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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.v393244_ex31-2.htm
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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.v393244_ex32-2.htm

 

 

   

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

 

Form 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

 

Commission file number 1-14180

 

Loral Space & Communications Inc.

 

888 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10106

Telephone: (212) 697-1105

 

Jurisdiction of incorporation: Delaware

 

IRS identification number: 87-0748324

 

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. Yes þ No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes þ No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)
 

 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes þ No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ¨ No þ

 

As of October 31, 2014, 21,414,212 shares of the registrant’s voting common stock and 9,505,673 shares of the registrant’s non-voting common stock were outstanding.

 

 
 

 

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

 

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

 

  Page No.
   
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 5
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014  and September 30, 2013 6
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7
   
Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 26
   
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 42
   
Item 4: Disclosure Controls and Procedures 43
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1: Legal Proceedings 44
   
Item 1A: Risk Factors 44
   
Item 6: Exhibits 44
   
Signatures 45
2
 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $44,265   $5,926 
Notes receivable   33,667    67,333 
Income taxes receivable   10,628    13,234 
Deferred tax assets       3,784 
Other current assets   5,636    568 
Total current assets   94,196    90,845 
Long-term receivables       33,667 
Investments in affiliates   158,583    116,820 
Long-term deferred tax assets   77,999    83,708 
Other assets   60    2,700 
Total assets  $330,838   $327,740 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accrued employment costs  $1,942   $960 
Other current liabilities   11,402    8,750 
Total current liabilities   13,344    9,710 
Pension and other postretirement liabilities   13,514    17,003 
Long-term liabilities   85,758    93,117 
Total liabilities   112,616    119,830 
Commitments and contingencies          
Shareholders' Equity:          
Preferred stock, 0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding        
Common Stock:          
Voting common stock, 0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 21,568,706 issued   216    216 
Non-voting common stock, 0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized 9,505,673 issued and outstanding   95    95 
Paid-in capital   1,017,520    1,015,656 
Treasury stock (at cost), 154,494 shares of voting common stock   (9,592)   (9,592)
Accumulated deficit   (771,693)   (777,549)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (18,324)   (20,916)
Total shareholders' equity   218,222    207,910 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $330,838   $327,740 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

3
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
General and administrative expenses  $(1,281)  $(3,452)  $(3,957)  $(10,559)
Operating loss   (1,281)   (3,452)   (3,957)   (10,559)
Interest and investment income   91    307    492    939 
Interest expense   (3)   (5)   (10)   (13)
Other expense   (450)   (215)   (2,026)   (586)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss) income of affiliates   (1,643)   (3,365)   (5,501)   (10,219)
Income tax (provision) benefit   (4,954)   7,589    (25,106)   2,604 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before equity in net (loss) income of affiliates   (6,597)   4,224    (30,607)   (7,615)
Equity in net (loss) income of affiliates   (19,283)   33,358    42,911    26,209 
(Loss) income from continuing operations   (25,880)   37,582    12,304    18,594 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax   (6,440)   (1,987)   (6,448)   (4,352)
Net (loss) income   (32,320)   35,595    5,856    14,242 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   1,543    526    2,592    2,389 
Comprehensive (loss) income  $(30,777)  $36,121   $8,448   $16,631 
                     
Net (loss) income per share:                    
                     
Basic                    
(Loss) income from continuing operations  $(0.84)  $1.22   $0.40   $0.60 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax   (0.21)   (0.06)   (0.21)   (0.14)
Net  (loss) income  $(1.05)  $1.16   $0.19   $0.46 
                     
Diluted                    
(Loss) income from continuing operations  $(0.84)  $1.19   $0.38   $0.58 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax   (0.21)   (0.06)   (0.21)   (0.14)
Net  (loss) income  $(1.05)  $1.13   $0.17   $0.44 
                     
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
   Basic   30,920    30,920    30,920    30,827 
   Diluted   30,920    31,004    31,004    30,997 

 

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, 2013   21,417   $214    9,506   $95   $1,027,266    154   $(9,592)  $(794,128)  $(37,394)  $186,461 
Net income                                      16,579           
Other comprehensive income                                           16,478      
Comprehensive income                                                33,057 
Exercise of restricted stock units   175    2              (2)                        
Equitable adjustment to restricted stock units for dividends and distributions   120    1              (1)                        
Shares surrendered to fund withholding taxes   (143)   (1)             (8,896)                       (8,897)
Adjustment to tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation                       (3,128)                       (3,128)
Stock-based compensation                       417                        417 
Balance, December 31, 2013   21,569   $216    9,506   $95   $1,015,656    154   $(9,592)  $(777,549)  $(20,916)  $207,910 
Net income                                      5,856           
Other comprehensive income                                           2,592      
Comprehensive income                                                8,448 
Adjustment to tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation                       1,864                        1,864 
Balance, September 30, 2014   21,569   $216    9,506   $95   $1,017,520    154   $(9,592)  $(771,693)  $(18,324)  $218,222 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

5
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Operating activities:          
Net income  $5,856   $14,242 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax   6,448    4,352 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:          
Non-cash operating items (Note 2)   (22,442)   (4,953)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Other current assets and other assets   (1)   1,812 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   359    (6,648)
Income taxes receivable and payable   2,725    (18,711)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities   (3,488)   (1,695)
Long-term liabilities   105    (1,702)
Net cash used in operating activities – continuing operations   (10,438)   (13,303)
Net cash used in operating activities – discontinued operations   (25,854)   (43,060)
Net cash used in operating activities   (36,292)   (56,363)
Investing activities:          
Tax indemnification recovery from affiliate   5,438     
Proceeds from sale of investments, net       1,150 
Capital expenditures   (4)   (58)
Net cash provided by investing activities – continuing operations   5,434    1,092 
Receipt of principal, Land Note - discontinued operations   67,333     
Net cash provided by investing activities   72,767    1,092 
Financing activities:          
Funding of withholding taxes for stock-based compensation       (8,897)
Adjustment to tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation   1,864    795 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities – continuing operations   1,864    (8,102)
Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations        
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   1,864    (8,102)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   38,339    (63,373)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period   5,926    87,370 
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period  $44,265   $23,997 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

6
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

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.

 

Description of Business

 

Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite-based communications services. Loral participates in satellite services operations through its ownership interest in Telesat Holdings Inc. (“Telesat Holdco”) which owns Telesat Canada (“Telesat”), a global satellite services operator. Telesat owns and leases a satellite fleet that operates in geosynchronous 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.

 

Loral holds a 62.8% economic interest and a 32.7% voting interest in Telesat Holdco (see Note 5). We use the equity method of accounting for our ownership interest in Telesat Holdco.

 

Loral, a Delaware corporation, was formed on June 24, 2005, to succeed to the business conducted by its predecessor registrant, Loral Space & Communications Ltd. (“Old Loral”), which emerged from chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws on November 21, 2005 (the “Effective Date”) pursuant to the terms of the fourth amended joint plan of reorganization, as modified.

 

Sale of SS/L

 

On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”)), to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012 and March 28, 2013, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, Loral received total cash payments of $967.9 million plus, for the sale of certain real estate used in connection with SS/L’s business, a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $101 million (the “Land Note”). Transaction costs related to the Sale were $35.2 million. Subsequent to the closing of the Sale and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Loral, in December 2012, paid MDA $6.5 million as a result of the resolution of a contingency.

 

Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral agreed to indemnify SS/L from certain damages in a lawsuit (the “ViaSat Suit”) brought in 2012 by ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) against SS/L. On September 5, 2014, Loral, SS/L and ViaSat entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) pursuant to which the ViaSat Suit and an additional patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuit brought by ViaSat against Loral and SS/L in September 2013 were settled. Loral was also released from indemnification claims relating to the ViaSat lawsuits under the Purchase Agreement. The terms of the Settlement Agreement provide, among other things, for payment by Loral and SS/L to ViaSat on a joint and several basis of $100 million, $40 million of which was paid on September 9, 2014 in connection with entry into of the Settlement Agreement, and $60 million of which will be paid quarterly from October 15, 2014 through January 15, 2017 with interest accruing from the effective date of the Settlement Agreement at rate of 11.4% per year. The initial quarterly payment of $6.9 million was made by Loral and SS/L on October 15, 2014.

 

In connection with entry into of the Settlement Agreement with ViaSat, Loral and MDA agreed to a mechanism for the allocation between Loral and SS/L of the payments due to ViaSat under the Settlement Agreement. Under that agreement, payments to ViaSat will initially be advanced equally by Loral and SS/L but will be subject to a further allocation between the parties. The parties will then, by way of mediation or arbitration (the “Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings”), allocate how much of the payment each party bears. The minimum payment to be borne by either party will be $15 million. The Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings are expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2014. See Note 14 for additional information regarding the lawsuits brought by ViaSat, the Settlement Agreement and the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings.

 

7
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Land Note from MDA, as amended, provides for interest at the rate of 1% per annum on the remaining principal outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and is backed by a letter of guarantee from Royal Bank of Canada. Loral received a principal payment of $67.3 million on March 31, 2014 and is due to receive the remaining principal of $33.7 million on March 31, 2015.

 

2. Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

The December 31, 2013 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

 

Ownership interests in Telesat and XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income and losses of affiliates are recorded based on our beneficial interest. Our equity in net income or loss also reflects amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat and XTAR, on satellites we constructed for them while we owned SS/L and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets. 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. The Company monitors its equity method investments for factors indicating other-than-temporary impairment. An impairment loss would be recognized when there has been a loss in value of the affiliate that is other-than-temporary.

 

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 differ from estimates.

 

Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts, the realization of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, the fair value of liabilities indemnified and our pension liabilities.

 

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. The Land Note is guaranteed by Royal Bank of Canada. 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.

 

8
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

 

The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Assets                              
Cash equivalents:                              
Money market funds  $39,428   $   $   $3,216   $   $ 
Note receivable:                              
Land Note  $   $   $33,667   $   $   $101,000 
Liabilities                              
Indemnifications:                              
Sale of SS/L  $   $   $(428)  $   $   $10,897 
Globalstar do Brasil S.A.  $   $   $1,217   $   $   $1,320 

 

The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value as of each reporting date because of the short maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount of the Land Note approximates fair value as of each reporting date because the stated interest rate is consistent with current market rates.

 

The fair value of indemnifications related to the sale of SS/L was originally estimated using Monte Carlo simulation based on the potential probability weighted cash flows that would be a guarantor’s responsibility in an arm’s length transaction. As of September 30, 2014, the indemnification liability related to the ViaSat Suit has been excluded from the fair value table because, as a result of the Settlement Agreement (see Note 14), our estimated liability using the probability threshold approach exceeds our liability originally measured at fair value and adjusted for subsequent payments. We continue to use the fair value objective approach originally adopted to estimate our liability for the indemnification of SS/L for pre-closing taxes. The fair value of indemnifications relating to Globalstar do Brasil S.A. (“GdB”) was originally estimated using expected value analysis. The fair value of indemnification liabilities and assets are not remeasured on a recurring basis. The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value as of September 30, 2014.

 

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.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations that are directly related to the Sale are classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

9
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new standard - Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern - that will explicitly require management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. According to the new standard, substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists if it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date the entity’s financial statements are issued. In order to determine the specific disclosures, if any, that would be required, management will need to assess if substantial doubt exists, and, if so, whether its plans will alleviate such substantial doubt. The new standard requires assessment each annual and interim period and will be effective for the Company on December 31, 2016 with earlier application permitted.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 that creates a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Companies can elect to use either a full or modified retrospective approach when adopting this update which is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU No. 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, only those disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Also, disposal of an equity method investment that meets the definition of a discontinued operation is to be reported in discontinued operations under the new guidance. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2015, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This new standard requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits (“UTBs”) against available deferred tax assets for losses and other carryforward benefits that would be available to offset the liability for uncertain tax positions rather than presenting the UTB on a gross basis. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2014, did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements as the Company had already adopted this methodology.

 

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) - Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU No. 2013-05 clarifies that the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a business within a foreign entity. Further, for an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon a partial sale of such an equity method investment. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2014, did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405) – Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date.  ASU No. 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements. The guidance requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of: (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement with its co-obligors, and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2014, did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

10
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Additional Cash Flow Information

 

The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Non-cash operating items:          
Equity in net income of affiliates  $(42,911)  $(26,209)
Deferred taxes   20,101    16,257 
Depreciation and amortization   32    9 
Stock-based compensation       417 
Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss   336    4,573 
Net non-cash operating items – continuing operations  $(22,442)  $(4,953)
Supplemental information:          
Interest paid – continuing operations  $10   $13 
Tax payments, net of refunds - continuing operations  $209   $136 
Tax payments – discontinued operations  $   $35,118 

 

11
 

  

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):

 

       Proportionate     
       Share of   Accumulated 
       Telesat Other   Other 
   Postretirement   Comprehensive   Comprehensive 
   Benefits   Loss   Loss 
Balance at January 1, 2013  $(17,653)  $(19,741)  $(37,394)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification   3,102    7,996    11,098 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss   5,380        5,380 
Net current-period other comprehensive income   8,482    7,996    16,478 
Balance at December 31, 2013   (9,171)   (11,745)   (20,916)
                
Other comprehensive income before reclassification       2,382    2,382 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss   210        210 
Net current-period other comprehensive income   210    2,382    2,592 
Balance at September 30, 2014  $(8,961)  $(9,363)  $(18,324)

 

The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows (in thousands):

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   Before-Tax   Tax   Net-of-Tax   Before-Tax   Tax
(Provision)
   Net-of-Tax 
   Amount   Provision   Amount   Amount   Benefit   Amount 
Net actuarial loss and prior service credits  $   $   $   $(564)  $245   $(319)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss  $130(a)  $(49)  $81    1,559(a)   (631)   928 
Postretirement benefits   130    (49)   81    995    (386)   609 
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss)   2,334    (872)   1,462    (127)   44    (83)
Other comprehensive income  $2,464   $(921)  $1,543   $868   $(342)  $526 

  

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   Before-Tax   Tax   Net-of-Tax   Before-Tax   Tax
(Provision)
   Net-of-Tax 
   Amount   Provision   Amount   Amount   Benefit   Amount 
Net actuarial loss and prior service credits  $   $   $   $(564)  $245   $(319)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss  $336(a)  $(126)  $210    4,573(a)   (1,782)   2,791 
Postretirement benefits   336    (126)   210    4,009    (1,537)   2,472 
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss)   3,815    (1,433)   2,382    (127)   44    (83)
Other comprehensive income  $4,151   $(1,559)  $2,592   $3,882   $(1,493)  $2,389 

 

(a) Reclassifications are included in general and administrative expenses.

 

12
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

4. Receivables

 

The receivables balance related to the Land Note (see Note 1) as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is presented below (in thousands):

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Land Note receivable  $33,667   $101,000 
Less: current portion   (33,667)   (67,333)
Long-term receivable  $   $33,667 

 

The principal amount under the Land Note of $33.7 million as of September 30, 2014 is scheduled to be received on March 31, 2015. Interest on this principal amount is one percent per annum and is payable quarterly.

 

5. Investments in Affiliates

 

Investments in affiliates consist of (in thousands):

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Telesat Holdings Inc.  $107,235   $60,157 
XTAR, LLC   51,348    56,663 
   $158,583   $116,820 

 

Equity in net (loss) income of affiliates consists of (in thousands):

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Telesat Holdings Inc.  $(17,240)  $34,242   $48,226   $34,242 
XTAR, LLC   (2,043)   (1,569)   (5,315)   (5,068)
Other       685        (2,965)
   $(19,283)  $33,358   $42,911   $26,209 

 

Telesat

 

As of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, we held a 62.8% economic interest and a 32.7% voting interest in Telesat. We use the equity method of accounting for our majority economic interest in Telesat because we own 32.7% of the voting stock and do not exercise control by other means to satisfy the U.S. GAAP requirement for treatment as a consolidated subsidiary. We have also concluded that Telesat is not a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. Loral’s equity in net income or loss of Telesat is based on our proportionate share of Telesat’s results in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars. Our proportionate share of Telesat’s net income or loss is based on our economic interest as our holdings consist of common stock and non-voting participating preferred shares that have all the rights of common stock with respect to dividends, return of capital and surplus distributions, but have no voting rights.

 

Our statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included equity in net (loss) income of affiliates of $(1.5) million and $0.3 million, respectively, and other comprehensive income of $1.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, that should have been recognized in prior periods. These adjustments, which related to our investment in Telesat, consisted primarily of foreign exchange gains and losses. The Company has not revised previously reported amounts based on its belief that the effect of such adjustments is not material to the financial statements taken as a whole.

 

13
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 in Telesat’s debt and shareholder agreements. Under Telesat’s credit agreement and the indenture for Telesat’s 6% senior notes, dividends or certain other restricted payments may be paid only if there is a sufficient capacity under a restricted payment basket, which is based on a formula of cumulative consolidated EBITDA less 1.4 times cumulative consolidated interest expense. Under the 6% senior note indenture and credit agreement, Telesat is generally permitted to pay consulting fees to Loral in cash. Our general and administrative expenses are net of income related to consulting fees of $1.25 million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $3.8 million for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Loral received payments in cash from Telesat, net of withholding taxes, of $3.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for consulting fees and interest. The payments received by Loral from Telesat for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included redemption of $1.3 million of notes receivable. These amounts were not allowed to be paid in cash previously because Telesat did not meet the leverage ratio required for cash payment under the indenture for its 12.5% senior subordinated notes due November 1, 2017. These notes were redeemed in May 2013.

 

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 is proportionately eliminated in determining our share of the net income or losses 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 SS/L and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets.

 

In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat in 2007, Loral retained the benefit of tax recoveries related to transferred assets and indemnified Telesat (“Telesat Indemnification”) for certain liabilities including Loral Skynet’s tax liabilities arising prior to January 1, 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Loral and Telesat settled several of the Telesat Indemnification tax disputes (see Note 15) resulting in a net cash recovery of $5.4 million which was received from Telesat in April 2014. Our investment in Telesat was reduced by $5.0 million as a result of this recovery.

 

The following table presents summary financial data for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

  

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Statement of Operations Data:                    
Revenues  $210,163   $226,907   $636,552   $654,413 
Operating expenses   (42,827)   (45,736)   (122,402)   (140,068)
Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation   (58,955)   (62,946)   (175,713)   (183,609)
Loss on disposition of long lived asset   (164)   (15)   (226)   (1,557)
Operating income   108,217    118,210    338,211    329,179 
Interest expense   (47,573)   (49,831)   (142,589)   (160,603)
Expense of refinancing               (19,763)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (96,093)   58,171    (105,177)   (110,558)
Gain (loss) on financial instruments   15,146    (25,471)   31,517    71,137 
Other income   841    420    3,007    11,055 
Income tax provision   (7,484)   (18,485)   (46,640)   (45,478)
Net (loss) income  $(26,946)  $83,014   $78,329   $74,969 

 

14
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Balance Sheet Data:          
Current assets  $525,438   $366,814 
Total assets   4,752,333    4,929,838 
Current liabilities   283,333    360,744 
Long-term debt, including current portion   3,137,225    3,215,831 
Total liabilities   4,049,040    4,280,902 
Shareholders’ equity   703,293    648,936 

 

Telesat had capital expenditures of $59.8 million and $48.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

XTAR

 

We own 56% of XTAR, a joint venture between us and Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos, S.A. (“Hisdesat”) of Spain. We account for our ownership interest in XTAR under the equity method of accounting because we do not control certain of its significant operating decisions.

 

XTAR owns and operates an X-band satellite, XTAR-EUR, located at 29° E.L., which is designed to provide X-band communications services exclusively to United States, Spanish and allied government users throughout the satellite’s coverage area, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia. XTAR also leases 7.2 72MHz X-band transponders on the Spainsat satellite located at 30° W.L., owned by Hisdesat. These transponders, designated as XTAR-LANT, provide capacity to XTAR for additional X-band services and greater coverage and flexibility.

 

We regularly evaluate our investment in XTAR to determine whether there has been a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary. We performed an impairment test for our investment in XTAR as of September 30, 2014, using XTAR’s most recent forecast, and concluded that our investment in XTAR was not impaired.

 

XTAR’s lease obligation to Hisdesat for the XTAR-LANT transponders requires payments by XTAR of $25 million in 2014, with increases thereafter to a maximum of $28 million per year through the end of the useful life of the satellite which is estimated to be in 2022. Under this lease agreement, Hisdesat may also be entitled under certain circumstances to a share of the revenues generated on the XTAR-LANT transponders. In March 2009, XTAR entered into an agreement with Hisdesat pursuant to which the past due balance on XTAR-LANT transponders of $32.3 million as of December 31, 2008, together with a deferral of $6.7 million in payments due in 2009, will be payable to Hisdesat over 12 years through annual payments of $5 million (the “Catch Up Payments”). XTAR has a right to prepay, at any time, all unpaid Catch Up Payments discounted at 9%. Cumulative amounts paid to Hisdesat for Catch-Up Payments through September 30, 2014 were $27.9 million. XTAR has also agreed that XTAR’s excess cash balance (as defined) will be applied towards making limited payments on future lease obligations, as well as payments of other amounts owed to Hisdesat, Telesat and Loral for services provided by them to XTAR (see Note 15). The ability of XTAR to pay dividends and management fees in cash to Loral is governed by XTAR’s operating agreement.

 

The following table presents summary financial data for XTAR for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Statement of Operations Data:                    
Revenues  $6,642   $8,406   $22,363   $24,856 
Operating expenses   (7,717)   (8,188)   (23,530)   (25,050)
Depreciation and amortization   (2,314)   (2,310)   (6,943)   (6,930)
Operating loss   (3,389)   (2,092)   (8,110)   (7,124)
Net loss   (3,758)   (2,913)   (9,822)   (9,382)

 

15
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Balance Sheet Data:          
Current assets  $3,858   $6,970 
Total assets   54,688    64,745 
Current liabilities   24,924    22,443 
Total liabilities   56,637    56,872 
Members’ equity   (1,949)   7,873 

 

Other

 

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. As a result of an April 2013 adverse court decision in Brazil relating to a potential tax liability, an adverse outcome for which was previously believed to be remote, Loral recorded a loss contingency of $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2013. A payment of $3.7 million related to this loss contingency was made in the second quarter of 2013, and, in the third quarter of 2013, this loss was adjusted to $3.7 million, primarily due to a favorable court decision.

 

During the second quarter of 2013 the Company received net cash proceeds of $1.1 million related to the sale of its ownership interests in an affiliate with no carrying value. The gain on sale is included in equity in net (loss) income of affiliates.

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held various indirect ownership interests in two foreign companies that currently serve as exclusive service providers for Globalstar service in Mexico and Russia. The Company accounts for these ownership interests using the equity method of accounting. Loral has written-off its investments in these companies, and, because we have no future funding requirements relating to these investments, there is no requirement for us to provide for our allocated share of these companies’ net losses.

 

6. Other Current Liabilities

 

Other current liabilities consists of (in thousands):

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Pension and other postretirement liabilities  $129   $128 
Indemnification liabilities (see Note 14)   433    6,138 
Income taxes payable   119     
Deferred tax liability   8,874     
Other   1,847    2,484 
   $11,402   $8,750 

 

7. Income Taxes

 

The following summarizes our income tax (provision) benefit on the loss from continuing operations (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Total current income tax (provision) benefit  $(4,233)  $12,561   $(5,005)  $18,861 
Total deferred income tax provision   (721)   (4,972)   (20,101)   (16,257)
Income tax (provision) benefit  $(4,954)  $7,589   $(25,106)  $2,604 

 

16
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At September 30, 2014, income taxes receivable on our condensed consolidated balance sheet included $10.6 million from the carryback of our tax loss from 2013 against taxes previously paid for 2012.  We expect to receive this tax refund in 2015.

 

Subsequent to the Sale, 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, which currently has a nominal tax basis, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets.

 

The following summarizes amounts for uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”) included in our income tax provision (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Current (provision) benefit for UTPs  $(602)  $1,751   $(207)  $1,080 
Deferred benefit (provision) for UTPs   147    (309)   145    (68)
Tax (provision) benefit for UTPs  $(455)  $1,442   $(62)  $1,012 

 

As of September 30, 2014, we had unrecognized tax benefits relating to UTPs of $79 million. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for the Sale, we are obligated to indemnify SS/L for certain taxes related to periods prior to the closing of the transaction. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to UTPs in income tax expense on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2014, we have accrued approximately $5.8 million and $8.6 million for the payment of potential tax-related interest and penalties, respectively.

 

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 2007. Earlier years related to certain foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination. Various federal, state and foreign income tax returns are currently under examination. However, to the extent allowed by law, the tax authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where net operating losses were generated and carried forward, and make adjustments up to the amount of the net operating loss carryforward. While we intend to contest any future tax assessments for UTPs, no assurance can be provided that we would ultimately prevail. During the next twelve months, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax will expire with regard to certain UTPs related to our federal income tax return filed for 2011 and state income tax returns filed for 2007 and 2009 potentially resulting in a $2.8 million reduction to our unrecognized tax benefits.

 

The following summarizes the changes to our liabilities for UTPs included in long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Liabilities for UTPs:          
Opening balance — January 1  $79,688   $80,732 
Current (benefit) provision for:          
Unrecognized tax benefits   (622)   (636)
Potential additional interest   1,813    1,164 
Potential penalty adjustment   (425)   (249)
Statute expirations   (559)   (1,361)
Ending balance  $79,895   $79,650 

 

As of September 30, 2014, if our positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, the Company’s income tax provision from continuing operations would be reduced by approximately $37.0 million. Other than as described above, there were no significant changes to our UTPs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and we do not anticipate any other significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

 

17
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

8. Long Term Liabilities

 

Long term liabilities consists of (in thousands):

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Indemnification liabilities (see Note 14)  $1,217   $6,079 
Deferred tax liability   4,339    4,907 
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions   79,895    79,688 
Other   307    2,443 
   $85,758   $93,117 

 

9. Shareholders’ Equity

 

Treasury Stock

 

In November 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 800,000 shares of our voting common stock. These purchases may be made from time to time in the open market or private transactions, as conditions may warrant. We intend to hold repurchased shares of our voting common stock in treasury. We account for the treasury shares using the cost method. During 2011 and 2012, Loral repurchased 154,494 shares of its voting common stock at an average price of $62.04 per share for an aggregate amount of $9.6 million under the November 2011 share purchase program.

 

10. Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock Plans

 

The Loral amended and restated 2005 stock incentive plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) allows 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 (collectively, the “Awards”). The total number of shares of voting common stock reserved and available for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan is 1,403,746 shares of which 1,319,533 were available for future grant at September 30, 2014. This number of shares of voting common stock available for issuance would be reduced if restricted stock units are settled in voting common stock. In addition, shares of common stock that are issuable under awards that expire, are forfeited or canceled, or withheld in payment of the exercise price or taxes relating to an Award, will again be available for Awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

 

In June 2009, the Company introduced a performance based long-term incentive compensation program consisting of SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights (“SS/L Phantom SARs”). Because SS/L common stock was not freely tradable on the open market and thus did not have a readily ascertainable market value, SS/L equity value under the program was derived from an income-based calculation. Each SS/L Phantom SAR provided the recipient with the right to receive an amount equal to the increase in SS/L’s notional stock price over the base price multiplied by the number of SS/L Phantom SARs vested on the applicable vesting date, subject to adjustment. The SS/L notional stock price was frozen as of December 31, 2011 in connection with the Sale. SS/L Phantom SARs were paid out in cash on each vesting date.

 

As of September 30, 2014, there were no SS/L Phantom SARs remaining. During each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, cash payments of $0.5 million were made related to SS/L Phantom SARs.

 

Total stock-based compensation included in loss from continuing operations was nil for each of the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and nil and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

18
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

11. Earnings Per Share

 

Telesat has awarded employee stock options, which, if exercised, would result in dilution of Loral’s ownership interest in Telesat to approximately 62.0%. The following table presents the dilutive impact of Telesat stock options on Loral’s reported income from continuing operations for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2013   2014   2013 
Income from continuing operations — basic  $37,582   $12,304   $18,594 
Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options   (675)   (615)   (544)
Income from continuing operations — diluted  $36,907   $11,689   $18,050 

 

Telesat stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as the effect would be antidilutive.

 

Basic income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares 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
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2013   2014   2013 
Common and potential common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share:               
Weighted average common shares outstanding   30,920    30,920    30,827 
Unconverted restricted stock units   84    84    170 
Common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share   31,004    31,004    30,997 

  

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, 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):

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
Unconverted restricted stock units   84 

 

19
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

12. Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans

 

The following tables provide the components of net periodic cost included in general and administrative expenses for our qualified and supplemental retirement plans (the “Pension Benefits”) and health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents (the “Other Benefits”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 

   Pension Benefits
 Three Months
Ended September 30,
   Other Benefits
 Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Service cost  $59   $78   $1   $(2)
Interest cost   474    461    17    29 
Expected return on plan assets   (464)   (415)        
Amortization of net actuarial loss   121    1,509    7    31 
Amortization of prior service credits           2    19 
Curtailment loss               78 
Net periodic cost  $190   $1,633   $27   $155 

 

   Pension Benefits
 Nine Months
Ended September 30,
   Other Benefits
 Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Service cost  $141   $234   $2   $2 
Interest cost   1,411    1,382    52    49 
Expected return on plan assets   (1,411)   (1,244)        
Amortization of net actuarial loss   307    4,527    22    39 
Amortization of prior service credits           7    7 
Curtailment loss               78 
Net periodic cost  $448   $4,899   $83   $175 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss related to Pension Benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes accelerated amortization as a result of the termination of our supplemental executive retirement plan. Final lump sum payments under this plan were made in December 2013. In October 2014, we decided to discontinue providing retiree medical coverage for retirees age 65 or over. The change will be effective beginning January 1, 2015. The Company will make a one-time payment to all retirees affected to assist them in purchasing alternative coverage.

 

13.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. The carrying amount of the Land Note approximates fair value because the stated interest rate is consistent with current market rates.

 

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.

 

20
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

  

Derivatives and Hedging Transactions

 

There were no derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

14. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Financial Matters

 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we sold our former subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA from (1) liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes; and (2) certain litigation costs and litigation damages relating to the ViaSat Suit. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include an indemnification receivable of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2014 and an indemnification liability of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2013 relating to certain indemnifiable pre-closing taxes. The final amounts for indemnification claims related to pre-closing taxes have 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. For a discussion of the ViaSat Suit and our indemnification obligations related thereto, see Legal Proceedings, below.

 

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. As a result of an April 2013 adverse court decision in Brazil relating to a potential tax liability, an adverse outcome for which was previously believed to be remote, Loral recorded a loss contingency of $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2013. A payment of $3.7 million related to this loss contingency was made in the second quarter of 2013, and, in the third quarter of 2013, this loss was adjusted to $3.7 million, primarily due to a favorable court decision. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include liabilities of $1.2 million and $1.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for indemnification liabilities relating to the sale of GdB.

 

See Note 15— Related Party Transactions — Transactions with Affiliates Telesat for commitments and contingencies relating to our agreement to indemnify Telesat for certain liabilities and our arrangements with ViaSat and Telesat.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

ViaSat

 

On September 5, 2014, Loral, SS/L and ViaSat entered into the Settlement Agreement pursuant to which the patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuits brought by ViaSat in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against Loral and SS/L in February 2012 and against SS/L in September 2013 were settled. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, on September 10, 2014, the court entered an order dismissing the lawsuits with prejudice.

 

The terms of the Settlement Agreement provide, among other things, for (1) mutual releases of claims asserted in the lawsuits; (2) payment by Loral and SS/L to ViaSat on a joint and several basis of $100 million, $40 million of which was paid in connection with entry into of the Settlement Agreement, and $60 million of which will be paid quarterly from October 15, 2014 through January 15, 2017 with interest accruing from the effective date of the Settlement Agreement at rate of 11.4% per year; (3) agreement by ViaSat not to sue any of Loral, SS/L or their customers and suppliers on the Covered ViaSat Patents (as defined in the Settlement Agreement) or for breach of the contracts asserted in the lawsuits to the extent such breach relates to claims asserted in the lawsuits; and (4) agreement by Loral and SS/L not to sue ViaSat or its customers and suppliers on the Covered SSL Patents (as defined in the Settlement Agreement) or for breach of the contracts asserted in the lawsuits to the extent such breach relates to claims asserted in the lawsuits. MDA, the parent company of SS/L, agreed to guarantee SS/L’s payment obligations under the Settlement Agreement.

 

21
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Also on September 5, 2014, Loral, on the one hand, and SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, on the other hand (collectively, the “MDA Parties”) entered into a Release Agreement pursuant to which the MDA Parties released Loral, and Loral released the MDA Parties, from their respective indemnification claims relating to the ViaSat lawsuits under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Loral sold SS/L to MDA in 2012.

 

Pursuant to a document titled “MDA/Loral Dispute Resolution,” dated August 14, 2014 (the “Dispute Resolution Agreement”), Loral and MDA agreed that the payments to ViaSat will initially be advanced equally by Loral and SS/L but will be subject to a further allocation between the parties. The parties will then, by way of the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, allocate how much of the payment each party bears. In the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, the arbitrator will value ViaSat’s covenant not to sue with respect to the Covered ViaSat Patents. An amount of the payment due to ViaSat under the Settlement Agreement equal to such value will be allocated to SS/L. The remaining payments under the Settlement Agreement will be allocated fifty percent (50%) to the first ViaSat lawsuit, with Loral being responsible for that portion of the payment, and the other fifty percent (50%) will be allocated to the second ViaSat lawsuit. Payment of the amount allocated to the second ViaSat lawsuit will be borne by SS/L, unless the arbitrator decides that Loral shall bear some portion of that allocation. The minimum payment to be borne by either party will be $15 million. The Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings are expected to occur in December 2014.

 

Because of the pending Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, we are unable to estimate the loss related to the ViaSat settlement. We did, however, as a result of the Settlement Agreement and the Dispute Resolution Agreement, increase in the third quarter of 2014 our indemnification liabilities related to the ViaSat Suit to $15.4 million using the probability threshold approach, representing approximately Loral’s minimum liability under the Dispute Resolution Agreement. Loral’s maximum liability under the Dispute Resolution Agreement is $85 million plus interest, and it is possible that, as a result of the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, we may incur liability up to that amount. Loral advanced $20 million to ViaSat on September 9, 2014 which represents Loral’s share of the initial $40 million payment to ViaSat required by the Settlement Agreement. Our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 included a current receivable from SS/L of $4.6 million, representing the net amount we would expect to recover from our payment of $20 million if the loss recorded of $15.4 million reflects the final allocation and other current liabilities of $0.4 million, representing accrued litigation costs. Our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 includes indemnification liabilities of $10.8 million related to the ViaSat Suit.

 

Other Litigation

 

Other than the Dispute Resolution Proceedings with MDA discussed above, we are not currently subject to any other 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 other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, that may arise in the ordinary course of business.

 

15. Related Party Transactions

 

MHR Fund Management LLC

 

Mark H. Rachesky, managing principal of MHR Fund Management LLC (“MHR”), and Hal Goldstein, a former managing principal of MHR, are members of Loral’s board of directors.

 

Various funds affiliated with MHR and Dr. Rachesky held, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately 38.0% of the outstanding voting common stock and as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 had a combined ownership of outstanding voting and non-voting common stock of Loral of 57.1%.

 

Transactions with Affiliates

 

Telesat

 

As described in Note 5, we own 62.8% of Telesat and account for our ownership interest under the equity method of accounting.

 

22
 

 

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

  

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, Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP”) and one of its subsidiaries, Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including 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 Holdco and its subsidiaries will be conducted and the relationships among the parties thereto and future shareholders of Telesat Holdco. 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 Holdco or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Shareholders Agreement details the matters requiring the approval of the shareholders of Telesat Holdco (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 Holdco. The Shareholders Agreement also (i) restricts the ability of holders of certain shares of Telesat Holdco to transfer such shares unless certain conditions are met or approval of the transfer is granted by the directors of Telesat Holdco, (ii) provides for a right of first offer to certain Telesat Holdco shareholders if a holder of equity shares of Telesat Holdco 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 Holdco equity securities. In addition, the Shareholders Agreement provides for either PSP or Loral to initiate the process of conducting an initial public offering of the equity shares of Telesat Holdco. There can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms an initial public offering of Telesat Holdco equity may occur.

 

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 Holdco 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 Holdco, including a right to cause Telesat Holdco 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 Holdco, to cause the sale of Telesat Holdco 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 each of Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat, consisting of ten 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 Holdco 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 Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat. In addition, Michael B. Targoff, Loral’s Vice Chairman, serves on the board of directors of Telesat Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat.

 

On October 31, 2007, Loral and Telesat entered into a consulting services agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Loral provides to Telesat certain non-exclusive consulting services in relation to the business of Loral Skynet which was transferred to Telesat as part of the Telesat transaction as well as with respect to certain aspects of the satellite communications business of Telesat. The Consulting Agreement has a term of seven years with an automatic renewal for an additional seven year term if Loral is not then in material default under the Shareholders Agreement. Upon expiration of the initial term on October 31, 2014, the Consulting Agreement was automatically renewed for the additional seven year term. In exchange for Loral’s services under the Consulting Agreement, Telesat pays Loral an annual fee of $5.0 million, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year during the term of the Consulting Agreement. If the terms of Telesat’s bank or bridge facilities or certain other debt obligations prevent Telesat from paying such fees in cash, Telesat may issue junior subordinated promissory notes to Loral in the amount of such payment, with interest on such promissory notes payable at the rate of 7% per annum, compounded quarterly, from the date of issue of such promissory note to the date of payment thereof. Our general and administrative expenses are net of income related to the Consulting Agreement of $1.25 million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $3.8 million for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Loral received payments in cash from Telesat, net of withholding taxes, of $3.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for consulting fees and interest. The payments received by Loral from Telesat for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included redemption of $1.3 million of notes receivable. These amounts were not allowed to be paid in cash previously because Telesat did not meet the leverage ratio required for cash payment under the indenture for its 12.5% senior subordinated notes due November 1, 2017. These notes were redeemed in May 2013. We had no notes receivable from Telesat as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 related to the Consulting Agreement.

 

23
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 $7 million. The Company believes that Loral Skynet’s filing position will ultimately be sustained requiring no payment under the Telesat Indemnification. In addition, the tax authority in Hong Kong had previously challenged Loral Skynet’s and Telesat’s offshore claim for exempt income for the years 1999 to 2009, issuing assessments which required Loral Skynet to deposit approximately $6.5 million of taxes in 2006 and 2007 in order to retain its right to appeal. During the first quarter of 2014, Loral’s portion of this tax liability in Hong Kong and various other claims under the Telesat Indemnification were settled for approximately $1.1 million resulting in a cash recovery of $5.4 million which was received from Telesat in April 2014. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had recognized a net receivable from Telesat of nil and $0.5 million, respectively, representing our estimate of the probable outcome of all tax matters under the Telesat Indemnification. The receivable as of December 31, 2013 was included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as other assets of $2.6 million and long-term liabilities of $2.1 million. There can be no assurance that future claims under the Telesat Indemnification will be ultimately settled for the net amount recorded as of September 30, 2014.

 

Loral, along with Telesat Holdco, Telesat, PSP and 4440480 Canada Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral (the “Special Purchaser”), entered into grant agreements (the “Grant Agreements”) with certain executives of Telesat (each, a “Participant” and collectively, the “Participants”). Each of the Participants was, at the time, an executive of Telesat.

 

The Grant Agreements confirm grants of Telesat Holdco stock options (including tandem SAR rights) to the Participants and provide 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 Holdco should Telesat Holdco be prohibited by applicable law or under the terms of any credit agreement applicable to Telesat Holdco from purchasing such shares, or otherwise default on such purchase obligation, pursuant to the terms of the Grant Agreements; and (x) the obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase shares upon exercise by Telesat Holdco of its call right under Telesat Holdco's Management Stock Incentive Plan in the event of a Participant’s termination of employment; and, in the case of certain executives, (y) the right of each such Participant to require the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat Holdco 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 each such Participant to require Telesat Holdco to cause the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat Holdco owned by him, or that are issuable to him under Telesat Holdco's Management Stock Incentive Plan at the relevant time, in the event that more than 90% of Loral's common stock is acquired by an unaffiliated third party that does not also purchase all of PSP's and its affiliates' interest in Telesat Holdco.

 

The Grant Agreements further provide that, in the event the Special Purchaser is required to purchase shares, 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 Holdco, with Telesat Holdco agreeing to the acquisition of such subsidiary by Telesat Holdco from the Special Purchaser for nominal consideration and with the purchase price for the shares being paid by Telesat Holdco within ten (10) business days after completion of the winding-up of such subsidiary into Telesat Holdco.

 

ViaSat/Telesat

 

In connection with an agreement entered into between SS/L and ViaSat for the construction by SS/L for ViaSat of a high capacity broadband satellite called ViaSat-1, on January 11, 2008, we entered into certain agreements, pursuant to which we invested in the Canadian coverage portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite. Until his resignation in February 2012, Michael B. Targoff served, and another Loral director currently serves, as a member of the ViaSat Board of Directors.

 

24
 

  

LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

On April 11, 2011, Loral assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed from Loral all of Loral’s rights and obligations with respect to the ViaSat-1 satellite payload providing coverage into Canada and all related agreements. Loral also assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed Loral’s 15-year contract with Xplornet Communications, Inc. (“Xplornet”) (formerly known as Barrett Xplore Inc.) for delivery of high throughput satellite Ka-band capacity and gateway services for broadband services in Canada. In connection with the assignments, Loral is entitled to receive one-half of any net revenue earned by Telesat in connection with the leasing of certain supplemental capacity on the payload to its customers during the first four years after the commencement of service using the supplemental capacity. Under this arrangement, we earned approximately $0.3 million for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $0.8 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We had a receivable from Telesat of $0.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 related to this arrangement.

 

Other

 

As described in Note 5, we own 56% of XTAR, a joint venture between Loral and Hisdesat and account for our investment in XTAR under the equity method of accounting. SS/L constructed XTAR’s satellite, which was successfully launched in February 2005. XTAR and Loral have entered into a management agreement whereby Loral provides general and specific services of a technical, financial and administrative nature to XTAR. For the services provided by Loral, XTAR, until December 31, 2013, was charged a quarterly management fee equal to 3.7% of XTAR’s quarterly gross revenues. Amounts due to Loral primarily due to the management agreement as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $6.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively. Beginning in 2008, Loral and XTAR agreed to defer amounts owed to Loral under this agreement, and XTAR has agreed that its excess cash balance (as defined), will be applied at least quarterly towards repayment of receivables owed to Loral, as well as to Hisdesat and Telesat. No cash was received under this agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and we had a full allowance against these receivables as of September 30, 2014 and 2013. Loral and Hisdesat have agreed to waive future management fees for an indefinite period starting January 1, 2014.

 

Consulting Agreement

 

On December 14, 2012, Loral entered into a consulting agreement with Michael B. Targoff, Vice Chairman of the Company and former Chief Executive Officer and President. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Targoff is engaged as a part-time consultant to the Board to assist the Board with respect to the oversight of strategic matters relating to Telesat and XTAR and the ViaSat Suit. Under the agreement, Mr. Targoff receives consulting fees of $120,000 per month before deduction of certain expenses of $17,000 per month for which he reimburses the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Mr. Targoff earned $360,000 (before his expense reimbursement to Loral of $51,000) and $1,080,000 (before his expense reimbursement to Loral of $153,000), respectively.

 

25
 

 

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.

 

INDEX

 

Topic   Location
Overview   Page 27
Consolidated Operating Results   Page 29
Liquidity and Capital Resources:    
Loral   Page 36
Telesat   Page 38
Contractual Obligations   Page 40
Statement of Cash Flows   Page 40
Affiliate Matters   Page 41
Commitments and Contingencies   Page 41
Other Matters   Page 41

 

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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“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.

 

26
 

 

Overview

 

Business

 

Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite based communications services. Loral participates in satellite services operations through its ownership interest in Telesat Holdings Inc. (“Telesat Holdco”) which owns Telesat Canada (“Telesat”), a leading global fixed satellite services operator, with facilities around the world. Telesat provides its satellite and communication services from a fleet of satellites that occupy Canadian and other orbital locations.

 

Loral holds a 62.8% economic interest and a 32.7% voting interest in Telesat Holdco, the world’s fourth largest satellite operator with approximately $4.1 billion of backlog as of September 30, 2014.

 

At September 30, 2014, Telesat provided satellite services to customers from its fleet of 14 in-orbit satellites. In addition, Telesat owns the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and has another satellite, Telstar 12 VANTAGE, under construction.

 

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 contracted revenue backlog by entering into long-term contracts with some of its customers for all or substantially all of a satellite’s life. Historically, this has resulted in revenue from the satellite services business being fairly predictable.

 

Telesat’s commitment to providing strong customer service and its focus on innovation and technical expertise has allowed it to successfully build its business to date. Building on its existing contractual revenue backlog, Telesat’s focus is on taking disciplined steps to grow its core business and sell newly launched and existing in-orbit satellite services, and, in a disciplined manner, use the cash flow generated by existing business and contracted expansion satellites to strengthen the business.

 

Telesat believes its satellite fleet offers a strong combination of existing revenue backlog and a strong foundation upon which it will seek to continue to grow its revenue and cash flows. The growth is expected to come from satellite services using the available capacity on its existing fleet of in-orbit satellites and its Telstar 12 VANTAGE satellite, which is expected to be launched in late 2015.

 

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. Although Telesat regularly pursues opportunities to develop new satellites, 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.

 

Telesat anticipates that the relatively fixed cost nature of its business, combined with increasing demand for satellite services, will produce growth in operating income and cash flow.

 

For the remainder of 2014, Telesat will remain focused on: increasing utilization on its existing satellites; the construction of Telstar 12 VANTAGE; identifying and pursuing opportunities to expand its satellite fleet; and maintaining cost and operating discipline.

 

Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, approximately 49% of Telesat’s revenues and a substantial portion of its expenses, indebtedness and 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 debt financing. As of September 30, 2014, Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt totaled $2.6 billion. As of September 30, 2014, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately $124 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.

 

On September 22, 2014, Telesat entered into a forward foreign exchange contract to fix the exchange rate on cross-currency basis swaps settled on October 31, 2014. At September 30, 2014, Telesat had one outstanding forward foreign exchange contract requiring payment of $1.0 billion U.S. dollars to receive $1.1 billion Canadian dollars. This forward foreign exchange contract matured on October 31, 2014.

 

27
 

  

Sale of SS/L

 

On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”)), to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012 and March 28, 2013, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, Loral received total cash payments of $967.9 million plus, for the sale of certain real estate used in connection with SS/L’s business, a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $101 million (the “Land Note”). Transaction costs related to the Sale were $35.2 million. Subsequent to the closing of the Sale and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Loral, in December 2012, paid MDA $6.5 million as a result of the resolution of a contingency.

 

Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral agreed to indemnify SS/L from certain damages in a lawsuit (the “ViaSat Suit”) brought in 2012 by ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) against Loral and SS/L. On September 5, 2014, Loral, SS/L and ViaSat entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) pursuant to which the ViaSat Suit and an additional patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuit brought by ViaSat against SS/L in September 2013 were settled. Loral was also released from indemnification claims relating to the ViaSat lawsuits under the Purchase Agreement. The terms of the Settlement Agreement provide, among other things, for payment by Loral and SS/L to ViaSat on a joint and several basis of $100 million, $40 million of which was paid on September 9, 2014 in connection with entry into of the Settlement Agreement, and $60 million of which will be paid quarterly from October 15, 2014 through January 15, 2017 with interest accruing from the effective date of the Settlement Agreement at rate of 11.4% per year. The initial quarterly payment of $6.9 million was made by Loral and SS/L on October 15, 2014.

 

In connection with entry into of the Settlement Agreement with ViaSat, Loral and MDA agreed to a mechanism for the allocation between Loral and SS/L of the payments due to ViaSat under the Settlement Agreement. Under that agreement, payments to ViaSat will initially be advanced equally by Loral and SS/L but will be subject to a further allocation between the parties. The parties will then, by way of mediation or arbitration (the “Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings”), allocate how much of the payment each party bears. The minimum payment to be borne by either party will be $15 million. The Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings are expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2014. See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding the lawsuits brought by ViaSat, the Settlement Agreement and the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings.

 

The Land Note from MDA, as amended, provides for interest at the rate of 1% per annum on the remaining principal outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and is backed by a letter of guarantee from Royal Bank of Canada. Loral received a principal payment of $67.3 million on March 31, 2014 and is due to receive the remaining principal of $33.7 million on March 31, 2015.

 

General

 

Since the Sale, Loral’s principal asset continues to be its majority ownership interest in Telesat. With the goal of maximizing shareholder value, we have been engaged in a process to explore potential strategic transactions involving the possible monetization of Loral’s interest in Telesat. The exact structure of any such transaction has not yet been determined. As currently contemplated, such a transaction would be accomplished through the acquisition of Loral by a third party and would likely require the negotiation of a new shareholders agreement between the potential acquiror of Loral and Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP”), our Canadian co-owner of Telesat. In connection with this process, we received non-binding indications of interest for the acquisition of Loral. Loral, the potential acquiror with the highest bid and PSP have not reached an agreement on the terms of a definitive transaction; the parties are, however, continuing efforts to reach a definitive agreement. There can be no assurance as to whether PSP or the potential acquiror will continue to pursue a transaction, or when or on what terms a strategic transaction involving Telesat or Loral may occur, or that any particular economic, tax, structural or other objectives or benefits with respect to any transaction involving Telesat or Loral’s interest therein will be achieved.

 

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Loral may, from time to time, explore and evaluate other possible strategic transactions and alliances which may include joint ventures and strategic relationships as well as business combinations or the acquisition or disposition of assets. In order to pursue certain of these opportunities, additional funds are likely to be required. There can be no assurance that we will enter into additional strategic transactions or alliances, nor do we know if we will be able to obtain the necessary financing for transactions that require additional funds on favorable terms, if at all.

 

 In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat in 2007, Loral has agreed that, subject to certain exceptions described in Telesat’s 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.

 

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 nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared With Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

The following compares our consolidated results for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as presented in our financial statements:

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
General and administrative expenses  $1,281   $3,452 

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily from a decrease in pension expense of $1.6 million due to accelerated amortization in 2013 as a result of the termination of our supplemental executive retirement plan.

 

Interest and Investment Income

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Interest and investment income  $91   $307 

 

Interest and investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is primarily comprised of interest on the Land Note. The decrease was primarily the result of the $67.3 million principal payment received on March 31, 2014.

 

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Other Expense

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Other expense  $450   $215 

 

Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was related to strategic initiatives.

 

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Income tax (provision) benefit  $(4,954)  $7,589 

 

For the three months ended September 30, our income tax provision is summarized as follows: (i) for 2014, we recorded a current tax provision of $4.2 million (which included a provision of $0.6 million to increase our liability for uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”)) and a deferred tax provision of $0.7 million (which included a benefit of $0.1 million for UTPs), resulting in a total provision of $4.9 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $1.6 million and (ii) for 2013, we recorded a current tax benefit of $12.6 million (which included a benefit of $1.8 million to reduce our liability for UTPs) and a deferred tax provision of $5.0 million (which included a provision of $0.3 million for UTPs), resulting in a net benefit of $7.6 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $3.4 million.

 

Our income tax provision for each period is computed by applying an expected effective annual tax rate against the pre-tax loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (after adjusting for certain tax items that are discrete to each period) less the provision recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. The projected income tax provision for the full year used in the computation of our expected effective annual tax rate includes tax expense on the projected equity in net income of Telesat, which is included on the condensed consolidated statements of operations below the line for income tax provision. As a result, our statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 includes a tax provision rather than a tax benefit on the pretax loss.

 

At September 30, 2014, income taxes receivable on our condensed consolidated balance sheet included $10.6 million from the carryback of our tax loss from 2013 against taxes previously paid for 2012.  We expect to receive this tax refund in 2015.

 

Subsequent to the Sale, 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, which currently has a nominal tax basis, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets.

 

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Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Affiliates

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Telesat Holdings Inc.  $(17,240)  $34,242 
XTAR, LLC   (2,043)   (1,569)
Other       685 
   $(19,283)  $33,358 

 

Loral’s equity in net income of Telesat is based on our proportionate share of Telesat’s results in accordance with 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 SS/L 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 (“CAD”) and U.S. dollars (“$”) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follows (in thousands):

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (In Canadian dollars)   (In U.S. dollars) 
Statement of Operations Data:                    
Revenues   227,294    236,550    210,163    226,907 
Operating expenses   (46,348)   (47,763)   (42,827)   (45,736)
Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation   (63,775)   (65,642)   (58,955)   (62,946)
Loss on disposition of long lived assets   (178)   (31)   (164)   (15)
Operating income   116,993    123,114    108,217    118,210 
Interest expense   (51,458)   (52,120)   (47,573)   (49,831)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (104,709)   57,817    (96,093)   58,171 
Gain (loss) on financial instruments   16,442    (25,086)   15,146    (25,471)
Other income   908    338    841    420 
Income tax provision   (7,993)   (19,192)   (7,484)   (18,485)
Net (loss) income   (29,817)   84,871    (26,946)   83,014 
Average exchange rate for translating Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars ( 1 U.S. dollar equals)   1.0818    1.0443           

 

Telesat’s revenue decreased by $17 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated revenue, a decrease in revenue earned on Telesat’s Nimiq 2 satellite as the satellite was returned by Telesat’s customer in the third quarter of 2013, revenue from short-term services provided to another satellite operator in the third quarter of 2013 and completion of certain consulting contracts. Telesat’s revenue excluding foreign exchange impact would have decreased by $13 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

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Telesat’s operating income decreased by $10 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to the revenue decrease described above, partially offset by the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated expenses, a decrease in share-based compensation expense related to stock options granted during the second quarter of 2013 and a decrease in the provision for variable compensation. Telesat’s operating income excluding foreign exchange impact would have decreased by $9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

The equity in losses of XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”), our 56% owned joint venture, represent our share of XTAR losses incurred in connection with its operations.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax

 

   Three Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax  $(6,440)  $(1,987)

 

Adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations that are directly related to the Sale are classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. We recorded a $10.3 million loss contingency less taxes thereon in third quarter of 2014 to increase our liability to the minimum liability under the Settlement Agreement and the mechanism for allocation of settlement payments between Loral and SS/L and to record related legal fees.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared With Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

The following compares our consolidated results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as presented in our financial statements:

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
General and administrative expenses  $3,957   $10,559 

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by $6.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily from a decrease in pension expense of $4.5 million due to accelerated amortization in 2013 as a result of the termination of our supplemental executive retirement plan, a $0.6 million reduction in compensation expense resulting from the restructuring of our corporate office functions, a $0.4 million decrease in expenses related to stock-based compensation, a $0.3 million decrease in professional fees and a $0.3 million decrease in rent expense.

 

Interest and Investment Income

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Interest and investment income  $492   $939 

 

Interest and investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is primarily comprised of interest on the Land Note. The decrease was primarily the result of the $67.3 million principal payment received on March 31, 2014.

 

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Other Expense

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Other expense  $2,026   $586 

 

Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was related to strategic initiatives.

 

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Income tax (provision) benefit  $(25,106)  $2,604 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, our income tax provision is summarized as follows: (i) for 2014, we recorded a current tax provision of $5.0 million (which included a provision of $0.2 million to increase our liability for UTPs) and a deferred tax provision of $20.1 million (which included a benefit of $0.1 million for UTPs), resulting in a total provision of $25.1 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $5.5 million and (ii) for 2013, we recorded a current tax benefit of $18.9 million (which included a benefit of $1.1 million to reduce our liability for UTPs) and a deferred tax provision of $16.3 million (which included a provision of $0.1 million for UTPs), resulting in a net benefit of $2.6 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $10.2 million.

 

Our income tax provision for each period is computed by applying an expected effective annual tax rate against the pre-tax loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (after adjusting for certain tax items that are discrete to each period). The projected income tax provision for the full year used in the computation of our expected effective annual tax rate includes tax expense on the projected equity in net income of Telesat, which is included on the condensed consolidated statements of operations below the line for income tax provision. As a result, our statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes a tax provision rather than a tax benefit on the pretax loss.

 

At September 30, 2014, income taxes receivable on our condensed consolidated balance sheet included $10.6 million from the carryback of our tax loss from 2013 against taxes previously paid for 2012.  We expect to receive this tax refund in 2015.

 

Subsequent to the Sale, 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, which currently has a nominal tax basis, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets.

 

Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Affiliates

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Telesat Holdings Inc.  $48,226   $34,242 
XTAR, LLC   (5,315)   (5,068)
Other       (2,965)
   $42,911   $26,209 

 

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The following is a reconciliation of the changes in our investment in Telesat for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
   (In thousands) 
Opening Balance, January 1, 2014  $60,157 
Equity in net income of Telesat   49,167 
Eliminations of affiliate transactions and related amortization   (941)
Settlement of tax indemnification   (4,963)
Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income   3,815 
Ending balance, September 30, 2014  $107,235 

 

Summary financial information for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in Canadian dollars (“CAD”) and U.S. dollars (“$”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 follows (in thousands):

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
   (In Canadian dollars)   (In U.S. dollars) 
Statement of Operations Data:                    
Revenues   693,885    669,706    636,552    654,413 
Operating expenses   (133,426)   (143,342)   (122,402)   (140,068)
Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation   (191,540)   (187,900)   (175,713)   (183,609)
Loss on disposition of long lived assets   (246)   (1,593)   (226)   (1,557)
Operating income   368,673    336,871    338,211    329,179 
Interest expense   (155,432)   (164,356)   (142,589)   (160,603)
Expense of refinancing       (20,225)       (19,763)
Foreign exchange losses   (114,650)   (113,142)   (105,177)   (110,558)
Gains on financial instruments   34,356    72,799    31,517    71,137 
Other income   3,278    11,314    3,007    11,055 
Income tax provision   (50,841)   (46,541)   (46,640)   (45,478)
Net income (loss)   85,384    76,720    78,329    74,969 
Average exchange rate for translating Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars ( 1 U.S. dollar equals)   1.0903    1.0233           

 

Telesat’s revenue decreased by $18 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated revenue, a decrease in revenue earned on Telesat’s Nimiq 2 satellite as the satellite was returned by Telesat’s customer in the third quarter of 2013 and lower equipment sales. These revenue decreases were partially offset by increased revenue on the Anik G1 satellite which entered commercial service in May 2013. Telesat’s revenue excluding foreign exchange impact would have increased by $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

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Telesat’s operating income increased by $9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to the impact of the change in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Canadian dollar denominated expenses, a decrease in share-based compensation expense related to stock options granted during the second quarter of 2013, a decrease in the provision for variable compensation, lower cost of sales as a result of lower equipment sales, lower in-orbit insurance expenses and lower amortization of intangible assets. These increases to operating income were partially offset by increased depreciation on Telesat’s Anik G1 satellite which entered commercial service in May 2013 and the revenue decrease described above. Telesat’s operating income excluding foreign exchange impact would have increased by $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

On March 28, 2013, Telesat announced the redemption of the outstanding 12.5% senior subordinated notes which took place on May 1, 2013. As a result, an expense of refinancing of $20 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, representing the unamortized deferred financing costs and the redemption premium associated with the 12.5% senior subordinated notes.

 

Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. Telesat’s main currency exposures as of September 30, 2014 lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt financing. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. As of September 30, 2014, Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt totaled $2.6 billion. As of September 30, 2014, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately $124 million. This analysis assumes all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.

 

The equity in losses of XTAR, our 56% owned joint venture, represent our share of XTAR losses incurred in connection with its operations.

 

We regularly evaluate our investment in XTAR to determine whether there has been a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary. We performed an impairment test for our investment in XTAR as of September 30, 2014, using XTAR’s most recent forecast, and concluded that our investment in XTAR was not impaired.

 

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 Globalstar do Brasil S.A. (“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. As a result of an April 2013 adverse court decision in Brazil relating to a potential tax liability, an adverse outcome for which was previously believed to be remote, Loral recorded a loss contingency of $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2013. A payment of $3.7 million related to this loss contingency was made in the second quarter of 2013, and, in the third quarter of 2013, this loss was adjusted to $3.7 million, primarily due to a favorable court decision.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a gain of $1.1 million related to the sale of our ownership interests in an affiliate with no carrying value.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
   (In thousands) 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax  $(6,448)  $(4,352)

 

Adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations that are directly related to the Sale are classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. We recorded a $10.3 million loss contingency less taxes thereon in third quarter of 2014 to increase our liability to the minimum liability under the Settlement Agreement and the mechanism for allocation of settlement payments between Loral and SS/L and to record related legal fees.

 

Backlog

 

Telesat’s backlog as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $4.1 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Loral

 

As described above, Loral’s principal asset is a 62.8% economic interest in Telesat. In addition, we have a 56% economic interest in XTAR and a note receivable of $33.7 million related to the Sale. The operations of Telesat and XTAR are not consolidated but are presented using the equity method of accounting.

 

Loral has no debt. Telesat has third party debt with financial institutions. XTAR has no external debt other than to its LLC member, Hisdesat, for restructured lease payments on the Spainsat satellite. XTAR makes payments of $5 million per year to pay down the outstanding restructured lease balance. Loral has not provided a guarantee for the debt of Telesat or XTAR.

 

Cash is maintained at Loral, Telesat and XTAR 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. The ability of XTAR to pay dividends and management fees in cash to Loral is governed by its operating agreement.

 

Cash and Available Credit

 

At September 30, 2014, Loral had $44.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, a note receivable from MDA for $33.7 million and no debt. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2014 increased by $38.3 million from December 31, 2013 due primarily to a $67.3 million principal payment received from MDA under the Land Note related to the Sale, reimbursement by SS/L of its $5.4 million final share of litigation costs related to the ViaSat Suit and a $5.4 million tax indemnification recovery received from Telesat (see Note 15 to our financial statements), partially offset by a $20 million payment to ViaSat pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and Dispute Resolution Agreement, payment of litigation costs of $10.7 million relating to the ViaSat Suit, pension funding of $3.6 million and Corporate expenses net of consulting fees and revenue share from Telesat of $3.5 million. A discussion of cash changes by activity is set forth in the sections, “Net Cash Used In Operating Activities,” “Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities” and “Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities.”

 

Loral did not have a credit facility as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

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 in several liquid Prime AAA money market funds. The dispersion across funds reduces the exposure of a default at one fund.

 

Liquidity

 

We believe that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund projected expenditures for the next 12 months. We expect that our existing cash balance plus cash receipts including payments under the Land Note will be sufficient to fund any required payments under the Dispute Resolution Agreement as well as normal operating expenditures for the next 12 months.

 

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We expect that our major cash outlays for the next 12 months will include possible additional payments under the Dispute Resolution Agreement, payments under employee benefit programs, including a possible contribution to our qualified pension plan to reduce the unfunded obligation, and general corporate expenses net of consulting fees and revenue share from Telesat. Offsetting these expenditures are the remaining Land Note receipt, possible receipts from SS/L if our indemnification liability for the ViaSat Suit is ultimately determined in the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings to be less than amounts we have already paid and the receipt of income tax refunds.

 

Risks to Cash Flow

 

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we sold our former subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA from (1) liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes; and (2) certain litigation costs and litigation damages relating to the ViaSat Suit. The amounts of indemnification claims relating to pre-closing taxes have 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.

 

On September 5, 2014, Loral, SS/L and ViaSat entered into the Settlement Agreement pursuant to which the patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuits brought by ViaSat in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against Loral and SS/L in February 2012 and against SS/L in September 2013 were settled. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, on September 10, 2014, the court entered an order dismissing the lawsuits with prejudice.

 

The terms of the Settlement Agreement provide, among other things, for (1) mutual releases of claims asserted in the lawsuits; (2) payment by Loral and SS/L to ViaSat on a joint and several basis of $100 million, $40 million of which was paid in connection with entry into of the Settlement Agreement, and $60 million of which will be paid quarterly from October 15, 2014 through January 15, 2017 with interest accruing from the effective date of the Settlement Agreement at rate of 11.4% per year; (3) agreement by ViaSat not to sue any of Loral, SS/L or their customers and suppliers on the Covered ViaSat Patents (as defined in the Settlement Agreement) or for breach of the contracts asserted in the lawsuits to the extent such breach relates to claims asserted in the lawsuits; and (4) agreement by Loral and SS/L not to sue ViaSat or its customers and suppliers on the Covered SSL Patents (as defined in the Settlement Agreement) or for breach of the contracts asserted in the lawsuits to the extent such breach relates to claims asserted in the lawsuits. MDA, the parent company of SS/L, agreed to guarantee SS/L’s payment obligations under the Settlement Agreement.

 

Also on September 5, 2014, Loral, on the one hand, and SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, on the other hand (collectively, the “MDA Parties”) entered into a Release Agreement pursuant to which the MDA Parties released Loral, and Loral released the MDA Parties, from their respective indemnification claims relating to the ViaSat lawsuits under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Loral sold SS/L to MDA in 2012.

 

Pursuant to a document titled “MDA/Loral Dispute Resolution,” dated August 14, 2014 (the “Dispute Resolution Agreement”), Loral and MDA agreed that the payments to ViaSat will initially be advanced equally by Loral and SS/L but will be subject to a further allocation between the parties. The parties will then, by way of the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, allocate how much of the payment each party bears. In the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, the arbitrator will value ViaSat’s covenant not to sue with respect to the Covered ViaSat Patents. An amount of the payment due to ViaSat under the Settlement Agreement equal to such value will be allocated to SS/L. The remaining payments under the Settlement Agreement will be allocated fifty percent (50%) to the first ViaSat lawsuit, with Loral being responsible for that portion of the payment, and the other fifty percent (50%) will be allocated to the second ViaSat lawsuit. Payment of the amount allocated to the second ViaSat lawsuit will be borne by SS/L, unless the arbitrator decides that Loral shall bear some portion of that allocation. The minimum payment to be borne by either party will be $15 million. The Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings are expected to occur in December 2014.

 

Because of the pending Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, we are unable to estimate the loss related to the ViaSat settlement. We did, however, as a result of the Settlement Agreement and the Dispute Resolution Agreement, increase in the third quarter of 2014 our indemnification liabilities related to the ViaSat Suit to $15.4 million using the probability threshold approach, representing approximately Loral’s minimum liability under the Dispute Resolution Agreement. Loral’s maximum liability under the Dispute Resolution Agreement is $85 million plus interest, and it is possible that, as a result of the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings, we may incur liability up to that amount. Loral paid $20 million to ViaSat on September 9, 2014 which represents Loral’s share of the initial $40 million payment to ViaSat required by the Settlement Agreement.

 

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Telesat

 

Cash and Available Credit

 

As of September 30, 2014, Telesat had CAD 498 million of cash and short-term investments as well as approximately CAD 140 million of borrowing availability under its revolving credit facility.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

Cash generated from Telesat’s operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was CAD 321 million, a CAD 59 million decrease from the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to higher income taxes paid, lower interest paid and the impact of changes in Telesat’s working capital.

 

Cash Flows used in Investing Activities

 

Cash used in Telesat’s investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was CAD 65 million. Telesat’s investing activities included cash outflows related to the on-going construction of Telstar 12 VANTAGE and other property and equipment. Cash used in Telesat’s investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was CAD 48 million. These investing activities included cash outflows related to the launch of Anik G1 in April 2013 and other property and equipment.

 

Cash Flows used in Financing Activities

 

Cash used in Telesat’s financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was CAD 57 million. This was primarily the result of mandatory principal payments made on its senior secured credit facilities, as well as satellite performance incentive payments. Cash used in Telesat’s financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was CAD 278 million. This was primarily the result of the redemption of Telesat’s 12.5% senior subordinated notes and the associated premiums paid for early redemption, as well as mandatory principal payments made on its senior secured credit facilities and satellite performance incentive payments.

 

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 September 30, 2014, cash flow from operating activities and drawings on the available lines of credit 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 capital requirements and required interest and principal payments on debt.

 

The construction of any satellite replacement or expansion program will require significant capital expenditures. Telesat may choose to invest in new satellites to further grow its business. Cash required for current and future satellite construction programs will 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 through borrowings on available lines of credit under Telesat’s revolving credit facility. 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. Subject to market conditions and subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of its senior secured credit facilities and the financial leverage covenant tests therein, Telesat may also have the ability to obtain additional secured or unsecured financing to fund current or future satellite construction. 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 construction programs.

 

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Debt

 

Telesat’s debt as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

         September 30,   December 31, 
   Maturity  Currency  2014   2013 
         (In CAD thousands) 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:                
Revolving credit facility  March 28, 2017  CAD or USD        
Term Loan A  March 28, 2017  CAD   437,500    475,000 
Term Loan B - U.S. facility  March 28, 2019  USD   1,925,567    1,840,601 
Term Loan B - Canadian facility  March 28, 2019  CAD   137,900    138,950 
6.0% Senior notes  May 15, 2017  USD   1,007,820    956,070 
          3,508,787    3,410,621 
Less: Deferred financing costs, interest rate floors and prepayment options         (59,237)   (68,755)
Total debt under international financial reporting standards         3,449,550    3,341,866 
U.S. GAAP adjustments         63,515    74,311 
Total debt under U.S. GAAP         3,513,065    3,416,177 
Current portion         72,682    71,641 
Long term portion         3,440,383    3,344,536 

 

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

 

The obligations under the 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 (“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 sales-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 senior secured leverage ratio and contains customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

 

Each of the Telesat senior secured credit facilities is subject to mandatory principal repayment requirements. The maturity date for each of the Telesat senior secured credit facilities will be accelerated if Telesat’s existing 6.0% senior notes due in 2017 or certain refinancing thereof are not repurchased, redeemed, refinanced or deferred before the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of such notes.

 

6.0% Senior Notes due May 15, 2017

 

The senior notes, in the amount of $900 million, bear interest at an annual rate of 6.0% and are due May 15, 2017. 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 the senior notes without penalty between May 15, 2014 and May 15, 2016, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the senior notes indenture.

 

As of September 30, 2014, Telesat was in compliance with the financial covenants of its senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing its 6.0% senior notes.

 

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Debt Service Cost

 

An estimate of interest expense is based upon assumptions of foreign exchange rates, LIBOR and Bankers Acceptance rates and the applicable margins of Telesat’s senior secured credit facilities and senior notes. Telesat’s interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2014 is expected to be approximately CAD 191 million.

 

Derivatives

 

Telesat uses interest rate and currency derivatives to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

 

In order to manage its currency risk, Telesat had cross-currency basis swaps to synthetically convert $1.0 billion of future U.S. dollar denominated payment obligations to CAD 1.1 billion. These swaps matured on October 31, 2014.

 

On September 22, 2014, Telesat entered into a forward foreign exchange contract to fix the exchange rate on the cross-currency basis swaps settled on October 31, 2014. At September 30, 2014, Telesat had one outstanding forward foreign exchange contract requiring payment of $1.0 billion U.S. dollars to receive $1.1 billion Canadian dollars. This forward foreign exchange contract matured on October 31, 2014.

 

At September 30, 2014, Telesat had a series of five interest rate swaps to fix interest on CAD 1.5 billion of Canadian dollar denominated debt at a weighted average fixed rate of 2.63% (excluding applicable margins) and one interest rate swap to pay a fixed rate of 1.46% (excluding applicable margins) on CAD 300 million of U.S. dollar denominated debt. These contracts mature between October 31, 2014 and September 30, 2016.

 

Telesat also has embedded derivatives related to a prepayment option included in Telesat’s senior notes as well as interest rate floors included in its Canadian and U.S. term loan B facilities. The prepayment option on the senior notes will expire on its maturity date of May 15, 2017. The interest rate floors on the Canadian and U.S. term loan B facilities will expire on their maturity date of March 28, 2019.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Telesat has entered into contracts for the construction and launch of the Telstar 12 VANTAGE satellite and other capital expenditures. The outstanding commitments relating to these capital expenditures were approximately CAD 152 million as of September 30, 2014. These expenditures may be funded from some or all of the following: cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on available lines of credit under the revolving facility.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

On September 5, 2014, we entered into the Settlement Agreement related to the ViaSat Suit. Loral’s portion of the payments due to ViaSat under the Settlement Agreement will be determined by way of the Dispute Resolution Agreement Proceedings which are expected to occur in December 2014. Other than obligations relating to settlement of the ViaSat Suit, there have not been any significant changes to Loral’s contractual obligations as previously disclosed in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operations was $36.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations was $10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, consisting primarily of a $10.1 million cash use attributable to income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash operating items and a $3.5 million decrease in pension and other post retirement liabilities, partially offset by a $2.7 million reduction to income taxes receivable (net) and a $0.4 million increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

 

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Net cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations was $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisting primarily of an advance of $20 million to ViaSat pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and payment of $10.7 million of indemnified litigation costs related to the ViaSat Suit, partially offset by reimbursement by SS/L of its $5.4 million final share of litigation costs related to the ViaSat Suit.

 

Net cash used in operations was $56 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations was $13 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, consisting primarily of an increase in income taxes receivable of $19 million and a $7 million decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of which $4 million relates to payment of the GdB indemnification liability, partially offset by $14 million from income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash operating items.

 

Net cash used in operating activities by discontinued operations was $43 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, consisting primarily of income tax payments of $35 million relating to the gain on the Sale and payment of $7 million of indemnification liabilities related to the Sale.

 

Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $72.8 million.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $5.4 million consisting primarily of a tax indemnification recovery received from Telesat.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $67.3 million consisting primarily of the receipt of principal under the Land Note.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.1 million relating to the proceeds from the sale of our ownership interests in an affiliate.

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $1.9 million relating to excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation.

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $8 million which includes funding of $9 million of withholding taxes relating to stock-based compensation, partially offset by $1 million of excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation.

 

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 condensed consolidated 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 14 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 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Loral

 

Foreign Currency

 

In the normal course of business, we are subject to the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit this foreign exchange rate exposure, the Company seeks to denominate its contracts in U.S. dollars. If we are unable to enter into a contract in U.S. dollars, we review our foreign exchange exposure and, 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.

 

Interest

 

During the third quarter of 2014, our excess cash was invested in money market securities; we did not hold any other marketable securities.

 

Derivatives

 

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of entering into contracts only with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.

 

Loral had no derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

Telesat

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

Telesat’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. As of September 30, 2014, Telesat’s U.S. dollar denominated debt totaled $2.6 billion. Telesat is also exposed to foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions, such as the costs of satellite construction, launch and acquisition.

 

Telesat’s main currency exposures as of September 30, 2014 lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, deferred satellite performance incentive payments and debt financing.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, approximately 49% of Telesat’s revenues and a substantial portion of its expenses, indebtedness and capital expenditures were denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, the volatility of U.S. currency may expose Telesat to foreign exchange risks.

 

As of September 30, 2014, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) Telesat’s net income by approximately $124 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular, interest rates, remain constant.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Telesat is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its long-term debt, which is primarily variable-rate financing. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest that Telesat is required to pay.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Telesat uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currency and interest rate risk. Telesat’s policy is that it does not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

 

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Telesat uses the following instruments, as required:

 

forward currency contracts to fix the exchange rate on the settlement of cross-currency basis swaps and to hedge foreign currency risk related to the construction of satellites and interest payments;

 

cross-currency basis swaps to hedge the foreign currency risk on a portion of its U.S. dollar denominated debt; and

 

interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk related to debt financing which is primarily variable rate financing.

 

Telesat’s derivative financial instruments also include embedded derivatives that are related to prepayment options included on its senior notes, as well as interest rate floors included in its Canadian and U.S. term loan B facilities.

 

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 September 30, 2014, 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 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 the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 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 the financial statements and refer the reader to that discussion for important information concerning those legal proceedings, including the basis for such actions and relief sought. See Note 14 to the financial statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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, the sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” There are no material changes to those risk factors except as set forth in Note 14 (Commitments and Contingencies) of the financial statements contained in this report, and the reader is specifically directed to that section.

 

The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as updated by this report, 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.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

 

Exhibit 10.1 — Settlement Agreement, dated September 5, 2014, by and among ViaSat, Inc., Space Systems/Loral, LLC (f/k/a Space Systems/Loral, Inc.), Loral Space & Communications Inc., and (with respect to Section 4.2) MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014)

 

Exhibit 10.2 — Release Agreement, dated September 5, 2014, by and among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Space Systems/Loral, LLC, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. and MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014)

 

Exhibit 10.3 — MDA/Loral Dispute Resolution, dated August 14, 2014, by and between Loral Space & Communications Inc. and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014)

 

Exhibit 31.1 — Certification of President pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 31.2 — Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 32.1 — Certification of President pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 32.2 — Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 101 — Interactive Data Files

(101.INS) XBRL Instance Document

(101.SCH) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

(101.CAL) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

(101.DEF) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

(101.LAB) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

(101.PRE) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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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, Treasurer and Controller
  (Principal Financial Officer)
  and Registrant’s Authorized Officer

 

Date: November 5, 2014

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 10.1 — Settlement Agreement, dated September 5, 2014, by and among ViaSat, Inc., Space Systems/Loral, LLC (f/k/a Space Systems/Loral, Inc.), Loral Space & Communications Inc., and (with respect to Section 4.2) MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014)

 

Exhibit 10.2 — Release Agreement, dated September 5, 2014, by and among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Space Systems/Loral, LLC, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. and MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014)

 

Exhibit 10.3 — MDA/Loral Dispute Resolution, dated August 14, 2014, by and between Loral Space & Communications Inc. and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014)

 

Exhibit 31.1 — Certification of President pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 31.2 — Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 32.1 — Certification of President pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 32.2 — Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Exhibit 101 — Interactive Data Files

(101.INS) XBRL Instance Document

(101.SCH) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

(101.CAL) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

(101.DEF) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

(101.LAB) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

(101.PRE) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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