10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

Globalstar, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed November 6, 2009For Securities:GSAT

Summary

Globalstar, Inc.'s Q3 2009 10-Q filing reveals a significant increase in cash and cash equivalents to $131.7 million from $12.4 million, largely driven by new financing activities. However, the company continues to face substantial challenges, including declining revenues and a persistent net loss, exacerbated by ongoing two-way communication issues with its aging satellite constellation. Despite these challenges, the company is making substantial progress on its second-generation satellite constellation, with significant capital expenditures in progress. Financially, total revenue decreased by 22% year-over-year to $17.5 million for the quarter, with both service revenue and equipment sales showing declines. The company's operating expenses also decreased, leading to a reduced operating loss of $11.7 million compared to $17.4 million in the prior year's quarter. A significant derivative gain of $6.0 million for the quarter positively impacted the net loss, which narrowed to $5.5 million from $26.0 million in Q3 2008. Investors should note the company's heavy reliance on debt financing and the ongoing capital investments required for its next-generation network.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue decreased 22% to $17.5 million in Q3 2009 compared to $22.5 million in Q3 2008, driven by declining service and equipment sales.
  • 2Net loss narrowed significantly to $5.5 million ($0.04 per share) in Q3 2009 from $26.0 million ($0.31 per share) in Q3 2008, aided by a substantial derivative gain.
  • 3Cash and cash equivalents increased dramatically to $131.7 million at September 30, 2009, from $12.4 million at December 31, 2008, due to new financing.
  • 4Operating expenses were reduced by 27% to $29.2 million in Q3 2009 from $40.0 million in Q3 2008, reflecting cost-saving measures.
  • 5The company reported substantial progress on its second-generation satellite constellation, with significant capital expenditures ongoing, totaling $240.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, in investing activities.
  • 6Despite subscriber growth, retail ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) declined significantly, with a 22% drop in Q3 2009 compared to Q3 2008, primarily due to price reductions and two-way communication issues.
  • 7Total long-term debt increased to $461.5 million at September 30, 2009, from $238.3 million at December 31, 2008, indicating heavy reliance on debt financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, Globalstar reported total revenue of $17.5 million, a decrease of 22% from $22.5 million in the same period of 2008. While the company experienced a significant reduction in its net loss to $5.5 million from $26.0 million in the prior year's quarter, this was largely due to a substantial derivative gain. The company's operating expenses also decreased by 27% year-over-year.

Globalstar's cash and cash equivalents saw a substantial increase, rising to $131.7 million as of September 30, 2009, from $12.4 million at December 31, 2008. This increase is primarily attributed to significant new financing activities undertaken during the period.

The company's main challenges include ongoing two-way communication issues with its aging satellite constellation, which are impacting service quality and forcing price reductions. This, combined with increased competition and a generally weak economy, has led to declining revenues and ARPU. Furthermore, the company is making substantial capital expenditures for its second-generation satellite constellation, increasing its debt levels.

Globalstar is actively investing in its second-generation satellite constellation, with significant capital expenditures in investing activities. The company expects the launch of the first six second-generation satellites in the summer of 2010, with the full launch campaign to be completed in spring 2011. This is a critical project for the company's future revenue and service capabilities.