cash flows is underpinned by its large revenue backlog. Telesat has been able to generate significant backlog by entering into long-term contracts with its customers, in some cases for all or substantially all of a satellite’s orbital maneuver life.
This revenue backlog supports Telesat’s anticipated growth. A significant proportion of Telesat’s expected revenue growth is based on currently contracted business with its DTH provider customers for satellites in orbit and an additional satellite, Anik G1, that is anticipated to be launched in the first half of 2013. In addition to this backlog, Telesat has historically experienced a high proportion of contract renewals with existing customers. Together, these two factors have produced ongoing, stable cash flows.
Many of Telesat’s satellites are relatively new and will not need to be replaced for a significant period of time which defers replacement capital expenditures.
Portfolio of Orbital Real Estate
Telesat’s satellites occupy highly attractive orbital locations that provide it with a leading position in many of the markets in which it operates due to the scarcity of available satellite spectrum and the strong neighborhoods Telesat has developed at these locations. Access to these orbital locations, coupled with the high capital intensity of the satellite industry, creates high barriers to entry in those markets. Telesat is licensed by Industry Canada to occupy a number of key orbital positions that are well-suited to serve the Americas and maintain its leading position in North America. Telesat’s international satellites also occupy highly desirable orbital locations that enable broad pan-regional service with interconnectivity between regions, making them attractive for both intra- and inter-regional services. Telesat has rights to additional spectrum, including Ka-band and reverse DBS band at certain existing orbital locations, including existing DBS locations.
Global Operations Provides Revenue Diversification and Economies of Scale
The combination of Telesat’s North American broadcast and enterprise services businesses and Telesat’s international business offers diversity in terms of both the customers and regions served as well as the services provided. Telesat continues to benefit from growth in both the broadcast and enterprise services markets, including government services, due to its strong presence in each.
Moreover, as the operator of a fleet of 13 satellites plus multiple other satellites for third parties, Telesat has attained meaningful scale to allow it to leverage its relatively fixed cost base to achieve substantial operating margins.
Business Strategy
Telesat’s commitment to providing strong customer service and its focus on innovation and technical expertise has allowed it to successfully build its business to date. Building on its existing contractual revenue backlog, Telesat’s focus is on increasing the utilization of its existing satellite capacity, maintaining its operating efficiency and, in a disciplined manner, using the strong cash flow generated by its existing business and its contracted expansion satellite to grow in-orbit satellite capacity and strengthen its business.
Telesat believes its satellite fleet produces a strong combination of ongoing revenue from backlog and continuing revenue growth that provides a solid foundation upon which it will seek to continue to grow its revenue and cash flows. To achieve this growth, Telesat will seek to capture the anticipated increased demand for satellite services and capacity, (i) in the broadcast services market, from broadcast video applications, including DTH services, HDTV, and expansion in the number of channels and (ii) in the enterprise services market, from developing market requirements, maritime and aeronautical requirements, government services and enterprise network demand.
Telesat will continue to focus on capturing the anticipated increase in worldwide demand for satellite services through a disciplined satellite expansion program that should drive incremental contracted backlog and cash flows, and further leverage its fixed cost structure. Telesat’s Anik G1 satellite, which Telesat anticipates will be launched in the first half of 2013 and will be co-located with its Anik satellite, will double both the Ku-band and C-band transponders serving South America from this orbital location, as well as provide extended Ku-band capacity for DTH services in Canada and X-band capacity for government services. Anik G1’s 16 extended Ku-band transponders have already been contracted for DTH services in Canada to Shaw Direct for 15 years. Moreover, Telesat has entered into a 15 year contract with Paradigm Services for the full X-band payload of three transponders on Anik G1. This satellite will add meaningful incremental capacity to Telesat’s fleet, including incremental capacity which will serve the fast growing Latin American market.
The satellite industry is characterized by a relatively fixed cost base that allows significant revenue growth with relatively minimal increases in operating costs, particularly for sales of satellite capacity. Thus, Telesat anticipates that it can increase its revenues without proportional increases in its operating expenses, allowing for expansion of its margins. Telesat expects to continually review all aspects of its business to contain operating costs and to maintain and potentially improve operating efficiency.
Market and Competition
Telesat is one of three global FSS operators in a highly competitive industry. Telesat competes against other global, regional and national satellite operators and with providers of terrestrial-based communications services.
Fixed Satellite Operators
The other two global FSS operators are Intelsat Global S.A. (‘‘Intelsat’’) and SES S.A. (‘‘SES’’). Telesat also competes with a number of nationally or regionally focused FSS operators around the world, including Eutelsat S.A. (“Eutelsat”), the third largest FSS operator in the world.
Intelsat, SES and Eutelsat are each substantially larger than Telesat in terms of both the number of satellites they have in-orbit as well as their revenues. Telesat believes that Intelsat and its subsidiaries together have a global fleet of over 50 satellites, that SES and its subsidiaries have a fleet of approximately 50 satellites, and that Eutelsat and its subsidiaries have a fleet of over 20 satellites and additional capacity on another four satellites. Due to their larger sizes, these operators are able to take advantage of greater economies of scale, may be more attractive to customers, and may (depending on the specific satellite and orbital location in question) have greater flexibility to restore service to their customers in the event of a partial or total satellite failure. In addition, their larger sizes may enable them to devote more resources, both human and financial, to sales, operations, product development and strategic alliances and acquisitions.
Regional and domestic providers: Telesat also competes against regional FSS operators, including:
•in North America: Ciel, ViaSat/WildBlue, HNS/EchoStar, Satmex and Hispasat;
•in Europe, Middle East, Africa: Eutelsat, Arabsat, Nilesat, HellasSat, RSCC, Yahsat, Turksat and Spacecom;
•in Asia: AsiaSat, Measat, Thaicom, APT, PT Telkom, Optus and Asia Broadcast Satellite; and
•in Latin America: Satmex, Star One, Arsat, HispaSat and Hispamar.
A number of other countries have domestic satellite systems against which Telesat competes in those markets.
The Canadian government opened Canadian satellite markets to foreign satellite operators as part of its 1998 World Trade Organization commitments to liberalize trade in basic telecommunications services. As of January 2013, approximately 85 non-Canadian FSS satellites are listed as having been approved by Industry Canada for use in Canada. Three of these are Telesat satellites licensed by other administrations. The growth in satellite service providers using or planning to use Ka-band, including Avanti Communications, O3b, ViaSat/WildBlue, Eutelsat, HNS/EchoStar, Inmarsat, SES, Yahsat and others, will result in increased competition.
In addition, the FSS and the Mobile Satellite Services (‘‘MSS’’) sectors, which have historically served distinct customer requirements, are converging. As a result, Telesat faces competition from MSS operators which it expects will increase in the future.
Terrestrial Service Providers
Providers of terrestrial-based communications services compete with satellite operators. Increasingly, in developed and developing countries alike, governments are providing funding and other incentives to encourage the expansion of terrestrial networks resulting in increased competition for FSS operators.
Consulting Services
The market for satellite consulting services is generally comprised of a few companies qualified to provide services in specific areas of expertise. Telesat’s competitors are primarily United States- and European-based companies.
Satellite Fleet & Ground Resources
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat had 13 in-orbit satellites and one satellite awaiting launch. In addition, Telesat owns the Canadian Ka-band payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite which was launched in October 2011.
Telesat also has ground facilities located around the world, providing both control services to its satellite fleet, as well as to the satellites of other operators as part of its consulting services offerings. Telesat’s primary satellite control center (“SCC”) is located at its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, with a second SCC located in Allan Park, Ontario. A third SCC, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is used to operate Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. In addition, Telesat leases other technical facilities that provide customers with a host of teleport and hub services.
Telesat’s North American focused fleet is comprised of eight satellites (AnikR, Anik, Anik, Nimiq 1, Nimiq 2, Nimiq 4, Nimiq 5 and Nimiq 6), plus the Canadian beams on ViaSat-1 . Telesat’s international fleet is comprised of five satellites (Anik, Telstar 11N, Telstar 12, Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 and Telstar 18).
The table below summarizes selected data relating to Telesat’s owned in-orbit satellite capacity as of December 31, 2012:
(1)Telesat’s current estimate of when each satellite will be decommissioned, taking account of anomalies and malfunctions the satellites have experienced to date and other factors such as remaining fuel levels, consumption rates and other available engineering data. These estimates are subject to change and it is possible that the actual orbital maneuver life of any of these satellites will be shorter than Telesat currently anticipates. Further, it is anticipated that the payload capacity of each satellite may be reduced prior to the estimated end of orbital maneuver life. For example, Telesat currently anticipates that it will need to commence the turndown of transponders on Anik prior to the end of commercial service life, as a result of further degradation in available power.
(2)Includes the direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) Ku-Band, extended C-band and extended Ku-band in certain cases.
(3)Telesat does not provide service in the L-band. The L-band payload is licensed to Telesat’s customer by the FCC.
(4)Includes 16.6 MHz of C-band capacity provided to the Government of Tonga in lieu of a cash payment for the use of the orbital location. The satellite carries additional transponders (the “APT transponders”), as to which APT has a prepaid lease through the end of life of the satellite in consideration for APT’s funding a portion of the satellite’s cost. This transaction was accounted for as a sales-type lease, because substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to the ownership of the leased transponders were transferred to APT. Telesat has agreed with APT among other things that if Telesat is able to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses from the U.S. government under U.S. export laws, it would transfer title to the APT transponders on Telstar 18 to APT, as well as a corresponding interest in the elements on the satellite that are common to or shared by the APT transponders and the Telesat transponders. As required under its agreement with APT, Telesat acquired two transponders from APT for an additional payment in August 2009.
In addition, Telesat has rights to satellite capacity on other satellites including the Ka-band Canadian payload consisting of nine user beams of 500/1000 MHz bandwidth on ViaSat-1.
One additional satellite, Anik G1, is awaiting launch which is anticipated to be in the first half of 2013. Anik G1’s 16 extended Ku-band transponders have been contracted to Shaw Direct to support Shaw’s DTH services in Canada, and its three X-band transponders have been contracted to Paradigm Services, in both cases for 15 years. Anik G1 will be co-located with Telesat’s Anik satellite at the 107.3˚ WL orbital location, doubling both the Ku-band and C-band transponders serving South America from this location.
Satellite Services Performance(1)
Loral holds a 62.8% economic interest and a 331/3% voting interest in Telesat Holdco. We use the equity method of accounting for our investment in Telesat Holdco, and its results are not consolidated in our financial statements. Our share of the operating results from our investment in this company is included in equity in net income of affiliates in our consolidated statements of operations and our investment is included in investments in affiliates in our consolidated balance sheet (see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements).
(1)See Consolidated Operating Results in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for significant items that affect comparability between the periods presented (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA).
(2)Affiliate eliminations represent the elimination of amounts attributable to Telesat which is reflected in our consolidated financial statements under the equity method of accounting.
Total Telesat assets were $5.3 billion for each of the years ended of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Backlog was approximately $5.2 billion and $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in backlog is due to revenues recognized and exchange rate changes, partially offset by new orders. It is expected that approximately 13% of the backlog at December 31, 2012 will be recognized as revenue by Telesat in 2013.
Other
We also own 56% of XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”), a joint venture between Loral and Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos, S.A. (“Hisdesat”). We account for our ownership interest in XTAR under the equity method of accounting because we do not control certain of its significant operating decisions. XTAR owns and operates an X-band satellite, XTAR-EUR located at 29o E.L., which entered service in March 2005. The satellite is designed to provide X-band communications services exclusively to United States, Spanish and allied government users throughout the satellite’s coverage area, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The government of Spain granted XTAR rights to an X-band license, normally reserved for government and military use, to develop a commercial business model for supplying X-band capacity in support of military, diplomatic and security communications requirements. XTAR also leases 7.2 72 MHz X-band transponders on the Spainsat satellite located at 30o W.L. owned by Hisdesat, which entered commercial service in April 2006. These transponders, designated as XTAR-LANT, allow XTAR to provide its customers in the U.S. and abroad with additional X-band services and greater flexibility. XTAR currently has contracts to provide X-band services to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, various agencies of the Spanish Government, the Belgium Ministry of Defense, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and the Danish armed forces. For more information on XTAR see Note 8 to the Loral consolidated financial statements.
REGULATION
Satellite Services
Telesat is subject to regulation by government authorities in Canada, the United States and other countries in which it operates and is subject to the frequency and orbital location coordination process of the International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”). Telesat’s ability to provide satellite services in a particular country or region is subject also to the technical constraints of its satellites, international coordination, local regulation including as it applies to securing landing rights and licensing requirements.
Canadian Regulatory Environment
Telesat was established by the government of Canada in 1969 under the Telesat Canada Act. As part of the Canadian government’s divestiture of its shares in Telesat, pursuant to the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act (1991), or the Telesat Divestiture Act, Telesat was continued on March 27, 1992 as a business corporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Telesat Canada Act was repealed and the Canadian government sold its shares in Telesat. The Telesat Divestiture Act provides that no legislation relating to the solvency or winding-up of a corporation applies to Telesat and that its affairs cannot be wound up unless authorized by an Act of Parliament. In addition, Telesat and its shareholders and directors cannot apply for Telesat’s continuation in another jurisdiction or dissolution unless authorized by an Act of Parliament.
Telesat is a Canadian carrier under the Telecommunications Act (Canada), or the Telecom Act. The Telecom Act authorizes the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC”) to regulate various aspects of the provision of telecommunications services by Telesat and other telecommunications service providers. Under the current regulatory regime, Telesat has pricing flexibility subject to a price ceiling on certain full period FSS services offered in Canada under minimum five-year arrangements, and otherwise Telesat is not required to file tariffs for approvals. Telesat’s DBS services offered within Canada are also subject to CRTC regulation, but have been treated as distinct from its fixed satellite services and facilities. Telesat requires CRTC approval of customer agreements relating to the sale of DBS capacity in Canada, including the rates, terms and conditions of service set out therein. Section 28(2) of the Telecom Act provides that the CRTC may allocate satellite capacity to particular broadcasting undertakings if it is satisfied that the allocation will further the implementation of the broadcasting policy for Canada. The exercise by the CRTC of its rights under section 28(2) of the Telecommunications Act could affect Telesat’s relationship with existing customers, which could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Telesat’s operations are also subject to regulation and licensing by Industry Canada pursuant to the Radiocommunication Act (Canada). Industry Canada has the authority to issue licenses, establish standards, assign Canadian orbital locations and plan the allocation and use of the radio frequency spectrum, including the radio frequencies upon which Telesat’s satellites and earth stations depend. The Minister responsible for Industry Canada has broad discretion in exercising this authority to issue licenses, fix and amend conditions of licenses and to suspend or even revoke them. Telesat’s licenses to operate the Anik and Nimiq satellites require it to comply with research and development and other industrial and public benefit commitments, to pay annual radio authorization fees and to provide all-Canada satellite coverage.
Industry Canada traditionally licensed satellite radio spectrum and associated orbital locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, however, a competitive licensing process is employed for certain spectrum resources where it is anticipated that demand will likely exceed supply, including the licensing of certain FSS and broadcasting satellite service (“BSS”) orbital locations and associated spectrum resources. In 2012, Industry Canada conducted a public consultation on the licensing framework for FSS and BSS in Canada. As a result of the consultation, changes in policy may be announced in 2013. Authorizations are granted for the life of a satellite, although radio licenses (e.g., FSS licenses) are renewed annually. As a result of policy concerns about the continuity of service and other factors, there is generally a strong presumption of renewal provided license conditions are met.
The Canadian government opened Canadian satellite markets to foreign satellite operators as part of its 1998 World Trade Organization (“WTO”) commitments to liberalize trade in basic telecommunications services, with the exception of DTH television services provided through FSS or DBS facilities. Satellite digital audio radio service markets were also closed to foreign entry until 2005. In September 2005, the Canadian government revised its satellite-use policy to permit the use of foreign-licensed satellites for digital audio radio services in Canada. Further liberalization of the policy may occur and could result in increased competition in Canadian satellite markets.
Since November 2000, pursuant to the CRTC’s Decision CRTC 2000-745, virtually all telecommunications service providers are required to pay contribution charges based on their Canadian telecommunications service revenues, minus certain deductions (e.g., retail Internet and paging revenues, terminal equipment sales and inter-carrier payments). The contribution rate varies from year to year. It was initially set at 4.5% of eligible revenues but was significantly reduced in subsequent years. The rate for 2012 was 0.63%.
United States Regulatory Environment
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulates the provision of satellite services to, from, or within the United States.
Telesat has chosen to operate its U.S.-authorized satellites on a non-common carrier basis. Consequently, it is not subject to rate regulation or other common carrier regulations enacted under the Communications Act of 1934. Telesat pays FCC filing fees in connection with its space station and earth station applications and annual fees to defray the FCC’s regulatory expenses. Annual and quarterly status reports must be filed with the FCC for interstate/international telecommunications, and contribution charges to the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (“USF”) based on eligible United States telecom revenues are paid on a quarterly and annual basis. The USF contribution rate is adjusted quarterly and is currently set at 16.1% for the first quarter of 2013. At the present time, the FCC does not assess USF contributions with respect to bare transponder capacity (i.e. agreements for space segment only). Telesat’s United States telecom revenues that are USF eligible are currently de minimis and USF payments are not required.
The FCC currently grants satellite authorizations on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who demonstrate that they are legally, technically and financially qualified, and that the public interest will be served by the grant. Under licensing rules, a bond must be posted for up to $3 million when an FSS satellite authorization is granted. Some or the entire amount of the bond may be forfeited if there is a failure to meet any of the milestones for satellite contracting, design, construction, launch and commencement of operations. According to current licensing rules, the FCC will issue new satellite licenses for an initial 15-year term and will provide a licensee with an “expectancy” that a subsequent license will be granted for the replacement of an authorized satellite using the same frequencies. At the end of the 15-year term, a satellite that has not been replaced, or that has been relocated to another orbital location following its replacement, may be allowed to continue operations for a limited period of time subject to certain restrictions.
To facilitate the provision of FSS in C-, Ku- and Ka-band frequencies in the United States market, foreign licensed operators may apply to have their satellites placed on the FCC’s Permitted Space Station List. Telesat’s Anik Fl, Anik FlR, Anik, Anik and Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellites are currently on this list.
The United States made no WTO commitment to open its DTH, DBS or digital audio radio services to foreign competition, and instead indicated that provision of these services by foreign operators would be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on an evaluation of the effective competitive opportunities open to United States operators in the country in which the foreign satellite was licensed (i.e., an ECO-sat test) as well as other public interest criteria. While Canada currently does not satisfy the ECO-sat test in the case of DTH and DBS service, the FCC has found, in a number of cases, that provision of these services into the United States using Canadian-licensed satellites would provide significant public interest benefits and would therefore be allowed. In cases involving Telesat, United States service providers, Digital Broadband Applications Corp., DIRECTV and EchoStar, have all received FCC approval to access Canadian-authorized satellites under Telesat’s direction and control in Canadian-licensed orbital locations to provide DTH-FSS or DBS service into the United States.
The approval of the FCC for the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat was conditioned upon compliance by Telesat with commitments made to the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security relating to the availability of certain records and communications in the United States in response to lawful United States law enforcement requests for such access.
The export of United States-manufactured satellites and technical information related to satellites, earth station equipment and provision of services to certain countries are subject to State Department, Commerce Department and Treasury Department regulations.
In 1999, the United States State Department published amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) which included satellites on the list of items requiring export licenses. These provisions have limited Telesat’s access to technical information and have had a negative impact on Telesat’s international consulting revenues.
If Telesat does not maintain its existing authorizations or obtain necessary future authorizations under the export control laws and regulations of the United States, Telesat may be unable to export technical information or equipment to non-U.S. persons and companies, including to its own non-U.S. employees, as required to fulfill existing contracts. If Telesat does not maintain its existing authorizations or obtain necessary future authorizations under the trade sanctions laws and regulations of the United States, Telesat may not be able to provide satellite capacity and related administrative services to certain countries subject to U.S. sanctions. Telesat’s ability to acquire new United States-manufactured satellites, procure launch services and launch new satellites, operate existing satellites, obtain insurance and pursue its rights under insurance policies or conduct its satellite-related operations and consulting activities could also be negatively affected if Telesat and its suppliers are not able to obtain and maintain required U.S. export authorizations.
Regulation Outside Canada and the United States
The Brazilian national telecommunications agency, ANATEL, has authorized Telesat, through its subsidiary, Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. (“TBCS”), to operate a Ku-band FSS satellite at the 63° WL orbital location. In December 2008, TBCS entered into a new 15-year Concession Agreement with ANATEL which requires TBCS to dedicate a minimum amount of bandwidth to serve only Brazil until May 2014. After May 2014, this requirement will be removed. The Concession Agreement obligates TBCS to operate the satellite in accordance with Brazilian telecommunications law and contains provisions to enable ANATEL to levy fines for failure to perform according to the Concession terms.
Telesat, through its subsidiary Telesat Satellite LP, owns Telstar 18, which operates at the 138° EL orbital location under an agreement with APT, which has been granted the right to use the 138° EL orbital location by The Kingdom of Tonga. APT is the direct interface with the Tonga regulatory bodies. Because Telesat gained access to this orbital location through APT, there is greater uncertainty with respect to its ability to maintain access to this orbital location for replacement satellites.
Telesat owns and operates the portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite (115° WL) payload that is capable of providing service within Canada. ViaSat-1 operates in accordance with a license granted by the United Kingdom regulatory agency (“OFCOM”), to ManSat Limited. ManSat Limited has been granted exclusive rights by the Isle of Man government to manage all aspects of Isle of Man satellite orbital filings. The Isle of Man is a British Crown Dependency and Isle of Man satellite orbital filings are filed with the ITU-BR by OFCOM. Both Telesat and ViaSat have a commercial relationship with ManSat. ViaSat and Telesat have agreed to cooperate in their dealings with ManSat with respect to the ViaSat-1 satellite for OFCOM and ITU purposes.
Landing Rights and Other Regulatory Requirements
In addition to regulatory requirements governing the use of orbital locations, most countries regulate transmission signals to, and for uplink signals from, their territory. Telesat has landing rights in more than 140 countries worldwide. In many jurisdictions, landing rights are granted on a per satellite basis and applications must be made to secure landing rights on replacement satellites.
International Regulatory Environment - International Telecommunication Union
The ITU, a body of the United Nations, is responsible for administering access by member states to frequencies in the radio portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ITU Radio Regulations set forth the process that member states must follow to secure rights for satellites to use frequencies at orbital locations and the obligations and restrictions that govern such use. The process includes, for example, a “first-come, first-served” system for gaining access to certain frequencies at orbital locations and time limits for bringing the frequencies into use. Other frequencies at specified orbital locations have been reserved in perpetuity for individual administrations’ use.
The Canadian, United States and other member states have rights to use certain frequencies at orbital locations. Telesat has been authorized by its filing states (Canada, USA, Brazil and United Kingdom) to use certain frequencies at orbital locations in addition to those already used by its current satellites, provided the frequencies are brought into use within specified time limits.
The ITU Radio Regulations also govern the process used by satellite operators to coordinate their operations with other satellite operators to avoid harmful interference. Each member state is required to give notice of, coordinate, and register its proposed use of radio frequency assignments at associated orbital locations with the ITU. The filing and registration process is administered by the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau (the “ITU-BR”).
Once a member state has filed with the ITU-BR its proposed use of frequencies at a given orbital location, other member states inform that member state and the ITU-BR of any intended use that has the potential to cause interference to either existing operations, or operations that may occur in accordance with priority rights. The member states are then obligated to negotiate with each other in an effort to coordinate the proposed uses and resolve interference concerns. If all outstanding issues are resolved, the member states notify the ITU-BR that coordination has been successfully completed, which is a requirement for the frequency use to be entered into the ITU’s Master Register (“MIFR”). Registered frequencies are entitled under international law to interference protection from subsequent or nonconforming uses.
Under the ITU Radio Regulations, a member state that places a satellite or any ground station into operation without completing coordination could be vulnerable to interference from other systems and may have to alter the operating parameters of its satellite if harmful interference occurs to other users already entered in the MIFR or that have priority rights.
The process of ITU filing and notification in the MIFR of frequencies spans a period of seven to eight years, or longer, depending upon the frequency band and the various provisions of the ITU Radio Regulations that may be invoked. Telesat’s authorized frequencies are in various stages of the coordination and notification process. Many frequencies have completed the process and have been entered coordinated and registered in the MIFR. In other cases, coordination is on-going so that entry into the MIFR is pending. This is typical for satellite operators. Depending upon the outcome of coordination discussions with other satellite operators Telesat may need to make concessions in terms of how a frequency may be used. This, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on Telesat’s financial condition, as well as on the value of its business. The failure to reach an appropriate arrangement with such satellite operators may render it impossible to secure entry into the MIFR and result in substantial restrictions on the use and operations of Telesat’s existing satellites at their orbital locations. In the event disputes arise during the coordination process or thereafter, the ITU Radio Regulations set forth procedures for resolving disputes but do not contain a mandatory dispute resolution mechanism or an enforcement mechanism. Rather, the rules invite a consensual dispute resolution process for parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Neither the rules nor international law provide a clear remedy for a party where this voluntary process fails.
Although non-governmental entities, including Telesat, participate at the ITU, only national administrations have full standing as ITU members. Consequently, Telesat must ultimately rely on the government administrations of Canada, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Tonga to represent its interests, including filing and coordinating orbital locations within the ITU process and with the national administrations of other countries, obtaining new orbital locations, and resolving disputes through the consensual process provided for in the ITU’s rules.
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat had seven patents, all in the United States. These patents expire between 2018 and 2027. Telesat also has several pending domestic and international patent applications.
There can be no assurance that any of the foregoing pending patent applications will be issued. Moreover, there can be no assurance that infringement of existing third party patents has not occurred or will not occur. Additionally, because the patent application process is confidential, there can be no assurance that third parties, including competitors, do not have patents pending that could result in issued patents which we or Telesat may infringe. In such event, we may be restricted from continuing the infringing activities, which could adversely affect our business, or we may be required to obtain a license from a patent holder, and pay royalties, which would increase the cost of doing business.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Satellite Services
Telesat’s research and development expenditures are incurred for the studies associated with advanced satellite system designs and experimentation and development of space, satellite and ground communications products. This also includes the development of innovative and cost effective satellite applications for sovereignty, defense, broadcast, broadband and enterprise services segments. Telesat has undertaken proof-of-concept interactive broadband technologies trials to support health, education, government and other applications to remote and under-served areas. Telesat continues to research advanced compression and transmission technology to support HDTV and other advanced television services.
Satellite Manufacturing
SS/L’s research and development costs were $20 million for 2012, $34 million for 2011 and $20 million for 2010 and are included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Loral’s revenues from foreign customers, primarily in Europe, Canada and Asia represented 68%, 64% and 44% of our consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
Satellite Services
Telesat’s revenues from non-U.S. customers, primarily in Canada, Asia, Europe and Latin America represented 68%, 69% and 68% of its consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, substantially all of its long-lived assets were located outside of the United States, primarily in Canada, with the exception of in-orbit satellites. (See Item 1A
Item 1A - “Risk Factors - Telesat is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally.”)
Satellite Manufacturing
SS/L’s revenues from foreign customers, primarily in Europe, Canada and Asia represented 68%, 64% and 44% of SS/L revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively and are included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2012, Loral had approximately 21 full time employees.
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat and its subsidiaries had approximately 434 full and part time employees, approximately 3% of whom are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Telesat’s employee body is primarily comprised of professional engineering, sales and marketing staff, administrative staff and skilled technical workers. Telesat considers its employee relations to be good.
OTHER
Loral, a Delaware corporation, was formed on June 24, 2005, to succeed to the business conducted by its predecessor registrant, Loral Space & Communications Ltd. (“Old Loral”), which emerged from chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws on November 21, 2005 (the “Effective Date”) pursuant to the terms of the fourth amended joint plan of reorganization, as modified (the “Plan of Reorganization”).
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available without charge on our web site, www.loral.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these documents also are available in print, without charge, from Loral’s Investor Relations Department, 600 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Loral’s web site is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the web site is not part of this report and is not incorporated in this report by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
I.Financial and Telesat Investment Risk Factors
Telesat’s profitability may be adversely affected by swings in the global financial markets, which may have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s customers and suppliers.
Swings in the global financial markets that include illiquidity, market volatility, changes in interest rates and currency exchange fluctuations can be difficult to predict and negatively affect the ability of certain customers to make payments when due. Such swings may materially and adversely affect us due to the potential insolvency of Telesat’s suppliers and customers, inability of customers to obtain financing for their transponder leases, decreased customer demand, delays in supplier performance and contract terminations. Telesat’s customers may not have access to capital or a willingness to spend capital on transponder leases, or their levels of cash liquidity with which to pay for transponder leases may be adversely affected. Access of Telesat’s suppliers to capital and liquidity with which to maintain their inventories, production levels or product quality may be adversely affected, which could cause them to raise prices or cease operations. As a result, we may experience a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. These potential effects of swings in the global financial markets are difficult to forecast and mitigate.
Our equity investment in Telesat may be at risk because of Telesat’s leverage.
At December 31, 2012, Telesat had outstanding indebtedness of CAD 3.5 billion and additional borrowing capacity of CAD 140 million under its revolving facility, based on a U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate of $1.00/CAD 0.9921. Approximately $2.6 billion of this total borrowing capacity is debt that is secured by substantially all of the assets of Telesat. This indebtedness represents a significant amount of indebtedness for a company the size of Telesat. The agreements governing this indebtedness impose operating and financial restrictions on Telesat’s activities. These restrictions on Telesat’s ability to operate its business could seriously harm its business by, among other things, limiting its ability to take advantage of financing, merger and acquisition and other corporate opportunities, which could in time adversely affect the value of our investment in Telesat.
Borrowings under Telesat’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose Telesat to interest rate risk. Assuming all revolving loans are fully drawn, each quarter point change in interest rates would result in a CAD 6.3 million change in annual interest expense on indebtedness under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Telesat has entered into, and in the future it may enter into, interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. Telesat may not, however, maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of its variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps Telesat enters into may not fully mitigate its interest rate risk, may prove disadvantageous or may create additional risks.
Telesat’s indebtedness includes $1.8 billion that is denominated in U.S. dollars and is unhedged with respect to foreign exchange rates. Changes in exchange rates impact the amount that Telesat pays in interest and may significantly increase the amount that Telesat is required to pay in Canadian dollar terms to redeem the indebtedness either at maturity, or earlier if redemption rights are exercised or other events occur which require Telesat to offer to purchase the indebtedness prior to maturity, and to repay funds drawn under its US-dollar denominated facility. Unfavorable exchange rate changes could affect Telesat’s ability to repay or refinance this debt.
A breach of the covenants contained in any of Telesat’s loan agreements, including without limitation, a failure to maintain the financial ratios required under such agreements, could result in an event of default. If an event of default were to occur, Telesat’s lenders would be able to accelerate repayment of the related indebtedness, and it may also trigger a cross default under other Telesat indebtedness.
If Telesat is unable to repay or refinance its secured indebtedness when due (whether at the maturity date or upon acceleration as a result of a default), the lenders will have the right to proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness, which consists of substantially all of the assets of Telesat and its subsidiaries. Telesat’s ability to make payments on, or repay or refinance, its debt, will depend largely upon its future operating performance and market conditions. Disruptions in the financial markets similar to those that occurred in 2008 could make it more difficult to renew or extend Telesat’s facilities at current commitment levels on similar terms or at all. In the event that Telesat is not able to service or refinance its indebtedness, there would be a material adverse effect on the value of our equity investment in Telesat.
Telesat’s financial results and our U.S. dollar reporting of Telesat’s financial results will be affected by volatility in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Portions of Telesat’s revenue, expenses and debt are denominated in U.S. dollars and changes in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate may have a negative impact on Telesat’s financial results and affect the ability of Telesat to repay or refinance its borrowings. Telesat’s main currency exposures as of December 31, 2012 lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt financing. The most significant impact of variations on the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. As of December 31, 2012, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately CAD 147 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Loral reports its investment in Telesat in U.S. dollars while Telesat reports its financial results in Canadian dollars. Loral reports its investment in Telesat using the equity method of accounting. As a result, Telesat’s results of operations are subject to conversion from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars. Changes in the U.S. dollar relationship to the Canadian dollar affect how our financial results as they relate to Telesat are reported in our consolidated financial statements. During 2012, the exchange rate moved from US$1.00/CAD 1.0213 at December 31, 2011 to US$1.00/CAD 0.9921 at December 31, 2012.
While we own 62.8% of Telesat on an economic basis, we own only 331/3% of its voting stock and therefore do not have the right to elect or appoint a majority of its Board of Directors and our interests and those of the other Telesat shareholders may diverge or conflict.
While we own 62.8% of the economic interests in Telesat, we hold only 331/3% of its voting interests. Although the restrictions on foreign ownership of Canadian satellites have been removed by the government of Canada, we are still subject to our shareholders agreement with the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP”) and the articles of incorporation of Telesat Holdco, which do not allow us to own more voting stock of Telesat Holdco than we currently own. Also, under our shareholders agreement, the governance and management of Telesat is vested in its 10-member Board of Directors, comprised of three Loral-appointed directors, three PSP appointed directors and four independent directors, two of whom also own Telesat shares with nominal economic value and 30% and 62/3% of the voting interests for Telesat directors, respectively. While we own a greater voting interest in Telesat than any other single stockholder with respect to election of directors and we and PSP, which owns 30% of the voting interests for directors and 662/3% of the voting interests for all other matters, together own a majority of Telesat’s voting power, circumstances may occur where our interests and those of PSP diverge or are in conflict. For example, it is likely that any strategic transaction involving our ownership interests in Telesat that we wish to pursue will require the cooperation of PSP, and PSP may not share our objectives or wish to pursue transactions in which we are interested or any transaction at all. In the event that our interests differ from those of PSP, PSP, with the agreement of at least three of the four independent directors, may, subject to veto rights that we have under Telesat’s shareholders agreement, cause Telesat to take actions contrary to our wishes. These veto rights are, however, limited to certain extraordinary actions - for example, the incurrence of more than $100 million of indebtedness or the purchase of assets at a cost in excess of $100 million. Moreover, our right to block these actions under the shareholders agreement falls away if, subject to certain exceptions, either (i) ownership or control, directly or indirectly by Dr. Mark H. Rachesky (President of MHR Fund Management LLC, or MHR, which, through its affiliated funds is our largest stockholder) of our voting stock falls below certain levels or (ii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of the members of Loral’s board of directors over a consecutive two-year period.
We may face indemnification claims from our sale of SS/L.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the Sale of our subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA for (1) pre-closing taxes; (2) Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement) relating to the ViaSat lawsuit, subject to certain sharing formulas and caps; and (3) certain breaches of representations, warranties and covenants, subject to certain limitations on survival of claims, deductibles and caps. MDA has the right to offset against payments due to us under the Land Note amounts that have been finally determined to be due pursuant to those indemnification claims. In certain circumstances, MDA has the right to deposit amounts due to us under the Land Note in escrow until pending indemnification claims are resolved. Indemnification claims under the Purchase Agreement could exceed amounts due to us pursuant to the Land Note requiring us to use our existing liquidity to pay such claims. To date, other than with respect to sharing of Covered Litigation Costs, MDA has submitted one claim for indemnification which relates to pre-closing taxes. We intend to vigorously contest the underlying tax assessment, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful. We may not be able to settle indemnification claims at or below the recorded value in our financial statements, and indemnification claims under the Purchase Agreement, whether pending now or made in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including liquidity, and results of operations.
Loral Space & Communications Inc., the parent company, is a holding company with no current operations; we are dependent on cash flow from our affiliates to meet our financial obligations.
The parent company is a holding company with ownership interests in Telesat and XTAR. The parent company has no independent operations or operating assets and has ongoing cash requirements. The ability of Telesat and XTAR to make payments or distributions to the parent company, whether as dividends or as payments under applicable management and consulting agreements or otherwise, will depend on their operating results, including their ability to satisfy their own cash flow requirements and obligations including, without limitation, their debt service obligations. Moreover, covenants contained in the debt agreements of Telesat impose limitations on its ability to dividend funds to the parent company. Even if the applicable debt covenants would permit Telesat to pay dividends, the parent company will not have the ability to cause Telesat to do so. See above “While we own 62.8% of Telesat on an economic basis, we own only 331/3% of its voting stock and therefore do not have the right to elect or appoint a majority of its Board of Directors and our interests and those of the other Telesat shareholders may diverge or conflict.” Likewise, any dividend payments by XTAR would require the prior consent of our Spanish partner in the joint venture.
The parent company earns a consulting fee of $5 million a year from Telesat. Telesat’s loan documents permit this consulting fee from Telesat to be paid to the parent company only when Telesat’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA is less than 5.0 to 1.0. When the ratio is not less than 5.0 to 1.0, the consulting fee is paid through the issuance of promissory notes to Loral with an interest rate of 7% and a maturity date of October 31, 2018. Prepayment of these promissory notes may be made only if there is a sufficient capacity under a restricted payment basket, which is based on a formula of cumulative consolidated EBITDA less 1.4 times cumulative consolidated interest expense. Whether Telesat meets the financial performance criteria to enable payment is dependent upon, among other things, foreign exchange rates which are constantly fluctuating. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Telesat paid its note payable to Loral of $24 million as of September 30, 2012 in cash in full, including interest. Telesat did not pay the consulting fee for the fourth quarter of 2012. It is uncertain at this time whether Telesat will be permitted to pay the consulting fee for 2013.
In connection with our assignment in March 2011 to Telesat of our interest in the Canadian payload on the Viasat-1 satellite, Telesat agreed that, if it obtains certain supplemental capacity on the payload, Loral will be entitled to receive one-half of any net revenue actually earned by Telesat in connection with the leasing of such supplemental capacity to its customers during the first four years after the commencement of service using the supplemental capacity. There can be no assurance that Loral will receive significant revenues under this agreement.
XTAR has not generated sufficient revenues to meet all of its contractual obligations, which are substantial.
XTAR’s take-up rate in its service has been slower than anticipated. As a result, it has deferred certain payments owed to us, Hisdesat and Telesat, including payments due under an agreement with Hisdesat to lease certain transponders on the Spainsat satellite. These lease obligations were $24 million in 2012 with increases thereafter to a maximum of $28 million per year through the end of the useful life of the satellite, which is estimated to be in 2022. In addition, XTAR has entered into an agreement with Hisdesat whereby the past due balance on the Spainsat transponders of $32.3 million as of December 31, 2008, together with a deferral of $6.7 million in payments due in 2009, became payable to Hisdesat over 12 years through annual payments of $5 million. XTAR’s lease and other obligations to Hisdesat, which will aggregate in excess of $376 million over the life of the satellite, are substantial, especially in light of XTAR’s limited revenues to date. XTAR has agreed that most of its excess cash balance would be applied towards making limited payments on these obligations, as well as payments of other amounts owed to us, Hisdesat and Telesat in respect of services provided by them to XTAR. Unless XTAR is able to generate a substantial increase in its revenues, these obligations will continue to accrue and grow, which may have a material and adverse effect on our equity interest in XTAR. As of December 31, 2012, $5 million was due to Loral from XTAR.
The soundness of financial institutions and counterparties could adversely affect Telesat or us.
We and Telesat have exposure to many different financial institutions and counterparties (including those under credit, financing and insurance arrangements), including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, insurance providers and other institutions and industry participants. We and Telesat are exposed to risk, including credit risk resulting from many of the transactions executed in connection with hedging activities, in the event that any lenders or counterparties, including insurance providers, are unable to honor their commitments or otherwise default under an agreement with Telesat or us.
We have explored and expect in the future to explore various strategic transactions; this process may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations whether or not a transaction is ultimately consummated.
We have previously explored potential strategic transactions, including strategic transactions involving Telesat. In the future, we expect to pursue these or other strategic alternatives with the goal of maximizing shareholder value. The process of pursuing a strategic transaction will result in transaction costs and may result in the diversion of the attention of operating management of Telesat from business operations, the disclosure of confidential information to competitors or potential customers as part of a due diligence process and an adverse perception of Telesat in the marketplace which could, among other things, adversely affect Telesat’s ability to win new business. Any of such results could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations whether or not a strategic transaction is consummated. There can be no assurance whether or when any transaction involving Loral or Telesat will occur, and, even if a transaction is consummated, there can be no assurance as to whether or to what degree such a transaction will be successful in maximizing value to our shareholders.
We may explore and evaluate possible strategic transactions and alliances which require financing which may not be available at all or on favorable terms.
Loral may, from time to time, explore and evaluate possible strategic transactions and alliances which may include joint ventures and strategic relationships as well as business combinations or the acquisition of assets. Should Loral determine to pursue any of these opportunities, additional funds are likely to be required. There can be no assurance that we will enter into additional strategic transactions or alliances, nor do we know if we will be able to obtain the necessary financing for these transactions on favorable terms, if at all.
As part of our business strategy, we may complete acquisitions or dispositions, undertake restructuring efforts or engage in other strategic transactions. These actions could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As part of our business strategy, we may engage in discussions with third parties regarding, or enter into agreements relating to, acquisitions, dispositions, restructuring efforts or other strategic transactions in order to manage our product and technology portfolios or further our strategic objectives. In order to pursue this strategy successfully, we must identify suitable acquisition or alliance candidates and complete these transactions, some of which may be large and complex. Any of these activities may result in disruptions to our business and may not produce the full efficiency and cost reduction benefits anticipated.
Instability in financial markets could adversely affect our ability to access additional capital.
In recent years, the volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets have reached unprecedented levels. If these conditions continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material adverse effect on our ability to borrow money or have access to capital, if needed. Lenders may be unable or unwilling to lend money. In addition, if we determine that it is appropriate or necessary to raise capital in the future, the future cost of raising funds through the debt or equity markets may be expensive or those markets may be unavailable. If we were unable to raise funds through debt or equity markets, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Telesat information in this report other than the information included in the audited financial statements is based solely on information provided to us by Telesat.
Because we do not control Telesat, we do not have the same control and certification processes with respect to the information contained in this report on our satellite services segment that we had for the reporting on our satellite manufacturing segment. We are also not involved in managing Telesat’s day-to-day operations. Accordingly, the Telesat information contained in this report other than the information included in the audited financial statements is based solely on information provided to us by Telesat and has not been separately verified by us.
II. Risk Factors Associated With Satellite Services
Telesat’s in-orbit satellites may fail to operate as expected due to operational anomalies resulting in lost revenues, increased costs and/or termination of contracts.
Satellites utilize highly complex technology and operate in the harsh environment of space and therefore are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. The risks include in-orbit equipment failures, malfunctions and other kinds of problems commonly referred to as anomalies. Satellite anomalies include, for example, circuit failures, transponder failures, solar array failures, telemetry transmitter failures, battery cell and other power system failures, satellite control system failures and propulsion system failures. Some of Telesat’s satellites have had malfunctions and other anomalies in the past. Acts of war, terrorism, magnetic, electrostatic or solar storms, space debris, satellite conjunctions or micrometeoroids could also damage Telesat’s satellites.
Despite working closely with satellite manufacturers to determine the causes of anomalies and mitigate them in new satellites and to provide for intrasatellite redundancies for certain critical components to minimize or eliminate service disruptions in the event of failure, anomalies are likely to be experienced in the future, whether due to the types of anomalies described above or arising from the failure of other systems or components, and intrasatellite redundancy may not be available upon the occurrence of such anomalies. There can be no assurance that, in these cases, it will be possible to restore normal operations. Where service cannot be restored, the failure could cause the satellite to have less capacity available for sale, to suffer performance degradation, or to cease operating prematurely, either in whole or in part. For example, if the damaged solar array on Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 were to deploy unexpectedly in the future, this could result in a loss of capability to provide service.
Any single anomaly or series of anomalies or other failure (whether full or partial) of any of Telesat’s satellites could cause Telesat’s revenues, cash flows and backlog to decline materially, could require Telesat to repay prepayments made by customers of the affected satellite and could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s relationships with current customers and its ability to attract new customers for satellite services. A failure could result in a customer terminating its contract for service on the affected satellite. If Telesat is unable to provide alternate capacity to an affected customer, the customer may decide to procure all or a portion of its future satellite services from an alternate supplier or the customer’s business may be so adversely affected by the satellite failure that it may not have the financial ability to procure future satellite services. In addition, an anomaly that has a material adverse effect on a satellite’s overall performance or expected orbital maneuver life could require Telesat to recognize an impairment loss, which in turn would adversely affect us. It may also require Telesat to expedite its planned replacement program, adversely affecting its profitability and increasing its financing needs and limiting the availability of funds for other business purposes. Finally, the occurrence of anomalies may adversely affect Telesat’s ability to insure satellites at commercially reasonable premiums, if at all, and may cause insurers to demand additional exclusions in policies they issue.
The actual orbital maneuver lives of Telesat’s satellites may be shorter than Telesat anticipates and Telesat may be required to reduce available capacity on its satellites prior to the end of their orbital maneuver lives.
Telesat anticipates that its satellites will have the end of orbital maneuver life dates described above in Item1-Business. For all but one of Telesat’s satellites, the expected end-of orbital maneuver life date goes beyond the manufacturer’s end-of-service life date. A number of factors will affect the actual commercial service lives of Telesat’s satellites, including:
•the amount of propellant used in maintaining the satellite’s orbital location or relocating the satellite to a new orbital location (and, for newly-launched satellites, the amount of propellant used during orbit raising following launch);
•the durability and quality of their construction;
•the performance of their components;
•conditions in space such as solar flares and space debris;
•operational considerations, including operational failures and other anomalies; and
•changes in technology which may make all or a portion of Telesat’s satellite fleet obsolete.
Telesat has been forced to remove satellites from service prematurely in the past due to an unexpected reduction in their previously anticipated end-of-orbital maneuver life. It is possible that the actual orbital maneuver lives of one or more of Telesat’s existing satellites may also be shorter than originally anticipated. Further, on some of Telesat’s satellites it is anticipated that the total payload capacity may need to be reduced prior to the satellite reaching its end-of-orbital maneuver life.
Telesat periodically reviews expected orbital maneuver lives of each of its satellites using current engineering data. A reduction in the orbital maneuver life of any of Telesat’s satellites could result in a reduction of the revenues generated by that satellite, the recognition of an impairment loss and an acceleration of capital expenditures. To the extent Telesat is required to reduce payload capacity prior to the end of a satellite’s orbital maneuver life, its revenues from the satellite would be reduced.
Telesat’s satellite launches may be delayed, it may suffer launch failures or its satellites may fail to reach their planned orbital locations. Any such issue could result in the loss of a satellite or cause significant delays in the deployment of the satellite which could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Delays in launching satellites and in the deployment of satellites are not uncommon and result from construction delays, the unavailability of reliable launch opportunities with suppliers, delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals and launch failures. If satellite construction schedules are not met, a launch opportunity may not be available at the time the satellite is ready to be launched. Satellites are also subject to certain risks related to failed launches. Launch vehicles may fail. Launch failures result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need to construct replacement satellites, which typically takes up to 30 months or longer, and to obtain another launch vehicle. A delay or perceived delay in launching a satellite, or replacing a satellite, may cause Telesat’s current customers to move to another satellite provider if they determine that the delay may cause an interruption in continuous service. In addition, Telesat’s contracts with customers who purchase or reserve satellite capacity may allow the customers to terminate their contracts in the event of a delay. Any such termination would require Telesat to refund any prepayment it may have received, and would result in a reduction in Telesat’s contracted backlog and would delay or prevent Telesat from securing the commercial benefits of the new satellite. The launch vehicle scheduled to be used by Telesat to launch Anik G1 has experienced several launch anomalies and failures in the past when used to launch satellites of other operators, and those anomalies and failures have delayed the launch of Anik G1 and may continue to delay its launch. Launch vehicles may also underperform, in which case the satellite may be lost or, if it can be placed into service by using its onboard propulsion systems to reach the desired orbital location, will have a shorter useful life. Certain of Telesat’s satellites are nearing their expected end-of-orbital maneuver lives. Any launch failure, underperformance, delay or perceived delay could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Telesat’s insurance will not protect it against all satellite-related losses. Further, Telesat may not be able to renew insurance on its existing satellites or obtain insurance on future satellites on acceptable terms or at all, and for certain of Telesat’s existing satellites, Telesat has elected to forego obtaining insurance.
Telesat’s current satellite insurance does not protect it against all satellite-related losses that it may experience, and it does not have in-orbit insurance coverage for all of the satellites in its fleet. As of December 31, 2012, the total net book value of Telesat’s five in-orbit satellites for which it does not have insurance is approximately CAD 115 million. Telesat’s insurance does not protect it against business interruption, loss of revenues or delay of revenues. In addition, Telesat does not insure the net book value of performance incentives that may be payable to a satellite’s manufacturer as these are payable only to the extent that the satellite operates in accordance with contracted technical specifications. Telesat’s existing launch and in-orbit insurance policies include, and any future policies that Telesat obtains can be expected to include, specified exclusions, deductibles and material change limitations. Typically, these insurance policies exclude coverage for damage or losses arising from acts of war, anti-satellite devices, electromagnetic or radio frequency interference and other similar potential risks for which exclusions are customary in the industry at the time the policy is written. In addition, they typically exclude coverage for satellite health-related problems affecting Telesat’s satellites that are known at the time the policy is written or renewed. Any claims under existing policies are subject to settlement with the insurers and may, in some instances, be payable to Telesat’s customers.
The price, terms and availability of satellite insurance has fluctuated significantly in recent years. These fluctuations may be affected by recent satellite launch or in-orbit failures and general conditions in the insurance industry. Launch and in-orbit policies on satellites may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. To the extent Telesat experiences a launch or in-orbit failure that is not fully insured, or for which insurance proceeds are delayed or disputed, it may not have sufficient resources to replace the affected satellite. In addition, higher premiums on insurance policies increase Telesat’s costs, thereby reducing its profitability. In addition to higher premiums, insurance policies may provide for higher deductibles, shorter coverage periods, higher loss percentages required for constructive total loss claims and additional satellite health-related policy exclusions. There can be no assurance that, upon the expiration of an in-orbit insurance policy, which typically has a term of one year, Telesat will be able to renew the policy on terms acceptable to it.
Subject to the requirements contained in the indentures governing Telesat’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and in its senior credit agreement, Telesat may elect to reduce or eliminate insurance coverage for certain of its existing satellites, or elect not to obtain insurance policies for its future satellites, especially if exclusions make such policies ineffective, the costs of coverage make such insurance impractical or if self-insurance is deemed more effective.
Replacing a satellite upon the end of its service life will require Telesat to make significant expenditures and may require Telesat to obtain shareholder approval.
To ensure no disruption in Telesat’s business and to prevent loss of its customers, Telesat will be required to commence construction of a replacement satellite approximately three to five years prior to the expected end of service life of the satellite then in orbit. Typically, it costs in the range of $250 million to $300 million to construct, launch and insure a satellite. There can be no assurance that Telesat will have sufficient cash, cash flow or be able to obtain third party or shareholder financing to fund such expenditures on favorable terms, if at all, or that Telesat will obtain shareholder approval, where required, to procure replacement satellites. Certain of Telesat’s satellites are nearing their expected end-of-orbital maneuver lives. Should Telesat not have sufficient funds available to replace those satellites or should Telesat not receive approval from its shareholders, where required, to purchase replacement satellites, it could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Telesat is subject to significant and intensifying competition. Telesat experiences competition both within the satellite industry and from other providers of communications capacity. Telesat’s failure to compete effectively would result in a loss of revenues and a decline in profitability, which would adversely affect Telesat’s business and results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Telesat provides point-to-point and point-to-multipoint services for voice, data and video communications and for high-speed Internet access. A trend toward consolidation of major FSS providers has resulted in the creation of global competitors who are substantially larger than Telesat in terms of both the number of satellites they have in orbit as well as in terms of their revenues. Due to their larger sizes, these operators are able to take advantage of greater economies of scale, may be more attractive to customers, may (depending on the specific satellite and orbital location in question) have greater flexibility to restore service to their customers in the event of a partial or total satellite failure and may be able to offer expansion capacity for future requirements. Telesat also competes against regional satellite operators who may enjoy competitive advantages in their local markets. As a condition of Telesat’s licenses for certain satellites, Telesat is required by Industry Canada, the governmental department overseeing Canadian investment innovation and economic development, to invest in research and development related to satellite communication activities. Telesat’s global competitors may not face this additional financial burden.
Telesat expects a substantial portion of its ongoing business will continue to be in the Canadian domestic market. This market is characterized by increasing competition among satellite providers and rapid technological development. Historically, the Canadian regulatory framework has required the use of Canadian-licensed satellites for the delivery of direct-to-home (“DTH”) programming in Canada. It is possible that this framework could change and allow non-Canadian satellite operators that have adequate service coverage in Canadian territory to compete for future business from Telesat’s DTH customers. In 2007, Industry Canada awarded a spectrum which is suitable for providing services to Canadian customers, including DTH, to Ciel Satellite Group which was at the time Canadian controlled but has since become controlled by a foreign entity, SES S.A. the world’s second largest FSS satellite operator and a non-Canadian. In addition, in 2009, Industry Canada authorized FreeHD Canada to use a foreign-based satellite for the provision for DTH services on an interim basis. Industry Canada subsequently awarded FreeHD a license to use 12 and 14 GHz spectrum at the 95.5°W orbital position to operate an interim satellite. Industry Canada also provided approval in principle to 95°W Canadian Satellite Communications Inc. to develop and operate a 17 GHz broadcasting service satellite at 95°W.
Telesat’s business is also subject to competition from ground based forms of communications technology. For many point-to-point and other services, the offerings provided by terrestrial companies can be more competitive than the services offered via satellite. A number of companies are increasing their ability to transmit signals on existing terrestrial infrastructures, such as fiber optic cable, DSL (digital subscriber line) and terrestrial wireless transmitters often with funding and other incentives provided by government. The ability of any of these companies to significantly increase their capacity and/or the reach of their network likely would result in a decrease in the demand for Telesat’s services. Increasing availability of capacity from other forms of communications technology can create an excess supply of telecommunications capacity, decreasing the prices Telesat would be able to charge for its services under new service contracts and thereby negatively affecting Telesat’s profitability. New technology could render satellite-based services less competitive by satisfying consumer demand in other ways. Telesat also competes for local regulatory approval in places where more than one provider may want to operate and with other satellite operators for scarce frequency assignments and a limited supply of orbital locations. Telesat’s failure to compete effectively could result in a loss of revenues and a decline in profitability, a decrease in the value of its business and a downgrade of its credit rating, which would restrict its access to the capital markets.
Fluctuations in available satellite capacity could adversely affect Telesat’s results.
The availability of satellite capacity has fluctuated over time, characterized by periods of undersupply of capacity, followed by periods of substantial new satellite construction which is, in turn, followed by an oversupply of available capacity. To the extent Telesat were to experience another period of oversupply of capacity as a result of new satellite construction or otherwise, it may be forced to decrease the prices it charges for services which would adversely affect its results.
Reductions in government spending could reduce demand for Telesat’s services.
Governments, in particular the U.S. government, purchase a substantial amount of satellite services from commercial satellite operators, including Telesat. To the extent these governments reduce spending on satellite services, as a result of the need to reduce overall spending during periods of fiscal restraint, to reduce budget deficits or otherwise, demand for Telesat’s services could decrease which could adversely affect Telesat’s revenue, the prices it is able to charge for services and its results.
Changes in technology, video distribution methods and demand could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
The implementation of new technologies or the improvement of existing technologies may reduce the transponder capacity needed to transmit a given amount of information thereby reducing the total demand for capacity. For example, improvements in signal compression could allow Telesat’s customers to transmit the same amount of data using a reduced amount of capacity. The introduction of Ka-band, high throughput satellites, such as ViaSat-1, which are able to transmit substantially more content per transponder than pre-existing Ka-band satellites, may decrease demand and/or prices for pre-existing Ka-band capacity as well as C-band and Ku-band capacity. While Telesat owns the Canadian Payload on ViaSat-1, if other operators introduce more Ka-band, high throughput satellites into the markets in which Telesat participates, it could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Telesat’s business may be negatively impacted by the growth of ‘‘over-the-top’’ (OTT) video distribution (e.g., Netflix). This type of distribution involves delivery of broadcasting services through an internet service provider that is not involved in the control or distribution of the content itself. The growth of OTT distribution may have a negative impact on the demand for the services of some of Telesat’s large customers in the video distribution business and could result in lessened demand for Telesat’s satellite capacity.
Developments that Telesat expects to support the growth in demand for satellite services, such as continued growth in corporate data and internet traffic, the continued proliferation of HDTV and continued economic growth in Latin America may fail to materialize or may not occur in the manner or to the extent Telesat anticipates.
Telesat derives a substantial amount of its revenues from only a few of its customers. A loss of, or default by, one or more of these major customers, or a material adverse change in any such customer’s business or financial condition, could materially reduce Telesat’s future revenues and contracted backlog.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Telesat’s top five customers together accounted for approximately 53% of its revenues. At December 31, 2012, Telesat’s top five backlog customers together accounted for approximately 87% of its backlog. If any of Telesat’s major customers chose to not renew its contract or contracts at the expiration of the existing terms or sought to negotiate concessions, particularly on price, that could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. Telesat’s customers could experience a downturn in their business or find themselves in financial difficulties, which could result in their ceasing or reducing their use of Telesat’s services (or becoming unable to pay for services they had contracted to buy). In addition, some of Telesat’s customers’ industries are undergoing significant consolidation, and Telesat’s customers may be acquired by each other or other companies, including by Telesat’s competitors. Such acquisitions could adversely affect Telesat’s ability to sell services to such customers and to any end-users whom they serve. Some customers have in the past defaulted, and Telesat’s customers may in the future default, on their obligations to Telesat due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. Such defaults could adversely affect Telesat’s revenue, operating margins and cash flows. If Telesat’s contracted revenue backlog is reduced due to the financial difficulties of its customers, Telesat’s revenue, operating margins and cash flows would be further negatively impacted.
Telesat operates in a highly regulated industry and government regulations may adversely affect its ability to sell its services, or increase the expense of such services or otherwise limit Telesat’s ability to operate or grow its business.
As an operator of a global satellite system, Telesat is regulated by government authorities in Canada, the United States and other countries in which it operates.
In Canada, Telesat’s operations are subject to regulation and licensing by Industry Canada pursuant to the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) and by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (‘‘CRTC’’), under the Telecommunications Act (Canada). Industry Canada has the authority to issue licenses, establish standards, assign Canadian orbital locations, and plan the allocation and use of the radio frequency spectrum, including the radio frequencies upon which Telesat’s satellites and earth stations depend. The Minister responsible for Industry Canada has broad discretion in exercising this authority to issue licenses, fix and amend conditions of licenses, and to suspend or even revoke them. The CRTC has authority over the allocation (and reallocation) of satellite capacity to particular broadcasting undertakings. Some of Telesat’s service agreements are subject to CRTC approval. Telesat is required to pay different forms of ‘‘universal service’’ charges in Canada and have certain research and development obligations that do not apply to other satellite operators with which it competes. These rates and obligations could change at any time.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’) regulates the provision of satellite services to, from, or within the United States. Certain of Telesat’s satellites are owned and operated through a US subsidiary and are regulated by the FCC. In addition, to facilitate the provision of FSS satellite services in C-, Ku- and Ka-band frequencies in the United States market, foreign licensed operators can apply to have their satellites placed on the FCC’s Permitted Space Station List. Telesat’s Anik Fl, Anik FlR, Anik, Anik and Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellites are currently on this list. The export from the United States of satellites and technical information related to satellites, earth station equipment and provision of services to certain countries are subject to State Department, Commerce Department and Treasury Department regulations, in particular the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) which currently includes satellites on the list of items requiring export permits. These ITAR provisions have constrained Telesat’s access to technical information and have had a negative impact on its international consulting revenues. In addition, Telesat and its satellite manufacturers may not be able to obtain and maintain necessary export authorizations which could adversely affect its ability to procure new United States-manufactured satellites; control its existing satellites; acquire launch services; obtain insurance and pursue its rights under insurance policies; or conduct its satellite-related operations and consulting activities.
Telesat also operates satellites through licenses granted by, and are subject to regulations in, countries other than Canada and the United States. For example, the Brazilian national telecommunications agency, ANATEL, has authorized Telesat, through its subsidiary, Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. (‘‘TBCS’’), to operate Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2, a Ku-band FSS satellite at 63° WL pursuant to a Concession Agreement. Telstar 18 operates at the 138° EL orbital location under an agreement with APT, which has been granted the right to use the 138° EL orbital location by The Kingdom of Tonga. Although Telesat’s agreement with APT provides it with renewal rights with respect to a replacement satellite at this orbital location, Telesat is relying on third parties to secure those orbital location rights and there can be no assurance that they will be granted at all or on a timely basis. Should Telesat be unsuccessful in obtaining renewal rights for the orbital location, because of the control over the orbital location exercised by Tonga or for other reasons, or Telesat otherwise fail to enter into agreements with APT with respect to such replacement satellite, all revenues obtained from Telstar 18 would cease and could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
In addition to regulatory requirements governing the use of orbital locations, most countries regulate transmission of signals to and from their territory, and Telesat is required to obtain and maintain authorizations to carry on business in the countries in which Telesat operates.
If Telesat fails to obtain or maintain particular authorizations on acceptable terms, such failure could delay or prevent Telesat from offering some or all of its services and adversely affect its results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. In particular, Telesat may not be able to obtain all of the required regulatory authorizations for the construction, launch and operation of any of its future satellites, for the orbital locations and spectrum for these satellites and for its ground infrastructure, on acceptable term or at all. Even if Telesat were able to obtain the necessary authorizations and orbital locations, the licenses Telesat obtains may impose significant operational restrictions, or not protect Telesat from interference that could affect the use of its satellites. Countries or their regulatory authorities may adopt new laws, policies or regulations, or change their interpretation of existing laws, policies or regulations, that could cause Telesat’s existing authorizations to be changed or cancelled, require Telesat to incur additional costs, impose or change existing pricing, or otherwise adversely affect its operations or revenues. As a result, any currently held regulatory authorizations are subject to rescission and renewal and may not remain sufficient or additional authorizations may be necessary that Telesat may not be able to obtain on a timely basis or on terms that are not unduly costly or burdensome. Further, because the regulatory schemes vary by country, Telesat may be subject to regulations in foreign countries of which Telesat is not presently aware that it is not in compliance with, and as a result could be subject to sanctions by a foreign government.
Telesat’s operations may be limited or precluded by ITU rules or processes, and Telesat is required to coordinate its operations with those of other satellite operators.
The International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”), a specialized United Nations agency, regulates the global allocation of radio frequency spectrum and the registration of radio frequency assignments and any associated orbital location in the geostationary satellite orbit. Telesat participates in the activities of the ITU. Only national administrations, however, have full standing as ITU members. Consequently, Telesat must rely on the relevant government administrations to represent its interests.
The ITU establishes the Radio Regulations, an international treaty which contains the rules concerning frequency allocations and the priority to, coordination of, and use of, radio frequency assignments. The ITU Radio Regulations define the allocation of radio frequencies to specific uses. The ITU Radio Regulations are periodically reviewed and revised at World Radiocommunication Conferences (‘‘WRC’’), which take place typically every three to four years. As a result, Telesat cannot guarantee that the ITU will not change its allocation decisions and rules in the future in a way that could limit or preclude Telesat’s use of some or all of its existing or future orbital locations or spectrum.
The ITU Radio Regulations also establish operating procedures for satellite networks and prescribe detailed coordination, notification and recording procedures. With respect to the frequencies used by commercial geostationary satellites, the ITU Radio Regulations set forth a process for protecting earlier-registered satellite systems from interference from later-registered satellite systems. In order to comply with these rules, Telesat must coordinate the operation of its satellites, including any replacement satellite that has performance characteristics that are different from those of the satellite it replaces, with other satellites. This process requires potentially lengthy and costly negotiations with parties who operate or intend to operate satellites that could affect or be affected by Telesat’s satellites. For example, as part of Telesat’s coordination effort on Telstar 12, Telesat agreed to provide four 54 MHz transponders on Telstar 12 to Eutelsat S.A. (“Eutelsat”) for the life of the satellite and has retained risk of loss with respect to those transponders. Telesat also granted Eutelsat the right to acquire, at cost, four transponders on the replacement satellite for Telstar 12. Telesat has leased back from Eutelsat three of the four transponders to provide service to its customers. In addition, the Russian Satellite Communications Company (“RSCC”) has announced that it has commenced construction of a satellite which it intends to launch and operate at 14° WL, adjacent to the location of Telesat’s Telstar 12 at 15° WL. RSCC’s ITU rights over certain frequencies at 14° WL have priority over Telesat’s use of these same frequencies on Telstar 12. Telesat has had discussions with RSCC to resolve this issue but, to date, those discussions have not been successful. Failure to reach an appropriate arrangement with RSCC may result in restrictions on the use and operation of Telstar 12 which could materially restrict Telesat’s ability to earn revenue from Telstar 12. In addition, Telstar 12 is approaching the end of its commercial service life and Telesat will soon need to commence construction of its replacement. The continued uncertainty over Telesat’s ability to reach an agreement with RSCC, or the failure to reach an agreement, could prejudice Telesat’s ability to replace Telstar 12 on a timely basis, materially restrict Telesat’s ability to earn revenue from any replacement satellite or may make a replacement satellite not economically viable.
In certain countries, a failure to resolve coordination issues is used by regulators as a justification to limit or condition market access by foreign satellite operators. In addition, while the ITU Radio Regulations require later-in-time systems to coordinate their operations with Telesat, Telesat cannot guarantee that other operators will conduct their operations so as to avoid transmitting any signals that would cause harmful interference to the signals that Telesat, or its customers, transmit. This interference could require Telesat to take steps, or pay or refund amounts to its customers, that could have a material adverse effect on Telesat’s results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. The ITU’s Radio Regulations do not contain mandatory dispute resolution or enforcement regulations and neither the ITU specifically, nor international law generally, provides clear remedies if the ITU coordination process fails. Failure to coordinate Telesat’s satellites’ frequencies successfully or to obtain or maintain other required regulatory approvals could have an adverse effect on Telesat’s business operations, prospects and financial condition, as well as on the value of its business.
If Telesat does not occupy unused orbital locations by specified deadlines, or does not maintain satellites in orbital locations it currently uses, those orbital locations may become available for other satellite operators to use.
Telesat’s in-orbit satellites do not currently occupy all of the orbital locations for which it has obtained regulatory authorizations. In some cases, the Telesat satellite that occupies an orbital location is not designed to use all of the frequencies for which Telesat has been authorized.
In accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations, governments have rights to use certain orbital locations and frequencies. Certain of these governments have in turn authorized Telesat to use several orbital locations and radio frequencies in addition to those used by its current satellites. Under the ITU Radio Regulations, Telesat must bring into use (“BIU”) these orbital locations and frequencies within a fixed period of time, or the governments in question would lose their priority rights and the orbital location, and frequencies likely would become available for use by another satellite operator. Prior to the WRC which took place in February 2012, the ITU Radio Regulations did not expressly address the manner of use or duration of use required to BIU an orbital location. At the 2012 WRC the ITU Radio Regulations were amended to expressly require, among other things, a minimum duration that a suitable satellite must be deployed and maintained at an orbital location to BIU frequency assignments at that location. In view of these requirements, it may be more difficult and/or costly to preserve unused orbital locations and frequencies and Telesat may not be able to do so. In addition, the governments that have authorized Telesat to use these orbital locations have generally conditioned such use on Telesat meeting certain milestones, including making use of the orbital location by a specified time. If Telesat is unable to place satellites into currently unused orbital locations by specified deadlines and in a manner that satisfies the ITU Radio Regulations, national regulatory requirements, or if Telesat is unable to maintain satellites at the orbital locations that it currently uses, Telesat may lose its rights to use these orbital locations and the locations could become available for other satellite operators to use. The loss of one or more of Telesat’s orbital locations could negatively affect its plans and its ability to implement its business strategy.
Telesat’s business is capital intensive, and Telesat may not be able to raise adequate capital to finance its business strategies, or Telesat may be able to do so only on terms that significantly restrict its ability to operate its business.
Implementation of Telesat’s business strategy requires a substantial outlay of capital. As Telesat pursues its business strategies and seeks to respond to developments in its business and opportunities and trends in its industry, its actual capital expenditures may differ from its expected capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that Telesat will be able to satisfy its capital requirements in the future. In addition, if one of Telesat’s satellites failed unexpectedly, there can be no assurance of insurance recovery or the timing thereof and Telesat may need to exhaust or significantly draw upon its revolving credit facility or obtain additional financing to replace the satellite. If Telesat determines that it needs to obtain additional funds through external financing and is unable to do so, Telesat may be prevented from fully implementing its business strategy.
The availability and cost to Telesat of external financing depends on a number of factors, including its credit rating and financial performance and general market conditions. Telesat’s ability to obtain financing generally may be influenced by the supply and demand characteristics of the telecommunications sector in general and of the FSS sector in particular. Declines in Telesat’s expected future revenues under contracts with customers and challenging business conditions faced by its customers are among the other factors that may adversely affect Telesat’s credit and access to the capital markets. Other factors that could impact Telesat’s credit rating include the amount of debt in its current or future capital structure, activities associated with strategic initiatives, the health of its satellites, the success or failure of its planned launches, its expected future cash flows and the capital expenditures required to execute its business strategy. The overall impact on Telesat’s financial condition of any transaction that it pursues may be negative or may be negatively perceived by the financial markets and rating agencies and may result in adverse rating agency actions with respect to its credit rating and access to the capital markets. Long-term disruptions in the capital or credit markets as a result of uncertainty or recession, changing or increased regulation or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect Telesat’s access to capital. A credit rating downgrade or deterioration in Telesat’s financial performance or general market conditions could limit its ability to obtain financing or could result in any such financing being available only at greater cost or on more restrictive terms than might otherwise be available and, in either case, could result in Telesat deferring or reducing capital expenditures including on new or replacement satellites. In certain circumstances, Telesat is required to obtain the approval of its shareholders to incur additional indebtedness. There can be no assurances that Telesat will receive such approval, if required.
Market conditions may make it difficult for Telesat to extend the maturity of or refinance its existing indebtedness, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on its business.
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat had outstanding Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisting of: a CAD 500 million Term Loan A maturing in March 2017; a CAD 174 million Term Loan B maturing in March 2019; and a $1.716 billion Term Loan B maturing in March 2019. Together with Telesat’s CAD 140 million Revolving Credit Facility, the US Term Loan B is subject to a springing maturity which will occur on February 13, 2017 if Telesat’s Senior Notes are not refinanced. Telesat will need to refinance all or a portion of this indebtedness on or before maturity. Disruptions in the financial markets similar to those that occurred in 2008 could make it more difficult to renew or extend the facilities at current commitment levels, on similar terms or at all. A reduced commitment from the lenders, increased borrowing costs or modification to the financial covenant would result in an increase in Telesat’s financing costs and/or a decrease in its liquidity, which could adversely affect Telesat’s growth, its financial condition, its results of operations and its ability to make debt payments, including repayments on the Notes when they become due.
Telesat may experience a failure of ground operations infrastructure or interference with its satellite signals that impairs the commercial performance of, or the services delivered over, its satellites or the satellites of other operators for whom it provides ground services, which could result in a material loss of revenues.
Telesat operates an extensive ground infrastructure including a satellite control center in Ottawa, its main earth station and back up satellite control facility at Allan Park, nine earth stations throughout Canada, one teleport located in the United States and one in Brazil and its telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) facility in Perth, Australia. These ground facilities are used for controlling Telesat’s satellites and for the provision of end-to-end services to Telesat’s customers.
Telesat may experience a partial or total loss of one or more of these facilities due to natural disasters (tornado, flood, hurricane or other such acts of God), fire, acts of war or terrorism or other catastrophic events. A failure at any of these facilities would cause a significant loss of service for Telesat customers. Additionally, Telesat may experience a failure in the necessary equipment at the satellite control center, at the back-up facility, or in the communication links between these facilities and remote earth station facilities. A failure or operator error affecting tracking, telemetry and control operations might lead to a break-down in the ability to communicate with one or more satellites or cause the transmission of incorrect instructions to the affected satellite(s), which could lead to a temporary or permanent degradation in satellite performance or to the loss of one or more satellites. Intentional or non-intentional electromagnetic or radio frequency interference could result in a failure of Telesat’s ability to deliver satellite services to its customers. A failure at any of Telesat’s facilities or in the communications links between its facilities or interference with its satellite signal could cause its revenues and backlog to decline materially and could adversely affect its ability to market its services and generate future revenues and profit.
Telesat purchases equipment from third party suppliers and depends on those suppliers to deliver, maintain and support these products to the contracted specifications in order for Telesat to meet its service commitments to its customers. Telesat may experience difficulty if these suppliers do not meet their obligations to deliver and support this equipment. Telesat may also experience difficulty or failure when implementing, operating and maintaining this equipment or when providing services using this equipment. This difficulty or failure may lead to delays in implementing services, service interruptions or degradations in service, which could cause Telesat’s revenues and backlog to decline materially and could adversely affect Telesat’s ability to market its services and generate future revenues and profit.
Telesat’s dependence on outside contractors could result in delays related to the design, manufacture and launch of its new satellites, which could in turn adversely affect Telesat’s operating results and prospects.
Any delays in the design, construction or launch of Telesat’s satellites could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. There are a limited number of manufacturers that are able to design and build satellites according to the technical specifications and standards of quality Telesat requires, including EADS Astrium, Thales Alenia Space, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Orbital and SS/L. There are also a limited number of suppliers able to launch such satellites, including International Launch Services, Arianespace, Lockheed Martin and Sea Launch. Should any of Telesat’s suppliers’ businesses fail, it would reduce competition and could increase the cost of satellites and launch services. Adverse events with respect to any of Telesat’s manufacturers or launch suppliers could also result in the delay of the design, construction or launch of its satellites. General economic conditions may also affect the ability of Telesat’s manufacturers and launch suppliers to provide services on commercially reasonable terms or to fulfill their obligations in terms of manufacturing schedules, launch dates, pricing or other items. Even where alternate suppliers for such services are available, Telesat may have difficulty identifying them in a timely manner, it may incur significant additional expense in changing suppliers, and this could result in difficulties or delays in the design, construction or launch of its satellites.
A natural disaster could diminish Telesat’s ability to provide communications service.
Natural disasters could damage or destroy Telesat’s ground stations resulting in a disruption of service to its customers. Telesat has in place certain operational procedures designed to protect its antennas and ground stations during natural disasters such as a hurricane, but these procedures may not be sufficient and the collateral effects of such disasters such as flooding may impair the functioning of its ground equipment and its ability to control its satellites. If a future natural disaster impairs or destroys any of Telesat’s ground facilities, Telesat may be unable to provide service to its customers in the affected area for a period of time.
Telesat’s future reported net income could be adversely affected by impairments of the value of certain intangible assets.
The assets on Telesat’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 include goodwill valued at approximately CAD 2,447 million and other intangible assets valued at approximately CAD 859 million. Goodwill and other intangible assets (such as orbital locations) with indefinite useful lives were recorded as a result of the acquisition of Telesat and an assessment of their valuation is undertaken on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount is likely to exceed their recoverable amount. Telesat measures for impairment using a projected discounted cash flow method and confirms the assessment using other valuation methods. If the asset’s carrying value is more than its recoverable amount, the difference is recorded as a reduction in the amount of the asset on the balance sheet and an impairment charge in the statement of earnings. Testing for impairment requires significant subjective judgments by management. Any changes in the estimates used could have a material impact on the calculation of the recoverable amount and result in an impairment charge. Telesat cannot predict whether an event that triggers impairment will occur, when it will occur or how it will affect the reported asset values. If Telesat’s goodwill or other intangible assets are deemed to be impaired in whole or in part, it could be required to reduce or write off such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition.
The content of third-party transmissions over Telesat’s satellites may affect Telesat since Telesat could be subject to sanctions by various governmental entities for the transmission of certain content.
Telesat provides satellite capacity for transmissions by third parties. Telesat does not decide what content is transmitted over its satellites, although its contracts generally provide it with rights to prohibit certain types of content or to cease transmission or permit Telesat to require its customers to cease their transmissions under certain circumstances. A governmental body or other entity may object to some of the content carried over Telesat’s satellites, such as ‘‘adult services’’ video channels or content deemed political in nature. Issues arising from the content of transmissions by these third parties over Telesat’s satellites could affect its future revenues, operations or relationship with certain governments or customers.
Telesat’s failure to maintain or obtain authorizations under and comply with the U.S. export control and trade sanctions laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
The export of satellites and technical data related to satellites, earth station equipment and provision of services are subject to U.S. export control and economic sanctions laws, implemented by U.S. State Department, Commerce Department and Treasury Department regulations. If Telesat does not maintain its existing authorizations or obtain necessary future authorizations under the export control laws and regulations of the United States, it may be unable to export technical data or equipment to non-U.S. persons and companies, including to Telesat’s own non-U.S. employees, as required to fulfill existing contracts. If Telesat does not maintain its existing authorizations or obtain necessary future authorizations under and comply with the trade sanctions laws and regulations of the United States, it may not be able to provide satellite capacity and related administrative services to certain of its customers. Violations of these laws and regulations can also result in civil and criminal sanctions or penalties. Telesat’s ability to acquire new satellites, launch new satellites or operate its satellites could also be negatively affected if its suppliers do not obtain required U.S. export authorizations.
Telesat is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally.
Telesat’s operations internationally are subject to risks that are inherent in conducting business globally. Telesat is subject to compliance with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and other similar anti-corruption laws, which generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. While Telesat’s employees are required to comply with these laws, Telesat cannot be sure that its internal policies and procedures will always protect it from violations of these laws, despite Telesat’s commitment to legal compliance and corporate ethics. Violations of these laws may result in severe criminal and civil sanctions as well as other penalties, and the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice have increased their enforcement activities with respect to the FCPA. The occurrence or allegation of these types of risks may adversely affect Telesat’s business, performance, financial condition and results of operations.
III. Litigation and Disputes
We and SS/L are involved in a patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuit with ViaSat, which, if adversely decided, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We and SS/L are involved in a patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuit with ViaSat, details of which can be found in Note 17 to the Loral consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement relating to our sale of SS/L, we are obligated to indemnify SS/L for all Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement), subject to certain capped cost-sharing by SS/L. There can be no assurance that our or SS/L’s defenses and counterclaims will be successful with respect to all or some of ViaSat’s claims or that SS/L will prevail with respect to its assertion that ViaSat has infringed SS/L patents. A decision against us or against SS/L in this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
IV. Other Risks
Third parties have significant rights with respect to our affiliates.
Third parties have significant rights with respect to, and we do not have control over management of, our affiliates. For example, while we own 62.8% of the participating shares of Telesat, we own only 33⅓% of the voting power. Also, Hisdesat enjoys substantial approval rights in regard to XTAR, our X-band joint venture. The rights of these third parties and fiduciary duties under applicable law could result in others acting or failing to act in ways that are not in our best interest. For example, it is likely that any strategic transaction involving Telesat or XTAR that we wish to pursue will require the cooperation of our joint venture partners, and our partners may not share our objectives or wish to pursue a transaction in which we are interested or any transaction at all.
The loss of executive officers and our inability to retain other key personnel could materially adversely affect our operations or ability to pursue strategic alternatives.
Loral and Telesat rely on a number of key employees, including members of management and certain other employees possessing unique experience in technical and commercial aspects of the satellite services business. If Loral or Telesat are unable to retain these employees, it could be difficult to replace them. In addition, the business of Telesat, with its constant technological developments, must continue to attract highly qualified and technically skilled employees. In the future, the inability to retain or replace these employees, or the inability to attract new highly qualified employees, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, business prospects and financial condition of Loral or Telesat.
Also, we have retained Michael B. Targoff, our former chief executive officer and president, as a consultant, in particular to provide assistance and guidance in the oversight of strategic matters relating to Telesat and XTAR and the ViaSat lawsuit. The consulting agreement may be terminated by either the Company or Mr. Targoff at any time for any reason or for no reason on ten days prior notice. There can be no assurance that Mr. Targoff will not terminate the agreement, and, were he to do so, the ability of the Company to pursue strategic alternatives with regard to Telesat and XTAR and the outcome of the ViaSat lawsuit could be adversely affected.
Interruption or failure of, or cyber-attacks on, Telesat’s or our information technology and communications systems could hurt Telesat’s or our ability to operate our respective businesses effectively, which could harm Telesat’s or our business and operating results.
Telesat’s and our ability to operate our respective businesses depends, in part, on the continuing operation of Telesat’s and our information technology and communications systems, which are an integral part of Telesat’s and our businesses. We and Telesat rely on our information and communication systems, as well as software applications developed internally and externally to, among other things, effectively manage the accounting and financial functions, including maintaining internal controls, operate Telesat’s satellites and satellites for third parties, provide consulting services by Telesat to customers and transmit customer proprietary and/or confidential content and data. Although we and Telesat take steps to secure information and communications systems, including computer systems, intranet and internet sites, email and other telecommunications and data networks, the security measures implemented have not always been effective. While we and Telesat continue to bolster systems with additional security measures, and, working with external experts, mitigate the risk of security breaches, systems may be vulnerable to theft, loss, damage and interruption from a number of potential sources and events, including unauthorized access or security breaches, inclement weather, natural or man-made disasters, earthquakes, explosions, terrorist attacks, floods, fires, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, power loss, telecommunications or equipment failures, transportation interruptions, accidents or other disruptive events or attempts to harm our or Telesat’s systems. In addition, Telesat’s and our facilities are also potentially vulnerable to break-ins, sabotage and intentional acts of vandalism. Moreover, some of these systems are not fully redundant, and disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Telesat’s and our business and operations could be adversely affected if, as a result of a significant cyber event or otherwise, operations are disrupted or shut down, confidential or proprietary information is stolen or disclosed, costs are incurred or fines are required in connection with confidential or export-controlled information that is disclosed, significant resources are dedicated to system repairs or to increase cyber security protection or we or Telesat otherwise incur significant litigation or other costs as a result of any such event. While Telesat’s or our insurance coverage could offset losses relating to some of these types of events, to the extent any such losses are not covered by insurance, a serious disruption to systems could significantly limit Telesat or our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
MHR may be viewed as our controlling stockholder and may have conflicts of interest with us in the future.
As of December 31, 2012, various funds affiliated with MHR and Dr. Rachesky held approximately 38.3% of the outstanding voting common stock of Loral as well as all issued and outstanding shares of Loral non-voting common stock, which, when taken together, represent approximately 57.4% of the outstanding common equity of Loral as of December 31, 2012. As of February 15, 2013, a representative of MHR occupies one of the seven seats on our board of directors. One seat on our board is occupied by a former managing principal of MHR, and one seat, previously occupied by a former managing principal of MHR, is currently vacant. In addition, one of our other directors was selected by the creditors’ committee in our predecessor’s chapter 11 cases, in which MHR served as the chairman. Conflicts of interests may arise in the future between us and MHR. For example, MHR and its affiliated funds are in the business of making investments in companies and may acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Under our agreement with PSP, subject to certain exceptions, in the event that either (i) ownership or control, directly or indirectly, by Dr. Mark H. Rachesky, President of MHR, of our voting stock falls below certain levels or (ii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of the members of the Loral board of directors over a consecutive two-year period, we will lose our veto rights relating to certain actions by Telesat. In addition, after either of these events, PSP will have certain rights to enable it to exit from its investment in Telesat, including a right to cause Telesat to conduct an initial public offering in which PSP’s shares would be the first shares offered or, if no such offering has occurred within one year due to a lack of cooperation from Loral or Telesat, to cause the sale of Telesat and to drag along the other shareholders in such sale, subject to our right to call PSP’s shares at fair market value.
There is a thin trading market for our voting common stock.
Trading activity in our voting common stock, which is listed on the NASDAQ National Market, has generally been light, averaging approximately 99,500 shares per day for the year ended December 31, 2012. Moreover, over 50% of our voting common stock is effectively held by MHR and several other stockholders. If any of our significant stockholders should sell some or all of their holdings, it will likely have an adverse effect on our share price. Although the funds affiliated with MHR have restrictions on their ability to sell our shares under U.S. securities laws, we have filed a shelf registration statement in respect of the voting common stock and non-voting common stock they hold in Loral that effectively eliminates such restrictions. Such funds also have other demand and piggyback registration rights in respect of their Loral voting common stock and non-voting common stock that would also, if exercised, effectively eliminate such restrictions. In addition, our board of directors has authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to 800,000 shares of our voting common stock. To the extent the Company does repurchase shares (through 2012, we purchased 154,494 shares of voting common stock), the number of shares available for trading in the market will be reduced thereby increasing further the illiquidity of our stock.
The market for our voting common stock could be adversely affected by future issuance of significant amounts of our voting common stock.
As of December 31, 2012, 21,262,340 shares of our voting common stock and 9,505,673 shares of our non-voting common stock were outstanding. On that date, there were also outstanding 27,681 non-vested restricted stock units and 231,532 vested restricted stock units. These restricted stock units, which may be settled either in cash or Loral voting common stock at the Company’s option, vest over the next five months. As of December 31, 2012, 1,296,405 shares of our voting common stock were available for future grants under our stock incentive plan. The number of shares available for grant would be reduced if outstanding SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights are settled in Loral voting common stock. Moreover, we may further amend our stock incentive plan in the future to provide for additional increases in the number of shares available for grant thereunder.
Sales of significant amounts of our voting common stock to the public, or the perception that those sales could happen, could adversely affect the market for, and the trading price of, our voting common stock.
A public offering of stock in Telesat could adversely affect the market for, and price of, our common stock and the value of our interest in Telesat.
Our shareholders agreement with PSP regarding Telesat provides for either PSP or Loral to initiate the process of conducting an initial public offering of the equity shares of Telesat Holdco if an initial public offering has not been completed by October 31, 2011, the fourth anniversary of the Telesat transaction. In July 2012, PSP delivered to Telesat Holdco and Loral a notice initiating this process which PSP subsequently withdrew. In the event Telesat were to conduct a public offering of its equity securities, it is uncertain whether the offering would be a primary offering of shares by Telesat, a secondary offering of shares by either or both of the Telesat shareholders or a combination of both types of offerings. It is also uncertain what effect an offering (and any corporate restructuring required in connection with such offering under the terms of the Telesat shareholders agreement) would have on Loral’s governance rights in Telesat. Changes in our Telesat governance rights could adversely affect the value of our interest in Telesat and the price at which our common stock trades. In addition, a public market for Telesat equity would create a situation where there would be two separate public-market proxies for the value of Telesat - our stock and the Telesat stock. Telesat stock would represent a direct interest in Telesat, whereas the value of the common shares of Loral would also include other assets and liabilities, many of which are difficult to value. Having both Telesat stock and our stock trading publicly could create confusion in the market and could adversely affect the liquidity and/or trading values of either our or Telesat’s common stock.
Changes in tax rates or policies or changes to our tax liabilities could affect operating results.
We are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxation on our worldwide income and foreign taxes on certain income from sources outside the United States. Significant judgment is required to determine and estimate our tax liabilities, and our future annual and quarterly tax rates could be affected by numerous factors, including changes in the applicable tax laws, composition of earnings in countries or states with differing tax rates or our valuation and utilization of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, we are subject to regular examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, we regularly evaluate the adequacy of our provision for income taxes, and there can be no assurance that any final determination by a taxing authority will not result in additional tax liability which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The future use of tax attributes is limited.
As of December 31, 2012, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, of approximately $290 million and state NOLs, primarily California, of approximately $73 million, that are available to offset future taxable income (see Notes 2 and 11 to the Loral consolidated financial statements for a description of the accounting treatment of such NOLs). As our reorganization on November 21, 2005 constituted an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, our ability to use these NOLs, as well as certain other tax attributes existing at such effective date, is subject to an annual limitation of approximately $32.6 million, subject to increase or decrease based on certain factors. If Loral experiences an additional “ownership change” during any three-year period after November 21, 2005, future use of these tax attributes may become further limited. An ownership change may be triggered by sales or acquisitions of Loral equity interests in excess of 50% by shareholders owning five percent or more of our total equity value, i.e., the total market value of our equity interests, as determined on any applicable testing date. We would be adversely affected by an additional “ownership change” if, at the time of such change, the total market value of our equity multiplied by the federal applicable long-term tax exempt rate, which at December 31, 2012 was 2.87%, was less than $32.6 million. As of December 31, 2012, since the total market value of our equity ($1.7 billion) multiplied by the federal applicable long-term tax exempt rate was approximately $48 million an “ownership change” as of that date would not have had an adverse effect.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making corrupt payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment, and requires companies to maintain adequate record-keeping and internal accounting practices to accurately reflect the transactions of the company. The FCPA applies to companies, individual directors, officers, employees and agents. Under the FCPA, U.S. companies may be held liable for actions taken by strategic or local partners or representatives. If we or our intermediaries fail to comply with the requirements of the FCPA, governmental authorities in the United States could seek to impose civil and/or criminal penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows.
Accounting standards periodically change and the application of our accounting policies and methods may require management to make estimates about matters that are uncertain.
The regulatory bodies that establish accounting standards, including, among others, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, periodically revise or issue new financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The effect of such revised or new standards on our consolidated financial statements can be difficult to predict and can materially affect how we record and report our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, our management must exercise judgment in appropriately applying many of our accounting policies and methods so they comply with generally accepted accounting principles. In some cases, the accounting policy or method chosen might be reasonable under the circumstances and yet might result in our reporting materially different amounts than would have been reported if we had selected a different policy or method. Accounting policies are critical to fairly presenting our results of operations and financial condition and may require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are uncertain.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Corporate
We lease approximately 15,000 square feet of space for our corporate offices in New York.
Satellite Services
Telesat leases an area in its headquarters building of approximately 112,000 rentable square feet pursuant to a lease which commenced February 1, 2009 and provides for a 15 year term (terminable by Telesat Canada at any time after 10 years upon two years notice).
The Allan Park earth station, located northeast of Toronto, Ontario on 65 acres of land, houses a customer support center and a technical control center. This facility is the single point of contact for Telesat’s international customers and is also the main earth station complex providing TT&C services for the satellites Telesat operates. The Allan Park earth station also houses Telesat’s backup satellite control center for the Nimiq and Anik satellites.
In addition to these facilities, Telesat leases facilities for administrative and sales offices in various locations throughout Canada and the United States as well as in Brazil, England, the Netherlands and Singapore.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We discuss certain legal proceedings pending against the Company in the notes to the Loral consolidated financial statements and refer you to that discussion for important information concerning those legal proceedings, including the basis for such actions and relief sought. See Note 17 to the Loral consolidated financial statements for this discussion.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(a) Market Price and Dividend Information
Loral’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the total authorized capital stock of the Company is eighty million (80,000,000) shares consisting of two classes: (i) seventy million (70,000,000) shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, divided into two series, of which 50,000,000 shares are voting common stock and 20,000,000 shares are non-voting common stock and (ii) ten million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Each share of voting common stock and each share of non-voting common stock are identical and are treated equally in all respects, except that the non-voting common stock does not have voting rights except as set forth in Article IV(a)(iv) of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and as otherwise provided by law. Article IV(a)(iv) of Loral’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that Article IV(a) of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which provides for, among other things, the equal treatment of the non-voting common stock with the voting common stock, may not be amended, altered or repealed without the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the non-voting common stock, voting as a separate class. Except as otherwise provided in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Loral, each holder of Loral voting common stock is entitled to one vote in respect of each share of Loral voting common stock held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Holders of shares of Loral common stock are entitled to share equally, share for share in dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such dividends. Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Loral, the assets of Loral available to stockholders will be distributed equally per share to the holders of Loral common stock. The holders of Loral common stock do not have any cumulative voting rights. Loral common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to Loral common stock. All outstanding shares of Loral common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Our voting common stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol “LORL.” The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of Loral voting common stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012.
There is no established trading market for the Company’s non-voting common stock. All of the shares of non-voting common stock were issued pursuant to the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
See (d), below, for a description of dividends and distributions that affected our stock price during 2012.
(b) Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock
At February 15, 2013, there were 249 holders of record of our voting common stock and five holders of record of our non-voting common stock.
(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information about share repurchases made by Loral of its voting common stock that are registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act through the fourth quarter of 2012. Repurchases are made from time to time at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. All share repurchases of Loral’s voting common stock have been recorded as treasury shares.
(1)On November 14, 2011, Loral’s Board of Directors approved a share purchase program that authorizes Loral to purchase up to 800,000 shares of its outstanding voting common stock.
(d) Dividends
On March 28, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $13.60 per share for an aggregate dividend of $417.6 million. The dividend was paid on April 20, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of April 10, 2012. In accordance with Loral’s stock incentive plan, an equitable adjustment was made to outstanding stock-based awards to reflect the special dividend. As a result, options outstanding increased by 19,058 and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) increased by 6,875. Certain RSU holders, who elected to receive the dividend at the $13.60 per share value, will receive additional payments totaling $2.5 million on their RSU settlement dates.
On November 7, 2012, in connection with the receipt of the proceeds from the Sale, our Board of Directors declared a special distribution of $29.00 per share for an aggregate distribution of $892.1 million. The special distribution was paid on December 4, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of November 19, 2012. In accordance with Loral’s stock incentive plan, an equitable adjustment was made to outstanding stock-based awards to reflect the special distribution. Certain RSU holders who elected to receive the special distribution at the $29.00 per share value will receive additional payments totaling $5.3 million on their RSU settlement dates.
Loral’s ability to pay additional dividends or distributions on its common stock will depend upon its earnings, financial condition and capital needs and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board of Directors.
(e) Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See Note 13 to the Loral consolidated financial statements for information regarding the Company’s stock incentive plan. Compensation information required by Item 11 will be presented in the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference or by an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(f) Comparison of Cumulative Total Returns
Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative performance of our voting common stock with the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2012. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2007 in each of our voting common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index and that all dividends were reinvested. The NASDAQ Telecommunications Index is a capitalization weighted index designed to measure the performance of all NASDAQ-traded stocks in the telecommunications sector, including satellite technology companies.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected historical financial and operating data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2012.
The information set forth in the following table should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
(In thousands, except per share data)
(1)During 2008, we recorded income of $58.3 million related to a gain on litigation recovery from Rainbow DBS and a loss of $19.5 million related to the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses to the plaintiffs for shareholder litigation concluded during 2008.
(2)During 2012, we recorded an $86.7 million income tax benefit after the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax expired with regard to certain uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”) related to Old Loral and several of our federal and state income tax returns filed for 2007 and 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we determined, based on all available evidence, that a full valuation allowance was no longer required on our deferred tax assets and, therefore, $335.3 million of the valuation allowance was reversed as an income tax benefit (see Note 11 to the Loral consolidated financial statements).
(3)Our principal affiliate is Telesat. Loral also has investments in XTAR and joint ventures providing Globalstar service, which are accounted for under the equity method.
(4)We recorded a gain of $308.6 million, net of tax, in 2012 in connection with the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA, which closed on November 2, 2012 (see Notes 1 and 3 to the Loral consolidated financial statements).
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Loral Space & Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading satellite communications company engaged, through our ownership interests in affiliates, in satellite-based communications services. Prior to completion of the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”)), we were also engaged in the satellite manufacturing business (see “Recent Developments” below).
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained in the following discussion and analysis, the matters discussed below are not historical facts, but are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, we or our representatives have made and may continue to make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing, in other contexts. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “project,” “intend,” or “outlook” or other variations of these words. These statements, including without limitation those relating to Telesat, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual events or results may differ materially as a result of a wide variety of factors and conditions, many of which are beyond our control. For a detailed discussion of these and other factors and conditions, please refer to the Risk Factors section above, the Commitments and Contingencies section below and to our other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We operate in an industry sector in which the value of securities may be volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond our control. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Overview
Business
Recent Developments
On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, in a series of transactions described below, Loral received total cash payments of $967.9 million plus, for the sale of certain real estate used in connection with SS/L’s business, a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $101 million. Transaction costs related to the Sale were $35.2 million.
Prior to the Sale, SS/L (i) was converted into a limited liability company, (ii) transferred the real estate owned by it to a newly formed limited liability company (“Land LLC”), (iii) distributed the equity interests in Land LLC to the Company, and (iv) issued to Loral promissory notes in an aggregate amount equal to $193.9 million (the “Closing Notes”). The Closing Notes were issued to satisfy SS/L’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement to repay intercompany balances due Loral and to pay Loral a cash dividend, which included per diem amounts provided for in the Purchase Agreement. Immediately following the Sale, SS/L repaid the Closing Notes for an aggregate cash amount equal to $193.9 million.
At closing of the Sale, Loral received (i) $774 million from MDA Holdings for the purchase of the equity interests in SS/L and (ii) a promissory note, dated November 2, 2012, issued by MDA for $101 million (the “Land Note”) for the purchase of the equity interests in Land LLC.
The Land Note bears interest at the rate of 1% per annum and amortizes in three equal annual installments on each March 31, commencing March 31, 2013. The Land Note is backed by a letter of guarantee from Royal Bank of Canada.
Subsequent to the closing of the Sale and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Loral paid MDA $6.5 million as a result of a write down of SS/L’s orbital receivables (see Note 17 to the financial statements).
The transaction is taxable, and, for tax purposes, treated as a sale of assets.
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral is obligated to indemnify SS/L for all Covered Litigation Costs and any Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement), subject to certain capped cost-sharing by SS/L, and has retained control of the defense of the lawsuit against SS/L and Loral by ViaSat, Inc. as well as SS/L’s counterclaims against ViaSat, Inc. in that lawsuit. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, following a change of control of Loral, the liability of Loral for Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages is subject to a dollar cap. In addition, Loral is obligated to indemnify SS/L for pre-closing taxes.
On November 7, 2012, in connection with the receipt of the proceeds from the Sale, our Board of Directors declared a special distribution of $29.00 per share for an aggregate distribution of $892.1 million. The special distribution was paid on December 4, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of November 19, 2012. In accordance with Loral’s stock incentive plan, an equitable adjustment was made to outstanding stock-based awards to reflect the special distribution. Certain holders of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) who elected to receive the special distribution at the $29.00 per share value will receive additional payments totaling $5.3 million on their RSU settlement dates.
Description of Business
Subsequent to the Sale, Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite based communications services. Loral participates in satellite services operations through its ownership interest in Telesat Holdings Inc. (“Telesat Holdco”) which owns Telesat Canada (“Telesat”), a leading global fixed satellite services operator, with offices and facilities around the world. Telesat provides its satellite and communication services from a fleet of satellites that occupy Canadian and other orbital locations.
Loral holds a 62.8% economic interest and a 33⅓% voting interest in Telesat, the world’s fourth largest satellite operator with approximately $5.2 billion of backlog as of December 31, 2012. Our economic interest in Telesat decreased from 64% to 62.8% in December 2012 when certain key employees of Telesat exercised a total of 5,311,568 stock options granted under Telesat’s share based compensation plan in exchange for 2,249,747 non-voting preferred shares.
At December 31, 2012, Telesat provided satellite services to customers from its fleet of 13 in-orbit satellites. In addition, Telesat owns the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and has one satellite, Anik G1, which Telesat anticipates will be launched in the first half of 2013.
The satellite services business is capital intensive and the build-out of a satellite fleet requires substantial time and investment. Once the investment in a satellite is made, the incremental costs to maintain and operate the satellite are relatively low over the life of the satellite, with the exception of in-orbit insurance. Telesat has been able to generate a large contracted revenue backlog by entering into long-term contracts with some of its customers for all or substantially all of a satellite’s life. Historically, this has resulted in revenue from the satellite services business being fairly predictable.
Telesat’s commitment to providing strong customer service and its focus on innovation and technical expertise has allowed it to successfully build its business to date. Building on its existing contractual revenue backlog, Telesat’s focus is on taking disciplined steps to grow its core business and sell newly launched and existing in-orbit satellite services, and, in a disciplined manner, use the cash flow generated by existing business, contracted expansion satellites and cost savings to strengthen the business.
Telesat believes its satellite fleet produces a strong combination of ongoing revenue from backlog, continuing revenue growth and an effective foundation upon which it will seek to continue to grow its revenue and cash flows. The growth is expected to come from the sale of available capacity on its existing in-orbit satellites, the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite which launched in October 2011, the Nimiq 6 satellite which launched in May 2012 and the Anik G1 satellite which is expected to launch in the first half of 2013. With Nimiq 6 commencing service in June 2012, Telesat’s customer returned the Nimiq 1 satellite on October 31, 2012. Telesat intends to use Nimiq 1 to pursue other revenue growth opportunities.
Telesat believes that it is well-positioned to serve its customers and the markets in which it participates. Telesat actively pursues opportunities to develop new satellites, particularly in conjunction with current or prospective customers who will commit to long term service agreements prior to the time the satellite construction contract is signed. Although Telesat regularly pursues opportunities to develop new satellites, it does not procure additional or replacement satellites until it believes there is a demonstrated need and a sound business plan for such satellite capacity.
Telesat anticipates that the relatively fixed cost nature of the business, combined with contracted revenue growth and other growth opportunities, will produce growth in operating income and cash flow.
In 2013, Telesat will remain focused on: increasing utilization on its existing satellites, continuing the preparation for the launch and deployment of the Anik G-1 satellite, identifying and pursuing opportunities to expand its satellite fleet and maintaining cost and operating discipline.
On March 28, 2012, Telesat entered into a new credit agreement (the “Telesat Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks which provided for the extension of credit under the following senior credit facilities in the principal amount of up to approximately $2.55 billion (together, the “Telesat Senior Credit Facilities”): (i) a revolving credit facility in the amount of up to CAD/$140 million, available in either Canadian or U.S. dollars, maturing on March 28, 2017; (ii) a Term Loan A facility denominated in Canadian dollars, in the amount of CAD 500 million, maturing on March 28, 2017; (iii) a Term Loan B facility denominated in Canadian dollars, in the amount of CAD 175 million, maturing on March 28, 2019; and (iv) a Term Loan B facility denominated in U.S. dollars, in the amount of $1.725 billion, maturing on March 28, 2019. Simultaneously with entering into the Telesat Credit Agreement, Telesat terminated and paid all outstanding amounts under its previous credit facilities. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2012.
On March 28, 2012, Telesat redeemed all of its outstanding senior preferred shares, previously held by an affiliate of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP”), for approximately CAD 146 million in cash, which was equal to the outstanding liquidation value and accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares. Following the redemption of the senior preferred shares, an affiliate of PSP provided a loan in the amount of approximately CAD 146 million to Telesat, in the form of a subordinated promissory note.
In connection with the closing of the Telesat Credit Agreement, Telesat’s Board declared a special cash distribution to its shareholders, as a reduction of stated capital, in the amount of approximately CAD 656 million. Loral’s share of this amount was approximately CAD 420 million. On March 28, 2012, Telesat paid its shareholders approximately CAD 586 million of the special distribution, which was funded by the proceeds from the Telesat Senior Credit Facilities and excess cash from operations. Of this amount, Loral received approximately CAD 375 million ($376 million). The approximately CAD 70 million distribution remaining was paid in July 2012, with Loral receiving approximately CAD 45 million ($44 million). In connection with the cash distribution made to Telesat’s shareholders, Telesat’s Board also authorized approximately CAD 49 million in special payments to executives and certain employees of Telesat.
On March 28, 2012, as a direct result of the special cash distribution by Telesat to its shareholders discussed above, the Loral Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $13.60 per share for an aggregate dividend of $418 million. The dividend was paid on April 20, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of April 10, 2012. The dividend paid to Loral’s shareholders approximated the full amount of both dividend tranches received by Loral from Telesat. As the dividend was paid prior to receipt of the second tranche from Telesat, Loral used its available cash balance to fund the difference between the Loral dividend paid and the proceeds received from Telesat.
On May 14, 2012, Telesat issued, through a private placement, $700 million of 6% senior notes which mature on May 15, 2017. The 6% senior notes are subordinated to Telesat’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under the Telesat Senior Credit Facilities, and are governed under the 6% senior notes indenture. The net proceeds of the offering, along with available cash on hand, were used to fund redemption or repurchase of all of Telesat’s 11% Senior Notes due November 1, 2015 issued under an indenture dated as of June 30, 2008 and to pay certain financing costs and redemption premiums.
On October 29, 2012, Telesat issued, through a private placement, an additional $200 million of 6% senior notes due 2017. Telesat has used the net proceeds from the debt offering to fund the repayment of certain indebtedness owed to its principal shareholders, including accrued and unpaid interest thereon and for general corporate purposes.
Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations. Approximately 47% of Telesat’s revenues received in Canada for the year ended December 31, 2012, a substantial portion of its expenses and a substantial portion of its indebtedness and capital expenditures were denominated in U.S. dollars. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. As of December 31, 2012, Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt totaled CAD 2.8 billion. As of December 31, 2012, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately CAD 147 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
General
Subsequent to the Sale, Loral’s remaining assets, primarily its ownership interests in Telesat, will continue to have substantial value. With the goal of maximizing shareholder value, we have previously explored, and expect in the future to continue to explore, potential strategic transactions involving Telesat, including transactions that could result in public ownership of a portion of Telesat. There can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms a strategic transaction involving Telesat or Loral may occur.
Loral may, from time to time, explore and evaluate other possible strategic transactions and alliances which may include joint ventures and strategic relationships as well as business combinations or the acquisition or disposition of assets. In order to pursue certain of these opportunities, additional funds are likely to be required. There can be no assurance that we will enter into additional strategic transactions or alliances, nor do we know if we will be able to obtain the necessary financing for transactions that require additional funds on favorable terms, if at all.
In connection with the Sale, Loral has developed a plan for restructuring its corporate functions. Through mid-2013, Loral will reduce the number of employees at its headquarters. During 2012, Loral charged approximately $11.8 million to selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly for severance and related costs, and expects to make cash payments related to the restructuring primarily during 2012 and 2013. Loral paid restructuring costs of approximately $8.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the liability recorded in the consolidated balance sheet for the restructuring was $3.8 million which includes all expected future payments under the restructuring plan relating to the Sale.
In connection with the corporate office restructuring as a result of the Sale, on December 13, 2012, Loral’s Board of Directors approved termination of Loral’s supplemental retirement plan (the “SERP”). The Company expects to make lump sum payments to the participants in the SERP between December 16, 2013 and December 31, 2013 in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Our unfunded benefit obligations include approximately $18.1 million for future SERP payments based on benefits earned as of December 31, 2012.
In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat in 2007, Loral has agreed that, subject to certain exceptions described in Telesat’s shareholders agreement, for so long as Loral has an interest in Telesat, it will not compete in the business of leasing, selling or otherwise furnishing fixed satellite service, broadcast satellite service or audio and video broadcast direct to home service using transponder capacity in the C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band (including in each case extended band) frequencies and the business of providing end-to-end data solutions on networks comprised of earth terminals, space segment, and, where appropriate, networking hubs.
Consolidated Operating Results
Please refer to Critical Accounting Matters set forth below in this section.
Compared with 2011 and 2011 Compared with 2010
The following compares our consolidated results for 2012, 2011 and 2010 as presented in our financial statements:
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to severance expense of $12 million in 2012 in connection with the corporate restructuring as a result of the Sale.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to reduced fringe expenses related to stock based compensation.
Gain on Disposition of Net Assets
Gain on disposition of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2011 represents the gain associated with the sale of Loral’s portion of the ViaSat-1 payload and related net assets to Telesat, net of the elimination of Loral’s ownership interest in Telesat (see Note 19 to the financial statements).
Directors’ Indemnification Expense
Directors’ indemnification expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 represents our indemnification of legal expenses incurred by MHR-affiliated directors in defense of claims asserted against them in their capacity as directors of Loral, net of directors and officers insurance recoveries
Interest and Investment Income
Interest and investment income for 2012 consists primarily of interest income on long-term receivables due from Telesat for consulting fees. Interest and investment income for 2011 includes interest income of $1.7 million on directors and officers liability insurance claims and $1.3 million on long-term receivables due from Telesat for consulting fees. Interest and investment income for 2010 consists primarily of interest income on long-term receivables due from Telesat for consulting fees.
Gain on Litigation, Net
For each of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we recorded income of $5.0 million which represents the recovery under our directors and officers insurance coverage of plaintiffs’s legal fees related to shareholders litigation based on a court decision in February 2011.
Other Expense
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes expenses of $1.0 million related to strategic initiatives and $0.6 million related to the special distribution to shareholders, partially offset by a $1.3 million gain related to a foreign exchange forward contract to hedge the foreign exchange risk associated with the payment of the second tranche of the special cash distribution from Telesat that was received in July 2012.
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes expenses related to the evaluation of strategic alternatives for SS/L and preparation for a potential spin-off of SS/L.
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes expenses related to the evaluation of strategic alternatives for SS/L and preparation and filing of registration statements and amendments related to a potential initial public offering of SS/L, partially offset by the reversal of a liability related to the sale of certain assets in a prior year.
Income Tax Provision
For 2012, we recorded a current tax benefit of $115.3 million (which included a benefit of $110.3 million to reduce our liability for uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”)) and a deferred tax provision of $22.0 million (which included a provision of $25.0 million for UTPs), resulting in a total tax benefit of $93.3 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $27.2 million. For 2011, we recorded a current tax provision of $0.9 million (which included a provision of $2.1 million to increase our liability for UTPs) and a deferred tax provision of $40.5 million (which included a benefit of $1.2 million for UTPs), resulting in a total provision of $41.4 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $12.3 million. For 2010, we recorded a current tax provision of $3.1 million (which included a provision of $3.7 million to increase our liability for UTPs) and a deferred tax benefit of $328.2 million (which included a benefit of $18.1 million for UTPs), resulting in a total tax benefit of $325.1 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $23.2 million.
During 2012, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax expired with regard to certain UTPs related to Old Loral and several of our federal and state tax returns filed for 2007 and 2008, which resulted in a net tax benefit of $86.7 million to continuing operations (a current tax benefit of $112.9 million, including the reversal of applicable interest and penalties previously accrued, offset by a deferred tax provision of $26.2 million). Also during 2012, in order to minimize our cash tax liability from the Sale, we enhanced our extraterritorial income exclusion provided by former section 114 of the Internal Revenue Code and recorded an additional tax benefit of $11.2 million. Without the Sale, we would not have remeasured the extraterritorial income exclusion because it would have provided only a minimal cash tax benefit.
For 2012 and 2011, the deferred tax provision included the impact of our equity in net income of Telesat after having reversed our valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Until the fourth quarter of 2010, we had maintained a 100% valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets except with regard to the deferred tax assets related to AMT credit carryforwards. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we determined, based on all available evidence, that it was more likely than not that we would realize the benefit from a significant portion of our deferred tax assets in the future, and therefore, a full valuation allowance was no longer required. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2010, we reversed $335.3 million of our valuation allowance as a deferred income tax benefit to continuing operations.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we maintained a valuation allowance of $7.1 million and $10.9 million, respectively, against our deferred tax assets for certain tax credit and loss carryovers due to the limited carryforward periods and will continue to maintain such valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its full or partial reversal.
Subsequent to the Sale, to the extent that profitability from operations is not sufficient to realize the benefit from our remaining net deferred tax assets, we would generate sufficient taxable income from the appreciated value of our Telesat investment, which currently has a nominal tax basis, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of our remaining net deferred tax assets.
See Critical Accounting Matters - Taxation below for discussion of our accounting method for income taxes.
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
The following is a reconciliation of the changes in our investment in Telesat for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
In March 2012, Telesat completed a refinancing and recapitalization transaction which resulted in special cash distributions to Loral of CAD 375 million ($376 million) in the first quarter of 2012 and CAD 45 million ($44 million) in July 2012 (see Note 8 to the financial statements).
As of December 31, 2012, we hold a 62.8% economic interest in Telesat. Our economic interest decreased from 64% to 62.8% in December 2012 when certain executives of Telesat exercised share appreciation rights related to a total of 5,311,568 stock options granted under Telesat’s share based compensation plan and received 2,249,747 non-voting participating preferred shares. Also in December 2012, Telesat’s board of directors approved the repurchase for cash consideration of 20% of all vested stock options. A total of 1,660,619 options were repurchased. Telesat paid CAD 35.3 million in cash consideration for the stock option repurchase and net withholding taxes relating to the exercise of the share appreciation rights.
As of December 31, 2012, the special cash distributions received from Telesat exceeded our recorded cumulative equity in net income of Telesat, including the effect of the stock transactions in December 2012, and our initial investment by approximately $7 million. In following the equity method of accounting, our investment balance in Telesat has been reduced to zero, and we will not record equity in net income of Telesat until our share of Telesat’s future net income exceeds $7 million.
Equity in net income of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2011, included a charge of $1.5 million to reduce the carrying value of our investment in an affiliate to zero based on our determination that the investment had been impaired and the impairment was other than temporary.
Loral’s equity in net income of Telesat is based on our proportionate share of Telesat’s results in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars. The amortization of Telesat fair value adjustments applicable to the Loral Skynet assets and liabilities acquired by Telesat in 2007 is proportionately eliminated in determining our share of the net income of Telesat. Our equity in net income of Telesat also reflects the elimination of our profit, to the extent of our beneficial interest, on satellites we constructed for Telesat while we owned SS/L.
Summary financial information for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in Canadian dollars (“CAD”) and U.S. dollars (“$”) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 follows (in millions):
Telesat’s operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes a $49 million expense related to special payments to executives and certain employees of Telesat in connection with the cash distribution made to Telesat’s shareholders.
Telesat revenue increased by $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 due primarily to growth in international enterprise services activities, inauguration of commercial services on ViaSat-1 in December 2011 and revenue earned on Telesat’s Nimiq 6 satellite which commenced service in June 2012, partially offset by a scheduled rate reduction on a long term contract for one of Telesat’s North American DTH satellites which occurred during 2011, termination payment of a consulting contract and the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated revenues. Telesat revenue excluding foreign exchange impact would have increased by approximately $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2011.
Telesat revenue increased by $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated revenues. In addition, revenue growth in Telesat’s international enterprise activities and in its Infosat subsidiary was partially offset by a scheduled rate reduction on a long-term contract. Telesat revenues excluding foreign exchange impact would have increased by approximately $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared with 2010.
Telesat’s operating income decreased by $162 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to the gain on insurance proceeds in 2011 (see below) and the expense related to the special payments to executives and certain employees of Telesat in connection with the cash distribution to shareholders in 2012, partially offset by the revenue increase described above. The change in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2011 was not significantly impacted by the change in foreign exchange rates.
Telesat’s operating income increased by $154 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to the gain on insurance proceeds (see below), the revenue increase described above and cost reductions related to operating discipline, lower revenue related expenses and lower in-orbit insurance premiums, partially offset by the impact of U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated expenses and increased cost of equipment sales. Telesat’s operating income excluding foreign exchange impact would have increased by $141 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2010.
Expense of refinancing for the year ended December 31, 2012 represents deferred financing costs on the previous credit facilities and deferred financing costs and redemption premiums on the previous senior notes which were charged to expense as a result of the refinancings.
Following the May 2011 launch of Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2, an SS/L-built satellite, the satellite’s north solar array failed to fully deploy. The north solar array anomaly has diminished the amount of power available for the satellite’s transponders and has reduced the life expectancy of the satellite. As a result, during the third quarter of 2011, Telesat carried out an impairment test for the satellite. Based on Telesat management’s best estimates and assumptions, there was no impairment in Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 and as a result no adjustment to the carrying value of the asset was required. In December 2011, Telesat received insurance proceeds of $132.7 million from its insurers with respect to the claim Telesat filed for the failed solar array deployment.
Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. Telesat’s main currency exposures as of December 31, 2012, lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt financing. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. As of December 31, 2012, Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt totaled CAD 2.8 billion. As of December 31, 2012, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately CAD 147 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
The equity losses in XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”), our 56% owned joint venture, represent our share of XTAR losses incurred in connection with its operations.
We regularly evaluate our investment in XTAR to determine whether there has been a decline in fair value that is other than temporary. We have performed an impairment test for our investment in XTAR as of December 31, 2012, using the most recent forecast, and concluded that our investment in XTAR was not impaired. Any further declines in XTAR’s projected revenues may result in a future impairment charge.
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes
In connection with the Sale we have reclassified SS/L’s operations as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
The following is a summary of SS/L’s operating results which are included in income from discontinued operations (in millions):
(1)References to the year ended December 31, 2012 in the table above and the paragraph below for SS/L are for the period January 1, 2012 to November 2, 2012, the date of the Sale.
Backlog
Telesat’s backlog as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $5.2 billion and $5.3 billion, respectively. It is expected that approximately 13% of satellite services backlog will be recognized as revenue by Telesat during 2013. As of December 31, 2012, Telesat had received approximately $414 million of customer prepayments.
Critical Accounting Matters
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported for the period. Actual results could differ from estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Satellite Manufacturing revenue prior to the Sale is included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. Substantially all of our Satellite Manufacturing revenue was associated with long-term fixed-price contracts. Revenue and profit from satellite sales under these long-term contracts were recognized using the cost-to-cost percentage of completion method, which requires significant estimates. We used this method because reasonably dependable estimates could be made based on historical experience and various other assumptions that were believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates included forecasts of costs and schedules, estimating contract revenue related to contract performance (including estimated amounts for penalties and performance incentives that will be received as the satellite performs on orbit) and the potential for component obsolescence in connection with long-term procurements. Estimated amounts for performance incentives and penalties were included in contract value when and to the extent that it was probable such amounts would be paid or received. Performance incentives and penalties related primarily to on-orbit performance of the satellite and early or late delivery of the satellite, although a limited number of contracts included performance incentives and penalties related to mass, payload performance and other items.
Satellite construction contracts often include provisions for performance incentives pursuant to which a portion of the contract value (typically about 10%) is at risk, over the life of the satellite (typically 15 years), contingent upon the in-orbit performance of the satellite in accordance with contractual specifications. These performance incentives are structured in two forms: (i) under warranty payback, the customer pays the entire amount of the performance incentives during the period of satellite construction and such performance incentive amounts are subject to warranty claims, or (ii) under orbital receivables, the customer makes payments of performance incentives at regular intervals (often monthly) over the in-orbit life of the satellite.
Performance incentives, whether warranty payback or orbital receivables, were included in revenues during the construction period of the satellite. The amount of performance incentives recorded as revenues was net of (i) a factor based on past experience to reflect the risk that a portion of the performance incentives would be lost due to non-performance and (ii) in the case of orbital receivables, a discount for the time value of money because the amounts would be collected over the operating life of the satellite.
Estimates for performance incentives and penalties were assessed continually during the term of the contract and revisions were reflected when the conditions became known. Changes in estimates were typically the result of schedule changes that affected performance incentives and penalties, changes in contract scope, changes in new business forecasts that could affect the level of overhead allocated to a given contract and changes in estimates on contracts as a result of the complex nature of the satellites manufactured. Changes in estimates were included in sales and cost of sales using the cumulative catch-up method, which recognizes the cumulative effect of changes in estimates on current and prior periods in the current period based on a contract’s completion percentage. Provisions for losses on contracts were recorded when estimates determined that a loss would be incurred on a contract at completion. Under firm fixed-price contracts, work performed and products shipped were paid for at a fixed price without adjustment for actual costs incurred in connection with the contract; accordingly, favorable changes in estimates in a period resulted in additional revenue and profit, and unfavorable changes in estimates resulted in a reduction of revenue and profit or the recording of a loss. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, cumulative catch up adjustments related to prior year activity as a result of changes in contract estimates (decreased) increased income from discontinued operations before income taxes by $(9) million, $48 million and $59 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per share for discontinued operations by $(0.17), $0.90 and $1.15, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements
U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants. U.S. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets at the measurement date.
Level 2: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, and pricing inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3: Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.
These provisions are applicable to all of our assets and liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012:
The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
We review the carrying values of our equity method investments when events and circumstances warrant and consider all available evidence in evaluating when declines in fair value are other than temporary. The fair values of our investments are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge would be recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its current fair value and is determined to be other than temporary.
Taxation
Loral is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxation on its worldwide income and foreign taxes on certain income from sources outside the United States. Our foreign subsidiaries are subject to taxation in local jurisdictions. Telesat is subject to tax in Canada and other jurisdictions and Loral will provide in operating earnings any additional U.S. current and deferred tax required on distributions received or deemed to be received from Telesat.
We use the liability method in accounting for taxes whereby income taxes are recognized during the year in which transactions are recorded in the financial statements. Deferred taxes reflect the future tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial and income tax reporting and are measured by applying anticipated statutory tax rates in effect for the year during which the differences are expected to reverse. We assess the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and, based upon this analysis, record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets to the extent recoverability does not satisfy the “more likely than not” recognition criteria.
The tax effects of an uncertain tax position (“UTP”) taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if it is ‘‘more likely-than-not’’ to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to UTPs in income tax expense on a quarterly basis.
We recognize the benefit of a UTP in the period when it is effectively settled. Previously recognized tax positions are derecognized in the first period in which it is no longer more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained upon examination. Evaluating the technical merits of a tax position and determining the benefit to be recognized involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying such evaluation.
Pension and Other Employee Benefits
We maintain a qualified pension plan and, until it was terminated in December 2012, we maintained a supplemental retirement plan. These plans are defined benefit pension plans. In addition to providing pension benefits, we provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents. Pension and other employee postretirement benefit costs are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Material changes in these pension and other employee postretirement benefit costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions, as well as our actual experience.
The discount rate is subject to change each year, based on a hypothetical yield curve developed from a portfolio of high quality, corporate, non-callable bonds with maturities that match our projected benefit payment stream. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of the plan liability cash flows to the yield curve. The discount rate determined on this basis for the qualified pension plan and other employee postretirement benefit costs was 4.00% as of December 31, 2012, a decrease of 75 basis points from December 31, 2011.
The expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets is selected by taking into account the expected duration of the plan’s projected benefit obligation, asset mix and the fact that its assets are actively managed to mitigate risk. Allowable investment types include equity investments and fixed income investments. Both investment types may include alternative investments which are permitted to be up to 40% of total plan assets. Pension plan assets are primarily managed by Russell Investment Corp. (“Russell”), which allocates the assets into specified Russell-designed funds as we direct. Each specified Russell fund is then managed by investment managers chosen by Russell. We also engage non-Russell related investment managers through Russell, in its role as trustee, to invest pension plan assets. The targeted long-term allocation of our pension plan assets is 60% in equity investments and 40% in fixed income investments. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets determined on this basis was 8.0% for 2012, 2011 and 2010. For 2013, we will use an expected long-term rate of return of 7.25%.
These pension and other employee postretirement benefit costs included in income from continuing operations are expected to increase to approximately $8.6 million in 2013 from $1.2 million in 2012, primarily due to the effect of the termination of the supplemental retirement plan. Lowering the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return each by 0.5% would have increased these pension and other employee postretirement benefit costs by approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in 2012.
The benefit obligations for pensions and other employee postretirement benefits exceeded the fair value of plan assets by $43.3 million at December 31, 2012. We are required to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan on our balance sheet. Market conditions and interest rates significantly affect future assets and liabilities of Loral’s pension and other employee benefits plans.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. In addition, share-based payment transactions with nonemployees are measured at the fair value of the equity instrument issued. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and other models as applicable to estimate the fair value of these stock-based awards. These models require us to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the models, the most significant of which are the stock price volatility assumption, the expected life of the option award, the risk-free rate of return and dividends during the expected term. Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on the amount of stock-based compensation we recognize.
The Company estimates expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the grant date and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. The forfeiture assumption is ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. Therefore, changes in the forfeiture assumptions may impact the timing of the total amount of expense recognized over the vesting period. Estimated forfeitures are reassessed in each reporting period and may change based on new facts and circumstances. We emerged from bankruptcy on November 21, 2005, and as a result, we did not have sufficient stock price history upon which to base our volatility assumption for measuring our stock-based awards. In determining the volatility used in our models, we considered the volatility of the stock prices of selected companies in the satellite industry, the nature of those companies, our emergence from bankruptcy and other factors. We based our estimate of the average life of a stock-based award using the midpoint between the vesting and expiration dates. Our risk-free rate of return assumption for awards was based on term-matching, nominal, monthly U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates as of the date of grant. We assumed no dividends during the expected term.
The SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights program has been designed to incentivize and reward our employees based on the increase in a synthetically determined value of SS/L’s equity. As SS/L’s common stock has not historically been publicly traded and thus does not have a readily ascertainable market value, its equity value under the program is derived from a formula that calculates equity value based on a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA plus cash on hand less debt at the end of the relevant year. Each phantom stock appreciation right provides the recipient with the right to receive an amount equal to the increase in our notional stock price over the base price at the date of grant multiplied by the number of phantom stock appreciation rights vested on the applicable vesting date. The baseline price at each grant date is updated accordingly.
The phantom stock appreciation rights have fixed exercise dates. As such, the phantom stock appreciation rights are automatically exercised and the value (if any) is paid out on each vesting date. The phantom stock appreciation rights may be settled in Loral stock or cash at our option. The number of shares of Loral stock to be issued on the vesting date is determined by dividing the value of the phantom stock appreciation rights by the price per share of Loral stock on the vesting date. Accordingly, the phantom stock appreciation rights are accounted for as liability awards and the value of the awards is adjusted quarterly for changes in the value of the award resulting from increases or decreases in actual or forecasted Adjusted EBITDA for the relevant year. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite vesting period. For the liability retained by Loral, the SS/L notional stock price was frozen as of December 31, 2011 in connection with the Sale.
Contingencies
Contingencies by their nature relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss, if any. We accrue for costs relating to litigation, claims and other contingent matters when, in management’s opinion, such liabilities become probable and reasonably estimable. Such estimates may be based on advice from third parties or on management’s judgment, as appropriate. Actual amounts paid may differ from amounts estimated, and such differences will be charged to operations in the period in which the final determination of the liability is made. Management considers the assessment of loss contingencies as a critical accounting policy because of the significant uncertainty relating to the outcome of any potential legal actions and other claims and the difficulty of predicting the likelihood and range of the potential liability involved, coupled with the material impact on our results of operations that could result from legal actions or other claims and assessments.
Accounting Standards Issued and Not Yet Implemented
For discussion of accounting standards issued and not yet implemented that could have an impact on us, see Note 2 to the financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Loral
As described above, after the Sale, Loral’s principal asset is a 62.8% economic interest in Telesat. In addition, we have a 56% economic interest in XTAR and the Land Note of $101 million. The operations of Telesat and XTAR are not consolidated but are presented using the equity method of accounting.
Loral has no debt. Telesat has third party debt with financial institutions. XTAR has no external debt other than to its LLC member, Hisdesat, for restructured lease payments on the Spainsat satellite. XTAR makes payments of $5 million per year to pay down the outstanding restructured lease balance. The Company has not provided a guarantee for the debt of Telesat or XTAR.
Cash is maintained at Loral, Telesat and XTAR to support the operating needs of each respective entity. The ability of Telesat to pay dividends or certain other restricted payments as well as consulting fees in cash to Loral is governed by applicable covenants relating to its debt and its shareholder agreement. The ability of XTAR to pay dividends and management fees in cash to Loral is governed by its operating agreement.
Cash and Available Credit
At December 31, 2012, Loral had $87 million of cash and cash equivalents, a note receivable from MDA for $101 million and no debt. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents decreased by $110 million from December 31, 2011. The cash decrease during 2012 consisted of $100 million used in operating activities, $1.25 billion provided by investing activities and $1.26 billion used in financing activities. A more detailed discussion of these cash changes by activity is set forth in the sections, “Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Operating Activities,” “Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities,” and “Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities.”
The Company does not have a credit facility. The SS/L credit facility was terminated prior to the sale of SS/L to MDA on November 2, 2012. All outstanding obligations were settled prior to termination of the facility.
Cash Management
We have a cash management investment program that seeks a competitive return while maintaining a conservative risk profile. Our cash management investment policy establishes what we believe to be conservative guidelines relating to the investment of surplus cash. The policy allows us to invest in commercial paper, money market funds and other similar short term investments but does not permit us to engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does it permit us to hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The cash management investment policy was designed to preserve capital and safeguard principal, to meet all of our liquidity requirements and to provide a competitive rate of return for similar risk categories of investment. The policy addresses dealer qualifications, lists approved securities, establishes minimum acceptable credit ratings, sets concentration limits, defines a maturity structure, requires all firms to safe keep securities on our behalf, requires certain mandatory reporting activity and discusses review of the portfolio. We operate the cash management investment program under the guidelines of our investment policy and continuously monitor the investments to avoid risks.
We currently invest our cash in several liquid Prime AAA money market funds. The dispersion across funds reduces the exposure of a default at one fund.
Liquidity
SS/L had $96 million of cash and cash equivalents on its books at December 31, 2011. SS/L’s cash activity was reflected as a discontinued operation for 2012 pending its sale to MDA on November 2, 2012. Excluding SS/L, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents decreased from $101 million at December 31, 2011 to $87 million at December 31, 2012.
At Loral, we expect that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund projected expenditures for the next 12 months. During 2013, our major cash outlays will be the tax payment of approximately $35 million associated with the gain on the sale of SS/L and payments under our supplemental retirement plan of $18 million including the final lump sum distribution resulting from termination of the plan. Other cash outlays will include additional severance payments associated with further reductions of the Corporate staff, long-term incentive-compensation funding, the funding of employee benefit programs, funding Viasat litigation costs and funding general Corporate expenses. We expect the Sale will enable us to reduce the annual run rate of corporate expenses, after a transition period, to approximately $6 million, excluding costs related to the SS/L transaction and net of consulting fees from Telesat of $5 million per year. We are also considering an additional contribution to our qualified pension plan to reduce the unfunded obligation. Offsetting these expenditures will be the receipt of cash associated with the MDA Land Note of $34 million. In addition to our cash on hand, we believe that, given the substantial value of our assets, which include our 62.8% economic interest in Telesat and our 56% equity interest in XTAR, we have the ability, if necessary, to access the financial markets for debt or equity at the Parent Company. Given the continuously changing financial environment, however, there can be no assurance that Loral would be able to obtain such financing on acceptable terms.
Risks to Cash Flow
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we sold our subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA for (1) pre-closing taxes; (2) Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement) relating to the ViaSat lawsuit, subject to certain sharing formulas and caps; and (3) certain breaches of representations, warranties and covenants, subject to certain limitations on survival of claims, deductibles and caps. To date, other than with respect to sharing of Covered Litigation Costs (see below), MDA has submitted one claim for indemnification, which relates to pre-closing taxes. We intend to vigorously contest the underlying tax assessment, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. We have reduced the gain on Sale by approximately $20 million representing the estimated fair value of all potential indemnification liabilities as of the closing date of the Sale.
ViaSat, Inc. and ViaSat Communications, Inc. (formerly known as WildBlue Communications, Inc.) (collectively, “ViaSat”) have sued SS/L and Loral in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. ViaSat’s amended complaint alleges, among other things, that SS/L and Loral directly and indirectly infringed, that SS/L and Loral induced infringement, and that SS/L contributed to the infringement of, certain ViaSat patents in connection with the manufacture of satellites by SS/L for customers other than ViaSat. The amended complaint also alleges that each of SS/L and Loral breached non-disclosure obligations in certain contracts with ViaSat. ViaSat’s amended complaint seeks, among other things, damages (including treble damages with respect to the patent infringement claims) in amounts to be determined at trial and to enjoin SS/L and Loral from further infringement of the ViaSat patents and breach of contract.
SS/L and Loral have answered ViaSat’s complaint and asserted defenses to ViaSat’s claims and counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that neither SS/L nor Loral has infringed and that they are not infringing the ViaSat patents, that ViaSat’s patents are invalid and that at least certain of ViaSat’s patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct. SS/L has also asserted counterclaims against ViaSat for patent infringement, alleging, among other things, that ViaSat infringed certain SS/L patents in connection with its manufacture and sale of certain satellite communication products and services. SS/L’s counterclaims seek, among other things, damages (including treble damages with respect to at least one of the patent infringement claims) in amounts to be determined at trial and to enjoin ViaSat from further infringement of the SS/L patents. In January 2013, ViaSat’s motion for summary judgment seeking an order declaring that the claims in two of SS/L’s patents are invalid was denied by the court without prejudice.
We believe that each of SS/L and Loral has, and we intend vigorously to pursue, meritorious defenses and counterclaims to ViaSat’s claims. There can be no assurance, however, that SS/L’s and Loral’s defenses and counterclaims will be successful with respect to all or some of ViaSat’s claims or that SS/L will prevail with respect to its assertion that ViaSat has infringed SS/L patents. We believe that SS/L’s and Loral’s conduct was consistent with, and in due regard for, any applicable and valid intellectual property rights of ViaSat. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral is obligated to indemnify SS/L for all Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement), subject to certain capped cost-sharing by SS/L, and has retained control of the defense of the lawsuit by ViaSat against SS/L and Loral as well as SS/L’s counterclaims against ViaSat in the lawsuit. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, following a change of control of Loral, the liability of Loral for Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages is subject to a dollar cap.
Telesat
Cash and Available Credit
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat had CAD 181 million of cash and short-term investments as well as approximately CAD 140 million of borrowing availability under its Revolving Facility (as defined below). Telesat believes the unrestricted cash and short-term investments as of December 31, 2012, cash flow from operating activities, including amounts from customer prepayments, and drawings on the available lines of credit under the credit facility will be adequate to meet its expected cash requirements for at least the next 12 months for activities in the normal course of business, including interest and required principal payments on debt.
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat’s commitments for capital expenditures and operating leases expected to be paid in 2013 were CAD 32 million and CAD 29 million, respectively. For 2013, Telesat also expects its payments of principal and interest on long-term debt (including the swaps) to be approximately CAD 280 million. Telesat expects to meet its cash needs for fiscal 2013 through a combination of cash and short-term investments, cash flow from operations, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on available lines of credit under the credit facility.
Liquidity
A large portion of Telesat’s annual cash receipts are reasonably predictable because they are primarily derived from an existing backlog of long-term customer contracts and high contract renewal rates. Telesat believes its cash flows from operating activities, in addition to cash on hand and available credit facilities, will be sufficient to provide for its capital requirements and to fund its interest and debt payment obligations for the next twelve months.
The construction of any satellite replacement or expansion program will require significant capital expenditures. Telesat may choose to invest in new satellites to further grow its business. Cash required for current and future satellite construction programs will be funded from some or all of the following: cash and short-term investments, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on available lines of credit under the revolving facilities. In addition, Telesat may sell certain satellite assets, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the senior secured credit facilities, reinvest the proceeds in replacement satellites or pay down indebtedness under those senior secured credit facilities. Subject to market conditions and subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of its credit facility and the financial leverage covenant tests therein, Telesat may also have the ability to obtain additional secured or unsecured financing to fund current or future satellite construction. Telesat’s ability to access these sources of funding, however, is not guaranteed and, therefore, Telesat may not be able to fully fund additional replacement and new satellite construction programs.
Debt
Telesat’s debt is as follows:
On March 28, 2012, Telesat entered into a new credit agreement arranged with a syndicate of banks which provides for the extension of credit under the senior secured credit facilities. All obligations under the credit agreement are guaranteed by Telesat and certain of its existing subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). Simultaneously with entering into the credit agreement, Telesat terminated and paid all outstanding amounts under its previously existing credit facilities, which were evidenced by a credit agreement dated as of October 31, 2007.
On April 30, 2012, Telesat announced a tender offer for all of its 11% senior notes due November 1, 2015. On May 14, 2012, Telesat issued $700 million of 6% senior notes which mature on May 15, 2017. A portion of the net proceeds of the offering were used to pay all holders of the 11% senior notes due November 1, 2015, who validly tendered such senior notes. All remaining funds from the 6% senior notes offering, together with cash on hand, were used to fund the redemption of the remaining 11% senior notes not already validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to Telesat’s tender offer. On October 29, 2012, an additional $200 million of 6.0% senior notes were issued, which have the same terms and conditions other than issue price as those issued on May 14, 2012, and thus also mature on May 15, 2017. The net proceeds of the additional offering, together with cash on hand, were used to pay certain indebtedness owed to the principal shareholders. The 6% senior notes are subordinated to Telesat’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, and are governed under the 6% senior notes indenture.
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities
The obligations under the credit agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by first priority liens and security interest in the assets of Telesat and the Guarantors. The credit agreement contains covenants that restrict the ability of Telesat and certain of its subsidiaries to take specified actions, including, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions: creating liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments, engaging in mergers, selling property, paying dividends, entering into sales-leaseback transactions, creating subsidiaries, repaying subordinated debt or amending organizational documents. The credit agreement requires Telesat to comply with a maximum senior secured leverage ratio. The credit agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and events of default.
The senior secured credit facilities are comprised of the following facilities:
i - Revolving Credit Facility
The revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”) is a CAD/$ 140 million loan facility available in either Canadian or U.S. dollars, maturing on March 28, 2017. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating rate plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for prime rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans and 3% for Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) and Eurodollar loans. The Revolving Facility currently has an unused commitment fee of 50 basis points. As of December 31, 2012, other than approximately CAD 0.2 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.
ii - Term Loan A Facility
The Term Loan A Facility (“TLA Facility”) is a CAD 500 million loan maturing on March 28, 2017. The outstanding borrowings under the TLA Facility currently bear interest at a floating rate of the BA borrowing rate plus an applicable margin of 3.00%. There were no required repayments on the TLA Facility for the year ended December 31, 2012, however, repayments of CAD 25 million are required for the year ending December 31, 2013.
iii - Term Loan B - Canadian Facility
The Term Loan B - Canadian Facility (“Canadian TLB Facility”) was initially a CAD 175 million loan maturing on March 28, 2019. As of December 31, 2012, CAD 174 million of the facility was outstanding, which represents the full amount available following mandatory repayments. The Canadian TLB Facility currently bears interest at a floating rate of the BA borrowing rate, but not less than 1.25%, plus an applicable margin of 3.75%. The mandatory principal repayments on the Canadian TLB Facility are ¼ of 1% of the original amount of the loan, which must be paid on the last day of each quarter and commenced with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012.
iv - Term Loan B - U.S. Facility
The Term Loan B - U.S. Facility (“U.S. TLB Facility”) was originally a $1.725 billion loan maturing on March 28, 2019. As at December 31, 2012, $1.716 billion of the facility was outstanding, which represents the full amount available following mandatory repayments. The outstanding borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility currently bear interest at a floating rate of LIBOR, but not less than 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 3.25%. The mandatory principal repayments on the U.S. TLB Facility are ¼ of 1% of the original amount of the loan, which must be paid on the last day of each quarter and commenced with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012.
Each of the senior secured credit facilities is subject to mandatory principal repayment requirements. The maturity date for each of the senior secured credit facilities described above will be accelerated if Telesat’s existing 6% senior notes due in 2017 and 12.5% senior subordinated notes due in 2017 or certain refinancing thereof are not repurchased, redeemed, refinanced or deferred before the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of such notes.
In order to hedge its currency risk, Telesat kept its cross-currency basis swaps to synthetically convert $1.0 billion of future U.S. dollar denominated payment obligations to CAD 1.2 billion. The cross-currency basis swaps are being amortized on a quarterly basis at ¼ of 1% of the original amount. As of December 31, 2012, the balance of the swaps was CAD 1.2 billion and bears interest at a floating rate of Bankers Acceptance plus an applicable margin of approximately 387 basis points.
6.0% Senior Notes due May 15, 2017
The senior notes, in the amount of $900 million, bear interest at an annual rate of 6.0% and are due May 15, 2017. The senior notes include covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel Telesat’s satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity and (vii) redeem the senior notes prior to May 15, 2014, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the senior notes indenture.
12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due November 1, 2017
The senior subordinated notes in the amount of $217 million bear interest at a rate of 12.5% and are due November 1, 2017. The senior subordinated notes include covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel Telesat’s satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity and (vii) redeem the senior subordinated notes prior to May 1, 2013, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the senior subordinated notes indenture.
As of December 31, 2012, Telesat was in compliance with the financial covenants of its credit facility and the indentures governing its 6.0% senior notes due in 2017 and 12.5% senior subordinated notes due in 2017.
Debt Service Cost
An estimate of the interest expense is based upon assumptions of LIBOR and Bankers Acceptance rates and the applicable margin for the senior secured credit facilities, the senior notes and the senior subordinated notes. Telesat’s estimated interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2013 is approximately CAD 231 million.
Derivatives
Telesat has used interest rate and currency derivatives to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates and changes in foreign exchange rates.
In order to hedge its currency risk, Telesat has cross-currency basis swaps to synthetically convert $1.0 billion of the U.S. term loan facility debt into CAD 1.2 billion of debt. Any non-cash loss will remain unrealized until this contract is settled. The contract matures on October 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2012, Telesat had a series of five interest rate swaps to fix interest on CAD 1.5 billion of Canadian dollar denominated debt at a weighted average fixed rate of 2.63% (excluding applicable margins) and one interest rate swap to pay a fixed rate of 1.46% (excluding applicable margins) on CAD 300 million of U.S. dollar denominated debt. These contracts mature between October 31, 2014 and September 30, 2016.
Telesat also has embedded derivatives related to prepayment options included in the senior notes and senior subordinated notes as well as interest rate floors included in Telesat’s Canadian and U.S. TLB Facilities. The changes in fair value of these embedded derivatives are non-cash. The prepayment options on the senior notes and senior subordinated notes will expire on their respective maturity dates of May 15, 2017 and November 1, 2017. The interest rate floors on the Canadian and U.S. TLB Facilities will expire on their respective maturity dates.
Capital Expenditures
Telesat has entered into contracts for construction, launch and in-orbit insurance of the Anik G1 satellite. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding commitments on these contracts were approximately CAD 32 million. These expenditures will be funded from some or all of the following: cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on available lines of credit under the Revolving Facility. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Telesat had capital expenditures of CAD 170 million as compared to CAD 386 million in the prior year.
XTAR
In November 2011, Loral and Hisdesat made capital contributions to XTAR in proportion to their respective equity interests in XTAR, which used the proceeds to repay the convertible loan to Hisdesat of $18.5 million which included the principal amount and accrued interest. Loral’s capital contribution was $10.4 million.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments
The following table aggregates our contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands).
Contractual Obligations:
(1)Represents future minimum payments under operating leases.
(2)Does not include our liabilities for uncertain tax positions of $80.7 million. Because the timing of future cash outflows associated with our liabilities for uncertain tax positions is highly uncertain, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities (see Note 11 to the financial statements). Does not include obligations for pensions and other postretirement benefits, for which we expect to make employer contributions of $21.1 million in 2013. We also expect to make employer contributions to our plans in future years.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash used in operations was $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations was $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, consisting primarily of the decrease in our liability for UTPs of $110 million, the decrease in income taxes payable of $22 million and the decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $5 million, partially offset by income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash operating items of $79 million, the decrease in long-term receivables of $21 million and the increase in pension and other postretirement liabilities of $6 million. The decrease in long-term receivables was due primarily to the collection of notes receivable from Telesat for consulting services.
Net cash used in operating activities by discontinued operations was $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations was $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, consisting primarily of income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash operating items of $19 million, the decrease in taxes payable of $8 million and the increase in long-term receivables of $3 million, partially offset by the decrease in other current assets and other assets of $10 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations was $79 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $42 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations was $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, consisting primarily of income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash operating items of $25 million, the increase in other current assets and other assets of $8 million and the increase in long-term receivables of $6 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations was $78 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $1.25 billion. Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations was $422 million resulting primarily from special cash distributions by Telesat of $420 million. Proceeds from the Sale provided cash from discontinued operations of $933 million, net of transaction costs of $35 million. Net cash used in other investing activities by discontinued operations was $108 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $4 million. Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations was $51 million consisting of proceeds of $61 million from the sale of our interest in the ViaSat-1 satellite and related net assets, partially offset by the additional investment of $10 million in XTAR, representing our 56% share of an $18 million capital call. Net cash used in investing activities by discontinued operations was $55 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $54 million. Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $19 million which consisted of capital expenditures for the Canadian broadband business. Net cash used in investing activities by discontinued operations was $35 million.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $1.26 billion. Net cash used in financing activities by continuing operations was $1.30 billion primarily due to payment of a special cash distribution of $892 million and a special cash dividend of $418 million to common shareholders and funding by the Company of withholding taxes on employee cashless stock option exercises of $12 million, net of proceeds from and excess tax benefit associated with exercise of employee stock options. Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations was $44 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $23 million, which included $15 million for withholding taxes on cashless exercise of employee stock options, net of proceeds from and excess tax benefit associated with exercise of employee stock options and $8 million for the repurchase of the Company’s voting common stock.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $10 million. Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations was $12 million, consisting of the exercise of stock options, net of withholding taxes. Net cash used in financing activities by discontinued operations was $2 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC, that have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. As a result, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these arrangements.
Other
Operating cash flows for 2012 included contributions of approximately $35 million to the qualified pension plan and approximately $1 million for other employee post-retirement benefit plans. In addition, we made benefit payments relating to the supplemental retirement plan of $1 million. Operating cash flows for 2011 included contributions of approximately $34 million to the qualified pension plan and approximately $2 million for other employee post-retirement benefit plans and benefit payments relating to the supplemental retirement plan of approximately $1 million. Operating cash flows for 2010 included contributions of approximately $25 million to the qualified pension plan and approximately $3 million for other employee post-retirement benefit plans and benefit payments relating to the supplemental retirement plan of approximately $1 million. During 2013, based on current estimates, we expect to contribute approximately $3 million to the qualified pension plan and expect to make regular benefit payments for our supplemental retirement plan of $1 million, in addition to the lump sum payments of $17 million related to the termination of the supplemental retirement plan. We are also considering an additional contribution to the qualified pension plan to reduce the unfunded obligation. We expect our funding for other employee postretirement benefit plans to be insignificant.
Affiliate Matters
Loral has made certain investments in joint ventures in the satellite services business that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting (see Note 8 to the financial statements for further information on affiliate matters).
Our consolidated statements of operations reflect the effects of the following amounts in income from discontinued operations related to transactions with or investments in affiliates (in millions):
Commitments and Contingencies
Our business and operations are subject to a number of significant risks, the most significant of which are summarized in Item 1A - Risk Factors and also in Note 17 to the financial statements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Loral
Foreign Currency
In the normal course of business, we are subject to the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit this foreign exchange rate exposure, the Company seeks to denominate its contracts in U.S. dollars. If we are unable to enter into a contract in U.S. dollars, we review our foreign exchange exposure and, where appropriate, derivatives are used to minimize the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations to operating results and cash flows. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest
During 2012, our excess cash was invested in money market securities; we did not hold any other marketable securities.
Derivatives
As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of entering into contracts only with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.
Loral had no derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012.
Telesat
Foreign Exchange Risk
Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. Approximately 47% of Telesat’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012, a large portion of its expenses and a substantial portion of its indebtedness and capital expenditures were denominated in U.S. dollars. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar-denominated debt financing. As of December 31, 2012, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately CAD 147 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Interest Rate Risk
Telesat is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its long-term debt, which is primarily variable-rate financing. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest that Telesat is required to pay.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Telesat uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currency and interest rate risk. Telesat’s policy is that it does not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Telesat uses, as required, the following instruments:
•forward currency contracts to hedge foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions, mainly related to the construction of satellites and interest payments;
•cross-currency basis swaps to hedge the foreign currency risk on a portion of its U.S. dollar denominated debt; and
•interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk related to debt financing which is primarily variable rate financing.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on page.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our president and our chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2012, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that information relating to Loral and its consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in our filings under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities Exchange Commission rules and forms. The term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our president and our chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under such criteria, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.
Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report which is included below.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our president and our chief financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls may also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Loral Space & Communications Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Loral Space & Communications Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible 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 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 company’s 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 company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the 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 Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, of the Company and our report dated March 1, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
March 1, 2013
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth information concerning the executive officers of Loral as of February 15, 2013.
Name
Age
Position
Avi Katz
President, General Counsel and Secretary since December 2012. Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from January 2008 to December 2012. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from November 2005 to January 2008.
Harvey B. Rein
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2008. Vice President and Controller from November 2005 to January 2008.
John Capogrossi
Vice President and Controller since January 2008. Executive Director, Financial Planning and Analysis, from October 2006 to January 2008. Assistant Controller from November 2005 to October 2006.
John P. Stack
Treasurer since December 2012. Assistant Treasurer from November 2005 to December 2012.
Messrs. Katz and Rein were executive officers of Old Loral and certain of its subsidiaries which filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in July 2003.
The remaining information required under Item 10 will be presented in the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference or by amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required under Item 11 will be presented in the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference or by amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information required under Item 12 will be presented in the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference or by amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required under Item 13 will be presented in the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference or by amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required under Item 14 will be presented in the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference or by amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)1. Financial Statements
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(1)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2005.
(2)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2007.
(3)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2007.
(4)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2008.
(5)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2008.
(6)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2009.
(7)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed on March 16, 2009.
(8)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 filed on May 11, 2009.
(9)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 20, 2009.
(10)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2009.
(11)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2010.
(12)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 2010.
(13)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 filed on March 15, 2010.
(14)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011.
(15)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed on March 15, 2011.
(16)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2011.
(17)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2011.
(18)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 filed on August 9, 2011.
(19)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2012.
(20)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed on February 29, 2012.
(21)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2012.
(22)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2012.
(23)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2012.
(24)Incorporated by reference from the Form 6-K filed by Telesat Canada on March 29, 2012.
(25)Incorporated by reference from the Form 6-K filed by Telesat Canada on May 14, 2012.
(26)Incorporated by reference from the Form filed by Telesat Canada on June 5, 2009.
†Filed herewith.
‡Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement with directors or named executive officers.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
Title
Date
/s/ MARK H. RACHESKY, M.D.
Director, Non-Executive
March 1, 2013
Mark H. Rachesky, M.D.
Chairman of the Board
/s/ MICHAEL B. TARGOFF
Director, Vice Chairman of the Board
March 1, 2013
Michael B. Targoff
/s/ HAL GOLDSTEIN
Director
March 1, 2013
Hal Goldstein
/s/ JOHN D. HARKEY, JR.
Director
March 1, 2013
John D. Harkey, Jr.
/s/ ARTHUR L. SIMON
Director
March 1, 2013
Arthur L. Simon
/s/ JOHN P. STENBIT
Director
March 1, 2013
John P. Stenbit
/s/ HARVEY B. REIN
Senior Vice President and CFO
March 1, 2013
Harvey B. Rein
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ JOHN CAPOGROSSI
Vice President and Controller
March 1, 2013
John Capogrossi
(Principal Accounting Officer)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Loral Space & Communications Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Loral Space & Communications Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 1, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
March 1, 2013
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Principal Business
Loral Space & Communications Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Loral,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”), is a leading satellite communications company engaged, through our ownership interests in affiliates, in satellite-based communications services. Prior to completion of the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc.) (“SS/L”), we were also engaged in the satellite manufacturing business. See “Recent Developments” below.
Recent Developments
On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, in a series of transactions described below, Loral received total cash payments of $967.9 million plus, for the sale of certain real estate used in connection with SS/L’s business, a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $101 million. Transaction costs related to the Sale were $35.2 million
Prior to the Sale, SS/L (i) was converted into a limited liability company, (ii) transferred the real estate owned by it to a newly formed limited liability company (“Land LLC”), (iii) distributed the equity interests in Land LLC to the Company, and (iv) issued to Loral promissory notes in an aggregate amount equal to $193.9 million (the “Closing Notes”). The Closing Notes were issued to satisfy SS/L’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement to repay intercompany balances due Loral and to pay Loral a cash dividend, which included per diem amounts provided for in the Purchase Agreement. Immediately following the Sale, SS/L repaid the Closing Notes for an aggregate cash amount equal to $193.9 million.
At closing of the Sale, Loral received (i) $774 million from MDA Holdings for the purchase of the equity interests in SS/L and (ii) a promissory note, dated November 2, 2012, issued by MDA for $101 million (the “Land Note”) for the sale of the equity interests in Land LLC.
The Land Note bears interest at the rate of 1% per annum and amortizes in three equal annual installments on each March 31, commencing March 31, 2013. The Land Note is backed by a letter of guarantee from Royal Bank of Canada.
Subsequent to the closing of the Sale and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Loral paid MDA $6.5 million as a result of the resolution of a contingency (see Note 17).
The transaction is taxable, and, for tax purposes, treated as a sale of assets.
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral is obligated to indemnify SS/L for all Covered Litigation Costs and any Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement), subject to certain capped cost-sharing by SS/L, and has retained control of the defense of the lawsuit against SS/L and Loral by ViaSat, Inc. as well as SS/L’s counterclaims against ViaSat, Inc. in that lawsuit. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, following a change of control of Loral, the liability of Loral for Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages is subject to a dollar cap. In addition, Loral is obligated to indemnify SS/L for pre-closing taxes.
On November 7, 2012, in connection with the receipt of the proceeds from the Sale, our Board of Directors declared a special distribution of $29.00 per share for an aggregate distribution of $892.1 million. The special distribution was paid on December 4, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of November 19, 2012. In accordance with Loral’s stock incentive plan, an equitable adjustment was made to outstanding stock-based awards to reflect the special distribution. Certain holders of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) who elected to receive the special distribution at the $29.00 per share value will receive additional payments totaling $5.3 million on their RSU settlement dates. This equitable adjustment had no effect on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Description of Business
SS/L designs and manufactures satellites, space systems and space system components for commercial and government customers whose applications include fixed satellite services (“FSS”), direct-to-home (“DTH”) broadcasting, mobile satellite services (“MSS”), broadband data distribution, wireless telephony, digital radio, digital mobile broadcasting, military communications, weather monitoring and air traffic management.
Subsequent to the sale of SS/L, Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite based communications services. Loral participates in satellite services operations through its ownership interest in Telesat Holdings Inc. (“Telesat Holdco”) which owns Telesat Canada (“Telesat”), a global FSS provider. Telesat owns and leases a satellite fleet that operates in geosynchronous earth orbit approximately 22,000 miles above the equator. In this orbit, satellites remain in a fixed position relative to points on the earth’s surface and provide reliable, high-bandwidth services anywhere in their coverage areas, serving as the backbone for many forms of telecommunications.
Loral holds a 62.8% economic interest and a 33⅓% voting interest in Telesat Holdco (see Note 8). We use the equity method of accounting for our ownership interest in Telesat Holdco.
Loral, a Delaware corporation, was formed on June 24, 2005, to succeed to the business conducted by its predecessor registrant, Loral Space & Communications Ltd. (“Old Loral”), which emerged from chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws on November 21, 2005 (the “Effective Date”) pursuant to the terms of the fourth amended joint plan of reorganization, as modified (the “Plan of Reorganization”).
Reclassification to Discontinued Operations
The operations of SS/L, previously reported as the satellite manufacturing operating segment, have been reclassified as discontinued operations in our statements of operations and cash flows.
2. Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the results of Loral and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
As noted above, we emerged from bankruptcy on November 21, 2005, and we adopted fresh-start accounting as of October 1, 2005 and determined the fair value of our assets and liabilities. Upon emergence, our reorganization equity value was allocated to our assets and liabilities, which were stated at fair value in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. In addition, our accumulated deficit was eliminated, and our new equity was recorded in accordance with distributions pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.
Ownership interests in Telesat and XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income and losses of affiliates are recorded based on our beneficial interest. Intercompany profit arising from transactions with affiliates is eliminated to the extent of our beneficial interest. Equity in losses of affiliates is not recognized after the carrying value of an investment, including advances and loans, has been reduced to zero, unless guarantees or other funding obligations exist. The Company monitors its equity method investments for factors indicating other-than-temporary impairment. An impairment loss would be recognized when there has been a loss in value of the affiliate that is other than temporary.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amount of income (loss) reported for the period. Actual results could differ from estimates.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Substantially all of our satellite manufacturing revenue included in discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was associated with long-term contracts which require significant estimates. These estimates included forecasts of costs and schedules, estimating contract revenue related to contract performance (including performance incentives) and the potential for component obsolescence in connection with long-term procurements. Changes in estimates were typically the result of schedule changes that affected performance incentives and penalties, changes in contract scope, changes in new business forecasts that affected the level of overhead allocated to a given contract and changes in estimates on contracts as a result of the complex nature of the satellites manufactured. Changes in estimates were determined using the cumulative catch-up method, which recognized the cumulative effect of changes in estimates on current and prior periods in the current period based on a contract’s completion percentage. Provisions for losses on contracts were recorded when estimates determined that a loss would be incurred on a contract at completion. Under firm fixed-price contracts, work performed and products shipped were paid for at a fixed price without adjustment for actual costs incurred in connection with the contract; accordingly, favorable changes in estimates in a period resulted in additional profit, and unfavorable changes in estimates resulted in a reduction of profit or the recording of a loss. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, cumulative catch up adjustments related to prior year activity as a result of changes in contract estimates (decreased) increased income from discontinued operations before income taxes by $(9) million, $48 million and $59 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations by $(0.17), $0.90 and $1.15, respectively.
Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts and long-term receivables, estimated useful lives of our plant and equipment and finite lived intangible assets, the fair value of stock based compensation, the realization of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, the fair value of and gains or losses on derivative instruments and our pension liabilities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Available for Sale Securities
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $87.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include liquid investments, primarily money market funds, with maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase and no redemption limitations. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and at each balance sheet date. Investments in publicly traded common stock are classified as available for sale securities. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit-quality financial institutions.
Billed Receivables and Long-Term Receivables
Financing receivables as of December 31, 2012 consisted of the Land Note and notes receivable from Telesat for consulting services. Financing receivables as of December 31, 2011 consisted of billed and unbilled receivables at SS/L which were included in contracts-in-process and unbilled orbital receivables and notes receivable from Telesat for consulting services which were included in long-term receivables.
We estimate the collectibility of our receivables by assessing the current credit worthiness of each customer and related aging of past due balances. A billed receivable is considered past due when it remains unpaid beyond its stated billing terms which can range from 30-60 days. We evaluate specific accounts when we become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to a deterioration of its financial condition, credit ratings or bankruptcy. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established on a case-by-case basis based on the information available to us and is re-evaluated periodically.
Inventories
Inventories as of December 31, 2011 were valued at the lower of cost or fair value and consisted principally of parts and subassemblies used in the manufacture of satellites which had not been specifically identified to contracts-in-process. Cost was determined using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) or average cost method.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Fair Value Measurements
U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants. U.S. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets at the measurement date.
Level 2: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, and pricing inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3: Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount of the Land Note approximates fair value because the stated interest rate is consistent with current market rates. The fair value of indemnifications related to the sale of SS/L was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation based on the potential probability weighted cash flows that would be a guarantor’s responsibility in an arm’s length transaction. Included in the above table as of December 31, 2011 are cash equivalents (money market funds) of $91.0 million and derivative liabilities (foreign exchange contracts) of $4.6 million related to discontinued operations. The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
We review the carrying values of our equity method investments when events and circumstances warrant and consider all available evidence in evaluating when declines in fair value are other than temporary. The fair values of our investments are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available and may include quoted market prices, market comparables and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its current fair value and is determined to be other than temporary.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are generally stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. As of October 1, 2005, we adopted fresh-start accounting and our property, plant and equipment owned as of that date were recorded at their fair values. Depreciation is provided primarily on accelerated methods over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements. Below are the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2012:
Years
Leasehold improvements 2 to 17
Equipment, furniture and fixtures 5 to 10
Costs incurred in connection with the construction and deployment of Loral’s portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite and related equipment were capitalized until these assets were sold in April 2011 (see Note 8). Such costs included direct contract costs, allocated indirect costs, launch costs, launch and in-orbit insurance costs and costs for gateway services equipment.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets as of December 31, 2011 consisted primarily of internally developed software and technology and trade names all of which were recorded at fair value in connection with the adoption of fresh-start accounting. The fair values were calculated using several approaches that encompassed the use of excess earnings, relief from royalty and the build-up methods. The excess earnings, relief from royalty and build-up approaches are variations of the income approach. The income approach, more commonly known as the discounted cash flow approach, estimates fair value based on the cash flows that an asset can be expected to generate over its useful life. Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives were amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets of the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. In connection with such review, the Company also re-evaluates the periods of depreciation and amortization for these assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value.
Contingencies
Contingencies by their nature relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss, if any. We accrue for costs relating to litigation, claims and other contingent matters when such liabilities become probable and reasonably estimable. Such estimates may be based on advice from third parties or on management’s judgment, as appropriate. Actual amounts paid may differ from amounts estimated, and such differences will be charged to operations in the period in which the final determination of the liability is made.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from satellite sales under long-term fixed-price contracts was recognized using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method and is included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. Revenue includes the basic contract price and estimated amounts for penalties and performance incentives, including estimated orbital incentives discounted to their present value at launch date. Costs include the development effort required for the production of high-technology satellites, non-recurring engineering and design efforts in early periods of contract performance, as well as the cost of qualification testing requirements.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Revenue under cost-reimbursable type contracts was recognized as costs were incurred and is included in income from discontinued operations; incentive fees were estimated and recognized over the contract term.
Losses on contracts were recognized in income from discontinued operations when determined. Revisions in profit estimates were reflected in income from discontinued operations in the period in which the conditions that required the revision became known and were estimable. In accordance with industry practice, contracts-in-process as of December 31, 2011 included unbilled amounts relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of which may not have been billable within one year.
Research and Development
Research and development costs, which were expensed as incurred, were $20.1 million, $34.2 million and $19.9 million, for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and were included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments are included in the “Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges” as a component of other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of equity to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments and reclassified to income in the same period or periods in which the hedge transaction impacts income. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the designated hedging instruments is included in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are included in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 16).
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and the cost is recognized as expense ratably over the award’s vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and other models as applicable to estimate the fair value of these awards. These models require us to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the models, the most significant of which are the stock price volatility assumption, the expected life of the award, the risk-free rate of return and dividends during the expected term.
The Company estimates expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the grant date and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. The forfeiture assumption is ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. Therefore, changes in the forfeiture assumptions may affect the timing of the total amount of expense recognized over the vesting period. Estimated forfeitures are reassessed in each reporting period and may change based on new facts and circumstances. We emerged from bankruptcy on November 21, 2005, and as a result, we did not have sufficient stock price history upon which to base our volatility assumption for measuring our stock-based awards. In determining the volatility used in our models, we considered the volatility of the stock prices of selected companies in the satellite industry, the nature of those companies, our emergence from bankruptcy and other factors in determining our stock price volatility. We based our estimate of the average life of a stock-based award using the midpoint between the vesting and expiration dates. Our risk-free rate of return assumption for awards was based on term-matching, nominal, monthly U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates as of the date of grant. We assumed no dividends during the expected term.
SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights that are expected to be settled in cash or that contain an obligation to issue a variable number of shares based on the financial performance of SS/L are classified as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred Compensation
Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, we entered into deferred compensation arrangements for certain key employees that generally vested over four years. The initial deferred compensation awards were calculated by multiplying $9.44 by the number of shares of common stock underlying the stock options granted to these key employees (see Note 13). We accreted the liability through charges to expense over the vesting period. The value of the deferred compensation increased or decreased depending on stock price performance within a defined range, until the occurrence of certain events, including the exercise of the related stock options. No deferred compensation was charged or credited to expense in 2012, 2011 and 2010 because the maximum award under the deferred compensation plan was reached in 2009 and maintained throughout 2010, 2011 and 2012. In connection with the Sale, liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements with SS/L employees were retained by SS/L. All remaining deferred compensation arrangements expired in December 2012, resulting in cash payments in 2012 of $6.0 million, plus interest. As of December 31, 2011, other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet included deferred compensation liabilities of $6.4 million of which $2.7 million related to discontinued operations.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Income Taxes
Loral Space & Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxation on their worldwide income and foreign taxation on certain income from sources outside the United States. Telesat is subject to tax in Canada and other jurisdictions, and Loral will provide in operating earnings any additional U.S. current and deferred tax required on distributions received or deemed to be received from Telesat. Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial and income tax reporting and are measured by applying anticipated statutory tax rates in effect for the year during which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The tax effects of an uncertain tax position (“UTP”) taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if it is “more likely-than-not” to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to UTPs in income tax expense on a quarterly basis.
The Company recognizes the benefit of a UTP in the period when it is effectively settled. Previously recognized tax positions are derecognized in the first period in which it is no longer more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained upon examination.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding during each period. Shares of non-voting common stock are in all respects identical to and treated equally with shares of voting common stock except for the absence of voting rights (other than as provided in Loral’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which was ratified by Loral’s stockholders on May 19, 2009). Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding during each period, adjusted for the effect of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock and SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Additional Cash Flow Information
The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220) - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2013, requires changes in presentation only and will not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments are effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2012, requires changes in presentation which have been included in our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (ASC Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU No. 2011-04 amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to include increased transparency around valuation inputs and investment categorization. The changes to the ASC as a result of this update are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. This guidance was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
3. Discontinued Operations
As a result of the Sale, (see Note 1), we have reclassified SS/L’s operations as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
The following is a summary of SS/L’s assets and liabilities disposed of on November 2, 2012 (in thousands):
The following is a summary of SS/L’s financial information included in income from discontinued operations (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The activity in other comprehensive income (loss) and related income tax effects were as follows (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
5. Contracts-in-Process and Long-Term Receivables
Contracts-in-Process
All contracts-in-process were purchased by MDA in connection with the Sale.
Contracts-in-process as of December 31, 2011 were comprised of the following (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
As of December 31, 2011, billed receivables were reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.2 million.
Unbilled amounts included recoverable costs and accrued profit on progress completed, which had not been billed. Such amounts were billed in accordance with the contract terms, typically upon shipment of the product, achievement of contractual milestones, or completion of the contract and, at such time, were reclassified to billed receivables.
Long-Term Receivables
Orbital receivables and deferred receivables were purchased by MDA in connection with the Sale. We collected notes receivable, including interest, from Telesat of $24.1 million in October 2012.
Billed receivables relating to long-term contracts were expected to be collected within one year. As of December 31, 2011, we classified deferred billings and the orbital receivable component of unbilled receivables expected to be collected beyond one year as long-term. Fresh-start fair value adjustments relating to long-term receivables were amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related orbital stream (see Note 9).
Receivable balances related to satellite orbital incentive payments, deferred billings, the Land Note receivable (see Note 1) and the long-term portion of the Telesat consulting services fee (see Note 19) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented below (in thousands):
The current portion of long-term receivables as of December 31, 2011 was included in contracts-in-process.
Receivable balances related to Land Note receivable and the Telesat consulting services fee (see Note 19) as of December 31, 2012 are scheduled to be received as follows (in thousands)
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Financing Receivables
The following summarizes the age of financing receivables that had a contractual maturity of over one year as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
The following summarizes the age of financing receivables that have a contractual maturity of over one year as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):
Billed receivables of $104.5 million as of December 31, 2011 (not including billed orbital receivables of $3.5 million) have been excluded from the table above as they have contractual maturities of less than one year.
Long term unbilled receivables included satellite orbital incentives related to satellites under construction of $141.5 million as of December 31, 2011. These receivables were not included in financing receivables subject to aging in the table above since the timing of their collection was not determinable until the applicable satellite launch. Contracts-in-process included $40.0 million as of December 31, 2011 of unbilled receivables that represented accumulated incurred costs and earned profits net of losses on contracts in process that had been recorded as sales but had not yet been billed to customers. These receivables were not included in financing receivables subject to aging in the table above since the timing of their collection was not determinable until the contractual obligation to bill the customer was fulfilled.
We assign internal credit ratings for all our customers with financing receivables. The credit worthiness of each customer is based upon public information and/or information obtained directly from our customers. We utilize credit ratings where available from the major credit rating agencies in our analysis. We have therefore assigned our rating categories to be comparable to those used by the major credit rating agencies. Credit risk profile by internally assigned ratings, consisted of the following (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
6. Inventories
All inventories were purchased by MDA in connection with the Sale.
Inventories were comprised of the following (in thousands):
The Company recorded an inventory impairment charge of $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 related primarily to long-term inventories. These charges are included in income from discontinued operations.
7. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consists of (in thousands):
Substantially all property, plant and equipment was purchased by MDA in connection with the Sale. Property, plant and equipment, net, of $203.6 million as of December 31, 2011 was related to discontinued operations.
Depreciation and amortization consists of (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Depreciation and amortization expense included in income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 represent amounts related to Loral’s corporate office.
8. Investments in Affiliates
Investments in affiliates consist of (in thousands):
Our investment in Telesat Holdco has been reduced to zero as of December 31, 2012, as discussed below.
Equity in net income of affiliates consists of (in thousands):
Equity in net income of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes a charge of $1.5 million to reduce the carrying value of our investment in an affiliate to zero based on our determination that the investment has been impaired and the impairment is other than temporary.
Income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations reflects the effects of the following amounts related to SS/L’s transactions with our affiliates (in thousands):
The above amounts related to transactions with affiliates exclude the effect of Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related net assets. As a result of this sale to Telesat, Loral received a $13 million sale premium and reversed $5 million of cumulative intercompany profit eliminations that were recorded when the satellite was being built for Loral. This combined benefit was reduced by the $11 million elimination of the portion of the benefit applicable to Loral’s interest in Telesat, which has been reflected as a reduction of our investment in Telesat, and the remaining $7 million has been reflected as a gain on our consolidated statement of operations including $1.8 million in income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Equity in net income of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2012 included $4.6 million of profits previously eliminated on satellite sales from SS/L to affiliates that should have been recognized in prior periods as the satellites were depreciated. The Company has not revised previously reported amounts based on its belief that the effect of such adjustments is not material to the financial statements taken as a whole.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Telesat
We use the equity method of accounting for our majority economic interest in Telesat because we own 33⅓% of the voting stock and do not exercise control by other means to satisfy the U.S. GAAP requirement for treatment as a consolidated subsidiary. We have also concluded that Telesat is not a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. Loral’s equity in net income or loss of Telesat is based on our proportionate share of Telesat’s results in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars. Our proportionate share of Telesat’s net income or loss is based on our economic interest as our holdings consist of common stock and non-voting participating preferred shares that have all the rights of common stock with respect to dividends, return of capital and surplus distributions, but have no voting rights.
On March 28, 2012, Telesat entered into a new credit agreement (the ‘‘Telesat Credit Agreement’’) with a syndicate of banks which provided for the extension of credit under the senior credit facilities in the principal amount of up to approximately $2.55 billion, increasing Telesat’s debt by $490 million from the previous credit facilities. Simultaneously with entering into the Telesat Credit Agreement, Telesat terminated and paid all outstanding amounts under its previous credit facilities and recorded an expense of refinancing of $22 million related to deferred financing costs on the previous credit facilities.
In connection with the closing of the Telesat Credit Agreement, the Board of Directors of Telesat approved special cash distributions to Telesat’s shareholders of CAD 656.5 million, including a distribution of CAD 420 million to Loral. The special distributions by Telesat to its shareholders were authorized to be paid in two tranches; the first tranche was paid by Telesat on March 28, 2012, with Loral receiving CAD 375 million ($376 million), and the second tranche was paid by Telesat on July 5, 2012, with Loral receiving CAD 45 million ($44 million).
As of December 31, 2012, we hold a 62.8% economic interest in Telesat. Our economic interest decreased from 64% to 62.8% in December 2012 when certain executives of Telesat exercised share appreciation rights related to a total of 5,311,568 stock options granted under Telesat’s share based compensation plan and received 2,249,747 non-voting participating preferred shares. Also in December 2012, Telesat’s board of directors approved the repurchase for cash consideration of 20% of all vested stock options. A total of 1,660,619 options were repurchased. Telesat paid CAD 35.3 million in cash consideration for the stock option repurchase and net withholding taxes relating to the exercise of the share appreciation rights.
As of December 31, 2012, the special cash distributions received from Telesat exceeded our recorded cumulative equity in net income of Telesat, including the effect of the stock transactions in December 2012, and our initial investment by approximately $7 million. In following the equity method of accounting, our investment balance in Telesat has been reduced to zero, and we will not record equity in net income of Telesat until our share of Telesat’s future net income exceeds $7 million.
In March 2012, Telesat completed the refinancing of all of its issued and outstanding senior preferred shares, which were replaced with a promissory note of CAD 146 million, which was equal to the outstanding liquidation value and accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares. The promissory note requires payment of at least 50% of the principal amount on March 28, 2014, with the balance, if any, to be repaid no later than March 28, 2016. Telesat will pay interest on the promissory note in the amount of 9.75% for the first two years and adjusting thereafter to reflect the then-current market rate (but no less than 11% per annum). In connection with the cash distribution to Telesat’s shareholders, on March 28, 2012 the Board of Directors of Telesat authorized cash payments of CAD 48.6 million to executives and certain employees of Telesat.
On May 14, 2012, Telesat issued, through a private placement, $700 million of 6% senior notes which mature on May 15, 2017. The 6% senior notes are subordinated to Telesat’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its senior credit facilities, and are governed under the 6% senior notes indenture. The net proceeds of the offering, along with available cash on hand, were used to fund redemption or repurchase of all of Telesat’s 11% senior notes due November 1, 2015 issued under an indenture dated as of June 30, 2008 and to pay certain financing costs and redemption premiums.
On October 29, 2012, Telesat issued, through a private placement, an additional $200 million of 6% senior notes due 2017. Telesat has used the net proceeds from the debt offering to fund the repayment of certain indebtedness owed to its principal shareholders, including accrued and unpaid interest thereon and for general corporate purposes.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The ability of Telesat to pay dividends or certain other restricted payments as well as consulting fees in cash to Loral is governed by applicable covenants relating to Telesat’s debt and shareholder agreements. Under Telesat’s 12.5% note indenture, which is generally the most restrictive agreement, dividends or certain other restricted payments may be paid only if there is a sufficient capacity under a restricted payment basket, which is based on a formula of cumulative consolidated EBITDA less 1.4 times cumulative consolidated interest expense. Under the terms of its note indenture, Telesat is permitted to pay consulting fees to Loral only when Telesat’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA is less than 5.0 to 1.0. When the ratio is not less than 5.0 to 1.0, the consulting fee is paid through the issuance of promissory notes to Loral with an interest rate of 7% and a maturity date of October 31, 2018. Any prepayment of these promissory notes is subject to the restricted payments basket noted above. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are net of income of $5.0 million related to the Consulting Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Loral received payments in cash from Telesat of $1.6 million, $3.2 million and nil, respectively, and payments in promissory notes of $4.5 million, $3.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for consulting fees and interest. On October 31, 2012, Telesat paid Loral $24.1 million to pay off the outstanding notes. This payment was made under the restricted payment basket referred to above.
The following table presents summary financial data for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
XTAR
We own 56% of XTAR, a joint venture between us and Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos, S.A. (“Hisdesat”) of Spain. We account for our ownership interest in XTAR under the equity method of accounting because we do not control certain of its significant operating decisions.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
XTAR owns and operates an X-band satellite, XTAR-EUR, located at 29° E.L., which is designed to provide X-band communications services exclusively to United States, Spanish and allied government users throughout the satellite’s coverage area, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia. XTAR also leases 7.2 72MHz X-band transponders on the Spainsat satellite located at 30° W.L., owned by Hisdesat. These transponders, designated as XTAR-LANT, provide capacity to XTAR for additional X-band services and greater coverage and flexibility.
We regularly evaluate our investment in XTAR to determine whether there has been a decline in fair value that is other than temporary. We have performed an impairment test for our investment in XTAR as of December 31, 2012, using XTAR’s most recent forecast, and concluded that our investment in XTAR was not impaired. Any declines in XTAR’s projected revenues may result in a future impairment charge.
In January 2005, Hisdesat provided XTAR with a convertible loan in the principal amount of $10.8 million due February 2011, for which Hisdesat received enhanced governance rights in XTAR. The loan was subsequently extended to December 31, 2011. In November 2011, Loral and Hisdesat made capital contributions to XTAR in proportion to their respective ownership interests, and the proceeds were used to repay the loan balance of $18.5 million, which included the principal amount and accrued interest. Loral’s capital contribution was $10.4 million.
XTAR’s lease obligation to Hisdesat for the XTAR-LANT transponders required payments by XTAR of $24 million in 2012, with increases thereafter to a maximum of $28 million per year through the end of the useful life of the satellite which is estimated to be in 2022. Under this lease agreement, Hisdesat may also be entitled under certain circumstances to a share of the revenues generated on the XTAR-LANT transponders. In March 2009, XTAR entered into an agreement with Hisdesat pursuant to which the past due balance on XTAR-LANT transponders of $32.3 million as of December 31, 2008, together with a deferral of $6.7 million in payments due in 2009, will be payable to Hisdesat over 12 years through annual payments of $5 million (the “Catch Up Payments”). XTAR has a right to prepay, at any time, all unpaid Catch Up Payments discounted at 9%. Cumulative amounts paid to Hisdesat for Catch-Up Payments through December 31, 2012 were $19.2 million. XTAR has also agreed that XTAR’s excess cash balance (as defined) will be applied towards making limited payments on future lease obligations, as well as payments of other amounts owed to Hisdesat, Telesat and Loral for services provided by them to XTAR (see Note 19). The ability of XTAR to pay dividends and management fees in cash to Loral is governed by XTAR’s operating agreement.
The following table presents summary financial data for XTAR as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
Statement of Operations Data:
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Other
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held various indirect ownership interests in two foreign companies that currently serve as exclusive service providers for Globalstar service in Mexico and Russia. The Company accounts for these ownership interests using the equity method of accounting. Loral has written-off its investments in these companies, and, because we have no future funding requirements relating to these investments, there is no requirement for us to provide for our allocated share of these companies’ net losses.
9. Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets, all related to discontinued operations, were established in connection with our adoption of fresh-start accounting and consisted of (in thousands):
Total amortization expense for intangible assets, included in income from discontinued operations, was $2.2 million, $2.9 million and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The following summarizes fair value adjustments made in connection with our adoption of fresh start accounting related to contracts-in-process, long-term receivables, customer advances and billings in excess of costs and profits and long-term liabilities (in thousands):
All of the above fair value adjustments as of December 31, 2011 related to discontinued operations.
Net amortization of these fair value adjustments, included in income from discontinued operations, was a credit to expense of $1.5 million, $1.0 million and $2.9 million for the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
10. Debt Obligations
SS/L Credit Agreement
On December 20, 2010, SS/L entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “SS/L Credit Agreement”) with several banks and other financial institutions. The SS/L Credit Agreement provided for a $150 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “SS/L Revolving Facility”). On December 8, 2011, the SS/L Credit Agreement was amended to increase the letter of credit sublimit from $50 million to $100 million. The SS/L Revolving Facility included a $10 million swingline commitment. The prior $100 million credit agreement was entered into on October 16, 2008 and had a maturity date of October 16, 2011.
In connection with the closing of the Sale on November 2, 2012, SS/L terminated the SS/L Credit Agreement.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The following summarizes information related to the SS/L Credit Agreement and prior credit agreement (in thousands):
Interest expense and amortization of issuance costs were included in income from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
11. Income Taxes
The benefit (provision) for income taxes on the loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates consists of the following (in thousands):
Our current tax benefit (provision) includes a decrease (increase) to our liability for UTPs for (in thousands):
During 2012, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax expired with regard to certain UTPs related to Old Loral and several of our federal and state income tax returns filed for 2007 and 2008 which resulted in a $61.0 million reduction to our unrecognized tax benefits and an $86.7 million benefit to our income tax provision from continuing operations (a current tax benefit of $112.9 million, which included the reversal of applicable interest and penalties previously accrued, offset by a deferred tax provision of $26.2 million). Also during 2012, in order to minimize our cash tax liability from the Sale, we enhanced our extraterritorial income exclusion provided by former section 114 of the Internal Revenue Code and recorded an additional tax benefit of $11.2 million. Without the Sale, we would not have remeasured the extraterritorial income exclusion because it would have provided only a minimal cash tax benefit.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
For 2011, the deferred income tax provision of $40.5 million related primarily to our equity in net income of Telesat after having reversed our valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2010.
For 2010, the deferred income tax benefit of $328.2 million related primarily to the reversal of a significant portion of our valuation allowance during the fourth quarter after having determined that based on all available evidence, it was more likely than not that we would realize the benefit from a significant portion of our deferred tax assets in the future.
In addition to the benefit (provision) for income taxes presented above, we also recorded the following items (in thousands):
(i) The Company uses the with-and-without approach of determining when excess tax benefits from equity compensation have been realized.
The benefit (provision) for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate on the loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates because of the effect of the following items (in thousands):
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2007. Earlier years related to certain foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination. Various state and foreign income tax returns are currently under examination. However, to the extent allowed by law, the tax authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where net operating losses were generated and carried forward, and make adjustments up to the amount of the net operating loss carryforward. While we intend to contest any future tax assessments for uncertain tax positions, no assurance can be provided that we would ultimately prevail. During the next twelve months, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax will expire with regard to certain UTPs related to our federal income tax returns filed for 2009 and state income tax returns filed for 2007 and 2008, potentially resulting in a $1.6 million reduction to our unrecognized tax benefits. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for the Sale, we are obligated to indemnify SS/L for taxes related to periods prior to the closing of the transaction.
Our liability for UTPs decreased from $139.9 million at December 31, 2011 to $80.7 million at December 31, 2012 and is included in long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2012, we have accrued $2.6 million and $9.5 million for the potential payment of tax-related interest and penalties, respectively. If our positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, approximately $36.1 million of the tax benefits will reduce the Company’s income tax provision from continuing operations. Other than as described above, there were no significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits during the year ended December 31, 2012, and we do not anticipate any other significant increases or decreases to our unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat, Loral retained the benefit of tax recoveries related to the transferred assets and indemnified Telesat for Loral Skynet tax liabilities relating to periods preceding 2007. The unrecognized tax benefits related to the Loral Skynet subsidiaries were transferred to Telesat subject to the contractual tax indemnification provided by Loral. Loral’s net receivable at December 31, 2012 for the probable outcome of these matters is not material. (see Note 19)
At December 31, 2012, we had federal NOL carryforwards of $290.4 million, state NOL carryforwards, primarily California, of $73.4 million, and federal research credits of $1.2 million which expire from 2016 to 2024, as well as federal and state AMT credit carryforwards of approximately $2.7 million that may be carried forward indefinitely.
The reorganization of the Company on the Effective Date constituted an ownership change under section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, use of our tax attributes, such as NOLs and tax credits generated prior to the ownership change, are subject to an annual limitation of approximately $32.6 million, subject to increase or decrease based on certain factors. Our annual limitation was increased significantly each year through 2010, the last year allowed for the recognition of additional benefits from our “net unrealized built-in gains” (i.e., the excess of fair market value over tax basis for our assets) as of the Effective Date.
We assess the recoverability of our NOLs and other deferred tax assets and based upon this analysis, record a valuation allowance to the extent recoverability does not satisfy the “more likely than not” recognition criteria. We continue to maintain our valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support full or partial reversal. As of December 31, 2012, we had a valuation allowance totaling $7.1 million against our deferred tax assets for certain tax credit and loss carryovers due to the limited carryforward periods. During 2012, the valuation allowance decreased by $3.8 million, of which $2.3 million was recorded as a benefit to continuing operations and $1.5 million was recorded as a benefit to discontinued operations in our statement of operations. Subsequent to the Sale, to the extent that profitability from operations is not sufficient to realize the benefit from our remaining net deferred tax assets, we would generate sufficient taxable income from the appreciated value of our Telesat investment, which currently has a nominal tax basis, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of our remaining net deferred tax assets.
During 2011, the valuation allowance decreased by $0.3 million, of which $0.7 million was recorded as a benefit to continuing operations and $0.4 million was recorded as a provision to discontinued operations in our statement of operations.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, we determined, based on all available evidence, that it was more likely than not that we would realize the benefit from a significant portion of our deferred tax assets in the future and no longer required a full valuation allowance. We based this conclusion on cumulative profits generated in prior periods, as well as our expectation that future operations would generate sufficient taxable income to realize the tax benefit from certain deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during 2010, our valuation allowance decreased from $414.0 million to $11.2 million. Of the $402.8 million change, $375.4 million was recorded as a benefit to continuing operations (of which $335.3 million was recorded as a deferred income tax benefit during the fourth quarter of 2010) and $27.4 million was recorded as a benefit to discontinued operations in our statement of operations.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The significant components of the net deferred income tax assets are (in thousands):
12. Equity
Special Dividend and Special Distribution
On March 28, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $13.60 per share for an aggregate dividend of $417.6 million. The dividend was paid on April 20, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of April 10, 2012.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
In accordance with Loral’s stock incentive plan, an equitable adjustment was made to outstanding stock-based awards to reflect the special dividend. As a result, options outstanding increased by 19,058 and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) increased by 6,875. Certain RSU holders, who elected to receive the dividend at the $13.60 per share value, will receive additional payments totaling $2.5 million on their RSU settlement dates.
On November 7, 2012, in connection with the receipt of the proceeds from the Sale, our Board of Directors declared a special distribution of $29.00 per share for an aggregate distribution of $892.1 million. The special distribution was paid on December 4, 2012 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of November 19, 2012. In accordance with Loral’s stock incentive plan, an equitable adjustment was made to outstanding stock-based awards to reflect the special distribution. This equitable adjustment had no effect on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012. Certain RSU holders who elected to receive the special distribution at the $29.00 per share value will receive additional payments totaling $5.3 million on their RSU settlement dates.
Treasury Stock
In November 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 800,000 shares of our voting common stock. These purchases may be made from time to time in the open market or private transactions, as conditions may warrant. We intend to hold repurchased shares of our voting common stock in treasury. We account for the treasury shares using the cost method. The following is a summary of common stock purchases under this repurchase program (total cost in thousands):
13. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Plans
The Loral amended and restated 2005 stock incentive plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) allows for the grant of several forms of stock-based compensation awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonuses and other stock-based awards (collectively, the “Awards”). The total number of shares of voting common stock reserved and available for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan is 1,555,618 shares of which 1,296,405 were available for future grant at December 31, 2012. This number of shares of voting common stock available for issuance would be reduced if restricted stock units or SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights are settled in voting common stock. In addition, shares of common stock that are issuable under awards that expire, are forfeited or canceled, or withheld in payment of the exercise price or taxes relating to an Award, will again be available for Awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. Options issued under the Stock Incentive Plan generally have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our stock, as defined, vest over a four-year period and have a five to seven year life. The Awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control, as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below:
Adjustments to options outstanding in 2012 reflect equitable adjustments for dividends and distributions paid during the year (see Note 12).
A summary of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below:
Mr. Targoff was awarded 85,000 RSUs (the “Initial Grant”) on March 5, 2009 (the “Grant Date”). In addition, the Company agreed to issue Mr. Targoff 50,000 RSUs on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and 40,000 RSUs on the second anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Subsequent Grants”). Vesting of the Initial Grant requires the satisfaction of two conditions: a time-based vesting condition and a stock price vesting condition. Vesting of the Subsequent Grants is subject only to the stock-price vesting condition. The time-based vesting condition for the Initial Grant was satisfied upon Mr. Targoff’s continued employment through March 5, 2010, the first anniversary of the Grant Date. The stock price vesting condition, which applies to both the Initial Grant and the Subsequent Grants, has been satisfied. As a result of the termination of Mr. Targoff’s employment in December 2012, both the Initial Grant and the Subsequent Grants will be settled in June 2013, in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.
A summary of the Company’s non-vested RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below:
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
RSU’s granted and adjustments in 2012 include 10,124 RSUs as a result of equitable adjustments for dividends and distributions paid during the year.
In June 2009, the Company introduced a performance based long-term incentive compensation program consisting of SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights (“SS/L Phantom SARs”). Because SS/L common stock is not freely tradable on the open market and thus does not have a readily ascertainable market value, SS/L equity value under the program is derived from an Adjusted EBITDA-based formula. Each SS/L Phantom SAR provides the recipient with the right to receive an amount equal to the increase in SS/L’s notional stock price over the base price multiplied by the number of SS/L Phantom SARs vested on the applicable vesting date, subject to adjustment. SS/L Phantom SARs are settled and the SAR value (if any) is paid out on each vesting date. SS/L Phantom SARs may be settled in Loral voting common stock (based on the fair value of Loral voting common stock on the date of settlement) or cash at the option of the Company. SS/L Phantom SARs expire on June 30, 2016.
The liability for SS/L Phantom SARs granted to SS/L employees was retained by SS/L in connection with the Sale and the liability for SS/L Phantom SARs granted to Loral employees was retained by Loral. For the liability retained by Loral, the SS/L notional stock price was frozen as of December 31, 2011 in connection with the Sale.
A summary of SS/L Phantom SARs granted to Loral employees along with their vesting schedule is presented below. The fair value of the SS/L Phantom SARs in included as a liability in our consolidated balance sheet.
A summary of the Company’s non-vested SS/L Phantom SAR activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below:
During fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, the following activity occurred under the Stock Incentive Plan (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Stock-based compensation expense consists of the following:
Included in total stock-based compensation expense is stock-based compensation paid in cash of $4.7 million, $4.4 million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested awards were $0.5 million and are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of six months.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
14. Earnings Per Share
Telesat has awarded employee stock options, which, if exercised, would result in dilution of Loral’s ownership interest in Telesat to approximately 62.3%. The following table presents the dilutive impact of Telesat stock options on Loral’s reported income from continuing operations for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
Basic income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding. The following is the computation of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
15. Pensions and Other Employee Benefits
Pensions
We maintain a qualified pension plan and, until its termination in December 2012, we maintained a supplemental retirement plan (the “SERP”). These plans are defined benefit pension plans, and members may contribute to the qualified pension plan in order to receive enhanced benefits. Employees hired after June 30, 2006 do not participate in the defined benefit pension plans, but participate in our defined contribution savings plan with an additional Company contribution. Benefits are based primarily on members’ compensation and/or years of service. Our funding policy is to fund the qualified pension plan in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and regulations thereon. The SERP is funded on a discretionary basis. Plan assets are generally invested in equity investments and fixed income investments. Pension plan assets are managed primarily by Russell Investment Corp. (“Russell”), which allocates the assets into funds as we direct.
Other Benefits
In addition to providing pension benefits, we provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents. Participants are eligible for these benefits generally when they retire from active service and meet the eligibility requirements for our pension plans. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the retiree generally paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and coinsurance provisions.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Sale of SS/L
As required by the Purchase Agreement, prior to the closing of the Sale on November 2, 2012, new stand-alone SS/L pension plans were established. Pension obligations related to SS/L current and former employees and plan assets determined through an initial allocation methodology were transferred from the Loral pension plans to the newly formed plans. With the closing of the Sale, the newly formed SS/L plans were transferred to SS/L. Our actuary is currently performing a review to determine the amount of qualified plan assets that proportionately relate to the benefit liabilities of the SS/L pension participants in accordance with the asset priorities of Section 4044 of ERISA. This review may result in a true-up of the initial asset transfer between plans. If this true-up requires the transfer of assets from the Loral qualified pension plan to the SS/L qualified pension plan, a corresponding payment will be made from SS/L to Loral. If this true-up requires the transfer of assets from the SS/L qualified pension plan to the Loral qualified pension plan, a corresponding payment will be made from Loral to SS/L.
In addition, new plans were established to provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents of SS/L. These plans were transferred to SS/L at the closing of the Sale.
SERP Termination
In connection with the corporate office restructuring as a result of the Sale, on December 13, 2012, Loral’s Board of Directors approved termination of the SERP. The Company expects to make lump sum payments to the participants in the SERP between December 16, 2013 and December 31, 2013 in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2012 include approximately $18.1 million for future SERP payments based on benefits earned as of December 31, 2012, including recurring monthly payments to December 2013 and lump sum payouts in December 2013. The lump sum payouts have been calculated based on plan provisions.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Funded Status
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets for 2012 and 2011, and a statement of the funded status as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We use a December 31 measurement date for the pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans.
The benefit obligations for pensions and other employee benefits exceeded the fair value of plan assets by $43.3 million at December 31, 2012 (the “unfunded benefit obligations”). The unfunded benefit obligations were measured using a discount rate of 4.00% and 4.75% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Lowering the discount rate by 0.5% would have increased the unfunded benefit obligations by approximately $3.5 million and $36.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Market conditions and interest rates will significantly affect future assets and liabilities of Loral’s pension and other employee benefits plans.
As of December 31, 2011, the unfunded benefit obligation for pensions and other employee benefits related to discontinued operations was $278.6 million.
The pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 consist of (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 consist of (in thousands):
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of (in thousands):
The estimated actuarial loss for the pension benefits that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year is $6.0 million.
The accumulated pension benefit obligation was $60.0 million and $530.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
During 2012, we contributed $34.7 million to the qualified pension plan and $1.0 million for other employee post-retirement benefit plans. In addition, we made benefit payments relating to the supplemental retirement plan of $1.2 million. During 2013, based on current estimates, we expect to contribute approximately $2.6 million to the qualified pension plan and expect to make regular benefit payments for the SERP of $1.0 million, in addition to the lump sum payments of $17.5 million related to the SERP termination. We expect our funding for other employee post-retirement benefit plans will be insignificant.
The following table provides the components of net periodic cost for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Assumptions
Assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:
Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation:
As a result of the termination of the SERP in December 2012, a discount rate of 0.6% has been used to discount the lump sum payments expected to be made in December 2013, calculated under provisions of the plan, to December 31, 2012.
The expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets is selected by taking into account the expected duration of the projected benefit obligation for the plans, the asset mix of the plans and the fact that the plan assets are actively managed to mitigate risk. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets determined on this basis was 8.0% for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for 2013 is 7.25%.
Actuarial assumptions to determine the benefit obligation for other benefits as of December 31, 2012 used a health care cost trend rate of 9.5% decreasing gradually to 5% by 2021. Actuarial assumptions to determine the benefit obligation for other benefits as of December 31, 2011, used a health care cost trend rate of 9.0% decreasing gradually to 5% by 2019. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates for 2012 would have the following effects (in thousands):
Plan Assets
The Company has established the pension plan as a retirement vehicle for participants and as a funding vehicle to secure promised benefits. The investment goal is to provide a total return that over time will earn a rate of return to satisfy the benefit obligations given investment risk levels, contribution amounts and expenses. The pension plan invests in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and any subsequent applicable regulations and laws.
The Company has adopted an investment policy for the management and oversight of the pension plan. It sets forth the objectives for the pension plans, the strategies to achieve these objectives, procedures for monitoring and control and the delegation of responsibilities for the oversight and management of pension plan assets.
The Company’s Board of Directors has delegated primary fiduciary responsibility for pension assets to an investment committee. In carrying out its responsibilities, the investment committee establishes investment policy, makes asset allocation decisions, determines asset class strategies and retains investment managers to implement asset allocation and asset class strategy decisions. It is responsible for the investment policy and may amend such policy from time to time.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Pension plan assets are invested in various asset classes in what we believe is a prudent manner for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants. U.S. equities are held for their long-term expected return premium over fixed income investments and inflation. Non-U.S. equities are held for their expected return premium (along with U.S. equities), as well as diversification relative to U.S. equities and other asset classes. Fixed income investments are held for diversification relative to equities. Alternative investments are held for both diversification and higher returns than those typically available in traditional asset classes. Asset allocation policy is reviewed regularly.
Asset allocation policy is the principal method for achieving the pension plans’ investment objectives stated above. Asset allocation policy is reviewed regularly by the investment committee. The pension plans’ actual and targeted asset allocations are as follows:
The target and target range levels can be further defined as follows:
The pension plan’s assets are actively managed using a multi-asset, multi-style, multi-manager investment approach. Portfolio risk is controlled through this diversification process and monitoring of money managers. Consideration of such factors as differing rates of return, volatility and correlation are utilized in the asset and manager selection process. Diversification reduces the impact of losses in single investments. Performance results and fund accounting are provided to the Company by Russell on a monthly basis. Periodic reviews of the portfolio are performed by the investment committee with Russell. These reviews typically consist of a market and economic review, a performance review, an allocation review and a strategy review. Performance is judged by investment type against market indexes. Allocation adjustments or fund changes may occur after these reviews. Performance is reported to the Company’s Board of Directors at quarterly board meetings.
Fair Value Measurements
The values of the fund trusts are calculated using systems and procedures widely used across the investment industry. Generally, investments are valued based on information in financial publications of general circulation, statistical and valuation services, discounted cash flow methodology, records of security exchanges, appraisal by qualified persons, transactions and bona fide offers.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The table below provides the fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category. The table also identifies the level of inputs used to determine the fair value of assets in each category. The Company’s pension plan assets are mainly held in commingled employee benefit fund trusts. Assets were allocated between Loral and SS/L at September 30, 2012 based upon a plan accounting by company maintained by Russell. A true-up of the asset split will occur after completion of a final allocation in accordance with Section 4044 of ERISA.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(1)Investments in common stocks that rank among the largest 1,000 companies in the U.S. stock market.
(2)Investments in common stocks that rank among the small capitalization stocks in the U.S. stock market.
(3)Investments in common stocks across the world without being limited by national borders or to specific regions.
(4)Investments in common stocks of companies from developed and emerging countries outside the United States.
(5)Investments primarily in long and short positions in equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies. At December 31, 2012, we are invested in one fund that has semi-annual tender offer redemption periods on June 30 and December 31 and is reported on a one month lag. During 2012, we sold out of the second fund that we were invested in at December 31, 2011 that had no limitations on redemptions and was reported on a current basis.
(6)Investments in real estate through both the private and public sector. The pension plan is invested in two funds of funds. One fund invests in global public real estate securities (REITs) while the second fund invests in private real estate investments. We informed the private real estate fund that we no longer wish to be invested in the fund after December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the pension plan had a receivable from the private real estate fund of $0.7 million. Settlement of the receivable will occur in 2013 with the proceeds reinvested per our allocation guidelines. The private real estate fund was valued on a quarterly lag.
(7)Fund invests in portfolios of secondary interest in established venture capital, buyout, mezzanine and special situation funds on a global basis. The pension plan committed to invest up to $10 million in this fund. The remaining outstanding commitment at December 31, 2012 is $1.15 million. Loral’s portion of the remaining commitment is $0.067 million. The amount invested in the fund, net of distributions, is $5.25 million and $6.45 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Loral’s portion of the amount invested as of December 31, 2012 is $0.3 million. Fund is valued on a quarterly lag with adjustment for subsequent cash activity.
(8)Investments in bonds representing many sectors of the broad bond market with both short-term and intermediate-term maturities.
(9)Investments mainly in discounted debt securities, bank loans, trade claims and other debt and equity securities of financially troubled companies. This partnership has a one year lock-up period with semi-annual withdrawal rights on June 30 and December 31 thereafter. As of December 31, 2012, no amount was subject to a lock-up period. This fund is reported on a one month lag.
(10)Investments mainly in partnerships that have multi-strategy investment programs and do not rely on a single investment model. In 2011, the pension plan invested in two limited partnerships that have multi-strategy investment programs. One partnership has quarterly liquidation rights with notice of 65 days while the second partnership has monthly liquidation rights with notice of 33 days. Both funds are reported on a one month lag.
(11)The pension plan invested in other partnerships that have reached their end of life and have closed and are unwinding their holdings. Mainly partnerships that provided mezzanine financing.
The significant amount of Level 2 investments in the table results from including in this category investments in commingled funds that contain investments with values based on quoted market prices, but for which the funds are not valued on a quoted market basis. These commingled funds are valued at their net asset values (NAVs) that are calculated by the investment manager or sponsor. Equity investments in both U.S and non-U.S. stocks as well as public real estate investment trusts are primarily valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices of identical securities. Fixed income investments are primarily valued using a market approach with inputs that include broker quotes, benchmark yields, base spreads and reported trades.
Additional information pertaining to the changes in the fair value of the pension plan assets classified as Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below:
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Both the Equity Long/Short Fund and the Distressed Opportunity Limited Partnership are valued at each month-end based upon quoted market prices by the investment managers. They are included in Level 3 due to their restrictions on redemption to semi-annual periods on June 30 and December 31.
The Multi-Strategy Funds invest in various underlying securities. Each fund’s net asset value is calculated by the fund manager and is not publicly available. The fund managers accumulate all the underlying security values and use them in determining the funds’ net asset values.
During 2011, the pension plan received the cash proceeds from its investment in the Diversified Alternatives Fund.
The private equity fund and limited partnership valuations are primarily based on cost/price of recent investments, earnings/performance multiples, net assets, discounted cash flows, comparable transactions and industry benchmarks.
The real estate fund is a fund of funds. The fund records its investments at acquisition cost and the value is adjusted quarterly to reflect the fund’s share of income, appreciation or depreciation and additional contributions to or withdrawals from the underlying funds. The underlying funds’ real estate investments are independently appraised at least once per year and debt is marked to market on a quarterly basis. The real estate fund was sold effective December 31, 2012.
The annual audited financial statements of all funds are reviewed by the Company.
As of December 31, 2012, we fund benefit payments for our SERP monthly. As of December 31, 2011, other current assets included $0.8 million that was held in trust and designated to fund the obligations of our SERP.
Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect future services, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
Employee Savings (401k) Plan
We have an employee savings (401k) plan, to which the Company provides contributions which match up to 6% of a participant’s base salary at a rate of 66⅔%, and retirement contributions. Retirement contributions represent contributions made by the Company to provide added retirement benefits to employees hired on or after July 1, 2006, as they are not eligible to participate in our defined benefit pension plan. Retirement contributions are provided regardless of an employee’s contribution to the savings (401k) plan. Matching contributions and retirement contributions are collectively known as Company contributions. Company contributions are made in cash and placed in each participant’s age appropriate “life cycle” fund. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Company contributions were $10.4 million, $11.5 million and $10.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Company contributions related to discontinued operations were $10.2 million, $11.3 million and $9.8 million, respectively. Participants of the savings (401k) plan are able to redirect Company contributions to any available fund within the plan. Participants are also able to direct their contributions to any available fund.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
As required by the Purchase Agreement, prior to the closing of the Sale, a new stand-alone SS/L savings (401k) plan was established. Assets related to SS/L current and former employees were transferred from the Loral savings plan to the newly formed plan. With the closing of the Sale on November 2, 2012, the newly formed SS/L plan was transferred to SS/L.
16.Financial Instruments, Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of short-term investments, investments in available-for-sale securities and supplemental retirement plan assets is based on market quotations. The fair value of derivatives is based on the income approach, using observable Level II market expectations at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to discount future amounts to a single present value. The carrying amount of the Land Note approximates fair value because the stated interest rate is consistent with current market rates.
Foreign Currency
In the normal course of business, we are subject to the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit this foreign exchange rate exposure, we attempt to denominate all contracts in U.S. dollars. Where appropriate, derivatives are used to minimize the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations to operating results and cash flows. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Derivatives and Hedging Transactions
All derivative instruments were recorded at fair value as either assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011. Each derivative instrument was generally designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or a liability (“fair value hedge”) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”). Certain of these derivatives were not designated as hedging instruments and were used as “economic hedges” to manage certain risks in our business.
As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. The Company does not hold collateral or other security from its counterparties supporting its derivative instruments. In addition, there are no netting arrangements in place with the counterparties. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of entering into contracts only with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.
There were no derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012.
Cash Flow Hedges
SS/L entered into long-term construction contracts with customers and vendors, some of which were denominated in foreign currencies. Hedges of expected foreign currency denominated contract revenues and related purchases were designated as cash flow hedges and evaluated for effectiveness at least quarterly. Effectiveness was tested using regression analysis. The effective portion of the gain or loss on a cash flow hedge was recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified to income in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affected income. The ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge gain or loss was included in income.
In June 2010, SS/L was awarded a satellite contract denominated in euros and entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with maturities through 2013, respectively, to hedge associated foreign currency exchange risk because our costs are denominated principally in U.S. dollars. These foreign exchange forward contracts were designated as cash flow hedges of future euro denominated receivables.
Other Foreign Exchange Contracts
In March 2012, Telesat declared a special cash distribution denominated in Canadian dollars to be paid in two tranches (see Note 8). Loral entered into a foreign exchange forward contract to hedge foreign exchange risk associated with the payment of the second tranche in July 2012. This foreign exchange forward contract was not designated as a hedging instrument.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Balance Sheet Classification
The following summarizes the fair values and location in our consolidated balance sheet of all derivatives held by SS/L as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):
Cash Flow Hedge Gains (Losses) Recognition
The following summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and in accumulated other comprehensive loss for all derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
All gains (losses) from derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships and all gains (losses) from cash flow derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that were attributable to revenue were included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
17. Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Matters
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we sold our subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA for (1) pre-closing taxes; (2) Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement) relating to the ViaSat lawsuit, subject to certain sharing formulas and caps; and (3) certain breaches of representations, warranties and covenants, subject to certain limitations on survival of claims, deductibles and caps. To date, other than with respect to sharing of Covered Litigation Costs (see Legal Proceedings, below), MDA has submitted one claim for indemnification which relates to pre-closing taxes. We intend to vigorously contest the underlying tax assessment, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. We have reduced the gain on Sale by approximately $20 million, representing the estimated fair value of all potential indemnification liabilities as of the closing date of the Sale.
In connection with the Sale, Loral has developed a plan for restructuring its corporate functions. Through mid-2013, Loral will reduce the number of employees at its headquarters. In 2012, Loral charged approximately $11.8 million to selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly for severance and related costs, and expects to make cash payments related to the restructuring primarily during 2012 and 2013. Loral paid restructuring costs of approximately $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the liability recorded in the consolidated balance sheet for the restructuring was $3.8 million which includes all expected future payments under the restructuring plan relating to the Sale.
See Note 19 - Related Party Transactions - Transactions with Affiliates - Telesat for commitments and contingencies relating to our agreement to indemnify Telesat for certain liabilities and our arrangements with ViaSat, Inc. and Telesat.
Satellite Matters
During the launch of an SS/L-built satellite on June 1, 2012, the satellite’s south solar array was damaged, resulting in a reduction of power available to the satellite’s transponders. SS/L had total orbital receivables related to this satellite of $18 million, which represents the maximum possible loss from this anomaly, excluding the cost of the failure investigation. During the third quarter of 2012, SS/L recorded a charge of $6.5 million to reduce orbital receivables based on the estimated loss of power on the satellite. The write down of SS/L’s orbital receivables as a result of the anomaly also resulted in a $6.5 million payment by Loral to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement relating to the Sale. Any additional reduction in orbital receivables for this satellite prior to November 2, 2013 would result in additional payment by Loral to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Lease Arrangements
We lease certain facilities and equipment under agreements expiring at various dates. Certain leases covering facilities contain renewal and/or purchase options which may be exercised by us. We have no sublease income in any of the periods presented. Rent expense, is as follows (in thousands):
Rent expense of approximately $14.9 million, $15.1 million and $17.5 million was included in income from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Property, plant and equipment relating to capital leases was $3.4 million at December 31, 2011 with accumulated amortization of $0.7 million. Depreciation and amortization of assets recorded under capital leases included in income for discontinued operations was $0.7 million in 2012, $0.7 in 2011 and nil in 2010.
The following is a schedule of future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
Legal Proceedings
ViaSat
ViaSat, Inc. and ViaSat Communications, Inc. (formerly known as WildBlue Communications, Inc.) (collectively, “ViaSat”) have sued SS/L and Loral in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. ViaSat’s amended complaint alleges, among other things, that SS/L and Loral directly and indirectly infringed, that SS/L and Loral induced infringement, and that SS/L contributed to the infringement of, certain ViaSat patents in connection with the manufacture of satellites by SS/L for customers other than ViaSat. The amended complaint also alleges that each of SS/L and Loral breached non-disclosure obligations in certain contracts with ViaSat. ViaSat’s amended complaint seeks, among other things, damages (including treble damages with respect to the patent infringement claims) in amounts to be determined at trial and to enjoin SS/L and Loral from further infringement of the ViaSat patents and breach of contract.
SS/L and Loral have answered ViaSat’s complaint and asserted defenses to ViaSat’s claims and counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that neither SS/L nor Loral has infringed and that they are not infringing the ViaSat patents, that ViaSat’s patents are invalid and that at least certain of ViaSat’s patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct. SS/L has also asserted counterclaims against ViaSat for patent infringement, alleging, among other things, that ViaSat infringed certain SS/L patents in connection with its manufacture and sale of certain satellite communication products and services. SS/L’s counterclaims seek, among other things, damages (including treble damages with respect to at least one of the patent infringement claims) in amounts to be determined at trial and to enjoin ViaSat from further infringement of the SS/L patents. In January 2013, ViaSat’s motion for summary judgment seeking an order declaring that the claims in two of SS/L’s patents are invalid was denied by the court without prejudice.
We believe that each of SS/L and Loral has, and we intend vigorously to pursue, meritorious defenses and counterclaims to ViaSat’s claims. There can be no assurance, however, that SS/L’s and Loral’s defenses and counterclaims will be successful with respect to all or some of ViaSat’s claims or that SS/L will prevail with respect to its assertion that ViaSat has infringed SS/L patents. We believe that SS/L’s and Loral’s conduct was consistent with, and in due regard for, any applicable and valid intellectual property rights of ViaSat. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral is obligated to indemnify SS/L for all Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages (as such terms are defined in the Purchase Agreement), subject to certain capped cost-sharing by SS/L, and has retained control of the defense of the lawsuit by ViaSat against SS/L and Loral as well as SS/L’s counterclaims against ViaSat in the lawsuit. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, following a change of control of Loral, the liability of Loral for Covered Litigation Costs and Covered Litigation Damages is subject to a dollar cap.
Other Litigation
Other than the litigation with ViaSat discussed above, we are not currently subject to any other legal proceedings. In the future, however, we may become subject to other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, that may arise in the ordinary course of business.
18. Segments
Prior to the Sale, Loral had two operating segments: satellite manufacturing and satellite services. Our segment reporting data includes unconsolidated affiliates that meet the reportable segment criteria. The satellite services segment includes 100% of the results reported by Telesat for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Although we analyze Telesat’s revenue and expenses under the satellite services segment, we eliminate its results in our consolidated financial statements, where we report our 62.8% share of Telesat’s results as equity in net income of affiliates. Our ownership in XTAR, for which we use the equity method of accounting, is included in Corporate.
The common definition of EBITDA is “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.” In evaluating financial performance, we use revenues and operating income before depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (excluding stock-based compensation from SS/L Phantom SARs expected to be settled in cash), gain on disposition of net assets, directors’ indemnification expense and expense related to amounts payable to executives and certain employees of Telesat in connection with the special cash distribution paid to Telesat’s shareholders (“Adjusted EBITDA”) as the measure of a segment’s profit or loss. Adjusted EBITDA is equivalent to the common definition of EBITDA before: gain on disposition of net assets, directors’ indemnification expense, gains or losses on litigation not related to our operations; expense related to amounts payable to executives and certain employees of Telesat in connection with the special cash distribution paid to Telesat’s shareholders other expense; and equity in net income of affiliates.
Adjusted EBITDA allows us and investors to compare our operating results with those of competitors exclusive of depreciation and amortization, interest and investment income, interest expense, gain on disposition of net assets, directors’ indemnification expense, gains or losses on litigation not related to our operations, expense related to amounts payable to executives and certain employees of Telesat in connection with the special cash distribution paid to Telesat’s shareholders other expense and equity in net income of affiliates. Financial results of competitors in our industry have significant variations that can result from timing of capital expenditures, the amount of intangible assets recorded, the differences in assets’ lives, the timing and amount of investments, the effects of other expenses, which are typically for non-recurring transactions not related to the on-going business, and effects of investments not directly managed. The use of Adjusted EBITDA allows us and investors to compare operating results exclusive of these items. Competitors in our industry have significantly different capital structures. The use of Adjusted EBITDA maintains comparability of performance by excluding interest expense.
We believe the use of Adjusted EBITDA along with U.S. GAAP financial measures enhances the understanding of our operating results and is useful to us and investors in comparing performance with competitors, estimating enterprise value and making investment decisions. Adjusted EBITDA as used here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by competitors. We also use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate operating performance of our segments, to allocate resources and capital to such segments, to measure performance for incentive compensation programs and to evaluate future growth opportunities. Adjusted EBITDA should be used in conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures and is not presented as an alternative to cash flow from operations as a measure of our liquidity or as an alternative to net income as an indicator of our operating performance.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Intersegment revenues primarily consist of satellites under construction by satellite manufacturing for satellite services and the leasing of transponder capacity by satellite manufacturing from satellite services. Summarized financial information concerning the reportable segments is as follows (in thousands):
Segment Information
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(1)Intersegment revenues include $58 million, $140 million and $137 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, of revenue from affiliates.
(2)Satellite services represents Telesat. Affiliate eliminations represent the elimination of amounts attributable to Telesat whose results are reported under the equity method of accounting in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 8).
(3)Represents the elimination of intercompany sales and intercompany Adjusted EBITDA for a satellite under construction by SS/L for Loral.
(4)Compensation expense related to SS/L Phantom SARs and restricted stock units paid in cash or expected to be paid in cash is included in Adjusted EBITDA. Compensation expense related to SS/L Phantom SARs and restricted stock units paid in Loral common stock or expected to be paid in Loral common stock is included in depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation.
(5)Includes corporate expenses incurred in support of our operations and includes our equity investments in XTAR and Globalstar service providers.
(6)Represents the gain included in continuing operations on the sale of Loral’s portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related net assets to Telesat adjusted for elimination of Loral’s ownership interest in Telesat (see Note 19).
(7)Represents indemnification expense, net of insurance recovery, in connection with defense costs incurred by MHR affiliated directors in the Delaware shareholder derivative case.
(8)Amounts are presented after the elimination of intercompany profit.
(9)Includes $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion of satellite services goodwill related to Telesat as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Revenue by Customer Location
The following table presents our revenues, included in income from discontinued operations, by country based on customer location for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
Revenue shown above is included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
During 2012, three of our customers accounted for approximately 17%, 12% and 11% of our consolidated revenues included in income from discontinued operations. During 2011, three of our customers accounted for approximately 13%, 12% and 10% of our consolidated revenues included in income from discontinued operations. During 2010, five of our customers accounted for approximately 19%, 13%, 12%, 12% and 11% of our consolidated revenues included in income from discontinued operations.
19. Related Party Transactions
Transactions with Affiliates
Telesat
As described in Note 8, we own 62.8% of Telesat and account for our ownership interest under the equity method of accounting.
In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat (which we refer to as the Telesat transaction), Loral and certain of its subsidiaries, our Canadian partner, Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP”) and one of its subsidiaries, Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat, and MHR entered into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”). The Shareholders Agreement provides for, among other things, the manner in which the affairs of Telesat Holdco and its subsidiaries will be conducted and the relationships among the parties thereto and future shareholders of Telesat Holdco. The Shareholders Agreement also contains an agreement by Loral not to engage in a competing satellite communications business and agreements by the parties to the Shareholders Agreement not to solicit employees of Telesat Holdco or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Shareholders Agreement details the matters requiring the approval of the shareholders of Telesat Holdco (including veto rights for Loral over certain extraordinary actions) and provides for preemptive rights for certain shareholders upon the issuance of certain capital shares of Telesat Holdco. The Shareholders Agreement also restricts the ability of holders of certain shares of Telesat Holdco to transfer such shares unless certain conditions are met or approval of the transfer is granted by the directors of Telesat Holdco, provides for a right of first offer to certain Telesat Holdco shareholders if a holder of equity shares of Telesat Holdco wishes to sell any such shares to a third party and provides for, in certain circumstances, tag-along rights in favor of shareholders that are not affiliated with Loral if Loral sells equity shares and drag-along rights in favor of Loral in case Loral or its affiliate enters into an agreement to sell all of its Telesat Holdco equity securities. In addition, the Shareholders Agreement provides for either PSP or Loral to initiate the process of conducting an initial public offering of the equity shares of Telesat Holdco if an initial public offering has not been completed by October 31, 2011, the fourth anniversary of the Telesat transaction. In July 2012, PSP delivered to Telesat Holdco and Loral a notice initiating this process which PSP subsequently withdrew. There can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms an initial public offering of Telesat Holdco equity may occur.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Under the Shareholders Agreement, in the event that, either (i) ownership or control, directly or indirectly, by Dr. Rachesky, President of MHR, of Loral’s voting stock falls below certain levels or (ii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of the members of the Loral Board of Directors over a consecutive two-year period, Loral will lose its veto rights relating to certain extraordinary actions by Telesat Holdco and its subsidiaries. In addition, after either of these events, PSP will have certain rights to enable it to exit from its investment in Telesat Holdco, including a right to cause Telesat Holdco to conduct an initial public offering in which PSP’s shares would be the first shares offered or, if no such offering has occurred within one year due to a lack of cooperation from Loral or Telesat Holdco, to cause the sale of Telesat Holdco and to drag along the other shareholders in such sale, subject to Loral’s right to call PSP’s shares at fair market value.
The Shareholders Agreement provides for a board of directors of each of Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat, consisting of 10 directors, three nominated by Loral, three nominated by PSP and four independent directors to be selected by a nominating committee comprised of one PSP nominee, one nominee of Loral and one of the independent directors then in office. Each party to the Shareholders Agreement is obligated to vote all of its Telesat Holdco shares for the election of the directors nominated by the nominating committee. Pursuant to action by the board of directors taken on October 31, 2007, Dr. Rachesky, who is non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Loral, was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat. In addition, Michael B. Targoff, Loral’s Vice Chairman, serves on the board of directors of Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat.
Information related to satellite construction contracts with Telesat is as follows (in thousands):
Amounts receivable by SS/L from Telesat related to satellite construction contracts as of December 31, 2011 were $4.6 million.
On October 31, 2007, Loral and Telesat entered into a consulting services agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Loral provides to Telesat certain non-exclusive consulting services in relation to the business of Loral Skynet which was transferred to Telesat as part of the Telesat transaction as well as with respect to certain aspects of the satellite communications business of Telesat. The Consulting Agreement has a term of seven years with an automatic renewal for an additional seven year term if certain conditions are met. In exchange for Loral’s services under the Consulting Agreement, Telesat will pay Loral an annual fee of $5.0 million, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year during the term of the Consulting Agreement. If the terms of Telesat’s bank or bridge facilities or certain other debt obligations prevent Telesat from paying such fees in cash, Telesat may issue junior subordinated promissory notes to Loral in the amount of such payment, with interest on such promissory notes payable at the rate of 7% per annum, compounded quarterly, from the date of issue of such promissory note to the date of payment thereof. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, are net of income of $5.0 million related to the Consulting Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Loral received payments in cash from Telesat of $1.6 million, $3.2 million and nil, respectively, and payments in promissory notes of $4.5 million, $3.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for consulting fees and interest. On October 31, 2012, Telesat paid Loral $24.1 million to pay off the outstanding notes.
In connection with the Telesat transaction, Loral has retained the benefit of tax recoveries related to the transferred assets and has indemnified Telesat for certain liabilities including Loral Skynet’s tax liabilities arising prior to January 1, 2007. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had recognized a net receivable from Telesat of $0.5 million, representing our estimate of the probable outcome of these tax matters, which is included as other assets of $2.6 million and long-term liabilities of $2.1 million in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. There can be no assurance, however, that these tax matters will be ultimately settled for the net amount recorded.
Loral, along with Telesat Holdco, Telesat, PSP and 4440480 Canada Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral (the “Special Purchaser”), entered into grant agreements (the “Grant Agreements”) with certain executives of Telesat (each, a “Participant” and collectively, the “Participants”). Each of the Participants was, at the time, an executive of Telesat, which is owned by the Company together with its Canadian partner, PSP, through their ownership of Telesat Holdco.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The Grant Agreements confirm grants of Telesat Holdco stock options (including tandem SAR rights) to the Participants and provide for certain rights, obligations and restrictions related to such stock options, which include, among other things: (w) the right of each Participant to require the Special Purchaser to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat Holdco owned by him in the event of exercise after termination of employment to cover taxes that are greater than the minimum withholding amount; (x) the possible obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase the shares in the place of Telesat Holdco should Telesat Holdco be prohibited by applicable law or under the terms of any credit agreement applicable to Telesat Holdco from purchasing such shares, or otherwise default on such purchase obligation, pursuant to the terms of the Grant Agreements; (y) the obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase shares upon exercise by Telesat Holdco of its call right under Telesat Holdco’s Management Stock Incentive Plan in the event of a Participant’s termination of employment; and (z) the right of each Participant to require Telesat Holdco to cause the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat Holdco owned by him, or that are issuable to him under Telesat Holdco’s Management Stock Incentive Plan at the relevant time, in the event that more than 90% of Loral’s common stock is acquired by an unaffiliated third party that does not also purchase all of PSP’s and its affiliates’ interest in Telesat Holdco.
The Grant Agreements further provide that, in the event the Special Purchaser is required to purchase shares, such shares, together with the obligation to pay for such shares, shall be transferred to a subsidiary of the Special Purchaser, which subsidiary shall be wound up into Telesat Holdco, with Telesat Holdco agreeing to the acquisition of such subsidiary by Telesat Holdco from the Special Purchaser for nominal consideration and with the purchase price for the shares being paid by Telesat Holdco within ten (10) business days after completion of the winding-up of such subsidiary into Telesat Holdco.
Loral received special cash distributions from Telesat of $376 million on March 28, 2012 and $44 million on July 5, 2012. The distributions were the result of a Telesat refinancing and recapitalization transaction (see Note 8).
ViaSat/Telesat
In connection with an agreement entered into between SS/L and ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) for the construction by SS/L for ViaSat of a high capacity broadband satellite called ViaSat-1, on January 11, 2008, we entered into certain agreements, described below, pursuant to which, we invested in the Canadian coverage portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite. Until his resignation in February 2012, Michael B. Targoff served, and another Loral director currently serves, as a member of the ViaSat Board of Directors.
A Beam Sharing Agreement between us and ViaSat provided for, among other things, (i) the purchase by us of a portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite payload providing coverage into Canada (the “Loral Payload”) and (ii) payment by us of 15% of the actual costs of launch and associated services, launch insurance and telemetry, tracking and control services for the ViaSat-1 satellite. SS/L commenced construction of the Viasat-1 satellite in January 2008. SS/L recorded sales to ViaSat under this contract of $0.4 million, $17.7 million and $34.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. SS/L’s sales to ViaSat have been included in income from discontinued operations in our statements of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
On April 11, 2011, Loral assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed from Loral all of Loral’s rights and obligations with respect to the Loral Payload and all related agreements. In consideration for the assignment, Loral received $13 million from Telesat and was reimbursed by Telesat, for approximately $48.2 million of net costs incurred through closing of the sale, including costs for the satellite, launch and insurance, and costs of the gateways and related equipment. Also, in connection with the assignment, Loral is entitled to receive one-half of any net revenue earned by Telesat in connection with the leasing of certain supplemental capacity on the payload to its customers during the first four years after the commencement of service using the supplemental capacity. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we earned approximately $1.0 million under this arrangement, which had not yet been paid by Telesat as of December 31, 2012. In connection with the sale, Loral also assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed Loral’s 15-year contract with Xplornet Communications, Inc. (“Xplornet”) (formerly known as Barrett Xplore Inc.) for delivery of high throughput satellite Ka-band capacity and gateway services for broadband services in Canada. Our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 included a $6.9 million gain on this transaction, including the portion classified as discontinued operations of $1.8 million, representing the $13 million in proceeds in excess of costs adjusted for cumulative intercompany profit eliminations and our retained ownership interest in Telesat. During 2010, a subsidiary of Loral entered into contracts with ViaSat for procurement of equipment and services and with Telesat for consulting, management, engineering and integration services related to the gateways that enable commercial services using the Loral Payload. Prior to April 11, 2011, we had made cumulative payments of $3.9 million to ViaSat and $1.4 million to Telesat under these agreements.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Costs of satellite manufacturing for sales to related parties included in income from discontinued operations were $30.7 million, $124.5 million and $140.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
In connection with an agreement reached in 1999 and an overall settlement reached in February 2005 with ChinaSat relating to the delayed delivery of ChinaSat 8, SS/L has provided ChinaSat with usage rights to two Ku-band transponders on Telesat’s Telstar 10 for the life of such transponders (subject to certain restoration rights) and to one Ku-band transponder on Telesat’s Telstar 18 for the life of the Telstar 10 satellite plus two years, or the life of such transponder (subject to certain restoration rights), whichever is shorter. Pursuant to an amendment to the agreement executed in June 2009, in lieu of rights to one of the Ku-band transponders on Telstar 10, ChinaSat has rights to an equivalent amount of Ku-band capacity on Telstar 18 (the “Alternative Capacity”). The Alternative Capacity may be utilized by ChinaSat until April 30, 2019 subject to certain conditions. Under the agreement, SS/L makes monthly payments to Telesat for the transponders allocated to ChinaSat. Effective with the termination of Telesat’s leasehold interest in Telstar 10 in July 2009, SS/L makes monthly payments with respect to capacity used by ChinaSat on Telstar 10 directly to APT, the owner of the satellite. As of December 31, 2011, our consolidated balance sheet included a liability of $3.7 million for the future use of these transponders. Interest expense on this liabilities included in discontinued operations was $0.2 million and $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we made payments of $2.2 million to Telesat pursuant to the agreement. The liability for the future use of these transponders was retained by SS/L in connection with the Sale.
XTAR
As described in Note 8, we own 56% of XTAR, a joint venture between Loral and Hisdesat and account for our investment in XTAR under the equity method of accounting. SS/L constructed XTAR’s satellite, which was successfully launched in February 2005. XTAR and Loral have entered into a management agreement whereby Loral provides general and specific services of a technical, financial, and administrative nature to XTAR. For the services provided by Loral, XTAR is charged a quarterly management fee equal to 3.7% of XTAR’s quarterly gross revenues. Amounts due to Loral primarily due to the management agreement as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $5.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Beginning in 2008, Loral and XTAR agreed to defer amounts owed to Loral under this agreement, and XTAR has agreed that its excess cash balance (as defined), will be applied at least quarterly towards repayment of receivables owed to Loral, as well as to Hisdesat and Telesat. No cash was received under this agreement for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
MHR Fund Management LLC
Mark H. Rachesky, managing principal of MHR, and Hal Goldstein, a former managing principal of MHR, are members of Loral’s board of directors. Sai S. Devabhaktuni, former managing principal of MHR, was a member of the Loral Board until his resignation in January 2012.
Various funds affiliated with MHR and Dr. Rachesky held, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately 38.3% and 38.6%, respectively, of the outstanding voting common stock and as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 had a combined ownership of outstanding voting and non-voting common stock of Loral of 57.4% and 57.7%, respectively.
Consulting Agreement
On December 14, 2012, Loral entered into a consulting agreement with Michael B. Targoff, Vice Chairman of the Company and former Chief Executive Officer and President. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Targoff is engaged as a part-time consultant to the Board to assist the Board with respect to the oversight of strategic matters relating to Telesat and Xtar and the ViaSat lawsuit. Under the agreement, Mr. Targoff receives net consulting fees of $103,000 per month after deducting certain expenses for which he reimburses the Company. Mr. Targoff earned $51,500 for service performed in the period from December 15, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
20. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(1)The quarterly earnings per share information is computed separately for each period. Therefore, the sum of such quarterly per share amounts may differ from the total for the year.
(2)As a result of the Sale of SS/L on November 2, 2012, our 2011 selected quarterly financial information has been restated to reflect SS/L as a discontinued operation.
(3)Variations in income from continuing operations among quarters in 2012 are primarily the result of (i) the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar on our equity in net income (loss) of Telesat and (ii) the limitation on recording our portion of Telesat’s net income or loss due to the reduction of the carrying amount of our investment in Telesat to zero as a result of the excess of cash dividends received from Telesat in 2012. In addition, equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 included expense related to special payments to executives and certain employees of Telesat in connection with the cash distribution to shareholders and expense related to refinancing. Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 included expense related to refinancing. Variations in income from continuing operations among quarters in 2011 are primarily the result of the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar on our equity in net income (loss) of Telesat.
SCHEDULE II
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands)
(1)Changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance which have been charged to other accounts have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and other deferred tax assets.
(2)Deductions from reserves reflect write-offs of uncollectible billed receivables and disposals of inventory.
(3)During the fourth quarter of 2010, we determined, based on all available evidence, that a full valuation allowance was no longer required on our deferred tax assets and, therefore, $335.3 million of the valuation allowance was reversed as an income tax benefit. In addition, the valuation allowance was reduced by $67.5 million, of which $40.1 million was recorded as a benefit to continuing operations and $27.4 million was recorded as a benefit to discontinued operations. Allowances for billed receivables and inventory charged to costs and expenses in 2012 reflect the Sale of SS/L on November 2, 2012.
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Telesat Holdings Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Telesat Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the consolidated statements of income, statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in shareholders' equity and statements of cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Telesat Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and their financial performance and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
February 19, 2013
Toronto, Canada
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the year ended December 31
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
1. BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY
Telesat Holdings Inc. (the “Company” or “Telesat”) is a Canadian corporation. Telesat is a global fixed satellite services operator providing secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. The Company has a fleet of 13 satellites plus the Canadian Ka-band payload on ViaSat-1 with one more satellite awaiting launch. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa at 1601 Telesat Court, Ontario, Canada, K1B 5P4, with offices and facilities around the world.
On October 31, 2007, Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”) and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (“Loral”), through a newly formed entity called Telesat Holdings Inc. completed the acquisition of Telesat Canada from BCE Inc. As at December 31, 2012, Loral and PSP Investments indirectly hold an economic interest in Telesat of 62.8% and 35.3%, with the remaining interest held by private individuals. Loral indirectly holds a voting interest of 33 1/3% on all matters including the election of directors. PSP Investments indirectly holds a voting interest of 66 2/3% on all matters except for the election of directors, and a 30% voting interest for the election of directors. The remaining voting interest of 36 2/3% for the election of directors is held by shareholders of the Company’s director voting preferred shares.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Statement of Compliance
The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The accounting policies described in note 3 were consistently applied to all the periods presented.
Approval of Financial Statements
These financial statements were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on February 19, 2013.
Basis of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the results of the Company and subsidiaries controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The most significant wholly-owned subsidiaries are listed in note 28.
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments which are measured at fair values, as explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is based on the fair value of the consideration given or received in exchange for assets or liabilities.
Segment Reporting
The Company’s operating segments are organized around the group’s service lines, which represent the group’s business activities. The operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. To be reported, a segment is usually based on quantitative thresholds but can also encompass qualitative factors management deems significant. The Company operates in a single industry segment, in which it provides satellite-based services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
Unless otherwise specified, all figures reported in the consolidated financial statements and associated note disclosures are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency of the Company. Each of the subsidiaries of the Company determines its own functional currency and uses that currency to measure items on its separate financial statements.
Upon consolidation of the Company’s foreign operations having a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Gains or losses on translation of foreign subsidiaries are recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
On the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, foreign currency non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at their historical exchange rates, foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rates, and foreign denominated revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Gains or losses on translation of these items are recognized as a component of net income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments. Restricted cash expected to be used within the next twelve months has been classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Revenue Recognition
Telesat recognizes revenue from satellite services when earned, as services are rendered or delivered to customers. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. There must be clear evidence that an arrangement exists, the amount of revenue must be known or determinable and collectability must be reasonably assured.
Revenue from a contract to sell consulting services is recognized as follows:
• Consulting revenue for “cost plus” contracts are recognized after the work has been completed and accepted by the customer.
• The percentage of completion method is used for “fixed price” consulting revenue contracts. Percentage of completion is measured by comparing actual cost incurred to total cost expected.
Equipment sales revenue is recognized when the equipment is delivered to and accepted by the customer. Only equipment sales are subject to warranty or return and there is no general right of return. Historically Telesat has not incurred significant expense for warranties and consequently no provision for warranties are recorded.
When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on its relative fair value; otherwise, revenue is recognized as products are delivered or as services are provided over the term of the customer contract. Transactions are evaluated to determine whether Telesat is the principal and if the transactions should be recorded on a gross or net basis.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents the Company’s liability for the provision of future services and is classified on the balance sheet in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities. Deferred revenue consists of remuneration received in advance of the provision of service and is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the related customer contract.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Borrowing Costs
Borrowing costs are incurred on the Company’s debt financing. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, production or construction of a qualifying asset are added to the cost of that asset. The Company has defined a qualifying asset as an asset that takes longer than twelve months to get ready for its intended use or sale. Capitalization of borrowing costs continues until such time as the asset is substantially ready for its intended use or ready for sale. Borrowing costs are determined based on specific financing related to the asset or in the absence of specific financing, the borrowing costs are calculated on the basis of a capitalization rate which is equal to the Company’s weighted average cost of debt. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment
Satellites, property and other equipment, which are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, include the contractual cost of equipment, capitalized engineering costs, and with respect to satellites, the cost of launch services, launch insurance and capitalized borrowing costs during construction.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the respective estimated useful lives of the assets.
Below are the estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment as of December 31, 2012.
Construction in progress is not depreciated as depreciation only starts when the asset is ready for its intended use. For satellites, depreciation commences on the day the satellite becomes available for service and continues until the accumulated depreciation equals the amount of the cost or until the satellite is retired.
The investment in each satellite will be removed from the property accounts when the satellite has been fully depreciated and is no longer in service. When other property is retired from operations at the end of its useful life, the amount of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Earnings are credited with the amount of any net salvage value and charged with any net cost of removal. When an item is sold prior to the end of its useful life, the gain or loss is recognized in income immediately.
In the event of an unsuccessful launch or total in-orbit satellite failure, all unamortized costs that are not recoverable under launch or in-orbit insurance are recorded as an operating expense.
Liabilities related to decommissioning and restoration of retiring property and equipment are measured at fair value with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related asset. The liability is accreted over the period of expected cash flows with a corresponding charge to interest expense. The liabilities recorded to date have not been significant and are reassessed at the end of each reporting period. There are no decommissioning or restoration obligations for satellites.
Deferred Satellite Performance Incentive Payments
Deferred satellite performance incentive payments are obligations payable to satellite manufacturers over the lives of certain satellites. The present value of the payments are capitalized as part of the cost of the satellite and recognized in income as part of the depreciation of the satellite.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Tangible fixed assets and finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets exceeds the recoverable amount.
An impairment test consists of assessing the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. If it is not practicable to estimate the recoverable amount for a particular asset, the Company determines the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) with which it is associated. A cash generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
The Company estimates value in use on the basis of the estimated future cash flows to be generated by an asset or CGU. These future cash flows are based on the Company’s latest business plan information approved by senior management and are discounted using rates that best reflect the time value of money and the specific risks associated with the underlying asset or assets in the CGU.
The fair value less cost to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of the asset or CGU in the course of an arm’s length transaction between interested, knowledgeable and willing parties, less selling costs.
An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or a CGU) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. Impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses are recognized in other operating gains.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which establishes specific criteria for the recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess between the total of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired. After initial recognition at cost, goodwill is measured at cost less any cumulative impairment charge.
The Company distinguishes intangible assets between assets with finite and indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are comprised of the Company’s trade name and orbital slots. Finite life intangible assets, which are carried at cost less accumulated amortization, consist of revenue backlog, customer relationships, customer contract, concession rights, transponder rights and patents. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method of amortization, except for revenue backlog which is based on the expected period of recognition of the related revenue.
Below are the estimated useful lives in years of the finite life intangible assets as of December 31, 2012.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
An assessment for impairment of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are performed annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets are likely to exceed their recoverable amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level as this represents the lowest level within the Company at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and is not larger than an operating segment. Indefinite life intangibles have not been allocated to any CGU and are tested for impairment at the asset level.
An impairment test consists of assessing the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use.
Orbital Slots
In performing the orbital slot impairment analysis, the Company determines, for each orbital slot, its fair value less costs to sell, known as the market approach, and its value in use, known as the build-up approach, on an annual basis. The higher of these two amounts is determined to be the recoverable amount. To the extent that the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment exists and the asset is written down to its recoverable amount.
Fair value less costs to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties after deducting the costs of disposal. In order to determine this amount, the Company estimates what an independent third party would pay to purchase the orbital slot by looking to actual market transactions for similar assets.
The value in use amount is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. The determination of this amount includes projections of cash inflows from the continuing use of the asset and cash outflows that are required to generate the associated cash inflows. These cash inflows are discounted at an appropriate weighted average cost of capital.
The key assumptions used in estimating the recoverable amounts of the orbital slots include:
i) the market penetration leading to revenue growth;
ii) the profit margin;
iii) the duration and profile of the build-up period;
iv) the estimated start-up costs and losses incurred during the build-up period; and
v) the weighted average cost of capital.
Goodwill
In performing the goodwill impairment analysis, the Company assesses the recoverable amount of the asset using the build-up approach as well as the market approach in the determination of the fair value of goodwill at the entity level.
Under the build-up approach, the sum of the projected discounted cash flows for the next five years in addition to a terminal value are used to determine the fair value at the entity level. In this model, significant assumptions used include: revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, working capital, terminal growth rate and discount rate.
Under the market approach, the fair value at the entity level is determined based on market multiples derived from comparable public companies. As part of that analysis, assumptions are made regarding comparability of selected companies including revenue, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiples for valuation purposes, growth rates, size and overall profitability.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Under both approaches, all assumptions used in the model are based on management’s best estimates. The discount rates are consistent with external sources of information.
Trade Name
For the purposes of impairment testing, the fair value of the trade name was determined using an income approach, specifically the relief from royalties method.
The relief from royalties method is comprised of two major steps:
i) a determination of the hypothetical royalty rate; and
ii) the subsequent application of the royalty rate to projected revenue.
In determining the hypothetical royalty rate in the relief from royalties method, the Company considered comparable license agreements, operating earnings benchmark rule of thumb, an excess earnings analysis to determine aggregate intangible asset earnings, and other qualitative factors. The key assumptions used include the tax and discount rates.
Financial Instruments
Telesat uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange rate risk associated with debt denominated in foreign currencies, as well as to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk associated with debt. Currently, Telesat does not designate any of its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. All realized and unrealized gains and losses on these derivative financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and included as part of (loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments.
Financial assets and financial liabilities that are classified as held-for-trading (“HFT”) are measured at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses relating to the HFT assets and liabilities are recorded in the consolidated statement of income included in (loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments. Loans and receivables and other liabilities are recorded at amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest rate method.
Derivatives, including embedded derivatives that must be separately accounted for, are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at inception and marked to market at each reporting period thereafter. Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments are treated as separate derivatives when their risk and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contract and the host contract is measured separately according to its characteristics. The Company accounts for embedded foreign currency derivatives and the related host contract as a single instrument where the contract requires payments denominated in the currency that is commonly used in contracts to procure non-financial items in the economic environment in which Telesat transacts.
Transaction costs for financial instruments classified as HFT are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets and financial liabilities (other than HFT) are added or deducted from the fair value of the financial asset and financial liability on initial recognition.
Financing Costs
The debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Canadian Term Loan Facility are accounted for as short-term and long-term deferred charges and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets. The deferred charges are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis. All other debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Employee Benefit Plans
Telesat maintains one contributory and three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans which provide benefits based on length of service and rate of pay. Telesat is responsible for adequately funding these defined benefit pension plans. Contributions are made based on actuarial cost methods that are permitted by pension regulatory bodies and reflect assumptions about future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Telesat also provides other post-employment and retirement benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits on retirement and various disability plans, workers compensation and medical benefits to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents, after employment but before retirement, under certain circumstances.
The Company accrues the present value of its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs, adjusted for any unrecognized past service cost and reduced by the fair value of plan assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to any unrecognized past service cost plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan. Pension costs and other retirement benefits are determined using the projected benefit method prorated on service and management’s best estimate of expected investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs.
Pension plan assets are valued at fair value which is also the basis used for calculating the expected rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate is based on the market interest rate of high quality bonds and is consistent with guidance described by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries in an Educational note dated September 2011. Past service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining vesting period. All actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur and recognized in accumulated earnings. A valuation is performed at least every three years to determine the present value of the accrued pension and other retirement benefits.
The pension expense for 2012 was determined based on membership data as at December 31, 2010. The accrued benefit obligation as at December 31, 2012 was determined based on the membership data as at December 31, 2011, extrapolated one year, and based on December 31, 2012 assumptions. For post-retirement benefits, the expense for 2012 was based on membership data as at December 31, 2009. The accrued benefit obligation as at December 31, 2012 was determined based on membership data as at September 30, 2012, extrapolated three months, and based on December 31, 2012 assumptions. The most recent valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2012. The next required valuation for the employee pension plan is as of January 1, 2013 while the pension plan for designated employees is due as of January 1, 2015. Valuations will be performed for both pension plans as of January 1, 2013.
In addition, Telesat provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-go basis, with the retiree generally paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and co-insurance provisions. Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.
Share-Based Compensation Plan
The Company offers an equity-settled share-based incentive plan for certain key employees under which it receives services from employees in exchange for equity instruments of the Company. The expense is based on fair value of the awards granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied, with a corresponding increase in equity. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over the respective vesting period.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Inventory
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value and consist of finished goods and work in process. Cost for substantially all network equipment inventories are determined on a weighted average cost basis. Cost for work in process and certain one-of-a-kind finished goods are determined using the specific identification method.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense, comprised of current and deferred income tax, is recognized in income except to the extent it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or equity, in which case the income tax expense is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity, respectively.
Current income tax is measured at the amount expected to be paid to the taxation authorities, net of recoveries, based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred taxes are the result of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period where the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination. For taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, a deferred tax liability is recognized unless the parent can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Future Changes in Accounting Policies
The IASB recently issued a number of new accounting standards. The new standards determined to be applicable to the Company are disclosed below. The remaining standards have been excluded as they are not applicable or not material.
Financial instruments
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) on October 28, 2010, and will replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value, replacing multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. Two measurement categories continue to exist to account for financial liabilities in IFRS 9, fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and amortized cost. Financial liabilities held-for-trading are measured at FVTPL, and all other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost unless the fair value option is applied. The treatment of embedded derivatives under the new standard is consistent with IAS 39 and is applied to financial liabilities and non-derivative hosts not within the scope of this standard. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (continued)
Presentation of financial statements
On June 16, 2011, the IASB issued the amended version of IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (“IAS 1”). The amendments to IAS 1 retain the “one or two statement” approach at the option of the entity and revise how the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The revised standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of revised IAS 1 on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for post employment benefits
On June 16, 2011, the IASB issued the amended version of IAS 19, Employee Benefits (“IAS 19R”). The amendments make changes in eliminating the accounting option to defer the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, streamlining the presentation of changes in assets and liabilities arising from defined benefit plans as well as amendments to disclosure requirements. Changes in the defined benefit obligation and plan assets are disaggregated into three components: service costs, net interest on the net defined benefit obligation (asset) and remeasurements of the net defined benefit obligation (asset). The revised standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IAS 19R on its consolidated financial statements.
Fair value measurement and disclosure requirements
IASB issued IFRS 13, Fair value measurement (“IFRS 13”) on May 12, 2011. IFRS 13 provides guidance on how fair value measurement should be applied whenever its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS. IFRS 13 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of revised IFRS 13 on its consolidated financial statements.
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies
The following are the critical judgments made in applying the Company’s accounting policies which have the most significant effect on the amounts reported in the financial statements:
Revenue recognition
The Company’s accounting policy relating to revenue recognition is described in note 3. The percentage of completion method is used for fixed price consulting revenue contracts and requires judgment by management to accurately estimate costs incurred and accurately estimate costs required to complete contracts.
Uncertain income tax positions
The Company operates in numerous jurisdictions and is subject to country-specific tax laws. Management uses significant judgment when determining the worldwide provision for tax and estimates provisions for uncertain tax positions as the amounts expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. In the assessment, management considers risk with respect to tax matters under active discussion, audit, dispute or appeal with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. Management reviews the provisions at each balance sheet date.
Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease
Management uses significant judgment in assessing whether each new arrangement contains a lease based on IFRIC 4. The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains a lease, is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date or whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. If contracts contain a lease arrangement, the leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES - (continued)
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The Company makes accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the carrying value of assets and liabilities, reported net income and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience, current events and other relevant factors, therefore, actual results may differ and could be material. The accounting estimates and assumptions critical to the determination of the amounts reported in the financial statements are as follows:
Derivative financial instruments measured at fair value
Derivative financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value were $109.3 million and $282.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $134.4 million and $213.5 million, respectively). Quoted market values are unavailable for the Company’s financial instruments and in the absence of an active market, the Company determines fair value for financial instruments based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market-based inputs. The determination of fair value is affected significantly by the assumptions used for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates. As a result, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities and the amount of gains or losses on changes in fair value recorded to net income could vary.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents $2,446.6 million of total assets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the Company’s value. The Company’s value requires management to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, tax rates, and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis.
Impairment of intangible assets
Intangible assets represent $858.7 million of total assets at December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $896.1 million). Impairment of intangible assets is tested annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment analysis requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, discount rates, tax rates, and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the CGU or individual asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, so long as the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the CGU or individual asset in prior years.
The reversal of an impairment requires management to re-assess several indicators that led to the impairment. It requires the valuation of the recoverable amount by estimating the future cash flows expected to arise from the CGU or individual asset and the determination of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate its present value. Significant judgments are made in establishing these assumptions.
Employee benefits
The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post employment medical benefits and the present value of the pension obligation are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions which may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases, mortality rates, future pension increases and return on plan assets. Due to the complexity of the valuation, the underlying assumptions, and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed annually.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES - (continued)
Determination of useful life of satellites and finite life intangible assets
The estimated useful life and depreciation method for satellites and finite life intangible assets are reviewed annually, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Any change in these estimates may have a significant impact on the amounts reported.
Income taxes
Management assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets based upon an estimation of the Company’s projected taxable income using existing tax laws, and its ability to utilize future tax deductions before they expire. Actual results could differ from expectations.
5. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Telesat operates in a single industry segment, in which it provides satellite-based services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world.
The Company derives revenue from the following services:
•Broadcast - distribution or collection of video and audio signals in the North American and International markets which include delivery of television programming, occasional use services, bundled, value added services such as digital encoding, satellite capacity, uplinking and downlinking services and radio services.
•Enterprise - provision of satellite capacity and ground network services for voice, data, image transmission and internet services around the world.
•Consulting and other - all consulting services related to space and earth segments, government studies, satellite control services and research and development.
Revenue derived from the above service lines were as follows:
Geographic Information
Revenue by geographic region was based on the point of origin of the revenue (destination of the billing invoice), allocated as follows:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. SEGMENT INFORMATION - (continued)
Telesat’s satellites are in geosynchronous orbit. For disclosure purposes, the satellites have been classified based on ownership. Satellites, property and other equipment and intangible assets by geographic region are allocated as follows:
Other long-term financial assets and other long-term assets by geographic region are allocated as follows:
Goodwill was not allocated to geographic regions in any of the years.
Major Customers
For the year ended December 31, 2012, there were two significant customers each representing more than 10% of consolidated revenue (December 31, 2011 - two customers, December 31, 2010 - two customers).
6. OPERATING EXPENSES
The Company’s operating expenses are comprised of the following:
(a)Compensation and employee benefits include salaries, bonuses, commissions, post-employment benefits and charges arising from the award of stock options. The expense for the year ended December 31, 2012, includes $52.5 million of compensation and benefit expense related to payments to executives and certain employees of Telesat in conjunction with the special cash distribution paid to the Company’s shareholders (see note 29) and the cost of benefits associated with the repurchase for cash consideration of stock options and the exercise of share appreciation rights in respect to their stock options by certain executives.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
6. OPERATING EXPENSES - (continued)
(b)Other operating expenses include general and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, in-orbit insurance expense, professional fees and facility costs.
(c)Cost of sales includes the rental of third-party capacity, the cost of equipment sales and costs directly attributable to the facilitation of customer contracts.
7. OTHER OPERATING GAINS, NET
(a)The Company had insurance policies that provided coverage for a total, constructive total, or partial loss of Telstar 14R /Estrela do Sul 2. Following the launch of the satellite in May 2011, the Company determined that the north solar array failed to fully deploy and promptly filed a notice of loss with its insurers. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company filed a claim under its policies to its insurers. In December 2011, the Company received insurance proceeds of USD $132.7 million from its insurers with respect to the claim. Based on management’s best estimate and assumptions, there was no impairment in Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 as a result of the solar array failure.
(b)In 2010, an impairment loss of $7.9 million was reversed on the satellites. The reversal of impairment was mainly due to changes in revenue assumptions.
8. INTEREST EXPENSE
The components of interest expense are as follows:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
9. INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate, which is a composite of Canadian federal and provincial rates, to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes are presented below:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
9. INCOME TAXES - (continued)
Losses and tax credits
At December 31, 2012, the Company had Canadian tax losses carried forward of $27.7 million and U.S. tax losses carried forward of $31.2 million. The deferred tax asset not recognized in respect of the U.S. losses was $10.6 million. The Canadian and U.S. losses will expire between 2027 and 2030.
The Company has $121 million of Canadian capital losses carried forward which may only be used against future capital gains. The deferred tax asset not recognized in respect of these losses was $16 million. These losses may be carried forward indefinitely.
In addition, the Company has $22.2 million of investment tax credits and foreign tax credits which may only be used to offset taxes payable. The deferred tax assets not recognized in respect of these credits is $3.2 million. They will begin to expire in 2013.
Investments in subsidiaries
As at December 31, 2012, the Company had temporary differences of $30.7 million associated with investments in subsidiaries for which no deferred tax liabilities have been recognized, as the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it is not probable that these differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.
10. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
11. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
(a)Prepaid expenses are primarily comprised of prepaid satellite in-orbit insurance, prepaid interest on long-term indebtedness, and prepaid license fees.
(b)At December 31, 2012, inventory consists of $4.9 million of finished goods (December 31, 2011 - $4.1 million) and $0.1 million of work in process (December 31, 2011 - $0.2 million). During the year, $21.1 million was recognized as cost of equipment sales and recorded as an operating expense (December 31, 2011 - $18.3 million, December 31, 2010 - $15.6 million).
(c)Deferred charges include deferred financing charges relating to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Canadian Term Loan Facility (see note 18).
12. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
13. SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
Substantially all of the Company’s satellites, property and other equipment have been pledged as security as a requirement of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities (note 18).
Borrowing costs of $17.5 million arising on financing were capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $32.0 million, December 31, 2010 - $14.6 million). The average capitalization rate was 7% (8% in 2011, 8% in 2010), representing the Company’s weighted average cost of debt.
No impairment was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2010, an impairment of $7.9 million was reversed on the satellites.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The orbital slots represent a right to operate satellites in a given longitudinal coordinate in space, where geostationary orbit may be achieved. They are limited in availability and represent a scarce resource. Usage of orbital slots is licensed through the International Telecommunications Union. Satellite operators can generally expect, with a relatively high level of certainty, continued occupancy of an assigned orbital slot either during the operational life of an existing orbiting satellite or upon replacement by a new satellite once the operational life of the existing orbiting satellite is over. As a result of the “expectancy right” to maintain the once awarded orbital slots, an indefinite life is typically associated with orbital slots.
The Company’s trade name has a long and established history, a strong reputation and has been synonymous with quality and growth within the satellite industry. It has been assigned an indefinite life because of expected ongoing future use.
The following are the remaining useful lives of the intangible assets:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS - (continued)
Substantially all of the Company’s intangible assets have been pledged as security as a requirement of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities.
Impairment
Finite life intangible assets are assessed annually and are included with the Company’s CGUs. Indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment at the individual asset level. The annual impairment test was performed in the fourth quarter of 2010, 2011 and 2012.
In 2010, an impairment loss of $71.3 million was reversed on the orbital slots. The impairment was originally recorded in 2008 when discount rates were high due to liquidity issues in the credit markets. The subsequent decrease in discount rates, as well as changes in revenue projections and gross margin assumptions positively impacted the valuation of the orbital slots in 2010.
In 2011, an impairment of $19.5 million was recognized on orbital slots (December 31, 2010 - no impairment) mainly due to an increase in discount rates. In 2012, $1.2 million of the impairment was reversed due to a decrease in discount rates.
No impairment loss was recognized in 2012.
The recoverable amount is calculated using the following assumptions:
15. GOODWILL
The Company carries goodwill at its cost of $2,446.6 million with no accumulated impairment losses since acquisition.
Impairment
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level because that represents the lowest level at which goodwill supports the Company’s operations and is monitored internally. The annual impairment test on goodwill was performed in the fourth quarter of 2010, 2011, and 2012 in accordance with the policy described in note 3. The Company’s recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value therefore, no impairment was recognized. The most significant assumptions used in the impairment test were as follows:
Some of the more sensitive assumptions used including the forecasted cash flows and the discount rate could have yielded different estimates of recoverable amount. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimated operating results and related cash flows used in the impairment analysis. Had different estimates been used, it could have resulted in a different fair value.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
16. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
17. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
18. INDEBTEDNESS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
18. INDEBTEDNESS - (continued)
On March 28, 2012, Telesat Canada entered into a new Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks which provides for the extension of credit under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities as described below. All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and certain of Telesat Canada’s existing subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by first priority liens and security interest in the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. The Credit Agreement contains covenants that restrict the ability of Telesat Canada and certain of its subsidiaries to take specified actions, including, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions: creating liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments, engaging in mergers, selling property, paying dividends, entering into sales-leaseback transactions, creating subsidiaries, repaying subordinated debt or amending organizational documents. The Credit Agreement requires Telesat Canada to comply with a maximum senior secured leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and events of default.
Also on March 28, 2012, the Company terminated and paid all outstanding amounts under its previously existing credit facilities dated October 31, 2007, which included the Canadian Term Loan, U.S. Term Loan and U.S. Term Loan II Facilities. The deferred financing costs which were capitalized with the carrying value of the previous Senior Secured Credit Facilities, were expensed resulting in a loss on refinancing of $21.9 million.
On May 14, 2012, Telesat Canada issued, through a private placement, USD $700 million of 6.0% Senior Notes which mature on May 15, 2017. On October 29, 2012, an additional USD $200 million of 6.0% Senior Notes were issued through a private placement. The additional USD $200 million of Senior Notes were priced at 103.5% of the principal amount and held the same terms and conditions as those issued on May 14, 2012. The 6.0% Senior Notes are subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities, and are governed under the 6.0% Senior Notes Indenture. The net proceeds of the offering, along with available cash on hand, were used to pay all holders of the 11.0% Senior Notes due November 1, 2015, issued under an indenture dated as of June 30, 2008, and to pay certain financing costs and redemption premiums as well as to pay certain indebtedness owed to principal shareholders. The tender and redemption premiums, along with the deferred financing costs which were capitalized with the carrying value of the previous 11.0% Senior Notes, were expensed resulting in a loss on refinancing of $54.3 million.
(a)The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of Telesat’s assets. Up to March 28, 2012, under the terms of these facilities, Telesat was required to comply with certain covenants including financial reporting, maintenance of certain financial covenant ratios for leverage and interest coverage, a requirement to maintain minimum levels of satellite insurance, restrictions on capital expenditures, a restriction on fundamental business changes or the creation of subsidiaries, restrictions on investments, restrictions on dividend payments, restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt, restrictions on asset dispositions, and restrictions on transactions with affiliates. The financial covenant ratios included total debt to EBITDA for covenant purposes (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other charges) and EBITDA for covenant purposes to interest expense. Both financial covenant ratios tightened over the term of the credit facility. As of March 28, 2012, the Credit Agreement only requires Telesat Canada to comply with a maximum senior secured leverage ratio. At December 31, 2012, Telesat was in compliance with this covenant.
Each tranche of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is subject to mandatory principal repayment requirements, which, in the initial years, are generally an annual amount representing ¼ of 1% of the initial aggregate principal amount, payable quarterly. The maturity of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be accelerated if Telesat Canada’s existing 6.0% Senior Notes due in 2017 and 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2017 or certain refinancing thereof are not repurchased, redeemed, refinanced or deferred before the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of such notes.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
18. INDEBTEDNESS - (continued)
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities have several tranches which are described below:
(i)As of March 28, 2012, a Revolving Credit Facility (the “Revolving Facility”) of up to $140 million in Canadian or U.S. dollars is available to Telesat. This Revolving Facility matures on March 28, 2017 and is available to be drawn at any time. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating rate plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for prime rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans and 3.00% for Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) and Eurodollar loans. The Revolving Facility has an unused commitment fee of 50 basis points. As of December 31, 2012, other than $0.2 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. Prior to March 28, 2012, the Revolving Facility was Canadian dollar denominated up to $153 million. The drawn loans bore interest at the prime rate or LIBOR or Bankers’ Acceptance plus an applicable margin of 125 to 225 basis points per annum. Undrawn amounts under the facility were subject to a commitment fee.
(ii)The Canadian Term Loan Facility was initially a $200 million facility denominated in Canadian dollars. The loans under this facility bore interest at a floating rate of the BA plus an applicable margin of 275 basis points per annum. The weighted average interest rate was 4.13% for the year ended December 31, 2011. This Facility was repaid on March 28, 2012.
(iii)The Term Loan A Facility (“TLA”) is a $500 million loan maturing on March 28, 2017. Loans under this facility bear interest at a floating rate of the BA plus an applicable margin of 3.00%. There were no required repayments to the TLA in 2012. The payments are generally made quarterly in varying amounts. The weighted average effective interest rate was 4.62% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2012.
(iv)The U.S. Term Loan Facility was initially a $1,755 million facility denominated in U.S. dollars, bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 300 basis points per annum. The weighted average effective interest rate was 3.72% for the year ended December 31, 2011. Principal repayments of USD $4.4 million were made on a quarterly basis. This Facility was repaid on March 28, 2012.
(v)The Term Loan B - U.S. Facility (“U.S. TLB Facility”) is a USD $1,725 million loan maturing on March 28, 2019. The outstanding borrowings under the U.S. TLB Facility currently bear interest at a floating rate of LIBOR, but not less than 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 3.25%. The mandatory principal repayments commenced with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012. The weighted average effective interest rate was 4.97% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2012.
(vi)The U.S. Term Loan II Facility was initially a $150 million delayed draw facility denominated in U.S. dollars, bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 300 basis points per annum. The weighted average effective interest rate was 3.73% for the year ended December 31, 2011. Principal repayments of USD $0.4 million were made on a quarterly basis. This Facility was repaid on March 28, 2012.
(vii)The Term Loan B - Canadian Facility (“Canadian TLB Facility”) is a $175 million loan maturing on March 28, 2019. The outstanding borrowings under the Canadian TLB Facility currently bear interest at a floating rate of the BA borrowing, but not less than 1.25%, plus an applicable margin of 3.75%. The mandatory principal repayments commenced with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012. The weighted average effective interest rate was 5.61% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2012.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
18. INDEBTEDNESS - (continued)
(b)The Senior Notes bore interest at an annual rate of 11.0%. The Senior Notes included covenants or terms that restricted Telesat’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel the Company’s satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Notes prior to May 1, 2012, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Notes indenture. The weighted average effective interest rate was 11.37% for the year ended December 31, 2011. These Notes were repaid on May 14, 2012.
(c)The Senior Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 6.0% and are due May 15, 2017. The total balance of the Senior Notes is USD $900 million, with USD $700 million issued on May 14, 2012, and an additional USD $200 million issued on October 29, 2012. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Notes prior to May 15, 2014, in each case subject to exceptions provided for in the Senior Notes indenture. The weighted average effective interest rate was 6.13% for approximately the seven-month period ended December 31, 2012.
(d)The Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate of 12.5% and are due November 1, 2017. The Senior Subordinated Notes include covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel the Company’s satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes prior to May 1, 2013, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Subordinated Notes indenture. The weighted average effective interest rate was 12.66% for the year ended December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - 12.66%).
(e)The Term Loan A, Term Loan B - U.S. Facility, Term Loan B - Canadian Facility, U.S. Term Loan Facilities, Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes are presented on the balance sheet net of related deferred financing costs of $51.6 million (December 31, 2011 - $49.4 million). The indenture agreements for the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes contain provisions for certain prepayment options (note 23) and premiums which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance.
The fair value of the prepayment options related to the 6.0% Senior Notes was allocated to indebtedness at their inception date. The aggregate impact of the prepayment options related to the 6.0% Senior Notes issued on May 14, 2012 and October 29, 2012 was a $5.6 million increase to the indebtedness. The prepayment option fair value initially allocated to indebtedness is subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method and had a carrying value of $5.2 million at December 31, 2012.
The initial fair value impact, in June 2008, of the prepayment options on the 11.0% Senior Notes was an increase to the indebtedness of $6.5 million. This liability was subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method. The carrying amount at December 31, 2011 was $4.1 million. The unamortized amount was derecognized in May 2012 upon the repayment of the 11.0% Senior Notes.
The initial fair value impact, in June 2008, on the prepayment options on the 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes was an increase to the indebtedness of $2.7 million. This liability is subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method with carrying amount of $1.8 million at December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $2.1 million).
The fair value impact of the premiums on the 6.0% Senior Notes was an increase to indebtedness of $7.0 million. This liability is subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method with a carrying amount of $6.8 million at December 31, 2012.
The initial fair value impact, in March 2012, of the interest rate floors on the U.S. TLB Facility was a decrease to the indebtedness of $44.3 million. This asset is subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method with a carrying amount of $39.0 million at December 31, 2012.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
18. INDEBTEDNESS - (continued)
The initial fair value impact, in March 2012, of the interest rate floors on the Canadian TLB Facility was a decrease to the indebtedness of $1.7 million. This asset is subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method with a carrying amount of $1.6 million at December 31, 2012.
The short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs, prepayment options, interest rate floors and premiums are as follows:
The outstanding balance of indebtedness, excluding deferred financing costs, interest rate floors, prepayment options and premiums will be repaid as follows (in millions of Canadian dollars):
19. SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES
On March 28, 2012, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding senior preferred shares for $145.5 million in cash, which consisted of $141.4 million in principal and $4.1 million in accrued dividends.
20. PROMISSORY NOTE
On March 28, 2012, the Company issued a Promissory Note (the “PSP Note”) to an affiliate of PSP Investments in the amount of $145.5 million. The PSP Note was repaid together with accrued interest of $8.4 million on October 31, 2012.
The PSP Note included embedded interest rate floors and deferred financing costs which, as of March 2012, was a decrease to the PSP Note of $1.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The assets were subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method. The unamortized amounts were derecognized in October 2012 upon the repayment of the PSP Note with a loss on financing of $1.2 million recognized.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
21. SHARE CAPITAL
With the closing of the new Senior Secured Credit Facilities on March 28, 2012, as described in note 18, the Company declared and paid a special cash distribution to its Common, Voting Participating Preferred, and Non-Voting Participating Preferred shareholders, as a return of capital, in the amount of $656.5 million.
In December 2012, certain executives exercised their stock options granted under the Company’s share based compensation plan in exchange for 2,249,747 non-voting preferred shares with a stated value of $14.8 million. There were no changes to the quantity of shares issued in the other classes of shares.
There were no changes to the rights, privileges or conditions associated to each class of shares.
The authorized share capital of the Company is comprised of: (i) an unlimited number of common shares, of voting participating preferred shares, of non-voting participating preferred shares, of redeemable common shares, and of redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares, and (ii) 1,000 director voting preferred shares. None of the redeemable common shares or redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares have been issued as at December 31, 2012. The Company’s share based compensation plan has authorized the grant of up to 8,824,646 options to purchase non-voting participating preferred shares (see note 24).
Common Shares
The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all annual and special meetings of the shareholders of the Company and to one vote in respect of each common share held on all matters at all such meetings, except in respect of a class vote applicable only to the shares of any other class, in respect of which the common shareholders shall have no right to vote. The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, and are entitled to share in the distribution of the assets of the Company upon liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, subject to the rights, privileges and conditions attaching to any other class of shares ranking in order of priority. The common shares are convertible at the holders’ option, at any time, into voting participating preferred shares or non-voting participating preferred shares, on a one-for-one basis. The common shares have no par value.
Voting Participating Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges and conditions of the voting participating preferred shares are identical in all respects to those of the common shares, except for the following:
•The holders of voting participating preferred shares are not entitled to vote at meetings of the shareholders of the Company on resolutions electing directors.
•For all other meetings of the shareholders of the Company, the holders of voting participating preferred shares are entitled to a variable number of votes per voting participating preferred share based on the number of voting participating preferred shares, non-voting participating preferred shares and redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares outstanding on the record date of the given meeting of the shareholders of the Company.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
21. SHARE CAPITAL - (continued)
•The voting participating preferred shares are convertible, at any time, at the holders’ option into common shares or non-voting participating preferred shares on a one-for-one basis as long as the result of such conversion does not cause the Company to cease to be a “qualified corporation” within the meaning of the Canadian Telecommunication Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (Canada).
The voting participating preferred shares have no par value.
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges and conditions of the non-voting participating preferred shares are identical in all respects to those of the common shares, except for the following:
•The holders of non-voting participating preferred shares are not entitled to vote on any matter at meetings of the shareholders of the Company, except in respect of a class vote applicable only to the non-voting participating preferred shares.
•The non-voting participating preferred shares are convertible, at any time, at the holders’ option into common shares or voting participating preferred shares on a one-for-one basis as long as the result of such conversion does not cause the Company to cease to be a “qualified corporation” within the meaning of the Canadian Telecommunication Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (Canada).
The non-voting participating preferred shares have no par value.
Director Voting Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges and conditions of the director voting preferred shares are identical in all respects to those of the common shares, except for the following:
•The holders of director voting preferred shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Company at which directors of the Company are to be elected. The holders of the director voting preferred shares are not entitled to attend meetings of the shareholders of the Company and have no right to vote on any matter other than the election of directors of the Company.
•The holders of director voting preferred shares are entitled to receive annual non-cumulative dividends of $10 per share if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, in priority to the payment of dividends on the common shares, voting participating preferred shares, non-voting participating preferred shares, redeemable common shares, and redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares, but after payment of any accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares.
•In the event of liquidation, wind-up or dissolution, the holders of director voting preferred shares are entitled to receive $10 per share in priority to the payment of dividends on the common shares, voting participating preferred shares, non-voting participating preferred shares, redeemable common shares, and redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares, but after payment of any accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares.
•The director voting preferred shares are redeemable at the option of the Company, at any time, at a redemption price of $10 per share.
The director voting preferred shares have a nominal stated value.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
22. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES
Telesat is a privately held company with registered debt in the United States. The Company’s financial strategy is designed to maintain compliance with the financial covenant under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities (see note 18), and to maximize returns to its shareholders and other stakeholders. Telesat meets these objectives through regular monitoring of the financial covenant and operating results on a quarterly basis. The Company’s overall financial strategy remains unchanged from 2011.
Telesat defines its capital as shareholders’ equity (comprising issued share capital, accumulated earnings and excluding reserves) and debt financing (comprising indebtedness and excluding deferred financing costs, prepayment options, interest rate floors and premiums as detailed in note 18).
The Company’s capital at the end of the year were as follows:
The Company was previously subject to three financial covenant tests: a maximum Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) for covenant purposes ratio test, a minimum Consolidated EBITDA for covenant purposes to Consolidated Interest Expense ratio test and a maximum Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount test. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with the three financial covenant tests. These covenants are no longer applicable as a result of the termination of the previous Senior Secured Credit Facilities on March 28, 2012.
The Company entered into new Senior Secured Credit Facilities on March 28, 2012. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets. Under the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Company is required to comply with a senior secured leverage ratio covenant. The covenant is based on a Consolidated Total Secured Debt to Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) for covenant purposes ratio test. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s Consolidated Total Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio was 3.86:1, which was less than the maximum test ratio of 5.25:1.
As part of the on-going monitoring of Telesat’s compliance with its financial covenants, interest rate risk due to variable interest rate debt is managed through the use of interest rate swaps (note 23), and foreign exchange risk exposure arising from principal and interest payments on Telesat’s debt is partially managed through a cross-currency basis swaps (note 23). In addition, the Company’s operating results are tracked against budget on a monthly basis, and this analysis is reviewed by senior management.
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Measurement of Risks
The Company, through its financial assets and liabilities, is exposed to various risks. The following analysis provides a measurement of risks as at the balance sheet date of December 31, 2012.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial asset will default, resulting in the Company incurring a financial loss. At December 31, 2012, the maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets, $383.1 million (December 31, 2011 - $474.2 million).
Cash and cash equivalents are invested with high quality investment grade financial institutions and are governed by the Company’s corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high-grade U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - (continued)
The Company has entered into various cross-currency basis swaps and interest rate swaps. The Company mitigates the credit risk associated with these swaps by entering into swaps with only high quality financial institutions.
Telesat has a number of diverse customers, which limits the concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables. The Company has credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes intended to mitigate potential credit risks. Telesat’s standard payment terms are 30 days. Interest at a rate of 1.5% per month, compounded monthly, is typically charged on balances remaining unpaid at the end of the standard payment terms. Telesat’s historical experience with customer defaults has been minimal. As a result, Telesat considers the credit quality of its North American customers to be high, however due to the additional complexities of collecting from its International customers the Company considers the credit quality of its International customers to be lower than the North American customers. At December 31, 2012, North American and International customers made up 61% and 39% of the outstanding trade receivable balance, respectively (December 31, 2011 - 51% and 49%, respectively). Anticipated bad debt losses have been provided for in the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2012 was $3.0 million (December 31, 2011 - $3.7 million).
Foreign exchange risk
The Company’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. The Company’s main currency exposures as at December 31, 2012 lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and indebtedness. The most significant impact being on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. At December 31, 2012, $2,811.2 million of the $3,485.3 million total debt financing (before netting of deferred financing costs, premiums, interest rate floors and prepayment options) (December 31, 2011 - $2,797.9 million of the $2,877.9 million) is the Canadian dollar equivalent of the U.S. dollar denominated portion of the debt.
The Company has entered into cross-currency basis swaps to economically hedge the foreign currency risk on a portion of its U.S. dollar denominated debt. At December 31, 2012, the Company had cross-currency basis swaps of $1,163.0 million (December 31, 2011 - $1,175.3 million) which required the Company to pay Canadian dollars to receive USD $1,001.3 million (December 31, 2011 - USD $1,011.8 million). At December 31, 2012, the fair value of these derivative contracts was a liability of $192.2 million (December 31, 2011 - liability of $160.4 million). The non-cash loss will remain unrealized until the contracts are settled. These contracts are due on October 31, 2014.
As at December 31, 2012, a 5 percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) the Company’s net income by $145.1 million and increased (decreased) other comprehensive income by $0.7 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its long-term debt which is primarily variable rate financing. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest Telesat is required to pay. Telesat uses interest rate swaps to economically hedge the interest rate risk related to variable rate debt financing. At December 31, 2012, the Company had a series of five interest rate swaps to fix interest on $1,480.0 million of debt at a weighted average rate of 2.63% (excluding applicable margin) and one interest rate swap to pay a fixed rate of 1.46% (excluding applicable margin) on $300 million of U.S. denominated debt (December 31, 2011 - three interest rate swaps to fix interest on $930.0 million of Canadian dollar denominated debt at weighted average rate of 3.82%). As at December 31, 2012, the fair value of these derivative contracts was a liability of $36.7 million (December 31, 2011 - liability of $53.1 million). The contracts mature between October 31, 2014 and September 30, 2016.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - (continued)
If the interest rates on the unhedged variable rate debt change by 0.25% this would result in a change in the net income of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Liquidity risk
The Company maintains credit facilities to ensure it has sufficient available funds to meet current and foreseeable financial requirements. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at December 31, 2012:
The carrying value of the deferred satellites performance incentive payments includes $1.0 million interest payable. The carrying value of the long-term indebtedness includes $14.4 million of interest payable.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - (continued)
Financial assets and liabilities recorded in the balance sheet were as follows:
Assets pledged as security
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of Telesat’s assets which exclude the assets of non-restricted subsidiaries.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - (continued)
Fair Value
Fair value is the amount that willing parties would accept to exchange a financial instrument based on the current market for instruments with the same risk, principal and remaining maturity. Where possible, fair values are based on the quoted market values in an active market. In the absence of an active market, we determine fair values based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market-based inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Estimates of fair values are affected significantly by the assumptions for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates, which all reflect varying degrees of risk. Potential income taxes and other expenses that would be incurred on disposition of these financial instruments are not reflected in the fair values. As a result, the fair values are not necessarily the net amounts that would be realized if these instruments were actually settled.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Included in cash and cash equivalents are $127.6 million (December 31, 2011 - $66.5 million) of short-term investments. The fair value of the indebtedness is based on transactions and quotations from third parties considering market interest rates and excluding deferred financing costs and premiums.
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
On March 28, 2012, the Company recorded embedded derivatives as a result of the refinancing of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the new PSP Note. The embedded derivatives are related to interest rate floors and prepayment options included in the Canadian TLB Facility (note 18), the U.S. TLB Facility (note 18) and the PSP Note (note 20). At March 28, 2012, the fair value of the embedded derivatives was a liability of $46.1 million. On October 31, 2012, the PSP Note was repaid which resulted in the recognition of a loss of $1.9 million on the write-off of the interest rate floor.
On May 14, 2012 and October 29, 2012, a prepayment option embedded derivative was recognized in connection with the 6.0% Senior Notes. At May 14, 2012 and October 29, 2012, the fair value of the new prepayment option embedded derivative was an asset of $2.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. In connection with the Company’s redemption of its 11.0% Senior Notes, a loss of $165.4 million was recognized on the write-off of the previous prepayment option embedded derivative asset.
On June 20, 2012, the Company entered into three new interest rate swaps to economically hedge its exposure to floating interest rates on the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. At June 20, 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $2.1 million.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - (continued)
The changes in fair value of these derivatives are recorded on the Company’s consolidated statement of income as gains or losses on changes in fair value of financial instruments, are non-cash, and will expire on their respective maturity dates.
The current and long-term portions of the fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities, at each of the balance sheet dates, and the fair value methodologies used to calculate those values were as follows:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
24. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Telesat Holdings Stock Option Incentive Plan
On September 19, 2008, Telesat adopted a stock option incentive plan (the “stock option plan”) for certain key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The stock option plan provides for the grant of up to 8,824,646 options to purchase non-voting participating preferred shares of Telesat Holdings Inc., convertible into common shares.
Two different types of stock options can be granted under the stock option plan: time-vesting options and performance-vesting options. The time-vesting options generally become vested and exercisable over a five-year period by 20% increments on October 31 st of each year, starting in 2008. The vesting amount is prorated for optionees whose employment with the Company or its subsidiaries commenced after October 31, 2007. The performance-vesting options become vested and exercisable over a five-year period starting March 31, 2009, provided the Company has achieved or exceeded an annual or cumulative target consolidated EBITDA established and communicated on the grant date by the Board of Directors.
The Company expenses the fair value of stock options that are expected to vest over the vesting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The share-based compensation expense is included in operating expenses.
The exercise periods of the stock options expire 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price of each share underlying the options will be the higher of a fixed price, established by the Board of Directors on the grant date, and the fair market value of a non-voting participating preferred share on the grant date.
The movement in the number of stock options outstanding and their related weighted-average exercise prices are as follows:
During 2011, no options were granted, forfeited, exercised or expired.
In December 2012, the Board approved the repurchase for cash consideration of 20% of all vested stock options. A total of 1,660,619 options were repurchased. Also in December 2012, certain executives exercised share appreciation rights (“SARs”) in relation to a total of 5,311,568 of their stock options granted under the Company’s share based compensation plan and received 2,249,747 non-voting participating preferred shares and cash equivalent to certain withholding taxes payable in respect of the exercise of the SARs. The Company paid $35.3 million in cash consideration for the stock option repurchase and net withholding taxes relating to the exercise of the SARs. In 2012, no options were granted or expired.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
24. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - (continued)
The compensation expenses, number of stock options granted, weighted-average fair value per option granted and the assumptions used to determine the share-based compensation expense using the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows:
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company’s net defined benefit plan expense included in operating expense consisted of the following elements:
The Company’s funding policy is to make contributions to its pension funds based on actuarial cost methods as permitted by pension regulatory bodies. Contributions reflect actuarial assumptions concerning future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Plan assets are represented primarily by Canadian and foreign equity securities, fixed income instruments and short-term investments.
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for some of its retired employees and their dependents. Participants are eligible for these benefits generally when they retire from active service and meet the eligibility requirements for the pension plan. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the retiree generally paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and coinsurance provisions.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - (continued)
The obligations were included on the balance sheets as follows:
The amounts recognized in the balance sheets are determined as follows:
The changes in the defined benefit obligations and in the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the defined benefit plans were as follows:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - (continued)
The major categories of plan assets as a percentage of total plans assets and the expected rate of return on assets at the end of the year for each category are as follows:
Plan assets are valued as at the measurement date of December 31 each year. The overall expected rate of return is a weighted average of the expected returns of the various investment categories held in the asset portfolio. The Management Level Pension Fund Investment Committee and Investment Managers’ assessment of the expected returns is based on historical average return trends and market predictions.
The actual return on plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $14.2 million (December 31, 2011 - $1.9 million).
The experience adjustments on plan liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a loss of $0.7 million (December 31, 2011 - loss of $1.0 million). The experience adjustments on plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a gain of $3.3 million (December 31, 2011 - loss of $8.8 million).
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - (continued)
The significant assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s pension and other benefit obligations were as follows:
For measurement purposes, the medical trend rate for drugs was assumed to be 8.0% for 2013, decreasing by 0.2% per annum, to a rate of 4.5% per annum in 2028 and thereafter. Other medical trend rates were assumed to be 4.5%. The health care cost trend rate was assumed to be 9.5% grading down to 5.0% in 2021.
Actuarial gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income:
Sensitivity of assumptions
The impact of a hypothetical 1% change in the health care cost trend rate on the other post-retirement benefit obligation and the aggregate of service and interest cost would have been as follows:
The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in amounts based on a 1% point variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in amounts may not be linear. The sensitivities have been calculated independently of changes in other key variables. Changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which could amplify or reduce certain sensitivities.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - (continued)
The Company expects to make contributions of $11.7 million to the defined benefit plans during the next fiscal year.
26. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(a) In 2011, the insurance proceeds received for the settlement of the T14R/Estrela do Sul 2 claim were restricted in use for the purpose of repaying a portion of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facilities or to be reinvested in satellite procurements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The insurance proceeds were given as the satellite’s north solar array anomaly has diminished the amount of power available for the satellite’s transponders and reduced the operational life expectancy of the satellite. As a result of the termination of the Company’s previous Senior Secured Credit Facilities on March 28, 2012, the restrictions over the use of the insurance proceeds received for the settlement of the Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 claim are no longer applicable.
The net change in operating assets and liabilities shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows is comprised of the following:
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Off balance sheet commitments include operating leases, commitments for future capital expenditures and other future purchases.
Certain of the Company’s offices, warehouses, earth stations, and office equipment are leased under various terms. The aggregate expense related to operating lease commitments for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $6.8 million (December 31, 2011 - $7.0 million, December 31, 2010 - $8.0 million). The expiry terms range from January 2013 to January 2043.
Telesat has entered into contracts for the construction and launch of Anik G1 (targeted for launch in 2013). The total outstanding commitments at December 31, 2012 are in U.S. dollars.
Telesat has agreements with various customers for prepaid revenue on several service agreements which take effect when the spacecraft is placed in service. Telesat is responsible for operating and controlling these satellites. Customer prepayments of $410.6 million (December 31, 2011 - $408.0 million), refundable under certain circumstances, are reflected in other financial liabilities, both current and long-term.
In the normal course of business, the Company has executed agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in various transactions. These indemnification undertakings and guarantees may require the Company to compensate the counterparties for costs and losses incurred as a result of certain events including, without limitation, loss or damage to property, change in the interpretation of laws and regulations (including tax legislation), claims that may arise while providing services, or as a result of litigation that may be suffered by the counterparties. The nature of substantially all of the indemnification undertakings prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount the Company could be required to pay counterparties as the agreements do not specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications.
Telesat and Loral have entered into an indemnification agreement whereby Loral will indemnify Telesat for any tax liabilities for taxation years prior to 2007 related to Loral Skynet operations. Likewise, Telesat will indemnify Loral for the settlement of any tax receivables for taxation years prior to 2007.
Special Payments to Executives and Certain Employees
On March 28, 2012, the Company authorized cash payments of $48.6 million to executives and certain employees of the Company in connection with the cash distribution made to the Company’s shareholders. Approximately $47.0 million of the $48.6 million was recorded as compensation expense at December 31, 2012, with the majority of the expense paid during the second quarter. The remaining amounts are expected to be paid over the next three years, subject to the applicable executives’ and employees’ continued employment with the Company on the payment date and other conditions.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - (continued)
Legal Proceedings
The Company frequently participates in proceedings before national telecommunications regulatory authorities. In addition, the Company may also become involved from time to time in other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business.
We are subject to audits by taxing authorities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We are currently involved in various proceedings, including several tax disputes with both the Hong Kong and Brazilian tax authorities. The Hong Kong authorities challenged our offshore claim for exempt income for the years 1999 to 2005. The total tax assessed is $34 million and Loral has indemnified us for this exposure. The Brazilian tax authorities are alleging underpayments by us based on a disputed characterization of income. They have assessed additional tax of approximately $31.5 million. We believe the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in these claims is remote and as such, no reserve has been established. However, there can be no certainty that we will be successful in these matters nor that, if we are unsuccessful in the Hong Kong proceedings, that we will be able to collect on the Loral indemnification.
Other than the above, the Company is not aware of any proceedings outstanding or threatened as of the date hereof by or against us or relating to its business which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on Telesat Canada’s financial position or profitability.
28. SUBSIDIARIES
The list of significant companies included in the scope of consolidation is as follows:
The percentage of voting rights and interest were the same as at December 31, 2011.
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company’s immediate shareholders are Red Isle Private Investment Inc. (“Red Isle”), a company incorporated in Canada, Loral Holdings Corporation (“Loral Holdings”), a company incorporated in the United States, Mr. John P. Cashman and Mr. Colin D. Watson, two Canadian citizens, and certain key management personnel. Red Isle is wholly-owned by PSP Investments, a Canadian Crown corporation. Loral Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral, a United States publically listed company.
Transactions with subsidiaries
The Company and its subsidiaries regularly engage in inter-group transactions. These transactions include the purchase and sale of satellite services and communication equipment, providing and receiving network and call centre services, access to orbital slots and management services. The transactions have been entered into over the normal course of operations. Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore have not been disclosed.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - (continued)
Redemption of the Senior Preferred Shares and Issuance and Payment of a Promissory Note
On March 28, 2012, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding senior preferred shares, previously held by Red Isle, for $145.5 million in cash, which included $141.4 million of principal and $4.1 million of accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares (refer to note 19). In exchange for the redemption of the senior preferred shares, the Company issued a subordinated promissory note to Red Isle in the amount of $145.5 million (refer to note 20). The promissory note of $145.5 million together with $8.4 million of accrued interest was repaid on October 29, 2012.
Distributions to Loral Holdings and Red Isle
On March 28, 2012, the Company declared a special cash distribution to its shareholders, Loral Holdings and Red Isle, as a reduction in stated value, in the amount of $656.5 million. The special cash distribution was split $420.2 million and $236.3 million to Loral Holdings and Red Isle, respectively.
Key Management Personnel - Special Payments
In connection with the special cash distribution made to the Company’s shareholders, the Board authorized $48.6 million in special payments to the Company’s executives and certain employees. At December 31, 2012, $47.0 million of the special bonus was expensed and $45 million was paid. The remaining amounts are expected to be paid over the next three years, subject to the applicable executives’ and employees’ continued employment with the Company on the payment date and other conditions.
Independent Board of Directors Special Payment
In 2012, the Company’s four independent directors received a special payment for the assistance they provided in the assessment of various strategic alternatives explored by the Company in 2011. The amount paid to the four independent directors was, in aggregate, $0.9 million.
Compensation of executives and Board level directors
Transactions with related parties
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries regularly engage in transactions with related parties. The Company’s related parties include Loral, Red Isle, and Loral Canadian Gateway Corporation (“LCGC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral.
Space Systems/Loral (“SSL”) is a satellite manufacturer and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral. They were a related party of Telesat up to November 2, 2012 when the sale to an unrelated party was finalized by Loral.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - (continued)
During the year, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into the following transactions with related parties.
(1) The 2012 transactions include only the activities from January 1 to November 2, 2012.
The following balances were outstanding at the end of the year:
(1) Amounts owed by/to SSL are the amounts outstanding as at December 31, 2012, which related to transactions entered into prior to November 2, 2012.
The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash.
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - (continued)
The Company has entered into a contract for the construction of Anik G1 with SSL. The total outstanding commitments at December 31, 2012 were $1.2 million (December 31, 2011 - $50.9 million).
Stock Option Repurchase and Exercise of Share Appreciation Rights
In December 2012, the Board approved the repurchase for cash consideration of 20% of all vested stock options. A total of 1,660,619 options were repurchased by the Company. Also in December 2012, certain executives exercised their share appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted under the Company’s share based compensation plan and received 2,249,747 non-voting participating preferred shares and cash equivalent to certain withholding taxes payable in respect of the exercise of the SARs.
Other related party transactions
The Company funds certain defined benefit pension plans. Contributions made to the plans for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $10.7 million (December 31, 2011 - $8.1 million).
30. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes were co-issued by Telesat LLC and Telesat Canada, (“the Issuers”) which are 100% owned subsidiaries of Telesat, and were guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, by Telesat and certain of its subsidiaries.
The condensed consolidating financial information below for the year ended December 31, 2012, the year ended December 31, 2011, and the year ended December 31, 2010 are presented pursuant to Article 3-10(d) of Regulation S-X. The information presented consists of the operations of Telesat Holdings Inc. Telesat Holdings Inc. primarily holds investments in subsidiaries and equity. Telesat LLC, a U.S. Delaware corporation, is a financing subsidiary that has no assets, liabilities or operations.
The condensed consolidating financial information reflects the investments of Telesat Holdings Inc. in the Issuers, of the Issuers in their respective Guarantor and Non-Guarantor subsidiaries and of the Guarantors in their Non-Guarantor subsidiaries using the equity method.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
As at December 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flow
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flow
For the year ended December 31, 2010