UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the quarterly period ended | |
OR | |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from___________ to _____________ |
Commission File Number
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Jurisdiction of incorporation: | ||
IRS employer identification number: | ||
Telephone: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ◻ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |
Smaller reporting company | |||
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes
As of August 11, 2021,
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021
Page No. | |
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | 3 |
4 | |
5 | |
6 | |
7 | |
Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 27 |
43 | |
44 | |
44 | |
45 | |
46 | |
48 | |
2
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
| June 30, | December 31, | |||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
ASSETS | |||||
Current assets: | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | | ||
Income tax refund receivable | | ||||
Other current assets | | ||||
Total current assets | | ||||
Right-of-use asset | | ||||
Investments in affiliates | | ||||
Deferred tax assets | | ||||
Other assets | | ||||
Total assets | $ | $ | | ||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||
Current liabilities: | |||||
Accrued employment costs | $ | $ | | ||
Other current liabilities | | ||||
Total current liabilities | | ||||
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities | | ||||
Other liabilities | | ||||
Total liabilities | | ||||
Commitments and contingencies | |||||
Shareholders' Equity: | |||||
Preferred stock, $ | | | |||
Series A junior participating preferred stock, $ | |||||
| | ||||
Series B preferred stock, $ | |||||
| | ||||
Common Stock: | |||||
Voting common stock, $ | |||||
| |||||
Non-voting common stock, $ | |||||
| |||||
Paid-in capital | | ||||
Treasury stock (at cost), | ( | ( | |||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||
Total shareholders' equity | | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | $ | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
3
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Operating loss | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Interest and investment income | | | | | |||||||
Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Other expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Loss before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Income tax benefit (provision) | | | | ( | |||||||
Loss before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates | | | | ( | |||||||
Net income (loss) | | | | ( | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | ( | ( | ( | | |||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | |||
| |||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share: | |||||||||||
Basic | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | |||
Diluted | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
Basic | | | | | |||||||
Diluted | | | | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
4
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Voting | Non-Voting | Voting | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
| Shares |
| Paid-In |
| Accumulated | Comprehensive | Shareholders' | ||||||||||||||||||
Issued | Amount | Issued | Amount | Capital | Shares | Amount | Deficit | Loss | Equity | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2020 | | $ | | | $ | | $ | | | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | |||||||||
Net loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2020 | | | | | | | ( | ( | ( | | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common dividend paid ($ | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | ( | ( | ( | | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common dividend paid ($ | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | ( | ( | ( | | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2021 | | | | | | | ( | ( | ( | | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2021 | | $ | | | $ | | $ | | | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
5
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
Operating activities: | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | | $ | ( | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities | |||||
Non-cash operating items (Note 2) | ( | | |||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||
Other current assets | ( | | |||
Accrued employment costs and other current liabilities | | ( | |||
Income tax refund receivable, net of payable | | ( | |||
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities | ( | ( | |||
Other liabilities | | | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ( | |||
Financing activities: |
| ||||
Dividend paid | | ( | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | | ( | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — period decrease | ( | ( | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (Note 2) — beginning of year | | | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (Note 2) — end of period | $ | | $ | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
6
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
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.
On November 23, 2020, Loral entered into a Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Transaction Agreement”) with Telesat Canada, a Canadian corporation (“Telesat”), Telesat Partnership LP, a limited partnership formed under the laws of Ontario, Canada (“Telesat Partnership”), Telesat Corporation, a newly formed corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and the sole general partner of Telesat Partnership (“Telesat Corporation”), Telesat CanHold Corporation, a corporation incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada and wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Partnership (“Telesat CanHoldco”), Lion Combination Sub Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), Public Sector Pension Investment Board, a Canadian Crown corporation (“PSP”), and Red Isle Private Investments Inc., a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of PSP (“Red Isle”), under which Merger Sub will merge with and into Loral, with Loral surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Partnership (the “Merger”), and Loral stockholders receiving common shares of Telesat Corporation and/or units of Telesat Partnership that will be exchangeable for common shares of Telesat Corporation (the “Transaction”).
The Transaction Agreement contains a number of customary conditions that must be fulfilled to complete the Transaction, including (i) approval of (A) a majority of the outstanding Loral voting common stock and (B) a majority of the outstanding Loral voting common stock not held by MHR Fund Management LLC (“MHR”), PSP, any other party to the Transaction Agreement or certain of their respective affiliates; (ii) the parties having obtained certain regulatory consents and approvals; (iii) no legal proceedings having been commenced that would enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Transaction; (iv) the listing of the Class A and Class B shares of Telesat Corporation on a U.S. securities exchange; (v) no “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) having occurred; (vi) Telesat remaining in good standing with respect to its material debt obligations; (vii) the accuracy of certain representations (subject to certain qualifications as to materiality) and material performance of certain covenants by the parties, subject to specified exceptions; (viii) effectiveness of a registration statement on Form F-4 in connection with the Transaction (the “Registration Statement”) and the issuance of a receipt for each of the Canadian preliminary and final prospectuses in respect of the Transaction; (ix) no U.S., Canadian or Spanish governmental agency having commenced civil or criminal proceeding against Loral alleging that any member of the “Loral Group” has criminally violated any law, and no member of the “Loral Group” having been indicted or convicted for, or pled nolo contendere to, any such alleged criminal violation; (x) Loral remaining solvent and not having entered into any bankruptcy or related proceeding; and (xi) the delivery by the parties of certain closing deliverables. If the parties have confirmed that all the conditions are satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”), but which conditions are capable of being satisfied at the Closing), then PSP and Loral will each have the right to extend the Closing for any number of periods of up to 30 days each and no longer than 120 days in the aggregate, from the date on which the Closing otherwise would have occurred. If the Closing is extended, the Closing will occur on the first two consecutive business days commencing on the fifth business day after the expiration of the final extension period on which the conditions are satisfied or waived (other than the conditions (i) with respect to no “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) having occurred, (ii) that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions at the Closing and (iii) if PSP extends the Closing, with respect to a civil or criminal legal proceeding alleging that Loral or any of its subsidiaries (excluding XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”) and Globalstar de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“GdM”) and their subsidiaries), has criminally violated a law). Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing and any extensions described above, we expect to complete the Transaction in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2021.
On June 30, 2021, the Registration Statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and a Special Meeting of Stockholders to consider the approval of the Transaction and the Transaction Agreement and related proposals (the “Special Meeting”) was scheduled for August 9, 2021. Prior to the convening of the Special Meeting, however, Loral was informed by Telesat of recent developments regarding the possibility of a potential investment by the government of Canada (the “GoC”) in the development of Telesat Lightspeed, Telesat’s global constellation of low earth orbit (“LEO”) satellites (the “Potential GoC Investment Transaction”). The Potential GoC Investment Transaction, if consummated, would occur following the pending Transaction. In light of the Potential GoC Investment Transaction, the Special Meeting was convened as
7
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
scheduled but was immediately adjourned without conducting any other business in order to provide stockholders with an opportunity to receive and consider additional information that is anticipated to be disclosed with respect to the Potential GoC Investment Transaction before voting on the Transaction. The Special Meeting will be reconvened and held virtually on Monday, August 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. eastern time. The record date of the Special Meeting, June 10, 2021, remains unchanged.
On August 6, 2021, Loral was notified that the applications filed with the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) for the transfer of control of Telesat’s and XTAR’s FCC licenses in connection with the Transaction had been approved. The FCC’s approval is conditioned on Telesat’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ compliance with a Letter of Agreement entered into with the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) to address certain national security and law enforcement risks identified by the DOJ and certain Executive Branch agencies. Certain other regulatory consents and approvals required to consummate the Transaction are still pending.
Upon satisfaction of the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction will result in the current stockholders of Loral, PSP and the other shareholders in Telesat (principally current or former management of Telesat) owning approximately the same percentage of equity in Telesat indirectly through Telesat Corporation and/or Telesat Partnership as they currently hold (indirectly in the case of Loral stockholders and PSP) in Telesat, Telesat Corporation becoming the publicly traded general partner of Telesat Partnership and Telesat Partnership indirectly owning all of the economic interests in Telesat, except to the extent that the other shareholders in Telesat elect to retain their direct interest in Telesat.
The Transaction Agreement provides certain termination rights for both Loral and PSP and further provides that, in certain circumstances, Loral may be required to pay to Red Isle a termination fee of $
Expenses related to the Transaction included in other expense in our statements of operations were $
Description of Business
Loral has
Telesat owns and leases a satellite fleet that operates in geostationary 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. Telesat is also developing Telesat Lightspeed, a global constellation of LEO satellites. LEO satellites operate in a circular orbit around the earth with an altitude typically between 500 and 870 miles. Unlike geostationary orbit satellites that operate in a fixed orbital location above the equator, LEO satellites travel around the earth at high velocities requiring antennas on the ground to track their movement. LEO satellite systems have the potential to offer a number of advantages over geostationary orbit satellites to meet growing requirements for broadband services, both consumer and commercial, by providing increased data speeds and capacity, global coverage, and latency on par with, or potentially better than, terrestrial services.
2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the SEC and, in our opinion, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flows as of the balance sheet dates presented and for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to keep the information presented from being misleading. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
8
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The December 31, 2020 balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Investments in Affiliates
Our ownership interest in Telesat is accounted for using the equity method of accounting under U.S. GAAP. Telesat’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards (“IFRS”). To allow our reporting of our investment in Telesat under U.S. GAAP, Telesat provides us with a reconciliation of its financial statements from IFRS to U.S. GAAP. Income and losses of Telesat are recorded based on our economic interest. The contribution of Loral Skynet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral prior to its contribution to Telesat in 2007, was recorded by Loral at the historical book value of our retained interest combined with the gain recognized on the contribution. However, the contribution was recorded by Telesat at fair value. Accordingly, 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 or loss of Telesat also reflects amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat, on satellites we constructed for Telesat while we owned Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc.) (“SSL”) and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets. Non-refundable cash distributions received from Telesat in excess of our initial investment and our share of cumulative equity in comprehensive income of Telesat, net of cash distributions received in prior periods, are recorded as equity in net income of Telesat (“Excess Cash Distribution”) since we have no obligation to provide future financial support to Telesat. After receiving an Excess Cash Distribution, we do not record additional equity in net income of Telesat until our share of Telesat’s future net income exceeds the Excess Cash Distribution. 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. We had
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 materially differ from estimates.
Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts, income taxes, including the valuation of deferred tax assets, the fair value of liabilities indemnified, the dilutive effect of Telesat stock options (see Note 10) and our pension liabilities.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $
On
On
9
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had restricted cash of $
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheet to the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows (in thousands):
June 30, | December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | |
Restricted cash included in other current assets | | | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows | $ | | $ | |
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. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents were invested primarily in two liquid government AAA money market funds. Such funds are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The dispersion across funds reduces the exposure of a default at any one fund. 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.
10
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis (in thousands):
June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | |||||||||||||||||
Money market funds | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Other current assets: | |||||||||||||||||
Indemnification - Sale of SSL | | | | | | | |||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
Indemnification - Globalstar do Brasil S.A. | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |
The carrying amount of money market funds approximates fair value as of each reporting date because of the short maturity of those instruments.
The Company did not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that were recognized or disclosed at fair value as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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.
The asset resulting from the indemnification of SSL is for certain pre-closing taxes and reflects the excess of payments since inception over refunds and the estimated liability, which was originally determined using the fair value objective approach. 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.
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.
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 each period any additional U.S. current and deferred tax required on actual or deemed distributions from Telesat, including Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”). 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.
11
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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 interest and penalties related to income taxes 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 unconverted restricted stock units. For diluted earnings per share, earnings are adjusted for the dilutive effect of Telesat stock options and restricted share units.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019- 12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is expected to reduce the cost and complexity related to accounting for income taxes. The new guidance removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification 740 and improves how financial statement preparers will apply certain income tax-related guidance. The ASU is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative to make narrow-scope improvements to accounting standards through a series of short-term projects. The new guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2021, did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Additional Cash Flow Information
The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
Non-cash operating items: | |||||
Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates | $ | ( | $ | | |
Deferred taxes | ( | ( | |||
Depreciation | | | |||
Right-of-use asset, net of lease liability | ( | ( | |||
Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss | | | |||
Net non-cash operating items | $ | ( | $ | | |
Supplemental information: | |||||
Interest paid | $ | | $ | | |
Income tax refunds | $ | | $ | | |
Income tax payments | $ | | $ | |
12
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):
|
| Equity in | ||||||
| Pension and | Telesat-related | Accumulated | |||||
Other | Other | Other | ||||||
| Post-retirement | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | |||||
| Benefits | Loss | Loss | |||||
Balance, January 1, 2020 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | | |||||
Net current-period other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Balance, December 31, 2020 | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification | | ( | ( | |||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | | |||||
Net current-period other comprehensive loss | | ( | ( | |||||
Balance, June 30, 2021 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Before-Tax | Tax | Net-of-Tax | Before-Tax | Tax (Provision) | Net-of-Tax | |||||||||||||
Amount | Provision | Amount | Amount | Benefit | Amount | |||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credits | ||||||||||||||||||
and net actuarial loss | $ | | (a) | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | (a) | $ | ( | $ | | ||||
Equity in Telesat-related other | ||||||||||||||||||
comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ( | ( | | ( | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Before-Tax | Tax (Provision) | Net-of-Tax | Before-Tax | Tax | Net-of-Tax | |||||||||||||
Amount | Benefit | Amount | Amount | Provision | Amount | |||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credits | ||||||||||||||||||
and net actuarial loss | $ | | (a) | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | (a) | $ | ( | $ | | ||||
Equity in Telesat-related other | ||||||||||||||||||
comprehensive (loss) income | ( | | ( | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( | $ | |
(a) |
13
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consists of (in thousands):
| June 30, | December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Restricted cash (see Note 2) | $ | $ | |||
Indemnification receivable from SSL for pre-closing taxes (see Note 13) | | | |||
Due from affiliates | | | |||
Prepaid expenses | | | |||
Other | | | |||
$ | | $ | |
5. Investments in Affiliates
Investments in affiliates consist of (in thousands):
| June 30, | December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Telesat | $ | | $ | |
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates consists of (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
Telesat | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( |
Telesat
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held a
In addition to recording our share of equity in net income of Telesat, we also recorded our share of equity in other comprehensive loss of Telesat of $
The ability of Telesat to pay dividends or certain other restricted payments in cash to Loral is governed by applicable covenants in Telesat’s debt and shareholder agreements. Telesat’s credit agreement governing its senior secured credit facilities limits, among other items, Telesat’s ability to incur debt and make dividend payments if the total leverage ratio (“Total Leverage Ratio”) is above
On
Interest on the
14
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The
In April 2021, Telesat cancelled
In April 2021, Telesat approved the adoption of a restricted share unit (“Telesat RSU”) plan. A total of
In April 2021,
The following table presents summary financial data for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| June 30, | December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Balance Sheet Data: | |||||
Current assets | $ | | $ | | |
Total assets | | | |||
Current liabilities | | | |||
Long-term debt | | | |||
Total liabilities | | | |||
Shareholders’ equity | | |
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||||||
Revenues | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Operating expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Other operating (expense) income | ( | | ( | ( | |||||||
Operating income | | | | | |||||||
Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | | | ( | |||||||
Gain (loss) on financial instruments | | ( | | ( | |||||||
Other (loss) income | ( | | ( | | |||||||
Income tax provision | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( |
15
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Other
We own
Prior to July 1, 2020, XTAR owned and operated an X-band satellite, XTAR–EUR (the “Satellite”) located at the 29° E.L. orbital slot (the “Orbital Slot”). In addition, prior to July 1, 2020, XTAR leased from Hisdesat 7.2 72MHz X-band transponders on the Spainsat satellite located at 30° W.L. (the “Transponder Lease”). On July 1, 2020, Loral, XTAR and Hisdesat restructured their relationship, including, among other things, the following: (i) Hisdesat purchased the Satellite and certain assets related to operation of the Satellite (the “Purchased Assets”) from XTAR; (ii) XTAR’s agreement with Hisdesat to operate the Satellite at the Orbital Slot was terminated and the rights and licenses to operate the Satellite at the Orbital Slot reverted to Hisdesat; (iii) the Transponder Lease was terminated; (iv) XTAR and Hisdesat entered into an agreement under which XTAR will continue to market and sell capacity on the Satellite and on the Spainsat satellite; (v) XTAR and Loral terminated the management agreement between them (the “Loral Management Agreement”) under which, until December 31, 2013, XTAR was charged a quarterly management fee for services provided by Loral; and (vi) Loral granted to Hisdesat an option to acquire for nominal consideration, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, Loral’s membership interests in XTAR. As of the date of this report, Hisdesat has not exercised this option. On July 2, 2020, Loral received from XTAR $
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company also held an indirect ownership interest in GdM which currently serves as the exclusive service provider for Globalstar service in Mexico. The Company accounts for this ownership interest using the equity method of accounting. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of this investment was
6. Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consist of (in thousands):
| June 30, | December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
$ | | $ | | ||
Due to affiliate | | | |||
Accrued professional fees | | | |||
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities | | | |||
Income taxes payable | | | |||
Accrued liabilities | | | |||
$ | | $ | |
16
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
7. Income Taxes
The following summarizes our income tax benefit (provision) (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Current income tax provision | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Deferred income tax benefit | | | | | |||||||
Income tax benefit (provision) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( |
For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, our income tax benefit (provision) is computed by applying an expected effective annual tax rate against the pre-tax results for each period (after adjusting for certain tax items that are discrete to each period). For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, this amount is then reduced by the tax benefit (provision) recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The current income tax provision for each period includes our anticipated income tax liability related to GILTI from Telesat and our provision for UTPs. After utilizing our net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and allowable tax credits, federal income tax on GILTI from Telesat was
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, subject to the provisions of the Transaction Agreement, in order to prevent federal NOLs from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets.
The following summarizes amounts for UTPs included in our income tax benefit (provision) (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Current provision for UTPs | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Deferred benefit for UTPs | | | | | |||||||
Tax provision for UTPs | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
As of June 30, 2021, we had unrecognized tax benefits relating to UTPs of $
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 2014. Earlier years related to certain foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination. To the extent allowed by law, the tax authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where NOLs were generated and carried forward, and make adjustments up to the amount of the NOL 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 2021, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax will expire with regard to certain UTPs, potentially resulting in a $
17
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
As of June 30, 2021, if our positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, the Company’s income tax provision would be reduced by approximately $
8. Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consist of (in thousands):
| June 30, | December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Indemnification liabilities - other (see Note 13) | $ | | $ | | |
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions | | | |||
$ | | $ | |
9. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Plans
The Loral amended and restated 2005 stock incentive plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) which allowed 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, had a ten-year term and has expired. As of June 30, 2021 and 2020, outstanding and unconverted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) were
We paid special dividends of $
10. Earnings Per Share
Telesat has awarded employee stock options, which, if exercised, would result in dilution of Loral’s economic ownership interest in Telesat from
The following table presents the dilutive impact of Telesat stock options on Loral’s reported net income for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||
Net income — basic | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||
Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Net income — diluted | $ | | $ | | $ | |
18
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Telesat stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as the effect would be antidilutive.
Basic income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of share of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding. The following is the computation of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | |||||
Unconverted restricted stock units | | | | |||||
Common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share | | | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the following unconverted restricted stock units are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive (in thousands):
Six Months Ended | ||
June 30, 2020 | ||
Unconverted restricted stock units | |
11. Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans
The following tables provide the components of net periodic cost for our qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Benefits”) and health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents (the “Other Benefits”) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
Service cost (1) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Interest cost (2) | | | | | |||||||
Expected return on plan assets (2) | ( | ( | | | |||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) (2) | | | | ( | |||||||
Net periodic cost | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |
Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
Service cost (1) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Interest cost (2) | | | | | |||||||
Expected return on plan assets (2) | ( | ( | | | |||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) (2) | | | | ( | |||||||
Net periodic cost | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |
(1) |
(2) |
19
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
12. 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.
Foreign Currency
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
There were
13. Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Matters
In 2012, we sold our former subsidiary, SSL, to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Maxar Technologies Inc. (formerly known as MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) (“MDA”). Under the terms of the purchase agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA and its affiliates from liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include an indemnification refund receivable of $
In connection with the sale in 2008 by Loral and certain of its subsidiaries and DASA Globalstar LLC to Globalstar Inc. of their respective interests in GdB, the Globalstar Brazilian service provider, Loral agreed to indemnify Globalstar Inc. and GdB for certain GdB pre-closing liabilities, primarily related to Brazilian taxes. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include liabilities of $
See Note 14 — Related Party Transactions — Transactions with Affiliates — Telesat for commitments and contingencies relating to our agreement to indemnify Telesat for certain liabilities.
Lease Arrangements
We lease a facility and certain equipment under agreements expiring at various dates. We may renew, extend or modify the lease covering our facilities as needed. In March 2021, the operating lease for our corporate offices was modified by extending the lease expiration date from June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021 and decreasing the rent for the extension period. The facility lease modification was accounted for by remeasuring the lease liability and adjusting the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset by the amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability as of March 31, 2021. We have
20
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Lease costs expensed for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Rent Expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |
Lease payments for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $
The following is a reconciliation of the lease liability to future lease payments as of June 30, 2021 (in thousands):
Operating lease payments - (July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021) | $ | |
Less: Future interest | | |
$ | | |
Amounts recognized in Balance Sheet | ||
$ | |
Legal Proceedings
Litigation Related to the Transaction
Southern District of New York Litigation. On May 5, 2021, Guy Coffman filed a complaint (Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-04007, the ‘‘Coffman Complaint’’) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Loral and the members of the Loral Board (the ‘‘Individual Defendants’’). Also on May 5, 2021, Shiva Stein filed a complaint (Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-04018, the “Stein Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Loral and the Individual Defendants. On May 7, 2021, Julia Marshall filed a complaint (Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-04128, the ‘‘Marshall Complaint’’) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Loral, the Individual Defendants and Merger Sub (collectively, the ‘‘Loral Defendants’’); the Marshall Complaint also named as defendants Telesat, Telesat Corporation, Telesat Partnership and Telesat CanHoldco (together, the ‘‘Telesat Defendants’’) and PSP and Red Isle (the ‘‘PSP Defendants’’ and, together with the Loral Defendants and the Telesat Defendants, the ‘‘SDNY Defendants’’). On June 18, 2021, Anthony Morgan filed a complaint (Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-05385, the “Morgan Complaint” and, together with the Coffman Complaint, the Stein Complaint and the Marshall Complaint, the “SDNY Complaints”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Loral and the Individual Defendants.
The SDNY Complaints alleged, among other things, that the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed on April 26, 2021 with the SEC by Telesat Corporation and Telesat Partnership, and, in the case of the Morgan Complaint, such Registration Statement as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto filed with the SEC by Telesat Corporation and Telesat Partnership on May 28, 2021 (the ‘‘2021 Registration Statement’’) contained materially incomplete and misleading information. The SDNY Complaints sought, among other things, to enjoin the SDNY Defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Transaction, unless and until the SDNY Defendants disclosed the material information that plaintiffs claimed had been omitted from the 2021 Registration Statement; awarding plaintiffs the costs and disbursements of their actions, including reasonable attorneys’ and expert fees and expenses; and such other and further equitable relief as the court may deem just and proper.
None of the Complaints have to date been served on the SDNY Defendants. The Stein Complaint was voluntarily dismissed on July 8, 2021, and the Morgan Complaint was voluntarily dismissed on August 3, 2021.
21
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
If plaintiffs Coffman and Marshall do not withdraw their complaints and proceed to litigate their claims, the Loral Defendants believe that they have, and intend vigorously to pursue, meritorious defenses to such claims. There can be no assurance, however, that resolution of the lawsuits will not result in additional unanticipated expense to the Company or that the Loral Defendants’ defenses will be successful with respect to all or some of plaintiffs’ claims or that the lawsuits filed by plaintiffs will not cause a delay in or impede consummation of the Transaction. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that these claims will have a material adverse effect on Loral’s financial position or results of operations or on Loral’s ability to consummate the Transaction.
Delaware Class Action Litigation. On June 21, 2021, Mcbreakley Pluviose filed a class action complaint (Civil Action No. 2021-0541-LWW, the “Pluviose Complaint”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Loral, the Individual Defendants, MHR and MHR Holdings LLC (collectively, the “Class Action Defendants”). On July 13, 2021, Diana Butchko filed a class action complaint (Civil Action No. 2021-0597-LWW, the “Butchko Complaint,” and, together with the Pluviose Complaint, the “Delaware Complaints”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against the Class Action Defendants.
The Delaware Complaints alleged, among other things, that the Transaction is substantively and procedurally unfair to Loral’s public stockholders. Each of the Delaware Complaints sought, among other things, a judgment declaring that the Transaction violated Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and that Loral’s shareholder rights plan was unenforceable; converting into non-voting shares of Telesat Corporation the shares that Dr. Rachesky and MHR receive in the Transaction in exchange for their shares of Loral non-voting common stock; finding the Individual Defendants, and Dr. Rachesky and MHR as controlling stockholders, liable for breaching their fiduciary duties owed to plaintiff and the class; enjoining the Loral stockholder vote on the Transaction unless and until it is subject to a vote under DGCL Section 203; and awarding to plaintiff and the class, damages, together with pre-and post-judgment interest, costs, expenses and disbursements of the action, including all reasonable attorneys’, accountants’ and experts’ fees, and such other relief as the court deems just and equitable.
On July 15, 2021, plaintiffs in the above-described Delaware lawsuits, with court approval, voluntarily dismissed their lawsuits.
Other and Routine Litigation
Other than as set forth above, we are not currently subject to any legal proceedings that, if decided adversely, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. In the future, however, we may become subject to legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, that may arise in the ordinary course of business or otherwise.
14. Related Party Transactions
MHR Fund Management LLC
Mark H. Rachesky, President and Chief Investment Officer of MHR, and Janet T. Yeung, a principal and the General Counsel of MHR, are members of Loral’s board of directors.
Various funds affiliated with MHR and Dr. Rachesky held, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximately
Transactions with Affiliates
Telesat
Transaction Agreement. On November 23, 2020, Loral entered into the Transaction Agreement with Telesat, Telesat Partnership, Telesat Corporation, Telesat CanHoldco, Merger Sub, PSP and Red Isle, under which Merger Sub will merge with and into Loral, with Loral surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Partnership, and Loral stockholders receiving common shares of Telesat Corporation and/or units of Telesat Partnership that will be exchangeable for common shares of Telesat Corporation following the expiration of a six-month lock-up period.
22
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
On June 24, 2021, pursuant to Section 12.8 of the Transaction Agreement, Loral, with the approval of the special committee of the board of directors of Loral, entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Transaction Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”) with the parties thereto, that replaced all references to Colin Watson in the Transaction Agreement with references to Clare Copeland, the transferee of the Transit Director Voting Preferred Shares (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) formerly held by the estate of Colin Watson.
Upon satisfaction of the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction will result in the current stockholders of Loral, PSP and the other shareholders in Telesat (principally current or former management of Telesat) owning approximately the same percentage of equity in Telesat indirectly through Telesat Corporation and/or Telesat Partnership as they currently hold (indirectly in the case of Loral stockholders and PSP) in Telesat, Telesat Corporation becoming the publicly traded general partner of Telesat Partnership and Telesat Partnership indirectly owning all of the economic interests in Telesat, except to the extent that the other shareholders in Telesat elect to retain their direct interest in Telesat.
The Transaction Agreement provides for certain economic adjustments and contractual protections with respect to Loral’s assets and liabilities other than its indirect interest in Telesat. These include among others:
● | One Time Payment. To compensate PSP and Red Isle for certain tax inefficiencies for PSP and Red Isle related to the structure of the Transaction, Loral will make a payment of $ |
● | Absolute Indemnities. |
The Transaction Agreement also provides certain termination rights for both Loral and PSP and further provides that, in certain circumstances, Loral may be required to pay to Red Isle a termination fee of $
In connection with the Transaction, Loral entered into the following agreements with related parties or their subsidiaries:
Subscription Agreement for Series B Preferred Stock. In connection with the Transaction, Loral issued to Telesat Partnership
Full and Final Release and Amendment of Tolling Agreement. Loral has asserted certain claims against PSP arising out of PSP’s actions in certain previous transaction processes relating to Telesat. PSP has asserted various counterclaims and Loral, PSP and Telesat have entered into a series of tolling agreements preventing those claims from being terminated due to the passing of the statute of limitations while negotiating the Transaction Agreement. In connection with the signing of the Transaction Agreement, the parties entered into a mutual release that will release those claims on the first to occur of the closing of the Transaction or the termination of the Transaction Agreement due to Loral’s material breach.
Standstill Agreement. Loral and MHR have entered into a standstill agreement (the “MHR Standstill Agreement”) prohibiting MHR and its affiliates from, subject to the terms thereof, acquiring more than an additional
23
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
On June 24, 2021, pursuant to Section 12.8 of the Transaction Agreement, Loral (with the approval of the special committee of the board of directors of Loral) and PSP entered into a consent letter agreement with and at the request of Telesat granting a limited waiver of Telesat Corporation’s obligations under Section 8.8(b) of the Transaction Agreement such that (a) Telesat Corporation or any of its subsidiaries may propose the issuance or sale of shares of capital stock or other equity interests of Telesat Corporation or any of its subsidiaries in connection with any private investment the purpose of which is to finance Telesat Lightspeed and (b) Telesat Corporation may privately propose the issuance or sale of shares of capital stock or other equity interests of Telesat Corporation in connection with an underwritten public offering to potential underwriters, applicable regulators and to Loral and PSP, and may furnish a registration statement on Form F-1 and amendments thereto on a confidential basis to the SEC and deliver corresponding documents to applicable Canadian securities regulators in connection with an underwritten offering of securities; provided that Telesat Corporation does not publicly file such registration statement or publicly announce its intention to conduct such offering (except to generally disclose its intention to conduct such an offering pursuant to disclosure to be included in Telesat Corporation’s and Telesat Partnership’s registration statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC and reasonably acceptable to Loral and PSP); provided, in each case, that such consent does not extend to the authorization or issuance of such shares of capital stock or other equity interests.
Ownership Interest. As described in Note 5, we own a
Shareholders Agreement. 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 co-owner, PSP and one of its subsidiaries, 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 and its subsidiaries will be conducted and the relationships among the parties thereto and future shareholders of Telesat. 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 or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Shareholders Agreement details the matters requiring the approval of the shareholders of Telesat (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. The Shareholders Agreement also (i) restricts the ability of holders of certain shares of Telesat to transfer such shares unless certain conditions are met or approval of the transfer is granted by the directors of Telesat, (ii) provides for a right of first offer to certain Telesat shareholders if a holder of equity shares of Telesat wishes to sell any such shares to a third party and (iii) 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 equity securities.
Under the Shareholders Agreement, in the event that, except in certain limited circumstances, either (i) ownership or control, directly or indirectly, by Dr. Rachesky of Loral’s voting stock falls below certain levels other than in connection with certain specified circumstances, including an acquisition by a Strategic Competitor (as defined in the Shareholders Agreement) 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 without the approval of the incumbent directors, Loral will lose its veto rights relating to certain extraordinary actions by Telesat 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, 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 Loral’s right to call PSP’s shares at fair market value.
The Shareholders Agreement provides for a board of directors of 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 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. In addition, Michael B. Targoff, Loral’s Vice Chairman, serves on the board of directors of Telesat.
24
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Consulting Services Agreement. On
Tax Indemnification. In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat in 2007, Loral retained the benefit of tax recoveries related to the transferred assets and indemnified Telesat (“Telesat Indemnification”) for certain liabilities, including Loral Skynet’s tax liabilities arising prior to January 1, 2007. The Telesat Indemnification includes certain tax disputes currently under review in various jurisdictions including Brazil. The Brazilian tax authorities challenged Loral Skynet’s historical characterization of its revenue generated in Brazil for the years 2003 to 2006. Telesat received and challenged, on Loral Skynet’s behalf, tax assessments from Brazil totaling approximately $
Administrative Fee. Loral’s employees and retirees participate in certain welfare plans sponsored or managed by Telesat. Loral pays Telesat an annual administrative fee of $
Grant Agreements. Loral, along with Telesat, PSP and 4440480 Canada Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral (the “Special Purchaser”), has entered into (i) a stock option grant agreement dated November 18, 2013 with respect to shares in Telesat with Telesat President and CEO, Daniel Goldberg (the “Goldberg Stock Option Grant Agreement”); (ii) an award agreement for Telesat restricted share units dated November 28, 2018 with Mr. Goldberg (the “Goldberg RSU Grant Agreement”); and (iii) restricted share unit grant agreements dated April 23, 2021 with respect to shares in Telesat (the “2021 RSU Grant Agreements” and, together with the Goldberg RSU Grant Agreement, the “RSU Grant Agreements”) with the following executives of Telesat: Mr. Goldberg, Andrew Browne, Telesat Chief Financial Officer, Erwin Hudson, Telesat Vice President, LEO, and Michael Schwartz, Telesat Senior Vice President, Corporate and Business Development (each a “Participant” and collectively, the “Participants”).
The Goldberg Stock Option Grant Agreement documents a grant to Mr. Goldberg of Telesat stock options (including tandem SAR rights) and provides for certain rights, obligations and restrictions related to such stock options, which include, among other things: (w) the possible obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase the shares in the place of Telesat should Telesat be prohibited by applicable law or under the terms of any credit agreement applicable to Telesat from purchasing such shares, or otherwise default on such purchase obligation, pursuant to the terms of the Goldberg Stock Option Grant Agreement; (x) the obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase shares upon exercise by Telesat of its call right under Telesat’s Management Stock Incentive Plan in the event of Mr. Goldberg’s termination of employment; (y) the right of Mr. Goldberg to require the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat owned by him in the event of exercise after termination of employment to cover taxes that are greater than the minimum withholding amount; and (z) the right of Mr. Goldberg to require Telesat to cause the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat owned by him, or that are issuable to him under Telesat’s Management Stock Incentive Plan at the relevant time, in the event that more than
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LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Goldberg RSU Grant Agreement documents a grant to Mr. Goldberg of restricted stock units with respect to shares in Telesat and provides for certain rights, obligations and restrictions related to such restricted stock units, which include, among other things: (x) the possible obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase the shares in the place of Telesat should Telesat be prohibited by applicable law or under the terms of any credit agreement applicable to Telesat from purchasing such shares, or otherwise default on such purchase obligation, pursuant to the terms of the Goldberg RSU Grant Agreement; and (y) the obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase shares upon exercise by Telesat of its call right under Telesat’s Management Stock Incentive Plan in the event of the termination of Mr. Goldberg’s employment.
The 2021 RSU Grant Agreements document grants to the Participants of restricted share units with respect to shares in Telesat and provide for certain rights, obligations and restrictions related to such restricted share units, which include, among other things, the obligation of the Special Purchaser, prior to the occurrence of the Transaction, to purchase Telesat shares upon exercise by Telesat of its call right under Telesat’s Restricted Share Unit Plan in the event of the termination of a Participant’s employment.
The Goldberg Stock Option Grant Agreement and the RSU Grant Agreements further provide that, in the event the Special Purchaser is required to purchase Telesat shares pursuant to such agreements, 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, with Telesat agreeing to the acquisition of such subsidiary by Telesat from the Special Purchaser for nominal consideration and with the purchase price for the shares being paid by Telesat within ten (
Other than the stock options that remain outstanding under the Goldberg Stock Option Grant Agreement as discussed above, stock options to purchase shares in Telesat previously granted by Telesat to certain Telesat executives (Messrs. Goldberg, Browne, Hudson and Schwartz) and a former Telesat executive (Mr. Cayouette) under stock option grant agreements among Telesat, such Telesat executives or former executive, PSP, Loral and the Special Purchaser have been either exercised for Telesat shares or cancelled, and, accordingly, neither Loral nor the Special Purchaser has any further obligations under those agreements.
Other
We own
Consulting Agreement
On
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) included in Item 1 and our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
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Loral Space & Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation, 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.
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 Commitments and Contingencies section below and to our other periodic reports filed with the 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
On November 23, 2020, Loral entered into a Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Transaction Agreement”) with Telesat Canada, a Canadian corporation (“Telesat”), Telesat Partnership LP, a limited partnership formed under the laws of Ontario, Canada (“Telesat Partnership”), Telesat Corporation, a newly formed corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and the sole general partner of Telesat Partnership (“Telesat Corporation”), Telesat CanHold Corporation, a corporation incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada and wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Partnership (“Telesat CanHoldco”), Lion Combination Sub Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), Public Sector Pension Investment Board, a Canadian Crown corporation (“PSP”), and Red Isle Private Investments Inc., a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of PSP (“Red Isle”), under which Merger Sub will merge with and into Loral, with Loral surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Partnership (the “Merger”), and Loral stockholders receiving common shares of Telesat Corporation and/or units of Telesat Partnership that will be exchangeable for common shares of Telesat Corporation following the expiration of a six-month lock-up period (the “Transaction”).
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The Transaction Agreement contains a number of customary conditions that must be fulfilled to complete the Transaction, including (i) approval of (A) a majority of the outstanding Loral voting common stock and (B) a majority of the outstanding Loral voting common stock not held by MHR Fund Management LLC (“MHR”), PSP, any other party to the Transaction Agreement or certain of their respective affiliates; (ii) the parties having obtained certain regulatory consents and approvals; (iii) no legal proceedings having been commenced that would enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Transaction; (iv) the listing of the Class A and Class B shares of Telesat Corporation on a U.S. securities exchange; (v) no “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) having occurred; (vi) Telesat remaining in good standing with respect to its material debt obligations; (vii) the accuracy of certain representations (subject to certain qualifications as to materiality) and material performance of certain covenants by the parties, subject to specified exceptions; (viii) effectiveness of a registration statement on Form F-4 in connection with the Transaction (the “Registration Statement”) and the issuance of a receipt for each of the Canadian preliminary and final prospectuses in respect of the Transaction; (ix) no U.S., Canadian or Spanish governmental agency having commenced civil or criminal proceeding against Loral alleging that any member of the “Loral Group” has criminally violated any law, and no member of the “Loral Group” having been indicted or convicted for, or pled nolo contendere to, any such alleged criminal violation; (x) Loral remaining solvent and not having entered into any bankruptcy or related proceeding; and (xi) the delivery by the parties of certain closing deliverables. If the parties have confirmed that all the conditions are satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”), but which conditions are capable of being satisfied at the Closing), then PSP and Loral will each have the right to extend the Closing for any number of periods of up to 30 days each and no longer than 120 days in the aggregate, from the date on which the Closing otherwise would have occurred. If the Closing is extended, the Closing will occur on the first two consecutive business days commencing on the fifth business day after the expiration of the final extension period on which the conditions are satisfied or waived (other than the conditions (i) with respect to no “Material Adverse Effect” (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) having occurred, (ii) that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions at the Closing and (iii) if PSP extends the Closing, with respect to a civil or criminal legal proceeding alleging that Loral or any of its subsidiaries (excluding XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”) and Globalstar de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“GdM”) and their subsidiaries), has criminally violated a law). Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing and any extensions described above, we expect to complete the Transaction in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2021.
On June 30, 2021, the Registration Statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and a Special Meeting of Stockholders to consider the approval of the Transaction and the Transaction Agreement and related proposals (the “Special Meeting”) was scheduled for August 9, 2021. Prior to the convening of the Special Meeting, however, Loral was informed by Telesat of recent developments regarding the possibility of a potential investment by the government of Canada (the “GoC”) in the development of Telesat Lightspeed, Telesat’s global constellation of low earth orbit (“LEO”) satellites (the “Potential GoC Investment Transaction”). See “Description of Business – Telesat Lightspeed” below. The Potential GoC Investment Transaction, if consummated, would occur following the pending Transaction. In light of the Potential GoC Investment Transaction, the Special Meeting was convened as scheduled but was immediately adjourned without conducting any other business in order to provide stockholders with an opportunity to receive and consider additional information that is anticipated to be disclosed with respect to the Potential GoC Investment Transaction before voting on the Transaction. The Special Meeting will be reconvened and held virtually on Monday, August 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. eastern time. The record date of the Special Meeting, June 10, 2021, remains unchanged.
On August 6, 2021, Loral was notified that the applications filed with the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) for the transfer of control of Telesat’s and XTAR’s FCC licenses in connection with the Transaction had been approved. The FCC’s approval is conditioned on Telesat’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ compliance with a Letter of Agreement entered into with the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) to address certain national security and law enforcement risks identified by the DOJ and certain Executive Branch agencies. Certain other regulatory consents and approvals required to consummate the Transaction are still pending.
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Upon satisfaction of the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement, the Transaction will result in the current stockholders of Loral, PSP and the other shareholders in Telesat (principally current or former management of Telesat) owning approximately the same percentage of equity in Telesat indirectly through Telesat Corporation and/or Telesat Partnership as they currently hold (indirectly in the case of Loral stockholders and PSP) in Telesat, Telesat Corporation becoming the publicly traded general partner of Telesat Partnership and Telesat Partnership indirectly owning all of the economic interests in Telesat, except to the extent that the other shareholders in Telesat elect to retain their direct interest in Telesat.
The Transaction Agreement provides certain termination rights for both Loral and PSP and further provides that, in certain circumstances, Loral may be required to pay to Red Isle a termination fee of $6.55 million or $22.91million or to pay to PSP a “breach” fee of $40 million, in each case as provided in the Transaction Agreement.
Description of Business
Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite-based communications services. Loral participates in satellite services operations primarily through its ownership interest in Telesat, a leading global satellite operator. Telesat provides its satellite and communication services from a fleet of geostationary satellites that occupy Canadian and other orbital locations. Telesat is also developing a planned global constellation of LEO satellites known as “Telesat Lightspeed.” Loral holds a 62.6% economic interest and a 32.6% voting interest in Telesat as of June 30, 2021.
Telesat’s GEO Satellite Business
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 contractual revenue backlog by entering into long-term contracts with some of its customers, in some cases for all or substantially all of a satellite’s orbital maneuver life. Historically, this has resulted in revenue from the satellite services business being fairly predictable.
As of June 30, 2021, Telesat provided satellite services to customers from its fleet of 15 geostationary satellites, as well as the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. As of June 30, 2021, Telesat’s contracted backlog from its geostationary satellite business was approximately $1.9 billion.
Telesat Lightspeed
Telesat has commenced the development of what it believes will be the world’s most advanced constellation of LEO satellites and integrated terrestrial infrastructure, called “Telesat Lightspeed” – a platform designed to revolutionize the provision of global broadband connectivity. In January 2018, Telesat’s first LEO satellite was successfully launched into orbit. This Phase 1 LEO satellite has demonstrated certain key features of the Telesat Lightspeed system design, specifically the capability of the satellite and customer terminals to deliver a low latency broadband experience. Telesat also installed ground infrastructure at its teleport in Allan Park in Canada to support testing with a variety of existing and prospective customers and potential suppliers of the Telesat Lightspeed system hardware who have been participating in trials since the second half of 2018.
Telesat continues to advance its Telesat Lightspeed plans:
On August 9, 2021, Telesat and the Government of Ontario announced that they have partnered to bridge the digital divide in Ontario by leveraging Telesat’s advanced, state-of-the-art LEO satellite network, Telesat Lightspeed. Under this $109 million, five-year partnership, a dedicated Telesat Lightspeed capacity pool will be made available at substantially reduced rates to Canadian Internet service providers (“ISPs”), including Indigenous owned and operated ISPs, as well as mobile network operators to expand high-speed Internet and LTE/5G networks to Ontario’s unserved and underserved communities. The transaction is subject to the entering into of a further, definitive agreement which Telesat expects to execute in the coming weeks.
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On August 12 2021, Telesat announced that it had entered into a non-binding term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with the GoC regarding a $1.44 billion investment by the GoC or one of its Crown corporations (“Canada”) to support Telesat Lightspeed. In return, Telesat will commit to make certain minimum capital and operating expenditures in Canada in connection with the program and, in addition, to create hundreds of Canadian high-quality, full-time jobs and co-ops and provide academic scholarships.
The Term Sheet contemplates the following: (i) a CAD 790 million unsecured term loan from Canada to Telesat Leo Inc. (“Telesat LEO”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat organized under the laws of Canada that will develop Telesat Lightspeed (the “Loan”); (ii) the purchase of preferred shares of Telesat Leo by Canada, for an aggregate value of up to CAD 650 million (the “Canada Preferred Shares”); and (iii) warrants issued to Canada to purchase Telesat Corporation Class A common shares (“Telesat Parent Shares”) with an aggregate exercise price of CAD 144 million (the “Warrants” and, together with the Canada Preferred Shares, the “Equity Investments,” and the Equity Investments together with the Loan, the “Investments”).
Under the Loan, Telesat LEO would be the borrower of a CAD 790 million unsecured term loan with an interest rate of 2% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears or capitalized at the option of Telesat LEO. The proceeds from the Loan must be used exclusively for working capital and operational purposes in connection with the design, construction, delivery, launch, operation and maintenance of Telesat LEO’s low earth orbit satellite constellation of an initial 298 satellites and associated infrastructure. The Loan will require certain affirmative covenants of Telesat and Telesat LEO (collectively, the “Benefit to Canada Clauses”), which include minimum Canadian based operating expenditures, capital expenditures and Canadian control requirements, among others. The Loan would have a 20-year term, would not be subject to voluntary prepayment, but would be subject to reduction in principal amount if certain milestones set forth in the Term Sheet are met. Telesat will not be an obligor under the Loan.
The Canada Preferred Shares would be preferred shares of Telesat LEO with a per share subscription price of CAD 100 and would have a subscription amount of up to CAD 650 million (the “Subscription Amount”). The Canada Preferred Shares include a cumulative and compounding preferred dividend initially at 1% per annum and increasing to 5.5% per annum. The Canada Preferred Shares carry no voting rights except as provided by law and except for certain veto rights set out in Schedule B to the Term Sheet.
The Warrants would permit Canada to purchase a number of Telesat Parent Shares with an aggregate exercise price equal to the aggregate of (i) 10% of the principal amount of the Loan and (ii) 10% of the Subscription Amount of the Canada Preferred Shares. The exercise price of the Warrants would be the 180-day volume weighted average trading price of the Telesat Parent Shares on Nasdaq immediately after the listing of the Telesat Parent Shares, would be exercisable any time after the second anniversary of the listing of the Telesat Parent Shares and would have a term of 10 years.
The Investments all have certain conditions to closing, which include the execution of definitive documentation for the Investments in form and substance acceptable to Canada and the closing of the Transaction.
The Term Sheet is a non-binding agreement, and there can be no assurance that definitive documentation regarding the terms of the Investments will be executed. Telesat will seek to negotiate definitive documentation with the GoC, but there is no guarantee it will be successful in doing so. This summary is qualified by reference to the complete text of the Term Sheet, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.2.
With the investment from the GoC and other financing sources already in place, Telesat now has arrangements for approximately CAD 4 billion in funding for the program. These arrangements, including the GoC Investments, are subject to a number of conditions, including the entering into of further, definitive agreements.
Government Grant
In May 2019, Telesat entered into an agreement with the government of Canada pursuant to which the government of Canada will contribute up to CAD 85 million through July 31, 2023 to support the development of the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. In return for the grant, Telesat made a number of commitments to the government of Canada, including commitments to conduct over CAD 200 million of research and development activities in Canada as well as to expand Telesat’s Canadian workforce. As of June 30, 2021, Telesat claimed CAD 22.1 million against the government grant and incurred CAD 239 million in connection with this program.
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During the six months ended June 30, 2021, Telesat claimed CAD 5.1 million against the government grant and incurred CAD 104.7 million in connection with this program.
Canadian C-band
On August 27, 2020, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (“ISED”) launched a public consultation (the “Consultation”) on repurposing of C-band spectrum in Canada and on May 21, 2021 released its “Decision on the Technical and Policy Framework for the 3650¬4200 MHz Band and Changes to the Frequency Allocation of the 3500-3650 MHz Band.” In the decision, ISED largely adopted the proposal it had set forth in the Consultation which will require satellite operators to cease use of 300 MHz of C-band spectrum (3700-4000 MHz), other than in satellite-dependent areas, by March 31, 2025; ISED plans to auction the spectrum to companies that want to use it to provide terrestrial wireless services, principally 5G, in Canada. ISED did not provide for payments to satellite operators for either clearing expense reimbursement or as an incentive to clear the spectrum. In the decision, ISED rejected a proposal put forward by Telesat Canada, whereby Telesat Canada — the sole C-band licensee in Canada — would accelerate, and be responsible for, the clearing of a portion of the C-band spectrum for 5G and would auction a portion of that spectrum to Canadian wireless operators for 5G services, using the auction proceeds to fund the cost of clearing and to help fund the construction of Telesat Lightspeed.
Telesat Outlook
Telesat’s desirable spectrum rights, commitment to providing the highest level of customer service, deep technical expertise and culture of innovation have enabled it to successfully develop its business to date. Leveraging these strengths and building on its existing contractual revenue backlog, Telesat’s focus is on profitably growing its business by increasing the utilization of its in-orbit satellites and, in a disciplined manner, deploying expansion satellite capacity where strong market demand is anticipated.
After decades of developing and successfully operating its geosynchronous orbit-based satellite services business, Telesat is now poised to revolutionize the provision of global broadband connectivity by developing Telesat Lightspeed, which Telesat believes will be the world’s most advanced constellation of LEO satellites and integrated terrestrial infrastructure.
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. However, while Telesat regularly pursues these opportunities, 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.
In 2021, Telesat remains focused on increasing utilization of its existing satellites, the development of the Telesat Lightspeed constellation and identifying and pursuing opportunities to invest in other expansion of satellite capacity, all while maintaining operating discipline.
Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, approximately 52.5% of Telesat’s revenues, 33.3% of its operating expenses, 100% of its interest expense and a significant portion of its 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 indebtedness and cash and short-term investments. As of June 30, 2021, Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt totaled $3.0 billion. As of June 30, 2021, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar on financial assets and liabilities would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately $119.8 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
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In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat in 2007, Loral has agreed that, subject to certain exceptions described in the 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.
Other
We own 56% of the ordinary membership interests of XTAR, a joint venture between us and Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos, S.A. (“Hisdesat”) of Spain. Hisdesat owns the remaining 44% of the ordinary membership interests and all of XTAR’s Class A membership interests, which have liquidation priority over the ordinary membership interests. Prior to July 1, 2020, XTAR owned and operated an X-band satellite, XTAR–EUR (the “Satellite”) located at the 29° E.L. orbital slot (the “Orbital Slot”). In addition, prior to July 1, 2020, XTAR leased from Hisdesat 7.2 72MHz X-band transponders on the Spainsat satellite located at 30° W.L. (the “Transponder Lease”). For services provided by Loral, XTAR, until December 31, 2013, was charged a quarterly management fee under a management agreement with Loral (the “Loral Management Agreement”).
On July 1, 2020, Loral, XTAR and Hisdesat restructured their relationship, including, among other things, the following: (i) Hisdesat purchased the Satellite and certain assets related to operation of the Satellite (the “Purchased Assets”) from XTAR; (ii) XTAR’s agreement with Hisdesat to operate the Satellite at the Orbital Slot was terminated and the rights and licenses to operate the Satellite at the Orbital Slot reverted to Hisdesat; (iii) the Transponder Lease was terminated; (iv) XTAR and Hisdesat entered into an agreement under which XTAR will continue to market and sell capacity on the Satellite and on the Spainsat satellite; (v) XTAR and Loral terminated the Loral Management Agreement; and (vi) Loral granted to Hisdesat an option to acquire for nominal consideration, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, Loral’s membership interests in XTAR. As of the date of this report, Hisdesat has not exercised this option. On July 2, 2020, Loral received from XTAR $5.9 million from the proceeds of the sale of the Purchased Assets in full and final settlement of the past due receivable outstanding of $6.6 million under the Loral Management Agreement.
COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the COVID-19 coronavirus as a global pandemic. Various policies and initiatives have been implemented worldwide to reduce the global transmission of COVID-19, including the promotion of social distancing and the adoption of remote working policies.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a limited impact on Telesat’s and our ability to operate our respective businesses, Telesat’s customers in the maritime and aeronautical markets have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. At the request of some of these customers, Telesat amended the terms of certain of their contracts to mitigate the adverse financial impact that COVID-19 is having on their respective businesses. These arrangements have had an adverse impact on Telesat’s revenues and will continue to adversely impact Telesat’s revenues in the near term. While not sufficient to offset adverse impacts referred to above, Telesat experienced some increased demand for services as a result of COVID-19, primarily from rural broadband connectivity services.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was signed into law, and on April 24, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act was signed into law (collectively, the “COVID-19 Acts”) The COVID-19 Acts provided substantial stimulus and assistance packages intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including tax relief and government loans, grants and investments. The COVID-19 Acts reduced our income tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 by approximately $0.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively. We continue to monitor any other effects that may result from the COVID-19 Acts.
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Consolidated Operating Results
See Critical Accounting Matters in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and Note 2 to the financial statements.
Changes in Critical Accounting Policies — There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
The following compares our consolidated results for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 as presented in our financial statements:
General and Administrative Expenses
| Three Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
General and administrative expenses | $ | 1,900 | $ | 1,801 |
General and administrative expenses were comparable for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.
Other Expense
| Three Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Other expense | $ | 2,097 | $ | 2,703 |
For the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, other expense primarily includes Transaction related expenses.
Income Tax Benefit
| Three Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Income tax benefit | $ | 201 | $ | 1,469 |
For the three months ended June 30, our income tax benefit is summarized as follows: (i) for 2021, we recorded a current provision of $0.3 million and a deferred tax benefit of $0.5 million, resulting in a net tax benefit of $0.2 million and (ii) for 2020, we recorded a current provision of $0.4 million and a deferred tax benefit of $1.9 million, resulting in a net tax benefit of $1.5 million. Our deferred income tax benefit for 2020 included a benefit of $0.4 million from the COVID-19 Acts.
Our income tax benefit for each period is computed by applying an expected effective annual tax rate against the pre-tax results for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (after adjusting for certain tax items that are discrete to each period). This amount is then reduced by the tax benefit (provision) recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The current income tax provision for each period includes our anticipated income tax liability related to Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”) from Telesat and our provision for uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”). After utilizing our net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and allowable tax credits, federal income tax on GILTI from Telesat was zero for each period. The deferred income tax benefit for each period includes the impact of equity in net income (loss) of affiliates from our condensed consolidated statement of operations and the periodic effect of our accounting for GILTI. Since our deferred tax assets related to the investment in Telesat will be realized from the future recognition of GILTI, the federal portion of these deferred tax assets was valued at zero as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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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, subject to the provisions of the Transaction Agreement, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets.
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
| Three Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Telesat | $ | 25,291 | $ | 76,515 |
As of June 30, 2021, we held a 62.6% economic interest and a 32.6% voting interest in Telesat. Loral’s equity in net income (loss) of Telesat is based on our proportionate share of Telesat’s results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“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 amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat, on satellites we constructed for Telesat while we owned Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc.) (“SSL”) and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets.
Summary financial information for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in Canadian dollars and U.S. dollars for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In Canadian dollars) | (In U.S. dollars) | ||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||
Revenues | 188,626 | 208,610 | 153,664 | 149,761 | |||
Operating expenses | (62,982) | (46,609) | (50,955) | (33,465) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (56,335) | (59,936) | (45,854) | (43,031) | |||
Other operating (expense) income | (74) | 9 | (69) | 11 | |||
Operating income | 69,235 | 102,074 | 56,786 | 73,276 | |||
Interest expense | (46,637) | (51,195) | (37,916) | (36,685) | |||
Foreign exchange gain | 35,143 | 125,547 | 28,619 | 98,313 | |||
Gain (loss) on financial instruments | 2,725 | (6,867) | 2,209 | (4,884) | |||
Other (expense) income | (333) | 1,204 | (279) | 799 | |||
Income tax provision | (13,071) | (13,721) | (10,773) | (10,138) | |||
Net income | 47,062 | 157,042 | 38,646 | 120,681 | |||
Average exchange rate for translating Canadian dollars | 1.2282 | 1.3929 |
Telesat’s revenue increased by $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020 due primarily to the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated revenue, partially offset by a slight reduction in service for a North American DTH customer as well as non-renewals from certain other enterprise customers and lower consulting activities. The foreign exchange rate change increased Telesat’s revenue by $8.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020.
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Telesat’s operating expenses increased by $17.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020 primarily due to higher share-based compensation expense, higher wages primarily associated with the hiring of additional employees to support the Telesat Lightspeed program and the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated expenses, partially offset by higher capitalized engineering costs, lower bad debt expense due to a bad debt provision recorded in the prior year for maritime and aeronautical customers and lower consulting activities. The foreign exchange rate change increased Telesat’s operating expenses by $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
The following compares our consolidated results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 as presented in our financial statements:
General and Administrative Expenses
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
General and administrative expenses | $ | 3,629 | $ | 3,449 |
General and administrative expenses were higher by $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily from an increase in compensation expense and annual meeting expenses.
Interest and Investment Income
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Interest and investment income | $ | 3 | $ | 1,029 |
Interest and investment income decreased by $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to the lower cash balance resulting primarily from payment of cash dividends of $170.1 million and $46.4 million in May 2020 and December 2020, respectively, and lower interest rates earned on the cash balance during the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Other Expense
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Other expense | $ | 4,472 | $ | 4,140 |
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, other expense primarily includes Transaction related expenses.
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Income Tax Benefit (Provision)
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Income tax benefit (provision) | $ | 423 | $ | (647) |
For the six months ended June 30, our income tax benefit (provision) is summarized as follows: (i) for 2021, we recorded a current provision of $0.6 million and a deferred tax benefit of $1.0 million, resulting in a net tax benefit of $0.4 million and (ii) for 2020, we recorded a current provision of $0.9 million and a deferred tax benefit of $0.3 million, resulting in a net tax provision of $0.6 million. Our deferred income tax benefit for 2020 included a benefit of $3.5 million from the COVID-19 Acts.
Our income tax benefit (provision) for each period is computed by applying an expected effective annual tax rate against the pre-tax results for the six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (after adjusting for certain tax items that are discrete to each period). The current income tax provision for each period includes our anticipated income tax liability related to GILTI from Telesat and our provision for UTPs. After utilizing our NOL carryforwards and allowable tax credits, federal income tax on GILTI from Telesat was zero for each period. The deferred income tax benefit for each period includes the impact of equity in net income (loss) of affiliates from our condensed consolidated statement of operations and the periodic effect of our accounting for GILTI. Since our deferred tax assets related to the investment in Telesat will be realized from the future recognition of GILTI, the federal portion of these deferred tax assets was valued at zero as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
During 2021, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax will expire with regard to certain UTPs, potentially resulting in a $19.5 million reduction to our income tax provision.
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, subject to the provisions of the Transaction Agreement, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In thousands) | |||||
Telesat | $ | 59,893 | $ | (40,559) |
The following is a reconciliation of the changes in our investment in Telesat for the six months ended June 30, 2021:
| Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, 2021 | |||||
(In thousands) | |||||
Balance, January 1, 2021 | $ | 192,664 | |||
Components of equity in net income of Telesat: | |||||
Equity in net income of Telesat | $ | 57,723 | |||
Eliminations of affiliate transactions and related amortization | 2,170 | 59,893 | |||
Equity in Telesat-related other comprehensive loss | (4,186) | ||||
Balance, June 30, 2021 | $ | 248,371 |
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Summary financial information for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in Canadian dollars and U.S. dollars as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in thousands):
June 30, | December 31, | June 30, | December 31, | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In Canadian dollars) | (In U.S. dollars) | ||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
| ||||||
Current assets | 1,546,189 | 894,835 | 1,247,156 | 703,210 | |||
Total assets | 5,613,586 | 5,018,579 | 4,527,918 | 3,943,875 | |||
Current liabilities | 162,122 | 165,233 | 130,767 | 129,849 | |||
Long-term debt | 3,693,039 | 3,159,944 | 2,978,805 | 2,483,256 | |||
Total liabilities | 4,471,426 | 3,996,600 | 3,606,651 | 3,140,747 | |||
Shareholders’ equity | 1,142,160 | 1,021,979 | 921,267 | 803,128 | |||
Period end exchange rate for translating Canadian | |||||||
dollars to U.S. dollars (1 U.S. dollar equals) | 1.2398 | 1.2725 |
Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||
(In Canadian dollars) | (In U.S. dollars) | ||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||
Revenues | 379,895 | 418,060 | 303,718 | 308,326 | |||
Operating expenses | (103,185) | (93,259) | (82,495) | (68,781) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (110,781) | (119,928) | (88,567) | (88,448) | |||
Other operating expense | (705) | (212) | (564) | (156) | |||
Operating income | 165,224 | 204,661 | 132,092 | 150,941 | |||
Interest expense | (88,828) | (106,075) | (71,016) | (78,232) | |||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 70,103 | (167,224) | 56,046 | (123,330) | |||
Gain (loss) on financial instruments | 4,745 | (16,120) | 3,794 | (11,889) | |||
Other (loss) income | (1,348) | 5,880 | (1,076) | 4,338 | |||
Income tax provision | (34,626) | (12,821) | (27,683) | (9,456) | |||
Net income (loss) | 115,270 | (91,699) | 92,157 | (67,628) | |||
Average exchange rate for translating Canadian dollars | 1.2514 | 1.3570 |
Telesat’s revenue decreased by $4.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 due primarily to decreases in the maritime and commercial aviation markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as non-renewals from certain other enterprise customers, a slight reduction in service for a North American DTH customer and lower consulting activities, partially offset by the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated revenue. The foreign exchange rate change increased Telesat’s revenue by $11.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Telesat’s operating expenses increased by $13.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily due to higher share-based compensation expense, higher wages primarily associated with the hiring of additional employees to support the Telesat Lightspeed program and the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated expenses, partially offset by higher capitalized engineering costs, reversal of a bad debt provision relating to the maritime and aeronautical customers that was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and lower consulting activities. The foreign exchange rate change increased Telesat’s operating expenses by $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020.
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Backlog
Telesat’s backlog as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $1.9 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Loral
As described above, Loral’s principal asset is a 62.6% economic interest in Telesat. The operations of Telesat are not consolidated but are presented using the equity method of accounting. Loral has no debt. Telesat has third party debt with financial institutions. Cash is maintained at Loral and Telesat 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.
Cash and Available Credit
At June 30, 2021, Loral had $23.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and no debt. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2021 decreased by $8.4 million from December 31, 2020 due primarily to corporate expenses of $4.2 million adjusted for changes in working capital and net of consulting fees from Telesat, payments of $3.9 million related to strategic initiatives and pension and other post-retirement funding of $0.3 million. A discussion of cash changes by activity is set forth in the sections “Net Cash Used in Operating Activities.”
Loral did not have a credit facility as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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 primarily in two liquid government AAA money market funds. The dispersion across funds reduces the exposure of a default at any one fund.
Liquidity
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund projected expenditures for the next 12 months or until the Closing of the Transaction, if sooner. We expect that our major cash outlays during the next 12 months will include general corporate expenses net of consulting fees from Telesat and costs associated with completing the Transaction, including employee severance costs and professional fees. Loral receives consulting fees from Telesat of $1.25 million per quarter under a consulting agreement which expires on October 31, 2021.
Under the terms of the Transaction Agreement, Loral is required to make a $7 million payment to Red Isle at Closing. Telesat Corporation is obligated to make this payment as well as costs associated with completing the Transaction if Loral does not have sufficient cash at Closing.
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Risks to Cash Flow
In 2012, we sold our former subsidiary, SSL, to MDA. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA from liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes the total amount of which has not yet been determined. Where appropriate, we intend vigorously to contest the underlying tax assessments, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that these tax-related matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Telesat
Cash and Available Credit
As of June 30, 2021, Telesat had CAD 1.47 billion of cash and short-term investments as well as approximately $200 million of borrowing availability under its revolving 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 and short-term investments as of June 30, 2021, cash flows from operating activities, and drawings on the revolving credit facility under its senior secured credit facilities will be adequate to meet Telesat’s expected cash requirements for at least the next 12 months for activities in the normal course of business, including required interest and principal payments on debt and Telesat’s capital requirements. This includes the commitments Telesat has made to date for the Telesat Lightspeed program, but does not include the capital that would be required to complete construction of the constellation.
The construction of any satellite replacement or expansion program will require significant capital expenditures, and in particular Telesat currently estimates that its planned Telesat Lightspeed constellation will require a capital investment of approximately $5 billion for satellites, launch vehicles, insurance and related ground systems. Cash required for any future satellite programs may be funded from a range of sources including: cash and short-term investments; cash flow from operating activities; cash flow from customer prepayments; through borrowings on the revolving credit facility under Telesat’s senior secured credit facilities; vendor financing; equity investments, including through the issuance of public equity; export credit agency financing; additional secured or unsecured debt financing; proceeds received from repurposing C-band spectrum, and from government sources. In addition, Telesat may sell certain satellite assets and, in accordance with the terms and conditions of Telesat’s senior secured credit facilities, reinvest the proceeds in replacement satellites or pay down indebtedness under Telesat’s senior secured credit facilities. 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 or new satellite programs.
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Debt
Telesat’s debt as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was as follows:
June 30, | December 31, | ||||||||
Maturity | Currency | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Senior Secured Credit Facilities: | |||||||||
Revolving credit facility | December 2024 | USD or CAD equivalent | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Term Loan B - U.S. facility | December 2026 | USD | 1,552,815 | 1,552,815 | |||||
6.5% Senior notes | October 2027 | USD | 550,000 | 550,000 | |||||
4.875% Senior secured notes | June 2027 | USD | 400,000 | 400,000 | |||||
5.625% Senior secured notes | December 2026 | USD | 500,000 | — | |||||
3,002,815 | 2,502,815 | ||||||||
Deferred financing costs and prepayment options | (2,031) | 1,824 | |||||||
Total debt under international financial reporting standards | 3,000,784 | 2,504,639 | |||||||
U.S. GAAP adjustments | (21,979) | (21,383) | |||||||
Total debt under U.S. GAAP | 2,978,805 | 2,483,256 | |||||||
Current portion | — | — | |||||||
Long term portion | $ | 2,978,805 | $ | 2,483,256 |
As of June 30, 2021, Telesat was in compliance with the financial covenants of its senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing its 4.875% Senior Secured Notes, the indenture governing its 5.625% Senior Secured Notes and the indenture governing its senior notes.
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
The obligations under Telesat’s credit agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by a first priority security interest in the assets of Telesat and certain of its subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). The credit agreement contains covenants that restrict the ability of Telesat and the Guarantors 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 sale-leaseback transactions, creating subsidiaries, repaying subordinated debt or amending organizational documents. The credit agreement also requires Telesat and the Guarantors to comply with a maximum first lien leverage ratio and contains customary events of default and affirmative covenants, including an excess cash sweep, that may require Telesat to repay a portion of the outstanding principal under its senior secured credit facilities prior to the stated maturity.
Telesat’s senior secured credit facilities are comprised of the following facilities:
i — Revolving Credit Facility
Telesat’s revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”) is a $200 million loan facility available in either U.S. dollar or Canadian dollar equivalent, maturing in December 2024. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. For Canadian Prime Rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans, an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% is applied to the Prime Rate and ABR as these interest rates are defined in the senior credit facilities. For Bankers’ Acceptance (“BA”) Loans and Eurodollar Loans, an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% is applied to either the BA interest rate or LIBOR. The rates on the Revolving Facility vary depending upon the results of the first lien leverage ratio. Telesat’s Revolving Facility currently has an unused commitment fee that ranges from 25 to 37.5 basis points per annum, depending upon the result of the total leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2021, other than CAD 0.3 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.
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ii — Term Loan B — U.S. Facility
Telesat’s term loan B — U.S. facility (“U.S. TLB Facility”) is a $1,908.5 million facility maturing in December 2026. As of June 30, 2021, $1,552.8 million of this facility was outstanding, which represents the full amount available. The borrowings under Telesat’s U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (i) LIBOR as periodically determined for interest rate periods selected by Telesat in accordance with the terms of the senior secured credit facilities plus an applicable margin of 2.75%; or (ii) Alternative Base Rate as determined in accordance with the terms of the senior secured credit facilities plus an applicable margin of 1.75%.
In December 2020, Telesat made a $341.4 million prepayment on its outstanding term loans under its U.S. TLB Facility. The mandatory principal repayments on Telesat’s U.S. TLB Facility are one quarter of 1.00% of the value of the loan, which must be paid on the last day of each quarter. As a result of the prepayment made in December 2020, mandatory quarterly principal repayments will no longer be required.
Senior Secured Notes
Telesat has senior secured notes, in the amount of $400.0 million, which bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% and are due in June 2027 (the “4.875% Senior Secured Notes”). The 4.875% Senior Secured Notes indenture includes covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, modify or cancel its satellite insurance, effect mergers with another entity, and redeem its 4.875% Senior Secured Notes, without penalty, before December 1, 2024, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes indenture.
On April 27, 2021, Telesat issued senior secured notes in the amount of $500 million at an annual rate of 5.625%, which are due in December 2026 (the “5.625% Senior Secured Notes”). The 5.625% Senior Secured Notes indenture includes covenants and terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, modify or cancel its satellite insurance, effect mergers with another entity, and redeem the 5.625% Senior Secured Notes, without penalty, before December 6, 2022, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the 5.625% Senior Secured Notes indenture. Telesat incurred debt issuance costs of CAD 6.8 million in connection with the issuance of the 5.625% Senior Secured Notes.
Senior Notes
Telesat’s senior notes, in the amount of $550 million, bear interest at an annual rate of 6.5% and are due in October 2027. They include covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, modify or cancel its satellite insurance, effect mergers with another entity, and redeem its senior notes, without penalty, before October 15, 2024, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the senior notes indenture.
Debt Service Cost
The interest expense on Telesat’s senior secured credit facilities, senior notes, senior secured notes and interest rate swaps, excluding the impact of the amortization of deferred financing costs, prepayment options and loss on repayment for the year ended December 31, 2021, is expected to be approximately CAD 162.1 million.
Derivatives
Telesat uses, from time to time, interest rate and currency derivatives to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
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As of June 30, 2021, Telesat had two outstanding interest rate swaps which hedge the interest rate risk associated with the variable interest rate on $900 million of U.S. denominated Term Loan B borrowings. These contracts, which mature in September 2021 and September 2022, are at fixed interest rates of 1.95% to 2.04%, respectively, excluding applicable margin. As of June 30, 2021, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $8.6 million.
Telesat also has foreign currency embedded derivatives in its purchase contracts with suppliers and sales contracts with customers as a result of some of these contracts being denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the substantial parties to the respective contract. The fair value of these foreign currency embedded derivatives as of June 30, 2021 was a net liability of $7.9 million.
Capital Expenditures
Telesat has entered into contracts for the development of Telesat Lightspeed constellation and other capital expenditures. The outstanding commitments associated with these contracts were approximately CAD 203.0 million as of June 30, 2021. These expenditures may 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 funds available under the revolving credit facility.
Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, consisting primarily of a $8.0 million cash use attributable to net income adjusted for non-cash operating items, a $0.6 million decrease in pension and other post-retirement liabilities and a $0.4 million increase in other current assets, partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in other liabilities and a $0.1 million increase in accrued employment costs and other current liabilities.
Net cash used in operating activities was $7.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, consisting primarily of a $6.9 million cash use attributable to net loss adjusted for non-cash operating items, a $0.6 million decrease in accrued employment costs and other current liabilities, a $0.9 million decrease in income taxes payable, net of refunds receivable, and a $0.9 million decrease in pension and other post-retirement liabilities, partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in other liabilities.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $170.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 attributable to the payment of a cash dividend to common shareholders in May 2020.
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 5 to our financial statements for further information on affiliate matters).
Commitments and Contingencies
Our business and operations are subject to a number of significant risks, the most significant of which are summarized in Part II, Item 1A — Risk Factors and also in Note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other Matters
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
There are no accounting pronouncements that have been issued but not yet adopted that we believe will have a significant impact on our financial statements.
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Item 4. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
(a) | 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 of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of June 30, 2021, 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 and Exchange Commission rules and forms. |
(b) | Internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15-d-15(f)) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. |
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PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We discuss certain legal proceedings pending against the Company in the notes to our 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 13 to our financial statements for this discussion.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business and operations are subject to a significant number of risks. The most significant of these risks are summarized in, and the reader’s attention is directed to, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and to the Risk Factors in our Proxy Statement dated June 30, 2021. Except as set forth below, there are no material changes to those risk factors.
The risk factor set forth below updates, and should be read together with, the aforementioned risk factors.
Telesat and the Government of Canada may be unable to agree on definitive documentation related to the Investments, and even if definitive documentation is executed, there is no guarantee that the Investments will be advantageous for Telesat or its subsidiaries.
A binding obligation with respect to the Investments will be created only upon completion of definitive documentation that will contain the terms set out in the Term Sheet in addition to such other representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, defaults and other terms and conditions (including fees and expenses, increased costs, tax (including customary gross-up and indemnity provisions for any non-resident withholding tax) and other provisions) as Canada may reasonably require, which are usual and customary for transactions of this nature. Moreover, the Investments are in all respects subject to, among other things, ongoing due diligence, negotiation of satisfactory binding legal documentation and required governmental approvals. Consequently, due to the foregoing and other factors, some of which are outside of Telesat’s control, the parties may be unable to reach an agreement with respect to definitive documentation, or the terms of definitive documentation may differ from the terms and conditions described in the Term Sheet. Furthermore, there are conditions to the funding of the Investments and the satisfaction of those conditions is not entirely within Telesat’s control. The execution of definitive documentation related to the Investments will require agreement by Telesat and the GoC on various terms, some of which may not be contained in the Term Sheet and some of which may not be contemplated at this time. The definitive documentation with respect to the Investments will contain various affirmative and negative covenants, some of which may restrict Telesat’s ability to conduct its business and which Telesat and Telesat Corporation may find onerous.
The Term Sheet does not contain all of the material terms that would be required for such definitive documentation, and Telesat cannot be assured of the ultimate terms of such definitive documentation and whether they will be less favorable than the terms in the Term Sheet. While Telesat will attempt to negotiate definitive documentation for the Investments within the bounds of the Term Sheet, there is no guarantee it will be successful in doing so. Moreover, various of the terms of the Term Sheet will require further negotiation at a level of specificity beyond the Term Sheet. Telesat cannot be assured whether it will be successful in such negotiations or to what extent such negotiation may reflect a deviation of any term in the Term Sheet from how Telesat understood such term at the time it entered into the Term Sheet. Investors are encouraged to read the complete text of the Term Sheet, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.2.
The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Proxy Statement dated June 30, 2021 are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
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Item 5. Other Information
On January 5, 2021, we received a notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company is not in compliance with Rule 5620(a) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules (the “Nasdaq Rules”) as a result of the Company not having held an annual meeting of stockholders within 12 months of the end of the Company’s fiscal year on December 31, 2019 (the “2020 Annual Meeting”). The Nasdaq notice is only a notification of deficiency, not of imminent delisting. The Nasdaq notice stated that, under the Nasdaq Rules, the Company had 45 calendar days to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Rules. On February 17, 2021, we submitted to Nasdaq our plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Rules by holding an annual meeting of stockholders for 2020. On April 20, 2021, the Company received a notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq that the Nasdaq staff had determined to grant the Company an extension to June 30, 2021 to regain compliance with Rule 5620(a) of the Nasdaq Rules. On June 17, 2021, the Company held its 2020 Annual Meeting and Nasdaq notified the Company that it had regained compliance with Rule 5620(a) of the Nasdaq Rules.
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
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— | Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Loral Space & Communications dated April 22, 2021(3) | |
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101.INS | — | Inline XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH | — | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL | — | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF | — | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB | — | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE | — | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
104 | — | The cover page for the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 has been formatted in Inline XBRL. |
(1) | Incorporated by reference from Annex S of the Registration Statement on Form F-4/A filed by Telesat Corporation and Telesat Partnership on June 24, 2021 |
(2) | Incorporated by reference from Annex U of the Registration Statement on Form F-4/A filed by Telesat Corporation and Telesat Partnership on June 24, 2021 |
(3) | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2021 |
(4) | Incorporated by reference from the Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K filed by Telesat Canada on April 27, 2021 |
(5) | Incorporated by reference from the Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K filed by Telesat Canada on August 12, 2021 |
* | Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement with directors or named executive officers |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
Registrant | |
LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC. | |
/s/ JOHN CAPOGROSSI | |
John Capogrossi | |
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |
(Principal Financial Officer) and Registrant’s Authorized Officer | |
Date: August 13, 2021 |
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