Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission file number 0-22531

INTELSAT CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   95-4607698

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3400 International Drive, N.W.

Washington, D.C.

  20008
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(202) 944-6800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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  ¨    No  x

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    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.

 

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

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

As of November 6, 2009, 548 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements:

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009 (Unaudited)

   4
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

   5
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 (Predecessor Entity), the Period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 (Successor Entity) and the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

   6
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 (Predecessor Entity), the Period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 (Successor Entity) and the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

   7
  

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   8

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   29

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   45

Item 4T.

  

Controls and Procedures

   46

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   47

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   47

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   48

Item 3.

  

Defaults upon Senior Securities

   48

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   48

Item 5.

  

Other Information

   48

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   49

SIGNATURES

   50

 

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INTRODUCTION

In this Quarterly Report, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, (1) the terms “Intelsat Corp,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Intelsat Corporation, formerly known as PanAmSat Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat Holding Corporation, formerly known as PanAmSat Holding Corporation, (2) the term “Intelsat Acquisition Transactions” refers to the acquisition of Intelsat Holding Corporation by Intelsat Bermuda on July 3, 2006 and related transactions, (3) the term “Intelsat” refers to Intelsat, Ltd., our indirect parent company, and its currently existing subsidiaries on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the acquisition of PanAmSat Holding Corporation on July 3, 2006, (4) the terms “Serafina Holdings” and “Intelsat Global” refer to Intelsat Global, Ltd. (formerly known as Serafina Holdings Limited), (5) the term “Serafina” refers to Intelsat Global Subsidiary, Ltd. (formerly known as Serafina Acquisition Limited), (6) the term “Intelsat Holdings” refers to Intelsat, Ltd.’s parent, Intelsat Holdings, Ltd., (7) the term “Intelsat Bermuda” refers to Intelsat (Bermuda), Ltd., Intelsat, Ltd.’s direct wholly-owned subsidiary, (8) the term “Intelsat Jackson” refers to Intelsat Jackson Holdings, Ltd., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat Bermuda, (9) the term “Intermediate Holdco” refers to Intelsat Intermediate Holding Company, Ltd., Intelsat Jackson’s direct wholly-owned subsidiary, (10) the term “Intelsat Sub Holdco” refers to Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Company, Ltd., Intermediate Holdco’s direct wholly-owned subsidiary, and (11) the term “New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions” refers to the acquisition of Intelsat Holdings by Serafina on February 4, 2008 and related transactions, as discussed under Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Impact of the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions.

In this Quarterly Report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references to transponder capacity or demand refer to transponder capacity or demand in the C-band and Ku-band only.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” in this Quarterly Report are to, and all monetary amounts in this Quarterly Report are presented in, U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information contained in this Quarterly Report has been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures included in this Quarterly Report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them, and figures expressed as percentages in the text may not total 100% or, as applicable, when aggregated may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the percentages that precede them.

In this Quarterly Report, we refer to and rely on publicly available information regarding our industry and our competitors. Although we believe the information is reliable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information and have not independently verified it.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements in this Quarterly Report constitute forward-looking statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for certain forward-looking statements as long as they are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “may,” “will,” “ might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “outlook” and “continue,” and the negative of these terms and other similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

 

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The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report reflect our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report and are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control. These factors could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and include known and unknown risks. Known risks include, among others, the risks discussed in Item 1A—Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, the political, economic and legal conditions in the markets we are targeting for communications services or in which we operate and other risks and uncertainties inherent in the telecommunications business in general and the satellite communications business in particular.

The following list represents some, but not necessarily all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from historical results or those anticipated or predicted by these forward-looking statements:

 

   

risks associated with operating our in-orbit satellites;

 

   

satellite launch failures, satellite launch and construction delays and in-orbit failures or reduced performance;

 

   

potential changes in the number of companies offering commercial satellite launch services and the number of commercial satellite launch opportunities available in any given time period that could impact our ability to timely schedule future launches and the prices we have to pay for such launches;

 

   

our ability to obtain new satellite insurance policies with financially viable insurance carriers on commercially reasonable terms or at all, as well as the ability of our insurance carriers to fulfill their obligations;

 

   

possible future losses on satellites that are not adequately covered by insurance;

 

   

domestic and international government regulation;

 

   

changes in our revenue backlog or expected revenue backlog for future services;

 

   

pricing pressure and overcapacity in the markets in which we compete;

 

   

inadequate access to capital markets;

 

   

the competitive environment in which we operate;

 

   

customer defaults on their obligations owed to us;

 

   

our international operations and other uncertainties associated with doing business internationally; and

 

   

litigation.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee our future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Because actual results could differ materially from our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged not to rely on forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report and to view all forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report with caution. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

INTELSAT CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     As of
December 31,
2008
    As of
September 30,
2009
 
           (unaudited)  
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 52,259      $ 188,393   

Receivables, net of allowance of $5,647 in 2008 and $6,240 in 2009

     45,528        58,127   

Due from affiliates

     116,574        127,670   

Deferred income taxes

     40,562        39,735   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     33,812        17,275   
                

Total current assets

     288,735        431,200   

Satellites and other property and equipment, net

     2,452,885        2,343,042   

Goodwill

     3,340,169        3,340,169   

Non-amortizable intangible assets

     797,070        652,970   

Amortizable intangible assets, net

     544,625        502,092   

Deferred charges and other assets, net

     272,644        176,810   
                

Total assets

   $ 7,696,128      $ 7,446,283   
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 49,165      $ 47,118   

Taxes payable

     2,190        —     

Employee related liabilities

     36,893        28,976   

Accrued interest payable

     64,063        29,371   

Current portion of long-term debt

     89,051        89,051   

Deferred satellite performance incentives

     17,508        15,756   

Deferred revenue

     47,916        18,779   

Other current liabilities

     4,638        21,283   
                

Total current liabilities

     311,424        250,334   

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     3,264,970        3,199,221   

Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion

     102,350        91,841   

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

     29,468        48,328   

Deferred income taxes

     589,250        532,526   

Accrued retirement benefits

     167,960        170,473   

Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities

     390,701        381,085   

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)

    

Shareholder’s equity:

    

Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized and 548 shares outstanding at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009

     —          —     

Paid-in capital

     3,119,809        3,057,443   

Accumulated deficit

     (206,798     (213,201

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (73,006     (71,767
                

Total shareholder’s equity

     2,840,005        2,772,475   
                

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 7,696,128      $ 7,446,283   
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,

2008
   Three Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 

Revenue:

     

Transponder services, satellite-related services and other

   $ 209,599    $ 201,213   

Revenue from affiliates

     63,242      67,710   
               

Total revenue

     272,841      268,923   
               

Operating expenses:

     

Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

     40,872      31,456   

Costs from affiliates

     26,436      30,187   

Selling, general and administrative

     26,499      28,238   

Depreciation and amortization

     86,769      83,232   

Losses on derivative financial instruments

     21,301      19,608   
               

Total operating expenses

     201,877      192,721   
               

Income from operations

     70,964      76,202   

Interest expense, net

     61,897      44,871   

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —        (51

Other income, net

     5,433      607   
               

Income before income taxes

     14,500      31,887   

Provision for income taxes

     4,208      12,144   
               

Net income

   $ 10,292    $ 19,743   
               

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

     Predecessor Entity          Successor Entity  
     Period January 1,
2008 to

January 31,
2008
         Period February 1,
2008 to
September 30,
2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 

Revenue:

          

Transponder services, satellite-related services and other

   $ 71,026          $ 556,625      $ 649,523   

Revenue from affiliates

     51,021            161,867        204,241   
                            

Total revenue

     122,047            718,492        853,764   
                            

Operating expenses:

          

Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

     11,152            103,145        137,556   

Costs from affiliates

     6,858            65,748        87,443   

Selling, general and administrative

     12,117            73,226        89,949   

Depreciation and amortization

     26,851            231,832        252,383   

Transaction costs

     62,675            —          —     

Impairment of asset value

     —              —          144,100   

(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments

     11,431            (18,033     11,800   
                            

Total operating expenses

     131,084            455,918        723,231   
                            

Income (loss) from operations

     (9,037         262,574        130,533   

Interest expense, net

     21,224            158,226        142,692   

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —              —          (51

Other income, net

     169            8,781        3,178   
                            

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (30,092         113,129        (9,032

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (10,702         37,531        (2,629
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ (19,390       $ 75,598      $ (6,403
                            

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    Predecessor Entity          Successor Entity  
    Period January 1,
2008 to January 31,
2008
         Period February 1,
2008 to

September 30,
2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

         

Net income (loss)

  $ (19,390       $ 75,598      $ (6,403

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization

    26,851            231,832        252,383   

Impairment of asset value

    —              —          144,100   

Provision for doubtful accounts

    4,458            (2,841     2,501   

Foreign currency transaction gain

    (63         (1,830     (1,799

Deferred income taxes

    (27,756         78        (79,281

Loss on disposal of assets

    —              58        6,711   

Share-based compensation expense

    61,844            113        9,121   

Amortization of discount and issuance costs

    156            8,474        8,222   

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments

    11,748            (30,095     (28,894

Other non-cash items

    113            31        (282

Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisition:

         

Receivables

    (6,325         18,818        (15,100

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    (14,586         3,886        28,114   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    12,524            (24,433     (50,552

Due from affiliates

    (28,453         14,228        (10,226

Accrued retirement benefits

    (72         76        2,384   

Deferred gains and revenue

    17,075            20,436        (10,277

Other long-term liabilities

    19,876            31,419        67,245   
                           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    58,000            345,848        317,967   
                           

Cash flows from investing activities:

         

Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)

    (14,484         (101,197     (153,837

Proceeds from sale of other property and equipment

    —              —          128,648   

Capital contribution to unconsolidated affiliates

    —              (9,659     (12,210

Other investing activities

    —              4,699        5,437   
                           

Net cash used in investing activities

    (14,484         (106,157     (31,962
                           

Cash flows from financing activities:

         

Repayments of long-term debt

    (162,985         (1,253,324     (67,815

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    150,000            1,238,839        —     

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

    —              66,101        —     

Debt issuance costs

    —              (17,999     —     

Dividends to shareholder

    —              (65,691     (71,594

Advances to affiliates

    —              (12,000     —     

Repayments of funding of capital expenditures by customer

    —              (30,862     —     

Payment of premium on early retirement of debt

    —              (12,266     —     

Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives

    (1,246         (15,496     (12,261
                           

Net cash used in financing activities

    (14,231         (102,698     (151,670
                           

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    63            1,830        1,799   
                           

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    29,348            138,823        136,134   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    81,773            84,948        52,259   
                           

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 111,121          $ 223,771      $ 188,393   
                           

Supplemental cash flow information:

         

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

  $ 19,225          $ 141,953      $ 165,629   

Income taxes paid, net

    379            2,122        13,627   

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

         

Accrued capital expenditures

  $ 4,898          $ 5,663      $ 13,365   

 

Note: The decrease in cash and cash equivalents between the predecessor entity ending balance for the period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 and the successor entity opening balance is due to approximately $26.2 million in cash paid in connection with the closing of the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions.

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2009

Note 1    General

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Intelsat Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Intelsat Corp,” “PanAmSat Corporation,” “PanAmSat,” “we,” “us” or “our”) have not been audited, but are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of these financial statements. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full year. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The term “Intelsat” refers to Intelsat, Ltd., our indirect parent company, and its currently existing subsidiaries on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the acquisition of PanAmSat Holding Corporation on July 3, 2006 referred to as the Intelsat Acquisition Transactions. The terms “Holdco,” “PanAmSat Holdco” and “PanAmSat Holding Corp” refer to our direct parent company, Intelsat Holding Corporation (formerly known as PanAmSat Holding Corporation), and not its subsidiaries. In accordance with the recently revised Subsequent Events topic of the Codification, we have evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2009 through November 9, 2009, the date on which the financial statements were issued, and no material events have occurred.

On February 4, 2008, Serafina Acquisition Limited (“Serafina”) completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity ownership of Intelsat Holdings, Ltd. (“Intelsat Holdings”), the parent of Intelsat, Ltd., for total cash consideration of approximately $5.0 billion, pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2007 (the “BC Share Purchase Agreement”), among Serafina, Intelsat Holdings, certain shareholders of Intelsat Holdings and Serafina Holdings Limited (“Serafina Holdings”), the direct parent of Serafina. Serafina Holdings is an entity newly formed by funds controlled by BC Partners Holdings Limited (“BC Partners”) and certain other investors (collectively, the “BCEC Funds”). Subsequent to the execution of the BC Share Purchase Agreement, two investment funds controlled by Silver Lake Partners (“Silver Lake”) and other equity investors joined the BCEC Funds as the equity sponsors of Serafina Holdings. The BCEC Funds, the Silver Lake funds and the other equity sponsors are referred to as the New Sponsors and the acquisition of Intelsat Holdings, our parent, is referred to as the New Sponsors Acquisition. Upon closing, management contributed to Serafina Holdings the portion of their equity interests in Intelsat Holdings not purchased for cash by Serafina in exchange for equity interests in Serafina Holdings (which was renamed Intelsat Global, Ltd. (“Intelsat Global”) on February 8, 2008).

Although the effective date of the New Sponsors Acquisition was February 4, 2008, due to the immateriality of the results of operations for the period between February 1, 2008 and February 4, 2008, we have accounted for the New Sponsors Acquisition as if it had occurred on February 1, 2008, except for acquisition transactions costs, which are recorded within the predecessor period of January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008.

Our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 represent the “predecessor” entity. The period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009 represent the “successor” entity. As a result of the application of purchase accounting,

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

the condensed consolidated financial statements of the predecessor entity are not comparable with the condensed consolidated financial statements of the successor entity, because they are, in effect, those of a new entity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Examples of estimates include the determination of fair value with respect to certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the New Sponsors Acquisition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, pension and postretirement benefits, the fair value of our derivative instruments, the fair value of share-based and other compensation awards, income taxes, useful lives of satellites, intangible assets and other property and equipment, the recoverability of goodwill and the fair value of non-amortizable intangible assets. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-1 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“Topic 105”), which establishes the Codification as the official single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP, superseding existing literature issued by the FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and related literature. The Codification became effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after September 15, 2009, after which only one level of authoritative U.S. GAAP exists and all other literature is considered non-authoritative. The Codification does not change existing U.S. GAAP. The Codification is effective for our third quarter 2009 financial statements and the principal impact on our financial statements is limited to disclosures as all future references to authoritative accounting literature will be referenced in accordance with the Codification. Pursuant to the provisions of Topic 105, we have updated references to U.S. GAAP in our financial statements issued for the period ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of Topic 105 did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

Accounting pronouncements issued prior to the Codification will continue to be referenced by their original issuance reference for consistency with prior period filings. We have also provided the Codification topic into which the accounting guidance has been incorporated subsequent to its original issuance.

In September 2009, the FASB amended the Revenue Recognition—Multiple Element Arrangements topic of the Codification. Currently, the absence of vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third party evidence (“TPE”) of the fair value of the undelivered item(s) in an arrangement with multiple deliverables is one of the most common reasons entities are unable to recognize revenue on items that have been delivered. The amendment modifies the fair value requirements by providing an alternative for establishing fair value of a deliverable. In instances where VSOE or TPE of the fair value for any of the deliverables in an arrangement is unavailable, the entity may develop a best estimate of the selling price for those deliverables and allocate the arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. Application of the residual method of

 

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September 30, 2009

 

allocating an arrangement fee between delivered and undelivered elements will no longer be permitted. Additionally, entities will be required to disclose more information about their multiple-element revenue arrangements. This amendment will be effective and applied prospectively to all revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this amendment and the impact, if any, to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (“SFAS No. 166”). Subsequent to the issuance of this accounting pronouncement, SFAS No. 166 has been incorporated into the Codification under the Transfers and Servicing topic, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets. SFAS No. 166 is intended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements related to a transfer of financial assets, the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows, and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. SFAS No. 166 will be effective at the start of the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 166 and the impact, if any, to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“SFAS No. 167”). Subsequent to the issuance of this accounting pronouncement, SFAS No. 167 has been incorporated into the Codification under the Consolidations and Non-Controlling Interests topic. SFAS No. 167 is intended to address the effects on certain provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46(R)”), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in SFAS No. 166 and constituent concerns about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under FIN 46(R) do not always provide timely and useful information about an entity’s involvement in a variable interest entity. SFAS No. 167 will be effective at the start of the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 167 and the impact, if any, to our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (“FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1”). Subsequent to the issuance of this accounting pronouncement, this FSP has been incorporated into the Codification under the Compensation—Retirement Benefits topic. FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 provides additional disclosure requirements for the plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 requires employers of public and nonpublic entities to disclose additional information detailing how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets including concentration of risk and fair value measurements and the fair value techniques used to measure the plan assets. The disclosure requirements are effective for years ending after December 15, 2009. We plan to adopt FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 and provide the additional disclosure requirements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Note 2    Fair Value Measurements

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure topic of the Codification defines fair value, establishes a market-based framework or hierarchy for measuring fair value and provides for certain required disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance within the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure topic of the Codification is applicable whenever another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value, but does not require any new fair value measurements.

 

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The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows:

 

   

Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

   

Level 2—quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and

 

   

Level 3—unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

 

          Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2009

Description

   September 30,
2009
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Assets

        

Marketable securities

   $ 5,617    $ 5,617    $ —  

Undesignated interest rate swap

     18,301      —        18,301
                    

Total assets

   $ 23,918    $ 5,617    $ 18,301
                    

Liabilities

        

Undesignated interest rate swap

   $ 83,568    $ —      $ 83,568
                    

Total liabilities

   $ 83,568    $ —      $ 83,568
                    

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, such items are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as if there is evidence of impairment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, our rights to operate at orbital locations were written down to their estimated fair value of $631.0 million, from their aggregate carrying value of $775.1 million as of December 31, 2008, due to an impairment identified during the first quarter of 2009. The fair value of the orbital locations was determined using unobservable inputs (see Note 7—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets).

Note 3    Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans

(a) 2005 Share Plan

(i) Restricted Shares

The board of directors of Intelsat Holdings adopted the Intelsat Holdings, Ltd. 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the “2005 Share Plan”) with an effective date of January 28, 2005. Of the shares awarded under the 2005 Share Plan, a portion were time vesting shares and a portion of the shares awarded were performance shares that were to vest upon the meeting of certain performance criteria. Upon consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition on February 4, 2008, all outstanding performance-based restricted shares and a portion of the time vesting shares under the 2005 Share Plan vested. Vested restricted shares (including time and performance vesting shares) were purchased by the New Sponsors at approximately $400 per share (the per share price specified in the BC Share

 

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September 30, 2009

 

Purchase Agreement). In connection with the vesting of these awards upon the consummation of the acquisition, we recorded compensation expense of $30.8 million in the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008. In connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, each unvested restricted share of Intelsat Holdings was exchanged for approximately four unvested restricted shares of Intelsat Global.

(ii) Share-Based Compensation Arrangements

During 2006 and 2007, Intelsat Holdings entered into share-based compensation arrangements (“SCAs”) with selected employees of Intelsat Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries under the 2005 Share Plan, which permitted such employees to purchase Intelsat Holdings common shares. These SCAs vested over time and were subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. The vesting of these SCAs was to accelerate in the event of the occurrence of both a change in control and a termination without cause (each as defined in the 2005 Share Plan) of the relevant employee. Any outstanding but unexercised SCAs could be cancelled at any time after termination of employment. Shares issued as a result of the exercise of SCAs could be repurchased at the lesser of fair market value and the exercise price in the event of voluntary termination by the employee and other defined circumstances. Since these repurchase features enabled Intelsat Holdings to recover the shares without transferring any appreciation in value if the employee were to terminate voluntarily, the SCAs were not deemed to be granted under the guidance provided by the Stock Compensation topic of the Codification. The repurchase features provided that if an employee were to be terminated without cause or upon death or disability, Intelsat Holdings would have the right for two years to repurchase any vested shares at fair value as determined on the termination date.

In connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, vesting in SCAs issued under the 2005 Share Plan doubled at consummation of the transaction if the awardee was still employed on February 4, 2008. The vested SCAs were cancelled in return for cash in an amount equal to the excess of approximately $400 (the per share price of the transaction) over the exercise price of each share covered. In connection with the vesting and cancellation of these awards, we recorded expense of $31.0 million in the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008. The remaining unvested SCAs were rolled over into new SCAs of Intelsat Global.

(b) 2008 Share Plan

On May 6, 2009, the board of directors of Intelsat Global adopted the amended and restated Intelsat Global, Ltd. 2008 Share Incentive Plan (the “2008 Share Plan”). The 2008 Share Plan provides for a variety of equity-based awards with respect to Class A common shares, par value U.S. $0.001 per share (the “Class A Shares”), and Class B common shares, par value U.S. $0.001 per share (the “Class B Shares” and, together with the Class A Shares, the “Common Shares”), including non-qualified share options, incentive share options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Service Tax Code), restricted share awards, restricted share unit awards, share appreciation rights, phantom share awards and performance-based awards.

A total of 1,689,975 common shares may be issued under the 2008 Share Plan; provided, however, that no more than 946,386 Class B Shares may be issued under the 2008 Share Plan. Class A Shares may be issued pursuant to any type of award; however, Class B Shares may only be issued pursuant to restricted share awards. Additionally, 438,827 Class A Shares shall be available for issuance pursuant to the vesting and/or exercise of certain options and restricted share awards previously granted pursuant to the 2005 Share Plan (the “Rollover Awards”). To the extent that any award, other than the Rollover Awards, terminates, expires, or lapses for any reason, or is settled in cash without delivery of shares (or, in the case of restricted shares, without vesting) to the participant, then any shares subject to the award may be used again for new grants under the 2008 Share Plan.

 

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September 30, 2009

 

(i) Rollover Shares

In connection with the adoption of the 2008 Share Plan, 293,926 Class A Shares previously granted pursuant to the 2005 Share Plan became subject to new Class A restricted share agreements and the provisions of the 2008 Share Plan. Employees of Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries held 61,906 of these rollover shares as of September 30, 2009. These rollover shares continue to be classified as a liability of Intelsat Global due to certain repurchase features in the 2008 Share Plan and the new Class A restricted share agreements. The rollover shares continued to vest in the same increments and on the same vesting dates as were applicable prior to the closing of the New Sponsors Acquisition. During the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively, related to the rollover shares. The non-vested restricted shares had a remaining weighted average vesting period of 4 months as of September 30, 2009.

(ii) Rollover Options

In connection with the adoption of the 2008 Share Plan, the unvested SCAs of Intelsat Holdings that had been rolled over into SCAs of Intelsat Global became subject to new option agreements and the provisions of the 2008 Share Plan. As a result, the SCAs were no longer subject to the same repurchase features that had applied previously, and the SCAs were deemed a grant of options to purchase Intelsat Global Class A Shares under the guidance provided by the Stock Compensation topic of the Codification.

Holders of these options who terminate employment with Intelsat Global or its subsidiaries will forfeit any unvested options. Additionally, the option agreements have certain repurchase features which provide that if an employee is terminated without cause or upon death or disability, Intelsat Global has the right for two years to repurchase any vested options, and any shares issued upon exercise of vested options, at the fair market value of the shares, less the exercise price in the case of options, as determined on the termination date. In the event an employee resigns, Intelsat Global has the right to repurchase any vested options, and any shares issued upon exercise of vested options, at a price equal to the lesser of the fair market value of the shares at resignation and $100.00 per share, less applicable exercise price in the case of options.

We recorded compensation expense for the time vesting restricted options over the vesting period based on the intrinsic value which equaled the fair value of the underlying Class A Shares at the date of the grant, $48.74 per share, less the exercise price of $25 per share. Since awards made consisted of options to purchase shares of our indirect parent, Intelsat Global, compensation costs for vested awards and the cost to repurchase options were reflected as capital contributions in the form of liabilities assumed by parent. Due to certain repurchase features in the 2008 Share Plan and the underlying agreements, the options to purchase shares were classified as a liability of Intelsat Global. We recognized $0.4 million and $3.0 million as compensation expense for these restricted share grants during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

(iii) Class B Share Grants

In connection with the adoption of the 2008 Share Plan, 900,249 Class B Shares were awarded to employees of Intelsat Global and its subsidiaries. These shares are subject to transfer, vesting and other restrictions set forth in the applicable Class B restricted share agreements, as described below.

Employees of Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries were issued 362,210 restricted Class B Shares effective as of May 8, 2009. Generally, five-sevenths of these Class B Shares are subject to time vesting, with 10% of the shares

 

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(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

generally vesting six months after the later of February 4, 2008 or the date of hire, and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments of 1/54th per month thereafter (the “Management Class B Time-Vesting Shares”). The remaining Class B Shares are subject to annual performance-based vesting upon the achievement of certain adjusted EBITDA and revenue goals for 2008 and 2009 (and 2010 for individuals hired after the first quarter of 2008), as defined in the applicable agreements, subject to catch-up vesting upon achievement of targets in later years (the “Management Class B Performance Shares”).

In the event of a change in control, as defined in the applicable agreement, the Management Class B Time-Vesting Shares will become fully vested, and the Management Class B Performance Shares vest if certain principal shareholders of Intelsat Global, as defined in the applicable agreements (the “Principal Shareholders”), receive a three times multiple on their investment (four times if the change in control occurs after February 4, 2015).

In the event of the termination, death or disability of the holder, the respective Management Class B Time-Vesting Shares and Management Class B Performance Shares cease vesting and all unvested shares are forfeited. In the event of the holder’s termination of employment without cause, Intelsat Global may repurchase the shares generally for fair market value. If the termination is for cause, as defined in the 2008 Share Plan, the shares may be repurchased at a price per share equal to par value, and if the termination is due to the holder’s resignation, the repurchase price is defined in the 2008 Share Plan and applicable agreements.

We recorded compensation expense for all restricted Class B shares over the vesting period based on the intrinsic value (which equaled fair value) at the date of the grant of $10.73 per share, although a different fair market value might apply to the repurchase terms of the awards applicable to an employee termination without cause. Since awards made consisted of shares of our indirect parent, Intelsat Global, compensation costs for vested awards and the cost to repurchase shares were reflected as capital contributions in the form of liabilities assumed by parent. Due to certain repurchase features in the 2008 Share Plan and the terms of applicable restricted share agreements, these restricted Class B Share grants were classified as a liability of Intelsat Global. We recognized $0.3 million and $1.8 million as compensation expense for these restricted Class B Share grants during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

(iv) Class A Share Option Grants and SCAs

In connection with the adoption of the 2008 Share Plan, 707,351 Intelsat Global Class A SCAs were awarded to employees of Intelsat Global and its subsidiaries under SCAs with an exercise price of $100 per share (the “New 2008 SCAs”), of which 284,602 were granted to employees of Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries. These awards are subject to transfer, vesting and other restrictions set forth in the various agreements, as described below.

Approximately 55% of the shares subject to the New 2008 SCAs will vest based upon the achievement of certain adjusted EBITDA and revenue goals for 2010, 2011 and 2012 (and 2013 for individuals hired after the first quarter of 2008), as defined in the applicable agreements, subject to catch-up vesting in certain circumstances, including upon achievement of targets in later years or if the Principal Shareholders receive a three times multiple on their investment (four times if the change in control occurs after February 4, 2015) in connection with a change in control, as defined. Approximately 45% of the shares subject to the New 2008 SCAs will vest upon the occurrence of a change in control or other realization event based upon a sliding scale of return on the Principal Shareholders’ investment from 3.3 times to 4.1 times. The New 2008 SCAs generally expire on the earliest to occur of: (i) February 4, 2018, (ii) 90 days following termination of employment, other than as a

 

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September 30, 2009

 

result of death or disability, (iii) one year following termination upon death or disability and (iv) the date of termination for cause. Class A Shares acquired upon exercise of the New 2008 SCAs are subject to repurchase rights of Intelsat Global similar to the rights specified in the agreements governing the restricted Class B Share grants. The New 2008 SCAs also contain restrictive covenants similar to those contained in the agreements governing the restricted Class B Share grants.

Any Class A Shares held by employees as a result of the exercise of the New 2008 SCAs can be repurchased at the lesser of fair market value and the exercise price in the event of voluntary termination by the employee and other defined circumstances. Since these repurchase features enable Intelsat Global to recover the shares without transferring any appreciation in value if the employee were to terminate voluntarily, the New 2008 SCAs were not deemed to be granted. The repurchase features provide that if an employee were to be terminated without cause or upon death or disability, Intelsat Global would have the right for two years to repurchase any vested shares issued upon exercise of the New 2008 SCAs at fair value as determined on the termination date.

Note 4    Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits

(a) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan covering substantially all employees hired prior to July 19, 2001. The cost of providing benefits to eligible participants under the defined benefit retirement plan is calculated using the plan’s benefit formulas, which take into account the participants’ remuneration, dates of hire, years of eligible service, and certain actuarial assumptions. In addition, as part of the overall medical plan, we provide postretirement medical benefits to certain current retirees, as well as to employees hired prior to January 1, 2004 who meet certain criteria.

Concurrent with Intelsat’s privatization in 2001, the defined benefit retirement plan became subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. We expect that our future contributions to the defined benefit retirement plan will be based on the minimum funding requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and on the plan’s funded status.

Recent market conditions have resulted in an unusually high degree of volatility and increased risks related to the short-term liquidity of certain investments held by our defined benefit retirement plan, which could impact the value of the plan assets after the date of these condensed consolidated financial statements. Additionally, any significant decline in the fair value of our defined benefit retirement plan assets could affect its funded status. The impact on the funded status as of October 1, the plan’s annual measurement date, was based upon market conditions in effect when we completed our annual valuation. Based on these criteria, we were not required to make additional contributions in 2008 to the defined benefit retirement plan, and we currently expect that we will not be required to make any additional contributions during 2009. However, as a result of the recent decline in value of our defined benefit retirement plan assets, we currently anticipate significant funding in future years.

Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2009 are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized prior service credits of $1.5 million ($1.0 million, net of tax) and unrecognized actuarial losses of $113.0 million ($71.4 million, net of tax).

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

Net periodic pension benefit costs included the following components (in thousands):

 

    Pension Benefits  
                Predecessor Entity          Successor Entity  
    Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2008
    Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
    Period
January 1,
2008 to
January 31,

2008
         Period
February 1,
2008 to
September 30,
2008
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
 

Service cost

  $ 621      $ 694      $ 217          $ 1,656      $ 2,081   

Interest cost

    5,064        5,176        1,621            13,504        15,529   

Expected return on plan assets

    (5,775     (5,143     (2,014         (15,400     (15,429

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

    —          (43     (26         —          (129

Amortization of unrecognized net loss

    —          —          18            —          —     
                                           

Net periodic (benefit) costs

  $ (90   $ 684      $ (184       $ (240   $ 2,052   
                                           
Net periodic other postretirement benefit costs included the following components (in thousands):  
    Other Postretirement Benefits  
                Predecessor Entity          Successor Entity  
    Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2008
    Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
    Period
January 1,
2008 to
January 31,

2008
         Period
February 1,
2008 to
September 30,
2008
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
 

Service cost

  $ 151      $ 136      $ 55          $ 402      $ 408   

Interest cost

    127        133        43            338        400   

Amortization of unrecognized net gain

    —          —          (18         —          —     
                                           

Total costs

  $ 278      $ 269      $ 80          $ 740      $ 808   
                                           

(b) Other Retirement Plans

We maintain two defined contribution retirement plans, qualified under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for our employees in the United States. One plan is for Intelsat employees who were hired before July 19, 2001 or otherwise participate in the Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the “SRIP”) and the other plan is for Intelsat employees hired on or after July 19, 2001, the Retirement Savings Plan (the “RSP”). Each employee participating in the SRIP or RSP is eligible to contribute, on a tax deferred basis and on an after-tax basis, up to 100% of eligible earnings, subject to regulatory limits. We match 50% of employee contributions up to 2% of eligible earnings for participants in the SRIP, and 100% of employee contributions up to 5% of eligible earnings for participants in the RSP. Additionally, we provide a discretionary contribution based on performance against pre-defined metrics of between 0% and 4% of eligible earnings for employees participating in the SRIP or the RSP and a fixed contribution of 2% of eligible earnings for participants in the RSP, all subject to regulatory limits. We recognized compensation expense for these plans of $0.4 million, $5.0 million and $5.9 million for the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor

 

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period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. We also maintain other defined contribution retirement plans in several non-U.S. jurisdictions, but such plans are not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 5    Satellites and Other Property and Equipment

Satellites and other property and equipment, net were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of
December 31,
2008
    As of
September 30,
2009
 

Satellites and launch vehicles

   $ 2,495,231      $ 2,561,454   

Information systems and ground segment

     126,779        142,621   

Buildings and other

     94,318        96,825   
                

Total cost

     2,716,328        2,800,900   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (263,443     (457,858
                

Total

   $ 2,452,885      $ 2,343,042   
                

Satellites and other property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009 included construction-in-progress of $194.1 million and $282.1 million, respectively. These amounts relate primarily to satellites under construction and related launch services. Interest costs of $1.9 million, $11.7 million and $10.5 million were capitalized in the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

We have entered into launch contracts for the launch of both specified and unspecified future satellites. Each of these launch contracts provides that such contract may be terminated at our option, subject to payment of a termination fee that increases in magnitude as the applicable launch date approaches. In addition, in the event of a failure of any launch, we may exercise our right to obtain a replacement launch within a specified period following our request for re-launch.

Note 6    Investments

We have a joint venture with JSAT International, Inc. (“JSAT”), a leading satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The joint venture is named Horizons Satellite Holdings, LLC, and consists of two investments: Horizons-1 Satellite LLC (“Horizons-1”) and Horizons-2 Satellite LLC (“Horizons-2”). We provide certain services to the joint venture and utilize capacity from the joint venture.

Horizons-1 owns and operates the Ku-band portion of the Horizons-1 satellite in the fixed satellite services sector, offering service to customers in the Asia-Pacific region. We have a 50% ownership interest in Horizons-1, an investment which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Our share of the results of Horizons-1 is included in other income, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and was income of $0.02 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The investment balance of $15.7 million and $13.3 million as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, was included within deferred charges and other assets, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

During the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded expenses of $0.3 million, $2.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in relation to the utilization of Ku-band satellite capacity from Horizons-1. Additionally, we provide tracking, telemetry and control (“TT&C”) and administrative services for the Horizons-1 satellite. We recorded revenue for these services of $0.1 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million during the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

We also have a revenue share agreement with JSAT related to services sold on the Horizons-1 satellite. We are responsible for the billing and collecting for all such services sold, but recognize revenue on a net basis. As a result of this agreement, we reduced revenue by $1.1 million, $10.1 million and $11.3 million for the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The payable due to JSAT was $2.0 million and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

On August 1, 2005, we formed a second satellite joint investment with JSAT to build and launch a Ku-band satellite, Horizons-2. The Horizons-2 satellite was launched in December 2007 and placed into service in February 2008. Our investment is being accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The total future joint investment in Horizons-2 is expected to be $127.8 million as of September 30, 2009, of which each of the joint venture partners is required to fund their 50% share. Our share of the results of Horizons-2 is included in other income, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and was income of $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, the investment balance of $79.2 million and $76.6 million, respectively, was included within deferred charges and other assets, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with our investment in Horizons-2, we entered into a capital contribution and subscription agreement in August 2005, which requires us to fund our 50% share of the amounts due under Horizons-2’s loan agreement with a third-party lender. Pursuant to this agreement, we made contributions of $6.1 million during both the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009. We have entered into a security and pledge agreement with a third-party lender and, pursuant to this agreement, granted a security interest in our contribution obligation to the lender. Therefore, we have recorded this obligation as an indirect guarantee. We have recorded a liability of $12.2 million within accrued liabilities as of both December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, and a liability of $61.0 million and $48.8 million within deferred credits and other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We provide TT&C and administrative services for the Horizons-2 satellite. We did not receive any revenue for these services during the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008. We recorded revenue for these services of $0.5 million and $0.6 million during the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. During the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded expenses of $5.0 million and $5.3 million, respectively, in relation to the utilization of satellite capacity for the Horizons-2 satellite.

We also have a revenue share agreement with JSAT related to services sold on the Horizons-2 satellite. We are responsible for the billing and collecting for all such services sold, but recognize revenue on a net basis. As a

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

result of this agreement, we reduced revenue by $4.6 million and $7.2 million for the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The amount payable to JSAT was $0.7 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

Note 7    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amounts of goodwill and acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of
December 31,
2008
   As of
September 30,
2009

Goodwill

   $ 3,340,169    $ 3,340,169

Trade name

     21,970      21,970

Orbital locations

     775,100      631,000

We determine the estimated fair value of our rights to operate at orbital locations using the build up method, as described below, to determine the cash flows for the income approach, with the resulting projected cash flows discounted at an appropriate weighted average cost of capital. In instances where the build up method did not generate positive value for the right to operate at an orbital location, but the right was expected to generate revenue, we assigned a value based upon independent source data for recent transactions of similar orbital locations.

Under the build up method, the amount an investor would be willing to pay for the right to operate a satellite business at an orbital location is calculated by first estimating the cash flows that typical market participants would assume could be available from the right to operate satellites using the orbital location in a similar market. It is assumed that rather than acquiring such a business, the buyer would hypothetically start with the right to operate at an orbital location and build a new operation with similar attributes. Thus the buyer or builder is considered to incur the start-up costs and losses typically associated with such a business, including costs for all other tangible and intangible assets.

We account for goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets in accordance with the guidance provided under the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other topic of the Codification and have deemed these assets to have indefinite lives. Therefore, these assets are not amortized but are tested on an annual basis for impairment during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. During the first quarter of 2009, the credit markets continued to experience difficulties, with new debt issuances being priced at significantly higher effective interest rates as compared to the pricing of debt issuances completed in prior periods. The higher effective interest rates reflected, in our view, higher discounts being applied in the valuation of companies generally, and were therefore considered by us to be an indicator of potential impairment to the fair value of our right to operate at orbital locations. The higher interest rates resulted in an increase to our weighted average cost of capital, and led to our recognizing a non-cash impairment charge of $144.1 million in the first quarter of 2009.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2008    As of September 30, 2009
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount

Backlog and other

   $ 394,970    $ (54,105   $ 340,865    $ 394,970    $ (93,878   $ 301,092

Customer relationships

     204,920      (1,160     203,760      204,920      (3,920     201,000
                                           

Total

   $ 599,890    $ (55,265   $ 544,625    $ 599,890    $ (97,798   $ 502,092
                                           

Intangible assets are amortized based on the expected pattern of consumption. We recorded amortization expense of $4.4 million, $40.2 million and $42.5 million for the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2009, the FASB revised the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other topic of the Codification to provide additional guidance for determining the useful life of intangible assets. The revised guidance provides that we are required to disclose on an interim and annual basis our policy related to the renewal or extension of the term of our intangible assets. Our policy is to expense all costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our intangible assets. The renewal expenses for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were immaterial to our results of operations.

Note 8    Long-Term Debt

The carrying amounts and fair values of our notes payable and long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):

 

    As of December 31, 2008        As of September 30, 2009
    Amount     Fair Value        Amount     Fair Value

Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2014

  $ 1,751,260      $ 1,320,450       $ 1,737,858      $ 1,653,745

Unamortized discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities

    (13,052     —           (11,367     —  

Senior Secured Credit Facilities due July 2012

    275,830        237,214         222,444        213,101

9% Senior Notes due August 2014

    1,016        859         —          —  

9.25% Senior Notes due August 2014

    658,119        556,111         658,119        677,863

9% Senior Notes due January 2016

    10        9         —          —  

9.25% Senior Notes due June 2016

    580,720        526,131         580,720        598,141

6.875% Secured Senior Debentures due January 2028

    125,000        72,500         125,000        101,563

Unamortized discount on 6.875% Senior Secured Debentures

    (24,882     —           (24,502     —  
                               

Total Intelsat Corp long-term debt

    3,354,021      $ 2,713,274         3,288,272      $ 3,244,413
                               

Less: current portion of long-term debt

    89,051              89,051     
                       

Total long-term debt, excluding current portion

  $ 3,264,970            $ 3,199,221     
                       

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

The fair value for publicly traded instruments is determined using quoted market prices and, for non-publicly traded instruments, fair value is based upon composite pricing from a variety of sources, including market leading data providers, market makers, and leading brokerage firms.

Intelsat Corp Senior Secured Credit Facilities

No amounts were outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2009; however, we had outstanding letters of credit of $2.1 million under the revolver portion of our senior secured credit facility. The remaining availability under our revolving senior secured credit facility was $152.2 million (net of standby letters of credit) as of September 30, 2009. Under the terms of the credit agreements governing the senior secured credit facilities of Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Company, Ltd. (“Intelsat Sub Holdco”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat, Ltd., and our amended and restated senior secured credit facilities, the ability of each company to borrow under its respective revolving credit facility is subject to compliance by each company’s indirect parent, Intelsat, Ltd., with a senior secured debt covenant included in the indenture governing Intelsat, Ltd.’s outstanding senior notes. As a result, under certain circumstances, we may not be able to borrow up to the full amount of borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility if Intelsat Sub Holdco has certain amounts outstanding under its revolving senior secured credit facility.

2009 Redemptions

On July 31, 2009, we redeemed the approximately $1.0 million principal amount outstanding of the 9% Senior Notes due 2014 and the approximately $0.01 million principal amount outstanding of the 9% Senior Notes due 2016.

Note 9    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Interest Rate Swaps

As of September 30, 2009, we held interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $2.2 billion with maturities ranging from 2010 to 2013. These swaps were entered into as further described below to economically hedge the variability in cash flow on a portion of the floating-rate term loans under our senior secured credit facilities, but have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes. On a quarterly basis, we receive a floating rate of interest on a $1.9 billion notional amount equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and pay a fixed rate of interest. Additionally, on a $312.5 million notional amount, we receive a floating rate of interest equal to the one-month LIBOR plus a spread and pay a floating rate of interest equal to the three-month LIBOR.

In June 2009, we entered into an interest rate basis swap with an aggregate notional principal amount of $312.5 million that will mature on March 15, 2010. Under this basis swap, we will pay interest based on the three month LIBOR rate and receive interest based on the one month LIBOR rate plus a fixed spread.

In February 2008, we entered into five-year interest rate swaps with an effective date of March 14, 2008 to hedge interest expense on an aggregate notional amount of $1.27 billion expected to mature on March 14, 2013. Certain of these swaps contain options covering a notional amount of $717.0 million that would effectively permit us to terminate the underlying swaps on March 14, 2011, prior to the stated maturity of March 14, 2013. If we exercise the options, the cash flows (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) for the underlying swap and those from the options are expected to offset one another.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

On March 14, 2005, we entered into a five-year interest rate swap to hedge interest expense on a notional amount of $1.25 billion of debt. On March 14, 2008, under the original terms of the swap agreement, the notional amount was reduced to $625.0 million, at which level it will remain until expiration on March 14, 2010.

The counterparties to such agreements are highly rated financial institutions. In the unlikely event that the counterparties fail to meet the terms of the interest rate swaps, our exposure is limited to the interest rate differential on the notional amount at each quarterly settlement period over the life of the agreement. We do not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties.

All of these interest rate swaps were undesignated as of September 30, 2009. The swaps have been marked-to-market with any change in fair value recorded within (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, $1.7 million and $16.0 million was included in other current liabilities, respectively, and $91.0 million and $49.2 million was included in deferred credits and other long-term liabilities, respectively, within our condensed consolidated balance sheets related to the interest rate swaps.

In accordance with the disclosure requirements provided under the Derivative and Hedging topic of the Codification, we include the following tabular presentation, which sets forth the fair value of our derivatives by category (in thousands):

 

        Asset Derivatives   Liability Derivatives

Derivatives not designated

as hedging instruments

 

Balance Sheet Location

  September 30,
2009
  September 30, 2009

Undesignated interest rate swaps (a)

 

Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities

  $ 18,301   $ 67,468

Undesignated interest rate swaps

 

Other current liabilities

    —       16,100
             

Total derivatives

    $ 18,301   $ 83,568
             

 

(a) The value of undesignated interest rate swaps on our condensed consolidated balance sheet is net of $18.3 million, which represents the fair value of options permitting us to terminate the underlying swaps. The fair value of these options is classified as an asset derivative in the table above.

The following tabular presentation sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

Derivatives not designated

as hedging instruments

 

Presentation in Statement of Operations

   Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
   Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2009

Undesignated interest rate swaps

 

Losses on derivative financial instruments

   $ 19,608    $ 11,800

Note 10    Income Taxes

We are included within Intelsat Holding Corporation’s consolidated federal and state tax returns as a consolidated member. Accordingly, we account for income taxes using the separate return method in accordance with the Income Taxes topic of the Codification.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

We operate in various taxable jurisdictions throughout the world and our tax returns are subject to audit and review from time to time. We consider the United States to be our significant tax jurisdiction. Our U.S. subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income tax examination for periods beginning after August 20, 2004.

As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, our gross unrecognized tax benefits were $51.3 million and $55.1 million, respectively (including interest and penalties), of which $35.5 million and $38.9 million, respectively, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, we had recorded reserves for interest and penalties in the amount of $1.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively. We continue to recognize interest and, to the extent applicable, penalties with respect to the unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Since December 31, 2008, the change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits consisted of an increase of $3.6 million related to current period positions, an increase of $0.7 million related to prior period positions and a decrease of $0.5 million related to prior period tax positions. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next twelve months.

During the third quarter of 2008, the Internal Revenue Service began an audit of us for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006. At this point in time, it is too early to anticipate both the length of the audit and the probability of any adjustments.

Prior to August 20, 2004, PanAmSat Corp joined with The DIRECTV Group and General Motors Corporation in filing a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return. In April 2004, PanAmSat Corp entered into a tax separation agreement with The DIRECTV Group that superseded four earlier tax-related agreements among PanAmSat Corp and its subsidiaries, The DIRECTV Group and certain of its affiliates. Pursuant to the tax separation agreement, The DIRECTV Group agreed to indemnify PanAmSat Corp for all federal and consolidated state and local income taxes a taxing authority may attempt to collect from PanAmSat Corp regarding any liability for the federal or consolidated state or local income taxes of General Motors Corporation and The DIRECTV Group, except those income taxes PanAmSat Corp is required to pay under the tax separation agreement. In addition, The DIRECTV Group agreed to indemnify Intelsat Corp for any taxes (other than those taxes described in the preceding sentence) related to any periods or portions of such periods ending on, or prior to, the day of the closing of the PanAmSat recapitalization, which occurred on August 20, 2004, in amounts equal to 80% of the first $75.0 million of such other taxes and 100% of any other taxes in excess of the first $75.0 million. As a result, Intelsat Corp’s tax exposure after indemnification related to these periods is capped at $15.0 million, of which $4.0 million has been paid to date. The tax separation agreement with The DIRECTV Group is effective from August 20, 2004 until the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to all taxes to which the tax separation agreement relates. As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, we recorded tax indemnification receivables of $5.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively.

On October 25, 2007, we were notified by The DIRECTV Group that the Internal Revenue Service had begun a federal income tax return audit for the period beginning December 23, 2003 and ending December 31, 2005. As mentioned above, under the terms of the tax separation agreement with The DIRECTV Group, certain federal income taxes are fully indemnified by The DIRECTV Group for periods through August 20, 2004.

Note 11    Restructuring and Transaction Costs

Our restructuring and transaction costs include historical facilities restructuring plans and management-approved restructuring plans to consolidate and integrate the management and operations of Intelsat and

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

PanAmSat Holdco subsequent to consummation of the Intelsat Acquisition Transactions as well as transaction-related expenses incurred in connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition.

(a) Facilities Restructuring Plan

We approved a facilities restructuring plan subsequent to the consummation of the Intelsat Acquisition Transactions which included the closure of our former corporate headquarters in Wilton, Connecticut, as well as two other locations in the United States. These costs relate primarily to payments due on existing lease obligations that are expected to be incurred and paid through 2011. We also had recorded liabilities in connection with our 2002 approval of a plan to restructure several of our United States locations and close certain facilities, some of which are currently being leased through 2011. The facilities restructuring liability was $5.5 million and $4.2 million as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, the current portion of which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, with the remainder in deferred credits and other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We expect to pay $2.2 million within the next 12 months in connection with the facilities restructuring plan.

(b) Workforce Restructuring Plan

As part of the consolidation and integration associated with the Intelsat Acquisition Transactions, we approved a workforce restructuring plan. This plan provided for the relocation and/or severance of employees due to planned facility closures. This workforce reduction covered approximately 240 employees. The remainder of the workforce restructuring liability of $0.4 million at December 31, 2008 was paid in June 2009.

The following table summarizes the recorded accruals, which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, employee related liabilities, and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, and activity related to the facilities restructuring and workforce restructuring (in millions):

 

     Facilities
Restructuring
Plan
    Workforce
Restructuring
Plan
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2009

   $ 5.5      $ 0.4      $ 5.9   

Net cash payments

     (1.3     (0.4     (1.7
                        

Balance at September 30, 2009

   $ 4.2      $ 0.0      $ 4.2   
                        

No additional costs related to the facilities restructuring plan or the workforce restructuring plan are expected to be incurred.

Note 12    Contingencies

(a) Litigation and Claims

We are subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business, but management does not believe that the resolution of any pending proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

(b) Other

Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc. has security interests in certain transponders on the IS-2, IS-3R, IS-4 and IS-5 satellites to secure incentive payments owed by us pursuant to satellite construction contracts.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

Note 13    Business and Geographic Segment Information

We operate in a single industry segment, in which we provide satellite services to our communications customers around the world. Revenue by region is based on the locations of customers to which services are billed. Revenue from affiliates is included in the North America region. Our satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, and consequently are not attributable to any geographic location. Of our remaining assets, substantially all are located in the United States.

The geographic distribution of our revenue was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,

2008
    Three Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 

North America

   70   68

Latin America and Caribbean

   11   13

Africa and Middle East

   8   8

Asia Pacific

   6   6

Europe

   5   5

Approximately 12% of our transponder services, satellite-related services and other revenue was derived from our largest customer during both the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009. The ten largest customers accounted for approximately 44% of our transponder services, satellite-related services and other revenue for both the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009.

The geographic distribution of our revenue was as follows:

 

     Predecessor Entity          Successor Entity  
     Period January 1,
2008 to January 31,
2008
         Period February 1,
2008 to September 30,
2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 

North America

   78       69   69

Latin America and Caribbean

   9       11   11

Africa and Middle East

   6       8   8

Asia Pacific

   4       7   8

Europe

   3       5   4

Approximately 18%, 12% and 11% of our transponder services, satellite-related services and other revenue was derived from our largest customer during the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The ten largest customers accounted for approximately 50%, 44% and 44% of our transponder services, satellite-related services and other revenue for the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

Our revenues were derived from the following services (in thousands, except percentages):

 

    

Three Months Ended
September 30,

              2008              

   

Three Months Ended
September 30,

              2009              

 

Transponder services

   $ 180,837    66   $ 177,147    66

Managed services

     15,196    6     16,755    6

Mobile satellite services and other

     13,566    5     7,311    3
                          

Subtotal

     209,599    77     201,213    75

Revenue from affiliates

     63,242    23     67,710    25
                          

Total

   $ 272,841    100   $ 268,923    100
                          

Our revenues were derived from the following services (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Predecessor Entity           Successor Entity  
    

Period January 1,
2008 to January 31,

              2008              

         

Period February 1,
2008 to September 30,
                2008                 

   

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
                2009            

 

Transponder services

   $ 64,406    53        $ 487,774    68   $ 535,711    63

Managed services

     4,437    4          38,445    5     47,368    5

Mobile satellite services and other

     2,183    2          30,406    4     66,444    8
                                            

Subtotal

     71,026    59          556,625    77     649,523    76

Revenue from affiliates

     51,021    41          161,867    23     204,241    24
                                            

Total

   $ 122,047    100        $ 718,492    100   $ 853,764    100
                                            

Note 14    Related Party Transactions

(a) Shareholders Agreements and Ownership of Intelsat Global by Management

The shareholders of Intelsat Global, including recipients of restricted share awards of Intelsat Global, entered into a shareholders agreement on February 4, 2008. The shareholders agreement and the bye-laws of Intelsat Global provide, among other things, for the governance of Intelsat Global and its subsidiaries and provide specific rights to and limitations upon the holders of Intelsat Global’s share capital with respect to shares held by such holders.

Certain directors, officers and key employees of Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries hold restricted shares and SCAs of Intelsat Global. In May 2009, Intelsat Global issued new restricted shares, SCAs and options to certain directors, officers and key employees of Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries under the 2008 Share Plan (see Note 3(a)—2005 Share Plan and Note 3(b)—2008 Share Plan). In May 2009, certain of our executive officers also purchased shares of Intelsat Global.

(b) Transactions with Affiliates

Following the Intelsat Acquisition Transactions, substantially all of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings, including us and PanAmSat Holdco, entered into a Master Intercompany Services Agreement (“MISA”) pursuant to which these entities provide services to each other. In each case, services are provided on

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

terms that we believe are not materially less favorable to each party than are available on an arm’s length basis and on terms that the relevant boards of directors have determined to be fair. The MISA may be amended from time to time as required for changes in services or pricing.

For the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded revenue of $6.9 million, $73.6 million and $112.0 million, respectively, related to capacity purchased from us by other subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings.

For the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we also recorded revenue of $44.1 million, $88.3 million and $92.2 million, respectively, related to services provided by us to other subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings in accordance with the MISA.

For the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized $2.3 million, $33.2 million and $56.4 million, respectively, of costs from affiliates related to capacity we purchased from other subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings.

For the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008, the successor period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized $4.6 million, $32.5 million and $31.1 million, respectively, of costs from affiliates related to services provided to us by other subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings in accordance with the MISA.

As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, we had a net receivable of $116.6 million and $127.7 million from subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings, respectively.

We have agreed to provide sales and marketing services, engineering and administrative support services, and to perform satellite-related consulting and technical services for New Dawn Satellite Company Ltd (“New Dawn”), a Mauritius company in which Intelsat, Ltd. and its subsidiaries have a 74.9% indirect ownership interest and Convergence SPV Ltd. has a 25.1% noncontrolling ownership interest. The services include the provision of program management services with respect to satellite and launch vehicle construction programs as well as TT&C services for a new satellite to be built for and operated by New Dawn. In addition, for a fee of $15.0 million together with assumption of continuing payment obligations, we assigned New Dawn a launch service contract to provide for the launch of its Intelsat New Dawn satellite. No revenue from this affiliate has been recognized to date.

(c) Sponsor and Executive Management Investments

Apollo Management V, L.P., one of our former sponsors, is the indirect controlling stockholder of Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”). HNS is one of our largest network services customers. We recorded $6.7 million of revenue during the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 for satellite capacity and other services provided to HNS. Two members of Intelsat, Ltd.’s board of directors prior to the New Sponsors Acquisition, Messrs. Africk and Stone, served on the board of directors of Hughes Communications, Inc. and the board of managers of HNS.

 

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INTELSAT CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

 

During 2008, affiliates or associates of funds and investment vehicles advised or controlled by one of the New Sponsors, Silver Lake, purchased $90.9 million of Intelsat Bermuda’s 11.25% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Bermuda Senior Notes”) and affiliates or associates of funds and investment vehicles advised or controlled by another of the New Sponsors, BC Partners, also purchased $90.9 million of the 2017 Bermuda Senior Notes.

Also during 2008, an entity associated with funds and investment vehicles advised or controlled by Silver Lake purchased a further $100.0 million of the 2017 Bermuda Senior Notes and $650.0 million original principal amount of Intelsat Bermuda’s 11 1/2%/12 1/2% Senior PIK Election Notes due 2017. Mr. Svider, Chairman of the board of directors of Intelsat, Ltd., Mr. McGlade, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board of directors, and a trust of which Mr. Spector, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, is the beneficiary, invested $3.8 million, $2.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, as limited partners in the entity through which the notes were purchased.

(d) Horizons

We have a 50% ownership interest in Horizons-1 and Horizons-2 as a result of a joint venture with JSAT (see Note 6—Investments).

(e) Launch Vehicle Sales

On May 15, 2009, we entered into an agreement with Intelsat LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat, Ltd., whereby Intelsat LLC assigned its rights under a launch services contract for the launch of one satellite to us in exchange for $96.8 million in cash and assumption of the remaining payment obligations by us. Additionally, under the agreement, we assigned our rights under launch services contracts for the launch of two satellites to Intelsat LLC in exchange for a combined price of $128.4 million in cash and the assumption of the remaining payment obligations by Intelsat LLC. In connection with these transactions, we recorded a loss of $6.5 million, which is included within operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

(f) Purchase of Ground Assets

On August 7, 2009, we entered into an agreement with Intelsat LLC whereby Intelsat LLC sold certain ground assets to us for $2.0 million.

Note 15    Dividends

On June 12, 2008, our board of directors declared dividends to Intelsat Holding Corporation of approximately $65.7 million, which were paid in cash on June 13, 2008. On December 10, 2008, our board of directors declared dividends to Intelsat Holding Corporation of approximately $177.2 million, $164.7 million of which were paid in cash on December 11, 2008 and the remainder of which were used to satisfy an intercompany loan.

On May 14, 2009 our board of directors declared dividends to Intelsat Holding Corporation of approximately $71.6 million, which were paid in cash on June 12, 2009.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and their notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. The following discussion and analysis relates to periods both prior to and after the completion of the New Sponsors Acquisition, as defined below, which was completed on February 4, 2008. See “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of factors that could cause our future financial condition and results of operations to be different from those discussed below.

Overview

We operate as a fully integrated subsidiary of Intelsat, Ltd., our indirect parent. We provide service on a global fleet of 24 satellites that are integrated with 27 other satellites owned by other subsidiaries of Intelsat, Ltd. for a combined fleet of 51 satellites that supply video, data and voice connectivity in approximately 200 countries and territories for approximately 1,800 customers. Our combined company has one of the largest, most flexible and one of the most reliable satellite fleets in the world, which covers over 99% of the world’s population. Our satellite fleet is operated via ground facilities used to monitor and control our satellites and is complemented by a terrestrial network of teleports, points of presence and leased fiber links for the provision of our hybrid managed services.

Impact of the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions

On February 4, 2008, Serafina Acquisition Limited (“Serafina”) completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity ownership of Intelsat Holdings (the “New Sponsors Acquisition”) for total cash consideration of approximately $5.0 billion. The former shareholders of Intelsat Holdings (other than management) sold 100% of their equity interests in Intelsat Holdings. Upon closing, management contributed to Serafina Holdings the portion of their equity interests in Intelsat Holdings not purchased for cash by Serafina in exchange for equity interests in Serafina Holdings (which was renamed Intelsat Global, Ltd. on February 8, 2008).

In order to finance the New Sponsors Acquisition, Serafina borrowed $4.96 billion in aggregate principal amount of term loans under a $2.81 billion senior unsecured bridge loan credit agreement, dated as of February 4, 2008 (the “Senior Bridge Loan Credit Agreement”) and a $2.15 billion senior unsecured payment-in-kind election bridge loan credit agreement, dated as of February 4, 2008 (the “PIK Election Bridge Loan Credit Agreement” and, together with the Senior Bridge Loan Credit Agreement, the “Bridge Loan Credit Agreements”).

Immediately following the New Sponsors Acquisition, Intelsat (Bermuda), Ltd. (“Intelsat Bermuda”), our indirect parent, transferred certain of its assets (including all of its direct and indirect ownership interests in Intelsat Intermediate Holding Company, Ltd. and Intelsat Corporation (“Intelsat Corp”)) and certain of its liabilities and obligations to a newly formed direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Intelsat Jackson Holdings, Ltd. (“Intelsat Jackson”), pursuant to an assignment and assumption agreement (the “Intelsat Bermuda Transfer”). Following the Intelsat Bermuda Transfer, Intelsat Jackson became the owner of substantially all of Intelsat Bermuda’s assets and the obligor with respect to substantially all of Intelsat Bermuda’s liabilities and obligations, and Intelsat Bermuda no longer had any rights or obligations with respect to such assets and liabilities. Immediately after the consummation of the Intelsat Bermuda Transfer, Serafina assigned certain of its assets and liabilities to Intelsat Bermuda, including Serafina’s rights and obligations under the Bridge Loan Credit Agreements and a Commitment Letter, dated as of June 19, 2007, among Serafina and certain banks, related to the financing of the New Sponsors Acquisition, as amended by the Commitment Letter Amendment, dated as of February 7, 2008 (the “Financing Commitment Letter”). In addition, we and Intelsat Sub Holdco entered into amendments to our respective existing senior secured credit facilities, and we entered into a joinder agreement to our existing credit agreement, to facilitate the New Sponsors Acquisition. In connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, on February 7, 2008, Intelsat Jackson redeemed, pursuant to their terms, all $260.0 million of its outstanding Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2013 and all $600.0 million of its outstanding Floating Rate Senior

 

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Notes due 2015, and on March 6, 2008, Intelsat, Ltd. redeemed, pursuant to their terms, all $400.0 million of its outstanding 5 1/4% Senior Notes due 2008. The New Sponsors Acquisition and the transactions described above are collectively referred to as the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions.

The New Sponsors Acquisition resulted in a change of control under the indentures governing certain of our outstanding series of notes, giving the holders of those notes the right to require us to repurchase such notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase. During the second quarter of 2008, we completed each such change of control offer, financing the repurchases through backstop unsecured credit agreement borrowings under the Financing Commitment Letter.

In addition, all outstanding restricted performance shares under the Intelsat Holdings, Ltd. 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the “2005 Share Plan”) vested upon consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition. Vesting in share-based compensation arrangements (“SCAs”) issued under the 2005 Share Plan doubled if the awardee was still employed on February 4, 2008. The vested SCAs were cancelled in return for cash in an amount equal to the excess of approximately $400 (the per share price of the transaction) over the exercise price of each share covered. Vested restricted shares (including time and performance vesting shares) were purchased at approximately $400 per share. In connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, each unvested restricted share of Intelsat Holdings was exchanged for approximately four unvested restricted shares of Intelsat Global (“exchange shares”) and the exchange shares continued to be classified as a liability of Intelsat Global due to certain repurchase features in the 2005 Share Plan. In addition, the original vesting periods associated with the unvested Intelsat Holdings restricted shares continued. In May 2009, the board of directors of Intelsat Global adopted an amended and restated Intelsat Global, Ltd. 2008 Share Incentive Plan (the “2008 Share Plan”), and Intelsat Global entered into new restricted share agreements with respect to the exchange shares. As a result, as of September 30, 2009, these exchange share grants were no longer subject to certain repurchase features and were instead deemed to be granted in accordance with the guidance provided in the Stock Compensation topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”).

In connection with the completion of the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions, we recorded $62.7 million of transaction costs in our condensed consolidated statement of operations during the predecessor period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008. These costs were associated with the repurchase or cancellation of restricted shares and SCAs of Intelsat Holdings.

The New Sponsors Acquisition was accounted for by Intelsat Holdings under the purchase method of accounting. As a result, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition. In accordance with Topic 5J of the codified SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins, the purchase accounting adjustments have been “pushed down” and recorded in our consolidated financial statements, which resulted in a new basis of accounting for the “successor period” beginning after the consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition. Determining fair values required us to make significant estimates and assumptions. In order to develop estimates of fair values, we considered the following generally accepted valuation approaches: the cost approach, the income approach and the market approach. Our estimates included assumptions about projected growth rates, cost of capital, effective tax rates, tax amortization periods, technology royalty rates and technology life cycles, the regulatory and legal environment, and industry and economic trends. While we believe that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodologies were reasonable, different assumptions could have resulted in different market values. The purchase price allocation was finalized during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008, Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

As a result of the consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition, the financial results for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 have been separately presented for the “predecessor entity” for the period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 and for the “successor entity” for the period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008. As such, the reported results of operations for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily comparable to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to higher interest expense resulting from the acquisition financing and higher depreciation and amortization costs principally due to the fair value adjustments to long-lived assets in connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.

The following table sets forth our comparative statements of operations for the periods shown, with the increase (decrease) and percentage changes, except those deemed not meaningful (“NM”), between the periods presented (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2009
    Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Change
 

Revenue

         

Transponder services, satellite-related services and other

   $ 209,599    $ 201,213      $ (8,386   (4 )% 

Revenue from affiliates

     63,242      67,710        4,468      7   
                         

Total revenue

     272,841      268,923        (3,918   (1
                         

Operating expenses:

         

Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

     40,872      31,456        (9,416   (23

Costs from affiliates

     26,436      30,187        3,751      14   

Selling, general and administrative

     26,499      28,238        1,739      7   

Depreciation and amortization

     86,769      83,232        (3,537   (4

Losses on derivative financial instruments

     21,301      19,608        (1,693   (8
                         

Total operating expenses

     201,877      192,721        (9,156   (5
                         

Income from operations

     70,964      76,202        5,238      7   

Interest expense, net

     61,897      44,871        (17,026   (28

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —        (51     (51   NM   

Other income, net

     5,433      607        (4,826   (89
                         

Income before income taxes

     14,500      31,887        17,387      NM   

Provision for income taxes

     4,208      12,144        7,936      NM   
                         

Net income

   $ 10,292    $ 19,743      $ 9,451      92
                         

 

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For comparative purposes, we combined the periods from January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 and February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008 in our discussion below, as we believe this combination is useful to provide the reader a period-over-period comparison for purposes of understanding our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We believe this combination of results for the predecessor entity and successor entity periods facilitates an investor’s understanding of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. This combination is not a measure in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and should not be used in isolation or substituted for the separate predecessor entity and successor entity results.

 

     Predecessor Entity          Successor Entity     Combined  
     Period January 1,
2008 to January 31,
2008
         Period February 1,
2008 to September 30,
2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2008
 
     (in thousands)  

Revenue:

          

Transponder services, satellite-related services and other

   $ 71,026          $ 556,625      $ 627,651   

Revenue from affiliates

     51,021            161,867        212,888   
                            

Total revenue

     122,047            718,492        840,539   
                            

Operating expenses:

          

Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

     11,152            103,145        114,297   

Costs from affiliates

     6,858            65,748        72,606   

Selling, general and administrative

     12,117            73,226        85,343   

Depreciation and amortization

     26,851            231,832        258,683   

Transaction costs

     62,675            —          62,675   

(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments

     11,431            (18,033     (6,602
                            

Total operating expenses

     131,084            455,918        587,002   
                            

Income (loss) from operations

     (9,037         262,574        253,537   

Interest expense, net

     21,224            158,226        179,450   

Other income, net

     169            8,781        8,950   
                            

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (30,092         113,129        83,037   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (10,702         37,531        26,829   
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ (19,390       $ 75,598      $ 56,208   
                            

 

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The following table sets forth our comparative statements of operations for the periods shown with the increase (decrease) and percentage changes, except those deemed not meaningful (“NM”), between the periods presented (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Combined           Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2009
Compared to Combined
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 
     Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2008
    Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2009
    Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Change
 

Revenue

        

Transponder services, satellite-related services and other

   $ 627,651      $ 649,523      $ 21,872      3

Revenue from affiliates

     212,888        204,241        (8,647   (4
                          

Total revenue

     840,539        853,764        13,225      2   
                          

Operating expenses:

        

Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

     114,297        137,556        23,259      20   

Costs from affiliates

     72,606        87,443        14,837      20   

Selling, general and administrative

     85,343        89,949        4,606      5   

Depreciation and amortization

     258,683        252,383        (6,300   (2

Transaction costs

     62,675        —          (62,675   NM   

Impairment of asset value

     —          144,100        144,100      NM   

(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments

     (6,602     11,800        18,402      NM   
                          

Total operating expenses

     587,002        723,231        136,229      23   
                          

Income from operations

     253,537        130,533        (123,004   (49

Interest expense, net

     179,450        142,692        (36,758   (20

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —          (51     (51   NM   

Other income, net

     8,950        3,178        (5,772   (64
                          

Income (loss) before income taxes

     83,037        (9,032     (92,069   NM   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     26,829        (2,629     (29,458   NM   
                          

Net income (loss)

   $ 56,208      $ (6,403   $ (62,611   NM
                          

Income from Operations

Our income from operations increased by $5.2 million, or 7%, to $76.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $71.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Our financial results were affected by a $1.7 million decrease in unrealized losses on our derivative financial instruments. The $19.6 million losses on derivative financial instruments for the three months ended September 30, 2009 included a $2.7 million decrease in fair value as a result of marking-to-market and $16.9 million in cash settlements for interest, representing the difference between the amount of floating rate interest we receive and the amount of fixed rate interest we pay.

Our income from operations decreased by $123.0 million, or 49%, to $130.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $253.5 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. Our financial results were affected by certain material pre-tax items as discussed below:

 

   

a $144.1 million non-cash impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2009 related to the impairment of our rights to operate at orbital locations resulting from an increase in the discount rate used in our valuation process;

 

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$9.1 million of costs related to the adoption of the 2008 Share Plan and equity grants to employees;

 

   

an $18.4 million decrease in gains on our derivative financial instruments. The $11.8 million losses on derivative financial instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included a $28.8 million increase in fair value as a result of marking-to-market and $40.7 million in cash settlements for interest, representing the difference between the amount of floating rate interest we receive and the amount of fixed rate interest we pay; and

 

   

$62.7 million in transaction costs incurred during the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 upon consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition, with no similar costs incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Revenue

The following table sets forth our comparative revenue by service type for the periods shown with the increase (decrease) and percentage changes (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,

2008
   Three Months Ended
September 30,

2009
   Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Change
 

Transponder services

   $ 180,837    $ 177,147    $ (3,690   (2 )% 

Managed services

     15,196      16,755      1,559      10   

Mobile satellite services and other

     13,566      7,311      (6,255   (46
                        

Subtotal

     209,599      201,213      (8,386   (4

Revenue from affiliates

     63,242      67,710      4,468      7   
                        

Total

   $ 272,841    $ 268,923    $ (3,918   (1 )% 
                        

Revenue from external customers for the three months ended September 30, 2009 decreased by $8.4 million, or 4%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. Our revenue decreased primarily due to a decrease in mobile satellite services and other and a decrease in transponder services. By service type, our revenue increased or decreased due to the following:

 

   

Transponder services—an aggregate decrease of $3.7 million, due to reduced revenues from media customers of $6.3 million, partially offset by an increase of $2.6 million in revenue from network services customers, due primarily to new services and renewals for customers in the Latin America and Caribbean, North America and Africa and Middle East regions.

 

   

Managed services—an aggregate increase of $1.6 million, primarily due to an increase in revenue from network services customers of $1.6 million resulting largely from new business and service expansion in trunking and private line solutions and GXS broadband solutions in the Africa and Middle East and the North America regions.

 

   

Mobile satellite services and other—an aggregate decrease of $6.3 million, primarily due to decreased revenues from professional technical services performed for satellite operators and other customers of our satellite-related services business, including launch vehicle sales underway in 2008 and completed during the first half of 2009.

Revenue from affiliates for the three months ended September 30, 2009 increased by $4.5 million, or 7%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. These revenues result from intercompany administrative, engineering, capacity and sales-related services provided by Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries to other subsidiaries of Intelsat, Ltd. pursuant to the Master Intercompany Services Agreement (“MISA”), which was entered into in connection with the Intelsat Acquisition Transactions. The increase of $4.5 million was driven primarily by an increase in intercompany sales of capacity services, partially offset by a decline in other services provided to other subsidiaries of Intelsat, Ltd. under the MISA.

 

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The following table sets forth our comparative revenue by service type for the periods shown with the increase (decrease) and percentage changes, except those deemed not meaningful (“NM”) (in thousands, except percentages):

 

    Predecessor Entity        Successor Entity   Combined   Successor Entity            
    Period
January 1, 2008 to
January 31,

2008
       Period
February 1, 2008 to
September 30,
2008
  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2008
  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2009
  Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Change
 

Transponder services

  $ 64,406       $ 487,774   $ 552,180   $ 535,711   $ (16,469   (3 )% 

Managed services

    4,437         38,445     42,882     47,368     4,486      10   

Mobile satellite services and other

    2,183         30,406     32,589     66,444     33,855      NM   
                                     

Subtotal

    71,026         556,625     627,651     649,523     21,872      3   

Revenue from affiliates

    51,021         161,867     212,888     204,241     (8,647   (4
                                     

Total

  $ 122,047       $ 718,492   $ 840,539   $ 853,764   $ 13,225      2
                                     

Revenue from external customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased by $21.9 million, or 3%, as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. Our revenue increased primarily due to an increase in mobile satellite services and other related to revenue of $44.2 million earned from the re-sale of launch vehicles and related services, a business which we do not currently intend to pursue in the future, and increases in managed services. By service type, our revenue increased or decreased due to the following:

 

   

Transponder services—an aggregate decrease of $16.5 million, due to reduced revenues from media customers of $25.0 million, partially offset by an increase of $8.6 million in revenue from network services customers due primarily to new services and renewals for customers in the North America and the Latin America and Caribbean regions.

 

   

Managed services—an aggregate increase of $4.5 million, primarily due to an increase in revenue from network services customers of $3.6 million resulting largely from new business and service expansion in trunking and private line solutions and GXS broadband solutions in the Africa and Middle East and the North America regions. In addition there was a $3.5 million increase in revenue from managed video solutions primarily in the North America region, offset by a $2.6 million decrease in occasional video services for our media customers primarily in the Latin America and Caribbean and North America regions.

 

   

Mobile satellite services and other—an aggregate increase of $33.9 million, primarily due to increased revenues from professional technical services performed for satellite operators and other customers of our satellite-related services business, including $36.4 million in increased revenue from the completion of the re-sale of two launch vehicles during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Revenue from affiliates for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased by $8.6 million, or 4%, as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. Revenue earned from the MISA in the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 was significantly higher than in other periods due to the increased costs incurred with the sale or cancellation of restricted shares and SCAs of Intelsat Holdings in connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions during the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

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Operating Expenses

Direct Costs of Revenue (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization)

Direct costs of revenue decreased by $9.4 million, or 23%, to $31.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the following:

 

   

a decrease of $4.9 million in cost of sales related to decreased revenues from launch vehicle sales underway in 2008 and completed during the first half of 2009; and

 

   

a decrease of $2.2 million in staff expenses primarily related to increased capitalized labor.

Direct costs of revenue increased by $23.3 million, or 20%, to $137.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was primarily related to the re-sale of two launch vehicles by our satellite-related services business during the first half of 2009.

Costs from Affiliates

Costs from affiliates increased by $3.8 million, or 14%, to $30.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. This increase was largely due to costs recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2009 primarily from increased capacity purchased by Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries on satellites owned by other subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings, offset by a decrease in other MISA services.

Costs from affiliates increased by $14.8 million, or 20%, to $87.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. This increase was primarily due to costs recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 primarily from increased capacity purchased by Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries on satellites owned by other subsidiaries of Intelsat Holdings, offset by a decrease in other MISA services.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million, or 7%, to $28.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was primarily due to a $3.4 million increase in bad debt expense, offset by a decrease of $1.6 million in professional fees due to expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2008 to support refinancing activities pursuant to the New Sponsors Acquisition.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.6 million, or 5%, to $89.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was primarily due to an $8.0 million increase in staff expenses, which included $7.0 million of costs related to the adoption of the 2008 Share Plan and equity grants to employees, offset by a $5.0 million decrease in professional fees due to expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2008 to support the refinancing activities pursuant to the New Sponsors Acquisition.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $3.5 million, or 4%, to $83.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the following:

 

   

a net decrease of $3.1 million in depreciation expense due to certain satellites, ground and other assets becoming fully depreciated and changes in certain satellites’ estimated useful lives; and

 

   

a decrease of $0.9 million in amortization expense due to the pattern of consumption of amortizable intangible assets.

 

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Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $6.3 million, or 2%, to $252.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the following:

 

   

a net decrease of $12.0 million in depreciation expense due to certain satellites, ground and other assets becoming fully depreciated and changes in certain satellites’ estimated useful lives; and

 

   

a decrease of $2.0 million in amortization expense primarily due to the pattern of consumption of amortizable intangible assets; partially offset by

 

   

an increase of $6.5 million in depreciation expense resulting from the impact of a satellite placed into service in June 2008; and

 

   

an increase of $0.9 million in depreciation expense attributable to the write-up of our depreciable assets to fair value upon the closing of the New Sponsors Acquisition.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net consists of the gross interest expense we incur less the amount of interest we capitalize related to capital assets under construction and less interest income earned. We also held interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $2.2 billion to economically hedge the variability in cash flow on a portion of the floating-rate term loans under our senior secured credit facilities. The swaps have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Interest expense, net decreased by $17.0 million, or 28%, to $44.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $61.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in interest expense, net was principally due to the following:

 

   

a decrease of $14.2 million due to lower interest rates on our variable rate debt in 2009 as compared to the third quarter of 2008; and

 

   

an increase of $0.9 million in capitalized interest expense.

The non-cash portion of total interest expense, net was $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 which included $2.4 million related to the amortization of discounts associated with a portion of our debt and the amortization of debt issuance costs.

Interest expense, net decreased by $36.8 million, or 20%, to $142.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $179.5 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in interest expense, net was principally due to the following:

 

   

a decrease of $36.8 million due to lower interest rates on our variable rate debt in 2009 as compared to 2008; partially offset by

 

   

a decrease of $3.0 million in capitalized interest expense.

The non-cash portion of total interest expense, net was $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 which included $7.2 million related to the amortization of discounts associated with a portion of our debt and the amortization of debt issuance costs.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net was $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease of $4.8 million was primarily related to a $4.0 million decrease in miscellaneous income, driven by income in 2008 resulting from a reduction in the amounts we were required to pay under a customer contract as a result of an amendment and a $0.6 million realized loss on our available-for-sale investments in 2009.

 

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Other income, net was $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $9.0 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease of $5.8 million was primarily related to a $3.7 million decrease in miscellaneous income, driven by income in 2008 resulting from a reduction in the amounts we were required to pay under a customer contract as a result of an amendment and a $1.9 million decrease related to a realized gain on our available-for-sale investments in 2008 compared to a realized loss in 2009.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes was $12.1 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the three months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The difference was principally due to a higher pre-tax income during the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Our benefit from income taxes was $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to a provision for income taxes of $26.8 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The difference was principally due to pre-tax losses driven by an orbital location impairment charge of $144.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to pre-tax income earned during the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008.

EBITDA

EBITDA consists of earnings before net interest, (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt, taxes and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is a measure commonly used in the fixed satellite services sector, and we present EBITDA to enhance the understanding of our operating performance. We use EBITDA as one criterion for evaluating our performance relative to that of our peers. We believe that EBITDA is an operating performance measure, and not a liquidity measure, that provides investors and analysts with a measure of operating results unaffected by differences in capital structures, capital investment cycles and ages of related assets among otherwise comparable companies. However, EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and our EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss) or net income (loss), determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of our operating performance, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity.

A reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA for the periods shown is as follows (in thousands):

 

            Combined   Successor Entity  
    Three Months Ended
September 30,

2008
  Three Months Ended
September 30,

2009
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2008
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 

Net income (loss)

  $ 10,292   $ 19,743   $ 56,208   $ (6,403

Add:

       

Interest expense, net

    61,897     44,871     179,450     142,692   

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

    —       51     —       51   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

    4,208     12,144     26,829     (2,629

Depreciation and amortization

    86,769     83,232     258,683     252,383   
                         

EBITDA

  $ 163,166   $ 160,041   $ 521,170   $ 386,094   
                         

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow Items

 

     Predecessor Entity           Successor Entity     Combined     Successor Entity  
     Period January 1,
2008 to

January 31,
2008
          Period February 1,
2008 to

September 30,
2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 58,000           $ 345,848      $ 403,848      $ 317,967   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (14,484          (106,157     (120,641     (31,962

Net cash used in financing activities

     (14,231          (102,698     (116,929     (151,670

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     29,348             138,823        168,171        136,134   

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities of $318.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 reflected a decrease of $85.9 million as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decreased cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from a decrease in net income excluding non-cash items, an increase in accounts receivables due to higher revenue, an increase in payments for accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including accrued interest, and a decrease in deferred revenue due to the recognition of revenue from the completion of the re-sale of two launch vehicles during 2009. This was partially offset by a decrease in payments of prepaid items and increases in other long-term liabilities primarily due to an increase in our long-term tax liability owed to our parent company as a result of taxes related to Intelsat’s consolidated U.S. filing group.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $88.7 million to $32.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. This decrease was primarily due to proceeds of $128.6 million from the sale of other property and equipment, including $128.4 million related to the sale of two launch vehicles to an affiliate during 2009, offset by higher capital expenditures of $38.2 million.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased by $34.7 million to $151.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008. Financing activities for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 included the repayment of capital expenditure funding by a customer of $30.9 million, $18.0 million of debt issuance costs and $12.3 million of premium paid in connection with early retirement of certain debt, offset by proceeds from the issuance of debt of $38.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, our repayments on other long-term debt were $67.8 million.

Long-Term Debt

Intelsat is a highly leveraged company and, in connection with the consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions, Intelsat became a significantly more highly leveraged company, which has resulted in a significant increase in its interest expense.

 

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In connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, our pre-acquisition long-term debt was adjusted to fair value as of the effective date of the transaction, resulting in a net decrease of $15.1 million to the carrying value of the debt. This net difference between the fair value and par value of the debt is being amortized as an increase to interest expense over the remaining term of the related debt using the effective interest method.

Intelsat Corp Senior Secured Credit Facility

As of September 30, 2009, we had a revolving credit facility and certain term loans outstanding under the Intelsat Corporation Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which consisted of a $355.9 million Tranche A-3 Term loan with a six-year maturity, a $1.8 billion Tranche B-2 Term Loan facility with a seven and one-half year maturity, and a $175.0 million revolving credit facility with a six-year maturity. Up to $150.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for issuance of letters of credit. Additionally, up to $35.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for swingline loans.

We are required to pay a commitment fee for the unused commitments under the revolving credit facility, if any, at a rate per annum of 0.375%. Both the face amount of any outstanding letters of credit and any swingline loans reduce availability under the revolving credit facility on a dollar for dollar basis. Obligations under the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement continue to be guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and are secured by a perfected first priority security interest to the extent legally permissible in substantially all of the borrower’s and the guarantors’ tangible and intangible assets, with certain agreed exceptions.

On January 25, 2008, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which became effective upon the consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition and amended and modified the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to, among other things:

 

  (a) change the applicable margin (i) on Above Bank Rate (“ABR”) loans that are term loans to a rate of 1.5% per annum, (ii) on London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) loans that are term loans to a rate of 2.5% per annum, (iii) on ABR loans that are revolving credit loans or swingline loans to a rate of between 1.5% and 1.875%, and (iv) on LIBOR loans that are revolving credit loans or swingline loans to a rate of between 2.5% and 2.875%;

 

  (b) reduce the size of the revolving facility by $75.0 million and add a $75.0 million incremental revolving credit facility provision;

 

  (c) require the payment of a prepayment premium for prepayments of term loans prior to February 4, 2011 (with respect to Tranche B-2-A Term Loans) or February 14, 2010 (with respect to Tranche B-2-B Term Loans);

 

  (d) make certain changes permitting the New Sponsors Acquisition; and

 

  (e) add a financial maintenance covenant requiring compliance with a Consolidated Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio (as defined in the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) of less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.0.

The Consolidated Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio is determined by comparing Consolidated Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA, each as defined under the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with this financial maintenance covenant ratio, with a Consolidated Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio of 2.55:1.00, as of September 30, 2009. In the event we were to fail to comply with this financial maintenance covenant ratio and were unable to obtain waivers, we would default under the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and the lenders under the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement could accelerate our obligations thereunder, which would result in an event of default under certain of Intelsat’s notes and our existing notes and the Intelsat Jackson unsecured credit agreements.

 

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On February 4, 2008, in connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, we also executed a Joinder Agreement by and among Intelsat Corp, the several lenders party thereto and certain other parties, to the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement pursuant to which we incurred an additional $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Tranche B-2 Term Loan.

No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2009; however, $2.1 million in letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the facility. The borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility was $152.2 million (net of standby letters of credit) as of September 30, 2009.

New Sponsors Acquisition Financing

Credit Facility Amendments

In connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, we entered into an amendment to our existing credit agreement. See—Intelsat Corp Senior Secured Credit Facility above.

Debt Repayment

On January 15, 2008, we repaid at maturity our $150.0 million 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2008 using funds borrowed under the revolving credit facility portion of our senior secured credit facilities. On February 4, 2008, we used the proceeds of our incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loan and cash on hand to repay this $150.0 million revolver borrowing.

2009 Redemption

On July 31, 2009, we redeemed the approximately $1.0 million principal amount outstanding of our 9% Senior Notes due 2014 and the approximately $0.01 million principal amount outstanding of our 9% Senior Notes due 2016.

Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA

In addition to EBITDA, which is calculated as set forth in—Results of Operations, we calculate a measure called Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA, based on the term Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA consists of EBITDA as adjusted to exclude or include certain unusual items, certain other operating expense items and other adjustments permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility as described in the table and related footnotes below. Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA as presented below is calculated only with respect to Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries. Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA is a material component of certain ratios used in the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, such as the secured net debt leverage ratio and the total leverage ratio. Under the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we must maintain a secured net debt leverage ratio not greater than 4.50 to 1.00, at the end of each fiscal quarter, and generally may not incur additional indebtedness (subject to certain exceptions) if the total leverage ratio calculated on a pro forma basis at the time of incurrence would exceed 6.75 to 1.00.

We believe that the inclusion of Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA in this Quarterly Report is appropriate to provide additional information to investors about the calculation of certain covenants in the Intelsat Corp Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as mentioned above. We believe that some investors may use Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our liquidity and financial condition. Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and our Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Our Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss) or net income (loss), determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of our operating performance, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as an indicator of cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity.

 

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A reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to net income (loss) to EBITDA to Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Combined (1)     Successor Entity  
     Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2008
    Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2009
 

Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to net income:

    

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 403,848      $ 317,967   

Depreciation and amortization

     (258,683     (252,383

Impairment of asset value

     —          (144,100

Provision for doubtful accounts

     (1,617     (2,501

Foreign currency transaction gain

     1,893        1,799   

Deferred income taxes

     27,678        79,281   

Loss on disposal of assets

     (58     (6,711

Share-based compensation expense

     (61,957     (9,121

Amortization of discount and issuance costs

     (8,630     (8,222

Unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments

     18,347        28,894   

Other non-cash items

     (144     282   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition

     (64,469     (11,588
                

Intelsat Corp net income (loss):

     56,208        (6,403
                

Add (Subtract):

    

Interest expense, net

     179,450        142,692   

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —          51   

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     26,829        (2,629

Depreciation and amortization

     258,683        252,383   
                

EBITDA

     521,170        386,094   
                

Reconciliation of EBITDA to Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA:

    

Add (Subtract):

    

Transaction costs (2)

     62,675        —     

Impairment of asset value (3)

     —          144,100   

(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments (4)

     (6,602     11,800   

Non-recurring and other non-cash items (5)

     15,642        29,783   
                

Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 592,885      $ 571,777   
                

 

(1) As a result of the consummation of the New Sponsors Acquisition, the financial results for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 have been presented separately in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the “predecessor” entity for the period January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 and for the “successor” entity for the period February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008. For comparative purposes, we combined the periods from January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008 and February 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, as we believe this combination is useful to provide the reader a more accurate comparison. This combination is not a U.S. GAAP measure and it is provided to enhance the reader’s understanding of the results of operations for the periods presented.
(2) Reflects transaction costs related to the New Sponsors Acquisition Transactions.
(3) Represents the non-cash impairment charge recorded to write-down our intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives in accordance with the Intangible—Goodwill and Other topic of the Codification.
(4) Represents the changes in the fair value of the undesignated interest rate swaps as well as the difference between the amount of floating rate interest we receive and the amount of fixed rate interest we pay, which are recognized in operating income.
(5) Reflects certain non-recurring gains and losses, including costs incurred in connection with the New Sponsors Acquisition, costs related to our compensation and benefit plans, expenses for services on the Horizons-1 and Horizons-2 satellites, and loss on disposal of assets primarily related to the assignment of our rights under launch services contracts for the launch of two satellites to Intelsat LLC, which are excluded from Intelsat Corp Adjusted EBITDA by definition.

 

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Funding Sources and Uses

We are a highly leveraged company and have incurred significant additional debt over the last three years, which has resulted in a large increase in our obligations related to debt service, including increased interest expense. We currently expect to use cash on hand, cash flows provided by operations and availability under our senior secured credit facilities and intercompany borrowings, if necessary, to fund our most significant cash outlays, including debt service requirements and capital expenditures, during the next twelve months.

No amounts were outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2009; however, we had aggregate outstanding letters of credit of $2.1 million outstanding under the revolver portion of our senior secured credit facilities. The remaining availability under our revolving senior secured credit facility at September 30, 2009 was $152.2 million (net of standby letters of credit). Under the terms of the credit agreements governing both Intelsat Sub Holdco’s senior secured credit facilities and our amended and restated senior secured credit facilities, the ability of each company to borrow under its respective revolving credit facility is subject to compliance by each company’s indirect parent, Intelsat, Ltd., with a senior secured debt covenant included in the indenture governing Intelsat, Ltd.’s outstanding senior notes. As a result, under certain circumstances, we may not be able to borrow up to the full amount of borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility if Intelsat Sub Holdco has certain amounts outstanding under its revolving senior secured credit facilities.

Contracted Backlog

We have historically had and currently have a substantial backlog, which provides some assurance regarding our future revenue expectations. Backlog is our expected future revenue under customer contracts, and includes both cancelable and non-cancelable contracts, although 97% of our backlog as of September 30, 2009 related to contracts that either were non-cancelable or were cancelable subject to substantial termination fees. In certain cases of breach for non-payment or customer bankruptcy, we may not be able to recover the full value of certain contracts or termination fees. Our backlog also includes our pro rata share of backlog of our joint venture investments. Our backlog was approximately $4.4 billion and $4.3 billion as of June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively. This backlog reduces the volatility of our net cash provided by operating activities more than would be typical for a company outside our industry.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures depend on our business strategies and reflect our commercial responses to opportunities and trends in our industry. Our actual capital expenditures may differ from our expected capital expenditures if, among other things, we enter into any currently unplanned strategic transactions. Levels of capital spending from one year to the next are also influenced by the nature of the satellite life cycle and by the capital-intensive nature of the satellite industry. For example, we incur significant capital expenditures during the years in which satellites are under construction. We typically procure a new satellite within a timeframe that would allow the satellite to be deployed at least one year prior to the end of the service life of the satellite to be replaced. As a result, we frequently experience significant variances in our capital expenditures from year to year. Payments for satellites and other property and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $153.8 million.

We expect our 2009 total capital expenditures to range from approximately $235 million to $255 million, however, several late 2009 contract milestones could result in some expenditures being delayed into 2010. We intend to fund our capital expenditure requirements through cash on hand, cash provided from operating activities and, if necessary, intercompany borrowings and borrowings under the revolving facilities of our senior secured credit facilities.

In addition, one of the major launch service providers has recently filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), and is continuing its operation as a

 

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debtor-in-possession. This could impact our expected capital expenditures in the future. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Industry—Our dependence on outside contractors could result in increased costs and delays related to the launch of our new satellites, which would in turn adversely affect our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition.

Disclosures about Market Risk

See Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

On August 1, 2005, we formed a second joint satellite investment with JSAT International, Inc. to build and launch a Ku-band satellite (“Horizons-2”). The Horizons-2 satellite was launched in December 2007 and placed into service in February 2008. The satellite supports digital video, high-definition television and internet protocol-based content distribution networks to broadband Internet and satellite news gathering services in the United States. The total future joint investment in Horizons-2 is expected to be $127.8 million as of September 30, 2009, of which each of the joint venture partners is required to fund their 50% share.

In connection with our investment in Horizons-2, we entered into a capital contribution and subscription agreement in August 2005, which requires us to fund our 50% share of the amounts due under Horizons-2’s loan agreement with a third-party lender. Pursuant to this agreement, we made contributions of $6.1 million during both the combined nine months ended September 30, 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009. We have entered into a security and pledge agreement with the third-party lender and, pursuant to this agreement, granted a security interest in our contribution obligation to the lender. Therefore, we have recorded this obligation as an indirect guarantee in accordance with the Guarantee topic of the Codification which provides guidance specifically related to a guarantor’s accounting and disclosure requirements for guarantees, including indirect guarantees of indebtedness to others. We have recorded a liability of $12.2 million within accrued liabilities as of both December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, and a liability of $61.0 million and $48.8 million within deferred credits and other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We do not have any other significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-1 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“Topic 105”), which establishes the Codification as the official single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP, superseding existing literature issued by the FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and related literature. The Codification became effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after September 15, 2009, after which only one level of authoritative U.S. GAAP exists and all other literature is considered non-authoritative. The Codification does not change existing U.S. GAAP. The Codification is effective for our third quarter 2009 financial statements and the principal impact on our financial statements is limited to disclosures as all future references to authoritative accounting literature will be referenced in accordance with the Codification. Pursuant to the provisions of Topic 105, we have updated references to U.S. GAAP in our financial statements issued for the period ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of Topic 105 did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

Accounting pronouncements issued prior to the Codification will continue to be referenced by their original issuance reference for consistency with prior period filings. We have also provided the Codification topic into which the accounting guidance has been incorporated subsequent to its original issuance.

 

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In September 2009, the FASB amended the Revenue Recognition—Multiple Element Arrangements topic of the Codification. Currently, the absence of vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third party evidence (“TPE”) of the fair value of the undelivered item(s) in an arrangement with multiple deliverables is one of the most common reasons entities are unable to recognize revenue on items that have been delivered. The amendment modifies the fair value requirements by providing an alternative for establishing fair value of a deliverable. In instances where VSOE or TPE of the fair value for any of the deliverables in an arrangement is unavailable, the entity may develop a best estimate of the selling price for those deliverables and allocate the arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. Application of the residual method of allocating an arrangement fee between delivered and undelivered elements will no longer be permitted. Additionally, entities will be required to disclose more information about their multiple-element revenue arrangements. This amendment will be effective and applied prospectively to all revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this amendment and the impact, if any, to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (“SFAS No. 166”). Subsequent to the issuance of this accounting pronouncement, SFAS No. 166 has been incorporated into the Codification under the Transfers and Servicing topic, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets. SFAS No. 166 is intended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements related to a transfer of financial assets, the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows, and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. SFAS No. 166 will be effective at the start of the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 166 and the impact, if any, to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“SFAS No. 167”). Subsequent to the issuance of this accounting pronouncement, SFAS No. 167 has been incorporated into the Codification under the Consolidations and Non-Controlling Interests topic. SFAS No. 167 is intended to address the effects on certain provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46(R)”), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in SFAS No. 166 and constituent concerns about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under FIN 46(R) do not always provide timely and useful information about an entity’s involvement in a variable interest entity. SFAS No. 167 will be effective at the start of the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 167 and the impact, if any, to our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (“FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1”). Subsequent to the issuance of this accounting pronouncement, this FSP has been incorporated into the Codification under the Compensation— Retirement Benefits topic. FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 provides additional disclosure requirements for the plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 requires employers of public and nonpublic entities to disclose additional information detailing how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets including concentration of risk and fair value measurements, and the fair value techniques used to measure the plan assets. The disclosure requirements are effective for years ending after December 15, 2009. We plan to adopt FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 and provide the additional disclosure requirements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2009.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are primarily exposed to the market risk associated with unfavorable movements in interest rates and foreign currencies. The risk inherent in our market risk sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in those factors. In addition, with respect to our interest rate swaps, we are exposed

 

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to counterparty credit risk, which we seek to minimize through credit support agreements and the review and monitoring of all counterparties. There have been no material changes to our market risk sensitive instruments and positions as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as provided in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. We periodically review the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures worldwide, including compliance with various laws and regulations that apply to our operations. We make modifications to improve the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, and may take other corrective action, if our reviews identify a need for such modifications or actions. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2009. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive and financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2009.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No changes occurred in our internal control over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business, but management does not believe that the resolution of any pending proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

The current global recession may have significant effects on our customers and suppliers, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

The current global recession, as well as a slow recovery period, may lead to lower demand for our services, increased incidences of our customers’ inability to pay for our services, or the insolvency of our customers. In addition, if our suppliers face challenges in obtaining credit, selling their products or otherwise in operating their businesses profitably, they may raise prices, lower production levels or cease operations. For instance, one of the major launch service providers has recently filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Many economists are now predicting that the current recession in the United States economy and the global economy may be prolonged as a result of the deterioration in the credit markets and related financial crisis, as well as a variety of other factors. Any of these events may negatively impact our sales, revenue generation and margins, and consequently adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Industry

Our dependence on outside contractors could result in increased costs and delays related to the launch of our new satellites, which would in turn adversely affect our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition.

There are a limited number of companies that we are able to use to launch our satellites and a limited number of commercial satellite launch opportunities available in any given time period. Adverse events with respect to our launch service providers, such as satellite launch failures, could result in increased costs or delays in the launch of our satellites. General economic conditions may also affect the ability of launch providers to provide launch services on commercially reasonable terms or to fulfill their obligations in terms of launch dates, pricing, or both. In the event that our launch service providers are unable to fulfill their obligations, we may have difficulty procuring alternative services in a timely manner and may incur significant additional expenses as a result. Any such increased costs and delays could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition.

One of the major launch service providers, Sea Launch Company L.L.C. (“Sea Launch”), has recently filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. While Sea Launch has publicly stated that it intends to continue to operate, there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Any increased expenses we may incur in effecting the launch of future satellites as a result could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial conditions.

No other material changes in the risks related to our business have occurred since we filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Document Description

  4.1    Supplemental Indenture dated July 20, 2009, to Indenture dated July 18, 2008 by and among Intelsat Corporation, Intelsat, Ltd., other guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Intelsat, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-50262, filed on July 23, 2009).
  4.2    Supplemental Indenture dated July 20, 2009, to Indenture dated July 18, 2008 by and among Intelsat Corporation, Intelsat, Ltd., other guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Intelsat, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-50262, filed on July 23, 2009).
31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*
32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*

 

* Filed or furnished herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

        INTELSAT CORPORATION

Date: November 9, 2009

   

By

 

/s/ DAVID MCGLADE

      David McGlade
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

    INTELSAT CORPORATION

Date: November 9, 2009

   

By

 

/s/ MICHAEL MCDONNELL

      Michael McDonnell
      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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