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.

Investments in Affiliates

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. Our equity in net income or loss also reflects amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat and XTAR, on satellites we constructed for them while we owned SS/L and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets. 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 is 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.

Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts, the realization of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, the fair value of liabilities indemnified and our pension liabilities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $51.4 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.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and receivables. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit-quality financial institutions. The Land Note is guaranteed by Royal Bank of Canada. As a result, management believes that its potential credit risks are minimal.

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

The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	42,432	$	—	$	—	$	3,216	$	—	$	—
Note receivable:
Land Note	$	—	$	—	$	33,667	$	—	$	—	$	101,000
Liabilities
Indemnifications:
Sale of SS/L	$	—	$	—	$	(428)	$	—	$	—	$	10,897
Globalstar do Brasil S.A.	$	—	$	—	$	972	$	—	$	—	$	1,320

The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value as of each reporting date because of the short maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount of the Land Note approximates fair value as of each reporting date because the stated interest rate is consistent with current market rates.

The fair value of indemnifications related to the sale of SS/L was originally 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. As of December 31, 2014, the indemnification liability related to the ViaSat Suit has been excluded from the fair value table as a result of the Settlement Agreement and the Allocation Agreement, which provided for fixed payments (see Note 15). The estimated liability for the indemnification of SS/L for pre-closing taxes, originally determined using fair value objective approach, is net of payments since inception. The estimated liability for indemnifications relating to Globalstar do Brasil S.A. (“GdB”), originally determined using expected value analysis, is net of payments since inception. The fair values of indemnification liabilities are not remeasured on a recurring basis. The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value as of December 31, 2014.

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.

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.

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 “Unrealized gain on derivatives” as a component of other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income 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 14).

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.

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. We base 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 is based on term-matching, nominal, monthly U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates as of the date of grant. We assume no dividends during the expected term.

SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights were classified as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

Loral 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 benefit of an uncertain tax position (“UTP”) taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns is 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 benefit recognized in the financial statements from such a position is 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 its liability for UTPs in income tax expense on a quarterly basis.

The unrecognized tax benefit of a UTP is recognized in the period when the UTP 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 or unconverted restricted stock units, restricted stock and SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights.

Discontinued Operations

For 2012, the operations of SS/L and gain on sale of SS/L are reported as discontinued operations in our statements of operations and cash flows. Adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations that are directly related to the Sale are classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (see Note 3).

Additional Cash Flow Information

The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Non-cash operating items:
Equity in net loss (income) of affiliates	$	1,502	$	(38,827)	$	(34,340)
Deferred taxes		(10,276)		28,184		22,003
Depreciation and amortization		42		18		62
Stock-based compensation		—		417		1,072
Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss		456		8,687		(8,224)
Unrealized gain on nonqualified pension plan assets		—		—		(108)
Gain on disposition of available-for-sale securities		—		—		(202)
Gain on foreign currency transactions and contracts		—		—		(1,316)
Net non-cash operating items – continuing operations	$	(8,276)	$	(1,521)	$	(21,053)
Non-cash operating items – discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	(346,377)
Non-cash investing activities:
Note received from land sale	$	—	$	—	$	101,000
Supplemental information:
Interest paid – continuing operations	$	15	$	17	$	106
Interest paid – discontinued operations	$	227	$	—	$	1,841
Tax (refunds) payments, net - continuing operations	$	(10,265)	$	(10,061)	$	122
Tax payments, net of refunds – discontinued operations	$	—	$	35,074	$	—

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items. ASU 2015-01 simplifies income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Under the existing guidance, an entity is required to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is of unusual nature and occurs infrequently. This separate, net-of-tax presentation (and corresponding earnings per share impact) will no longer be allowed. The existing requirement to separately present items that are of unusual nature or occur infrequently on a pre-tax basis within income from continuing operations has been retained. The new guidance also requires similar separate presentation of items that are both unusual and infrequent. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued a new standard – ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern - that will explicitly require management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. According to the new standard, substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists if it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date the entity’s financial statements are issued. In order to determine the specific disclosures, if any, that would be required, management will need to assess if substantial doubt exists, and, if so, whether its plans will alleviate such substantial doubt. The new standard requires assessment each annual and interim period and will be effective for the Company on December 31, 2016 with earlier application permitted.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 that creates a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Companies can elect to use either a full or modified retrospective approach when adopting this update which is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU No. 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, only those disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Also, disposal of an equity method investment that meets the definition of a discontinued operation is to be reported in discontinued operations under the new guidance. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2015, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.