10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2017

Globalstar, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2017

Filed May 4, 2017For Securities:GSAT

Summary

Globalstar, Inc. reported total revenue of $24.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, a 13% increase compared to $21.8 million in the prior year period. This growth was primarily driven by a 15% increase in service revenues, particularly from Duplex and SPOT services, reflecting higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). Despite revenue growth, the company continued to operate at a loss, with a net loss of $20.2 million for the quarter, a slight improvement from the $26.9 million net loss in the first quarter of 2016. Operating expenses increased by 6% due to higher cost of services and marketing, general, and administrative expenses. The company's liquidity situation improved, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $23.5 million from $10.2 million at year-end 2016, though significant long-term debt remains a key concern. The company also highlighted progress in its regulatory efforts, receiving FCC approval to offer terrestrial broadband services over its 2.4 GHz spectrum, a potential new revenue stream. However, a significant portion of the company's debt is long-term and includes complex derivative liabilities associated with convertible notes and a loan from Thermo. The company is actively managing its debt covenants and anticipates needing additional equity contributions to maintain compliance, indicating potential ongoing financial pressure. Investors should monitor the company's ability to manage its debt obligations, execute its terrestrial broadband strategy, and improve its operating profitability.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 13% to $24.7 million in Q1 2017, driven by a 15% rise in service revenues, primarily from Duplex and SPOT services.
  • 2Net loss improved to $20.2 million from $26.9 million year-over-year, though the company remains unprofitable.
  • 3Operating expenses increased by 6% to $39.9 million, largely due to higher cost of services and marketing, general, and administrative expenses.
  • 4Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $23.5 million as of March 31, 2017, up from $10.2 million at December 31, 2016.
  • 5The company received FCC approval to offer terrestrial broadband services over its 2.4 GHz spectrum, opening potential new revenue avenues.
  • 6Total debt remains substantial at $583.3 million carrying value (excluding current portion), with derivative liabilities on convertible debt and Thermo loan being significant components.
  • 7Globalstar anticipates needing additional equity contributions to maintain compliance with financial covenants under its Facility Agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Globalstar reported a 13% increase in total revenue to $24.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $21.8 million in the same period of 2016. This growth was primarily driven by service revenues, which increased by 15% due to higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for Duplex and SPOT services.

The company continued to incur net losses. For the first quarter of 2017, Globalstar reported a net loss of $20.2 million, which is an improvement from the $26.9 million net loss in the first quarter of 2016. While the loss narrowed, the company is still not profitable on a net income basis.

Globalstar's liquidity improved, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $23.5 million at the end of Q1 2017 from $10.2 million at the end of 2016. However, the company carries a substantial amount of debt, with a long-term debt (less current portion) of $507.5 million. A significant portion of this debt includes complex derivative liabilities related to convertible notes and a loan from Thermo. The company is actively managing its debt covenants and anticipates needing additional equity contributions to maintain compliance, indicating ongoing financial pressure related to its debt obligations.

The FCC approval in December 2016 allows Globalstar to offer terrestrial broadband services over its 2.4 GHz spectrum, which became effective in March 2017. This represents a potential new revenue stream for the company, moving beyond its traditional mobile satellite services (MSS) business. Globalstar has filed an application with the FCC to modify its licenses and is seeking similar international authority.