10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

Globalstar, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2007

Filed August 14, 2007For Securities:GSAT

Summary

Globalstar, Inc. reported a significant decline in revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, with total revenue down 33% year-over-year to $25.8 million. This decrease was driven by a substantial 65% drop in subscriber equipment sales and a 7% decline in service revenue. The company incurred a substantial operating loss of $15.9 million for the quarter, largely due to a $17.3 million impairment charge on first-generation phone and accessory inventory. Operationally, Globalstar is facing challenges related to the aging of its satellite constellation, specifically degradation in S-band antenna amplifiers, which is impacting two-way communication services and is expected to worsen significantly by 2008. Despite these headwinds, the company is progressing with its second-generation satellite constellation plans, which represent a major capital expenditure. The company's liquidity is supported by an irrevocable standby stock purchase agreement with Thermo Funding Company and a credit facility, but significant capital is required for future projects.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue declined 33% to $25.8 million for Q2 2007 compared to the prior year, driven by a sharp decrease in equipment sales.
  • 2A significant $17.3 million impairment charge was recognized for first-generation phone and accessory inventory.
  • 3Operating loss widened to $15.9 million from an operating income of $1.8 million in Q2 2006.
  • 4Service revenue decreased 7% year-over-year, attributed to concerns over satellite constellation degradation impacting two-way communication services.
  • 5The company faces increasing risks from the degradation of its current satellite constellation's S-band antenna amplifiers, potentially impacting two-way communication services substantially by 2008.
  • 6Capital expenditures for the second-generation satellite constellation remain a significant focus, with substantial costs anticipated.
  • 7Liquidity is primarily supported by a standby stock purchase agreement with Thermo Funding Company and an undrawn credit facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the revenue decline is the substantial decrease in subscriber equipment sales (down 65% year-over-year) and a decline in service revenue (down 7% year-over-year). This is attributed to concerns over the degraded performance of the company's current satellite constellation, which affects two-way communication services and has led to lower subscriber additions and ARPU.

The degradation of S-band antenna amplifiers on the current satellite constellation is a significant concern. The company believes this degradation is accelerating and anticipates that by 2008, most of its older satellites may cease to support two-way communication services, impacting call completion rates and duration. While one-way Simplex data service is unaffected, the degradation poses a material risk to the core two-way voice and data business.

Globalstar plans to fund its significant capital expenditures for the second-generation satellite constellation through a combination of sources. These include proceeds from its initial public offering, borrowings under its credit agreement (revolving credit facility and delayed draw term loan), remaining proceeds from the irrevocable standby stock purchase agreement with Thermo Funding Company, cash generated from operations, and potentially additional debt or equity financings.

The company recorded a $17.3 million impairment charge related to its first-generation phone and accessory inventory. This charge reflects a write-down after assessing current inventory levels against recent and projected equipment sales, indicating lower-than-expected demand or obsolescence of this inventory.