8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial Events

Globalstar, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Feb 28, 2023)

Filed February 28, 2023For Securities:GSAT

Summary

Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) has announced a significant amendment to its existing Partnership Agreements, securing a $252 million prepayment from its Partner. This substantial inflow of capital is earmarked to cover costs associated with its satellite procurement, construction, and launch, including payments to Macdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Corporation, as well as associated launch and insurance expenses. This prepayment effectively replaces the company's previous obligation to seek third-party financing for these critical satellite program expenditures. The funds will be disbursed quarterly, contingent on specific conditions. While the company anticipates funding the remaining satellite costs from its operational cash flows, the prepayment will be recouped by the Partner over approximately 16 quarters, commencing no later than Q3 2025, through service payments. The agreement also includes covenants on Globalstar, such as interest coverage and leverage ratios, and limitations on certain financial activities, while a related party provides a guarantee for the prepayment. Notably, Globalstar must meet certain financial and asset-related conditions by mid-March 2023 for the prepayment to be fully funded.

Key Highlights

  • 1Globalstar secured a $252 million prepayment from its Partner under amended Partnership Agreements.
  • 2Proceeds will fund satellite procurement, construction, launch, and related costs.
  • 3The prepayment eliminates the need for Globalstar to raise third-party financing for these satellite expenses.
  • 4The prepayment will be recouped by the Partner over 16 quarters starting no later than Q3 2025 via service payments.
  • 5The company is subject to new covenants including interest coverage, leverage ratios, and limitations on asset transfers, expenditures, and investments.
  • 6Thermo Funding II, LLC, an affiliate of Executive Chairman James Monroe, III, is providing a guarantee for the prepayment, subject to shareholder approval.
  • 7Key conditions precedent for prepayment funding include refinancing existing loans by March 13, 2023, and granting the Partner a first-priority lien on company assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The $252 million prepayment from Globalstar's Partner is intended to finance the company's satellite program. This includes payments for satellite procurement, construction, launch, insurance, and other ancillary costs associated with the new satellite fleet.

The prepayment will be recouped by the Partner over a period of approximately 16 quarters, beginning no later than the third quarter of 2025. This repayment will occur through deductions from amounts payable by the Partner for services provided by Globalstar under the Partnership Agreements. It can also be repaid through excess cash flow sweeps or voluntary prepayments.

Globalstar must satisfy two primary conditions before the full prepayment funding: (i) convert or refinance its outstanding loans under the 2019 Facility Agreement by March 13, 2023, and (ii) grant the Partner a first-priority lien on Globalstar's assets to secure its obligations under the Partnership Agreements.

The new covenants require Globalstar to maintain certain interest coverage and leverage ratios. Additionally, the company will face limitations on certain asset transfers, expenditures, and investments for as long as any portion of the prepayment remains outstanding. These covenants are designed to protect the Partner's interests and ensure Globalstar's financial stability.