Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Board of Directors of Telesat Canada
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Telesat Canada as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of earnings, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). These standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
On January 29, 2007 we reported to the shareholders on the financial statements of Telesat Canada in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles excluding the current Note 23 which constitutes a reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Ottawa, Canada
January 29, 2007, except for notes 23 and 24 which are as of July 9, 2007.
Telesat Canada
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except number of shares | | | | | | | | | | | |
and per share data) | | Notes | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Operating revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service revenues | | | | | 435 123 | | | | 420 297 | | | | 339 687 | |
Equipment sales revenues | | | | | 43 842 | | | | 54 444 | | | | 22 479 | |
|
Total operating revenues | | (2), (22) | | | 478 965 | | | | 474 741 | | | | 362 166 | |
|
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization | | (2) | | | 120 712 | | | | 111 809 | | | | 84 301 | |
Operations and administration | | | | | 183 388 | | | | 160 964 | | | | 117 660 | |
Cost of equipment sales | | | | | 34 578 | | | | 45 705 | | | | 18 918 | |
|
Total operating expenses | | | | | 338 678 | | | | 318 478 | | | | 220 879 | |
|
Earnings from operations | | (2) | | | 140 287 | | | | 156 263 | | | | 141 287 | |
Interest expense | | | | | (24 643 | ) | | | (29 526 | ) | | | (26 486 | ) |
Other income | | (4) | | | 10 036 | | | | 14 742 | | | | 18 298 | |
|
Earnings before income taxes | | | | | 125 680 | | | | 141 479 | | | | 133 099 | |
Income taxes | | (5) | | | (21 688 | ) | | | (50 782 | ) | | | (47 840 | ) |
|
Net earnings | | | | | 103 992 | | | | 90 697 | | | | 85 259 | |
Dividends on preferred shares | | | | | (1 487 | ) | | | (1 780 | ) | | | (1 840 | ) |
|
Net earnings applicable to common shares | | | | | 102 505 | | | | 88 917 | | | | 83 419 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted net earnings per common share | | (24) | | | 1,025,050 | | | | 889,170 | | | | 834,190 | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | | (24) | | | 100 | | | | 100 | | | | 100 | |
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Balance at beginning of year | | | | | 283 858 | | | | 195 051 | | | | 111 892 | |
Adjustment for change in accounting policies | | (1) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (304 | ) |
|
Balance at beginning of year, as restated | | | | | 283 858 | | | | 195 051 | | | | 111 588 | |
Net earnings | | | | | 103 992 | | | | 90 697 | | | | 85 259 | |
Dividends on preferred shares | | | | | (1 487 | ) | | | (1 780 | ) | | | (1 840 | ) |
Other | | | | | 36 | | | | (110 | ) | | | 44 | |
|
Balance at end of year | | | | | 386 399 | | | | 283 858 | | | | 195 051 | |
|
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Telesat Canada
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2006 and 2005
| | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | (17) | | | 38 661 | | | | 113 505 | |
Short term investments | | (24) | | | 2 312 | | | | 51 304 | |
Accounts and notes receivable | | (6) | | | 241 865 | | | | 59 384 | |
Current future tax asset | | (5) | | | 4 476 | | | | 3 737 | |
Other current assets | | (7) | | | 27 548 | | | | 36 177 | |
|
Total current assets | | | | | 314 862 | | | | 264 107 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Capital assets, net | | (8) | | | 1 388 319 | | | | 1 335 442 | |
Investments | | (10) | | | 15 131 | | | | 15 537 | |
Other assets | | (11) | | | 25 642 | | | | 17 063 | |
Finite-life intangible assets, net | | (9) | | | 5 475 | | | | 8 843 | |
Goodwill | | (1)(24) | | | 53 280 | | | | 52 259 | |
|
Total assets | | | | | 1 802 709 | | | | 1 693 251 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | | | 41 087 | | | | 38 930 | |
Other current liabilities | | (12) | | | 105 769 | | | | 111 244 | |
Debt due within one year | | (13) | | | 3 134 | | | | 152 838 | |
|
Total current liabilities | | | | | 149 990 | | | | 303 012 | |
Debt financing | | (14) | | | 200 742 | | | | 132 202 | |
Future tax liability | | (5) | | | 195 382 | | | | 193 742 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | (15) | | | 348 041 | | | | 387 019 | |
|
Total liabilities | | | | | 894 155 | | | | 1 015 975 | |
|
Commitments and contingent liabilities | | (21) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital stock — common shares | | (16)(24) | | | 341 116 | | | | 341 116 | |
Contributed surplus | | (3)(24) | | | 184 416 | | | | 5 152 | |
Retained earnings | | (24) | | | 386 399 | | | | 283 858 | |
Cumulative translation adjustment | | | | | (3 377 | ) | | | (2 850 | ) |
|
Total common equity | | | | | 908 554 | | | | 627 276 | |
Capital stock — preferred shares | | (16) | | | — | | | | 50 000 | |
|
Total shareholders’ equity | | | | | 908 554 | | | | 677 276 | |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | | | 1 802 709 | | | | 1 693 251 | |
|
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Telesat Canada
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net earnings | | | | | 103 992 | | | | 90 697 | | | | 85 259 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization | | | | | 120 712 | | | | 111 809 | | | | 84 301 | |
Capitalized interest | | | | | (12 184 | ) | | | (14 974 | ) | | | (17 642 | ) |
Future income taxes | | | | | 1 205 | | | | 36 756 | | | | 28 789 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange | | | | | (390 | ) | | | (1 649 | ) | | | (1 878 | ) |
Deferred milestone interest | | | | | 2 613 | | | | 5 170 | | | | 1 104 | |
Customer prepayments on future satellite services | | | | | 12 322 | | | | 6 130 | | | | 127 333 | |
Other items | | | | | (151 | ) | | | 1 167 | | | | 1 754 | |
Net change in operating assets and liabilities | | (17) | | | (11 014 | ) | | | (4 880 | ) | | | 9 150 | |
|
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | 217 105 | | | | 230 226 | | | | 318 170 | |
|
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Satellite programs | | | | | (177 260 | ) | | | (229 675 | ) | | | (210 534 | ) |
Property additions | | | | | (15 963 | ) | | | (15 789 | ) | | | (21 121 | ) |
Maturity (purchase) of short term investments | | (24) | | | 48 990 | | | | 79 439 | | | | (130 502 | ) |
Business acquisition | | | | | (3 942 | ) | | | (4 363 | ) | | | — | |
Proceeds on disposal of assets | | | | | 178 | | | | 5 353 | | | | 113 | |
Payments and deposits on transponders | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4 800 | |
Insurance proceeds | | | | | — | | | | 30 407 | | | | 179 427 | |
|
Cash flows used in investing activities | | | | | (147 997 | ) | | | (134 628 | ) | | | (177 817 | ) |
|
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from bank loans | | | | | 83 862 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Repayment of debt financing and bank loans | | | | | (15 026 | ) | | | (2 209 | ) | | | (96 130 | ) |
Note repayment | | | | | (150 000 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Share repurchase | | | | | (50 000 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Capital lease payments | | | | | (4 612 | ) | | | (4 461 | ) | | | (12 279 | ) |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | | | | (6 108 | ) | | | (5 351 | ) | | | (1 218 | ) |
Preferred dividends paid | | | | | (1 936 | ) | | | (1 331 | ) | | | (1 840 | ) |
|
Cash flows used in financing activities | | | | | (143 820 | ) | | | (13 352 | ) | | | (111 467 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | | | | (132 | ) | | | 334 | | | | (111 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | (74 844 | ) | | | 82 580 | | | | 28 775 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | | | 113 505 | | | | 30 925 | | | | 2 150 | |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | (17) | | | 38 661 | | | | 113 505 | | | | 30 925 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | | | | 30 661 | | | | 31 207 | | | | 26 486 | |
Income taxes paid | | | | | 34 032 | | | | 13 056 | | | | 15 041 | |
|
| | | | | 64 693 | | | | 44 263 | | | | 41 527 | |
|
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
1. Summary of significant accounting policies
Financial statement presentation
The consolidated financial statements of Telesat Canada (Telesat or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Telesat consolidates the financial statements of its wholly owned subsidiaries Infosat Communications Inc. (Infosat), Telesat Brasil Limitada (Telesat Brazil), The SpaceConnection, Inc. (SpaceConnection) and 4387678 Canada Inc. All transactions and balances between these companies have been eliminated on consolidation. Some of the figures for the comparative period have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to make them consistent with the current period’s presentation. Certain 2004 short term liquid investments with original maturities of more than 90 days have been reclassified from cash and cash equivalents into short term investments. Customer prepayments for satellite services and promissory note repayments from customers have been reclassified from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities.
Significant accounting changes
Certain figures have been restated and represent the consolidated results of Telesat’s parent Alouette Telecommunications Inc. (Alouette). Continuity of interest accounting has been applied to the January 1, 2007 amalgamation of Telesat Canada, Alouette and the Telesat subsidiary 4387678 Canada Inc. (438678). The transaction, which lacks economic substance, represents a rearrangement of legal interests as all three entities were under common control (see note 24).
Regulation
The Company operates Canada’s domestic fixed satellite telecommunication system and is subject to regulation by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Under the current regulatory regime, Telesat has pricing flexibility subject to a price ceiling on certain Full Period Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) offered in Canada under minimum five-year lease arrangements. Telesat’s Direct Broadcast Services offered within Canada are also subject to CRTC regulation, but have been treated as separate and distinct from Telesat’s FSS and facilities. The Commission has approved the specific customer agreements relating to the sale of the capacity on the Nimiq satellites, including the rates, terms and conditions of service set out therein. Telesat’s ground network services have been forborne from regulation since 1994. The Commission has the right of examination of the Company’s accounting policies.
Use of estimates
When preparing financial statements according to GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on a number of factors, including historical experience, current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We use estimates when accounting for certain items such as revenues, allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of capital assets, capitalized interest, assets impairments, inventory reserves, legal and tax contingencies, employee compensation plans, employee benefit plans, evaluation of minimum lease terms for operating leases, income taxes and goodwill impairment. We also use estimates when recording the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
Revenue recognition
Telesat recognizes operating revenues when earned, as services are rendered or as products are delivered to customers. There must be clear proof that an arrangement exists, the amount of revenue must be fixed or determinable and collectibility must be reasonably assured. In particular, broadcast, carrier and business networks revenues are generally pre-billed to the customers and recognized in the month for which the service is received. Consulting revenues for cost plus contracts are recognized after the work has been completed and accepted by the customer. The percentage of completion method is used for fixed price contracts. Deferred revenues consist of remuneration received in advance of the provision of service and are brought into income over the period to which the prepayment applies. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each based on its relative fair value. Telesat defers upfront fees and recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the related service contract. When it is questionable whether or not Telesat is the principal in a transaction,
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the transaction is evaluated to determine whether it should be recorded on a gross or net basis. Equipment sales revenues are recognized when the equipment is delivered to the customer and accepted. Only equipment sales are subject to warranty or return and there is no general right of return. Historically Telesat has not incurred significant expense for warranties and consequently no provision for warranty is recorded.
Cash and cash equivalents
All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. For the purposes of the cash flow statement, bank overdrafts are also classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Capital assets
Property, which is carried at cost less accumulated amortization, includes the contractual cost of equipment, capitalized engineering and, with respect to satellites, the cost of launch services, launch insurance and capitalized interest during construction. Capitalized interest provides a return on capital invested in new assets and is not currently realized in cash, but is expected to be realized over the life of the asset.
The Company shares equally with a developer, the ownership, cost and debt of the Company’s headquarters land and building. The Company has leased the developer’s share of the building which is accounted for as a capital lease.
Amortization is calculated using the straight line method over the respective estimated service lives of the assets based on equal life group procedures. The annualized composite rate of amortization was 7.1% in 2006 (7.5% in 2005, 8.11% in 2004). The expected useful lives of satellites are 11 to 15 years, earth stations are 8 to 15 years, transponders under capital lease are 12 to 15 years, office buildings are 19 to 30 years and all others are 5 to 16 years. The estimates of useful lives are reviewed every year and adjusted if necessary.
Liabilities related to the legal obligation of retiring property, plant and equipment are initially measured at fair value and are adjusted for any changes resulting from the passage of time or to the amount of the current estimate of the undiscounted cash flows.
In the event of an unsuccessful launch or total in-orbit satellite failure, all unamortized costs that are not recoverable under launch or in-orbit insurance are recorded as an operating expense.
Capital assets are assessed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value exceeds the total undiscounted cash flows expected from the use and disposition of the assets. If impairment is indicated, the loss is determined by deducting the asset’s fair value (based on discounted cash flows expected from its use and disposition) from its carrying value and is recorded as an operating expense.
The investment in each satellite will be removed from the property accounts when the satellite has been fully amortized and is no longer in service. When other property is retired from operations at the end of its useful life, the amount of the investment and accumulated amortization are removed from the accounts. Earnings are credited with the amount of any net salvage and charged with any net cost of removal. When an item is sold prior to the end of its useful life, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings immediately.
Translation of foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet dates. Operating revenues and expenses, and interest on debt transacted in foreign currencies are reflected in the financial statements using the average exchange rates during the year. The translation gains and losses are included in Other income in the statement of earnings.
Telesat Brazil and Space Connection (see note 10) are considered to be self-sustaining foreign operations as they are largely independent of Telesat. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The resulting unrealized gains or losses are reflected as a currency translation adjustment in shareholders’ equity.
Accounting for investments
Telesat uses the equity method to account for investments that are not consolidated where it has significant influence on the operating, investing and financing activities. The cost method is used for all other non-consolidated investments.
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Goodwill
The goodwill includes amounts recorded on the acquisition of Infosat, SpaceConnection and Able Leasing Co. in addition to the goodwill adjustment to restate for continuity of interest accounting (see note 24). An assessment for impairment is undertaken in the fourth quarter of every year and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the fair value of goodwill. To date, Telesat has not recognized any permanent impairment in value.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge against foreign exchange rate risk. The use of derivatives is expected to generate enough cash flows and gains or incur losses to offset this risk. Telesat does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The Company documents all relationships between derivatives and the items they hedge, and the risk management objective and strategy for using various hedges. This process includes linking every derivative to a specific asset or liability on the balance sheet, or to a specific firm commitment or to an anticipated transaction.
The effectiveness of the derivative in managing risk is assessed when the hedge is put in place and on an ongoing basis. Hedge accounting is stopped when a hedge is no longer effective.
When accounting for derivatives, Telesat follows these policies:
– | | deferred gains or losses relating to derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in earnings when the hedged item is sold or the anticipated transaction is ended |
|
– | | gains and losses related to hedges of anticipated transactions are recognized in earnings or are recorded as adjustments of carrying values when the transaction takes place |
|
– | | any premiums paid for financial instrument contracts are deferred and expensed to earnings over the term of the contract |
Telesat recognizes gains and losses on forward contracts the same way as the gains and losses on the hedged item. Unrealized gains or losses are included with the related assets or liabilities.
Employee benefit plans
As of January 1, 2000, the costs of post-employment and post-retirement benefits other than pensions are accrued over the working lives of the employees, whereas previously the costs were generally charged to earnings as incurred. Telesat has made this change on a prospective basis which provides for a gradual recognition of the fair value of the pension surplus while at the same time recognizing the liability for costs of non-pension employee future benefits. Telesat is amortizing the net transitional obligation on a straight-line basis over 14 years (regular plans) and 9 years (designated plans), which was the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the benefit plan as of January 1, 2000.
Telesat maintains one contributory and three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans which provide benefits based on length of service and rate of pay. Telesat is responsible for adequately funding these defined benefit pension plans. Contributions are made based on various actuarial cost methods that are permitted by pension regulatory bodies and reflect actuarial assumptions about future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Telesat also provides other post-employment and retirement benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits on retirement and various disability plans, workers compensation and medical benefits to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents, after employment but before retirement, under certain circumstances. The Company accrues its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets. Actuaries determine pension costs and other retirement benefits using the projected benefit method prorated on service and management’s best estimate of expected investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs.
Pension plan assets are valued at fair value which is also the basis used for calculating the expected rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate is based on the market interest rate of high quality long-term bonds. Past service costs arising from plan amendments are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the employees active at the date of amendment. The Company deducts 10% of the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets, whichever is greater, from the net actuarial gain or loss and amortizes the excess over the average remaining service period of active employees. The actuaries perform a valuation at least every three years to determine the actuarial present value of the accrued pension and other retirement benefits. The 2006 pension expense calculation is extrapolated from an actuarial valuation performed as of January 1, 2004. The accrued benefit obligation is extrapolated from an actuarial valuation as of January 1, 2004. The most recent actuarial
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valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2004, and the next required valuation is as of January 1, 2007.
Stock-based compensation plans
The Company’s stock-based compensation plans consist primarily of an employees’ savings plan (ESP), long-term incentive programs which can include special compensation payments (SCP), deferred share units (DSU) and starting in 2005, a restricted share unit plan (RSU). Stock options that are settled in BCE Inc. (BCE) stock are recorded as contributed surplus. Stock options that are settled in cash are recorded as liabilities. Telesat recognizes a compensation expense or recovery relating to SCPs and a compensation expense for any contributions under the ESP.
For each RSU granted the Company records a compensation expense that equals the market value of a BCE common share at the date of grant prorated over the vesting period. The compensation expense is adjusted for subsequent changes in the market value of BCE common shares until the vesting date and an assessment of the number of RSUs that will vest in the future. The cumulative effect of the change in value is recognized in the period of the change. Vested RSUs will be paid in BCE common shares purchased on the open market or in cash, as the holder chooses, as long as the minimum share ownership requirements are met.
For each DSU granted Telesat records a compensation expense that equals the market value of a BCE common share at the grant date. The compensation expense is adjusted for subsequent changes in the market value of BCE common shares with the effect of this change in value recognized in the period of the change. DSUs are paid in BCE common shares purchased on the open market following the cessation of the participant’s employment.
The Company has adopted the fair-value based method for measuring the compensation cost of employee stock options using the Black-Scholes pricing model. This method has been used for options granted on or after January 1, 2002.
Income taxes
Current income tax expense is the estimated income taxes payable for the current year before any refunds or the use of losses incurred in previous years. The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for future income taxes. Future income taxes reflect:
– | | the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes, on an after-tax basis |
|
– | | the benefit of losses and non-refundable tax credits that will more likely than not be realized and carried forward to future years to reduce income taxes. |
The Company estimates future income taxes using the rates enacted by tax law and those substantively enacted. A tax law is substantively enacted when it has been tabled in the legislature but may not have been passed into law. The effect of a change in tax rates on future income tax assets and liabilities is included in earnings in the period when the change is substantively enacted.
Recent changes to accounting standards
Asset retirement obligations
Effective January 1, 2004 Telesat implemented CICA Handbook section 3110, Asset retirement obligations (ARO). Liabilities related to the legal obligations of retiring property, plant and equipment are initially measured at fair value and are adjusted for any changes resulting from the passage of time or to the amount of the original estimate of the undiscounted cash flows. The cumulative amortization expense for the asset and accretion expense for the liability of $0.3 million for years prior to 2004 were recorded as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings for 2004, with offsets to the ARO liability, ARO asset and to the future tax liability. The impact of the current expense and liability on the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was negligible.
Comprehensive income and equity
Section 1530 of the CICA Handbook, Comprehensive Income comes into effect for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. Comprehensive income is the change in a company’s net assets that results from transactions, events and circumstances from sources other than the company’s shareholders and includes items that would not normally be included in net earnings.
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The CICA also made changes to section 3250 of the CICA Handbook, Surplus, and reissued it as section 3251, Equity. The section also comes into effect for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. The changes in how to report and disclose equity and changes in equity are consistent with the new requirements of section 1530, Comprehensive Income.
Adopting these sections on January 1, 2007 will require the reporting of comprehensive income and its components and accumulated other comprehensive income and its components in the consolidated financial statements.
Financial instruments
Section 3855 of the CICA Handbook, Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement comes into effect for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. The section requires that all financial assets, with some exceptions, be measured at fair value; that all financial liabilities be measured at fair value if they are derivatives or classified as held for trading purposes while other financial liabilities be measured at their carrying value; and that all derivative financial instruments be measured at fair value, even when they are part of a hedging relationship.
Section 3860 of the CICA Handbook has been reissued as section 3861, Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation, and establishes standards for presentation of financial instruments and non-financial derivatives, and identifies the information that should be disclosed about them. These revisions come into effect for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006.
The impact on the consolidated financial statements of adopting these sections on January 1, 2007 will result in the recording of significant derivative assets and equity.
Hedges
Section 3865 of the CICA Handbook, Hedges comes into effect for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006, and describes when and how hedge accounting can be used. Hedge accounting makes sure that all gains, losses, revenues and expenses from the derivative and the item it hedges are recorded in the statement of earnings in the same period. The impact on the consolidated financial statements of adopting this section on January 1, 2007 is that Telesat will recognize the effective portion of gains or losses from cash flow hedges in Other Comprehensive Income until such time as the hedged item is recorded in the statement of earnings.
2. Segmented information
The Company operates in the five reportable business segments described below. This reporting structure reflects how the business is managed and how operations are classified for planning and measuring performance.
– | | Broadcast —distribution or collection of video and audio signals in the domestic and North American markets which include television transmit and receive services, occasional use, bundled Digital Video Compression and radio services. |
|
– | | Business Networks —provision of satellite capacity and ground network services for voice, data, and image transmission and internet access in Canada, the United States and South America. |
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– | | Carrier —satellite voice and data transmission services sold to other carriers located in Canada, the United States or South America. |
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– | | Consulting and Other —all consulting services related to space and earth segments, government studies, satellite control services, R&D projects as well as management services for TMI Communications and Company, Limited Partnership. |
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– | | Telesat Canada Subsidiaries —includes the financial results of Infosat, SpaceConnection and Telesat Brazil. |
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All transactions between reportable segments are recorded in the normal course of operations and are recorded at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration given for the service or the asset.
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| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Business segments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast — external | | | 219 570 | | | | 207 131 | | | | 199 983 | |
Broadcast — inter-segment | | | 1 199 | | | | 22 | | | | — | |
Business Networks — external | | | 104 256 | | | | 121 555 | | | | 68 749 | |
Business Networks — inter-segment | | | 14 093 | | | | 10 965 | | | | 9 645 | |
Carrier — external | | | 24 482 | | | | 30 504 | | | | 28 168 | |
Carrier — inter-segment | | | 1 847 | | | | 4 580 | | | | 1 280 | |
Consulting and Other — external | | | 29 644 | | | | 26 171 | | | | 23 439 | |
Consulting and Other — inter-segment | | | 12 | | | | 30 | | | | — | |
|
| | | 395 103 | | | | 400 958 | | | | 331 264 | |
Telesat Canada Subsidiaries | | | 101 640 | | | | 89 380 | | | | 41 827 | |
Inter-segment eliminations | | | (17 778 | ) | | | (15 597 | ) | | | (10 925 | ) |
|
Total operating revenues | | | 478 965 | | | | 474 741 | | | | 362 166 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization expense | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast | | | 51 967 | | | | 45 598 | | | | 51 666 | |
Business Networks | | | 42 380 | | | | 40 580 | | | | 14 826 | |
Carrier | | | 13 401 | | | | 11 454 | | | | 14 030 | |
Consulting and Other | | | 1 525 | | | | 2 417 | | | | 1 902 | |
Telesat Canada Subsidiaries | | | 11 439 | | | | 11 760 | | | | 1 877 | |
|
| | | 120 712 | | | | 111 809 | | | | 84 301 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings from operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast | | | 130 958 | | | | 129 431 | | | | 106 551 | |
Business Networks | | | (8 708 | ) | | | (5 835 | ) | | | 18 250 | |
Carrier | | | 627 | | | | 12 910 | | | | 4 142 | |
Consulting and Other | | | 10 059 | | | | 9 439 | | | | 7 103 | |
|
Total Telesat Canada | | | 132 936 | | | | 145 945 | | | | 136 046 | |
Telesat Canada Subsidiaries | | | 7 351 | | | | 10 318 | | | | 5 241 | |
|
Total earnings from operations | | | 140 287 | | | | 156 263 | | | | 141 287 | |
Interest expense | | | (24 643 | ) | | | (29 526 | ) | | | (26 486 | ) |
Other income | | | 10 036 | | | | 14 742 | | | | 18 298 | |
Income taxes | | | (21 688 | ) | | | (50 782 | ) | | | (47 840 | ) |
|
Net earnings | | | 103 992 | | | | 90 697 | | | | 85 259 | |
|
12
Capital assets
The Company’s capital assets are attributable to reportable segments as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Broadcast | | | 55 | % | | | 50 | % |
Business Networks | | | 34 | % | | | 36 | % |
Carrier | | | 7 | % | | | 8 | % |
Consulting and Other | | | 1 | % | | | 1 | % |
Telesat Canada Subsidiaries | | | 3 | % | | | 5 | % |
|
| | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Geographic information | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues — Canada | | | 329 838 | | | | 299 228 | | | | 287 245 | |
Revenues — United States | | | 114 609 | | | | 138 824 | | | | 52 925 | |
Revenues — Brazil | | | 17 096 | | | | 17 683 | | | | 9 160 | |
Revenues — all others | | | 17 422 | | | | 19 006 | | | | 12 836 | |
|
| | | 478 965 | | | | 474 741 | | | | 362 166 | |
|
Capital assets — Canada | | | 1 329 042 | | | | 1 268 570 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital assets — United States | | | 51 216 | | | | 57 592 | | | | | |
Capital assets — Brazil | | | 2 926 | | | | 3 596 | | | | | |
Capital assets — Other | | | 5 135 | | | | 5 684 | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | 1 388 319 | | | | 1 335 442 | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill — Canada | | | 45 201 | | | | 45 201 | | | | | |
Goodwill — United States | | | 8 079 | | | | 7 058 | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | 53 280 | | | | 52 259 | | | | | |
| | | | |
The point of origin of revenues (destination of billing invoice) and the location of capital assets determine the geographic areas. The Anik and Nimiq satellites have been classified as located in Canada for disclosure purposes.
Major customers
For the year ended December 31, 2006, two customers from the Broadcast segment represented $111.2 million and $70.8 million of consolidated revenues. In 2005, the same two customers represented $101.2 million and $62.2 million of consolidated revenues (2004: $98.0 million and $60.2 million).
3. Business acquisitions
On January 4, 2005, Telesat acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of The SpaceConnection, Inc. (SpaceConnection). SpaceConnection is a provider of programming-related satellite transmission services to all the major US television networks and cable programmers. The purchase price of US $5 million was determined based on the fair value of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The purchase price was settled in cash net of cash acquired for a total of CAD $4.4 million. There are two additional contingent payments. In 2006 a cash payment was made for the first contingent payment of US $2.25 million, which was due based on achieving certain performance criteria by December 2005. This additional payment of contingent consideration was accrued in December 2005. The second contingent payment has not been accrued. This contingent payment is based on achieving certain performance criteria by the third quarter of 2007 and if satisfied will result in an expensed payment of US $2.25 million. The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and results from operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
13
The allocation of the purchase price consists of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Acquisition | | | Contingent | | | | |
| | Date | | | Consideration | | | Total | |
|
Current assets | | | 3 213 | | | | — | | | | 3 213 | |
Capital assets | | | 59 918 | | | | — | | | | 59 918 | |
Intangible assets (Note 9) | | | 11 777 | | | | — | | | | 11 777 | |
Goodwill | | | 4 427 | | | | 2 631 | | | | 7 058 | |
Other assets | | | 700 | | | | — | | | | 700 | |
|
Total assets acquired | | | 80 035 | | | | 2 631 | | | | 82 666 | |
|
Current liabilities | | | (2 838 | ) | | | — | | | | (2 838 | ) |
Long-term debt | | | (59 538 | ) | | | — | | | | (59 538 | ) |
Future income tax liability | | | (11 763 | ) | | | — | | | | (11 763 | ) |
|
Total liabilities assumed | | | (74 139 | ) | | | — | | | | (74 139 | ) |
|
Net assets acquired | | | 5 896 | | | | 2 631 | | | | 8 527 | |
|
On February 16, 2006, Infosat Communications Inc. (USA), a subsidiary of Infosat, acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Able Leasing Co (Able). Able provides sales and service of land mobile radio, microwave radio, marine radio, closed circuit television and satellite communications. The purchase price of US $1.3 million was determined based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The acquisition of Able has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Initially net cash of $0.4 million was paid for net assets acquired including goodwill. There are two additional contingent payments of US $0.6 million based on achieving certain performance criteria by December 2006 and 2007. The first contingent payment has been satisfied and accounted for as an incremental cost of the acquisition resulting in an increase to goodwill. If satisfied, the second contingent payment will be expensed.
The allocation of the purchase price consists of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Contingent | | | | |
| | Acquisition Date | | | Consideration | | | Total | |
|
Current assets (net of cash acquired) | | | 1 737 | | | | — | | | | 1 737 | |
Capital assets | | | 381 | | | | — | | | | 381 | |
Goodwill | | | 405 | | | | 673 | | | | 1 078 | |
|
Total assets acquired | | | 2 523 | | | | 673 | | | | 3 196 | |
|
Current liabilities | | | (1 932 | ) | | | — | | | | (1 932 | ) |
Long-term debt | | | (179 | ) | | | — | | | | (179 | ) |
Future income tax liability | | | (14 | ) | | | — | | | | (14 | ) |
|
Total liabilities assumed | | | (2 125 | ) | | | — | | | | (2 125 | ) |
|
Net assets acquired | | | 398 | | | | 673 | | | | 1 071 | |
|
In October 2006, Telesat acquired 100% of 3652041 Canada Inc. from BCE Inc. (BCE), its shareholder, in return for a promissory note payable of $21.2 million. The excess of the $21.2 million cost over BCE’s carrying value (a nominal amount) has been recorded as a reduction of $21.2 million in contributed surplus. Telesat then proceeded to amalgamate its wholly owned subsidiary 3484203 Canada Inc. with 3652041 Canada Inc., creating a new entity: 4387678 Canada Inc.
4387678 Canada Inc. then sold its $0.7 million interest in the limited partnership units of TMI Communications and Company, Limited Partnership (TMI) to BCE and a numbered company owned by BCE in return for promissory notes with a fair market value of $201 million. The excess of the fair market value over the Telesat carrying cost was booked as an increase of $200.3 million in contributed surplus.
14
4. Other income
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Capitalized interest | | | 12 184 | | | | 14 974 | | | | 17 642 | |
Foreign exchange gains (losses) | | | ( 581 | ) | | | 1 317 | | | | (2 669 | ) |
Interest income | | | 4 511 | | | | 6 852 | | | | 3 381 | |
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets | | | 173 | | | | 123 | | | | (196 | ) |
Performance incentive payments and milestone interest expense | | | (6 018 | ) | | | (8 529 | ) | | | (3 468 | ) |
Other | | | ( 233 | ) | | | 5 | | | | 3 608 | |
|
| | | 10 036 | | | | 14 742 | | | | 18 298 | |
|
Other in 2004 includes a $2.6 million recovery of a previously written off receivable.
5. Income taxes
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate, which is a composite of federal and provincial rates, to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Statutory income tax rate | | | 35.4 | % | | | 35.3 | % | | | 35.3 | % |
Large corporations tax | | | — | | | | 1.3 | % | | | 1.3 | % |
Permanent differences | | | 2.0 | % | | | (1.2 | %) | | | (0.9 | %) |
Adjustment for tax rate changes | | | ( 14.5 | %) | | | 1.0 | % | | | 0.0 | % |
Other | | | ( 5.7 | %) | | | (0.5 | %) | | | 0.2 | % |
|
Effective income tax rate | | | 17.2 | % | | | 35.9 | % | | | 35.9 | % |
|
The components of the income tax expense are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Future | | | 1 205 | | | | 36 756 | | | | 28 789 | |
Current | | | 20 483 | | | | 14 026 | | | | 19 051 | |
|
Total income tax expense | | | 21 688 | | | | 50 782 | | | | 47 840 | |
|
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes are presented below:
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Future tax assets | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | 11 694 | | | | 12 857 | |
Loss carry forwards — (expiring from 2012 to 2025) | | | 6 813 | | | | 6 202 | |
Reserves | | | 3 990 | | | | 3 114 | |
Lease obligations | | | 1 169 | | | | 2 001 | |
Performance incentive payments | | | 15 053 | | | | 18 861 | |
Other | | | 4 157 | | | | 3 811 | |
Less: valuation allowance | | | (2 428 | ) | | | (2 669 | ) |
|
Total future tax assets | | | 40 448 | | | | 44 177 | |
|
15
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Future tax liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Capital assets | | | 210 608 | | | | 195 720 | |
Capitalized interest | | | 6 092 | | | | 2 362 | |
Insurance proceeds | | | 12 116 | | | | 14 774 | |
Other | | | 2 538 | | | | 21 326 | |
|
Total future tax liabilities | | | 231 354 | | | | 234 182 | |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Total future income taxes | | | 190 906 | | | | 190 005 | |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Total future income taxes are comprised of: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net future income tax asset — current portion | | | 4 476 | | | | 3 737 | |
Net future income tax liability — long-term portion | | | 195 382 | | | | 193 742 | |
|
Total future income taxes | | | 190 906 | | | | 190 005 | |
|
6. Accounts and notes receivable
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Trade receivables — net of allowance for doubtful accounts | | | 42 807 | | | | 46 898 | |
Less: long-term portion of trade receivables | | | (1 942 | ) | | | (568 | ) |
Promissory notes receivable (Note 3) | | | 201 000 | | | | 13 054 | |
|
| | | 241 865 | | | | 59 384 | |
|
The allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.7 in 2006 and $5.4 million in 2005.
The long-term portion of trade receivables includes items that will not be collected during the subsequent year and is included in other assets in note 11. The 2005 promissory note was repaid in 2006. The promissory notes received in return for the interest in TMI are non-interest bearing and due on demand.
7. Other current assets
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Inventories | | | 12 226 | | | | 19 180 | |
Income taxes recoverable | | | 3 500 | | | | 7 373 | |
Investment tax credit benefits | | | 290 | | | | 231 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 11 532 | | | | 9 393 | |
|
| | | 27 548 | | | | 36 177 | |
|
Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market and consist of $9.8 million (2005 — $17.0 million) of finished goods and $2.4 million (2005 — $2.2 million) of work in process. Cost for substantially all network equipment inventories is determined on an average cost basis. Cost for work in process and some one-of-a kind finished goods is determined using specific identification.
16
8. Capital assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Accumulated | | | Net Book | |
| | Cost | | | Amortization | | | Value | |
2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Satellites | | | 1 223 564 | | | | 335 675 | | | | 887 889 | |
Earth stations | | | 275 776 | | | | 143 180 | | | | 132 596 | |
Transponders under capital lease | | | 56 992 | | | | 11 271 | | | | 45 721 | |
Office buildings and other | | | 87 931 | | | | 62 655 | | | | 25 276 | |
Construction in progress | | | 296 837 | | | | — | | | | 296 837 | |
|
| | | 1 941 100 | | | | 552 781 | | | | 1 388 319 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Satellites | | | 1 221 985 | | | | 250 799 | | | | 971 186 | |
Earth stations | | | 285 600 | | | | 146 294 | | | | 139 306 | |
Transponders under capital lease | | | 57 201 | | | | 5 523 | | | | 51 678 | |
Office buildings and other | | | 89 130 | | | | 60 145 | | | | 28 985 | |
Construction in progress | | | 144 287 | | | | — | | | | 144 287 | |
|
| | | 1 798 203 | | | | 462 761 | | | | 1 335 442 | |
|
The cost of assets under capital lease, including satellite transponders, was $74.5 million at December 31, 2006 and $75.4 million at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2006 the net book value of these assets was $47.7 million (2005 — $55.0 million).
See note 21 for a description of the insurance proceeds received in 2005 for Anik F1.
9. Finite-life intangible assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Accumulated | | | Net Book | |
| | Cost | | | Amortization | | | Value | |
2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-competition agreement | | | 6 991 | | | | 2 330 | | | | 4 661 | |
Long-term contracts and customer lists | | | 5 710 | | | | 4 896 | | | | 814 | |
|
| | | 12 701 | | | | 7 226 | | | | 5 475 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-competition agreement (Note 3) | | | 6 991 | | | | 1 165 | | | | 5 826 | |
Long-term contracts and customer lists (Note 3) | | | 5 710 | | | | 2 693 | | | | 3 017 | |
|
| | | 12 701 | | | | 3 858 | | | | 8 843 | |
|
The non-competition agreement is being amortized on a straight-line basis over six years beginning January 1st, 2005. The long-term contracts are being amortized at variable rates based on the associated revenue until 2009. The customer lists are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 to 4 years.
17
10. Investments
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
WildBlue Communications, Inc. — at cost | | | 14 526 | | | | 14 526 | |
Hellas-Sat Consortium Limited — at cost | | | 315 | | | | 315 | |
TMI Communications and Company, Limited Partnership — at cost | | | — | | | | 696 | |
Comstar ISA Ltd.— at equity | | | 290 | | | | — | |
|
| | | 15 131 | | | | 15 537 | |
|
The fair value of all investments recorded at cost has not been estimated as there were no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investments. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value.
Telesat has a portfolio interest in WildBlue Communications, Inc. (WildBlue), a US-based company offering high-speed satellite-based Internet services to the United States using the Anik F2 satellite. The initial investment in preferred shares was acquired in 2000 as partial consideration for the grant of an exclusive license to WildBlue for the use and access of the Ka-band payload on Anik F2.
Telesat has a portfolio interest in Hellas-Sat Consortium Limited. The consortium has one satellite which provides regional coverage to Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans.
Telesat indirectly held 100% of the limited partnership units of TMI Communications and Company, Limited Partnership (TMI) up to October 2006 (see note 3).
Telesat holds 100% of the shares of 4387678 Canada Inc., the result of the October 2006 amalgamation of the Telesat subsidiary 3484203 Canada Inc. and a company acquired in October 2006, 3652041 Canada Inc. See note 23 for a description of the January 2007 amalgamation. In 2005 Telesat held 100% of the shares of 3484203 Canada Inc, which directly held 100% of the limited partner units of TMI (see note 3).
Telesat holds 100% of the shares of Infosat Communications, Inc. (Infosat) and consolidates its results. Infosat is a full service provider of satellite-based voice, fax, paging, and data communications. Infosat holds 100% of the shares of Able Infosat Communications, Inc. (Able). Able provides turn-key communications solutions for the energy industry to be used in special environments, off-shore and overseas. Infosat has a 22% interest in Pakistan’s Comstar ISA Ltd., a satellite service provider.
Telesat holds 100% of the shares of Telesat Brasil Limitada and consolidates their results. The holding company holds 100% of Telesat Serviços de Telecomunicação Limitada, which is being used to provide services in the Brazilian market using Anik F1.
Telesat holds 100% of the shares of The SpaceConnection Inc. (SpaceConnection) and consolidates its results. SpaceConnection is a provider of C-Band and Ku-Band space segment for video, audio, data and internet services (see note 3).
11. Other assets
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Promissory notes receivable from TMI Communications and Company, Limited Partnership (a) | | | 3 840 | | | | 3 840 | |
Long term portion of trade receivables | | | 1 942 | | | | 568 | |
Accrued pension benefit (see note 20) | | | 11 592 | | | | 8 105 | |
Deferred charges (c) | | | 7 543 | | | | 3 834 | |
Other | | | 725 | | | | 716 | |
|
| | | 25 642 | | | | 17 063 | |
|
18
(a) | | During 1998 Telesat renegotiated the repayment terms of the TMI promissory notes (discounted at the time of the original transactions, gross value of $37.8 million) whereby $22.8 million was ranked prior to any indebtedness of the Partnership. TMI has made partial repayments of $10.0 million in 2001, $5.0 million in 2003 and $4.0 million in 2004. |
|
(b) | | Deferred charges include cost of equipment sales related to deferred revenues from multiple deliverable arrangements. These deferred charges are amortized to cost of equipment sales over the term of the related revenue contract. |
12. Other current liabilities
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Deferred revenues and deposits (see note 15) | | | 37 485 | | | | 30 314 | |
Deferred milestone payments (see note 15) | | | 25 670 | | | | 32 276 | |
Capital lease liabilities (see note 15) | | | 4 698 | | | | 4 748 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 1 009 | | | | 16 895 | |
Satellite performance incentive payments (see note 15) | | | 11 499 | | | | 10 569 | |
Dividends payable | | | — | | | | 449 | |
Promissory note payable (see note 3) (a) | | | 21 200 | | | | — | |
Other liabilities (b) | | | 4 208 | | | | 15 993 | |
|
| | | 105 769 | | | | 111 244 | |
|
(a) | | The promissory note is non-interest bearing and payable on demand. |
|
(b) | | Other liabilities have been reduced by $2 million due to the reversal of estimated license fees accrued in prior periods. |
13. Debt due within one year
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
7.4% Notes due June 28, 2006 | | | — | | | | 150 000 | |
Other debt financing (see note 14) | | | 3 134 | | | | 2 838 | |
|
| | | 3 134 | | | | 152 838 | |
|
14. Debt financing
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
8.2% Notes due November 7, 2008 | | | 125 000 | | | | 125 000 | |
Bank loans | | | 72 000 | | | | — | |
Other debt financing | | | 3 742 | | | | 7 202 | |
|
| | | 200 742 | | | | 132 202 | |
|
At December 31, 2006, the Canadian bank loans, which are unsecured, carried an average interest rate of 5.305%. The Telesat Canada revolving credit facility expires on June 3, 2010 and the Infosat bank facilities are uncommitted. The unused bank lines of credit available to Telesat at December 31, 2006 amounted to $92.2 million (2005 — $164.3 million). The unused bank line of credit available to Infosat at December 31, 2006 amounted to $10.2 million (2005 — $8.5 million).
Other debt financing includes the financing for the Company’s headquarters building. With respect to the headquarters building, the Company shares equally with the developer, the ownership, cost and debt of the building. The Company has leased the developer’s share for twenty years beginning January 25, 1989 for an annual rent,
19
excluding operating costs, of $1.8 million. The lease contains 5 options to renew for 5 years. Total headquarters financing of $6.8 million (2005 — $9.5 million) includes the amount owing under this capital lease of $3.3 million at December 31, 2006 (2005 — $4.6 million). The imputed interest rate for the capital lease is 10.69% per annum.
Mortgage financing for the Company’s share of the facility has been arranged by the developer for a twenty-year term coincident with the lease with interest at 11% per annum and with annual payments of principal and interest of $1.8 million.
The outstanding short and long term debt financing at December 31, 2006 of $203.9 million is repayable as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | |
|
| | | 3 134 | | | | 128 433 | | | | 309 | | | | 72 000 | |
15. Other long-term liabilities
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Deferred revenues and deposits (a) | | | 265 493 | | | | 261 771 | |
Deferred satellite performance incentive payments (b) | | | 35 003 | | | | 42 427 | |
Deferred milestone payments (c) | | | — | | | | 21 678 | |
Capital lease liabilities (d) | | | 44 887 | | | | 49 749 | |
Other liabilities | | | 2 658 | | | | 11 394 | |
|
| | | 348 041 | | | | 387 019 | |
|
(a) | | Deferred revenues represent the Company’s liability for the provision of future services. The prepaid amount is brought into income over the period of service to which the prepayment applies. The net amount outstanding at December 31, 2006 will be reflected in the Statements of Earnings as follows: $37.5 million in 2007, $28.9 million in 2008, $25.6 in 2009, $23.9 in 2010, $23.5 in 2011 and $163.6 million thereafter. |
|
(b) | | Deferred satellite performance incentive payments are payable over the lives of the Nimiq 1, Anik F1, Anik F2 and Anik F1R satellites. The present value of the payments is capitalized as part of the cost of the satellite, recorded as a liability, and charged against operations as part of the normal amortization of the satellite. The amounts payable on the successful operation of the transponders are US $9.9 million in 2007, US $3.1 million in 2008, US $2.9 million in 2009, US $3.1 million in 2010, US $2.5 million in 2011 and US $18.4 million thereafter. |
|
(c) | | Deferred milestone payments represent the present value of liabilities associated with the Anik F2 satellite. Payments of principal and interest are US $21.1 million in 2007. |
|
(d) | | Future minimum lease payments payable under capital leases are $4.7 million in 2007, $4.8 million in 2008, $5.3 million in 2009, $5.8 million in 2010, $6.4 million in 2011 and $22.5 million thereafter. |
16. Capital stock
The authorized capital of the Company is comprised of 10,000,000 common shares and 5,000,000 preferred shares. Ownership by non-residents in the common shares of the Company is limited to twenty percent.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005 there were 6,842,547 common shares outstanding with a stated value of $111.9 million. At December 31, 2005 there were 5,000,000 non-voting preferred shares outstanding with a stated value of $50 million. On November 1, 2006, Telesat redeemed the $50 million of preferred shares for cash at a redemption price of $10 per share, together with accrued but unpaid dividends.
For the period March 31, 2004 to the date of redemption the cumulative preferred share dividend rate had been fixed at an annual rate of 3.56%.
20
As a result of the January 1, 2007 amalgamation (see note 24) the common shares of Telesat were cancelled. The 100 common shares of the amalgamated entity were used to calculate earnings per share in 2006 and 2005.
17. Cash flow information
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | | 10 785 | | | | 28 | | | | 10 380 | |
Bank overdrafts | | | — | | | | (4 191 | ) | | | — | |
Short term investments, original maturity 90 days or less | | | 27 876 | | | | 117 668 | | | | 20 545 | |
|
| | | 38 661 | | | | 113 505 | | | | 30 925 | |
|
Net change in operating assets and liabilities is comprised of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Receivables | | | 12 355 | | | | 6 406 | | | | (53 908 | ) |
Other assets | | | (3 910 | ) | | | (18 294 | ) | | | 9 177 | |
Accounts payable | | | (1 326 | ) | | | (747 | ) | | | 1 789 | |
Income taxes payable | | | (15 238 | ) | | | 622 | | | | 11 312 | |
Other liabilities | | | (15 950 | ) | | | (13 370 | ) | | | 35 371 | |
Promissory notes receivable repayments | | | 13 055 | | | | 20 503 | | | | 5 409 | |
|
| | | (11 014 | ) | | | (4 880 | ) | | | 9 150 | |
|
18. Financial instruments
Telesat uses derivative instruments to manage the exposure to foreign currency risk and does not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Since there is no active trading in derivative instruments, there is no exposure to any significant liquidity risks relating to them.
Credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consists of cash and cash equivalents and short term investments. Investment of these funds is done with high quality financial institutions and is governed by the Company’s corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high-grade US dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments.
Telesat is exposed to credit risk if counterparties to its derivative instruments are unable to meet their obligations. It is expected that these counterparties will be able to meet their obligations as they are institutions with strong credit ratings. Telesat regularly monitors the credit risk and credit exposure. There was no credit risk relating to derivative instruments at December 31, 2006.
Telesat has a number of diverse customers, which limits the concentration of credit risk. The Company has credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes intended to mitigate potential credit risks. Anticipated bad debt losses have been provided for in the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Currency exposures
Telesat uses forward contracts to hedge foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions. At December 31, 2006, the Company had $228.8 million (2005 — $92.2 million, 2004 — $164.2 million) of outstanding foreign exchange contracts which require the Company to pay Canadian dollars to receive US $197 million (2005 — US $72.2 million, 2004 — US $124.6 million) for future capital expenditures. The fair value of these derivative contract liabilities was $0.8 million (2005 — $8.6 million, 2004 — $14.4 million). The forward contracts are due between January 2007 and July 2008.
21
Fair value
Fair value is the amount that willing parties would accept to exchange a financial instrument based on the current market for instruments with the same risk, principal and remaining maturity. Fair values are based on estimates using present value and other valuation methods.
These estimates are affected significantly by the assumptions for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates, which all reflect varying degrees of risk. Potential income taxes and other expenses that would be incurred on disposition of these financial instruments are not reflected in the fair values. As a result, the fair values are not necessarily the net amounts that would be realized if these instruments were actually settled.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade receivables, other current liabilities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair market value due to the short maturity of these instruments. It is not possible to determine the fair value of the non-interest bearing promissory notes receivable as they are the result of a related party transaction. The carrying value of the debt financing is an approximation of the fair market value due to the Company’s intention to hold the debt and pay it out at maturity.
19. Stock-based compensation plans
Employee savings plans (ESPs)
The ESP enables Telesat employees to acquire BCE common shares through payroll deductions of up to 10% of their annual base earnings and target bonus plus employer contributions of up to 2%. The trustee of the ESPs buys BCE common shares for the participants on the open market, by private purchase or from BCE (where shares are issued from Treasury). BCE chooses the method the trustee uses to buy the shares. Compensation expense for ESPs was $0.6 million in 2006 (2005 — $0.6 million, 2004 — $0.6 million).
Stock options
Under the long-term incentive programs, options may be granted to key employees of Telesat to purchase BCE common shares. The subscription price is usually equal to the market value of the shares on the last trading day before the grant comes into effect. For options granted before January 1, 2004, the right to exercise the options generally vests or accrues by 25% a year for four years of continuous employment from the date of grant, except where a special vesting period applies. Options become exercisable when they vest and can be exercised for a period of up to 10 years from the date of grant.
For options granted after January 1, 2004, the right to exercise options vests after two to three years of continuous employment from the date of grant, if specific performance targets are met. Options become exercisable when they vest and can be exercised for a period of up to six years from the date of grant. Subject to achieving specific performance targets, 50% of the options will vest after two years and 100% after three years.
The following tables are a summary of the status of Telesat’s portion of the BCE stock option programs at December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Weighted- | | | | | | | Weighted- | | | | | | | Weighted- | |
| | | | | | Average | | | | | | | Average | | | | | | | Average | |
| | Number | | | Exercise | | | Number | | | Exercise | | | Number | | | Exercise | |
| | of Shares | | | Price ($) | | | of Shares | | | Price ($) | | | of Shares | | | Price ($) | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2004 | |
Outstanding, beginning of year | | | 543 884 | | | | 32 | | | | 516 598 | | | | 31 | | | | 418 457 | | | | 31 | |
Granted | | | 101 972 | | | | 29 | | | | 67 224 | | | | 29 | | | | 152 776 | | | | 30 | |
Exercised | | | ( 17 625 | ) | | | 17 | | | | ( 33 050 | ) | | | 16 | | | | ( 20 375 | ) | | | 16 | |
Expired/forfeited | | | (2 200 | ) | | | 41 | | | | ( 6 888 | ) | | | 41 | | | | ( 34 260 | ) | | | 37 | |
|
Outstanding, end of year | | | 626 031 | | | | 32 | | | | 543 884 | | | | 32 | | | | 516 598 | | | | 31 | |
|
Exercisable, end of year | | | 349 412 | | | | 33 | | | | 261 826 | | | | 34 | | | | 251 066 | | | | 32 | |
|
22
At December 31, 2006
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Options Outstanding | | | Options Exercisable | |
| | | | | | Weighted- | | | Weighted- | | | | | | | Weighted- | |
| | Number | | | Average | | | Average | | | Number | | | Average | |
| | | | | | Remaining | | | Exercise | | | | | | | Exercise | |
Range of Exercise Price | | | | | | Life | | | Price ($) | | | | | | | Price ($) | |
Below $20 | | | 20 750 | | | | 2.39 | | | | 17 | | | | 20 750 | | | | 17 | |
$20 to $29 | | | 446 087 | | | | 4.69 | | | | 29 | | | | 169 468 | | | | 29 | |
$30 to $39 | | | 10 000 | | | | 3.52 | | | | 35 | | | | 10 000 | | | | 35 | |
$40 and over | | | 149 194 | | | | 3.67 | | | | 41 | | | | 149 194 | | | | 41 | |
|
| | | 626 031 | | | | 4.35 | | | | 32 | | | | 349 412 | | | | 33 | |
|
The assumptions used to determine the stock-based compensation expense under the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Compensation cost | | | 170 | | | | 408 | | | | 353 | |
Number of stock options granted | | | 101 972 | | | | 67 224 | | | | 152 776 | |
Weighted-average fair value per option granted ($) | | | 2.3 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 3.7 | |
Assumptions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend yield | | | 4.4 | % | | | 4.6 | % | | | 4.0 | % |
Expected volatility | | | 17 | % | | | 24 | % | | | 27 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | | 4.0 | % | | | 3.0 | % | | | 3.1 | % |
Expected life (years) | | | 3.5 | | | | 3.5 | | | | 3.5 | |
During 2006, stock options were granted under the stock-based compensation plan and an expense of $0.2 million (2005 — $0.4 million, 2004 — $0.4 million) was charged to contributed surplus.
Restricted share units (RSUs)
In 2005 and 2006, RSUs were granted to Telesat executives. The value of an RSU is always equal to the value of one BCE common share. Dividends in the form of additional RSUs are credited to the participant’s account on each dividend payment date and are equivalent in value to the dividend paid on BCE common shares. Each executive is granted a specific number of RSUs for a given performance period, based on his or her position and level of contribution. At the end of each given performance period, RSUs will vest if performance objectives are met or will be forfeited.
Vested RSUs will be paid in BCE common shares purchased on the open market, in cash or through a combination of both, as the holder chooses, as long as individual share ownership requirements are met.
The table below is a summary of the status of RSUs:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of RSUs | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Outstanding, January 1 | | | 76 237 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Granted | | | 136 523 | | | | 73 777 | | | | — | |
Dividends credited | | | 883 | | | | 2 460 | | | | — | |
Payments | | | (77 120 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Expired/forfeited | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Outstanding, December 31 | | | 136 523 | | | | 76 237 | | | | — | |
|
23
For the year ended December 31, 2006 a compensation expense for RSUs of $0.2 million (2005 — $1.7 million) was recorded.
Special compensation payments (SCPs)
Before 2000, when options were granted to employees, related rights to SCPs were also often granted. SCPs are cash payments representing the amount that the market value of the shares on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price of these options.
The number of SCPs for BCE common shares outstanding at December 31, 2006 was 20,750 (2005—38,275). All of the outstanding SCPs cover the same number of shares as the options to which they relate. It is Telesat’s responsibility to make the payments under the SCPs. The annual compensation expense for the SCP was a recovery of $0.1 million in 2006 (2005—expense of $0.2 million, 2004—recovery of $0.1 million).
Deferred share units (DSUs)
DSUs are granted to executives when they choose to receive their bonuses in the form of DSU units instead of cash. The value of a DSU is always equal to the value of one BCE common share. Dividends in the form of additional DSUs are credited to the participant’s account on each dividend payment date and are equivalent in value to the dividend paid on BCE common shares. DSUs are paid in cash when the holder chooses to exercise their units.
The table below is a summary of the status of the DSUs:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of DSUs | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Outstanding, January 1 | | | 4 399 | | | | 965 | | | | — | |
Granted | | | 1 846 | | | | 3 283 | | | | 934 | |
Dividends credited | | | 267 | | | | 151 | | | | 31 | |
Exercised | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Outstanding, December 31 | | | 6 512 | | | | 4 399 | | | | 965 | |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2006, the company recorded a compensation expense for DSUs of $0.1 million (2005—$0.1 million, 2004 — negligible).
20. Employee benefit plans
The Company’s funding policy is to make contributions to its pension funds based on various actuarial cost methods as permitted by pension regulatory bodies. Contributions reflect actuarial assumptions concerning future investment returns, salary projections and future service benefits. Plan assets are represented primarily by Canadian and foreign equity securities, fixed income instruments and short-term investments.
The changes in the benefit obligations and in the fair value of assets and the funded status of the defined benefit plans were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension | | | Other | | | Pension | | | Other | |
| | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | |
Change in benefit obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit obligation, beginning of year | | | 153 610 | | | | 14 486 | | | | 125 646 | | | | 11 189 | |
Current service cost | | | 4 315 | | | | 465 | | | | 3 160 | | | | 394 | |
Interest cost | | | 8 212 | | | | 767 | | | | 7 730 | | | | 684 | |
Actuarial (gains) losses | | | (2 071 | ) | | | (248 | ) | | | 18 961 | | | | 2 488 | |
Benefit payments | | | (9 407 | ) | | | (315 | ) | | | (3 594 | ) | | | (269 | ) |
Employee contributions | | | 1 884 | | | | — | | | | 1 707 | | | | — | |
Other | | | 900 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Benefit obligation, end of year | | | 157 443 | | | | 15 155 | | | | 153 610 | | | | 14 486 | |
|
24
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension | | | Other | | | Pension | | | Other | |
| | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | |
Change in fair value of plan assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year | | | 150 939 | | | | — | | | | 136 165 | | | | — | |
Return on plan assets | | | 20 798 | | | | — | | | | 16 193 | | | | — | |
Benefit payments | | | (9 407 | ) | | | (315 | ) | | | (3 594 | ) | | | (269 | ) |
Employee contributions | | | 1 884 | | | | — | | | | 1 707 | | | | — | |
Employer contributions | | | 6 150 | | | | 315 | | | | 468 | | | | 269 | |
|
Fair value of plan assets, end of year | | | 170 364 | | | | — | | | | 150 939 | | | | — | |
|
| | | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funded status | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan surplus (deficit) | | | 12 921 | | | | (15 155 | ) | | | (2 671 | ) | | | (14 486 | ) |
Unamortized net actuarial (gain) loss | | | 9 607 | | | | 861 | | | | 22 985 | | | | 1 109 | |
Unamortized transitional (asset) obligation | | | (10 936 | ) | | | 4 325 | | | | (12 209 | ) | | | 4 943 | |
|
Accrued benefit asset (liability) | | | 11 592 | | | | (9 969 | ) | | | 8 105 | | | | (8 434 | ) |
|
The fair value of the plan assets consists of the following asset categories:
| | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Equity securities | | | 62 | % | | | 64 | % |
Fixed income instruments | | | 35 | % | | | 34 | % |
Short-term investments | | | 3 | % | | | 2 | % |
|
Total | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % |
|
Plan assets are valued as at the measurement date of December 31 each year. Equity securities include common shares of a related party in the amounts of nil (0% of total plan assets) and $1.1 million (1% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2006 and 2005 respectively.
The significant weighted-average assumptions adopted in measuring Telesat’s pension and other benefit obligations were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension | | | Other | | | Pension | | | Other | |
| | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | |
Accrued benefit obligation as of December 31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | | 5.3 | % | | | 5.3 | % | | | 5.2 | % | | | 5.2 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit costs for years ended December 31: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | | 5.2 | % | | | 5.2 | % | | | 6.0 | % | | | 6.0 | % |
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | | | 7.5 | % | | | 7.5 | % | | | 7.5 | % | | | 7.5 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.5 | % | | | 3.5 | % |
For measurement purposes, a 10.5% (drugs) / 4.5% (other) annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits (the health care cost trend) was assumed for 2006. The drug rate is assumed to gradually decrease to 4.5% over 6 years and remain at that level thereafter.
25
The net benefit expense included the following components:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension | | | Other | | | Pension | | | Other | | | Pension | | | Other | |
| | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | | | Benefits | |
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2004 | |
Current service cost | | | 4 315 | | | | 465 | | | | 3 160 | | | | 394 | | | | 3 156 | | | | 368 | |
Interest cost | | | 8 212 | | | | 767 | | | | 7 730 | | | | 684 | | | | 7 906 | | | | 767 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | (11 271 | ) | | | — | | | | (10 165 | ) | | | — | | | | (9 548 | ) | | | — | |
Amortization of past service cost | | | 900 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss | | | 1 780 | | | | — | | | | 96 | | | | (22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Amortization of transitional obligation | | | ( 1 273 | ) | | | 618 | | | | ( 1 454 | ) | | | 618 | | | | ( 1 454 | ) | | | 618 | |
|
Net benefit expense | | | 2 663 | | | | 1 850 | | | | ( 633 | ) | | | 1 674 | | | | 60 | | | | 1 753 | |
|
21. Commitments and contingent liabilities
Off balance sheet commitments include operating leases, commitments for future capital expenditures and other future purchases.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | Thereafter | | | Total | |
Off balance sheet commitments | | $ | 188,053 | | | $ | 119,335 | | | $ | 53,424 | | | $ | 9,451 | | | $ | 5,470 | | | $ | 52,407 | | | $ | 428,140 | |
Certain of the Company’s satellite transponders, offices, warehouses, earth stations, vehicles, and office equipment are leased under various terms. Minimum annual commitments under operating leases determined as at December 31, 2006 are $15.5 million in 2007, $16.9 million in 2008, $12.0 million in 2009, $6.8 million in 2010, $2.4 million in 2011 and $3.3 million thereafter. The annual aggregate lease expense in each of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was $18.0 million and $17.5 million respectively. The expiry terms range from June 2006 to July 2016.
Telesat has non-satellite purchase commitments of CAD $12.1 million, which include commitments of US $10.2 million, with various suppliers at December 31, 2006 (2005—CAD $25.4 million, including commitments of US $20.9 million, 2004—CAD $24.9 million or US $20.3 million).
Telesat has entered into contracts for the construction and launch of Anik F3 (targeted for launch in 2007) and of Nimiq 4 (targeted for launch in 2008), the construction of Nimiq 5 (targeted for launch in 2009) and a capital lease for Nimiq 4ii (in service in 2007). The outstanding commitments at December 31, 2006 on these contracts are CAD $358.5 million, which include commitments of US $303.2 million.
Telesat has agreements with various customers for prepaid revenues on several satellites which take effect on final acceptance of the spacecraft. Telesat is responsible for operating and controlling these satellites. Deposits of $273.7 million (2005 — $272.8 million, 2004 — $287.4 million), refundable under certain circumstances, are reflected in other liabilities, both current and long-term.
In the normal course of business, Telesat has executed agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in various transactions. These indemnification undertakings and guarantees may require Telesat to compensate the counterparties for costs and losses incurred as a result of certain events including, without limitation, loss or damage to property, change in the interpretation of laws and regulations (including tax legislation), claims that may arise while providing services, or as a result of litigation that may be suffered by the counterparties.
Certain indemnification undertakings can extend for an unlimited period and may not provide for any limit on the maximum potential amount, although certain agreements do contain specified maximum potential exposure representing a cumulative amount of approximately $16.7 million. The nature of substantially all of the indemnification undertakings prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount Telesat could be required to pay counterparties as the agreements do not specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, Telesat has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications.
26
In August 2001, Boeing, the manufacturer of the Anik F1 satellite, advised Telesat of a gradual decrease in available power on-board the satellite. Telesat filed an insurance claim with its insurers on December 19, 2002, and in March 2004 reached a final settlement agreement. The settlement calls for an initial payment in 2004 of US $136.2 million and an additional payment of US $49.1 million in 2007 if the power level on Anik F1 degrades as predicted by the manufacturer. In the event that the power level on Anik F1 is better than predicted, the amount of the payment(s) will be adjusted by applying a formula which is included in the settlement documentation and could result in either a pro-rated payment to Telesat of the additional US $49.1 million or a pro-rated repayment of up to a maximum of US $36.1 million to be made by Telesat to the insurers. The initial payment has been received. During December 2005, a number of insurers elected to pay a discounted amount of the proceeds due in 2007. A total of US $26.2 million was received in December 2005 (pre-discount value of US $29.1 million) leaving US $20.0 million to be paid in 2007. The degradation continues as predicted.
22. Related party transactions
Related parties include BCE, the sole common shareholder, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates.
The following transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Operating revenues for services provided | | | 139 335 | | | | 131 880 | | | | 129 169 | |
Operating expenses for services received | | | 7 340 | | | | 9 273 | | | | 6 778 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The balances with related parties are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Receivables at year end | | | 631 | | | | 3 566 | | | | 4 832 | |
Promissory notes receivable (see note 3) | | | 201 000 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Deferred revenues and deposits | | | 13 019 | | | | 1 040 | | | | 1 249 | |
Promissory notes payable (see note 3) | | | 21 200 | | | | — | | | | — | |
23. Reconciliation of Canadian GAAP to United States GAAP
Telesat has prepared these consolidated financial statements according to Canadian GAAP. The following tables are a reconciliation of differences relating to the statement of operations and total shareholders’ equity reported according to Canadian GAAP and United States GAAP.
Reconciliation of net earnings
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Canadian GAAP—Net earnings | | | 103 992 | | | | 90 697 | | | | 85 259 | |
Gains (losses) on derivatives(a) | | | (998 | ) | | | 1 457 | | | | 19 550 | |
Tax effect of above adjustments(b) | | | 323 | | | | (513 | ) | | | (6 901 | ) |
Tax effect of rate reduction (b) | | | 1 245 | | | | | | | | | |
|
United States GAAP—Net earnings | | | 104 562 | | | | 91 641 | | | | 97 908 | |
Dividends on preferred shares | | | (1 487 | ) | | | (1 780 | ) | | | (1 840 | ) |
|
United States GAAP—Net earnings applicable to common shares | | | 103 075 | | | | 89 861 | | | | 96 068 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) items | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in currency translation adjustment | | | (526 | ) | | | 337 | | | | (325 | ) |
|
United States GAAP — Comprehensive earnings | | | 102 549 | | | | 90 198 | | | | 95 743 | |
|
United States GAAP — Net earnings per common share | | | 1 030 750 | | | | 898 610 | | | | 960 680 | |
27
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Cumulative translation adjustment | | | (3 376 | ) | | | (2 850 | ) | | | (3 187 | ) |
Net benefit plans cost(c) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net actuarial losses | | | (7 080 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net transitional assets | | | 4 471 | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | | (5 985 | ) | | | (2 850 | ) | | | (3 187 | ) |
|
Reconciliation of total shareholders’ equity
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Canadian GAAP | | | 908 554 | | | | 677 276 | | | | 587 770 | |
Adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) on derivatives(a) | | | 39 605 | | | | 40 603 | | | | 39 146 | |
Net benefit plans cost(c) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net actuarial losses | | | (10 468 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net transitional assets | | | 6 611 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Tax effect of above adjustments(b) | | | (11 572 | ) | | | (14 388 | ) | | | (13 875 | ) |
|
United States GAAP | | | 932 730 | | | | 703 491 | | | | 613 041 | |
Description of United States GAAP adjustments
(a) | | Derivatives and embedded derivatives |
|
| | In accordance with U.S. GAAP, all derivative instruments, including those embedded in contracts, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with gains or losses recognized in earnings. The Company denominates many of its long-term international purchase contracts in U.S. dollars resulting in embedded derivatives. This exposure to the U.S. dollar is partially offset by revenue that is also denominated in U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2006, the estimated fair value of assets resulting from embedded derivatives is $40.4 million (2005 — $49.2 million, 2004 — $53.6 million). |
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| | The Company hedges a portion of it’s exposure to foreign exchange. For U.S. GAAP purposes the Company has not designated the forward contracts as hedges and has recorded the derivatives at fair value on the balance sheet. At December 31, 2006, the estimated fair value of derivative contract liabilities is $0.8 million (2005—$8.6 million, 2004 — $14.4 million). |
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| | The impact on the statement of operations of changes in the fair value of these derivatives is reflected in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation note in the amount of $1.0 million (2005 — $1.4 million, 2004 — $19.6 million). |
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(b) | | Income taxes |
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| | The income tax adjustment reflects the impact the United States GAAP adjustments described above have on income taxes. The accounting for income taxes under Canadian GAAP and United States GAAP is essentially the same, except that; income tax rates of enacted or substantively enacted tax law are used to calculate future income tax assets and liabilities under Canadian GAAP and only enacted tax rates are used under United States GAAP. There were no differences between substantively enacted and enacted rates to be adjusted. |
|
| | In 2006 the tax effect of rate reduction represents the adjustment to future taxes resulting from the application of the 2006 rate reduction to the accumulated gains and losses on derivatives. |
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(c) | | Net benefit plans cost |
|
| | Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the recognition requirements of Statement of Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post Retirement Plans, on a prospective basis. |
|
| | This standard requires that the Company recognize the funded status of benefit plans on the balance sheet as well as recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial losses and transitional asset |
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| | and obligation. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. |
|
| | At December 31, 2006, the balance sheet was adjusted such that actuarial losses and the transitional asset and obligation that have not yet been included in net benefit plans at December 31, 2006 were recognized as components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. The adjustment at December 31, 2006 resulted in an increase of $2.6 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss. |
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(d) | | Accounting for asset retirement obligations |
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| | Effective January 1, 2004 Telesat adopted CICA Handbook section 3110, Asset retirement obligations (ARO). Liabilities related to the legal obligation of retiring property, plant and equipment are initially measured at fair value and are adjusted for any changes resulting from the passage of time or to the amount of the original estimate of the undiscounted cash flows. The cumulative amortization expense for the asset and accretion expense for the liability for years prior to 2004 were recorded as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings for 2004, with offsets to the ARO liability, ARO asset and to the future tax liability. Under United States GAAP the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle would have been recognized in net income in the period of the change. The impact on the reconciliation and the per share amount of the change in accounting policy is insignificant. |
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(e) | | Accounting for stock-based compensation |
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| | Telesat adopted the fair value-based method of accounting on a prospective basis for Canadian and United States GAAP, effective January 1, 2002. For United States GAAP, Telesat follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 to account for stock based compensation and provides pro forma disclosures of net earnings and earnings per share, assuming that the fair value-based method of accounting had been applied from the date that SFAS No. 123 was adopted. Effective January 1, 2006, Telesat adopted SFAS No. 123(R) to be applied to future grants. Adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) has not had a significant impact on our financial position or results of operation. The table below shows the pro forma compensation expense for stock options and pro forma net earnings using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
United States GAAP — Net earnings as reported | | | 91 641 | | | | 97 908 | |
Canadian GAAP — Compensation cost included in net earnings | | | 408 | | | | 353 | |
United States GAAP — Total compensation cost | | | (416 | ) | | | (510 | ) |
|
United States GAAP — Pro forma net earnings | | | 91 633 | | | | 97 751 | |
Dividends on preferred shares | | | (1 780 | ) | | | (1 840 | ) |
|
Pro forma net earnings applicable to common shares | | | 89 853 | | | | 95 911 | |
|
Pro forma net earnings per common share (basic and diluted) | | | 898 530 | | | | 959 110 | |
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(f) | | Investment tax credits and research and development costs |
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| | Under United States GAAP presentation, investment tax credits are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. Under Canadian GAAP presentation, investment tax credits are reflected as a reduction of the cost of sales, research and development expenses or capital equipment as appropriate. |
|
| | Accordingly, under United States GAAP, research and development expense would increase in the years 2006, 2005 and 2004 by $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million respectively. Income tax expense would decrease by these same amounts in the respective years, resulting in no change to net earnings. |
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| | Research and development costs charged to expense in 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $2.5 million, $3.1 million and $2.2 million respectively. |
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(g) | | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
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| | Included in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities balance for the year ending December, 31, 2006 are bonus accruals in the amount of $7.6 million which are greater than 5% of the total current liabilities. There was no one accrual in the prior period which exceeded this Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) threshold. |
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(h) | | Presentation and disclosure of guarantees |
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| | Under Canadian GAAP, guarantees do not include indemnifications against intellectual property right infringement, whereas under United States GAAP they are included. At December 31, 2006, such indemnifications amounted to $940.9 million. Telesat also has guarantees where no maximum potential amount is specified. |
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(i) | | Presentation and disclosures of cash flow statement |
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| | Under Canadian GAAP, bank account overdrafts that are temporary are included in cash and cash equivalents. Under United States GAAP all changes in bank account overdrafts are disclosed under financing activities. |
|
| | Other statement of cash flow disclosure required under United States GAAP is as follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Non-cash payments for capital assets included in accounts payable | | | 1 362 | | | | 4 612 | | | | 6 543 | |
Change in bank overdraft | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1 990 | ) |
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized) | | | 18 477 | | | | 16 233 | | | | 8 844 | |
(j) | | Capitalized interest |
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| | Capitalized interest is disclosed as other income in note 4. Interest expense under United States GAAP would have been disclosed net of interest capitalized in other income as follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
Total interest expense | | | 24 643 | | | | 29 526 | | | | 26 486 | |
Capitalized interest | | | (12 184 | ) | | | (14 974 | ) | | | (17 642 | ) |
|
Interest expense (net of capitalized interest) | | | 12 459 | | | | 14 552 | | | | 8 844 | |
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(k) | | Finite-life intangible assets |
|
| | Under United States GAAP actual amortization of intangibles for the current year as well as the expected amortization over the next 5 years would be disclosed as follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | |
Non-competition agreement | | | 1 165 | | | | 1 165 | | | | 1 165 | | | | 1 165 | | | | 1 165 | | | | — | |
Long-term contracts and customer lists | | | 2 187 | | | | 756 | | | | 71 | | | | 4 | | | | — | | | | — | |
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Total | | | 3 352 | | | | 1 921 | | | | 1 236 | | | | 1 169 | | | | 1 165 | | | | — | |
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(l) | | Pensions |
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| | The investment strategy for the unfunded benefit plans is to maintain a diversified portfolio of assets invested in a prudent manner to maintain the security of funds while maximizing returns within our guidelines. The expected rate of return assumption is based on our target asset allocation policy and the expected future rates of return on these assets. The table below shows the allocation of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005, target allocation for 2006 and the expected long-term rate of return by asset class. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Weighted average | |
| | Weighted average | | | Percentage of plan | | | expected long-term | |
| | target allocation | | | assets at December 31 | | | rate of return | |
|
| | 2006 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
Asset category | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities | | | 50%-70 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 8.5 | % |
Debt securities | | | 30%-50 | % | | | 38 | % | | | 36 | % | | | 6.0 | % |
|
Total / average | | | | | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 7.5 | % |
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Pension benefits expected to be paid in each of the next 5 years, and the succeeding 5 years in aggregate are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | 2012 - 2015 | |
|
Pension | | | 3 782 | | | | 3 829 | | | | 3 877 | | | | 3 925 | | | | 3 974 | | | | 20 629 | |
Other benefits | | | 427 | | | | 450 | | | | 474 | | | | 499 | | | | 525 | | | | 3 072 | |
Expected pension contributions in 2007 are $0.5 million and expected other benefit contributions for 2007 are $0.4 million.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Effect of 1% increase in | | | Effect of 1% decrease in | |
| | assumed trend rates | | | assumed trend rates | |
|
On aggregate of service cost and interest cost | | | 131 | | | | (115 | ) |
On obligation | | | 1 229 | | | | (1 112 | ) |
(m) | | Standby letters of credit |
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| | Telesat had standby letters of credit in the amount of $0.8 million and $0.7 in 2006 and 2005 respectively that reduce the unused bank lines of credit available. Infosat had a standby letter of credit in the amount of $0.1 million and $0.1 million in both 2006 and 2005 that is a separate facility from its bank line of credit and therefore does not reduce the amount available. |
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(n) | | Business combination |
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| | United States GAAP requires pro forma disclosure of a business combination as if it had been completed at the beginning of the most recent period as well as prior period. Pro forma disclosure for the current period is not considered materially different. The following unaudited pro forma combined results under United States GAAP for 2006, 2005 and 2004 are: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Unaudited) | | | (Unaudited) | |
Pro forma revenue | | | 480 059 | | | | 487 148 | | | | 396 117 | |
Pro forma net earnings | | | 103 782 | | | | 91 139 | | | | 83 491 | |
Pro forma net earnings applicable to common shares | | | 102 295 | | | | 89 359 | | | | 81 651 | |
Pro forma net earnings per common share (basic and diluted) | | | 1 022 950 | | | | 893 590 | | | | 816 510 | |
| | The 2005 acquisition of SpaceConnection was part of Telesat’s growth strategy throughout the Americas. SpaceConnection is a major provider of C-band and Ku-Band space segment for programming-related satellite transmission services. Its clients include the major U.S. television networks, cable programmers and services to the educational, religious, government, business and entertainment sectors. This coupled with Telesat’s belief that there is much potential in high-definition television and in providing occasional use satellite services to these broadcasters, cable programmers and other businesses are factors that contributed to the purchase price and the goodwill recorded on acquisition. |
|
| | On February 16, 2006 Infosat acquired Able Leasing Co. with the intention of strengthening Infosat’s presence in the North American oil and gas industry while opening new business and market opportunities. Able provides sales and service of land mobile radio, microwave radio, marine radio, closed circuit television and satellite communications. |
|
| | Pro forma results for 2004 include the results of SpaceConnection as if it were acquired at the beginning of the period. Pro forma results for 2006 and 2005 include the results of Able Leasing Co. as if it were acquired at the beginning of the period. |
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(o) | | Recent changes to accounting standards |
|
| | Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes |
|
| | In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (Fin 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FAS 109. The |
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| | interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Fin 48 also provides accounting guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Telesat will adopt the provision of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Telesat is in the process of assessing the impact of FIN 48 on Telesat’s results of operations and financial condition. |
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| | Fair value measurements |
|
| | In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement does not require any new fair value measurements however it may change the methods used to measure fair value. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Telesat is currently in the process of assessing the impact of FAS 157 on Telesat’s results of operations and financial condition. |
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| | In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS 159, which expands opportunities to use fair value measurements in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Telesat is currently in the process of assessing the impact of FAS 159 on Telesat’s results of operations and financial condition. |
|
| | Considering the effects of prior year misstatements when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB 108, which provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a material assessment. The bulletin prescribes a process of quantifying financial statement misstatements by determining the effects of the identified unadjusted error on each financial statement and related financial statement disclosure. The bulletin is effective for annual statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. SAB 108 had no impact on Telesat’s financial statements. |
24. Subsequent events
On January 1, 2007, Telesat, its parent Alouette Telecommunications Inc. (Alouette) and its subsidiary 4387678 Canada Inc. (4387678) were amalgamated. The name of the amalgamated entity is Telesat Canada and its authorized capital is an unlimited number of common shares. The shares of Telesat and 4387678 were cancelled, and the class A, B and C shares of Alouette were converted into 100 common shares of the amalgamated entity.
The 2006 and 2005 figures have been restated and represent the consolidated results of Telesat’s parent Alouette Telecommunications Inc. Continuity of interest accounting has been applied to the amalgamation of Telesat Canada, Alouette and the Telesat subsidiary 4387678 Canada Inc. The transaction, which lacks economic substance, represents a rearrangement of legal interests as all three entities were under common control.
The following significant adjustments are reflected in the 2006 and 2005 financial statements as a result of the continuity of interest accounting:
| - | | Increase of $28.7 million to goodwill and $0.2 million to short term investments |
|
| - | | Increase of $229.2 million to common shares and $4.1 million contributed surplus |
|
| - | | Decrease of $204.4 million to retained earnings |
|
| - | | Increase in Earnings Per Share as a result of only 100 common shares now outstanding |
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