UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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(Mark One) | | |
o | | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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x | | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
OR
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o | | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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o | | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of Event Requiring This Shell Company Report 
For the transition period from
to 
Commission File Number 333-159793
TELESAT CANADA
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
1601 Telesat Court, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1B 5P4
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Christopher S. DiFrancesco
Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary
Telesat Canada
1601 Telesat Court
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1B 5P4
Tel.: (613) 748-8700 ext. 2268
Fax: (613) 748-8712
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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Title of Each Class | | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
None | | None |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:145 shares of common stock outstanding.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yeso Nox
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Yesx Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.Yesx Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yeso Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filero | | Accelerated filero | | Non-accelerated filerx |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
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U.S. GAAPo | | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Boardx | | Othero |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.o Item 17o Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yeso Nox
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TELESAT CANADA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| | Page |
PART I
| |
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers | | | 1 | |
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | | | 1 | |
Item 3. Key Information | | | 1 | |
Item 4. Information on the Company | | | 22 | |
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments | | | 48 | |
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | | | 49 | |
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees | | | 69 | |
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | | | 76 | |
Item 8. Financial Information | | | 83 | |
Item 9. The Offer and Listing | | | 84 | |
Item 10. Additional Information | | | 85 | |
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | | 90 | |
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | | | 90 | |
PART II
| |
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies | | | 91 | |
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | | | 91 | |
Item 15. Controls and Procedures | | | 91 | |
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert | | | 91 | |
Item 16B. Code of Ethics | | | 92 | |
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services | | | 92 | |
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees | | | 93 | |
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers | | | 93 | |
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant | | | 93 | |
Item 16G. Corporate Governance | | | 93 | |
PART III
| |
Item 17. Financial Statements | | | 94 | |
Item 18. Financial Statements | | | 94 | |
Item 19. Exhibits | | | 94 | |
Index To Consolidated Financial Statements | | | F-1 | |
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Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report to “Telesat,” “we,” “the Company,” “the combined company” and “our” mean Telesat Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries, including, with respect to the period commencing on and after the closing of the Telesat Canada transaction (as defined below), Telesat Canada, its principal operating subsidiary. References to “Telesat Holdings” mean Telesat Holdings Inc., to the exclusion of its subsidiaries. We refer to the acquisition of Telesat Canada and the related transfer of Loral Skynet to Telesat Canada as the “Telesat Canada transaction.” References to “Telesat Canada” with respect to periods prior to the closing of the Telesat Canada transaction are references to the subsidiary of BCE Inc. (“BCE”) and with respect to the period commencing on and after the closing of the Telesat Canada transaction are references to our principal operating subsidiary. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, references to “Loral Skynet” with respect to periods prior to the closing of the Telesat Canada transaction are references to the operations of the satellite services segment of Loral Space & Communications Inc. (“Loral”) conducted through Loral Skynet and with respect to the period commencing on and after the closing of the Telesat Canada transaction are references to the Loral Skynet operations within Telesat Canada.
References to the “senior notes” mean the 11% senior notes due November 1, 2015 issued by Telesat Canada and Telesat LLC, as the Co-Issuer. References to the “senior subordinated notes” mean the 12.5% senior subordinated notes due November 1, 2017 issued by Telesat Canada and Telesat LLC, as the Co-Issuer. We refer to the senior notes and the senior subordinated notes together as the “notes.”
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Unless we indicate otherwise, financial information in this Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). IFRS differs in some respects from United States generally accepted accounting principles, (“U.S. GAAP”) or (“United States GAAP”), and thus our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies.
We present our historical financial statements in Canadian dollars, which is the presentation currency of the Company. All figures reported in this Annual Report are in Canadian dollars, except where we indicate otherwise, and are referenced as “CAD$,” “$” and “dollars”. This Annual Report contains a translation of some Canadian dollar amounts into United States dollars at specified exchange rates solely for your convenience. See “Exchange Rate Data” below for certain information about the rates of exchange between Canadian dollars and United States dollars.
EXCHANGE RATE DATA
The following table sets forth, for each period indicated, the low and high exchange rates for U.S. dollars expressed in Canadian dollar terms, the exchange rate at the end of such period and the average of such exchange rates on the last day of each month during such period, based on the inverse of the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The exchange rates set forth below demonstrate trends in exchange rates, but the actual exchange rates used throughout this Annual Report may vary.
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| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2011 |
High | | | 1.1852 | | | | 1.2971 | | | | 1.2995 | | | | 1.0776 | | | | 1.0605 | |
Low | | | 0.9168 | | | | 0.9717 | | | | 1.0289 | | | | 0.996 | | | | 0.9448 | |
Period End | | | 0.9881 | | | | 1.2240 | | | | 1.0461 | | | | 1.0009 | | | | 1.0168 | |
Average Rate | | | 1.0665 | | | | 1.0713 | | | | 1.1373 | | | | 1.0353 | | | | 0.9858 | |
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The following table sets forth, for each of the last six months, the low and high exchange rates for U.S. dollars expressed in Canadian dollar terms and the exchange rate at the end of the month based on the inverse of the noon buying rate as described above. The source of the exchange rate is the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.
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| | Last Six Months |
| | August | | September | | October | | November | | December | | January |
High | | | 0.9909 | | | | 1.0389 | | | | 1.0605 | | | | 1.0487 | | | | 1.0403 | | | | 1.0272 | |
Low | | | 0.9577 | | | | 0.9751 | | | | 0.9932 | | | | 1.0125 | | | | 1.0106 | | | | 0.9986 | |
End of Month | | | 0.9783 | | | | 1.0389 | | | | 0.9932 | | | | 1.0199 | | | | 1.0168 | | | | 1.0050 | |
On February 1, 2012, the closing rate as reported by Bloomberg was U.S.$1.00 = CAD$0.9886. Unless the context states or requires otherwise, for purposes of United States dollars and Canadian dollar conversions contained in this Annual Report, we have assumed the conversion rate of U.S.$1.00/CAD$1.0213, which is the closing rate on December 31, 2011 as reported on Bloomberg.
MARKET, RANKINGS AND OTHER DATA
Unless otherwise indicated, we obtained the industry, market and competitive position data, and other statistical information, contained in this Annual Report from our own internal estimates and research as well as from industry and general publications and third party research, surveys and studies. Publications, research reports, studies and surveys generally state that they have obtained information from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that these publications, studies and surveys are reliable, we have not independently verified information obtained from third party sources. While we believe our internal company research and estimates are reliable, they have not been verified by an independent third party. As a result, you should be aware that industry, market, competitive position and other similar data and information set forth in this Annual Report, and estimates and beliefs based on such data and information, may not be reliable.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make statements in this Annual Report that are forward-looking. When used in this Annual Report, statements which are not historical in nature, or which contain the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “would” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places and include statements with respect to, among other things:
| • | our future growth and profitability; |
| • | our competitive strengths; and |
| • | our business strategy and the trends we anticipate in the industries and economies in which we operate. |
These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include:
| • | Our in-orbit satellites may fail to operate as expected due to operational anomalies resulting in lost revenues, increased costs and/or termination of contracts. |
| • | The actual orbital maneuver lives of our satellites may be shorter than we anticipate and we may be required to reduce available capacity on our satellites prior to the end of their orbital maneuver lives. |
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| • | Our satellite launches may be delayed, we may have launch failures or our satellites may fail to reach their planned orbital locations. Any such issue could result in the loss of a satellite or cause significant delays in the deployment of the satellite which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. |
| • | Our insurance will not protect us against all satellite-related losses. Further, we may not be able to renew insurance on our existing satellites or obtain insurance on future satellites on acceptable terms or at all. |
| • | Replacing a satellite upon the end of its service life will require us to make significant expenditures and may require us to obtain shareholder approval. |
| • | We are subject to significant and intensifying competition. We experience competition both within the satellite industry and from other providers of communications capacity. Our failure to compete effectively would result in a loss of revenues and a decline in profitability, which would adversely affect our business and results of operations. |
| • | Fluctuations in available satellite capacity could adversely affect our results. |
| • | Reductions in government spending could reduce demand for our services. |
| • | Changes in technology, video distribution methods and demand could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and business prospects. |
| • | We derive a substantial amount of our revenues from only a few of our customers. A loss of one or more of these major customers, or a material adverse change in any such customer’s business or financial condition, could materially reduce our future revenues and contracted backlog. |
| • | We operate in a highly regulated industry and government regulations may adversely affect our ability to sell our services, or increase the expense of such services or otherwise limit our ability to operate or grow our business. |
| • | Our operations may be limited or precluded by ITU rules or processes, and we are required to coordinate our operations with those of other satellite operators. |
| • | If we do not occupy unused orbital locations by specified deadlines, or do not maintain satellites in orbital locations we currently use, those orbital locations may become available for other satellite operators to use. |
| • | Our business is capital intensive, and we may not be able to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, or we may be able to do so only on terms that significantly restrict our ability to operate our business. |
| • | Market conditions may make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. |
| • | Significant changes in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. |
| • | Significant changes in exchange rates could materially increase our interest and other payment obligations under our financing arrangements. |
| • | The soundness of financial institutions and counterparties could adversely affect us. |
| • | Our significant shareholders may have interests that conflict with the interests of bondholders. |
| • | Loral’s ownership interest in us and in Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”) may adversely affect our consulting business or our future satellite procurements. |
| • | We may experience a failure of ground operations infrastructure or interference with our satellite signals that impairs the commercial performance of, or the services delivered over, our satellites or the satellites of other operators for whom we provide ground services, which could result in a material loss of revenues. |
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| • | Interruption or failure of, or cyber-attacks on, our information technology and communications systems could hurt our ability to operate our business effectively, which could harm our business and operating results. |
| • | Our dependence on outside contractors could result in delays related to the design, manufacture and launch of our new satellites, which could in turn adversely affect our operating results. |
| • | Our future reported net income could be adversely affected by an impairment of the value of certain intangible assets. |
| • | We may pursue acquisitions, dispositions and strategic transactions which could result in the incurrence of additional costs, liabilities or expenses in connection with the implementation of such transactions. |
| • | We could experience the departure of key employees or may be unable to recruit the employees needed for our success. |
| • | The content of third-party transmissions over our satellites may affect us since we could be subject to sanctions by various governmental entities for the transmission of certain content. |
| • | Enforcement of civil liabilities against us may be more difficult because we are a Canadian corporation. |
| • | Our substantial debt may adversely affect our cash flow and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our notes. |
| • | Despite our current levels of debt, we may incur substantially more debt. This may further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial debt. |
| • | Our notes are effectively subordinated to the co-issuers’ and the guarantors’ secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. |
| • | Your right to receive payments on the senior subordinated notes is subordinated to the co-issuers and the guarantors senior debt. |
| • | The agreements governing our debt, including our notes and our senior secured credit facilities, contain various covenants that impose restrictions on us that may affect our ability to operate our business and to make payments on the notes. |
| • | To service our debt and to fund planned capital expenditures, we will require a significant amount of cash, which may not be available to us. |
| • | Your ability to transfer our notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market for the notes. |
| • | Because of the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act, a Canadian act uniquely applicable to Telesat Canada (but not the guarantors, other subsidiaries or Telesat LLC), Telesat Canada may not have access to the usual protections from creditors and other rights available to insolvent persons, and creditors, including holders of our notes, may not have recourse to the usual rights, remedies and protections under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws generally available to creditors of insolvent persons. |
| • | The guarantees associated with our notes may not be enforceable because of fraudulent conveyance laws. |
| • | You should not rely on the Co-Issuer in evaluating an investment in our notes. |
We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of our underlying assumptions are incorrect, our actual results may differ significantly from the results that we express in or imply by any of our forward-looking statements. These and other risks
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are detailed in this Annual Report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report to reflect future events or circumstances. We qualify any and all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary factors.
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PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
A. Selected financial data.
The following information is only selected information and should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” and Telesat Holdings’ audited consolidated financial statements and their notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report, as well as the other financial information included herein. Historical results from any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
The selected consolidated financial information is comprised of information of Telesat Holdings (known as the “Successor Entity”) for the period of October 31, 2007 through December 31, 2009 under Canadian and U.S. GAAP as well as for the period of January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 under International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). It also includes information from Telesat Canada (known as the “Predecessor Company”) for the period of January 1, 2007 through October 30, 2007 under Canadian and U.S. GAAP. The selected consolidated statement of operations data, cash flow data and balance sheet data for the periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 have been derived from Telesat Holdings’ audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated statement of operations data and cash flow data for the two month period of October 31, 2007 to December 31, 2007 as well as for the periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 have also been derived from Telesat Holdings’ audited consolidated financial statements prepared under Canadian GAAP which are not included in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated statement of operations data, cash flow data and balance sheet data for the ten month period of January 1, 2007 to October 30, 2007 has also been derived from Telesat Canada’s audited financial statements prepared under Canadian GAAP which are not included in this Annual Report.
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Selected Historical Financial Information
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| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2010 | | 2011 |
| | (CAD$ in millions) |
IFRS
| | | | | | | | |
Statement of Operations Data:
| | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues:
| | | | | | | | |
Broadcast | | | 454.2 | | | | 436.7 | |
Enterprise | | | 335.0 | | | | 341.9 | |
Consulting and Other | | | 32.2 | | | | 29.8 | |
Total operating revenues | | | 821.4 | | | | 808.4 | |
Operating expenses:
| | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses | | | (206.5 | ) | | | (187.8 | ) |
Depreciation | | | (202.2 | ) | | | (198.6 | ) |
Amortization | | | (45.5 | ) | | | (41.0 | ) |
Other operating gains, net | | | 83.0 | | | | 114.1 | |
Operating income | | | 450.2 | | | | 495.1 | |
Other expenses (income)
| | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (256.6 | ) | | | (227.1 | ) |
Interest and other income | | | 5.8 | | | | 1.6 | |
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | (11.2 | ) | | | 98.6 | |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange | | | 164.0 | | | | (78.9 | ) |
Income tax expense | | | (66.1 | ) | | | (52.0 | ) |
Net income | | | 286.1 | | | | 237.3 | |
Statement of Cash Flow Data:
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 341.5 | | | | 423.9 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (234.8 | ) | | | (251.2 | ) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | | (40.1 | ) | | | (114.7 | ) |
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 220.3 | | | | 278.0 | |
Total assets | | | 5,753.9 | | | | 5,996.4 | |
Total debt (including current portion) | | | 2,868.6 | | | | 2,834.6 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 1,484.9 | | | | 1,690.2 | |
Common shares | | | 756.4 | | | | 756.4 | |
Preferred shares | | | 541.8 | | | | 541.8 | |
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Telesat Canada and Telesat Holdings Inc.
Selected Historical Financial Information
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Predecessor Entity | | Successor Entity |
| | Ten Months Ended October 30, 2007 | | Two Months Ended December 31, 2007 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2008 | | 2009 |
| | | | (CAD$ in millions) |
Canadian GAAP
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Statement of Operations Data:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues(1):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast | | | 235.0 | | | | 52.8 | | | | 345.4 | | | | 406.7 | |
Enterprise | | | — | | | | 53.7 | | | | 333.8 | | | | 349.5 | |
Business Networks | | | 112.4 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Carrier | | | 24.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Consulting and Other | | | 24.6 | | | | 4.9 | | | | 32.2 | | | | 31.0 | |
Subsidiaries | | | 74.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Inter-segment eliminations | | | (12.6 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total operating revenues | | | 457.8 | | | | 111.4 | | | | 711.4 | | | | 787.2 | |
Operating expenses:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization | | | 105.8 | | | | 40.0 | | | | 235.6 | | | | 256.9 | |
Operations and administration | | | 144.3 | | | | 43.3 | | | | 247.6 | | | | 219.7 | |
Cost of equipment sales | | | 34.7 | | | | 6.5 | | | | 24.4 | | | | 16.4 | |
Cost of sales-type lease | | | 15.5 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Impairment loss of long-lived assets | | | 2.1 | | | | — | | | | 2.4 | | | | — | |
Impairment loss of intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 483.0 | | | | — | |
Earnings from operations | | | 155.4 | | | | 21.6 | | | | (281.6 | ) | | | 294.2 | |
Other expenses (income)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense, net | | | 8.6 | | | | 43.9 | | | | 257.3 | | | | 272.8 | |
Other expense (income) | | | 8.0 | | | | 44.0 | | | | 457.3 | | | | (414.2 | ) |
Income tax expense (recovery) | | | 57.1 | | | | (62.2 | ) | | | (164.9 | ) | | | 4.9 | |
Net earnings (loss) | | | 81.7 | | | | (4.1 | ) | | | (831.3 | ) | | | 430.7 | |
Statement of Cash Flow Data:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 252.6 | | | | 225.3 | | | | 279.1 | | | | 298.1 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (187.0 | ) | | | (3,258.7 | ) | | | (263.5 | ) | | | (192.8 | ) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | | (44.8 | ) | | | 3,074.4 | | | | 41.5 | | | | (50.0 | ) |
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 57.8 | | | | 42.2 | | | | 98.5 | | | | 154.2 | |
Total assets | | | 1,693.0 | | | | 5,545.4 | | | | 5,166.8 | | | | 5,196.0 | |
Total debt (including current portion) | | | 731.9 | | | | 2,794.3 | | | | 3,536.5 | | | | 3,045.4 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 215.5 | | | | 1,293.5 | | | | 469.4 | | | | 897.3 | |
Common shares | | | 341.1 | | | | 756.4 | | | | 756.4 | | | | 756.4 | |
Preferred shares | | | — | | | | 541.8 | | | | 541.8 | | | | 541.8 | |
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| (1) | Telesat Holdings allocates revenue among the following service groupings: broadcast, enterprise and consulting and other. Prior to the Telesat Canada transaction, Telesat Canada allocated revenue among the following service groupings: broadcast, business networks, carrier, consulting and other, and subsidiaries. |
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| | Predecessor Entity | | Successor Entity |
| | Ten Months Ended October 30, 2007 | | Two Months Ended December 31, 2007 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2008 | | 2009 |
| | | | (CAD$ in millions) | | |
U.S. GAAP(1)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Statement of Operations Data:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues(2):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcast | | | 212.1 | | | | 55.9 | | | | 365.1 | | | | 408.2 | |
Enterprise | | | — | | | | 53.7 | | | | 333.8 | | | | 349.5 | |
Business Networks | | | 112.4 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Carrier | | | 24.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Consulting and Other | | | 24.6 | | | | 4.9 | | | | 32.2 | | | | 31.0 | |
Subsidiaries | | | 74.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Inter-segment eliminations | | | (12.6 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total operating revenues | | | 434.9 | | | | 114.5 | | | | 731.1 | | | | 788.7 | |
Operating expenses:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization | | | 105.8 | | | | 40.0 | | | | 235.6 | | | | 256.9 | |
Operations and administration | | | 144.3 | | | | 44.6 | | | | 255.7 | | | | 221.3 | |
Cost of equipment sales | | | 23.9 | | | | 6.5 | | | | 25.1 | | | | 16.4 | |
Cost of sales-type lease | | | 15.5 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
(Gain) on disposal of long-lived assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (33.4 | ) |
Impairment loss of long-lived assets | | | 2.1 | | | | — | | | | 2.4 | | | | — | |
Impairment loss of intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 483.0 | | | | — | |
Earnings from operations | | | 143.3 | | | | 23.4 | | | | (270.7 | ) | | | 327.5 | |
Interest expense, net | | | 8.5 | | | | 42.2 | | | | 246.5 | | | | 260.0 | |
Other (income) expense | | | 25.5 | | | | 42.4 | | | | 430.1 | | | | (330.2 | ) |
Income tax expense (recovery) | | | 44.3 | | | | (59.9 | ) | | | (149.2 | ) | | | 2.5 | |
Net earnings (loss) | | | 65.0 | | | | (1.3 | ) | | | (798.1 | ) | | | 395.2 | |
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 57.8 | | | | 42.2 | | | | 98.5 | | | | 154.2 | |
Total assets | | | 1,698.2 | | | | 5,543.3 | | | | 5,208.1 | | | | 5,260.4 | |
Total debt (including current portion) | | | 731.9 | | | | 2,794.3 | | | | 3,536.5 | | | | 3,110.4 | |
Net assets | | | 224.7 | | | | 1,294.6 | | | | 483.8 | | | | 862.0 | |
Common shares | | | 341.1 | | | | 756.4 | | | | 756.4 | | | | 756.4 | |
Preferred shares | | | — | | | | 541.8 | | | | 541.8 | | | | 541.8 | |
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| (1) | Other than what is presented in the United States GAAP reconciliation, there is no other difference between the Canadian GAAP and the United States GAAP Statement of Cash Flows. |
| (2) | Telesat Holdings allocates revenue among the following service groupings: broadcast, enterprise and consulting and other. Prior to the Telesat Canada transaction, Telesat Canada allocated revenue among the following service groupings: broadcast, business networks, carrier, consulting and other, and subsidiaries. |
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B. Capitalization and indebtedness.
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds.
Not applicable.
D. Risk factors.
You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our in-orbit satellites may fail to operate as expected due to operational anomalies resulting in lost revenues, increased costs and/or termination of contracts.
Satellites utilize highly complex technology and operate in the harsh environment of space and therefore are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. The risks include in-orbit equipment failures, malfunctions and other kinds of problems commonly referred to as anomalies. Satellite anomalies include, for example, circuit failures, transponder failures, solar array failures, telemetry transmitter failures, battery cell and other power system failures, satellite control system failures and propulsion system failures. Some of our satellites have had malfunctions and other anomalies in the past. See “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — In-Orbit Satellites” for more information relating to our significant anomalies and their impact on the health of our satellites. Acts of war, terrorism, magnetic, electrostatic or solar storms, space debris, satellite conjunctions or micrometeoroids could also damage our satellites.
Despite working closely with satellite manufacturers to determine the causes of anomalies and mitigate them in new satellites and to provide for intrasatellite redundancies for certain critical components to minimize or eliminate service disruptions in the event of failure, anomalies are likely to be experienced in the future, whether due to the types of anomalies described above or arising from the failure of other systems or components, and intrasatellite redundancy may not be available upon the occurrence of such anomalies. We cannot assure you that, in these cases, it will be possible to restore normal operations. Where service cannot be restored, the failure could cause the satellite to have less capacity available for sale, to suffer performance degradation, or to cease operating prematurely, either in whole or in part. For example, if the damaged solar array on Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 were to unexpectedly deploy in the future, this could result in a loss of capability to provide service.
Any single anomaly or series of anomalies or other failure (whether full or partial) of any of our satellites could cause our revenues, cash flows and backlog to decline materially, could require us to repay prepayments made by customers of the affected satellite and could have a material adverse effect on our relationships with current customers and our ability to attract new customers for satellite services. A failure could result in a customer terminating its contract for service on the affected satellite. In the event we are unable to provide alternate capacity to an affected customer, such customer may decide to procure all or a portion of its future satellite services from an alternate supplier or such customer’s business may be so adversely affected by the satellite failure that it may not have the financial ability to procure future satellite services. In addition, an anomaly that has a material adverse effect on a satellite’s overall performance or expected orbital maneuver life could require us to recognize an impairment loss. It may also require that we expedite our planned replacement program, adversely affecting our profitability, increasing our financing needs and limiting the availability of funds for other business purposes. Finally, the occurrence of anomalies may adversely affect our ability to insure satellites at commercially reasonable premiums, if at all, and may cause insurers to demand additional exclusions in policies they issue.
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The actual orbital maneuver lives of our satellites may be shorter than we anticipate and we may be required to reduce available capacity on our satellites prior to the end of their orbital maneuver lives.
We anticipate that our satellites will have the end of orbital maneuver life dates described in “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — In-Orbit Satellites.” For all but one of our satellites, the expected end-of- orbital maneuver life date goes beyond the manufacturer’s end-of-service life date. A number of factors will affect the actual commercial service lives of our satellites, including:
| • | the amount of propellant used in maintaining the satellite’s orbital location or relocating the satellite to a new orbital location (and, for newly-launched satellites, the amount of propellant used during orbit raising following launch); |
| • | the durability and quality of their construction; |
| • | the performance of their components; |
| • | conditions in space such as solar flares and space debris; |
| • | operational considerations, including operational failures and other anomalies; and |
| • | changes in technology which may make all or a portion of our satellite fleet obsolete. |
We have been forced to prematurely remove satellites from service in the past due to an unexpected reduction in their previously anticipated end-of-orbital maneuver life. It is possible that the actual orbital maneuver lives of one or more of our existing satellites may also be shorter than originally anticipated. Further, on some of our satellites it is anticipated that the total payload capacity may need to be reduced prior to the satellite reaching its end-of-orbital maneuver life.
We periodically review expected orbital maneuver lives of each of our satellites using current engineering data. A reduction in the orbital maneuver life of any of our satellites could result in a reduction of the revenues generated by that satellite, the recognition of an impairment loss, and an acceleration of capital expenditures. To the extent we are required to reduce payload capacity prior to the end of a satellite’s orbital maneuver life, our revenues from the satellite would be reduced.
Our satellite launches may be delayed, we may suffer launch failures or our satellites may fail to reach their planned orbital locations. Any such issue could result in the loss of a satellite or cause significant delays in the deployment of the satellite which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Delays in launching satellites are not uncommon and result from construction delays, the unavailability of reliable launch opportunities with suppliers, delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals and launch failures. If satellite construction schedules are not met, a launch opportunity may not be available at the time the satellite is ready to be launched. Satellites are also subject to certain risks related to failed launches. Launch vehicles may fail. Launch failures result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need to construct replacement satellites, which typically takes up to 30 months or longer, and to obtain another launch vehicle. A delay or perceived delay in launching a satellite, or replacing a satellite, may cause our current customers to move to another satellite provider if they determine that the delay may cause an interruption in continuous service. In addition, our contracts with customers who purchase or reserve satellite capacity may allow the customers to terminate their contracts in the event of a delay. Any such termination would require us to refund any prepayment we may have received, and would result in a reduction in our contracted backlog and would delay or prevent us from securing the commercial benefits of the new satellite. The launch vehicle scheduled to be used by us to launch Nimiq 6 and Anik G1 has experienced launch failures in the past when used to launch satellites of other operators. Launch vehicles may also underperform, in which case the satellite may be lost or, if it can be placed into service by using its onboard propulsion systems to reach the desired orbital location, will have a shorter useful life. Certain of our satellites are nearing their expected end-of-orbital maneuver lives. See “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — In-Orbit Satellites” for more information on the expected end-of-orbital maneuver lives of our satellites. Any launch failure, underperformance, delay or perceived delay could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
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Our insurance will not protect us against all satellite-related losses. Further, we may not be able to renew insurance on our existing satellites or obtain insurance on future satellites on acceptable terms or at all.
Our current satellite insurance does not protect us against all satellite-related losses that we may experience, and we do not have in-orbit insurance coverage for all of the satellites in our fleet. As of December 31, 2011, the total net book value of our four in-orbit satellites for which we do not have insurance is approximately $85 million. Our insurance does not protect us against business interruption, loss of revenues or delay of revenues. In addition, we do not insure the net book value of performance incentives that may be payable to a satellite’s manufacturer as these are payable only to the extent that the satellite operates in accordance with contracted technical specifications. Our existing launch and in-orbit insurance policies include, and any future policies that we obtain can be expected to include, specified exclusions, deductibles and material change limitations. Typically, these insurance policies exclude coverage for damage or losses arising from acts of war, anti-satellite devices, electromagnetic or radio frequency interference and other similar potential risks for which exclusions are customary in the industry at the time the policy is written. In addition, they typically exclude coverage for satellite health-related problems affecting our satellites that are known at the time the policy is written or renewed. Any claims under existing policies are subject to settlement with the insurers and may, in some instances, be payable to our customers.
The price, terms and availability of satellite insurance has fluctuated significantly in recent years. These fluctuations may be affected by recent satellite launch or in-orbit failures and general conditions in the insurance industry. Launch and in-orbit policies on satellites may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. To the extent we experience a launch or in-orbit failure that is not fully insured, or for which insurance proceeds are delayed or disputed, we may not have sufficient resources to replace the affected satellite. In addition, higher premiums on insurance policies increase our costs, thereby reducing our profitability. In addition to higher premiums, insurance policies may provide for higher deductibles, shorter coverage periods, higher loss percentages required for constructive total loss claims and additional satellite health-related policy exclusions. There can be no assurance that, upon the expiration of an in-orbit insurance policy, which typically has a term of one year, we will be able to renew the policy on terms acceptable to us.
Subject to the requirements contained in the indentures governing the notes and our senior secured credit facilities, we may elect to reduce or eliminate insurance coverage for certain of our existing satellites, or elect not to obtain insurance policies for our future satellites, especially if exclusions make such policies ineffective, the costs of coverage make such insurance impractical or if self-insurance is deemed more effective.
Replacing a satellite upon the end of its service life will require us to make significant expenditures and may require us to obtain shareholder approval.
To ensure no disruption in our business and to prevent loss of customers, we will be required to commence construction of a replacement satellite approximately three to five years prior to the expected end of service life of the satellite then in orbit. Typically, it costs in the range of U.S.$250 million to U.S.$300 million to construct, launch and insure a satellite. There is no assurance that we will have sufficient cash, cash flow or be able to obtain third party or shareholder financing to fund such expenditures on favorable terms, if at all, or that we will obtain shareholder approval, where required, to procure replacement satellites. Certain of our satellites are nearing their expected end-of-orbital maneuver lives. See “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — In-Orbit Satellites” for more information on the expected end-of-orbital maneuver lives of our satellites. Should we not have sufficient funds available to replace those satellites or should we not receive approval from our shareholders, where required, to purchase replacement satellites, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
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We are subject to significant and intensifying competition. We experience competition both within the satellite industry and from other providers of communications capacity. Our failure to compete effectively would result in a loss of revenues and a decline in profitability, which would adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We provide point-to-point and point-to-multipoint services for voice, data and video communications and for high-speed Internet access. A trend toward consolidation of major Fixed Satellite Services (“FSS”) providers has resulted in the creation of global competitors who are substantially larger than we are in terms of both the number of satellites they have in orbit as well as in terms of their revenues. Due to their larger sizes, these operators are able to take advantage of greater economies of scale, may be more attractive to customers, may (depending on the specific satellite and orbital location in question) have greater flexibility to restore service to their customers in the event of a partial or total satellite failure and may be able to offer expansion capacity for future requirements. We also compete against regional satellite operators who may enjoy competitive advantages in their local markets. As a condition of our licenses for certain satellites, we are required by Industry Canada to invest in research and development related to satellite communication activities. See “Item 4B. Business overview — Research and Development”. Our global competitors may not face this additional financial burden.
We expect that a substantial portion of our ongoing business will continue to be in the Canadian domestic market. This market is characterized by increasing competition among satellite providers and rapid technological development. Historically, the Canadian regulatory framework has required the use of Canadian-licensed satellites for the delivery of direct to home video programming (“DTH”) in Canada. It is possible that this framework could change and allow non-Canadian satellite operators that have adequate service coverage in Canadian territory to compete for future business from our DTH customers. In 2007 Industry Canada awarded spectrum which is suitable for providing services to Canadian customers, including DTH, to Ciel Satellite Group (“Ciel”), which was at the time Canadian controlled but has since become controlled by a foreign entity, SES S.A. (“SES”), the world’s second largest FSS satellites operator and a non-Canadian. In addition, in 2009 Industry Canada authorized FreeHD Canada to use a foreign-based satellite for the provision for DTH services on an interim basis.
Our business is also subject to competition from ground based forms of communications technology. For many point-to-point and other services, the offerings provided by terrestrial companies can be more competitive than the services offered via satellite. A number of companies are increasing their ability to transmit signals on existing terrestrial infrastructures, such as fiber optic cable, DSL (digital subscriber line) and terrestrial wireless transmitters often with funding and other incentives provided by government. See “Item 4B. Business overview — Competition.” The ability of any of these companies to significantly increase their capacity and/or the reach of their network likely would result in a decrease in the demand for our services. Increasing availability of capacity from other forms of communications technology can create an excess supply of telecommunications capacity, decreasing the prices we would be able to charge for our services under new service contracts and thereby negatively affecting our profitability. New technology could render satellite-based services less competitive by satisfying consumer demand in other ways. We also compete for local regulatory approval in places where more than one provider may want to operate and with other satellite operators for scarce frequency assignments and a limited supply of orbital locations. Our failure to compete effectively could result in a loss of revenues and a decline in profitability, a decrease in the value of our business and a downgrade of our credit rating, which would restrict our access to the capital markets.
Fluctuations in available satellite capacity could adversely affect our results.
The availability of satellite capacity has fluctuated over time, characterized by periods of undersupply of capacity, followed by periods of substantial new satellite construction which is, in turn, followed by an oversupply of available capacity. To the extent we were to experience another period of oversupply of capacity as a result of new satellite construction or otherwise, we may be forced to decrease the prices we charge for our services which would adversely effect our results.
Reductions in government spending could reduce demand for our services.
Governments, in particular the U.S. government, purchase a substantial amount of satellite services from commercial satellite operators, including Telesat. To the extent these governments reduce spending on satellite
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services, as a result of the need to reduce overall spending during periods of fiscal restraint, to reduce budget deficits or otherwise, demand for our services could decrease which could adversely affect our revenue, the prices we are able to charge for our services and our results.
Changes in technology, video distribution methods and demand could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and business prospects.
The implementation of new technologies or the improvement of existing technologies may reduce the transponder capacity needed to transmit a given amount of information thereby reducing the total demand for capacity. For example, improvements in signal compression could allow our customers to transmit the same amount of data using a reduced amount of capacity. The introduction of Ka-band, high throughput satellites, such as ViaSat-1, which are able to transmit substantially more content per transponder than pre-existing Ka-band satellites, may decrease demand and/or prices for pre-existing Ka-band capacity as well as C-band and Ku-band capacity. While we own the Canadian Payload on ViaSat-1, if other operators introduce more Ka-band, high throughput satellites into the markets in which we participate, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Telesat’s business may be negatively impacted by the growth of “over-the-top” (OTT) video distribution (e.g., Netflix). This type of distribution involves delivery of broadcasting services through an internet service provider that is not involved in the control or distribution of the content itself. The growth of OTT distribution may have a negative impact on the demand for the services of some of Telesat’s large customers in the video distribution business and could result in lessened demand for our satellite capacity.
Developments that we expect to support the growth in demand for satellite services, such as continued growth in data traffic, the continued proliferation of HDTV, and the adoption of 3D TV may fail to materialize or may not occur in the manner or to the extent we anticipate.
We derive a substantial amount of our revenues from only a few of our customers. A loss of one or more of these major customers, or a material adverse change in any such customer’s business or financial condition, could materially reduce our future revenues and contracted backlog.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, our top five customers together accounted for approximately 51% of our revenues. At December 31, 2011, our top five backlog customers together accounted for approximately 87% of our backlog. If any of our major customers chose to not renew their contracts at the expiration of the existing terms or sought to negotiate concessions, particularly on price, that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. Our customers could experience a downturn in their business or find themselves in financial difficulties, which could result in their ceasing or reducing their use of our services (or becoming unable to pay for services they had contracted to buy). In addition, some of our customers’ industries are undergoing significant consolidation, and our customers may be acquired by other companies, including by our competitors. Such acquisitions could adversely affect our ability to sell services to such customers and to any end-users whom they serve.
We operate in a highly regulated industry and government regulations may adversely affect our ability to sell our services, or increase the expense of such services or otherwise limit our ability to operate or grow our business.
As an operator of a global satellite system, we are regulated by government authorities in Canada, the United States and other countries in which we operate.
In Canada, our operations are subject to regulation and licensing by Industry Canada pursuant to the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) and by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC”), under the Telecommunications Act (Canada). Industry Canada has the authority to issue licenses, establish standards, assign Canadian orbital locations, and plan the allocation and use of the radio frequency spectrum, including the radio frequencies upon which our satellites and earth stations depend. The Minister responsible for Industry Canada has broad discretion in exercising this authority to issue licenses, fix and amend conditions of licenses, and to suspend or even revoke them. The CRTC has authority over the allocation (and reallocation) of satellite capacity to particular broadcasting undertakings. We are
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required to pay different forms of “universal service” charges in Canada and have certain research and development obligations that do not apply to other satellite operators we compete with. These rates and obligations could change at any time.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulates the provision of satellite services to, from, or within the United States. Certain of our satellites are owned and operated through a U.S. subsidiary and are regulated by the FCC. In addition, to facilitate the provision of FSS satellite services in C- and Ku-band frequencies in the United States market, foreign licensed operators can apply to have their satellites placed on the FCC’s Permitted Space Station List. Our Anik Fl, Anik FlR, Anik F2, Anik F3 and Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellites are currently on this list. The export from the United States of satellites and technical information related to satellites, earth station equipment and provision of services to certain countries are subject to State Department, Commerce Department and Treasury Department regulations, in particular the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) which currently include satellites on the list of items requiring export permits. These ITAR provisions have constrained our access to technical information and have had a negative impact on our international consulting revenues. In addition, we and our satellite manufacturers may not be able to obtain and maintain necessary export authorizations which could adversely affect our ability to procure new United States-manufactured satellites; control our existing satellites; acquire launch services; obtain insurance and pursue our rights under insurance policies; or conduct our satellite-related operations and consulting activities.
We also operate satellites through licenses granted by, and are subject to regulations in, countries other than Canada and the United States. For example, the Brazilian national telecommunications agency, ANATEL, has authorized us, through our subsidiary, Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. (“TBCS”), to operate Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2, a Ku-band FSS satellite at 63° WL pursuant to a Concession Agreement. Telstar 18 operates at the 138° EL orbital location under an agreement with APT, which has been granted the right to use the 138° EL orbital location by The Kingdom of Tonga. Although our agreement with APT provides us with renewal rights with respect to a replacement satellite at this orbital location, we are relying on third parties to secure those orbital location rights and there can be no assurance that they will be granted at all or on a timely basis. Should we be unsuccessful in obtaining renewal rights for the orbital location, because of the control over the orbital location exercised by Tonga or for other reasons, or we otherwise fail to enter into agreements with APT with respect to such replacement satellite, all revenues obtained from Telstar 18 would cease and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
In addition to regulatory requirements governing the use of orbital locations, most countries regulate transmission of signals to and from their territory, and we are required to obtain and maintain authorizations to carry on business in the countries in which we operate.
If we fail to obtain or maintain particular authorizations on acceptable terms, such failure could delay or prevent us from offering some or all of our services and adversely affect our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. In particular, we may not be able to obtain all of the required regulatory authorizations for the construction, launch and operation of any of our future satellites, for the orbital locations for these satellites and for our group infrastructure, on acceptable term or at all. Even if we were able to obtain the necessary authorizations and orbital locations, the licenses we obtain may impose significant operational restrictions, or not protect us from interference that could affect the use of our satellites. Countries or their regulatory authorities may adopt new laws, policies or regulations, or change their interpretation of existing laws, policies or regulations, that could cause our existing authorizations to be changed or cancelled, require us to incur additional costs, impose or change existing pricing, or otherwise adversely affect our operations or revenues. As a result, any currently held regulatory authorizations are subject to rescission and renewal and may not remain sufficient or additional authorizations may be necessary that we may not be able to obtain on a timely basis or on terms that are not unduly costly or burdensome. Further, because the regulatory schemes vary by country, we may be subject to regulations in foreign countries of which we are not presently aware that we are not in compliance with, and as a result could be subject to sanctions by a foreign government. See “Item 4B. Business overview — Government Regulation.”
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Our operations may be limited or precluded by ITU rules or processes, and we are required to coordinate our operations with those of other satellite operators.
The International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”), a specialized United Nations agency, regulates the global allocation of radio frequency spectrum and the registration of radio frequency assignments and any associated orbital location in the geostationary satellite orbit. We participate in the activities of the ITU. However, only national administrations have full standing as ITU members. Consequently, we must rely on the relevant government administrations to represent our interests.
The ITU establishes the Radio Regulations, an international treaty which contains the rules concerning frequency allocations and the priority to, coordination of, and use of, radio frequency assignments. The ITU Radio Regulations define the allocation of radio frequencies to specific uses. The ITU Radio Regulations are periodically reviewed and revised at World Radiocommunication Conferences (“WRC”), which take place typically every three to four years. As a result, we cannot guarantee that the ITU will not change its allocation decisions and rules in the future in a way that could limit or preclude our use of some or all of our existing or future orbital locations or spectrum.
The ITU Radio Regulations also establish operating procedures for satellite networks and prescribe detailed coordination, notification and recording procedures. With respect to the frequencies used by commercial geostationary satellites, the ITU Radio Regulations set forth a process for protecting earlier-registered satellite systems from interference from later-registered satellite systems. In order to comply with these rules, we must coordinate the operation of our satellites, including any replacement satellite that has performance characteristics that are different from those of the satellite it replaces, with other satellites. This process requires potentially lengthy and costly negotiations with parties who operate or intend to operate satellites that could affect or be affected by our satellites. For example, as part of our coordination effort on Telstar 12, we agreed to provide four 54 MHz transponders on Telstar 12 to Eutelsat S.A. (“Eutelsat”) for the life of the satellite and have retained risk of loss with respect to those transponders. We also granted Eutelsat the right to acquire, at cost, four transponders on the replacement satellite for Telstar 12. We have leased back from Eutelsat three of the four transponders to provide service to our customers. In addition, the Russian Satellite Communications Company (“RSCC”) has announced that they have commenced construction of a satellite which they intend to launch and operate at 14° WL, adjacent to the location of our Telstar 12 at 15° WL. RSCC’s ITU rights over certain frequencies at 14° WL have priority over our use of these same frequencies on Telstar 12. We have had discussions with RSCC to resolve this issue but, to date, those discussions have not been successful. Failure to reach an appropriate arrangement with RSCC may result in restrictions on the use and operation of Telstar 12 which could materially restrict our ability to earn revenue from Telstar 12 and any replacement satellite or may make a replacement satellite not economically viable.
In certain countries, a failure to resolve coordination issues is used by regulators as a justification to limit or condition market access by foreign satellite operators. In addition, while the ITU Radio Regulations require later-in-time systems to coordinate their operations with us, we cannot guarantee that other operators will conduct their operations so as to avoid transmitting any signals that would cause harmful interference to the signals that we, or our customers, transmit. This interference could require us to take steps, or pay or refund amounts to our customers, that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. The ITU’s Radio Regulations do not contain mandatory dispute resolution or enforcement regulations and neither the ITU specifically, nor international law generally, provides clear remedies if the ITU coordination process fails. Failure to successfully coordinate our satellites’ frequencies or to obtain or maintain other required regulatory approvals could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, as well as on the value of our business.
If we do not occupy unused orbital locations by specified deadlines, or do not maintain satellites in orbital locations we currently use, those orbital locations may become available for other satellite operators to use.
Our in-orbit satellites do not currently occupy all of the orbital locations for which we have obtained regulatory authorizations. In some cases, the Telesat satellite that occupies an orbital location is not designed to use all of the frequencies for which we have been authorized.
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In accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations, governments have rights to use certain orbital locations and frequencies. Certain of these governments have in turn authorized Telesat to use several orbital locations and radio frequencies in addition to those used by our current satellites. Under the ITU Radio Regulations, we must bring into use (“BIU”) these orbital locations and frequencies within a fixed period of time, or the governments in question would lose their priority rights and the orbital location and frequencies likely would become available for use by another satellite operator. Prior to the WRC which took place in February 2012, the ITU Radio Regulations did not expressly address the manner of use or duration of use required to BIU an orbital location. At the 2012 WRC the ITU Radio Regulations were amended to, among other things, expressly require a minimum duration that a suitable satellite must be deployed and maintained at an orbital location to BIU frequency assignments at that location. In view of these requirements, it may be more difficult and/or costly to preserve our unused orbital locations and frequencies and we may not be able to do so. In addition, the governments that have authorized us to use these orbital locations have generally conditioned such use on our meeting certain milestones, including making use of the orbital location by a specified time. If we are unable to place satellites into currently unused orbital locations by specified deadlines and in a manner that satisfies the ITU Radio Regulations, national regulatory requirements, or if we are unable to maintain satellites at the orbital locations that we currently use, we may lose our rights to use these orbital locations and the locations could become available for other satellite operators to use. The loss of one or more of our orbital locations could negatively affect our plans and our ability to implement our business strategy.
Our business is capital intensive, and we may not be able to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, or we may be able to do so only on terms that significantly restrict our ability to operate our business.
Implementation of our business strategy requires a substantial outlay of capital. As we pursue our business strategies and seek to respond to developments in our business and opportunities and trends in our industry, our actual capital expenditures may differ from our expected capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy our capital requirements in the future. In addition, if one of our satellites failed unexpectedly, there is no assurance of insurance recovery or the timing thereof and we may need to exhaust or significantly draw upon our revolving credit facility or obtain additional financing to replace the satellite. If we determine we need to obtain additional funds through external financing and are unable to do so, we may be prevented from fully implementing our business strategy.
The availability and cost to us of external financing depend on a number of factors, including our credit rating and financial performance and general market conditions. Our ability to obtain financing generally may be influenced by the supply and demand characteristics of the telecommunications sector in general and of the FSS sector in particular. Declines in our expected future revenues under contracts with customers and challenging business conditions faced by our customers are among the other factors that may adversely affect our credit. Other factors that could impact our credit rating include the amount of debt in our current or future capital structure, activities associated with strategic initiatives, the health of our satellites, the success or failure of our planned launches, our expected future cash flows and the capital expenditures required to execute our business strategy. The overall impact on our financial condition of any transaction that we pursue may be negative or may be negatively perceived by the financial markets and ratings agencies and may result in adverse rating agency actions with respect to our credit rating. Long-term disruptions in the capital or credit markets as a result of uncertainty or recession, changing or increased regulation or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to capital. A credit rating downgrade or deterioration in our financial performance or general market conditions could limit our ability to obtain financing or could result in any such financing being available only at greater cost or on more restrictive terms than might otherwise be available and, in either case, could result in our deferring or reducing capital expenditures including on new or replacement satellites.
In certain circumstances, we are required to obtain the approval of our shareholders to incur additional indebtedness. There can be no assurances that we will receive such approval, if required.
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Market conditions may make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We currently have outstanding our US$1.8 billion term loan facility and US$150 million term loan II facility. These facilities, which comprise the majority of our senior secured credit facilities, mature in October 2014. We will need to refinance all or a portion of this indebtedness on or before maturity. Disruptions in the financial markets similar to those that occurred in 2008 could make it more difficult to renew or extend the facilities at current commitment levels, on similar terms or at all. A reduced commitment from the lenders, increased borrowing costs or modification to the financial covenants would result in an increase in our financing costs and/or a decrease in our liquidity, which could adversely affect our growth, our financial condition, our results of operations and our ability to make payments on our debt, including repayments on the notes when they become due.
Significant changes in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Approximately 47% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011, a significant portion of our expenses and a substantial portion of our indebtedness and capital expenditures are denominated in U.S. currency. As a result, the volatility of U.S. currency may in the future expose, and has in 2011 exposed, us to foreign exchange risks. We may seek to mitigate these risks through the use of forward currency contracts or other currency hedges, but we may not be successful. To date, our use of forward currency contracts and other currency hedges has been limited and may not adequately protect us from foreign exchange risk. As a result of a significant decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010, we recorded foreign exchange losses of approximately $79 million, prior to any gain on hedging instruments.
The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on our U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. Our main currency exposures as at December 31, 2011 lie in our U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt financing. As at December 31, 2011, a five percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) net income and increased (decreased) other comprehensive loss by approximately $158 million and $1 million, respectively. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Significant changes in exchange rates could materially increase our interest and other payment obligations under our financing arrangements.
At the time of the Telesat Canada transaction, we entered into a credit facility, a portion of which is denominated in U.S. currency and has a maturity of October 31, 2014 (“U.S. Credit Facility”). As at October 31, 2007, the Canadian dollar equivalent of our U.S. Credit Facility was $1,667.1 million. Between October 31, 2007 and December 31, 2011, the U.S. Credit Facility increased by US$74.5 million as a result of drawings thereunder; however, as at December 31, 2011, the Canadian dollar equivalent of our outstanding U.S. Credit Facility had increased by $201.4 million to $1,869 million, prior to the impact of any currency hedging.
On June 30, 2008, we issued approximately U.S.$692.8 million of 11% senior notes and approximately U.S.$217.2 million of 12.5% senior subordinated notes. The Canadian dollar equivalent of the principal amount of the notes at the time of issue was $705.7 million for the senior notes and $221.2 million for the senior subordinated notes. Due to changes in exchange rates, as at December 31, 2011 the Canadian dollar equivalent of the principal amount of the notes had increased to $707.6 million for the senior notes and $221.8 million for the senior subordinated notes.
Changes in exchange rates impact the amount that we pay in interest, and may significantly increase the amount that we are required to pay in Canadian dollar terms to redeem the notes either at maturity, or earlier if redemption rights are exercised or other events occur which require us to offer to purchase the notes prior to maturity, and to repay funds drawn under the U.S. Credit Facility.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately 53% of our revenues were received in currency other than U.S. currency, the majority of our revenues being in Canadian currency. The revenues that we receive in U.S. currency may mitigate a portion of our exchange rate risk, but do not fully protect us from
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that risk. We may seek to mitigate part of this risk through the use of forward currency contracts or other currency hedges, but we may not be successful. To date, our use of forward currency contracts and other currency hedges has been limited to hedging interest and principal payments on a portion of our secured credit facility and does not fully protect us from foreign exchange risk. To date, we have not hedged our foreign currency exposure arising from the notes.
The soundness of financial institutions and counterparties could adversely affect us.
We have exposure to many different financial institutions and counterparties (including those under our credit, financing and insurance arrangements), including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, insurance providers and other institutions and industry participants. We are exposed to risk, including credit risk resulting from many of the transactions we execute in connection with our hedging activities, in the event that any of our lenders or counterparties, including our insurance providers, are unable to honor their commitments or otherwise default under an agreement with us.
Our significant shareholders may have interests that conflict with the interests of bondholders.
Loral owns through a subsidiary 64% of the economic interest of Telesat Holdings, and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”) owns through a subsidiary 36%. We are controlled by our board of directors comprised of ten members, three nominated by Loral, three nominated by PSP Investments and four independent directors selected by a nominating committee comprised of one PSP Investments nominee, one Loral nominee and one of the independent directors then in office. Loral and PSP Investments together can effectively control any vote. Additionally, Loral has approval rights with respect to certain decisions including, in some circumstances, our proposed purchase of new or replacement satellites or our incurring additional indebtedness. Circumstances may occur in which the interests of one or more of these shareholders could be in conflict with the interests of holders of the notes issued by us. In addition, one or more of these shareholders may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, refinancings, dividend recapitalizations or other transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to the holders of the notes if the transactions resulted in our being more leveraged or significantly changed the nature of our business operations or strategy. In addition, if we encounter financial difficulties, or we are unable to pay our debts as they mature, the interests of our shareholders might conflict with those of the holders of the notes. In that situation, for example, the holders of the notes might want us to raise additional equity from existing shareholders or other investors to reduce our leverage and pay our debts, while existing shareholders might not want to increase their investment in us or have their ownership diluted and may instead choose to take other actions, such as selling our assets.
Various funds affiliated with MHR Fund Capital Management (“MHR”) hold, as of December 31, 2011, approximately 38.6% of Loral’s outstanding voting common stock and 57.7% of Loral’s total outstanding voting and non-voting common stock. Mark H. Rachesky, M.D., chairman of our board of directors and non-executive chairman of the board of directors of Loral, is the co-founder and president of MHR.
Loral’s ownership interest in us and in Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”) may adversely affect our consulting business or our future satellite procurements.
Loral owns 100% of a satellite manufacturer, SS/L. Historically, Telesat Canada has been retained by certain customers to provide independent advice on and evaluation of the customer’s satellite procurement programs, including advice on selection of satellite manufacturers. Despite providing customers with assurances regarding our impartiality, potential consulting customers may decide not to retain us due to a concern that we may be biased in favor of SS/L due to our and SS/L’s common ownership.
When procuring our own satellites, we may find it more difficult to implement a competitive bidding process. Other satellite manufacturers may decline to bid or provide non-competitive bids if they believe that we will be biased in favor of an SS/L bid. Our Shareholders Agreement provides to Loral the right of approval over many large capital expenditures, a first right of acceptance of an offer by us to procure equipment, products and services, and a first right to negotiate in those areas where Loral and its affiliates carry on business, subject to approval of any such contract by a majority of our directors, excluding Loral nominees, but not an exclusive obligation to deal with, or purchase from, Loral or its affiliates. Under certain
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circumstances, Loral can withhold its approval of purchases and/or financing of new satellites by us. See “Item 7B. Related Party Transactions — Shareholders Agreement.”
We may experience a failure of ground operations infrastructure or interference with our satellite signals that impairs the commercial performance of, or the services delivered over, our satellites or the satellites of other operators for whom we provide ground services, which could result in a material loss of revenues.
We operate an extensive ground infrastructure including our satellite control centre in Ottawa, our main earth station and back up satellite control facility at Allan Park, our six teleports throughout Canada, one teleport located in the United States and one in Brazil, and our telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) facility in Perth, Australia. These ground facilities are used for controlling our satellites and for the provision of end-to-end services to our customers.
We may experience a partial or total loss of one or more of these facilities due to natural disasters (tornado, flood, hurricane or other such acts of God), fire, acts of war or terrorism or other catastrophic events. A failure at any of these facilities would cause a significant loss of service for our customers. Additionally, we may experience a failure in the necessary equipment at the satellite control centre, at the back-up facility, or in the communication links between these facilities and remote teleport facilities. A failure or operator error affecting tracking, telemetry and control operations might lead to a break-down in the ability to communicate with one or more satellites or cause the transmission of incorrect instructions to the affected satellite(s), which could lead to a temporary or permanent degradation in satellite performance or to the loss of one or more satellites. Intentional or non-intentional electromagnetic or radio frequency interference could result in a failure of our ability to deliver satellite services to our customers. A failure at any of our facilities or in the communications links between our facilities or interference with our satellite signal could cause our revenues and backlog to decline materially and could adversely affect our ability to market our services and generate future revenues and profit.
We purchase equipment from third party suppliers and depend on those suppliers to deliver, maintain and support these products to the contracted specifications in order for us to meet our service commitments to our customers. We may experience difficulty if these suppliers do not meet their obligations to deliver and support this equipment. We may also experience difficulty or failure when implementing, operating and maintaining this equipment, or when providing services using this equipment. This difficulty or failure may lead to delays in implementing services, service interruptions or degradations in service, which could cause our revenues and backlog to decline materially and could adversely affect our ability to market our services and generate future revenues and profit.
Interruption or failure of, or cyber-attacks on, our information technology and communications systems could hurt our ability to operate our business effectively, which could harm our business and operating results.
Our ability to operate our business depends, in part, on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems, which are an integral part of our business. We rely on our information and communication systems, as well as software applications developed internally and externally to, among other things, effectively manage our accounting and financial functions, including maintaining our internal controls, operate our satellites and satellites for third parties, provide consulting services to customers, transmit our customer’s proprietary and/or confidential content and data pro and assist with other operations. Although we take steps to secure our information technology and communications systems, including our computer systems, intranet and internet sites, email and other telecommunications and data networks, the security measures we have implemented may not be effective and our systems may be vulnerable to theft, loss, damage and interruption from a number of potential sources and events, including unauthorized access or security breaches, inclement weather, natural or man-made disasters, earthquakes, explosions, terrorist attacks, floods, fires, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, power loss, telecommunications or equipment failures, transportation interruptions, accidents or other disruptive events or attempts to harm our systems. In addition, our facilities are potentially vulnerable to break-ins, sabotage and intentional acts of vandalism. Our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Our business and operations could be adversely affected if, as a result of a significant cyber event or otherwise, our operations are disrupted or shutdown,
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confidential or proprietary information is stolen or disclosed, we incur costs or are required to pay fines in connection with confidential or export-controlled information that is disclosed, we must dedicate significant resources to system repairs or increase cyber security protection or we otherwise incur significant litigation or other costs as a result of any such event. While our insurance coverage could offset losses relating to some of these types of events, to the extent any such losses are not covered by insurance, a serious disruption to our systems could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our dependence on outside contractors could result in delays related to the design, manufacture and launch of our new satellites, which could in turn adversely affect our operating results.
There are a limited number of manufacturers that are able to design and build satellites according to the technical specifications and standards of quality we require, including EADS Astrium, Thales Alenia Space, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Orbital and SS/L. There are also a limited number of suppliers able to launch such satellites, including International Launch Services, Arianespace, Lockheed Martin and Sea Launch, which only recently emerged from bankruptcy protection. Should any of our suppliers’ businesses fail, it would reduce competition and could increase the cost of satellites and launch services. Adverse events with respect to any of our manufacturers or launch suppliers could also result in the delay of the design, construction or launch of our satellites. General economic conditions may also affect the ability of our manufacturers and launch suppliers to provide services on commercially reasonable terms or to fulfill their obligations in terms of manufacturing schedules, launch dates, pricing, or other items. Even where alternate suppliers for such services are available, we may have difficulty identifying them in a timely manner, we may incur significant additional expense in changing suppliers, and this could result in difficulties or delays in the design, construction or launch of our satellites. Any delays in the design, construction or launch of our satellites could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our future reported net income could be adversely affected by an impairment of the value of certain intangible assets.
The assets listed on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 include goodwill valued at approximately $2,446 million and other intangible assets valued at approximately $896 million. Goodwill and other intangible assets (such as orbital locations) with indefinite useful lives were recorded as a result of the Telesat Canada transaction and an assessment of their valuation is undertaken on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount is likely to exceed their fair value. We generally measure for impairment using a projected discounted cash flow method and confirm the assessment using other valuation methods. If the asset’s carrying value is more than its fair value, the difference is recorded as a reduction in the amount of the asset on the balance sheet and an impairment charge in the statement of earnings. Testing for impairment requires significant subjective judgments by management. Any changes in the estimates used could have a material impact on the calculation of the fair value and result in an impairment charge. As a result, we are not able to reasonably quantify the changes in overall financial performance had different assumptions been used. We cannot predict whether an event that triggers impairment will occur, when it will occur or how it will affect the reported asset values. If our goodwill or other intangible assets are deemed to be impaired in whole or in part, we could be required to reduce or write off such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our reported net income.
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We may pursue acquisitions, dispositions and strategic transactions which could result in the incurrence of additional costs, liabilities or expenses in connection with the implementation of such transactions.
In the future, we may pursue acquisitions, dispositions and strategic transactions, which may include joint ventures and strategic relations, as well as business combinations or the acquisition or disposition of assets. Acquisitions, dispositions and strategic transactions involve a number of risks, including:
| • | potential disruption of our ongoing business; |
| • | distraction of management; |
| • | may result in our being more leveraged; |
| • | the anticipated benefits and costs savings of those transactions may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected; |
| • | increasing the scope and complexity of our operations; and |
| • | loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets. |
The presence of one or more material liabilities of an acquired company that are unknown to us at the time of acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition. A strategic transaction may result in a significant change in the nature of our business, operations and strategy. In addition, we may encounter unforeseen obstacles or costs in implementing a strategic transaction.
We continue to evaluate the performance of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or assets. Such a sale could include a strategic disposition of one or more of our satellites. In addition to the risks listed above that may occur with any acquisition, disposition or strategic transaction, a satellite divestiture could result in a loss of revenues or significant write-offs, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in addressing these or any other significant risks encountered.
We could experience the departure of key employees or may be unable to recruit the employees needed for our success.
We rely on a number of key employees, including members of our management and certain other employees possessing unique experience in technical and commercial aspects of the satellite services business. If we are unable to retain these employees, it could be difficult to replace them. In addition, our business, with its constant technological developments, must continue to attract highly qualified and technically skilled employees. In the future, if we were unable to retain or replace these employees, or if we were unable to attract new highly qualified employees, this could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
The content of third-party transmissions over our satellites may affect us since we could be subject to sanctions by various governmental entities for the transmission of certain content.
We provide satellite capacity for transmissions by third parties. We do not decide what content is transmitted over our satellites, although our contracts generally provide us with rights to prohibit certain types of content or to cease transmission or permit us to require our customers to cease their transmissions under certain circumstances. A governmental body or other entity may object to some of the content carried over our satellites, such as “adult services” video channels or content deemed political in nature. Issues arising from the content of transmissions by these third parties over our satellites could affect our future revenues, operations or our relationship with certain governments or customers.
Enforcement of civil liabilities against us may be more difficult because we are a Canadian corporation.
We are a Canadian corporation. Most of our directors, officers and controlling persons are neither residents nor citizens of the United States, and a substantial portion of their assets and our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the
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United States upon us or our directors, controlling persons, officers and experts who are not residents of the United States. Furthermore, enforcement of United States federal securities laws against such non-residents may be adversely affected by the fact that such persons are not residents of the United States and a substantial portion of their assets are located outside of the United States.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and our Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes
Our substantial debt may adversely affect our cash flow and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our notes.
We have a significant amount of debt. As of December 31, 2011, we had total debt of U.S.$2,957 million at an exchange rate of U.S.$1.00/$1.0213. Our total debt by currency consists of $80 million and U.S.$2,878 million (including U.S.$1,012 million converted to $1,175 million on October 31, 2007 as part of an amortizing basis swap at U.S.$1.00/$1.1615; $1,175 million was the equivalent of U.S.$1,151 million as at December 31, 2011).
Our substantial amount of debt may have important consequences for you. For example, it may:
| • | make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under the notes; |
| • | increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
| • | require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest and principal payments on our debt, thereby limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future capital expenditures, working capital and other general corporate requirements; |
| • | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in the industries that we service; |
| • | place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with competitors that have less debt; and |
| • | limit our ability to borrow additional funds, even when necessary to maintain adequate liquidity. |
In addition, a substantial portion of our available borrowings bear interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, variable-rate debt will create higher debt service requirements, which may adversely affect our cash flow. While we may enter into agreements limiting our exposure to higher interest rates, any such agreements may not offer adequate protection from this risk.
Despite our current levels of debt, we may incur substantially more debt. This may further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial debt.
We may incur additional debt in the future, including debt used to fund dividends to our shareholders. The terms of our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the notes allow us to incur substantial amounts of additional debt, subject to certain limitations. Our management has been authorized to pursue a refinancing of our existing senior secured credit facilities which, if consummated, could result in us incurring incremental secured debt, senior to our notes, of up to $530 million. The incremental debt incurred, as well as a portion of cash on hand and cash from operations, would be used to distribute up to $705 million to our shareholders and option holders. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks discussed under this “Item 3D. Risk Factors” may be magnified.
Our notes are effectively subordinated to the co-issuers’ and the guarantors’ secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
The notes, and each guarantee of the notes, are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured debt that the co-issuers or the guarantors may incur to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. In the event of a bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving a co-issuer or guarantor, the assets which serve as collateral for any secured debt will be available to satisfy the obligations under the secured debt before any payments are made on the notes. At December 31, 2011, we had outstanding secured indebtedness of U.S.$2,047 million at an exchange rate of U.S. 1.00/$1.0213 (total secured debt by currency consists of $80 million and U.S.$1,968 million (including U.S.$1,151 million related to the U.S.$1,012 million which has been converted to $1,175 million as part of a basis swap at U.S.$1.00/$1.1615)) and $153 million
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of unused available revolving capacity under our senior secured credit facilities (not giving effect to outstanding letters of credit). We also have the ability to incur additional secured debt and are currently planning to do so. The notes are effectively subordinated to any borrowings under our current or future senior secured credit facilities and our other secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
Your right to receive payments on the senior subordinated notes is subordinated to the co-issuers and the guarantors senior debt.
Payment on the senior subordinated notes is subordinated in right of payment to all of the senior debt of the co-issuers and the guarantors, including obligations under senior secured credit facilities and the senior notes. As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding indebtedness of approximately U.S.$2,740 million which is expressly senior to the senior subordinated notes. We also have the ability to incur additional senior secured debt and are currently planning to do so. In addition, we have undrawn available capacity under our senior secured credit facilities as described above, which, if and when drawn, would also be expressly senior to the senior subordinated notes. Upon any distribution to our or our subsidiaries’ creditors in a bankruptcy, litigation or reorganization or similar proceeding relating to us or our subsidiaries or our or their property, the holders of senior debt will be entitled to be paid in full in cash (including with respect to post-petition interest) before any payment may be made on the senior subordinated notes. In these cases, sufficient funds may not be available to pay all of our creditors, and holders of senior subordinated notes may receive less, ratably, than the holders of senior debt and, due to the turnover provisions in the indenture governing the senior subordinated notes, less, ratably, than the holders of unsubordinated obligations, including trade payables. In addition, all payments on the senior subordinated notes will be blocked in the event of a payment default on senior debt and may be blocked for limited periods in the event of certain nonpayment defaults on our senior secured credit facilities.
The agreements governing our debt, including our notes and our senior secured credit facilities, contain various covenants that impose restrictions on us that may affect our ability to operate our business and to make payments on the notes.
Our existing agreements impose and future financing agreements are likely to impose operating and financial restrictions on our activities. These restrictions require us, in the case of our senior secured credit facilities, to comply with or maintain certain financial tests and ratios, including a minimum interest coverage ratio and a leverage ratio, and limit or prohibit our ability to, among other things:
| • | incur additional debt and issue preferred stock; |
| • | pay dividends, acquire shares of capital stock, make payments on subordinate debt or make investments; |
| • | receive distributions from restricted subsidiaries; |
| • | issue or sell the capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; |
| • | sell or exchange assets; |
| • | modify or cancel our satellite insurance; |
| • | enter into transactions with affiliates; |
| • | in the case of our senior secured credit facilities, exceed certain levels of capital expenditures; and |
These restrictions on our ability to operate our business could seriously harm our business by, among other things, limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, merger and acquisition and other corporate opportunities.
Various risks, uncertainties and events beyond our control could affect our ability to comply with these covenants and maintain these financial tests and ratios. Failure to comply with any of the covenants in our
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existing or future financing agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity for the debt under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing the debt. Under these circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations, including our obligations under the notes. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on our ability to incur additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair our ability to obtain other financing.
To service our debt and to fund planned capital expenditures, we will require a significant amount of cash, which may not be available to us.
Our ability to make payments on, or repay or refinance our debt, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend largely upon our future operating performance. Our future performance, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to borrow funds in the future to make payments on our debt will depend on the satisfaction of the covenants in our senior secured credit facilities and in the indentures governing the notes and other agreements we may enter into in the future. Specifically, we need to maintain certain financial ratios or meet an exemption that allows us to borrow under our senior secured credit facilities. The indentures governing the notes also contain limitations on our ability to incur additional debt. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our senior secured credit facilities or from other sources in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2011, we had $153 million of unused available revolving capacity under our senior secured credit facilities (not giving effect to outstanding letters of credit). In addition, although there has recently been an improvement in the credit markets, if market conditions that prevailed in the latter part of 2008 and early 2009 were to return, our ability to raise additional capital to refinance our debt or to fund our operations may be significantly impaired.
We may be unable to make a change of control offer required by the indentures governing our notes, which would cause defaults under the indentures governing the notes, our senior secured credit facilities and our other financing arrangements.
The terms of the notes require us to make an offer to purchase the notes upon the occurrence of a change of control at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued interest to the date of the purchase. The terms of our senior secured credit facilities require, and other financing arrangements may require, repayment of amounts outstanding in the event of a change of control and may, therefore, limit our ability to fund the repurchase of the notes in certain circumstances. It is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of the notes or that restrictions in our senior secured credit facilities and other financing agreements will not allow the repurchases.
Your ability to transfer our notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market for the notes.
An active market for any of the exchange notes may not develop or, if developed, it may not continue. Historically, the market for non investment-grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the exchange notes. The market, if any, for any of the exchange notes may experience similar disruptions and any such disruptions may adversely affect the prices at which you may sell your exchange notes. In addition, the exchange notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar notes, our performance and other factors.
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Because of the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act, a Canadian act uniquely applicable to Telesat Canada (but not the guarantors, other subsidiaries or Telesat LLC), Telesat Canada may not have access to the usual protections from creditors and other rights available to insolvent persons, and creditors, including holders of our notes, may not have recourse to the usual rights, remedies and protections under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws generally available to creditors of insolvent persons.
Under the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act (“Telesat Divestiture Act”), Telesat Canada (as a corporate entity,) is subject to certain special conditions and restrictions. The Telesat Divestiture Act provides that no legislation relating to the solvency or winding-up of a corporation applies to Telesat Canada and in no case shall the affairs of Telesat Canada be wound up unless authorized by an Act of the Parliament of Canada. As a result of such legislative provisions, Telesat Canada and its creditors, including creditors under the senior secured credit facilities and holders of the notes, may not have recourse to the usual rights, remedies and protections under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws, including the imposition of a stay of proceedings, or a regulated and orderly process to settle or compromise claims and make distributions to creditors, or recourse to fraudulent conveyance laws. The effect of the Telesat Divestiture Act upon an insolvency of Telesat Canada has not been considered by a Canadian court and, accordingly, the application of Canadian federal bankruptcy and insolvency laws and provincial receivership and assignment and preference laws, and the exercise by a Canadian court of any judicial discretion which could affect the enforcement of rights and remedies or other equitable relief against Telesat Canada in the context of an insolvency, is uncertain. To the extent bankruptcy and insolvency laws do not apply to Telesat Canada, its creditors may individually seek to pursue any available rights or remedies, as secured or unsecured creditors as the case may be, against Telesat Canada and its assets. The assets of Telesat Canada only (including its shares in its subsidiaries) are subject to the Telesat Divestiture Act, but the assets of the guarantors, including the subsidiary guarantors, are not. These restrictions may have a material impact on the sale of Telesat Canada or its assets in any bankruptcy or reorganization scenario.
The guarantees associated with our notes may not be enforceable because of fraudulent conveyance laws.
Fraudulent conveyance laws in the United States and in the Canadian provinces have been enacted for the protection of creditors. Under these fraudulent conveyance laws, a United States or Canadian court could subordinate the guarantees granted under the indentures governing the notes (and in the case of the senior subordinated notes, further subordinate such guarantees) to the guarantors’ present and future indebtedness and a United States or Canadian court could take other detrimental actions, including voiding the guarantees and payments made under the guarantees. The United States or Canadian court could take that action if it found that at the time the guarantee was incurred, such guarantor:
| • | incurred this debt with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future creditors; |
| • | received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for incurring this debt and the guarantor; |
| • | was insolvent or was rendered insolvent by reason of the related financing transactions; |
| • | was engaged, or about to engage, in a business or transaction for which its remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business; or |
| • | intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay these debts as they mature, as all of the foregoing terms are defined in or interpreted under the relevant fraudulent transfer or conveyance statutes. |
The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing considerations will vary depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied in any such proceeding. Generally, an entity would be considered insolvent if, at the time it incurred the debt or issued the guarantee:
| • | it could not pay its debts or contingent liabilities as they become due; |
| • | the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, is greater than its assets, at fair valuation; or |
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| • | the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount required to pay the probable liability on its total existing debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature. |
If a guarantee is voided as a fraudulent conveyance or found to be unenforceable for any other reason, you will not have a claim against that obligor and will only be our creditor or that of any guarantor whose obligation was not set aside or found to be unenforceable. In addition, the loss of a guarantee will constitute a default under the applicable indenture, which default could cause all outstanding notes to become immediately due and payable and would likewise trigger a default under the senior secured credit facilities.
We believe that, at the time the guarantors initially incurred the debt represented by the guarantees, the guarantors:
| • | were not insolvent or rendered insolvent by the incurrence; |
| • | had sufficient capital to run our or their businesses effectively; and |
| • | were able to pay obligations on the notes and the guarantees as they mature or become due. |
In reaching the foregoing conclusions we have relied upon our analyses of internal cash flow projections and estimated values of the assets and liabilities of the guarantors. In addition, we have relied on a limitation to be contained in the guarantors’ guarantees that limits each guarantee as necessary to prevent it from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. However, a court passing on these questions might not reach the same conclusions. See also “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — Because of the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act, a Canadian act uniquely applicable to Telesat Canada (but not the guarantors, other subsidiaries or Telesat LLC), Telesat Canada may not have access to the usual protections from creditors and other rights available to insolvent persons, and creditors, including holders of our notes, may not have recourse to the usual rights, remedies and protections under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws generally available to creditors of insolvent persons.”
You should not rely on the Co-Issuer in evaluating an investment in our notes.
Telesat LLC was formed in connection with the initial funding of the Telesat Canada transaction and for the issuance of the notes and currently has no independent operations and no assets and generally will be prohibited from engaging in any material business activities, except in connection with the incurrence of indebtedness permitted under the indentures governing the notes, including guaranteeing or borrowing under the senior secured credit facilities, and activities incidental thereto. You should therefore not rely upon the Co-Issuer in evaluating whether to invest in the notes.
Item 4. Information on the Company
A. History and development of the company.
Telesat Interco Inc. (“Telesat Interco”) was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “CBCA”) on November 6, 2006 in contemplation of an acquisition of Telesat Canada and the related transfer of Loral Skynet to Telesat Canada, which we refer to as “the Telesat Canada transaction.” Telesat Canada was originally formed in 1969 by the Telesat Canada Act, or the Telesat Act. In 1972, Telesat Canada launched the world’s first domestic commercial satellite in geostationary orbit and continued as a pioneer in technical and commercial innovation with the first commercial Ku-band satellite in 1978, Canada’s first DBS satellite in 1999 and the first consumer 2-way Ka-band broadband Internet service via satellite in 2004. Since the mid-1970’s, Telesat has provided satellite services for voice, data and broadcast communications across Canada, including the far north, bringing to those isolated areas services similar to ones available in major centres. As part of its government divestiture, pursuant to the Telesat Divestiture Act, Telesat Canada was continued on March 27, 1992 under the CBCA, the Telesat Act was repealed and the government sold its shares in Telesat Canada to Alouette Telecommunications Inc. (“Alouette”), which subsequently became a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE. Alouette was amalgamated with Telesat Canada on January 1, 2007 under the name “Telesat Canada.” On October 31, 2007, Telesat Canada amalgamated with 436320 Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Interco, to continue as Telesat Canada.
Loral Skynet, a Delaware corporation, was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“LSC Holdings”). Through earlier mergers and acquisitions,
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Loral Skynet traces its history to two of the originating businesses in United States satellite communications with more than 40 years of experience: AT&T Skynet and Orion Satellite Corporation (“Orion”). AT&T Skynet and its predecessor organizations in AT&T Bell Laboratories launched the satellite industry by demonstrating the first trans-Atlantic satellite delivery of television on Telstar 1 in 1962. Through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, AT&T Skynet provided industry-leading telephone and television services in the United States for AT&T and leading television broadcasters and cable operators on the Comstar and Telstar series of satellites. In 1997, AT&T Skynet was acquired from AT&T by LSC Holdings, became Loral Skynet, and expanded from United States only to global satellite operations. Orion was formed in 1988 for the purpose of launching international VSAT services and expanding newly enabled “separate system” international services. In 1994, Orion launched Orion 1, which provided early trans-Atlantic VSAT services between the United States and Europe. Orion was the second United States licensed “separate system” authorized to compete directly with Intelsat for certain types of international satellite services. Orion was acquired by LSC Holdings in 1998 and merged operationally with Loral Skynet in 1999. In July 2003, Loral Space & Communications Ltd. (“Old Loral”) and its subsidiaries, including the predecessor business that constitutes Loral Skynet, sought protection under chapter 11 of the United States federal bankruptcy code. Loral and Loral Skynet succeeded to the business of Old Loral in connection with a chapter 11 plan of reorganization when Old Loral emerged from bankruptcy in November 2005.
The Telesat Canada Acquisition
On October 31, 2007, Telesat Interco, a Canadian company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesat Holdings, a Canadian company indirectly owned by PSP Investments and Loral, acquired 100% of the stock of Telesat Canada and certain other assets from BCE for $3.25 billion (approximately U.S.$3.42 billion at an October 31, 2007 exchange rate of U.S.$1.00/$0.9499) (the “Telesat Canada Acquisition”).
PSP Investments, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Isle Private Investments Inc. (“Red Isle”), contributed to Telesat Holdings U.S.$525 million in cash in exchange for (a) shares of 7% fixed rate senior non-convertible PIK mandatorily redeemable preferred stock of Telesat Holdings (the “Holding PIK Preferred Stock”), (b) common shares of Telesat Holdings representing approximately 30% of the participating equity of Telesat Holdings, and (c) voting participating preferred shares of Telesat Holdings representing approximately 6% of the participating equity of Telesat Holdings. The voting participating preferred shares are convertible into common shares on a one-for-one basis and have all of the rights of common shares, except that they do not have the right to vote for the election of directors of Telesat Holdings. The voting participating preferred shares do not have any liquidation preference or dividend rights above the common shares. In a related transaction, Red Isle transferred to Telesat Holdings $55,163,172, representing the market value of certain foreign exchange contracts entered into by Red Isle, in exchange for the issuance to Red Isle of a portion of the 36% equity shareholding acquired by Red Isle, in the form of voting participating preferred shares. We refer to these equity contributions as the Equity Financing.
The Skynet Transaction
On October 31, 2007, in connection with the Telesat Canada acquisition, Loral Skynet transferred substantially all of its assets (the “Loral Skynet Business”) to Telesat Holdings pursuant to an asset transfer agreement (the “Asset Transfer Agreement”). In exchange for the transfer of such assets, Telesat Holdings issued to a subsidiary of Loral common shares representing 33 1/3% of all voting and participating equity rights outstanding after such issuance and non-voting participating preferred shares representing 30 2/3% of all participating equity of Telesat Holdings outstanding after such issuance. The non-voting participating preferred shares of Telesat Holdings acquired by a subsidiary of Loral are convertible into common shares on a one-for-one basis if held by a shareholder that is “Canadian” for Canadian regulatory purposes. These non-voting participating preferred shares do not have any liquidation preference or dividend rights above common shares of Telesat Holdings. Under current regulations, neither Loral nor any subsidiary of Loral is able to convert any of these shares into common shares of Telesat Holdings.
In addition, on October 31, 2007, Skynet Satellite Corporation (“SSC”), a Delaware corporation which became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesat Holdings as of the closing of the Asset Transfer Agreement, purchased from Loral Skynet certain other assets and assumed certain liabilities of Loral Skynet for the purchase price of US$25,472,000 in marketable securities pursuant to the terms of an asset purchase
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agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”). We refer to the transfer of the Loral Skynet Business to us pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreement as the Skynet Transaction.
Telesat Holdings also, subject to certain exceptions, assumed the liabilities of the Loral Skynet Business.
Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Bridge Facilities
In connection with the Telesat Canada Acquisition, we entered into senior secured credit facilities, a senior bridge facility and a senior subordinated bridge facility. The obligations under the bridge facilities were exchanged for the notes issued in June 2008. See “Item 5A. Operating results — Debt” for additional information about the notes.
Refinancing
Loral Skynet’s existing 12% preferred stock was redeemed in connection with the Skynet Transaction on November 5, 2007 and Telesat Canada’s existing 8.2% senior notes were redeemed on November 30, 2007. In addition, in connection with the Telesat Canada transaction, Loral Skynet’s 14% senior secured notes were repaid on September 5, 2007 with amounts borrowed under an interim refinancing facility of Loral Skynet provided by a third party lender. All outstanding amounts under this facility were repaid and all obligations thereunder discharged upon consummation of the Telesat Canada transaction out of transaction proceeds. We refer to these redemptions and refinancings as the Refinancing.
Telesat Reorganization
Immediately following the Telesat Canada acquisition, (i) all of the shares of Telesat Canada acquired by Telesat Interco in the Telesat Canada acquisition were transferred to 4363230 Canada Inc. in exchange for the issuance to Telesat Interco of common shares of 4363230 Canada Inc.; (ii) the senior secured credit facilities and the bridge facilities were assigned by Telesat Interco to, and were assumed by, 4363230 Canada Inc.; (iii) 4363230 Canada Inc. and Telesat Canada were amalgamated under the name “Telesat Canada”; and (iv) the Loral Skynet Business acquired by Telesat Holdings was transferred to Telesat Interco, and then to Telesat Canada, in exchange for the issuance to Telesat Interco of common shares of Telesat Canada. These transactions are referred to as the Telesat Reorganization.
As a result of the Telesat Reorganization, the obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and the bridge facilities became obligations of Telesat Canada by operation of law, all of the assets of Telesat Canada before its amalgamation became the assets of the amalgamated Telesat Canada, the Loral Skynet Business became owned by Telesat Canada and Telesat Canada became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesat Interco.
The obligations under the bridge facilities were exchanged for the notes issued in June 2008. See “Item 5A. Operating results — Debt” for additional information about the notes.
The Telesat Canada acquisition, the Skynet Transaction, the Equity Financing, the Refinancing, the senior secured credit facilities, the bridge facilities (which have since been exchanged for the notes) and the initial borrowings thereunder, together with the payment of related fees and expenses, and the Telesat Reorganization, are collectively referred to as the Telesat Canada transaction.
Loral indirectly holds shares in Telesat Holdings effectively representing 64% of the economic interests and 33 1/3% of the voting power of Telesat Holdings and PSP Investments indirectly holds shares effectively representing 36% of the economic interests, 66 2/3% of the voting power, other than in respect of the election of directors, and together with two other Canadian investors, 66 2/3% of the voting power for the election of directors, of Telesat Holdings. Telesat Holdings owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Telesat Interco, and Telesat Interco owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Telesat Canada.
B. Business overview
We are a leading global fixed satellite services operator, with facilities around the world. The combination of Telesat Canada and Loral Skynet created a powerful international platform supporting (i) strong video distribution and DTH neighborhoods in North America characterized by long-term contracts with blue chip customers and significant contractual backlog, (ii) an efficient enterprise and government services business that provides North American customers with end-to-end communications services, and (iii) a strong international video distribution, enterprise services and government services business.
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Through our deep commitment to customer service and focus on innovation and technical expertise, we have developed strong relationships with a diverse range of high-quality customers, including many of the world’s largest video and data service providers. Our current customers include North American DTH providers Bell TV, Shaw Direct and EchoStar/DISH Network, and leading telecommunications and media firms such as Chellomedia Programming, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Bell Media and HBO.
Our North American Broadcast and Enterprise Services customer service contracts are typically multi-year in duration and, in the past, we have successfully contracted all or a significant portion of a satellite’s capacity prior to commencing construction. As a result, we had approximately $5.4 billion in contracted revenue backlog as of December 31, 2011. See “Business overview — Sales and Marketing — Revenue Backlog” for additional information.
The North American focused part of our satellite fleet is comprised of seven satellites, Anik F1R, Anik F2, Anik F3, Nimiq 1, Nimiq 2, Nimiq 4 and Nimiq 5, plus the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1. We also have one additional North American satellite under construction: Nimiq 6, which we anticipate will be launched in the first half of 2012. The international focused part of our satellite fleet is comprised of five satellites: Anik F1, Telstar 11N, Telstar 12, Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 and Telstar 18. Our Anik G1 satellite, which is currently under construction and anticipated to be launched in the second half of 2012, will have both North American and South American coverage.
We also operate numerous satellites for third parties.
We believe our global satellite fleet, access to our desirable orbital locations and strong relationships with our customers underpin our established, predictable core business, and provide us with the opportunity to capitalize on the growth drivers in the satellite industry and the markets we serve.
Industry Overview and Trends
We compete in the market for the provision of voice, data, video and internet connectivity services worldwide. Services of this type are provided using various technologies, including satellite networks. We currently operate in the FSS sector of the satellite industry. Operators in the FSS sector provide communications links between fixed points on the earth’s surface, referred to as point-to-point services, and from one point to multiple points, referred to as point-to-multipoint services. Over the last several years, deregulation and privatization have significantly reshaped the FSS sector. In addition, the sector has undergone consolidation, with regional and national operators being acquired by larger companies or seeking to partner with other providers.
Satellite Systems and Frequencies
A generic satellite system consists of a space segment and an earth segment. The “space segment” is comprised of the satellites and the tracking, telemetry and command (“TT&C”) systems and facilities used to control and monitor the satellites. The “earth segment” is made up of all of the communication earth stations and other devices that access operational satellites. A satellite has two primary components: the communications payload and the spacecraft bus. In its simplest form, the communications payload consists of the antennas and transponders which receive the signals from earth at one frequency, amplify them, and transmit them back to earth at a different frequency. The spacecraft bus is essentially comprised of all of the non-communications equipment, including the electrical and TT&C subsystems, the propulsion and thermal subsystems and the spacecraft structure itself.
Geosynchronous satellites circle the earth from orbital locations approximately 22,300 miles (35,700 kilometers) above the equator. The speed at which they orbit the earth corresponds to the speed of the earth’s rotation. As a result, each geosynchronous satellite in essence “blankets” a fixed geographic area with its signals, and an earth station antenna on the ground can communicate continuously with a particular satellite if it is pointed to, and has an unobstructed view of, that satellite’s orbital location. An individual satellite can be designed to communicate with major landmasses via large, geographically dispersed beams, to focus its coverage more specifically on particular markets or regions through regional or spot beams, or to use a portion of its total capacity for each type of coverage.
The most common frequency bands that satellites use to provide commercial communications services are:
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| • | C-band. These frequencies were the first to be exploited for commercial communications satellites. C-band frequencies have longer wavelengths than Ku-band or Ka-band frequencies and therefore are less susceptible to atmospheric absorption. However, regulatory limits on satellite transponder power make it necessary to use larger earth station antennas, typically two to six meters in diameter, relative to Ku-band or Ka-band. In most countries, the C-band frequencies are shared with terrestrial microwave users and therefore each earth station must be individually frequency coordinated to prevent interference between the two services. Typical C-band applications include broadcast video transmission, programming distribution to cable operators, telecommunications services, and a broad range of government services. |
| • | Ku-band. These frequencies have shorter wavelengths than C-band. In most of the Americas, the Ku-band is not shared with other services, which allows more powerful satellite transponders, thereby allowing customers to use smaller antennas, typically 45 to 180 centimetres in diameter. Frequency coordination of individual earth stations is not required. The Ku-band spectrum is split into two main segments: the FSS portion and the Broadcast Satellite Service (“BSS”) (known in the United States, and sometimes referred to in this report, as “DBS”) portion. The BSS portion is intended for the provision of broadcast signals directly to the end user. The FSS portion is used for a variety of purposes. |
| • | Ka-band. These frequencies have the shortest wavelength of the three principal commercial fixed satellite bands and are most affected by atmospheric absorption. The short wavelength facilitates the creation of multiple spot beams each of which concentrates the satellite power into a smaller geographic area. In Canada and the United States, the Ka-band frequencies are not shared with terrestrial services and earth stations need not be individually coordinated. Spot beam Ka-band satellites are well suited for two-way broadband services such as high-speed internet access from homes and small businesses. |
Satellite Communication Benefits
Satellite operators compete with terrestrial network operators (e.g., cable, DSL, fiber optic and microwave broadcasting) in the market for video, data and voice communication services. We believe that satellite services have several advantages over these competing communication platforms, including:
| • | satellite remains a cost-effective and efficient means to deliver a signal (TV, radio, internet) to hundreds or millions of locations in a large geographic area; |
| • | the ability to provide ubiquitous coverage over a large geographic region allowing for the addition of sites at a lower marginal cost. Unlike cable and fiber lines, satellites can readily provide broadcast and communication services over large areas and to remote locations where the population density may not be high enough to warrant the expense of building a terrestrial-based communications network; |
| • | the ability to bypass shared and congested terrestrial links, further enhancing network performance; |
| • | ease and speed of service provision through a one-stop-shop solution. In cases where a terrestrial-based communications network does not reach 100% of a customer’s sites, a satellite-based network that covers the entire area may provide a complete solution for the customer; and |
| • | sufficient bandwidth for new technologies and video and data offerings, such as HDTV. |
Terrestrial alternatives, such as fiber optic cable, are superior to satellite in some circumstances and can be used in conjunction with satellite to provide a hybrid network that takes advantage of the inherent abilities of both technologies. Generally, in areas well-served by terrestrial networks or for point-to-point communications, terrestrial alternatives may have a cost advantage, while more dispersed, point-to-multipoint communications may be better served by satellite. See “Business overview — Competition” for additional information about terrestrial based-services.
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Satellite Services
Satellite services can be used for a variety of content distribution, data communications and other applications:
| • | TV Programming Distribution: Throughout the world, the primary method for delivering television programming to cable and other terrestrial networks is via satellite. The ability to uplink the content once, and distribute it to thousands of cable headends and other video aggregation facilities over broad geographic areas makes satellite technology a compelling value for distributors of television programming because the cost of distribution is often based on the amount of content being distributed, irrespective of the number of receive sites or the distance from the uplink sites to the receive sites. |
| • | Direct-To-Home Video: The same dynamics that make satellite technology ideal for distributing television programming to terrestrial networks also makes it ideal for delivering television programming directly to consumers using smaller antennas, or satellite dishes, and satellite capacity. This is known as “Direct-To-Home” or “DTH” video broadcasting. |
| • | Corporate Networks: Satellite services enable rapid and reliable communications solutions to be deployed in geographically diverse locations. Services are generally provided via either point-to-point links which directly connect two locations, or via Very Small Aperture Terminal (“VSAT”) networks which use small user antennas to connect multiple locations either to each other or to a central site. VSATs are used for a wide variety of purposes including: |
| • | Transaction processing and data transfer: VSAT networks can be used by retail chains for rapid credit card authorization and inventory control and by banks to connect automated teller machines to processing computers. |
| • | Remote communications and internet access: In the developing world, terrestrial networks may be unavailable, unreliable or more expensive than satellite networks, and satellite technology may be the only available means of international communication. Satellite networks often provide the only way for businesses in the oil and gas, mining and forestry industries to reach their remote locations. Even in regions where developed terrestrial infrastructure exists, VSAT networks may be the preferred option for creating a single corporate network without the complexity, operational difficulties and risks inherent in linking multiple terrestrial networks that serve different geographic areas. |
| • | Maritime and aeronautical communications: Planes and ships traverse vast distances where satellite is often the only option for today’s communication requirements. |
| • | Carrier Services: Satellite services support rural and remote telephony and data services including backhaul and infrastruture. |
| • | Government Services: Governments use satellite services to address many of the same communications requirements as commercial enterprises. In addition, satellites are well suited to meet government requirements for security as satellite networks bypass local terrestrial networks allowing for governments to operate more securely outside of their home countries. Using satellite networks, governments can quickly and easily bring up and turn down sites around the globe for intelligence and defense requirements, for communicating with ships at sea, and for bringing both basic and advanced communication services to rural and remote areas. |
Supply and Demand Dynamics for Fixed Satellite Services
Satellite operators typically provide services on their satellites to customers who use the capacity for their own communications requirements or to provide satellite-based services to customers further down the distribution chain.
Demand for satellite services is primarily driven by: economic growth, both generally and within a particular geographic area; growth in product or service markets; growth in demand for bandwidth-intensive applications, technical advancements; and improved regulatory access to new and existing markets.
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Key factors expected to drive FSS growth in the next decade are as follows:
| • | Video Services — FSS operators are experiencing strong demand for both video distribution and contribution. This includes a significant number of HDTV channels, which require two-to-three times more bandwidth than standard definition channels. New forms of content and enhanced services such as 3DTV should also drive demand for capacity. |
| • | Military Satellite Communications (“Milsatcom”) — Demand for FSS capacity from military agencies around the world continues to grow. The U.S. Government is the single largest user of commercial satcom and most of this use relates to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operations. Demand for commercial FSS supports secure communications, surveillance, reconnaissance, mobile communications (“comms on the move”), logistics, troop welfare and a host of other services including support for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Most commercial Milsatcom services rely on Ku-band capacity, but commercial X-band on satellites such as Telesat’s Anik G1 (anticipated to be launched in the second half of 2012) is increasingly being utilized. |
| • | Government Digital Inclusion — Digital inclusion projects — bringing broadband services to rural and remote communities and those with limited terrestrial infrastructure — are an important and growing application being led by civilian agencies in both developed and developing nations. |
| • | Resource Sector — FSS demand in the resource sector has largely been driven by oil and gas exploration, and the level of such exploration has largely been driven by global economic growth. Regions such as Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Russia and Central Asia have expanded their use of satellite networks in recent years to support oil and gas extraction and other resource sectors such as mining. Even in more developed regions such as North America, oil and gas companies also rely on satellite since deposits are often far from terrestrial infrastructure. Demand for satellite capacity is being driven by both growth in this sector as well as growth in the use of bandwidth intensive applications at oil and gas and mining sites. |
| • | GSM (Cellular) Backhaul — Cellular subscribers have been growing rapidly around the world and particularly across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia where telecom infrastructure is limited. This has resulted in mobile operators in developing regions contracting for FSS capacity to support backhaul services. Cellular backhaul services utilize Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) that can be deployed quickly, helping mobile operators gain market share while avoiding large capital outlays for infrastructure. |
| • | Transportation (Maritime and Aeronautical Services) — As broadband connectivity becomes more and more central to businesses and individuals, the need to stay connected has spread to locations that cannot readily access terrestrial networks. Commercial maritime vessels including cruise ships, cargo carriers, container vessels and oil tankers are candidates for full-time broadband to improve operations and support crew morale. Aeronautical broadband for in-flight passenger communications is also growing. |
| • | Corporate Networks in the Developing World — Latin America is among the regions expected to see strong expansion in satellite VSAT networks. As economic growth and foreign trade accelerate in the region corporate VSAT networks are being widely implemented. Sub-Saharan Africa is also expected to grow significantly for enterprise and civil government networks. Banking is among the segments driving this growth along with multinational corporations expanding their presence in the region. |
| • | Two-way Internet Services — Ka-band satellite services support broadband internet access for consumers and small businesses. The capabilities of today’s high-throughput satellites allow ISPs to offer high-speed internet access comparable to terrestrial alternatives. |
Satellite capacity supply is impacted by the significant resource, financial, regulatory and other barriers to entry that characterize the satellite services industry. There are a limited number of orbital locations and limited radio frequency spectrum available to commercial communications satellite operators. As a result, a limited number of satellites can be placed into service over any particular geographic area. New entrants must face the
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significant capital costs of procuring a satellite and must maintain the financial and highly specialized technical resources required to operate a satellite system and market its services. Other regulatory requirements must also be satisfied before a new entrant can provide services to, from, or within a specific country.
Available supply of satellite capacity varies significantly by region, frequency and customer requirements. Existing FSS and DBS providers that already have access to the best orbital locations have a significant competitive advantage over potential new entrants. With respect to video distribution, “neighborhoods” develop where many thousands or even millions of cable headends or consumer satellite dishes are pointed at a specific orbital location or locations. Due to the often prohibitive cost of re-pointing dishes, video distribution networks have a strong preference for securing expansion satellite capacity from satellites located at the orbital location(s), or neighborhoods, to which their or their customers’ satellite dishes are pointed.
Competitive Strengths
Our business is characterized by the following key competitive strengths:
Leading Global FSS Operator
We are the fourth largest FSS operator in the world and the largest in Canada, with a strong and growing business. We have a leading position as a provider of satellite services in the North American video distribution market. We provide services to both of the major DTH providers in Canada, Bell TV and Shaw Direct, who together have approximately 2.9 million subscribers, as well as to EchoStar (Dish Network) in the United States, who has approximately 14 million subscribers. Our international satellites are well positioned in emerging, high growth markets and serve high value customers in those markets. Telstar 11N provides service to American, European and African regions and aeronautical and maritime markets of the Atlantic Ocean Region. Telstar 12 provides intercontinental connectivity from the Americas to the Middle East. Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 offers high powered coverage of the Americas, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the North Atlantic Ocean Region (“NAOR”). Telstar 18 delivers video distribution and contribution throughout Asia and offers connectivity to the US mainland via Hawaiian teleport facilities. Our current enterprise services customers include leading telecommunications service providers as well as a range of network service providers and integrators, who provide services to enterprises, governments and international agencies and multiple ISPs.
Blue Chip Customer Base
We offer our broad suite of satellite services to more than 400 customers worldwide, which include some of the world’s leading television broadcasters, cable programmers, DTH service providers, ISPs, telecommunications carriers, corporations and government agencies. Over 40 years of operation, we have established long-term, collaborative relationships with our customers and have developed a reputation for creating innovative solutions and providing services essential for our customers to reach their end users. Our customers represent some of the strongest and most financially stable companies in their respective industries. These customers frequently commit to long-term contracts for our services, which enhances the predictability of our future revenues and cash flows and supports our future growth. Our customers include:
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Broadcast: | | North American DTH providers Bell TV, Shaw Direct, EchoStar/DISH Network, and leading telecommunications and media firms such as NBC Universal, Chellomedia Programming, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Bell Media and HBO. |
Enterprise: | | Bell Canada, NorthwesTel, Lockheed Martin, Suncor, Level 3 Communications, Xplorenet Communications and Harris CapRock Communications. |
Consulting: | | WildBlue, SCT-Subsecretaria De Comunicaciones, EchoStar and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates |
Large Contracted Backlog and Young Satellite Fleet Underpin Anticipated Growth and High Revenue Visibility
Historically, we have been able to generate strong cash flows from our operating activities due to the high operating margins in the satellite industry and our disciplined control of expenses. The stability of our cash flows is underpinned by our large revenue backlog. As of December 31, 2011, we had contracted backlog
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for future services of approximately $5.4 billion, which represents a multiple of almost seven times revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011. Of the approximately $5.4 billion backlog, we anticipate that approximately 11% will be recognized as revenue in 2012 and the balance to be recognized in 2013 and thereafter. We have been able to generate significant backlog by entering into long-term contracts with our customers, in some cases for all or substantially all of a satellite’s orbital maneuver life.
This revenue backlog supports our anticipated growth. A significant proportion of our expected revenue growth is based on currently contracted business with our DTH provider customers for satellites in orbit and satellites that will be launched in the coming years. In addition to this backlog, we have historically experienced a high proportion of contract renewals with existing customers. Together these two factors have produced ongoing, stable cash flows.
The high quality and young age of our satellite fleet also positively impacts our cash flows as we manage capital expenditures. Two additional satellites, Nimiq 6 and Anik G1, are presently under construction.
Portfolio of Orbital Real Estate
Telesat’s satellites occupy highly attractive orbital locations that provide the company with a leading position in many of the markets in which it operates due to the scarcity of available satellite spectrum and the strong neighborhoods Telesat has developed at these locations. Access to these orbital locations, coupled with the high capital intensity of the satellite industry, creates high barriers to entry in those markets. Telesat is licensed by Industry Canada to occupy a number of key orbital positions that are well-suited to serve the Americas and maintain its leading position in North America. The company’s international satellites also occupy highly desirable orbital locations that enable broad pan-regional service with interconnectivity between regions, making them attractive for both intra- and inter-regional services. Telesat has rights to additional spectrum, including Ka-band and reverse DBS band at certain existing orbital locations, including existing DBS locations.
See “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — Our Orbital Locations” for a more detailed description of our orbital locations, the satellites that occupy them and the geographic regions that they serve.
Global Operations Provides Revenue Diversification and Economies of Scale
The combination of Telesat’s North American broadcast and enterprise services businesses and the company’s international business offers diversity in terms of both the customers and regions served as well as the services provided. Telesat continues to benefit from growth in both the broadcast and enterprise services markets, including government services, due to its strong presence in each. The company’s global satellite footprint allows it to meet the global requirements of broadcasters, carriers and government users around the world.
Moreover, as the operator of a fleet of 12 satellites plus multiple other satellites for third parties, Telesat has attained scale that allows it to effectively leverage its relatively fixed cost base to achieve substantial operating margins.
Business Strategy
We are committed to continuing to provide the strong customer service and focus on innovation and technical expertise that have allowed us to successfully build our business to date. Building on our large backlog and significant contracted growth, our focus will be on taking disciplined steps to grow our core business and sell our existing satellite capacity, improve our operating efficiency and, in a disciplined manner, use the strong cash flow generated by our existing business, contracted expansion satellite and cost savings to strengthen our business.
Continue to Grow Our Core Business
We believe our satellite fleet offers a strong combination of existing backlog, contracted revenue growth and additional capacity on our existing satellites that provides a solid foundation upon which we will seek to grow our revenues and cash flows. To achieve this growth, we will seek to capture the anticipated increased demand for satellite services and capacity, (i) in the broadcast services market, from broadcast video
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applications, including DTH services, HDTV, IPTV, and expansion in the number of channels and (ii) in the enterprise services market, from developing market requirements, government services and enterprise network demand.
Follow a Disciplined Satellite Expansion Strategy
Telesat will continue to focus on capturing the anticipated increase in worldwide demand for satellite services through a disciplined satellite expansion program that should drive significant incremental contracted backlog and cash flows, and further leverage the company’s fixed cost structure. Telesat currently has two satellites under construction: (i) Nimiq 6, which the company anticipates will be launched in the first half of 2012; and (ii) Anik G1, which the company anticipates will be launched in the second half of 2012 and will be co-located with our Anik F1 satellite, doubling both the Ku-band and C-band transponders serving South America from this orbital location; as well as providing extended Ku-band capacity for DTH services in Canada and X-band capacity for government services. Nimiq 6 is fully contracted to Bell TV for DTH services in Canada for the life of the satellite. Anik G1’s 16 extended Ku-band transponders have already been contracted for DTH services in Canada to Shaw Direct for the life of the satellite. Moreover, Telesat has entered into a 15 year contract with Paradigm Services for the full X-band payload of three transponders on Anik G1. These two satellites along with the Telstar 14R satellite, which commenced service in August 2011, and the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite, which went into service in December 2011, will add meaningful incremental capacity to the fleet by the end of 2012, including incremental capacity which will serve the fast growing Latin American market.
Increase Cash Flow and Maintain Strong Liquidity Profile
The satellite industry is characterized by a relatively fixed cost base that allows significant revenue growth with relatively minimal increases in operating costs, particularly for sales of satellite capacity. Thus, we anticipate that we can increase our revenues without proportional increases in our operating expenses, allowing us to expand our margins. We expect to continually review all aspects of our business to contain operating costs and improve our operating efficiency. To further enhance our liquidity, at the closing of the Telesat Canada transaction we established a five-year $153 million revolving credit facility that can be used for general corporate purposes including working capital and capital expenditures of which nil million dollars was outstanding at December 31, 2011.
Our Services
We earn the majority of our revenues by providing satellite-based services to customers, who use these services for their own communications requirements or to provide services to customers further down the distribution chain for video and data services. We also earn revenue by providing ground-based transmit and receive services, selling equipment, installing, managing and maintaining satellite networks, and providing consulting services in the field of satellite communications. In this document, we categorize our revenues into: Broadcast, Enterprise Services and Consulting & Other.
Broadcast: Our broadcast services business provided approximately 54% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011. These services include:
| • | DTH. Both Canadian DTH service providers (Bell TV and Shaw Direct) use our satellites as a distribution platform for their services, delivering television programming, audio and information channels directly to customers’ homes. In addition, our Anik F3 and Nimiq 5 satellites are used by EchoStar/DISH Network for DTH services in the United States. |
| • | Video Distribution and Contribution. Major broadcasters, cable networks and DTH service providers use our satellites for the full-time transmission of television programming. Additionally, we provide certain broadcasters and DTH service providers bundled, value-added services that include satellite capacity, digital encoding of video channels and uplinking and downlinking services to and from our satellites and teleport facilities. Telstar 18 delivers video distribution and contribution in Asia and offers connectivity to the US mainland via Hawaiian teleport facilities. Our Telstar 12 satellite is also used to transmit television services. In both Brazil and Chile, we provide video distribution services on Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. |
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| • | Occasional Use Services. Occasional use services consist of satellite transmission services for the timely broadcast of video news, sports and live event coverage on a short-term basis enabling broadcasters to conduct on-the-scene transmissions using small, portable antennas. |
Enterprise Services: Our enterprise services provided approximately 42% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011. These services include:
Data networks in North America and the related ground segment and maintenance services supporting these networks: We operate very small aperture terminal, or VSAT, networks in North America, managing thousands of VSAT terminals at customer sites. For some of these customers, we offer end-to-end services including installation and maintenance of the end user terminal, maintenance of the VSAT hub, and provision of satellite capacity. For other customers, we may provide a subset of these services. Examples of North American data network services include point of sale services for customers in Canada and communications services to remote locations for the oil and gas industry.
International Enterprise Networks: Our global IP-based network services infrastructure allows us to provide worldwide IP-based terrestrial extension services that allow enterprises to reach all of their locations worldwide — many of which cannot be connected via terrestrial means. In addition, these managed service solutions enable multi-cast and broadcast functionality, as with traditional video broadcast distribution, which take full advantage of satellite’s one-to-many attributes. We are delivering these services to enterprises whose headquarters are typically in the United States or Europe both through terrestrial partners and directly.
Ka-band Internet Services: We provide Ka-band satellite capacity to Xplornet Communications Inc. and other resellers in Canada who use it to provide two way broadband Internet services in Canada. We also provide Ka-band satellite capacity to WildBlue who uses it to provide similar services in the United States.
Telecommunication carrier services: We provide satellite capacity and end-to-end services for data and voice transmission to telecommunications carriers located throughout the world. These services include (i) connectivity and voice circuits to remote locations in Canada for customers such as Bell Canada and NorthwesTel and (ii) space segment capacity and terrestrial facilities for GSM backhaul in developing countries that lack terrestrial infrastructure and for maritime and aeronautical sectors where the need to stay connected cannot be met by terrestrial networks.
Government Services: The United States Government is the largest single consumer of fixed satellite services in the world, and a significant user of our international satellites. Over the course of several years, we have implemented a successful strategy to sell through government service integrators, rather than directly to United States Government agencies. We are also a significant provider of satellite services to the Canadian Government.
Consulting & Other: Our consulting and other category provided approximately 4% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our consulting operations allow us to realize operating efficiencies by leveraging our existing employees and the facility base dedicated to our core satellite communication business. With over forty years of engineering and technical experience, we are a leading consultant in establishing, operating and upgrading satellite systems worldwide, having provided services to businesses and governments in over forty countries across six continents. In 2011, our international consulting business provided satellite-related services in approximately twenty-one countries.
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We benefit from revenue diversity both in terms of the geographic location of our customers, based on the billing address of our customers, and the nature of the services provided. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we derived operating revenues, based on the billing address of the customer, in the following geographic regions:
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| | Year Ended December 31, 2011 |
North America | | | 82 | % |
Asia and Australia | | | 2 | % |
Europe, Middle East and Africa | | | 9 | % |
Latin America | | | 7 | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we derived operating revenues from the following services:
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| | Year Ended December 31, 2011 |
Broadcast | | | 54 | % |
Enterprise Services | | | 42 | % |
Consulting and Other | | | 4 | % |
Sales and Marketing
We have organized our sales effort by North American Broadcast, North American Enterprise, and International to allow our sales teams to focus on different customer bases that can take advantage of the different types of services enabled by our various satellites. Our account teams typically include an experienced sales executive, supported by an application engineering team that provides both pre-sale and post-sale technical advice and consultation to our customers. Our sales staff is partially compensated based on meeting and exceeding individual revenue quota targets.
We sell our services worldwide primarily through a direct sales force located at our headquarters in Ottawa and at our regional offices including our offices in London, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, Bedminster (New Jersey), Washington (D.C.), Montreal and Toronto.
Contracts
We have generally sold satellite transponder capacity, ground services and end-to-end managed services to our customers using three different contractual arrangements:
| • | Service agreements: The most common type of agreement that we have entered into for the provision of satellite capacity, ground services and end-to-end managed services is the service agreement. In our service agreements, a customer commits to purchase a specific type of capacity or service. These service agreements contain terms that are generally consistent with industry practices and, for our North American DTH customers, are often for the entire life of a satellite. Typically, our service agreements can only be terminated by our customers prior to the expiration date in the event of a continued period of service interruption. |
| • | Transponder purchase and operating services agreements: We have also entered into transponder purchase and operating services agreements with a number of our customers to provide them with access to capacity on Anik F1, Anik F1R, Anik F2, Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2. We refer to these transponder purchase and operating services agreements as “condominium style” agreements as the customer purchases the transponder on the satellite and then pays us ongoing operating fees for the life of the satellite. Typically, our customers are only entitled to terminate these transponder purchase and operating agreements in the event of a transponder failure. If such an event were to occur, barring a specified degree of negligence or misconduct on our part, our customers may no longer be required to pay us the ongoing operating fees, but would not be entitled to be reimbursed other fees paid by them in connection with the purchase of the transponder. We have not entered into any transponder purchase and operating services agreements since 2005. |
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| • | License agreements: We have also entered into a license arrangement for the majority of the Ka-band capacity on Anik F2. This license agreement provides our customer with the exclusive right to access and use the licensed Ka-band capacity for the life of the satellite. Payment for the license has been received and we have no obligation to reimburse such payment in the event of service interruption. |
We plan to sell satellite capacity in the future through service contracts or, in unique circumstances, through exclusive license agreements.
Revenue Backlog
Contracted revenue backlog represents our expected future revenues (without discounting for present value) under all current contractual service agreements, including any deferred revenues that we will recognize in the future in respect of cash already received. The significant majority of this contractual backlog is in respect of service or other agreements for satellite capacity. Our contracted backlog is comprised of all amounts due under a contract through the expiration date. We do not assume a given contract will be renewed beyond its stated expiration date. As of December 31, 2011, our contracted backlog, including our satellites under construction, was approximately $5.4 billion. This amount includes approximately $408 million of customer prepayments that Telesat has already received.
Generally, following the successful launch of a satellite, if the satellite is operating nominally, our customers may only terminate their service agreements for satellite capacity by paying us all, or substantially all, of the payments that would have otherwise become due over the term of the service agreement. However, if certain of our existing satellites and satellites under construction were to experience a significant launch delay, launch or in-orbit failure, or otherwise fail to operate as anticipated, we may be obligated to return all or a portion of the customer prepayments made under service agreements for that satellite. Those repayments would be funded by any insurance proceeds we may receive, cash on hand and/or funds available under our revolving credit facility.
Our actual realized revenues may differ from the revenues we expect to realize based on our contractual backlog, and such differences may be material. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business” for a discussion of some of the factors that may affect our revenues.
Patents and Proprietary Rights
As of December 31, 2011, Telesat had seven patents all in the United States. These patents expire between 2018 and 2027. Telesat also has several pending domestic and international patent applications.
There can be no assurance that infringement of existing third party patents has not occurred or will not occur. Additionally, because the patent application process is confidential, there can be no assurance that third parties, including competitors, do not have patents pending that could result in issued patents which we may infringe. In such event, we may be restricted from continuing the infringing activities, which could adversely affect our business, or we may be required to obtain a license from a patent holder and pay royalties, which would increase our cost of doing business.
Research and Development
Our research and development expenditures are incurred for the studies associated with advanced satellite system designs, and experimentation and development of space, satellite and ground communications products. This also includes the development of innovative and cost effective satellite applications for sovereignty, defense, broadcast, broadband, and enterprise services segments. Telesat has undertaken proof-of-concept interactive broadband technologies trials to support health, education, government and other applications to remote and under-served areas. Telesat continues to research advanced compression and transmission technology to support HDTV and other advanced television services.
Competition
We are one of three global FSS operators. We compete against other global, regional and national FSS operators and, for certain services and in certain regions, with providers of terrestrial-based communications services.
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Fixed Satellite Operators
The other two global FSS operators are Intelsat S.A. (“Intelsat”) and SES S.A. (“SES”). We also compete with a number of nationally or regionally focused FSS operators around the world, including Eutelsat S.A. (“Eutelsat”), the third largest FSS operator in the world.
Intelsat, SES and Eutelsat are each substantially larger than we are in terms of both the number of satellites they have in-orbit as well as their revenues. We believe that Intelsat and its subsidiaries together have a global fleet of over fifty satellites, that SES and its subsidiaries have a fleet of approximately fifty satellites, and that Eutelsat and its subsidiaries have a fleet of over twenty satellites and additional capacity on another four satellites. Due to their larger sizes, these operators are able to take advantage of greater economies of scale, may be more attractive to customers, and may (depending on the specific satellite and orbital location in question) have greater flexibility to restore service to their customers in the event of a partial or total satellite failure. In addition, their larger sizes may enable them to devote more resources, both human and financial, to sales, operations, product development, and strategic alliances and acquisitions.
Regional and domestic providers: We also compete against regional FSS operators, including:
| • | in North America: Ciel, ViaSat/Wildblue, HNS/EchoStar, Satmex and Hispamar; |
| • | in Europe, Middle East, Africa: Eutelsat, Arabsat, Nilesat, Hellas Sat, RSCC, Yahsat, Turksat and Spacecom; |
| • | in Asia: AsiaSat, Measat, Thaicom, APT, PT Telkom, Optus and Asia Broadcast Satellite; and |
| • | in Latin America: Satmex, Star One, Arsat, HispaSat and Hispamar. |
A number of other countries have domestic satellite systems that we compete against in those markets.
The Canadian Government opened Canadian satellite markets to foreign satellite operators as part of its 1998 World Trade Organization commitments to liberalize trade in basic telecommunications services. As of January 2012, approximately 75 non-Canadian FSS satellites are listed as having been approved by Industry Canada for use in Canada. Three of these are Telesat satellites licensed by other administrations. The growth in satellite service providers using or planning to use Ka-band, including Avanti Communications, O3b,ViaSat/Wildblue, Eutelsat, HNS/EchoStar, Inmarsat, Yahsat and others, will result in increased competition.
Terrestrial Service Providers
Providers of terrestrial-based communications services compete with satellite operators. Increasingly, in developed and developing countries alike, governments are providing funding and other incentives to encourage the expansion of terrestrial networks resulting in increased competition for FSS operators.
Consulting Services
The market for satellite consulting services is generally comprised of a few companies qualified to provide services in specific areas of expertise. Our competitors are primarily United States and European-based companies.
Government Regulation
Canadian Regulatory Environment
The Telesat Divestiture Act
Telesat Canada was established by the Government of Canada in 1969 under the Telesat Canada Act. As part of the Canadian government’s divestiture of its shares in Telesat Canada, pursuant to the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act (1991), or the Telesat Divestiture Act, Telesat Canada was continued on March 27, 1992 as a business corporation under the CBCA, the Telesat Canada Act was repealed and the Canadian government sold its shares in Telesat Canada. The Telesat Divestiture Act provides that no legislation relating to the solvency or winding-up of a corporation applies to Telesat Canada and that its affairs cannot be wound up unless authorized by an Act of Parliament. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — Because of the Telesat Canada Reorganization and Divestiture Act, a Canadian act uniquely applicable to Telesat Canada (but not the guarantors, other subsidiaries or Telesat LLC), Telesat Canada may
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not have access to the usual protections from creditors and other rights available to insolvent persons, and creditors, including holders of the notes, may not have recourse to the usual rights, remedies and protections under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws generally available to creditors of insolvent persons.” In addition, Telesat Canada and its shareholders and directors cannot apply for Telesat Canada’s continuation in another jurisdiction or dissolution unless authorized by an Act of Parliament.
Telecommunications Regulation
We are subject to regulation by government authorities in Canada, the United States and other countries in which we operate and are subject to the frequency and orbital location coordination process of the ITU. Our ability to provide satellite services in a particular country or region is subject also to the technical constraints of our satellites, international coordination, local regulation including as it applies to securing landing rights and licensing requirements.
The Telecommunications Act
Telesat Canada is a Canadian carrier under the Telecommunications Act (Canada), or the Telecom Act. The Telecom Act authorizes the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC”) to regulate various aspects of the provision of telecommunications services by us and other telecommunications service providers. Under the current regulatory regime, we have pricing flexibility subject to a price ceiling on certain full period FSS services offered in Canada under minimum five-year arrangements, and otherwise we are not required to file tariffs for approvals. DBS services offered within Canada are also subject to CRTC regulation, but have been treated as distinct from FSS services and facilities. We require CRTC approval of customer agreements relating to the sale of DBS capacity in Canada, including the rates, terms and conditions of service set out therein. Section 28(2) of the Telecom Act provides that the CRTC may allocate satellite capacity to particular broadcasting undertakings if it is satisfied that the allocation will further the implementation of the broadcasting policy for Canada. The exercise by the CRTC of its rights under section 28(2) of the Telecommunications Act could affect our relationship with existing customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, business prospects and financial condition.
Radiocommunication Act
Our operations are also subject to regulation and licensing by Industry Canada pursuant to the Radiocommunication Act (Canada). Industry Canada has the authority to issue licenses, establish standards, assign Canadian orbital locations, and plan the allocation and use of the radio frequency spectrum, including the radio frequencies upon which our satellites and earth stations depend. The Minister responsible for Industry Canada has broad discretion in exercising this authority to issue licenses, fix and amend conditions of licenses, and to suspend or even revoke them. Our licenses to operate the Anik and Nimiq satellites require us to comply with research and development and other industrial and public benefit commitments, to pay annual radio authorization fees, and to provide all-Canada satellite coverage.
Industry Canada traditionally licensed satellite radio spectrum and associated orbital locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, however, a competitive licensing process is employed for certain spectrum resources where it is anticipated that demand will likely exceed supply, including the licensing of certain FSS and BSS orbital locations and associated spectrum resources. Authorizations are granted for the life of a satellite although radio licenses (e.g., FSS licenses) are renewed annually. As a result of policy concerns about the continuity of service and other factors, there is generally a strong presumption of renewal provided license conditions are met.
The Canadian Government opened Canadian satellite markets to foreign satellite operators as part of its 1998 World Trade Organization (“WTO”) commitments to liberalize trade in basic telecommunications services, with the exception of DTH television services provided through FSS or DBS facilities. Satellite digital audio radio service markets were also closed to foreign entry until 2005. In September 2005, the Canadian Government revised its satellite-use policy to permit the use of foreign-licensed satellites for digital audio radio services in Canada. Further liberalization of the policy may occur and could result in increased competition in Canadian satellite markets. See “Business Overview — Competition” for more information about our competitors in the Canadian satellite market.
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Contribution Collection Mechanism
Since November 2000, pursuant to the CRTC’s Decision CRTC 2000-745, virtually all telecommunications service providers are required to pay contribution charges based on their Canadian telecommunications service revenues, minus certain deductions (e.g., retail Internet and paging revenues, terminal equipment sales and inter-carrier payments). The contribution rate varies from year to year. It was initially set at 4.5% of eligible revenues but was significantly reduced in subsequent years. The rate for 2011 was 0.66%.
United States Regulatory Environment
The FCC regulates the provision of satellite services to, from, or within the United States.
We have chosen to operate our U.S.-authorized satellites on a non-common carrier basis. Consequently, they are not subject to rate regulation or other common carrier regulations enacted under the Communications Act of 1934. We pay FCC filing fees in connection with our space station and earth station applications and annual fees to defray the FCC’s regulatory expenses. Annual and quarterly status reports must be filed with the FCC for interstate/international telecommunications and contribution charges to the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (“USF”) based on eligible United States telecom revenues are paid on a quarterly and annual basis. The USF contribution rate is adjusted quarterly and is currently set at 17.9% for the first quarter of 2012. At the present time, the FCC does not assess USF contributions with respect to bare transponder capacity (i.e., agreements for space segment only). Telesat’s United States telecom revenues that are USF eligible are currentlyde minimis, and USF payments are not required.
The FCC currently grants satellite authorizations on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who demonstrate that they are legally, technically and financially qualified, and that the public interest will be served by the grant. Under licensing rules, a bond must be posted for up to U.S.$3 million when an FSS satellite authorization is granted. Some or the entire amount of the bond may be forfeited if there is failure to meet any of the milestones for satellite contracting, design, construction, launch and commencement of operations. According to current licensing rules, the FCC will issue new satellite licenses for an initial fifteen-year term and will provide a licensee with an “expectancy” that a subsequent license will be granted for the replacement of an authorized satellite using the same frequencies. At the end of the 15 year term, a satellite that has not been replaced, or that has been relocated to another orbital location following its replacement, may be allowed to continue operations for a limited period of time subject to certain restrictions.
To facilitate the provision of FSS in C-, Ku- and Ka-band frequencies in the United States market, foreign licensed operators can apply to have their satellites placed on the FCC’s Permitted Space Station List. Our Anik F1, Anik F1R, Anik F2, Anik F3 and Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellites are currently on this list. Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul 1 was on the FCC’s Permitted Space Station List until November 7, 2011 when it was removed from regular operation prior to it being deorbited on November 17, 2011.
The United States made no WTO commitment to open its DTH, DBS or digital audio radio services to foreign competition, and instead indicated that provision of these services by foreign operators would be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on an evaluation of the effective competitive opportunities open to United States operators in the country in which the foreign satellite was licensed (i.e., an ECO-sat test) as well as other public interest criteria. While Canada currently does not satisfy the ECO-sat test in the case of DTH and DBS service, the FCC has found, in a number of cases, that provision of these services into the United States using Canadian-licensed satellites would provide significant public interest benefits and would therefore be allowed. In cases involving us, United States service providers Digital Broadband Applications Corp., DIRECTV and EchoStar have all received FCC approval to access Canadian-authorized satellites under Telesat’s direction and control in Canadian-licensed orbital locations to provide DTH-FSS or DBS service into the United States.
The approval of the FCC for the Telesat Canada acquisition and the Skynet Transaction was conditioned upon Telesat Holdings’, Telesat Interco’s and Loral Skynet’s compliance with commitments made to the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security relating to the availability of certain records and communications in the United States in response to lawful United States law enforcement requests for such access.
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The export of United States-manufactured satellites and technical information related to satellites, earth station equipment and provision of services to certain countries are subject to State Department, Commerce Department and Treasury Department regulations.
In 1999, the United States State Department published amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) which included satellites on the list of items requiring export licenses. These provisions have limited our access to technical information and have had a negative impact on our international consulting revenues.
If we do not maintain our existing authorizations or obtain necessary future authorizations under the export control laws and regulations of the United States, we may be unable to export technical information or equipment to non-U.S. persons and companies, including to our own non-U.S. employees, as required to fulfill existing contracts. If we do not maintain our existing authorizations or obtain necessary future authorizations under the trade sanctions laws and regulations of the United States, we may not be able to provide satellite capacity and related administrative services to certain countries subject to U.S. sanctions. Our ability to acquire new United States-manufactured satellites, procure launch services and launch new satellites, operate existing satellites, obtain insurance and pursue our rights under insurance policies or conduct our satellite-related operations and consulting activities could also be negatively affected if we and our suppliers are not able to obtain and maintain required U.S. export authorizations.
Brazil Regulatory Environment
The Brazilian national telecommunications agency, ANATEL, has authorized us, through our subsidiary, Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. (“TBCS”), to operate a Ku-band FSS satellite at the 63° WL orbital location. In December 2008, TBCS entered into a new 15-year Concession Agreement with ANATEL which requires TBCS to dedicate a minimum amount of bandwidth to serve only Brazil until May 2014. After May 2014, this requirement will be removed. The Concession Agreement obligates TBCS to operate the satellite in accordance with Brazilian telecommunications law and contains provisions to enable ANATEL to levy fines for failure to perform according to the Concession terms. Brazil also has a Universal Service Fund (“FUST”) to subsidize the cost of telecommunications service in Brazil. The sale of “bare transponder capacity” in Brazil, however, which is TBCS’ primary business, is not considered a telecommunications service and revenues from such sales are not assessable for contributions to the fund.
Tonga Regulatory Environment
We, through our subsidiary Telesat Satellite LP, own Telstar 18, which operates at the 138° EL orbital location under an agreement with APT, which has been granted the right to use the 138° EL orbital location by The Kingdom of Tonga. APT is the direct interface with the Tonga regulatory bodies. Because we have gained access to this orbital location through APT, there is greater uncertainty with respect to our ability to maintain access to this orbital location for replacement satellites.
United Kingdom Regulatory Environment
We own and operate the portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite (115° WL) payload that is capable of providing service within Canada. ViaSat-1 operates in accordance with a license granted by the United Kingdom regulatory agency, OFCOM, to ManSat, Ltd. ManSat Ltd. has been granted exclusive rights by the Isle of Man Government to manage all aspects of Isle of Man satellite orbital filings. The Isle of Man is a British Crown Dependency and Isle of Man satellite orbital filings are filed with the ITU-BR by OFCOM. Both Telesat and ViaSat have a commercial relationship with ManSat. ViaSat and Telesat have agreed to cooperate in their dealings with ManSat with respect to the ViaSat-1 satellite for OFCOM and ITU purposes.
Landing Rights and Other Regulatory Requirements
In addition to regulatory requirements governing the use of orbital locations, most countries regulate transmission signals to, and for uplink signals from, their territory. Telesat has landing rights in more than 140 countries worldwide. In many jurisdictions, landing rights are granted on a per satellite basis and applications must be made to secure landing rights on replacement satellites.
International Regulatory Environment-International Telecommunication Union
The ITU is responsible for allocating the use by different countries of a finite number of orbital locations and radio frequency spectrum available for use by commercial communications satellites. The ITU Radio
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Regulations set forth the processes that governments must follow to secure rights to use orbital locations and the obligations and restrictions that govern such use. The process includes, for example, a “first in time, first in right” system for allocating most orbital locations and time limits for bringing orbital locations into use.
The Canadian, United States and other governments have rights to use certain orbital locations and frequencies. Telesat has been authorized to use certain orbital locations and frequencies in addition to those used by our current satellites. Under the ITU Radio Regulations, the filing government (through the satellite operator the government in question has authorized) must begin using these orbital locations and frequencies within a fixed period of time, or lose their priority rights. As a result, the orbital location and frequencies likely would become available for use by another government and satellite operator.
The ITU Radio Regulations also govern the process used by satellite operators to coordinate their operations with other satellites, so as to avoid harmful interference. Each member state is required to give notice of, coordinate, and register its proposed use of radiofrequency assignments and associated orbital locations with the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau (the “ITU-BR”).
Once a member state has filed with the ITU-BR its proposed use of a given frequency at a given orbital location, other member states notify that state and the ITU-BR of any use or intended use that would conflict with the original proposal. These nations are then obligated to negotiate with each other in an effort to coordinate the proposed uses and resolve interference concerns. If all outstanding issues are resolved, the member state governments notify the ITU-BR that coordination has been successfully completed, which is a requirement for the frequency use to be entered into the ITU’s Master Register (“MIFR”). Registered satellite networks are entitled under international law to interference protection from subsequent or nonconforming uses. A state is not entitled to invoke the protections in the ITU Radio Regulations against harmful interference if that state decided to operate a satellite at the relevant orbital location without completing the coordination process.
Under the ITU Radio Regulations, a country that places a satellite or any ground station into operation without completing coordination and notification would be vulnerable to interference from other systems and might have to alter the operating parameters of its satellite network if the ITU found that the satellite caused harmful interference to other users already entered in the MIFR or with a network that had been earlier-filed with the ITU-BR.
Some of our satellites have been coordinated and registered in the MIFR and therefore enjoy priority over all later-filed requests for coordination and any non-conforming uses. In other cases, entry into the MIFR is still pending. In some of the cases where entry into the MIFR is pending, there are operators that maintain that they have priority over our satellites and we continue to discuss coordination issues with these and other operators and may need to make additional concessions in connection with future coordination efforts which, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, as well as on the value of our business. The failure to reach an appropriate arrangement with such satellite operators may render it impossible to secure entry into the MIFR and result in substantial restrictions on the use and operations of our existing satellites at their orbital locations. In the event disputes arise during the coordination process or thereafter, the ITU Radio Regulations set forth procedures for resolving disputes but do not contain a mandatory dispute resolution mechanism or an enforcement mechanism. Rather, the rules invite a consensual dispute resolution process for parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Neither the rules nor international law provide a clear remedy for a party where this voluntary process fails.
Although non-governmental entities, including us, participate at the ITU, only national administrations have full standing as ITU members. Consequently, we must rely on the government administrations of Canada, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Tonga to represent our interests there, including filing and coordinating our orbital locations within the ITU process and with the national administrations of other countries, obtaining new orbital locations, and resolving disputes through the consensual process provided for in the ITU’s rules. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business” for a discussion on how the international regulatory environment may affect our revenues.
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Capital Expenditures
For a description of our principal capital expenditures during the past two fiscal years, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures.”
Property
We own or lease, as described, the satellites and other property identified under “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — In-Orbit Satellites”, “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — Rights to Other Satellites” and “Item 4D. Property, plants and equipment — Satellite Operations and Related Facilities — Satellite Control Centre and Teleport/Earth Station Facilities.”
C. Organizational structure.
Our corporate structure is as follows:
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| (1) | PSP Investments holds 30% of the shares eligible to vote for directors; the remaining 36 2/3% of shares eligible to vote for directors is held by two independent individuals. |
| (2) | Telesat LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telesat Canada and exists primarily for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of Telesat Canada’s 11% senior notes due November 1, 2015 and 12.5% senior subordinated notes due November 1, 2017 and co-borrower under our senior secured credit facilities. |
D. Property, plants and equipment.
In-Orbit Satellites
Our North American focused fleet is comprised of seven satellites (Anik F1R, Anik F2, Anik F3, Nimiq 1, Nimiq 2, Nimiq 4 and Nimiq 5), plus the Canadian beams on ViaSat-1. Our international fleet is comprised of five satellites (Anik F1, Telstar 11N, Telstar 12, Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 and Telstar 18).
Our operations and engineering personnel are actively involved in all stages of the lifecycle of a satellite from the design through the deorbiting of the satellites that we procure. Our personnel work directly with our contractors at the contractor’s site to provide technical input and monitor progress during the satellite’s design, construction and launch phases. Our personnel operate all of our owned satellites throughout the life of the satellite. We monitor earth station operations and around-the-clock satellite control and network operations in order to respond when problems occur. In addition, we have in place contingency plans, which we review on a regular basis, for technical problems that may occur during the life of a satellite. We also work closely with earth station manufacturers to test and implement the earth stations that we procure, and to resolve technical problems as they arise.
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The table below summarizes selected data relating to our owned in-orbit satellite capacity as of December 31, 2011:
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| | Orbital Location Regions Covered | | Launch Date | | Manufacturer’s End-of-Service Life | | End-of-Orbital Maneuver Life(1) | | Our Transponders | | Hosted Transponders L-band | | Model |
| | C-band(2) | | Ku-band(2) | | Ka-band |
Nimiq 1 | | 91.1° WL Canada, Continental United States | | May 1999 | | 2011 | | 2024 | | no | | yes | | no | | no | | A2100 AX (Lockheed Martin) |
Nimiq 2 | | 91.1° WL Canada, Continental United States | | December 2002 | | 2015 | | 2021 | | no | | yes | | yes | | no | | A2100 AX (Lockheed Martin) |
Nimiq 4 | | 82° WL Canada | | September 2008 | | 2023 | | 2027 | | no | | yes | | yes | | no | | E3000 (EADS Astrium) |
Nimiq 5 | | 72.7° WL Canada, Continental United States | | September 2009 | | 2024 | | 2035 | | no | | yes | | no | | no | | SS/L 1300 |
Anik F1 | | 107.3° WL South America | | November 2000 | | 2016 | | 2022 | | yes | | yes | | no | | no | | BSS702 (Boeing) |
Anik F2 | | 111.1° WL Canada, Continental United States | | July 2004 | | 2019 | | 2027 | | yes | | yes | | yes | | no | | BSS702 (Boeing) |
Anik F1R(3) | | 107.3° WL North America | | September 2005 | | 2020 | | 2023 | | yes | | yes | | no | | yes | | E3000 (EADS Astrium) |
Anik F3 | | 118.7° WL Canada, Continental United States | | April 2007 | | 2022 | | 2026 | | yes | | yes | | yes | | no | | E3000 (EADS Astrium) |
Telstar 11N | | 37.55° WL North and Central America, Europe, Africa and the maritime Atlantic Ocean region | | February 2009 | | 2024 | | 2026 | | no | | yes | | no | | no | | SS/L 1300 |
Telstar 12(4) | | 15° WL Eastern United States, SE Canada, Europe, Russia, Middle East, South Africa, portions of South and Central America | | October 1999 | | 2012 | | 2016 | | no | | yes | | no | | no | | SS/L 1300 |
Telstar 14R/ Estrela do Sul 2(5) | | 63° WL Brazil And portions of Latin America, North America, Atlantic Ocean
| | May 2011 | | 2026 | | 2024 | | no | | yes | | no | | no | | SS/L 1300 |
Telstar 18(6),(7) | | 138° EL India, South East Asia, China, Australia And Hawaii | | June 2004 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | yes | | yes | | no | | no | | SS/L 1300 |
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| (1) | Our current estimate of when each satellite will be decommissioned, taking account of anomalies and malfunctions the satellites have experienced to date and other factors such as remaining fuel levels, consumption rates and other available engineering data. These estimates are subject to change and it is possible that the actual orbital maneuver life of any of these satellites will be shorter than we currently anticipate. Further, it is anticipated that the payload capacity of each satellite may be reduced prior to the estimated end of orbital maneuver life. For example, we currently anticipate that we will need to commence the turndown of transponders on Anik F1 prior to the End of Orbital Maneuver Life, as a result of further degradation in available power. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — The actual orbital maneuver lives of our satellites may be shorter than we anticipate and we may be required to reduce available capacity on our satellites prior to the end of their orbital maneuver lives.” |
| (2) | Includes the DBS Ku-band, extended C-band and extended Ku-band in certain cases. |
| (3) | We do not provide service in the L-band. The Anik F3 L-band payload is licensed to our customer by the FCC. |
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| (4) | Four of Telstar 12’s transponders are leased to Eutelsat to settle coordination issues, and we lease back three of these transponders. |
| (5) | Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 experienced a solar array anomaly upon deployment. |
| (6) | Includes 16.6MHz of C-band capacity provided to the Government of Tonga in lieu of a cash payment for the use of the orbital location. |
| (7) | The satellite carries additional transponders (the “APT transponders”), as to which APT has a prepaid lease through the end of life of the satellite in consideration for APT’s funding a portion of the satellite’s cost. This transaction was accounted for as a sales-type lease, because substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to the ownership of the leased transponders were transferred to APT. We have agreed with APT among other things that if we are able to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses from the U.S. government under U.S. export laws, we would transfer title to the APT transponders on Telstar 18 to APT, as well as a corresponding interest in the elements on the satellite that are common to or shared by the APT transponders and our transponders. Telesat acquired two transponders from APT for an additional payment in August 2009. |
Nimiq Satellites
A number of LM A2100 series of satellites have suffered similar in-orbit failures of circuits on their solar arrays. Lockheed Martin has determined that Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2 are in the family of spacecraft that is susceptible to this anomaly.
In July 2008, Nimiq 1 suffered a solar array circuit failure. In October 2009, Nimiq 1 experienced a further solar array circuit failure, resulting in a reduction of total available power. At this time, the solar array power continues to support operations beyond the end of Nimiq 1’s manufacturer’s end-of-service life.
Nimiq 1 has suffered a number of battery cell failures which have required some adjustments to the spacecraft’s operations to support the provision of satellite services.
In February 2003, Nimiq 2 experienced an anomaly affecting the available power on the satellite. Lockheed Martin, the satellite’s manufacturer, concluded the most likely cause of this anomaly was an electrical short-circuit caused by foreign object debris located in a single power-carrying connector. As a result of this anomaly, the south solar array power cannot be recovered. At the time of this anomaly, Nimiq 2 was insured. During the third quarter of 2003, we successfully settled with our insurers a claim for the loss valued at US$49.8 million; 50% of the proceeds were paid to our customer.
In September 2006, Nimiq 2 experienced a failure of a solar array circuit, resulting in a reduction of available power. In March 2009, Nimiq 2 experienced a failure of an additional solar array circuit, resulting in further reduction in available power. Presently, we are able to support eleven of Nimiq 2’s thirty-two Ku-band transponders operating at saturation; however, it is currently expected that the available capacity will be reduced over time.
In April 2005, another satellite operator reported that a satellite of the same series as Nimiq 2 suffered a solar array anomaly that resulted in the complete loss of one array and a corresponding 50% reduction in available satellite power. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, has traced the most likely cause of this failure to a component on the solar array drive. Unlike Nimiq 1, Nimiq 2 has this component in its remaining functioning solar array. If this same component failed on the functioning array of Nimiq 2, this would result in a total loss of the satellite which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Anik Satellites
Anik F1 was designed with the capability to cover both North America and South America from the 107.3° WL orbital location. In August 2001, Boeing, the manufacturer of the Anik F1 satellite, advised us of a gradual decrease in available power on-board the satellite. Boeing investigated the cause of the power loss and reported that the power will continue to degrade. We procured a replacement satellite, Anik F1R, which was launched in 2005. The North American traffic on Anik F1 was transferred to Anik F1R. We now use Anik F1 to provide coverage of South America only. In December 2002, Telesat Canada filed a claim for Anik F1 as a constructive total loss under its insurance policies. In November 2006, Telesat commenced arbitration proceedings against Boeing in connection with the Anik F1 power loss. A portion of its claim was in respect of the subrogated rights of its insurers. See “Item 8A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” for a more detailed description of Telesat’s claim and the proceeding.
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We have experienced and continue to experience intermittent anomalies with certain amplifiers in the Ka-band and Ku-band payloads on Anik F2. Boeing, the manufacturer, has completed its investigation of these anomalies. The majority of the affected Ka-band units continue to remain in service through modifying operational configurations. Four of the six affected Ku-band TWTAs have been switched out for spares; however, these can be brought back into service if required. In February 2010, Anik F2 experienced an anomaly with one of its two telemetry transmitters. While the failure of a single telemetry transmitter does not impact satellite operations or the service we provide to our customers, in the event we are unable to restore any redundancy and the second telemetry transmitter were to fail we would cease receiving important information from the satellite regarding its position in orbit and health. Without this information our ability to operate the satellite would be adversely effected and were we to experience a further anomaly on the satellite under such circumstances, we could be at significantly greater risk of experiencing a satellite failure and complete loss of service to our customers. A software patch for the satellite is being developed by Boeing to provide telemetry to support operations in the event of a failure of the second transmitter. We expect this patch will be implemented on the satellite in 2012. At present, we are not insured with respect to any failure of the second transmitter.
There is a small Ka-band payload on Anik F3 which experienced an anomaly following launch. We have implemented a plan to remedy the effect of this anomaly and the Ka-band payload is now operational. A US$4 million insurance settlement was agreed to in 2008.
Telstar Satellites
Telstar 12 has experienced losses of power from its solar arrays. These losses of power have not resulted in any operational impact or reduction in the number of available transponders to date. The rate of any future solar array degradation and the corresponding number of transponders that may have to be removed from service, if any, cannot be predicted. Therefore the impact on future revenue generation is uncertain. Telstar 12 experienced a loss of one of two command receivers. Full command-receiver redundancy was subsequently restored through the loading of a software upgrade. Telstar 12 has experienced a loss of some redundant equipment that has not impacted satellite operations to date.
Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2’s North solar array only partially deployed after launch, diminishing the power and expected orbital maneuver life of the satellite. At the end of July 2011, the satellite began commercial service with substantially reduced available transponder capacity and with an expected end-of-orbital maneuver life reduced to 2024. It is currently expected that the available transponder capacity will be reduced over time. An insurance claim was filed and U.S.$132.7 million paid to Telesat in 2011 for these losses. If the damaged solar array on Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 were to unexpectedly deploy in the future this could result in a loss of capability to provide service.
Telstar 18 has experienced a failure of one of its two telemetry transmitters. The failure of a single telemetry transmitter does not impact satellite operations or the service we provide to our customers. A software patch for the satellite has been developed by SS/Loral to provide telemetry to support operations in the event of a failure of the second transmitter. This patch was implemented on the spacecraft in 2011. Telstar 18 has experienced a loss of some other redundant equipment that has not impacted satellite operations to date.
In general, our satellites are exposed to the potential risk of loss. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Our in-orbit satellites may fail to operate as expected due to operational anomalies resulting in lost revenues, increased costs and/or termination of contracts” for more information about the risks of loss associated with satellite anomalies.
Rights to Other Satellites
In addition, we have rights to the following satellite capacity to end of service life of those satellites:
| • | Satmex 5: three 36MHz Ku-band transponders; |
| • | Satmex 6: two 36MHz C-band transponders; two 36 MHz Ku-band transponders; and |
| • | ABS-3 (formerly Agila 2): two 36MHz C-band transponders and five and one half 36MHz Ku-band transponders. |
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| • | ViaSat-1: Ka-band Canadian payload consisting of 9 user beams of 500/1000MHz bandwith |
Satellites Under Construction
As of December 31, 2011, we had entered into contractual arrangements with SS/L for the construction of:
| • | Nimiq 6: which we anticipate will be launched in the first half of 2012. Nimiq 6 will have 32 high powered Ku-band transponders and Bell TV has contracted for the use of this new satellite for its lifetime to serve Bell TV subscribers across Canada. This satellite will be located at the 91.1° WL orbital location and provide coverage of Canada; and |
| • | Anik G1: which we anticipate will be launched in the second half of 2012. Anik G1’s 16 extended Ku-band transponders have been contracted to Shaw Direct to support Shaw’s DTH services in Canada, and its three X-band transponders have been contracted to Paradigm Services, in both cases for the life of the satellite. Anik G1 will be co-located with our Anik F1 satellite at the 107.3° WL orbital location, doubling both the Ku-band and C-band transponders serving South America from this location. |
Other Orbital Spectrum
We have been authorized by governments to operate using additional frequencies at some of the orbital locations where we are currently operating a satellite; including in the RDBS (17 GHz BSS) frequency at some of our DBS locations. In addition, we have been authorized by governments to operate at other orbital locations where we currently do not have a satellite in service.
There can be no assurance that we will make use of all orbital spectrum available to us.
In general, our satellites are subject to various regulatory authorities and to the rights of other operators. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business” for more information about these risks. Our operations may be limited or precluded by ITU rules or processes and we are required to coordinate our operations with those of other satellite operators.
Satellite Operations and Related Facilities
Satellite Control Centre and Teleport/Earth Station Facilities
Our primary Satellite Control Centre (“SCC”) is located at our headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. The SCC is the hub for our satellite-related activities. The facility is staffed 24 hours per day and currently operates eleven Telesat owned satellites: Anik F1, Anik F1R, Anik F2, Anik F3, Nimiq 1, Nimiq 2, Nimiq 4, Nimiq 5, Telstar 11N, Telstar 12 and Telstar 18. Telesat also operates ViaSat-1, as well as numerous other satellites for third parties from our SCC in Ottawa. We operate our Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellite from our SCC in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Telesat leases an area in its headquarters building of approximately 112,000 rentable square feet pursuant to a lease which provides for a fifteen year term (terminable by Telesat Canada at any time after ten years upon two years’ notice), commencing February 1, 2009.
The Allan Park earth station, located northwest of Toronto, Ontario on approximately 65 acres of land, houses a customer support centre and a technical control centre. This facility is the single point of contact for Telesat’s customers internationally and is also the main earth station complex providing TT&C services for the satellites that we operate. The Allan Park earth station also houses our back-up satellite control centre for the Nimiq and Anik satellites. The back-up satellite control centre for the Telstar satellites is located at the Mount Jackson earth station. We would have the functional ability to restore satellite control services via the Allan Park and Mount Jackson back-up control centres if our primary SCCs became disabled.
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In addition to the Ottawa headquarters and the Allan Park earth station, we operate a number of teleports, including the following:
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Teleport | | Teleport Lands Owned/Leased by Us or Our Subsidiaries |
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | | | Owned | |
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | | | Owned | |
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | | | Leased | |
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | | | Owned | |
Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | | Owned | |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | | | Leased | |
Mount Jackson, Virginia, USA | | | Owned | |
Perth, Australia | | | Leased | |
Belo Horizonte, Brazil | | | Owned | |
In addition to these facilities, we lease facilities for administrative and sales offices in various locations throughout Canada and the United States as well as in Brazil, England, the Netherlands and Singapore. One of our subsidiaries, SpaceConnection, owns the office building in North Hollywood, California from which it conducts its operations.
Telesat’s lease for the teleport located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada ends on November 30, 2012. This teleport will be closed and the operations transferred to other Telesat teleports.
Satellite Operations Risk Management
Satellites utilize highly complex technology and operate in the harsh environment of space and, accordingly, are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. These risks include anomalies that have occurred in our satellites and the satellites of other operators. Once our satellites are in orbit, there is a risk that a failure could prevent them from completing their commercial mission of providing uninterrupted service to customers. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Our in-orbit satellites may fail to operate as expected due to operational anomalies resulting in lost revenues, increased costs and/or termination of contracts.”
To ensure continuity of service to our customers, we engineer satellites with on-board redundancies by including spare equipment on the satellite, conduct standard testing programs that provide high confidence of performance levels, and purchase insurance.
Our primary consideration in managing our satellite telecommunications systems is to provide reliable and cost-effective services to our customers. We endeavor to limit the assumption of risk to activities under our control. Our space risk management program has been designed to achieve these objectives.
Non-Insurance Risk Management Initiatives
The risk management program begins at the technical analysis and design stage of the satellites. We engineer certain redundancy on-board every satellite. Furthermore, we are involved in overseeing the manufacture of all of our satellites. We require the manufacturer and its subcontractors to follow assembly and quality assurance programs. We secure and maintain access to work performed by the satellite manufacturer and its subcontractors for the purpose of observing the quality and progress of such work. Comprehensive testing is conducted at the manufacturer’s or a subcontractor’s plant which must meet industry standards and, in many cases, be supervised by our engineering personnel. Our engineering personnel review program management and construction schedules, engineering, design, manufacturing and integration and testing activities at both the manufacturer’s and subcontractor’s sites. After construction is complete, we conduct final acceptance inspections of all deliverable items.
We believe it is crucial to have knowledge and insight into the launch vehicles being used to launch our satellites. Our engineering personnel are on site before and during all launches to observe that all checks and integration steps are completed.
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We believe that these quality assurance and manufacturing process monitoring programs help us reduce the risk of satellite failures and anomalies and result in lower launch and in-orbit insurance costs.
Emergency Committee
Protecting and maintaining service to customers is of vital importance to us. Our emergency committee is responsible for managing the restoration of services in the event of an actual or threatened critical condition, such as a satellite failure, the loss of telemetry and tracking ability or the loss of earth station functionality. Despite our efforts, satellite failures or other anomalies may occur. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Our in-orbit satellites may fail to operate as expected due to operational anomalies resulting in lost revenues, increased costs and/or termination of contracts.” We may also experience a failure of our ground operations infrastructure. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — We may experience a failure of ground operations infrastructure or interference with our satellite signals that impairs the commercial performance of, or the services delivered over, our satellites or the satellites of other operators for whom we provide ground services, which could result in a material loss of revenues.”
Satellite Insurance
We are required to maintain certain satellite insurance under the covenants of our senior secured credit facilities and under the indentures governing the notes. In addition, we may purchase additional insurance as we deem appropriate.
Satellite insurance falls into three categories: Pre-Launch Insurance, Launch Insurance and In-Orbit Insurance.
Pre-Launch Insurance
Pre-launch risks (risks during the manufacturing and transport phase) are primarily managed through contractual arrangements between us and the satellite manufacturer.
Launch Insurance
The procurement of satellite launch insurance is, and has been, an integral part of our risk management program. It has been our practice to insure our launches where we bear the risk of loss. Typically, our launch insurance has covered the following events during the period of coverage: (i) delivery from the launch pad to orbit; (ii) separation from the launch vehicle; (iii) drift orbit maneuvers; (iv) solar array and antenna deployment; and (v) testing and commissioning.
In-Orbit Insurance
In-orbit (life) insurance provides coverage for total and/or partial losses during the operating phase of a satellite. In-orbit insurance may be purchased at the same time launch insurance is procured (for new satellites) or once the satellite is in orbit, in the case of existing satellites, subject to functionality and insurance market conditions. Premium rates are dependent on the operating condition of the satellite and other satellites of the same design or using the same components as well as prevailing insurance market conditions. Typically, these insurance policies exclude coverage for damage arising from acts of war, anti-satellite devices, lasers, and other similar potential risks for which exclusions are customary in the industry at the time the policy is written. In addition, they typically exclude coverage for satellite health-related problems affecting our satellites and other satellites of the same design or using the same components that are known at the time the policy is written.
Insurance Coverage
We comply with requirements to maintain satellite insurance under the terms of our credit agreement and indentures. Under the most restrictive of these covenants, we are required to maintain insurance equal to a minimum of 50% of the net book value of certain operating satellites, and an aggregate of 75% of the net book value across the satellite fleet. As of December 31, 2011, we complied with these requirements and have arranged in-orbit insurance policies that generally expire in May 2012.
We may discontinue or change our in-orbit insurance practices in the future, subject to the requirements of our credit agreement and indentures. Some of our satellite in-orbit insurance policies contain deductibles or coverage exclusions related to potential future failures of certain specific on-board components.
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We do not insure our interests in Anik F1, Nimiq 2, Nimiq 1 or Telstar 18. We also do not insure our transponders on Satmex 5 or Satmex 6.
Following the launch of Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 in May 2011, the satellites’ north solar array failed to deploy. Insurance coverage was in place to cover the failure. During 2011, a claim was filed with the insurers. In late 2011, the claim was settled with insurers and payment of U.S.$132.7 million was received. Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 remains partially insured under the launch insurance policy placed to cover launch and initial in-orbit operations.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
A. Operating results.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Telesat Holdings Inc.’s consolidated financial statements beginning at Page F-1 of this Annual Report. As used in this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”), unless the context states or requires otherwise, references to “Telesat”, “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to Telesat Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. Unless the context states or requires otherwise, reference herein to “the consolidated financial statements” or “the financial statements” or similar terms refer to the consolidated financial statements of Telesat Holdings Inc. included herein.
The dollar amounts presented in this Annual Report are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. On December 31, 2011, the Bloomberg exchange rate was USD$1 = CAD$1.0213. The average exchange rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was USD$1 = CAD$0.9850.
Telesat adopted International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”) in accordance with IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS 1”). The first date on which IFRS was applied was January 1, 2010. As a result, the 2010 comparative figures are also prepared in accordance with IFRS and may differ from what was reported in the Annual Report for the same period in 2010. Refer to note 5 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, for additional details on the differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS. Furthermore, IFRS differs in certain respects from United States GAAP; however, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted Release No. 33-8879 to accept foreign private issuers financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) without reconciliation to United States GAAP in their filings with the SEC. As a result, we are not presenting a reconciliation to United States GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 in this Annual Report.
Except for the historical information contained in the following MD&A, the matters discussed below are not historical facts, but are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the possibility of Telesat entering into a Refinancing Transaction. In addition, we or our representatives have made and may continue to make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing, in other contexts. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “expects”, “plans”, “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “project”, “intend”, or “outlook” or other variations of these words. These statements, including without limitation those relating to Telesat and Telesat Canada, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual events or results may differ materially as a result of a wide variety of factors and conditions, many of which are beyond our control. For a detailed discussion of these and other factors and conditions, please refer to “Item 3.D — Risk Factors” and to note 27 to our audited consolidated financial statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
The information contained in this MD&A takes into account information available up to February 21, 2012, unless otherwise noted.
OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS
We are a leading global fixed satellite services operator, with offices and facilities around the world. We provide our satellite and communication services from a fleet of satellites that occupy Canadian and other orbital locations. We are organized into one operating segment, the satellite services business; however, we provide our services through three business categories: Broadcast, Enterprise and Consulting and Other.
The satellite services business is capital intensive and the build-out of a satellite fleet requires substantial time and investment. Once the investment in a satellite is made, the incremental costs to maintain and operate the satellite are relatively low over the life of the satellite, with the exception of in-orbit insurance. We have
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been able to generate a large contracted revenue backlog by entering into long-term contracts with some of our customers for all or substantially all of a satellite’s life. Historically, this has resulted in revenue from the satellite services business being fairly predictable.
At December 31, 2011, we provided satellite services to customers from our fleet of 12 in-orbit satellites. In addition, we own the Canadian Ka-band payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite which was launched in October 2011. We also have two satellites under construction: Nimiq 6, which we anticipate will be launched in the first half of 2012, and Anik G1, which we anticipate will be launched in the second half of 2012.
Telesat Canada and its affiliates operate satellites pursuant to authorizations granted by governments, including those of Canada, the United States, Brazil, the Kingdom of Tonga and the United Kingdom, to access and use certain geostationary orbital locations and associated spectrum resources. The use of these orbital locations, as well as our other operations, is subject to a variety of Canadian and international regulations.
Revenue
We earn revenue by providing video and data services using satellite transponder capacity. We also earn revenue by providing ground-based transmit and receive services, selling equipment, managing satellite networks, and providing consulting services in the field of satellite communications.
We recognize revenue when earned, as services are rendered or as products are delivered to customers. For us to recognize revenue, there must be evidence that an arrangement exists, the amount of revenue must be fixed or determinable and our ability to collect must be reasonably assured. In particular, broadcast and some enterprise revenue are generally billed in advance to the customers and recognized in the month for which the service is rendered. Consulting revenue for “cost plus” contracts is recognized after the work has been completed and accepted by the customer. The percentage of completion method is used for “fixed price” contracts.
Expenses
Our operating expenses consist mainly of labour, the cost of which is relatively stable. As we take advantage of growth opportunities through the addition of satellites to our fleet, we believe we can increase revenue with relatively smaller increases in operating expenses. Variable operating expenses include in-orbit insurance and direct-billed expenses, such as third-party contractor services.
Interest expense continues to be significant as a result of the debt facilities entered into on October 31, 2007. Non-cash foreign exchange gains or losses incurred on the translation of the U.S. dollar denominated debt and the gains or losses on financial instruments resulting from variations in the fair value of the cross-currency basis swap, interest rate swaps and the prepayment options on the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes, remain significant components of our net income.
Another significant operating expense is the straight-line depreciation of the cost of each of our satellites over their estimated useful lives.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
ViaSat-1
On April 11, 2011, we acquired from Loral the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and a 15-year revenue contract with Xplornet Communications Inc. to make use of the payload. The ViaSat-1 satellite was successfully launched in October 2011 and entered into commercial service in December 2011.
Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2
We determined that following the launch of the Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellite in May 2011, the satellite’s north solar array failed to fully deploy. The north solar array anomaly has diminished the amount of power available for the satellite’s transponders and has reduced the life expectancy of the satellite. However, the satellite will support all of the existing services to customers formerly provided by Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul, the satellite it replaced at 63 degrees West Longitude, as well as provide some additional capacity for expansion.
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As a result of the north solar array anomaly, we carried out an impairment test based on the present value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. Based on our best estimates and assumptions, there was no impairment in Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 and as a result no adjustment to the carrying value of the asset was required.
We have insurance policies that provide coverage for a total, constructive total or partial loss of Telstar 14R /Estrela do Sul 2. During the third quarter of 2011, we filed a claim under our policies with our insurers. In December, we received insurance proceeds in the amount of U.S. $132.7 million ($135 million). The proceeds will be reinvested in satellite procurements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
CORPORATE
Our Board of Directors and Shareholders have authorized management to pursue a refinancing of the our existing senior secured credit facilities which, if consummated, could result in us incurring incremental secured debt, senior to our notes, of up to $530 million. The incremental debt incurred, as well as a portion of cash on hand and cash from operations, would be used to distribute up to $705 million to our shareholders and option holders. Such transaction (the “Refinancing Transaction”) is dependent on, among other things, market conditions for a refinancing and there can be no assurance that we will be able to complete the Refinancing Transaction.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Our commitment to providing strong customer service and our focus on innovation and technical expertise has allowed us to successfully build our business to date. Building on our existing contractual revenue backlog, our focus is on taking disciplined steps to grow our core business and sell newly launched and existing in-orbit satellite services; and, in a disciplined manner, use the cash flow generated by existing business, contracted expansion satellites and cost savings to strengthen the business.
We believe our satellite fleet offers a strong combination of existing revenue backlog and revenue growth and a strong foundation upon which we will seek to continue to grow our revenue and cash flows. The growth is expected to come from the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite which launched in October 2011, our Nimiq 6 satellite, which we anticipate will be launched in the first half of 2012, our Anik G1 satellite, which we anticipate will be launched in the second half of 2012, and the sale of available capacity on our existing in-orbit satellites.
We believe we are well-positioned to serve our customers and the markets in which we participate. We actively pursue opportunities to develop new satellites, particularly in conjunction with current or prospective customers who will commit to long-term service agreements prior to the time the satellite construction contract is signed. Although we regularly pursue opportunities to develop new satellites, we do not procure additional or replacement satellites until we believe there is a demonstrated need and a sound business plan for such satellite capacity.
We anticipate that we can increase revenue without proportional increases in operating expenses, allowing for operating margin expansion. The satellite services business is capital intensive and the build-out of a satellite fleet requires substantial time and investment. Once the investment in a satellite is made, the incremental cost to maintain and operate the satellite is relatively low over the life of the satellite, with the exception of in-orbit insurance. The relatively fixed cost nature of the business, combined with contracted revenue growth and other growth opportunities, is expected to produce growth in operating income and cash flow.
Leading into 2012, we will remain focused on: increasing utilization on our existing satellites, continuing the construction, launch and deployment of the satellites we are currently procuring, securing additional customer requirements to support the procurement of additional satellites, and maintaining cost and operating discipline. To the extent market conditions are receptive, we may complete the Refinancing Transaction.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — 2011 TO 2010
Review of financial performance
Our significant revenue backlog and long-term customer contracts protect us, to a certain extent, from short-term market fluctuations. With the acquisition of the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 which launched in October 2011 and the construction of Nimiq 6 and Anik G1 in progress with anticipated launches in 2012, we believe we are well positioned to strengthen our overall financial performance.
Our net income for the year was $237 million compared to a net income of $286 million for the prior year for a net decrease of $49 million. The net income was impacted by $243 million due to foreign exchange losses of $79 million in 2011 compared to foreign exchange gains of $164 million in 2010. Our debt is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore we are directly impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates. The value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar at December 31, 2011 was weaker than at December 31, 2010 creating a foreign exchange loss. The loss on foreign exchange was partially offset by a gain of $99 million on the fair value of financial instruments this year as compared to a loss of $11 million during the same period last year. Net income was also impacted by $31 million due to higher other operating gains in 2011. The 2010 other operating gain amount was mainly comprised of $79 million of orbital slot and satellite impairment reversals. The 2011 other operating gain amount is made up of a U.S. $132.7 million gain from the insurance proceeds received for Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 partly offset by a $20 million orbital slot impairment. Results were also impacted by approximately $30 million of lower interest expense also due to movements in foreign exchange and the maturity of interest rate swaps during the year.
Below are the foreign exchange rates impacting our annual financial statements:
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| | 2011 | | 2010 |
USD to CAD spot rate at December 31 | | | 1.0213 | | | | 0.9980 | |
USD to CAD average rates for the year | | | 0.9850 | | | | 1.0406 | |
Revenue
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(in CAD$ millions except percentages) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Broadcast | | | 436 | | | | 454 | | | | (4%) | |
Enterprise | | | 342 | | | | 335 | | | | 2 | % |
Consulting and other | | | 30 | | | | 32 | | | | (6%) | |
Total revenue | | | 808 | | | | 821 | | | | (2%) | |
Revenue from Broadcast services decreased by $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease was mainly due to a scheduled rate reduction on a long-term contract and the impact of the weaker average U.S. dollar in 2011 and its effect on the conversion of our U.S. denominated revenue into Canadian dollars.
Revenue from Enterprise services increased by $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. Growth in our international enterprise activities and in our Infosat subsidiary were partially offset by the negative impact of the weaker average U.S dollar.
Consulting and other revenue decreased by $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. This is primarily due to the impact of the weaker average U.S. dollar.
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Expenses
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(in CAD$ millions except percentages) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Depreciation | | | 199 | | | | 202 | | | | (1%) | |
Amortization | | | 41 | | | | 45 | | | | (9%) | |
Operating expenses | | | 188 | | | | 206 | | | | (9%) | |
Other operating gains, net | | | (114 | ) | | | (83 | ) | | | (37%) | |
| | | 314 | | | | 370 | | | | (15%) | |
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation of satellite, property and other equipment decreased by $3 million for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2011 compared to the prior year. The decrease for the twelve month period was due to the end of the term over which Nimiq 1 was depreciated (based on its previous estimated useful life) and the removal from service of Telstar 14/ Estrela do Sul 1, partially offset by the commencement of depreciation for Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2.
Amortization of intangible assets decreased for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2011 by $4 million primarily due to the end of life of certain intangible assets related to revenue backlog and the ensuing lower monthly amortization.
Operating Expenses
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(in CAD$ millions except percentages) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Compensation and employee benefits | | | 62 | | | | 66 | | | | (6%) | |
Other operating expenses | | | 48 | | | | 52 | | | | (8%) | |
Cost of sales | | | 78 | | | | 88 | | | | (11%) | |
Total operating expenses | | | 188 | | | | 206 | | | | (9%) | |
Operating expenses consist of compensation and employee benefits, cost of sales as well as other operating expenses such as marketing, general and administration expenses. Total operating expenses decreased by $18 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.
Compensation and employee benefits expenses decreased by $4 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2011 in comparison to the same period in the prior year. This is a result of our operating discipline, lower stock based compensation and higher capitalized engineering due to the acceleration of our capital programs.
Other operating expenses decreased by $4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. These variations were related to lower in-orbit insurance premiums, higher investment tax credits earned on eligible research and development expenses and the absence of capital taxes in 2011.
Cost of sales decreased by $10 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 when compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The year over year decrease in cost of sales was a result of lower service revenue related expenses as well as the impact of a weaker average U.S. dollar partially offset by an increase in cost of equipment sales.
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Other Operating Gains
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(in CAD$ millions except percentages) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Insurance proceeds | | | 135 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Impairment (loss) reversal on intangible assets | | | (20 | ) | | | 71 | | | | (128%) | |
Impairment (loss) reversal on tangible assets | | | — | | | | 8 | | | | — | |
(Loss) gain on disposal of assets | | | (1 | ) | | | 4 | | | | (125%) | |
Total other operating gains | | | 114 | | | | 83 | | | | 37% | |
Total other operating gains increased by $31 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2011 in comparison to the prior year. Insurance proceeds of U.S. $132.7 million were received in December 2011 in connection with the insurance claim filed for the failure of the north solar array on Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2.
In 2010, we reversed $71 million in impairment loss on our orbital slots originally recorded in 2008 as a result of the high discount rate environment created by liquidity issues in the credit market prevailing at that time. A decrease in discount rates, as well as changes in our revenue projections and gross margin assumptions, positively impacted the valuation of the orbital slots in 2010 resulting in the reversal. However, in 2011, we have recognized a $20 million impairment loss on the orbital slots due to an incease in discount rates during the year.
In 2010, we fully reversed a tangible asset impairment loss due to changes in our revenue projections stemming from our ability to obtain higher prices for the same capacity as well as a higher utilization rate for the satellite.
Interest Expense
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(in CAD$ millions except percentages) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Debt service costs | | | 245 | | | | 255 | | | | (4%) | |
Interest on senior preferred shares | | | 10 | | | | 12 | | | | (17%) | |
Interest expense on performance incentive payments | | | 4 | | | | 5 | | | | (20%) | |
Capitalized interest | | | (32 | ) | | | (15 | ) | | | 113 | % |
Interest expense | | | 227 | | | | 257 | | | | (12%) | |
Interest expense includes interest related to our debt, interest on the senior preferred shares and interest on the performance incentive payments net of capitalized interest on our satellites under construction.
Total debt service costs, which include interest expense on indebtedness and interest expense on derivative instruments, decreased by $10 million for the year, primarily due to $109 million in principal repayments on our Canadian and U.S. Term Loan Facilities and the weaker average U.S. dollar in 2011.
Interest on senior preferred shares decreased by $2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year due to a decrease in the dividend rate from 8.5% to 7% beginning in July 2010 and foreign exchange impacts.
Capitalized interest increased by $17 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 due to increased activity on our satellite construction programs during 2011 including Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2, Nimiq 6, Anik G1 and the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite.
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Foreign Exchange and Derivatives
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
(in CAD$ millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | 99 | | | | (11 | ) |
Foreign exchange (loss) gain | | | (79 | ) | | | 164 | |
The $99 million gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments in 2011 reflects the fluctuations in the fair values of our cross-currency basis swap, interest rate swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts, and prepayment options on our Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes. This represented a net increase of $110 million from the end of 2010 to the end of 2011. The positive variation is mainly related to the $62 million fair value change of the embedded derivative prepayment options on the Company’s Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes due to lower credit spreads. The balance of the favorable impact was related to the increase in the fair value of the cross-currency basis swap and interest rate swaps.
The foreign exchange loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $79 million compared to a foreign exchange gain of $164 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 resulting in a total variation of $243 million. The loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was mainly the result of a weaker Canadian to U.S. dollar spot rate as at December 31, 2011 compared to the spot rate at the end of 2010 and the resulting impact on the U.S. dollar denominated debt. At December 31, 2010, the foreign exchange impact resulted in a gain as the Canadian dollar had strengthened against the U.S. dollar when compared against the spot rate at the end of the previous fiscal year.
Income Taxes
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| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(in CAD$ millions except percentages) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Current income tax expense (benefit) | | | — | | | | 2 | | | | (100%) | |
Deferred income tax expense | | | 52 | | | | 64 | | | | (19%) | |
Total income tax expense | | | 52 | | | | 66 | | | | (21%) | |
The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $14 million lower than the same period in 2010. The decrease was partly due to the recognition of previously unrecognized foreign tax credits in 2011, as well as a realized foreign exchange loss in 2011 compared to a realized foreign exchange gain in 2010. The decrease in 2011 was also due to lower operating income.
Backlog
Contracted revenue backlog represents our expected future revenue from existing service contracts (without discounting for present value) including any deferred revenue that we will recognize in the future in respect of cash already received. The significant majority of our contracted revenue backlog is generated from service or other agreements for satellite capacity. We do not include revenue beyond the stated expiration date of a contract regardless of the potential for a renewal. Our contracted revenue backlog is attributable to satellites currently in-orbit and our satellites under construction, namely, Nimiq 6 and Anik G1. As of December 31, 2011, our contracted backlog was approximately $5.4 billion. This amount includes approximately $408 million of customer prepayments that we have already received.
Generally, following the successful launch of a satellite, if the satellite is operating nominally, our customers may only terminate their service agreements for satellite capacity by paying us all, or substantially all, of the payments that would have otherwise become due over the term of the service agreement. However, if certain of our existing satellites and satellites under construction were to experience a significant launch delay, launch or in-orbit failure, or otherwise fail to operate as anticipated, we may be obligated to return all or a portion of the customer prepayments made under service agreements for that satellite. Those repayments would be funded by insurance proceeds we may receive, cash on hand and/or funds available under our revolving credit facility.
We expect our backlog to be recognized as follows:
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(in CAD$ millions) | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 and thereafter |
Backlog | | | 605 | | | | 590 | | | | 542 | | | | 476 | | | | 3,234 | |
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and Available Credit
As at December 31, 2011, we had $278 million of cash and short-term investments as well as approximately $153 million of borrowing availability under our Revolving Facility (as defined below). Included in cash and cash equivalents is $125 million of restricted cash received from insurance proceeds in connection with the solar array failure on Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. The restricted cash can be used for capital expenditures of satellite projects in accordance with the Credit Agreement. We believe the unrestricted cash and short-term investments as at December 31, 2011, cash flow from operating activities, including amounts from customer prepayments, and drawings on the available lines of credit under the Credit Facility (as defined below) will be adequate to meet our expected cash requirements for at least the next twelve months for activities in the normal course of business, including interest and required principal payments on debt.
For fiscal 2012, we expect our major cash requirements to include capital expenditures of approximately $240 million, repayment of $315 million in principal and interest payments on long-term debt (including the swaps) and $7 million on operating leases. We expect to meet our cash needs for fiscal 2012 through a combination of operating cash and short-term investments, restricted cash received from insurance proceeds, cash flow from operations, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on available lines of credit under the Credit Facility. To the extent market conditions are receptive, we may complete the Refinancing Transaction.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash generated from operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $424 million, an $82 million increase over the same period in 2010. The increase was driven by improved positive cash flow from operations, larger customer prepayments for future satellite services and insurance proceeds relating to our Anik F1 satellite.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $251 million. This consisted of cash outflows related to capital expenditures of $356 million for the construction of the Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2, Anik G1, Nimiq 6 satellites, and the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite, $18 million on other capital expenditures and $13 million for the assumption of Loral’s 15-year revenue contract with Xplornet Communications Inc. This was offset by cash inflows of $135 million in insurance proceeds related to Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. We expect to continue to use a significant amount of cash for future capital spending over the coming years with the on-going construction of our satellite fleet.
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $115 million and related to $109 million in scheduled principal repayments on our Canadian Term Loan Facility (as defined below) and U.S. Term Loan Facility (as defined below), as well as satellite performance incentive payments of $6 million.
Liquidity
A large portion of our annual cash receipts are reasonably predictable because they are primarily derived from an existing backlog of long-term customer contracts and high contract renewal rates. We believe our cash flow from operations, in addition to cash on hand and available credit facilities will be sufficient to provide for our capital requirements and to fund our interest and debt payment obligations for the next twelve months.
The construction of Nimiq 6 and Anik G1, as well as any other satellite replacement or expansion program will require significant capital expenditures. We may choose to invest in new satellites to further grow our business. Cash required for current and future satellite construction programs will be funded from some or all of the following: cash and short-term investments, restricted cash received from insurance proceeds, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on
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available lines of credit under the Credit Facility. In addition, we may sell certain satellite assets, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Facility, reinvest the proceeds in replacement satellites or pay down indebtedness under the Credit Facility. Subject to market conditions and subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of our Credit Facility and the financial leverage covenant tests therein, we may also obtain additional secured or unsecured financing to fund current or future satellite construction or to distribute to our equity holders. However, our ability to access these sources of funding is not guaranteed and, therefore, we may not be able to fully fund additional replacement and new satellite construction programs.
Debt
Telesat Canada has senior secured credit facilities (the “Credit Facility”) arranged with a syndicate of banks. The Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and certain Telesat Canada subsidiaries.
The Credit Facility
The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we are required to comply with certain covenants which are usual and customary for highly leveraged transactions, including financial reporting, maintenance of certain financial covenant ratios for leverage and interest coverage, a requirement to maintain minimum levels of satellite insurance, restrictions on capital expenditures, a restriction on fundamental business changes or the creation of subsidiaries, restrictions on investments, restrictions on dividend payments, restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt, restrictions on asset dispositions and restrictions on transactions with affiliates. Each tranche of the Credit Facility is subject to mandatory principal repayment requirements, which, in the initial years, are generally 1/4 of 1% of the initial aggregate principal amount.
The Credit Facility consists of several tranches, which are described below.
i — Revolving Facility
The Revolving Facility is a $153 million loan facility with a maturity date of October 31, 2012. Loans under the Revolving Facility currently bear interest at a floating rate plus an applicable margin based upon a leverage pricing grid. The Revolving Facility currently has an unused commitment fee of 25 basis points that is subject to adjustment based upon a leverage pricing grid. As of December 31, 2011, other than approximately $0.2 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.
ii — Canadian Term Loan Facility
The Canadian Term Loan Facility was initially a $200 million loan, with a maturity date of October 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, $80 million of the facility was outstanding, which represents the full amount available following the mandatory repayments. The Canadian Term Loan Facility bears interest at a floating rate of the Bankers Acceptance borrowing rate plus an applicable margin of 275 basis points. The required repayments on the Canadian Term Loan Facility will be $80 million for the year ending December 31, 2012.
iii — U.S. Term Loan Facility
The U.S. Term Loan Facility was initially a U.S. $1.9 billion (or, in Canadian dollars at historical rate, $2.0 billion) loan facility denominated in U.S. dollars with a final maturity date of October 31, 2014. The U.S. Term Loan Facility is made up of two facilities, a U.S. $1.8 billion U.S. Term Loan I Facility and a U.S. $150 million U.S. Term Loan II Facility. As of December 31, 2011, the amounts outstanding, which represent the full amounts available under these facilities were U.S. $1.7 billion ($1.7 billion) and U.S. $144.7 million ($147.8 million) respectively following the mandatory repayments. The U.S. Term Loan Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 300 basis points.
The U.S. Term Loan II Facility is a 12 month delayed draw facility for satellite capital expenditures and had an unused commitment fee of ½ the applicable margin which was 150 basis points. The facility was fully drawn at the end of 2011.
In order to hedge our currency risk over the life of the loans, we entered into a cross-currency basis swap to synthetically convert U.S. $1.1 billion of future U.S. dollar denominated payment obligations to
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$1.2 billion. This currency basis swap is being amortized on a quarterly basis at ¼ of 1% of the original amount. As of December 31, 2011, the balance of this swap was $1.2 billion and bears interest at a floating rate of Bankers Acceptance plus an applicable margin of approximately 382 basis points.
Senior Notes due November 1, 2015
The Senior Notes, in the amount of U.S. $692.8 million, bear interest at an annual rate of 11.0% and are due November 1, 2015. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict our ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel our satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Notes prior to May 1, 2012, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Notes indenture.
Senior Subordinated Notes due November 1, 2017
The Senior Subordinated Notes, in the amount of U.S. $217.2 million, bear interest at a rate of 12.5% and are due November 1, 2017. The Senior Subordinated Notes include covenants or terms that restrict our ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel our satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes prior to May 1, 2013, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Subordinated Notes indenture.
As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with the financial covenants of our Credit Facility and the indentures governing our 11% Senior Notes due in 2015 and 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2017.
Debt Service Cost
An estimate of the interest expense on the Facilities is based upon assumptions of LIBOR and Bankers Acceptance rates and the applicable margin for the Credit Facility, the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes. Our estimated interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 is approximately $212 million, assuming that we do not refinance our facilities. Depending on market conditions, we may complete the Refinancing Transaction.
Derivatives
We have used interest rate and currency derivatives to hedge our exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
In order to hedge our currency risk, we have a currency basis swap to synthetically convert U.S. $1.0 billion of the U.S. Term Loan Facility debt into $1.2 billion of debt. As of December 31, 2011, the fair value of this derivative contract was a liability of $160.4 million (December 31, 2010 — $192.5 million). Any non-cash loss will remain unrealized until this contract is settled. The contract is due October 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2011, the Company had a series of three interest rate swaps to fix interest on $930 million of Canadian dollar denominated debt at a weighted average fixed rate of 3.28%. As of December 31, 2011, the fair value of these derivative contracts was a liability of $53.1 million (December 31, 2010 — $49.4 million). These contracts mature on October 31, 2014.
As required, we use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions, mainly related to the construction of satellites and interest payments. At December 31, 2011, we did not have any outstanding forward contract. On December 31, 2010, the fair value of our outstanding forward contracts was a liability of $2.6 million. We also have embedded derivatives that are accounted for separately at fair value. These embedded derivatives are related to prepayment options included in our Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of these embedded derivatives was an asset of $134.4 million (December 31, 2010 — $72.4 million). The changes in fair value of these embedded derivatives are recorded on our consolidated statement of income as gain or (loss) on changes in fair value of financial instruments and are non-cash. The prepayment options on the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes will expire on their respective maturity dates of November 1, 2015 and November 1, 2017.
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Capital Expenditures
We have entered into contracts for construction and launch of the Nimiq 6 and the Anik G1 satellites. The outstanding commitments as of December 31, 2011 on these contracts are approximately $156 million. These expenditures will be funded from some or all of the following: cash and short-term investments, restricted cash received from insurance proceeds, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from customer prepayments or through borrowings on available lines of credit under the Credit Facility. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had capital expenditures of $386 million as compared to $262 million in the prior year.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes the contractual obligations at December 31, 2011 that are due in each of the next five years and after 2016. This table does not include any future satellite expenditures not committed to at year end.
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| | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | After 2016 | | Total |
| | (in CAD$ millions) |
Senior secured credit facilities and notes, excluding interest and amortization of debt issue costs(1) | | | 99.5 | | | | 19.4 | | | | 1,829.6 | | | | 707.6 | | | | — | | | | 221.8 | | | | 2,877.9 | |
Interest on long term debt | | | 169.5 | | | | 167.2 | | | | 156.4 | | | | 105.6 | | | | 27.7 | | | | — | | | | 626.4 | |
Swaps, including interest | | | 45.9 | | | | 45.5 | | | | 37.9 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 129.3 | |
Operating leases | | | 6.8 | | | | 6.5 | | | | 5.8 | | | | 5.4 | | | | 4.8 | | | | 32.6 | | | | 61.9 | |
Other contractual obligations | | | 21.8 | | | | 18.3 | | | | 14.3 | | | | 7.5 | | | | 3.4 | | | | 1.4 | | | | 66.7 | |
Post-retirement and employment benefit payments(2) | | | 8.5 | | | | 8.5 | | | | 8.6 | | | | 9.0 | | | | 9.7 | | | | 58.4 | | | | 102.7 | |
Commitments for capital expenditures(3) | | | 156.1 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 156.1 | |
Deferred satellite performance incentive payments, including interest | | | 15.7 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 8.5 | | | | 49.2 | | | | 98.6 | |
Total | | | 523.8 | | | | 273.8 | | | | 2,061.0 | | | | 843.5 | | | | 54.1 | | | | 363.4 | | | | 4,119.6 | |
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| (1) | See Note 19 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2011. |
| (2) | Benefit payments to 2021 only as obligations beyond this date are not quantifiable. |
| (3) | The commitments for capital expenditures include the construction, launch and insurance of the Anik G1 and Nimiq 6 satellites (see note 27 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2011). |
Our future contributions to the pension plans and future income tax liabilities have not been included in the table as the timing and amount of cash required cannot be accurately determined as:
| • | future contributions to the pension plans depend largely on the result of actuarial valuations that are performed periodically and on the investment performance of the pension fund assets; and |
| • | future payments of income taxes depend on the amount of taxable earnings and on whether there are tax loss carry forwards available to reduce income tax liabilities. |
Deferred revenues and gains on assets have not been included in the table above because they do not represent future cash payments. See note 17 and 18 of our audited consolidated financial statements.
Market Risk
Credit Risk Related to Financial Instruments
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, derivative assets as well as other assets. Investment of these funds is done with high quality financial institutions and is governed by our corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high-grade U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments.
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We are exposed to credit risk if counterparties to our 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. We periodically monitor their credit risk and credit exposure.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Our operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. We are also exposed to foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions, such as the costs of satellite construction and acquisition.
Our main currency exposures as at December 31, 2011 lie in our U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt financing.
Approximately 47% of our revenue, a large portion of our expenses and a substantial portion of our indebtedness and capital expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. As a result, the volatility of United States currency may expose us to foreign exchange risks. At December 31, 2011, as a result of a weaker Canadian to U.S. dollar spot rate compared to December 31, 2010, we recorded foreign exchange losses of approximately $79 million, prior to any impact of hedging instruments. In 2010, we recorded a gain of $164 million, as the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar had strengthened.
As at December 31, 2011, a 5 percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) the Company’s net income by approximately $158 million and increased (decreased) other comprehensive loss by approximately $1 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular, interest rates, remain constant.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our cash and cash equivalents and our long-term debt, which is primarily variable-rate financing. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest we are required to pay.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency and interest rate risk. Our policy is that we do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
We use, as required, the following instruments:
| • | forward currency contracts to hedge foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions, mainly related to the construction of satellites and interest payments; |
| • | a cross-currency basis swap to hedge the foreign currency risk on a portion of our U.S. dollar denominated debt; and |
| • | interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk related to debt financing which is primarily variable rate financing. |
Our derivative financial instruments also include embedded derivatives that are related to prepayment options contained in our Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes.
Fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that willing parties would accept to exchange 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. As required under IFRS, the fair values also include an adjustment related to the counterparty credit risk.
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.
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Through our long-term debt, we are exposed to interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations. The following tables, which are based on scheduled debt repayments, derivative maturities and foreign exchange rates as at December 31, 2011, contain additional information on some of our exposures and the derivative instruments that mitigate these risks.
Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure (Long-term Debt)
(CAD millions, beginning of period)
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | Thereafter | | Fair Value |
| | | | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Long-term debt (USD denominated):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
US Term Loans | | | 1,868.5 | | | | 1,848.9 | | | | 1,829.3 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes | | | 929.4 | | | | 929.4 | | | | 929.4 | | | | 929.4 | | | | 221.8 | | | | 221.8 | | | | | |
Foreign exchange exposure | | | 2,797.9 | | | | 2,778.3 | | | | 2,758.7 | | | | 929.4 | | | | 221.8 | | | | 221.8 | | | | | |
Foreign exchange derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cross-currency basis swap | | | (1,033.4 | ) | | | (1,022.6 | ) | | | (1,011.8 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (160.4 | ) |
Net foreign exchange exposure | | | 1,764.5 | | | | 1,755.7 | | | | 1,746.9 | | | | 929.4 | | | | 221.8 | | | | 221.8 | | | | | |
Interest Rate Exposure
(CAD millions, beginning of period)
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | Thereafter | | Fair Value |
| | | | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Long-term debt exposed to variable interest rate*:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAD denominated (CDOR + spread) | | | 1,255.3 | | | | 1,163.1 | | | | 1,150.9 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
USD denominated (Libor + spread) | | | 835.1 | | | | 804.7 | | | | 774.3 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Interest rate exposure | | | 2,090.4 | | | | 1,967.8 | | | | 1,925.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Variable to fixed (CAD notional) | | | (930.0 | ) | | | (930.0 | ) | | | (930.0 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (53.1 | ) |
Weighted average fixed rate (before spread) | | | 3.28 | % | | | 3.28 | % | | | 3.28 | % | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Variable to fixed (USD notional) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Weighted average fixed rate (before spread) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Total interest rate exposure mitigated | | | (930.0 | ) | | | (930.0 | ) | | | (930.0 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Net interest rate exposure | | | 1,160.4 | | | | 1,037.8 | | | | 995.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
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| * | Net of impact of cross-currency basis swap |
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Guarantees
In the normal course of business, we enter into agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in transactions involving sales of assets, sales of services, purchases and development of assets, securitization agreements and operating leases. The nature of almost all of these indemnifications prevents us from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount that we could be required to pay counterparties. As a result, we cannot determine how they could affect future liquidity, capital resources or our credit risk profile. We have not made any significant payments under these indemnifications in the past. See note 27 to our audited consolidated financial statements for more information.
Related Party Transactions
As at December 31, 2011 related parties consisted of PSP Investments and Loral, the common shareholders, together with their subsidiaries and affiliates. In addition to the documents related to the Telesat Canada Acquisition, we have also entered into various commercial arrangements with Loral and subsidiaries and affiliates of Loral. These arrangements primarily relate to the sale or use of satellite transponder capacity and consulting services, and are entered into in the form of either service agreements or consulting service agreements. See note 29 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Non-IFRS Measures
Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes
Under the terms of our Credit Facility, we are required to comply with certain financial ratio maintenance covenants.
Our Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes is defined as income (loss) before the deduction of income taxes for Telesat Holdings and Restricted Subsidiaries plus interest expense, depreciation expense, amortization expense, extraordinary losses and unusual and non-recurring charges, non-cash charges, losses on asset dispositions, any expenses or charges incurred in connection with any issuance of debt, any impairment charges or asset write off, foreign withholding taxes paid or accrued, non-cash charges related to stock compensation expense and consulting fees payable to Loral in mezzanine securities. Additional sums which may be added include collections on sales-type leases, and further adjustments made to revenues which may have been earned by satellites that have been subject to an insured loss. Deductions which are made in calculating Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes include extraordinary and non-recurring gains, non-cash gains, gains on asset sales and gains on sales-type leases, unless collected during the period. Further adjustments are made to account for income from Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and currency gains and losses (including gains or losses on derivative contracts).
Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, is not a measure of financial condition or profitability, and should not be considered as an alternative to (1) net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS or (2) operating cash flows determined in accordance with IFRS. Additionally, Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use as it does not include certain cash requirements for such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. We believe that the inclusion of Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes herein is appropriate to provide additional information concerning the calculation of certain financial covenants in the Credit Facility and the indentures governing the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes. Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes is a material component of these covenants. Non-compliance with the financial ratio maintenance covenants contained in our Credit Facility could result in the requirement to immediately repay all amounts outstanding, while non-compliance with the debt incurrence ratio contained in the indentures governing the Notes would prohibit us from being able to incur additional indebtedness other than pursuant to specific exceptions. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We believe the disclosure of the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes provides information that is useful to an investor’s understanding of our liquidity and financial flexibility.
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The following is a reconciliation of income before income taxes, which is an IFRS measure of our operating results, to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes, as defined in our indentures and Credit Facility agreements (our “debt agreements”) and the calculation of the ratio of net debt to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes, and interest expense to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes as defined in our debt agreements. The terms and related calculations are defined in our debt agreements, copies of which are publicly available.
 | |  | |  |
(in CAD millions) | | Year Ended December 31, 2011 | | Year Ended December 31, 2010 (Note 2) |
Income before taxes | | | 289.3 | | | | 352.2 | |
Impact of unrestricted subsidiary | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.4 | |
Consolidated earnings for Covenant Purposes | | | 290.0 | | | | 352.6 | |
Plus:
| | | | | | | | |
Interest expense (note 1) | | | 222.7 | | | | 251.3 | |
Depreciation expense (note 1) | | | 198.5 | | | | 202.0 | |
Any impairment charge, reversal of impairments, or asset write-off and amortization of intangibles | | | 60.4 | | | | (34.5 | ) |
Any loss from the early extinguishment of indebtedness or hedging obligations on other derivative instruments | | | — | | | | 11.2 | |
Other | | | 9.9 | | | | 18.0 | |
Less:
| | | | | | | | |
Any income from the early extinguishment of indebtedness or hedging obligations on other derivative instruments | | | (98.6 | ) | | | — | |
Loss (gain) on foreign exchange | | | 78.5 | | | | (164.0 | ) |
Insurance proceeds, loss (gain) on disposal of assets, interest and other income | | | (135.0 | ) | | | (9.3 | ) |
Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes | | | 626.4 | | | | 627.3 | |
| Note 1: | Interest and depreciation expense for covenant purposes exclude certain specific expenses as defined in the agreement and as a result does not reconcile to the financial statement line items. |
| Note 2: | The 2010 figures include adjustments as a result of the adoption of IFRS. |
Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes
Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes is a non-IFRS measure. We believe that the inclusion of Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes herein is appropriate to provide additional information concerning the calculation of certain financial covenants. We believe the disclosure of the calculation of Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes provides information that is useful to an investor’s understanding of our compliance with certain important financial covenants.
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The following is a reconciliation of our Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes to Debt Financing:
 | |  | |  |
| | As at December 31, 2011 | | As at December 31, 2010 |
(in $ millions)
| | | | |
U.S. dollar denominated debt
| | | | | | | | |
U.S. Term Loan I (USD$) | | | 1,684.8 | | | | 1,702.4 | |
U.S. Term Loan II (USD$) | | | 144.7 | | | | 146.2 | |
Senior Notes (USD$) | | | 692.8 | | | | 692.8 | |
Senior Subordinated Notes (USD$) | | | 217.2 | | | | 217.2 | |
| | | 2,739.5 | | | | 2,758.6 | |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | | 58.4 | | | | (5.5 | ) |
Subtotal (CAD$) | | | 2,797.9 | | | | 2,753.1 | |
Debt issuance costs | | | (49.4 | ) | | | (61.6 | ) |
Prepayment options on Notes (Embedded Derivatives) | | | 6.2 | | | | 7.2 | |
CAD denominated debt
| | | | | | | | |
Canadian Term Loan | | | 80.0 | | | | 170.0 | |
Debt financing | | | 2,834.6 | | | | 2,868.7 | |
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(in CAD $ millions)
| | | | |
Debt financing | | | 2,834.6 | | | | 2,868.7 | |
Adjustments for Covenant Purposes:
| | | | | | | | |
Debt issuance costs | | | 49.4 | | | | 61.6 | |
Cross currency basis swap adjustment | | | 141.9 | | | | 167.1 | |
Other | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.2 | |
Cash (adjusted for unrestricted subsidiaries) | | | (276.8 | ) | | | (219.0 | ) |
Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes | | | 2,749.3 | | | | 2,878.6 | |
Interest Expense for Covenant Purposes
Interest Expense for Covenant Purposes is a non-IFRS measure. We believe that the inclusion of Interest Expense for Covenant Purposes herein is appropriate to provide additional information concerning the calculation of certain financial covenants. We believe the disclosure of the calculation of Interest Expense for Covenant Purposes provides information that is useful to an investor’s understanding of our compliance with certain important financial covenants.
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The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated interest expense for covenant purposes to interest expense:
 | |  | |  |
(in CAD millions) | | Year ended December 31, 2011 | | Year ended December 31, 2010 (Note 1) |
Interest expense | | | 227.1 | | | | 256.6 | |
Adjustment for Covenant Purposes:
| | | | | | | | |
Capitalized interest | | | 32.0 | | | | 14.6 | |
Dividends on preferred shares | | | (9.9 | ) | | | (12.3 | ) |
Amortization of financing costs | | | (14.2 | ) | | | (13.5 | ) |
Cash interest income | | | (2.0 | ) | | | (1.9 | ) |
Interest on satellite performance incentive payments | | | (4.4 | ) | | | (5.0 | ) |
Other | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) |
Interest expense for Covenant Purposes | | | 228.4 | | | | 238.2 | |
| Note 1: | The 2010 figures include adjustments as a result of the adoption of IFRS. |
As of December 31, 2011, Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes ratio, for credit agreement purposes, was 4.39:1, which was less than the maximum test ratio of 6.25:1. The Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes to Consolidated Interest Expense ratio, for credit agreement compliance purposes, was 2.74:1, which was greater than the minimum test ratio of 1.70:1.
Capital Expenditures for Covenant Purposes
Under the terms of our Credit Facility, we are also required to comply with a year-end maximum Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount covenant. Capital Expenditures for Covenant Purposes is a non-IFRS measure. We believe that the inclusion of Capital Expenditures for Covenant Purposes herein is appropriate to provide additional information concerning the calculation of certain financial covenants. We believe the disclosure of the calculation of Capital Expenditures for Covenant Purposes provides information that is useful to an investor’s understanding of our compliance with certain important financial covenants.
The maximum Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount varies in each fiscal year with the availability of carry forward or carry back unused amounts subject to conditions specified in the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2011, we were compliant with this covenant test. The following supports our compliance with this covenant as of December 31, 2011:
 | |  | |  |
(in CAD millions) | | Year Ended December 31, 2011 | | Year Ended December 31, 2010 |
Capital Expenditures:
| | | | | | | | |
Satellite Programs | | | 356.2 | | | | 257.7 | |
Property Additions | | | 17.6 | | | | 4.0 | |
Capitalized Interest | | | (32.0 | ) | | | (14.6 | ) |
Capital Lease Payments | | | — | | | | 3.3 | |
Impact of Unrestricted Subsidiary | | | — | | | | (3.4 | ) |
Net Accrued Capital Expenditures | | | (0.3 | ) | | | 19.7 | |
Total Capital Expenditures for Covenant Purposes | | | 341.5 | | | | 266.7 | |
Permitted Capital Expenditures for 2010* | | | — | | | | 103.0 | |
Permitted Capital Expenditures for 2011* | | | 148.4 | | | | — | |
Carry-back from future year* | | | 19.8 | | | | 77.2 | |
less: adjustment for use of carry-back in prior year | | | (77.2 | ) | | | (5.0 | ) |
Use of US$500M basket for additional satellites | | | 250.5 | | | | 91.5 | |
Under (Over) Covenant | | | — | | | | — | |
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| * | USD converted at the average Bank of Canada noon rate for the respective year |
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Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of revenue and expenses reported for the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We believe the following describes the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies
Revenue recognition
Revenue for fixed priced consulting contracts are recognized using the percentage of completion method. We make judgments when determining the appropriateness of using this method for revenue recognition as this method requires the ability to accurately estimate costs incurred and accurately estimate costs required to complete our contracts.
Uncertain income tax positions
We operate in numerous jurisdictions and are subject to country-specific tax laws. We use significant judgment when determining the worldwide provision for tax and estimate provisions for uncertain tax positions as the amounts expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. In the assessment, we consider risk with respect to tax matters under active discussion, audit, dispute or appeal with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. We review the provisions at each balance sheet date.
IFRIC 4 — Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease
We assess for each new arrangement whether it contains a lease based on IFRIC 4. The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains a lease, is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date or whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. If contracts contain a lease arrangement, the leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
Derivative financial instruments measured at fair value
Derivative financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. When quoted market values are unavailable for our financial instruments, and in the absence of an active market, we determine fair value for financial instruments based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or we make use of internal/external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market-based inputs. The determination of fair value is affected significantly by the assumptions used for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates. As a result, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities and the amount of gains or losses on changes in fair value recorded to net income could vary.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represented $2.4 billion of our total assets at each of our consolidated balance sheet dates. Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of our value. Our value requires us to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, tax rates, and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and our related cash flows could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis.
Impairment of intangible assets
Intangible assets represent a significant portion of our total assets. We test intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment analysis requires us to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, discount rates, tax rates, and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and our related cash flows could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis.
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The reversal of an impairment loss requires us to re-assess several indicators that led to the impairment. It requires the valuation of the recoverable amount by estimating the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating unit or individual asset and the determination of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate its present value. Significant judgment is made in establishing these assumptions.
Employee Benefit
The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post employment medical benefits and the present value of the pension obligation are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions which may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases, mortality rates, future pension increases and return on plan assets. Due to the complexity of the valuation, the underlying assumptions, and its long term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
Determination of useful life of satellites and finite life intangible assets
The estimated useful life and depreciation method for satellites and finite life intangible assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Any change in these estimates may have a significant impact on the amounts reported.
Income taxes
We assess the recoverability of deferred tax assets based upon an estimation of our projected taxable income using existing tax laws, and our ability to utilize future tax deductions before they expire. Actual results could differ from expectations.
Accounting Standards
Changes in Accounting Policies
We have prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS and applying IFRS 1. For changes in accounting policies since our December 31, 2010 audited consolidated financial statements, please refer to Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.
International Financial Reporting Standards
We adopted IFRS, with a transition date of January 1, 2010. This is the Company’s first annual report presented in accordance with IFRS and applying IFRS 1. While the adoption of IFRS did not significantly change the cash flows generated by the Company, it resulted in significant differences in certain matters of recognition, measurement and disclosure in the reported financial position and results of operations of the Company. The impacts of our adoption of IFRS is described in note 5 of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.
IFRS 1 provides for certain mandatory exceptions for first time adopters. The mandatory exception for estimates was applicable on the Company and required that the estimates made in the opening IFRS balance sheet reflect conditions existing at the date of the underlying transaction or January 1, 2010, as required by each specific IFRS standard. Hindsight was not used to create or revise estimates. All estimates used in the preparation of the opening balance sheet reflected the facts and circumstances at the date of the underlying transaction or January 1, 2010, as may be the case.
Recent IFRS Accounting Pronouncements
The International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) recently issued a number of new accounting standards. The new standards determined to be applicable to the Company are disclosed below. The remaining standards have been excluded as they are not applicable.
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Financial instruments
IFRS 9,Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) on October 28, 2010, and will replace IAS 39,Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value, replacing multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. Two measurement categories continue to exist to account for financial liabilities in IFRS 9, fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and amortized cost. Financial liabilities held for trading are measured at FVTPL, and all other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost unless the fair value option is applied. The treatment of embedded derivatives under the new standard is consistent with IAS 39 and is applied to financial liabilities and non-derivative hosts not within the scope of this standard. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for post employment benefits
On June 16, 2011, the IASB issued the amended version of IAS 19,Employee Benefits(“IAS 19”). The amendments make changes in eliminating the accounting option to defer the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, streamlining the presentation of changes in assets and liabilities arising from defined benefit plans as well as amendments to disclosure requirements. Changes in the defined benefit obligation and plan assets are disaggregated into three components: service costs, net interest on the net defined benefit obligation (asset) and remeasurements of the net defined benefit obligation (asset). The revised standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of revised IAS 19 on its consolidated financial statements.
Fair value measurement and disclosure requirements
IASB issued IFRS 13,Fair value measurement (“IFRS 13”) on May 12, 2011. IFRS 13 provides guidance on how fair value measurement should be applied whenever its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS. IFRS 13 is effective January 1, 2013 with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of revised IFRS 13 on its consolidated financial statements.
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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and senior management.
In the following table are listed the names, ages as of December 31, 2011 and positions of the individuals who serve as the directors and senior management of Telesat Holdings and Telesat Canada, along with the date that each individual was elected or appointed:
 | |  | |  | |  |
Name | | Age | | Title | | Date First Elected or Appointed a Director or Member of Senior Management |
Directors | | | | | | |
Mark H. Rachesky, M.D.(1) | | 52 | | Chairman of the Board | | October 31, 2007 |
Michael B. Targoff(2) | | 67 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
Hank Intven | | 63 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
Gordon J. Fyfe | | 53 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
Derek Murphy(1) | | 54 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
James Pittman(2) | | 48 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
John P. (Jack) Cashman | | 71 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
Colin D. Watson(2) | | 70 | | Director, Chair of Audit Committee | | October 31, 2007 |
Clare R. Copeland | | 75 | | Director | | October 31, 2007 |
V. Peter Harder(1) | | 59 | | Director, Chair of Corporate Governance Committee | | October 31, 2007 |
Senior Management
| | | | | | |
Daniel S. Goldberg | | 46 | | President and Chief Executive Officer (Telesat Holdings and Telesat Canada) | | October 31, 2007 (Telesat Holdings) September 18, 2006 (Telesat Canada) |
Paul D. Bush | | 53 | | Vice President, Business Development North America (Telesat Canada) | | August 7, 1997 |
Michel G. Cayouette | | 53 | | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Telesat Holdings and Telesat Canada) | | September 17, 2008 |
Christopher S. DiFrancesco | | 48 | | Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (Telesat Holdings and Telesat Canada) | | January 5, 2009 |
Patrick M. Enright | | 53 | | Vice President, Network Operations (Telesat Canada) | | December 1, 2004 |
Nigel J. Gibson | | 44 | | Vice President, International Sales (Telesat Canada) | | June 1, 2009 |
Michael C. Schwartz | | 47 | | Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development (Telesat Canada) | | February 7, 2007 |
David N. Wendling | | 49 | | Vice President, Space and Network Engineering (Telesat Canada) | | October 31, 2007 |
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| (1) | Member of Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee. |
| (2) | Member of Audit Committee. |
There are no family relationships among any of the directors or members of senior management. Except for the Shareholders Agreement described in “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions”, there are no material arrangements or understandings with major shareholders or between any two or more directors or members of senior management pursuant to which any person was selected as a director or member of senior management.
Each of the directors has served in his respective capacity since his election, and we expect that he will serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the by-laws of the corporation or with the provisions of the CBCA.
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Each member of senior management is appointed by the board to serve, subject to the discretion of the board, until his successor is appointed or he resigns.
The following is a brief description of the principal business activities of the directors and members of senior management.
Directors
Mark H. Rachesky, M.D. is a co-founder of MHR Fund Management LLC and has been its President since its inception in 1996. He has been non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Loral since March 1, 2006 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Executive Committee of Loral. Dr. Rachesky is Non-executive Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and member of the Compensation Committee of Leap Wireless International, Inc. He is also a Non-executive Chairman of the Board and a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee and Compensation Committee of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., and a Director, and member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of Emisphere Technologies, Inc.
Michael B. Targoff has been Chief Executive Officer of Loral Space & Communications since March 1, 2006, President since January 8, 2008 and Vice Chairman of Loral since November 21, 2005. From 1998 to February 2006, Mr. Targoff was founder and principal of Michael B. Targoff & Co., a private investment company. Mr. Targoff serves as a Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation Committee and nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Leap Wireless International, Inc. and is Director and Chairman of the Banking and Finance Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee of ViaSat, Inc.
Hank Intven leads the telecommunications practice of the law firm McCarthy Tétrault LLP. He served as Executive Director of Telecommunications at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission from 1980 to 1985. Over the past 27 years, he has advised on many of the major commercial, regulatory and policy developments in the Canadian telecommunications industry and has worked on commercial and regulatory telecommunications matters in more than 20 other countries.
Gordon J. Fyfe was appointed President and CEO of PSP Investments in October 2003. Prior to joining PSP Investments, Mr. Fyfe held the position of President, CDP Capital — World Markets. Before joining CDP Capital, Mr. Fyfe was President and Chief Operating Officer of TAL International, a division of TAL Global Asset Management. He was previously a Vice President at JP Morgan in London, England. Mr. Fyfe is a member of the Board of Directors of Revera Inc. and TimberWest Forest Corp. He also serves as Chair of the Emory Center for Alternative Investments in Atlanta and as Vice Chair of the Pacific Pension Institute (PPI).
Derek Murphy joined PSP Investments as First Vice President, Private Equity in March 2004. From 1998 to 2004, he was President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as founder, of Barnridge Inc., a private investment company. Prior to Barnridge, he worked in the investment banking sector from 1986 to 1997 for such companies as J.P. Morgan and Swiss Bank Corporation Warburg.
James Pittman joined PSP Investments in February 2005 and is currently Vice President, Private Equity. From 2002 to 2005, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Provincial Aerospace, an internationally diversified aerospace and aviation operations company focused on aircraft modifications and operations. Prior to Provincial, he was Chief Financial Officer and Co-Owner of two other operating businesses in the technology and pharmaceutical industries. Mr. Pittman received his Chartered Accountant designation in 1990 while articling with Deloitte & Touche and also completed a tax specialty with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1996. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Herbal Magic Inc., the Institutional Limited Partners Association, and Haymarket Financial Holdings Limited.
John P. (Jack) Cashman is currently the Chairman of Vectura Group Plc. (LSE: VEC). From 2002 – 2005 he was the Chairman of Advanced Surgical Concepts Ltd., Ireland, and a director of Bespak Plc. Mr. Cashman is also the former Chairman and joint CEO of R.P. Scherer Corporation.
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Colin D. Watson is currently a director of Rogers Communications, Louisiana Pacific Corp. and SL Split Corp. He was President and CEO of Rogers Cablesystems (1979 – 1996), Spar Aerospace (1996 – 1999) and Vector Aerospace (2003 – 2005). He was also Vice Chairman of Spar Aerospace Limited from 2000 to 2002.
Clare R. Copeland is the Chief Executive Officer of Falls Management Company, a commercial development and casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He is also Chairman of Toronto Hydro Corporation, a Canadian electricity provider. Between 2000 and 2002, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OSF Inc., a manufacturer of retail store interiors. He is also on the Boards of RioCan, Danier Leather, MDC Corp., Entertainment One and Chesswood Inc. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of People’s Jewellers Corporation (1993 – 1999), Chairman of Sun Media (1997 – 1999), President and CEO of Granada Canada Limited (1984 – 1988) and Chairman of Ontario Place (1987 – 1997). He has also held several senior management positions, including Chief Operating Officer with Zale Corporation (1991 – 1993).
V. Peter Harder is a Senior Policy Advisor with the law firm Fraser, Milner, Casgrain. He was, until he left the Government of Canada in 2007, its longest serving Deputy Minister. Between 1991 and 2007, he served as the most senior public servant in a number of Canadian government departments, including the Departments of Industry, Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He currently serves on the Boards of IGM Financial, Power Financial Corporation, TimberWest, Northland Power, and Pinetree Capital Limited. He is also a member of the Board of The United Church Foundation and serves as the Chair of the National Arts Centre’s Governance, Nominating, and Ethics Committee. In 2008, he was elected the President of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC).
Senior Management
Daniel S. Goldberg became President and Chief Executive Officer of Telesat Canada in September 2006, and of Telesat Holdings in October 2007. Prior to September 2006, Mr. Goldberg served as Chief Executive Officer of SES New Skies, a position he held since March 2006 following the purchase of New Skies by SES. During that time, Mr. Goldberg also served as a member of the SES Executive Committee. Prior to that, Mr. Goldberg served as the Chief Executive Officer of New Skies Satellites since January 2002 and was President and a member of the New Skies Satellites Holdings board of directors since its formation in January 2005. Mr. Goldberg was also a managing director and a member of the executive management committee formed by New Skies Satellites. Prior to becoming its Chief Executive Officer, he had served as Chief Operating Officer of New Skies since February 2000, and prior to that time, he had served as New Skies General Counsel since October 1998. Prior to joining New Skies, he worked at PanAmSat as the Associate General Counsel and Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs during 1998. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Goldberg was an associate at Goldberg, Godles, Wiener & Wright, a law firm in Washington, D.C. Mr. Goldberg received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, graduating with highest honors, and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School.
Paul D. Bush joined Telesat Canada in 1980, and since that time he has held a variety of positions in Administration, Engineering and Sales until being appointed Vice President, Corporate Development in 1997, then Vice President, Broadcasting and Corporate Development in 2004, and now Vice President, Business Development North America since 2007. Mr. Bush is a Board member of Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI). He holds both a Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Education degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
Michel G. Cayouette became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Telesat Canada and Telesat Holdings in September 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Cayouette was Managing Partner of Gordon Blake, LLC since August 2003. From January 2002 to July 2003, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Flag Telecom Holdings Ltd. From January 2001 to November 2001, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TIW Asia N.V. From June 1992 to December 2000, he held several senior executive positions for Teleglobe Communications Corporation and Teleglobe Inc. Mr. Cayouette is a chartered accountant and a certified public accountant. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of Montreal (École des Hautes Études Commerciales).
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Christopher S. DiFrancesco became Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Telesat Canada and Telesat Holdings in January 2009. Prior to that, Mr. DiFrancesco served as Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary of Corel Corporation, a position he held since October 2006. From December 2003 to October 2006, he served as Corel Corporation’s Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary, and as Corporate Counsel from September 2000 to December 2003. From 1998 to 2000, he served as Associate Counsel for the National Hockey League Players’ Association. From 1991 to 1998, he practiced with the law firm of Gowling Lafleur Henderson in Toronto, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario.
Patrick M. Enright joined Telesat Canada in 1981, and held progressively responsible management positions until being appointed Vice President, Network Services in 2004 with a title change to Vice President, Network Operations in 2008. Mr. Enright holds a diploma in Electronic Engineering Technology from Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology. He is a graduate of the Western Executive Program, University of Western Ontario, as well as a graduate of the Executive Management Development Program from the Banff Centre for Management.
Nigel J. Gibson became Vice President, International Sales of Telesat Canada in June 2009. Prior to that, from October 2002 Mr. Gibson served as Vice President of Sales for Europe, C.I.S. and Middle East with SES World Skies. Prior to joining SES World Skies, from July 1999 he was Vice President of Sales for Northern Europe of GlobeCast and, from June 1996 was Head of DTH Marketing for Sky Television in the U.K. Mr. Gibson holds an Honours Degree in Business Studies from Leeds Metropolitan University in the U.K.
Michael C. Schwartz became Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development of Telesat Canada in February 2007. Mr. Schwartz joined Telesat Canada from SES New Skies, where he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development, a position he held since March 2006 following the purchase of New Skies Satellites by SES. Prior to that, Mr. Schwartz served in the same position for New Skies Satellites since September 2003. Prior to joining New Skies Satellites, he served as Chief Development and Financial Officer of Terabeam Corporation (Terabeam), responsible for business and corporate development as well as financial operations. Prior to Terabeam, he was a co-founder and President of an Internet infrastructure company, which was sold in December 2000. He also held two senior positions at AT&T Wireless Services, most recently as Vice President of Acquisitions and Development. Mr. Schwartz graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in physics and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.
David N. Wendling joined Telesat Canada in 1986, and has held a variety of key positions within the Space Systems Department prior to being appointed Vice President, Space Systems in 2007 with a title change to Vice President Space and Network Engineering in 2008. As Director of the Satellite Control Division, he was responsible for operating Telesat satellites and designing, developing, and procuring the Satellite Control ground segment. He was also responsible for the development, management, and delivery of three of Telesat’s international consulting business lines: Transfer Orbit Services, 3rd Party Satellite Operations and the provisioning of Satellite Control Facilities. Mr. Wendling holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Waterloo. He is registered as a Professional Engineer with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
B. Compensation.
Director Compensation
Loral and PSP Investments are each entitled to nominate three directors to the board. None of those six directors who are shareholder nominees are paid a fee by us for his services as a director.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the aggregate fees paid to the other four directors by us was approximately $338,500.
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These four independent directors are each paid an annual fee of $75,000 for acting as a director. In addition to the annual fee, the Chair of the Audit Committee is paid $15,000 for acting in such capacity, and the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee is paid $7,500 for acting in such capacity. For each attendance at a meeting of the board or a board committee, each director who is paid the annual fee is also paid a meeting fee of $1,000 for each meeting attended in person, and a meeting fee of $500 for each meeting attended by telephone, except for telephone meetings of under 30 minutes in duration unless the Chair of the meeting determines that such meeting required significant advance preparation by board or committee members. Directors may be offered a right to elect to participate in one or more compensation plans which may be developed by us, in which case the annual fee of the participating director may be reduced by any value attributed to such right of participation. All directors are entitled to be reimbursed for travel and other expenses properly incurred by them in attending meetings of the board or of any committee of the board.
In addition, the four independent directors were paid a special incentive in 2012 for the assistance that they provided in assessing various strategic alternatives explored by us in 2011. The aggregate amount of the special incentive paid to the four independent directors was $900,000.
The directors of Telesat Holdings are also directors of Telesat Canada and Telesat Interco, and are members of the board of managers of Telesat LLC. They do not receive additional remuneration from us for acting in that capacity.
Senior Management Compensation
The aggregate salary and benefits paid by us to Telesat Canada’s senior management for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to approximately $6.7 million. The aggregate salary and benefits paid by us to the five highest-paid officers of Telesat Canada for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 was approximately $5.4 million.
As a Canadian company that is not a reporting issuer under the securities legislation of any jurisdiction in Canada, Telesat Canada is not required to publicly disclose individual compensation information either as a requirement under its governing statute or under any securities legislation. Telesat Canada does not publicly disclose individual compensation information in Canada.
On September 19, 2008, Telesat Holdings adopted a stock incentive plan for certain of our key employees. The plan provides for the grant of up to 8,824,646 options to purchase non-voting participating preferred shares of Telesat Holdings, convertible into common shares of Telesat Holdings. See “Item 6.E. Share ownership” for more information about the Telesat Holdings stock options.
In addition, the total amounts set aside or accrued by us in 2011 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to senior managers of Telesat Canada amounted to approximately $1.2 million.
Directors’ and Senior Management’s Indemnity Payments
We have entered into indemnity agreements with Telesat Canada’s directors and members of senior management that may require us to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as our directors or members of senior management. No indemnity payments were made to directors and/or senior management in 2011.
C. Board practices.
Board of Directors
The board currently consists of ten members. Each director is elected annually, and we expect that he will serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the by-laws of the corporation or with the provisions of the CBCA. Each of the directors has served in his respective capacity since his election; see “Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management” for the period during which each director and member of senior management has served in that office.
Directors’ Service Contracts
There are no director service contracts between Telesat Canada and its directors providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
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Committees of the Board
Our board has an Audit Committee, and a Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee.
Audit Committee.
Our Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Pittman, Targoff and Watson. Mr. Watson is the chair of the committee.
The principal duties and responsibilities of our Audit Committee, which are included in our Audit Committee charter, are to assist the board in its oversight of:
| • | the integrity of the corporation’s financial statements and related information; |
| • | the corporation’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; |
| • | the independence, qualifications and appointment of the corporation’s auditor; |
| • | management responsibility for reporting on internal controls and risk management; and |
| • | the administration, funding and investment of the corporation’s pension plans and fund. |
Our Audit Committee is also responsible for:
| • | appointing, compensating, retaining and overseeing the work of the corporation’s accounting firm; |
| • | establishing procedures for (a) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the corporation regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and (b) confidential, anonymous submission of complaints by employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; |
| • | pre-approving all engagements for permitted non-audit services provided by the corporation’s auditor to the corporation; and |
| • | reviewing and discussing the annual consolidated financial statements with management. |
The Audit Committee has the authority to engage outside counsel and other outside advisors as it deems appropriate to assist it in the performance of its functions.
Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Messrs. Harder, Murphy and Dr. Rachesky. Mr. Harder is the chair of the committee.
The principal duties and responsibilities of our Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, which are included in our Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee charter, are to assist the board in its oversight of:
| • | the compensation, nomination, evaluation and succession of officers and other management personnel; |
| • | developing and implementing the corporation’s corporate governance guidelines; |
| • | identifying individuals qualified to become board members; |
| • | determining the composition of the board of directors and its committees; |
| • | determining the directors’ remuneration for board and committee service; and |
| • | overseeing the corporation’s policies concerning business conduct, ethics, and other matters, and if required, public disclosure of material information. |
D. Employees.
As of December 31, 2011, Telesat Canada and its subsidiaries had approximately 473 full and part time employees, approximately 2.5% of whom are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Our employee body is primarily comprised of professional engineering, sales and marketing staff, administrative staff and skilled technical workers. Telesat Canada considers its employee relations to be good.
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E. Share ownership.
The following table presents information regarding the ownership of certain classes of shares of Telesat Holdings by our directors and senior management as of December 31, 2011.
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Name (Title) | | Common | | Voting Participating Preferred | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred | | Director Voting Preferred | | Senior Preferred | | Percentage of Class |
Mark H. Rachesky, M.D.(1) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Michael B. Targoff | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Hank Intven | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Gordon J. Fyfe | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Derek Murphy | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
James Pittman | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
John P. (Jack) Cashman | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 820 | | | | — | | | | 82 | % |
Colin D. Watson | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 180 | | | | — | | | | 18 | % |
Clare R. Copeland | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
V. Peter Harder | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Daniel S. Goldberg | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Paul D. Bush | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Michel G. Cayouette | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Christopher S. DiFrancesco | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Patrick M. Enright | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Nigel J. Gibson | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Michael C. Schwartz | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
David N. Wendling | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
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| (1) | Various funds affiliated with MHR Fund Capital Management (“MHR”) hold, as of December 31, 2011, approximately 38.6% of Loral’s outstanding voting common stock and 57.7% of Loral’s total outstanding voting and non-voting common stock. Mark H. Rachesky, M.D., chairman of our board of directors and non-executive chairman of the board of directors of Loral, is the co-founder and president of MHR. |
Telesat Holdings Stock Options
On September 19, 2008, Telesat Holdings adopted a stock incentive plan for certain of our key employees. The plan provides for the grant of up to 8,824,646 options to purchase non-voting participating preferred shares of Telesat Holdings, convertible into common shares of Telesat Holdings.
Two different types of stock options may be granted under the plan: time-vesting options and performance-vesting options. The time-vesting options generally become vested and exercisable over a five year period by 20% increments on each October 31st starting in 2008. The vesting amount is prorated for optionees whose employment with us started after October 31, 2007. The performance-vesting options become vested and exercisable over a five year period starting March 31, 2009, provided that Telesat Holdings has achieved or exceeded an annual or cumulative target consolidated EBITDA established by the board of directors.
The exercise period of the share options expires ten years from the grant date. The exercise price of each share underlying the options will be the higher of a fixed price, established by the board of directors on the grant date, and the fair market value of a non-voting participating preferred share on the grant date. As at December 31, 2011, the weighted-average remaining life of these outstanding options was seven years, and the exercise price of the outstanding options granted to Telesat’s senior management was $11.07 per share.
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The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2011, the share options granted to Telesat Canada’s senior management.
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Name (Title) | | Number of Option(s) | | Type of Options | | Expiration Date |
Daniel S. Goldberg, President and Chief Executive Officer | | | 3,781,991 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | September 19, 2018 | |
Paul D. Bush, Vice President, North American Sales | | | 1,071,564 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | September 19, 2018 | |
Michel G. Cayouette, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | | | 756,398 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | September 19, 2018 | |
Christopher S. DiFrancesco, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | | 289,953 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | January 5, 2019 | |
Patrick M. Enright, Vice President, Network Operations | | | 289,953 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | September 19, 2018 | |
Nigel J. Gibson, Vice President, International Sales | | | 289,953 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | June 1, 2019 | |
Michael C. Schwartz, Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development | | | 1,260,664 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | September 19, 2018 | |
David N. Wendling, Vice President, Space and Network Engineering | | | 289,953 | | | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | | September 19, 2018 | |
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major shareholders.
Telesat Interco holds 145 shares of common stock of Telesat Canada, which represents all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Telesat Canada. Telesat Holdings holds 1,100,001 shares of common stock of Telesat Interco, which represents all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Telesat Interco.
The following table sets forth the ownership of shareholders that are the beneficial owners of 5% or more of each class of shares of Telesat Holdings as of December 31, 2011.
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Name (Title) | | Common (C)
| | Voting Participating Preferred (VPP) | | Non-Voting Participating Preferred (NPP) | | Director Voting Preferred (DVP) | | Senior Preferred(3) (SP) | | Percentage of Class |
Red Isle Private Investments Inc.(1) | | | 35,172,218 | | | | 7,034,444 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | | | | C: 47.4% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | VPP: 100% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | SP: 100% | |
Loral Holdings Corporation(1)(2) | | | 39,080,242 | | | | — | | | | 35,953,824 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | C: 52.6% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | NPP: 100% | |
John P. (Jack) Cashman | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 820 | | | | — | | | | DVP: 82% | |
Colin D. Watson | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 180 | | | | — | | | | DVP: 18% | |
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| (1) | Each of Red Isle’s and Loral’s economic and voting interests on a combined basis taking into account the number and classes of shares owned by each of them are described below. |
| (2) | Various funds affiliated with MHR hold, as of December 31, 2011, approximately 38.6% of Loral’s outstanding voting common stock and 57.7% of Loral’s total outstanding voting and non-voting common stock. Mark H. Rachesky, M.D., chairman of our board of directors and non-executive chairman of the board of directors of Loral, is the co-founder and president of MHR. |
| (3) | In conjunction with the Refinancing Transaction, were it to occur, PSP's Senior Preferred Shares may be redeemed in exchange for a subordinated promissory note (the “Note”), at least 50% of which is due within two years of the date of the transaction and the remainder, if any, no later than four years from the date of the transaction. The amount of the Note will be equal to the liquidation value of the Senior Preferred Shares, $141 million, plus accrued dividends on the date of the transaction. As at December 31, 2011, this amount totaled $143 million. Interest on the Note would be paid annually at the rate of 9.75%, such rate being subject to adjustment after two years. |
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On December 16, 2006, Telesat Interco, a subsidiary of Telesat Holdings, entered into a share purchase agreement with BCE and Telesat Canada to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Telesat Canada, formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE. Pursuant to the share purchase agreement, Telesat Holdings, owned indirectly by PSP Investments and Loral, acquired, through a subsidiary, all of the issued and outstanding shares of Telesat Canada from BCE.
PSP Investments is a Canadian crown corporation established to invest the amounts transferred by the federal government equal to the proceeds of the net contributions since April 1, 2000, for the pension plans of the Public Service, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and since March 1, 2007, for the Reserve Force Pension Plan. PSP Investments holds its interest in Telesat Holdings through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Isle Private Investments Inc. (“Red Isle”), a corporation organized under the CBCA. Red Isle’s interest in Telesat Holdings is a 36% equity interest, a 66 2/3% voting interest on all matters except for the election of directors, and a 30% voting interest for the election of directors. PSP Investments’ principal offices are at 1250 Boulevard René Lévesque West, Suite 900, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3B 4W8 and its registered offices are at 440 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 200, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1R 7X6.
Loral is a Delaware corporation and, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading satellite communications company with substantial activities in satellite manufacturing and investments in satellite-based communication services. Loral owns through a subsidiary 64% of the economic interest of Telesat Holdings and a 33 1/3% voting interest on all matters. Loral’s principal offices are located at 600 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10016. Loral’s registered office in the State of Delaware is located at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. Various funds affiliated with MHR hold, as of December 31, 2011, approximately 38.6% of Loral’s outstanding voting common stock and 57.7% of Loral’s total outstanding voting and non-voting common stock. Mark H. Rachesky, M.D., chairman of our board of directors and non-executive chairman of the board of directors of Loral, is the co-founder and president of MHR.
John P. Cashman is a Canadian citizen, residing in the City of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario. Mr. Cashman holds director voting preferred shares having a 30.0% voting interest for the election of directors only in Telesat Holdings. These shares have liquidation preference and dividend rights above common shares of Telesat Holdings. Mr. Cashman is an independent director of Telesat Holdings and Telesat Canada.
Colin D. Watson is a Canadian citizen, residing in the City of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario. Mr. Watson holds director voting preferred shares having a 6.67% voting interest for the election of directors only in Telesat Holdings. These shares have liquidation preference and dividend rights above common shares of Telesat Holdings. Mr. Watson is an independent director of Telesat Holdings and Telesat Canada.
B. Related party transactions.
Consulting Services Agreement
On October 31, 2007, Loral and Telesat Canada entered into a consulting services agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Loral provides certain non-exclusive consulting services in relation to the business of Loral Skynet which was transferred to Telesat Canada as part of the Skynet Transaction, as well as with respect to certain aspects of our satellite communications business. The Consulting Agreement has a term of seven years with an automatic renewal for an additional seven year term if certain conditions are met. In exchange for Loral’s services under the Consulting Agreement, we pay Loral an annual fee of US$5 million, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year during the term of the Consulting Agreement. If the terms of our senior secured credit facilities or certain other debt obligations prevent us from paying such fees in cash, we can issue junior subordinated promissory notes to Loral in the amount of such payment, with interest on such promissory notes at the rate of 7% per annum, compounded quarterly, from the date of issue of such promissory note to the maturity date thereof.
The services provided by Loral include providing advice as to business objectives, strategies, implementation of a synergy plan after the Skynet Transaction, the transferred assets, satellite orbital locations outside of Canada, capital structure and financing, satellite expert personnel and general personnel matters. Furthermore, for additional fees, we may request assistance from Loral with respect to certain areas, including benefits administration, insurance and risk management, auditing, human resources, treasury operations, and,
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in the United States, public relations, regulatory, tax and legal compliance if the provision of such organizational services at the agreed price is approved by a majority of our directors, excluding Loral nominees. The amounts of such additional payments are limited by the provisions of the notes.
Under the terms of the Consulting Agreement, we indemnify Loral from certain liabilities arising out of the Consulting Agreement, provided that Loral (or its representative, employee or affiliate, if applicable) has not committed fraud or misconduct in relation to the matters giving rise to the indemnification claim.
Shareholders Agreement
On October 31, 2007, in connection with the Telesat Canada acquisition, PSP Investments, Red Isle, Loral, LSC Holdings, Loral Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Loral Holdings”), Loral Skynet, John P. Cashman, Colin D. Watson, Telesat Interco, Telesat Holdings, Telesat Canada and MHR entered into a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”).
The Shareholders Agreement provides for, among other things, the manner in which the affairs of Telesat Holdings and its subsidiaries will be conducted and the relationships among the parties and future shareholders of Telesat Holdings. Specifically, with respect to Telesat Holdings, the Shareholders Agreement provides for its capital structure, the number and election of members of the board of directors, the meetings of directors, the required vote of the board of directors to take certain actions, the approval of the Skynet Transaction, the officers, and the rights of certain shareholders to appoint observers to the board of directors. The Shareholders Agreement also approves an initial business plan, provides for the preparation and approval of annual budgets and business plan updates and procedures for the purchase of equipment, products and services from Loral and its affiliates, an agreement by Loral not to engage in a competing satellite communications business and agreements by the shareholders not to solicit employees of Telesat Holdings or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Shareholders Agreement details the matters requiring shareholder approval or the approval of a shareholder, provides for preemptive rights for certain shareholders upon the issuance of certain shares of capital stock of Telesat Holdings and provides for either PSP Investments or Loral to cause Telesat Holdings to conduct an initial public offering of its equity shares if an initial public offering is not completed by the fourth anniversary of the closing of the Telesat Canada acquisition. The Shareholders Agreement also restricts the ability of holders of certain shares to transfer them unless certain conditions are met or approval of the transfer is approved by directors, provides for a right of first offer to equity shareholders if a holder of equity shares wishes to sell them to a third party, provides for, in certain circumstances, tag-along rights in favor of non-Loral shareholders if Loral sells equity shares, drag-along rights in favor of Loral in case Loral enters into an agreement to sell all of its Telesat Holdings equity securities and drag-along rights in favor of PSP Investments for the sale of Telesat Holdings if Loral undergoes a change of control. Also, the Shareholders Agreement provides for PSP Investments and Loral to have the right to require the other party to sell all of its equity shares or voting shares to PSP Investments or to a designee of Loral, as applicable, under certain circumstances.
The Shareholders Agreement provides for a board of directors of Telesat Holdings consisting of 10 directors, three nominated by Loral, three nominated by PSP Investments and four independent directors selected by a nominating committee comprised of one PSP Investments nominee, one Loral nominee and one of the independent directors then in office. Each shareholder is obligated to vote all shares for the election of the directors nominated by the nominating process. Each shareholder of Telesat Holdings made certain representations, including but not limited to representations with respect to due incorporation and valid existence, corporate power, ownership of shares of Telesat Holdings, due authorization and execution of the Shareholders Agreement, absence of any violations of material provisions of existing indentures or agreements of each party, and, with respect to each of Cashman and Watson, that they each qualified as an independent director and as a “resident Canadian” as that term is defined under Canadian law. Telesat Holdings made certain representations, including but not limited to representations that it owned all of the issued and outstanding shares in Telesat Interco. Telesat Interco made certain representations, including but not limited to representations that it owned all of the issued and outstanding shares in Telesat Canada.
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Each shareholder of Telesat Holdings agreed to certain covenants, particularly with respect to: voting of shares in certain circumstances, compliance by such party’s subsidiaries with the Shareholders Agreement and keeping certain information confidential. Telesat Holdings subsequently entered into a Unanimous Shareholder Declaration with Telesat Interco, and Telesat Interco entered into a Unanimous Shareholder Declaration with Telesat Canada the effect of which is to compel each of Telesat Interco and Telesat Canada to comply with the relevant shareholder approval matters as set out in the Shareholders Agreement.
Our Shareholders Agreement provides to Loral the right of approval over many large capital expenditures, a first right of acceptance of an offer by us to procure equipment, products and services, and a first right to negotiate in those areas where Loral and its affiliates carry on business, subject to approval of any such contract by a majority of our directors, excluding Loral nominees, but not an exclusive obligation to deal with, or purchase from, Loral or its affiliates. Under certain circumstances, Loral can withhold its approval of purchases and/or financing of new satellites by us.
In connection with the Telesat Canada acquisition, Loral agreed to indemnify Telesat for any tax liabilities for taxation years prior to 2007 and Telesat agreed to indemnify Loral for the settlement of any tax receivables for taxation years prior to 2007.
Transfer Orbit Services and In-Orbit Testing Agreements
As of December 31, 2011, Telesat Canada had contracts with SS/L for the provision by Telesat Canada of certain transfer orbit services for non-Telesat satellites. In 2011, revenue earned for services provided to SS/L under those contracts was approximately U.S.$0.1 million.
Satellite Construction Contracts
As of December 31, 2011, Telesat Canada had contracts with SS/L for the construction of the Nimiq 6 and Anik G1 satellites and related services. In 2011, we incurred costs of approximately U.S.$109.3 million under those contracts. We also incurred costs of U.S.$19.5 million in 2011 for the construction of Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 which was launched in May 2011.
Our Nimiq 5, Telstar 11N, Telstar 12, Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul, and Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 satellites were constructed pursuant to satellite construction contracts entered into with SS/L. Subject to the terms of the applicable construction contract, SS/L may be required to refund certain payments to us if a satellite experiences losses or anomalies, or we may be required to make additional payments to SS/L if a satellite exceeds specified performance objectives. In 2011, we incurred costs of approximately US$1.8 million pursuant to those terms and contracts.
New Satellite Construction Agreement
SS/L and Telesat Canada entered into a contract dated September 15, 2011 for the procurement of a new satellite (the “Satellite Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Satellite Agreement, SS/L will provide to Telesat a communications satellite equipped with a final payload design yet to be determined.
This contract was entered into by Telesat Canada in the normal course of its operations and contains terms, conditions, representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for the procurement of a satellite. As part of the contract, Loral, as parent of SS/L, was required to guarantee to Telesat Canada the due and punctual payment and performance of SS/L’s obligations under the contract.
No payments were made under this agreement in 2011.
Non-Disclosure and Technical Assistance Agreements
SS/L and Telesat Canada have entered into various non-disclosure and technical assistance agreements. These agreements relate to Telesat Canada’s consulting activities for third parties. As part of its consulting activities, Telesat Canada is retained to provide advice to a customer on its satellite procurement program or in connection with satellite insurance underwriting and as a result enters into agreements with the applicable satellite manufacturer or insurance underwriter to allow it to receive the satellite manufacturer’s information relating to the customer’s satellite program. The non-disclosure and technical assistance agreements that SS/L and Telesat Canada have entered into permit Telesat Canada to receive SS/L information related to Telesat Canada’s consulting for customer satellite programs.
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XTAR Agreements
XTAR and Loral Skynet entered into agreements whereby Loral Skynet provided to XTAR the following services:
(i) certain telemetry, tracking, and control and software maintenance services for the XTAR-EUR satellite through the end of life of the XTAR-EUR satellite (anticipated to be on or about December 31, 2019);
(ii) customer monitoring and access management services through the end of life of the XTAR-EUR satellite; and
(iii) ongoing regulatory support services, including support for satellite coordination agreements and regulatory filings; transponder management services, such as performing link budgets and providing customer and sales support; and ground station hardware and software support services.
Those agreements were subsequently assigned to Telesat Canada. XTAR and Telesat Canada have agreed to defer payment of certain amounts due for services provided under the foregoing agreements for the period through and including March 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2011, the deferred amount due to Telesat Canada was approximately U.S.$1.25 million. In addition, revenue earned for services provided in 2011 was approximately U.S.$1.0 million. Until such time as XTAR shall have the financial ability to meet its obligations under these agreements consistent with its other financial obligations, the deferred amount shall be paid by XTAR to Telesat Canada from a portion of XTAR’s excess cash balance, according to an agreed allocation formula.
Apstar V Agreement
In connection with the transactions between Loral Skynet and APT Satellite Company Limited relating to Telstar 18, Loral Skynet and SS/L entered into the Apstar V Agreement dated as of June 30, 2003. This agreement has been substantially performed by the parties. However, to the extent that Telstar 18 were to experience certain losses or anomalies in the future, Loral Skynet would be entitled to receive a refund of certain orbital incentive payments previously made by it to SS/L thereunder. These agreements have been assigned to Telesat Canada. No refunds were received under this agreement in 2011.
ChinaSat
In 1999, Loral Skynet entered into an agreement to provide ChinaSat with certain free transponder capacity in connection with a settlement of certain matters in dispute between SS/L and ChinaSat. SS/L agreed to make monthly payments to Loral Skynet as compensation for the transponder capacity Loral Skynet was providing to ChinaSat at no charge. Loral Skynet subsequently restructured its contractual obligations to ChinaSat and, as a result, entered into an agreement on November 21, 2005 to restructure SS/L’s related payment obligations to Loral Skynet to provide for a payment by SS/L to Loral Skynet for ChinaSat’s use of this transponder capacity. The agreement was subsequently assigned to Telesat Canada. In connection with the termination of Telesat’s leasehold interest in the Telstar 10 satellite, Telesat Canada’s right to payment for one of these transponders on the Telstar 10 satellite was assigned to APT Satellite Company Limited, with the result that, as of September 2009, Telesat Canada has a right to payment from SS/L for ChinaSat’s use of two transponders on Telstar 18.
In 2011, revenue earned under this agreement was approximately U.S.$1.8 million.
ViaSat-1
In connection with an agreement entered into between SS/L and ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) for the construction by SS/L for ViaSat of a high capacity broadband satellite called ViaSat-1 (the “Satellite”), Loral and Telesat Canada entered into certain agreements, described below, pursuant to which Loral invested in the Canadian coverage portion of the Satellite and has granted to Telesat Canada an option to acquire its rights to the Canadian payload.
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On January 11, 2008, Loral and ViaSat entered into a Beam Sharing Agreement (the “Beam Sharing Agreement”) that provides for, among other things, (i) the purchase by Loral of a portion of the Satellite payload providing coverage into Canada (the “Canadian Payload”) and (ii) payment by Loral of 15% of the actual costs of launch and associated services, launch insurance and telemetry, tracking and control services for the Satellite.
On January 11, 2008, Loral and Telesat Canada entered into an Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”). The Option Agreement gave Telesat Canada the option to cause Loral to assign to Telesat Canada its rights and obligations with respect to the Canadian Payload and all of Loral’s rights and obligations under the Beam Sharing Agreement upon certain payments by Telesat Canada to Loral. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, Telesat Canada’s option had to be exercised on or before October 31, 2009 (the “Expiration Date”) in order to be effective. In consideration for the grant of the option, Telesat Canada (i) agreed in a Cooperation Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2008, with Loral and ViaSat (the “Cooperation Agreement”), to relinquish certain rights it has to the 115 degree W.L. orbital position (the “Orbital Slot”) so as to make those rights available to ViaSat pursuant to a license (the “ViaSat License”) to be granted by Mansat Limited (“Mansat”) to ViaSat; and (ii) agreed to provide tracking, telemetry and control services to ViaSat for the Satellite and to pay to Loral all of the recurring fees it receives for providing such services. Telesat Canada agreed that if it did not exercise its option on or prior to the Expiration Date, then it would, at Loral’s request, transfer to Loral its remaining rights from Mansat with respect to the Orbital Slot, and assign to Loral its related rights and obligations under the Cooperation Agreement. Telesat Canada did not exercise the option under the Option Agreement and, consequently, it expired.
On December 31, 2009, Loral entered into a Satellite Capacity and Gateway Service Agreement (the “Xplornet Agreement”) with Barrett Xplore Inc. (which subsequently changed its name to Xplornet Communications Inc. (“Xplornet”)) to provide satellite capacity and gateway service for broadband services in Canada. Under the Xplornet Agreement, Xplornet will make use of 100% of the Ka-band Canadian Payload for 15 years and will receive gateway service to provide Internet broadband services via satellite to customers located in Canada.
In January 2010, Telesat Canada entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with Loral (“Consulting Services Agreement”) for Telesat Canada to provide services related to gateway construction, regulatory and licensing support and preparation for satellite traffic operations for the Canadian Payload. Payments under the agreement are on a time and materials basis. In 2011, no payments were received under this agreement.
In February 2010, a subsidiary of Loral entered into a contract with ViaSat for the procurement of certain RF equipment and services to be integrated into the gateways constructed and owned by Loral to enable commercial service using the Canadian Payload (“RF Equipment and Services Agreement”).
In September 2010, Telesat Canada entered into an agreement to provide a subsidiary of Loral with project management, engineering and integration services for three gateway sites including engineering and installation of the civil works, design and integration of the shelters and associated shelter infrastructure and monitoring the delivery and installation of equipment (“Service Agreement”). In 2011, revenue earned under this agreement was approximately $320,000.
On March 1, 2011, Telesat Canada and one of its subsidiaries (“Telesat”) entered into agreements (the “Assignment and Assumption Agreements”) with Loral Space & Communications Inc. and one of its subsidiaries (“Loral”) pursuant to which Loral assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed from Loral all of Loral’s rights and obligations with respect to the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite, and all related agreements. Under the Assignment and Assumption Agreements, Loral received from Telesat approximately US$13 million and was reimbursed approximately US$48.2 million of net costs incurred through closing of the sale, including under the Consulting Services Agreement and the Service Agreement which were terminated. Also, if Telesat obtains any non-geostationary capacity on the payload, Loral will be entitled to receive one-half of any net revenue actually earned by Telesat in connection with the leasing of such supplemental capacity to its customers during the first four years after the commencement of service using the supplemental capacity. In connection with the sale, Loral also assigned to Telesat the Xplornet Agreement.
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Loral Nominee Director
McCarthy Tétrault LLP has acted as Canadian counsel to Loral, Telesat Interco and Telesat Holdings in connection with the Telesat Canada acquisition, and as Canadian counsel to Telesat Canada in respect of the offering of the notes, the exchange offer and other matters, and may act for Telesat Canada, Telesat Interco and Telesat Holdings on other matters in the future. Mr. Hank Intven, a partner of McCarthy Tétrault LLP, is a director of Telesat Canada, Telesat Interco and Telesat Holdings. See “Item 6.A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees” for additional information. In 2011, the aggregate amount of expenses incurred by Telesat Canada and its subsidiaries for services received was approximately $155,000.
Goldberg, Godles, Wiener & Wright
Henry Goldberg, the father of Daniel Goldberg, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Telesat Canada, is a partner in the law firm Goldberg, Godles, Wiener & Wright, which handles certain matters for Telesat Canada and its subsidiaries. In 2011, the aggregate amount of expenses incurred by Telesat Canada and its subsidiaries for services received was approximately U.S.$217,000.
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP has acted and continues to act as counsel to Telesat Canada. V. Peter Harder is a Senior Policy Advisor with Fraser, Milner Casgrain. In 2011, the aggregate amount of expenses incurred by Telesat Canada and its subsidiaries for services received was approximately $34,000.
C. Interests of experts and counsel.
Not applicable.
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Item 8. Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.
See our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning at page F-1.
Legal Proceedings
We frequently participate in proceedings before national telecommunications regulatory authorities. See “— Government Regulation.” In addition, we may also become involved from time to time in other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business.
Telesat Canada’s Anik F1 satellite, built by Boeing and launched in November 2000, has defective solar arrays that have caused a drop in power output on the satellite and reduced its operational life. Telesat Canada filed a claim for Anik F1 as a constructive total loss under its insurance policies and received an amount from its insurers in settlement of that claim. In November 2006, Telesat Canada commenced arbitration proceedings against Boeing, alleging that Boeing was grossly negligent and/or engaged in willful misconduct in the design and manufacture of the Anik F1 satellite and in failing to warn Telesat Canada prior to the launch of a material deficiency in the power performance of a similar satellite previously launched. Telesat’s claim seeks approximately $331 million plus costs and post-award interest, a portion of which was in respect of the subrogated rights of its insurers. Boeing has responded by alleging that Telesat Canada failed to obtain what it asserts to be contractually required waivers of subrogation rights such that, if Telesat Canada is successful in obtaining an award which includes an amount in respect of the subrogated rights of the insurers, Boeing is entitled to off-setting damages in that amount, which is approximately $176 million. Boeing also asserts that Telesat Canada owes Boeing performance incentive payments pursuant to the terms of the satellite construction contract in the amount of approximately U.S.$5.5 million plus interest. The arbitration hearing is scheduled to commence in November 2012. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of the arbitration, Telesat Canada intends to vigorously prosecute its claims and defend its position that no liability is owed Boeing in connection with the dispute and that, in the circumstances of this case, it was not contractually required to obtain waivers of the subrogation rights at issue.
Other than the above, we are not aware of any proceedings outstanding or threatened as of the date hereof by or against us or relating to our business which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on Telesat Canada’s financial position or profitability.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety (including those governing the management, storage and disposal of hazardous materials). Some of our operations require continuous power supply, and, as a result, current and past operations at our teleport and other technical facilities include fuel storage, and batteries for back-up generators and Uninterruptible Power Systems. As an owner or operator of property and in connection with current and historical operations at some of our sites, we could incur costs, including cleanup costs, fines, sanctions and third-party claims, as a result of violations of or liabilities under environmental laws and regulations. We are not aware, however, of any environmental matters outstanding or threatened as of the date hereof by or against us or relating to our business which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations.
Dividend Policy
Senior Preferred Shares
Telesat Holdings issued 141,435 senior preferred shares in exchange for cash with an issue price of $1,000 per Senior Preferred Share on October 31, 2007 as part of the acquisition transaction described in notes 1 and 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements. The senior preferred shares rank in priority, with respect to payment of dividends and return of capital upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, ahead of the shares of all other classes of Telesat Holdings stock which have currently been created, as well as any other shares that may be created that by their terms rank junior to the senior preferred shares. The senior preferred shares are entitled to receive cumulative preferential dividends at a rate of 7% per annum on the
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Liquidation Value, being $1,000 per Senior Preferred Share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (8.5% per annum following a Performance Failure, being a failure to pay annual dividends in cash or in Holding PIK Preferred Stock in any year, while such failure is continuing, the failure to redeem the Holding PIK Preferred Stock when submitted for redemption on or after the twelfth anniversary of the date of issue, or the failure to redeem Holding PIK Preferred Stock for which an offer of redemption is accepted following a Change of Control). The annual dividend may be paid in cash, subject to the requirements of the CBCA, if such payment is permitted under the terms of (i) the senior secured credit facilities, and (ii) the indentures governing the notes. If the cash payment is not permitted under the terms of the senior secured credit facilities, the dividends will be paid, subject to the requirements of the CBCA, in senior preferred shares based on an issue price of $1,000 per Senior Preferred Share.
During 2011, Telesat paid a total of $10.3 million in dividends on the senior preferred shares. In future, dividends will be declared and paid subject to the requirements of the CBCA, and paid as permitted by the senior secured facilities and the indentures governing the notes.
In conjunction with the Refinancing Transaction, were it to occur, PSP's Senior Preferred Shares may be redeemed in exchange for a subordinated promissory note (the “Note”), at least 50% of which is due within two years of the date of the transaction and the remainder, if any, no later than four years from the date of the transaction. The amount of the Note will be equal to the liquidation value of the Senior Preferred Shares, $141 million, plus accrued dividends on the date of the transaction. As at December 31, 2011, this amount totaled $143 million. Interest on the Note would be paid annually at the rate of 9.75%, such rate being subject to adjustment after two years.
Common Shares
In 2011, no dividends on the common shares were declared. Dividends will be declared subject to the requirements of the CBCA, and paid as permitted by the senior secured facilities and the indentures governing the notes.
Voting Participating Preferred Shares
In 2011, no dividends on the voting participating preferred shares were declared. Dividends will be declared subject to the requirements of the CBCA, and paid as permitted by the senior secured facilities and the indentures governing the notes.
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares
In 2011, no dividends on the non-voting participating preferred shares were declared. Dividends will be declared subject to the requirements of the CBCA, and paid as permitted by the senior secured facilities and the indentures governing the notes.
Director Voting Preferred Shares
The holders of director voting preferred shares, of which 1,000 have been issued and paid for, are entitled to receive annual dividends of $10 per share. In 2011, $10,000 in dividends on the director voting preferred shares were declared and paid. In future, dividends will be declared subject to the requirements of the CBCA, and paid as permitted by the senior secured facilities and the indentures governing the notes.
B. Significant Changes.
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, no significant changes have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
A. Offer and listing details.
Not applicable.
B. Plan of distribution
Not applicable.
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C. Markets.
Our common shares are not traded on any stock exchanges or other regulated markets.
D. Selling shareholders.
Not applicable.
E. Dilution.
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the issue.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information
A. Share capital.
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and articles of association.
Register, Entry Number and Purposes. Telesat Canada’s Articles of Amalgamation are registered with Industry Canada under Certificate No. 445065-5 under the CBCA. There are no restrictions in Telesat Canada’s Articles of Amalgamation on the type of business that it may carry on. Neither Telesat Canada’s articles nor its by-laws contain a description of its objects and purposes.
Directors’ Powers. Pursuant to the Unanimous Shareholder Declaration entered into by Telesat Interco and Telesat Canada on October 31, 2007 (“Unanimous Shareholder Declaration”), at any meeting at which Telesat Canada’s board of directors considers any question involving a material agreement or transaction or proposed material agreement or transaction with Telesat Holdings, Telesat Interco or Telesat Canada to which an interested shareholder is a party, any director nominee of that interested shareholder shall be required by the chairperson to leave the meeting while the matter is being considered, unless such requirement is waived by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, and shall abstain from voting thereon.
According to its by-laws, the directors of Telesat Canada may be paid such remuneration for their services as the board of directors may from time to time determine. However, the Unanimous Shareholder Declaration provides that no director who is a shareholder nominee shall receive compensation for his services as a director (other than reimbursement for expenses). Neither Telesat Canada’s articles nor its by-laws (a) require an independent quorum for voting on director compensation; (b) set out a mandatory retirement age for Telesat Canada’s directors; or (c) require the directors to own securities of Telesat Canada in order to serve as directors.
Telesat Canada’s by-laws provide that, without limiting the borrowing powers as set forth in the CBCA, the board of directors may (a) borrow money upon the credit of Telesat Canada; (b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or guarantee of Telesat Canada, whether secured or unsecured; (c) give a guarantee on behalf of Telesat Canada to secure performance of any present or future indebtedness, liability or obligation of any person; and (d) charge, mortgage, hypothecate, pledge, or otherwise create a security interest in all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, property of Telesat Canada, including book debts, rights, powers, franchises and undertakings, to secure any such bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness, liability or obligation of the corporation. The by-laws do not limit or restrict the borrowing of money by Telesat Canada on bills of exchange or promissory notes made, drawn, accepted or endorsed by or on behalf of Telesat Canada.
Rights, Preferences and Restrictions Attaching to Each Class of Telesat Canada’s Shares. The holders of the common shares of Telesat Canada are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all annual and special meetings of the shareholders and to one vote in respect of each common share held at all such meetings.
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The holders of such common shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the board of directors in such amounts and payable in such manner as the board of directors may from time to time determine. Subject to the rights of the holders of any other class of shares of Telesat Canada entitled to receive dividends in priority to or concurrently with the holders of the common shares, the board of directors may in its sole discretion declare dividends on the common shares to the exclusion of any other class of shares of Telesat Canada. Any dividend unclaimed after a period of six years from the date on which the same has been declared to be payable shall be forfeited and shall revert to Telesat Canada.
Subject to the rights of the holders of any other class of shares of Telesat Canada entitled to receive assets of Telesat Canada in priority to or concurrently with the holders of the common shares, the holders of the common shares will be entitled to participate in the distribution of assets of Telesat Canada in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Telesat Canada or other distribution of assets of Telesat Canada among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs. Such distribution will be made in equal amounts per share on all the common shares at the time outstanding without preference or distinction.
There are no provisions for redemption or sinking funds. The common shares are not subject to further capital calls by Telesat Canada.
Procedures to Change the Rights of Shareholders. In order to change the rights of our shareholders as contained in Telesat Canada’s Articles of Amalgamation, an amendment to the Articles of Amalgamation is required. Such an amendment would require, in addition to any shareholder approval required as a mandatory provision of the CBCA, the approval of each of PSP Investments and Loral except in the circumstances set forth in the Shareholders Agreement. The Unanimous Shareholder Declaration may not be amended without the written agreement of both Telesat Canada and Telesat Interco.
Shareholder Meetings. The CBCA provides that Telesat Canada must hold an annual general meeting not later than fifteen months after holding the last preceding annual meeting but no later than six months after the end of Telesat Canada’s preceding financial year. The board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors has the power to call a special meeting of shareholders at any time.
Where Telesat Canada has only one shareholder or only one holder of any class or series of shares, the shareholder present in person or represented by proxy constitutes a meeting. Otherwise, subject to the CBCA, a quorum of shareholders is two persons, present in person, each being a shareholder or proxy holder, and together representing by proxy at least 51% of the outstanding shares of Telesat Canada carrying voting rights at the meeting, provided that at least 51% of the voting rights of outstanding shares represented at the meeting are at all times held by Canadians.
The only persons entitled to be present at a meeting of shareholders are those entitled to vote at that meeting, the directors, officers and auditor of Telesat Canada and others who, although not entitled to vote, are entitled or required under any provision of the CBCA, or Telesat Canada’s articles or by-laws to be present at the meeting. Any other person may be admitted only on the invitation of the chairman of the meeting or with the consent of the meeting.
Limitations on Rights to Own Securities. The articles of Telesat Canada provide that Non-Canadians (as the term is defined in Section 2 of the Canadian Telecommunications Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations promulgated pursuant to the Telecommunications Act, or “Canadian Ownership Regulations”) may not hold, beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, otherwise than by way of security only, in the aggregate voting shares to which are attached more than 20 per cent of the votes that may ordinarily be cast at a meeting of Telesat Canada’s shareholders.
Impediments to Change of Control. There are no provisions of Telesat Canada’s articles or by-laws that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Telesat Canada and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving Telesat Canada.
Shareholder Ownership Disclosure. Neither Telesat Canada’s articles nor its by-laws contain a provision governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed. Telesat Canada’s by-laws do, however, require each person in whose name shares are registered to furnish an affidavit or a
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declaration in accordance with the Canadian Ownership Regulations or the articles, if requested in writing by a director of Telesat Canada with the authorization of the board of directors.
Significant Differences with Applicable U.S. Law. None.
Special Conditions for Changes in Capital. None.
C. Material contracts.
Set forth below is a list of each material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which Telesat Canada and its subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding publication of this Annual Report:
| • | Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2009, among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Interco Inc., 4363230 Canada Inc., Telesat LLC, certain subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., as guarantors, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding Inc., as administrative agent, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as collateral agent, UBS Securities LLC, as syndication agent, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, NovaScotia, as swingline lender, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as issuing bank, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book running managers, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as co-documentation agents. |
| • | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2009, among Infosat Communications LP, Infosat Communications GP Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat LLC, and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., and the Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as Trustee in respect of the 11.0% Senior Notes Due 2015. |
| • | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2009, among Infosat Communications LP, Infosat Communications GP Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat LLC, and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., and the Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as Trustee in respect of the 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2017. |
D. Exchange controls.
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to restrictions on the export or import of capital, or Canadian exchange restrictions affecting the remittance of dividends, interest, royalties or similar payments to non-resident holders of our securities.
E. Taxation.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations to United States holders (as defined below) relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes issued in June 2008 (each a “note” and together, the “notes”) but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations. This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Treasury regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder, judicial authority, published administrative positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities, all as in effect on the date of this document, and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. We have not sought any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with our statements and conclusions. This summary deals only with holders that purchased notes at their original issuance at their issue price (the first price at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold for money to the public, not including bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, initial purchasers or wholesalers) and that hold the notes as “capital assets” within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not purport to deal with all aspects of United States federal income taxation that might be relevant to a particular holder in light of its circumstances or status, nor does it address tax considerations applicable to an investor that may be subject to special tax rules, including, but not limited to,
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financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, S corporations, partnerships or other pass-through entities, insurance companies, broker/dealers, dealers or traders in securities or currencies, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, and taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax. This summary also does not discuss a note held as part of a hedge, straddle, synthetic security or conversion transaction, or a situation in which the “functional currency” of a United States holder (as defined below) is not the US$. Moreover, the effect of any applicable estate, gift, state, local or non-United States tax laws is not discussed.
As a commercial law matter, there are two issuers of the notes, Telesat Canada, a Canadian corporation, and Telesat LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Because Telesat LLC is a disregarded entity wholly owned by Telesat Canada for United States. federal income tax purposes, Telesat Canada should be treated as the sole issuer of the notes for United States federal income tax purposes.
The term “United States holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that is, for United States federal income tax purposes:
(1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
(2) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
(3) an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
(4) a trust, if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration, and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (2) the trust was in existence on August 20, 1996 and properly elected to continue to be treated as a United States person.
If an entity treated as partnership for United States federal income tax purposes holds a note, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A holder that is a partner of a partnership purchasing a note should consult its own tax advisers about the United States federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the note.
Interest: Stated interest on a note will be taken into account by a United States holder as ordinary income at the time that interest is accrued or received in accordance with the holder’s regular method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. Interest paid by us on the notes is income from sources outside of the United States, and, with certain exceptions, will be “passive category income,” which is treated separately from other types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a United States holder.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes: Upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note, a United States holder generally will recognize United States source capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition (not including any amount allocable to accrued and unpaid interest, which will be treated as ordinary income to the extent not previously included in gross income) and (ii) the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note. The amount realized will be equal to the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the disposition of the note. A United States holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will equal the holder’s purchase price for the note. The capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the United States holder’s holding period for the note exceeds one year on the date of disposition. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate United States holders (including individuals) generally are eligible for reduced rates of United States federal income tax. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding: Information reporting to the IRS may apply with respect to certain payments to non-corporate United States holders of principal, premium, if any, and interest on a note and payments to such United States holders of the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of a Note. Backup withholding may apply to these payments if the United States holder fails to furnish a taxpayer identification number to the payer or establish an exemption from backup withholding or the United States
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holder fails to report in full interest income or to make certain certifications. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a United States holder will be allowed as a credit against that holder’s United States federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. Certain United States holders (including, among others, corporations) generally are exempt from backup withholding.
AN INVESTOR CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF NOTES SHOULD CONSULT HIS OWN TAX ADVISER WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO HIS PARTICULAR SITUATION AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS OR THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-UNITED STATES TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TREATY.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is, as of the date hereof, a summary of certain Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the acquisition, holding and disposition of the senior notes and senior subordinated notes of Telesat Canada (each a “Note”, and together the “Notes”) by an investor who acquired as a beneficial owner a Note at the time of its issuance in June 2008 and for the purposes of the application of theIncome Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”), and at all relevant times, is the beneficial owner of the Note, deals at arm’s length, and is not affiliated with Telesat Canada, Telesat Interco or any of their affiliates and who, for purposes of the Tax Act, is not resident and is not deemed to be resident in Canada, who deals at arm’s length with any person resident in Canada to whom the investor disposes of the Note and who holds the Note as capital property and does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the Note in or in the course of carrying on a business in Canada and is not an insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere (a “Non-Resident Holder”).
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act and the regulations thereunder as in force on the date hereof (the “Regulations”), the current administrative and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) published in writing prior to the date hereof and all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act and Regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Tax Proposals”) and assumes all Tax Proposals will be enacted substantially as proposed; however, no assurance can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted as proposed or at all. This summary does not, except for the Tax Proposals, otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or the CRA’s administrative or assessing practices, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial decision or action. Subsequent developments could have a material effect on the following description. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment in Notes and does not take into account provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or considerations, which are not addressed in this summary.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be nor should it be construed to be legal or tax advice to any investor. Investors should consult their own tax advisors for advice with respect to the income tax consequences of an investment in Notes, based on their particular circumstances and their country of residence.
Principal, interest, premium, bonus or penalty paid or credited or deemed for purposes of the Tax Act to be paid or credited on a Note to a Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax under the Tax Act. No other tax on income or gains will be payable under the Tax Act by a Non-Resident Holder on interest, principal, premium, bonus or penalty or on the proceeds received by a Non-Resident Holder on the disposition of a Note, including a redemption, payment on maturity, repurchase or purchase for cancellation.
F. Dividends and paying agents.
Not applicable.
G. Statement by experts.
Not applicable.
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H. Documents on display.
The documents concerning the Company which are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the principal executive offices of the Company.
I. Subsidiary Information.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
A. Quantitative information about market risk.
The information called for by this Item may be found in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
B. Qualitative information about market risk.
The information called for by this Item may be found in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
“Disclosure controls and procedures”, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely manner. As of December 31, 2011, Telesat conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, Telesat’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Telesat’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2011 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Telesat’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting”, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements in a timely manner, and can provide only reasonable assurances that the objectives of the control system have been met. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the underlying policies and procedures.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of Telesat’s internal control over financial reporting was conducted by Telesat’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of Telesat’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, based on the framework set forth in theInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, Telesat’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Telesat’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of Telesat’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the exemption for public companies whose public market capitalization is less than US$75 million in the Dodd-Frank Act signed on July 21, 2010.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this annual report, there have been no changes in Telesat’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Watson, Targoff and Pittman. Telesat Canada’s board of directors has determined that Mr. Watson is an “audit committee financial expert”. Based upon the listing standards of the Nasdaq, we believe that Mr. Watson is, and Messrs. Targoff and Pittman are not, considered independent as that term is defined in the Nasdaq listing standards.
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Item 16B. Code of Ethics
Telesat Canada has adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all of its employees. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct is available, free of charge, on Telesat Canada’s website located atwww.telesat.com. If any amendments are made to this Code of Business Conduct other than technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendments, or if any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of this Code of Business Conduct are granted to Telesat Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or other finance executives, Telesat Canada will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies on its website or in a report on Form 6-K or other similar form filed with the SEC. There were no amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Business Conduct during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) acted as the principal Independent Registered Chartered Accountants for Telesat Holdings for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Set forth below is a breakdown of fees for services rendered in 2011 and 2010.
 | |  | |  |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2011 | | Year Ended December 31, 2010 |
| | (In CAD $ Thousands) |
Audit fees | | | 801 | | | | 830 | |
Audit-related fees | | | 180 | | | | 107 | |
Tax fees | | | 251 | | | | 27 | |
All other fees | | | 170 | | | | 126 | |
Total | | | 1,402 | | | | 1,090 | |
Our Audit Committee must approve all audit, audit-related and permitted non-audit services to be provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP and their related fees. Fees related to the annual audits of our consolidated financial statements are specifically approved by the Audit Committee on an annual basis. All fees for pre-approved other audit and audit-related services are pre-approved annually or more frequently, if required. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining Deloitte’s independence.
Audit Fees
Audit fees were for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements, for Telesat Holdings’ annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the reviews of our quarterly financial statements. The audit fees also include fees for the audit of subsidiaries and other miscellaneous audits.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees were for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the annual statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees” above. For 2010 and 2011 these fees relate mainly to assistance provided with respect to the IFRS conversion.
Tax Fees
The 2011 and 2010 tax fees include amounts related to our European subsidiaries. In addition, the 2011 tax fees also include SR&ED services.
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All Other Fees
For 2010, the amounts included in Other relate to assistance provided with respect to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance project. In 2011, the amounts included in Other relate to accounting advisory work provided in connection with potential strategic alternatives as well as IFRS assistance.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable.
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
See our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning at page F-1.
Item 18. Financial Statements
Not applicable.
Item 19. Exhibits
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Exhibit No. | | Description |
1.1 | | Certificate and Articles of Amalgamation of Telesat Canada, dated as of October 31, 2007(7) |
1.2 | | Telesat Canada Unanimous Shareholder Declaration, dated as of October 31, 2007, by and between Telesat Canada and Telesat Interco Inc.(7) |
1.3 | | By-Law No. 1 of Telesat Canada, dated as of October 31, 2007(7) |
1.4 | | Certificate of Formation, dated September 7, 2007, and Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation, dated October 12, 2007, of Telesat LLC(7) |
1.5 | | Limited Liability Company Agreement of Telesat LLC, dated October 31, 2007(7) |
1.6 | | Articles of Incorporation of Telesat Holdings Inc. (formerly 4363205 Canada Inc.)(4) |
1.7 | | By-Law No. 1 of Telesat Holdings Inc. (formerly 4363205 Canada Inc.)(4) |
2.1 | | Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2008, among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat Interco Inc., Telesat LLC, and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., and The Bank of New York, as Trustee in respect of the 11.0% Senior Notes Due 2015(7) |
2.2 | | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2009, among Infosat Communications LP, Infosat Communications GP Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat LLC, and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., and the Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as Trustee in respect of the 11.0% Senior Notes Due 2015(7) |
2.3 | | Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2008, among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat Interco Inc., Telesat LLC, and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., and The Bank of New York, as Trustee in respect of the 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2017(7) |
2.4 | | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2009, among Infosat Communications LP, Infosat Communications GP Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat LLC, and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., and the Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as Trustee in respect of the 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2017(7) |
4.1 | | Ancillary Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2007, by and among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Loral Skynet Corporation, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, 4363205 Canada Inc. and 4363230 Canada Inc.(2) |
4.2 | | Adjustment Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2007, between Telesat Interco Inc. (formerly 4363213 Canada Inc.), BCE Inc, and Telesat Canada(4) |
4.3 | | Omnibus Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2007, by and among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Loral Skynet Corporation, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, Red Isle Private Investments Inc. and Telesat Holdings Inc. (formerly 4363205 Canada Inc.)(4) |
4.4 | | Shareholders Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2007, between Public Sector Pension Investment Board, Red Isle Private Investments Inc., Loral Space & Communications Inc., Loral Space & Communications Holdings Corporation, Loral Holdings Corporation, Loral Skynet Corporation, John P. Cashman, Colin D. Watson, Telesat Holdings Inc, (formerly 4363205 Canada Inc.), Telesat Interco Inc. (formerly 4363213 Canada Inc.), Telesat Canada and MHR Fund Management LLC(4) |
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Exhibit No. | | Description |
4.5 | | Consulting Services Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2007, by and between Loral Space & Communications Inc. and Telesat Canada(4) |
4.6 | | Form of Indemnity Agreement by and among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Telesat Canada, Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Interco Inc. and Officers and Directors(7) |
4.7 | | Option Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2008, by and between Loral Space & Communications Inc. and Telesat Canada(5) |
4.8 | | Grant Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2011, by and among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Canada, Loral Space & Communications Inc, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, 4440480 Canada Inc. and Daniel Goldberg(9) |
4.9 | | Grant Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2011, by and among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Canada, Loral Space & Communications Inc, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, 4440480 Canada Inc. and Michael C. Schwartz(9) |
4.10 | | Grant Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2011, by and among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Canada, Loral Space & Communications Inc, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, 4440480 Canada Inc. and Michel G. Cayouette(9) |
4.11 | | Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2007, among Telesat Interco Inc. (formerly 4363213 Canada Inc.), Telesat Holdings Inc. (formerly 4363205 Canada Inc.), 4363230 Canada Inc., Telesat LLC, certain subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., as guarantors, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as collateral agent for the lenders, UBS Securities LLC, as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia, as issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch or any of its lending affiliates, as co-documentation agents, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book running managers(4) |
4.12 | | Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2009, among Telesat Holdings Inc., Telesat Interco Inc., 4363230 Canada Inc., Telesat LLC, certain subsidiaries of Telesat Holdings Inc., as guarantors, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding Inc., as administrative agent, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as collateral agent, UBS Securities LLC, as syndication agent, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Nova Scotia, as swingline lender, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as issuing bank, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book running managers, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as co-documentation agents(7) |
4.13 | | Letter Agreement dated March 28, 2008 among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Loral Skynet Corporation, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, Red Isle Private Investment Inc. and Telesat Holdings Inc.(6) |
4.14 | | Letter Agreement among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Loral Skynet Corporation, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, 4363205 Canada Inc. and 4363213 Canada Inc. dated December 14, 2006(1) |
4.15 | | Share Purchase Agreement among 4363213 Canada Inc., BCE Inc. and Telesat Canada dated December 16, 2006(1) |
4.16 | | Letter Agreement among Loral Space & Communications Inc., Public Sector Pension Investment Board and BCE Inc. dated December 16, 2006(1) |
4.17 | | Asset Transfer Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2007 by and among 4363205 Canada Inc., Loral Skynet Corporation and Loral Space & Communications Inc.(2) |
4.18 | | Amendment No. 1 to Asset Transfer Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2007, by and among 4363205 Canada Inc., Loral Skynet Corporation and Loral Space & Communications Inc.(3) |
4.19 | | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2007, by and among Loral Skynet Corporation, Skynet Satellite Corporation and Loral Space & Communications Inc.(2) |
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Exhibit No. | | Description |
4.20 | | Space Segment Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2011, by and among Telesat IOM Limited and Loral Space & Communications Inc.(8) |
4.21 | | Gateway Facilities Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2011, by and among Telesat Canada, Loral Space & Communications Inc. and Loral Canadian Gateway Corporation(8) |
4.22 | | Barrett Assignment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2011, by and among Telesat IOM Limited and Loral Space & Communications Inc.(8) |
7.1* | | Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
8.1* | | List of Subsidiaries |
12.1* | | Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
12.2* | | Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
13.1* | | Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
13.2* | | Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
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| (1) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on December 21, 2006. |
| (2) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on August 9, 2007. |
| (3) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on September 27, 2007. |
| (4) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on November 2, 2007. |
| (5) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on January 16, 2008. |
| (6) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on March 31, 2008. |
| (7) | Incorporated by reference from the Form F-4 of Telesat Canada filed on June 5, 2009. |
| (8) | Incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 20-F of Telesat Canada filed on March 3, 2011. |
| (9) | Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Loral Space & Communications Inc. filed on June 13, 2011. |
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SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
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| | TELESAT CANADA |
| | /s/ Daniel S. Goldberg
Name: Daniel S. Goldberg Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: February 22, 2012
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Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Telesat Holdings Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Telesat Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 and the consolidated statements of income, statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in shareholders' equity and statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Telesat Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 and their financial performance and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
February 21, 2012
Toronto, Canada
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the year ended December 31
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2011 | | 2010 |
| | | | | | (Note 5) |
Revenue | | | 6 | | | | 808,361 | | | | 821,361 | |
Operating expenses | | | 7 | | | | (187,765 | ) | | | (206,464 | ) |
| | | | | | | 620,596 | | | | 614,897 | |
Depreciation | | | 14 | | | | (198,626 | ) | | | (202,183 | ) |
Amortization | | | | | | | (41,021 | ) | | | (45,468 | ) |
Other operating gains, net | | | 8 | | | | 114,068 | | | | 83,018 | |
Operating income | | | | | | | 495,017 | | | | 450,264 | |
Interest expense | | | 9 | | | | (227,051 | ) | | | (256,582 | ) |
Interest and other income | | | | | | | 1,554 | | | | 5,752 | |
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | | | | | 98,585 | | | | (11,168 | ) |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange | | | | | | | (78,844 | ) | | | 163,966 | |
Income before tax | | | | | | | 289,261 | | | | 352,232 | |
Tax expense | | | 10 | | | | (51,986 | ) | | | (66,131 | ) |
Net income | | | | | | | 237,275 | | | | 286,101 | |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2011 | | 2010 |
| | | | | | (Note 5) |
Net income | | | | | | | 237,275 | | | | 286,101 | |
Other comprehensive loss:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax | | | | | | | (3,541 | ) | | | (1,692 | ) |
Actuarial losses on defined benefit plans, net of tax | | | 25 | | | | (31,077 | ) | | | (9,450 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss | | | | | | | (34,618 | ) | | | (11,142 | ) |
Total comprehensive income | | | | | | | 202,657 | | | | 274,959 | |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Year ended December 31
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | Common shares | | Preferred shares | | Total share capital | | Accumulated earnings (deficit) | | Equity-settled employee benefits reserve | | Foreign currency translation reserve | | Total reserves | | Total shareholders’ equity |
Balance at January 1, 2010 | | | 5 | | | | 756,414 | | | | 541,764 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | (112,817) | | | | 19,906 | | | | — | | | | 19,906 | | | | 1,205,267 | | | | | |
Net income for the year | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 286,101 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 286,101 | |
Dividends declared on preferred shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (30 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (30 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $3,357 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9,450 | ) | | | | | | | (1,692 | ) | | | (1,692 | ) | | | (11,142 | ) |
Share based payments | | | 24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,667 | | | | | | | | 4,667 | | | | 4,667 | |
Balance at December 31, 2010 | | | 5 | | | | 756,414 | | | | 541,764 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | 163,804 | | | | 24,573 | | | | (1,692) | | | | 22,881 | | | | 1,484,863 | |
Balance at January 1, 2011 | | | 5 | | | | 756,414 | | | | 541,764 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | 163,804 | | | | 24,573 | | | | (1,692) | | | | 22,881 | | | | 1,484,863 | |
Net income for the year | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 237,275 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 237,275 | |
Dividends declared on preferred shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $10,486 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (31,077 | ) | | | | | | | (3,541 | ) | | | (3,541 | ) | | | (34,618 | ) |
Share based payments | | | 24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,654 | | | | | | | | 2,654 | | | | 2,654 | |
Balance at December 31, 2011 | | | | | | | 756,414 | | | | 541,764 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | 369,992 | | | | 27,227 | | | | (5,233) | | | | 21,994 | | | | 1,690,164 | |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
| | | | | | (Note 5) | | (Note 5) |
Assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 26 | | | | 277,962 | | | | 220,295 | | | | 154,189 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | 11 | | | | 46,789 | | | | 44,083 | | | | 70,200 | |
Other current financial assets | | | 23 | | | | 7,010 | | | | 6,944 | | | | 7,317 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 12 | | | | 22,126 | | | | 20,937 | | | | 23,001 | |
Total current assets | | | | | | | 353,887 | | | | 292,259 | | | | 254,707 | |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | | 6, 14 | | | | 2,151,915 | | | | 1,978,789 | | | | 1,898,898 | |
Other long-term financial assets | | | 23 | | | | 142,408 | | | | 78,631 | | | | 21,733 | |
Other long-term assets | | | 13 | | | | 5,536 | | | | 12,027 | | | | 19,031 | |
Intangible assets | | | 6, 15 | | | | 896,078 | | | | 945,547 | | | | 925,921 | |
Goodwill | | | 16 | | | | 2,446,603 | | | | 2,446,603 | | | | 2,446,603 | |
Total assets | | | | | | | 5,996,427 | | | | 5,753,856 | | | | 5,566,893 | |
Liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables | | | | | | | 45,156 | | | | 49,974 | | | | 43,413 | |
Other current financial liabilities | | | | | | | 82,988 | | | | 104,082 | | | | 102,124 | |
Other current liabilities | | | 17 | | | | 67,877 | | | | 62,645 | | | | 72,121 | |
Current indebtedness | | | 19 | | | | 86,495 | | | | 96,848 | | | | 23,602 | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | | | 282,516 | | | | 313,549 | | | | 241,260 | |
Long-term indebtedness | | | 19 | | | | 2,748,131 | | | | 2,771,802 | | | | 3,021,820 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | 10 | | | | 451,896 | | | | 414,717 | | | | 353,637 | |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | | | | | 259,783 | | | | 265,629 | | | | 239,825 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 18 | | | | 422,502 | | | | 361,861 | | | | 363,649 | |
Senior preferred shares | | | 20 | | | | 141,435 | | | | 141,435 | | | | 141,435 | |
Total liabilities | | | | | | | 4,306,263 | | | | 4,268,993 | | | | 4,361,626 | |
Shareholders’ Equity
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | | 21 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | 1,298,178 | |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) | | | | | | | 369,992 | | | | 163,804 | | | | (112,817 | ) |
Reserves | | | | | | | 21,994 | | | | 22,881 | | | | 19,906 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | | | | | 1,690,164 | | | | 1,484,863 | | | | 1,205,267 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | | | | | 5,996,427 | | | | 5,753,856 | | | | 5,566,893 | |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2011 | | 2010 |
| | | | | | (Note 5) |
Cash flows from operating activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | 237,275 | | | | 286,101 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization and depreciation | | | | | | | 239,647 | | | | 247,651 | |
Deferred tax expense | | | 10 | | | | 51,854 | | | | 63,852 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | | | | | | | 67,706 | | | | (170,016 | ) |
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives | | | 23 | | | | (87,914 | ) | | | 13,955 | |
Dividends on senior preferred shares | | | 20 | | | | 1,650 | | | | 2,075 | |
Share-based compensation | | | 24 | | | | 2,654 | | | | 4,667 | |
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets | | | 8 | | | | 1,483 | | | | (3,826 | ) |
Impairment loss on intangible assets | | | 8 | | | | 19,468 | | | | — | |
Reversal of impairment loss on satellites, property and other equipment | | | 8 | | | | — | | | | (7,923 | ) |
Reversal of impairment loss on intangible assets | | | 8 | | | | — | | | | (71,269 | ) |
Insurance proceeds | | | 8 | | | | (135,019 | ) | | | — | |
Other | | | | | | | (30,801 | ) | | | (24,930 | ) |
Customer prepayments on future satellite services | | | | | | | 57,768 | | | | 30,982 | |
Insurance proceeds | | | | | | | 11,228 | | | | — | |
Operating assets and liabilities | | | 26 | | | | (13,113 | ) | | | (29,815 | ) |
Net cash from operating activities | | | | | | | 423,886 | | | | 341,504 | |
Cash flows used in investing activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Satellite programs | | | | | | | (356,199 | ) | | | (257,725 | ) |
Purchase of other property and equipment | | | | | | | (17,566 | ) | | | (3,966 | ) |
Purchase of intangible assets | | | 29 | | | | (12,618 | ) | | | — | |
Insurance proceeds | | | 8 | | | | 135,019 | | | | — | |
Proceeds from sale of assets | | | | | | | 148 | | | | 26,926 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | | | | | (251,216 | ) | | | (234,765 | ) |
Cash flows used in financing activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Repayment of indebtedness | | | 19 | | | | (108,741 | ) | | | (34,946 | ) |
Dividends paid on preferred shares | | | | | | | (10 | ) | | | (30 | ) |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | | | | | | (5,928 | ) | | | (5,099 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | | | | | (114,679 | ) | | | (40,075 | ) |
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | (324 | ) | | | (558 | ) |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | 57,667 | | | | 66,106 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | | | | | 220,295 | | | | 154,189 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | | 26 | | | | 277,962 | | | | 220,295 | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest received | | | | | | | 2,121 | | | | 2,404 | |
Interest paid | | | | | | | 242,905 | | | | 279,053 | |
Income taxes paid | | | | | | | 2,329 | | | | 3,391 | |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
1. BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY
Telesat Holdings Inc. (the “Company” or “Telesat”) is a Canadian corporation. Telesat is a global fixed satellite services operator providing secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. The Company has a fleet of 12 satellites plus the Canadian Ka-band payload on ViaSat-1 with two more satellites under construction. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Telesat is headquartered at 1601 Telesat Court, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, KIB 5P4 with offices and facilities around the world.
On October 31, 2007, Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”) and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (“Loral”), through a newly formed entity called Telesat Holdings Inc. completed the acquisition of Telesat Canada from BCE Inc. Loral and PSP Investments indirectly hold an economic interest in Telesat of 64% and 36%, respectively. Loral indirectly holds a voting interest of 33 1/3% on all matters including the election of directors. PSP Investments indirectly holds a voting interest of 66 2/3% on all matters except for the election of directors, and a 30% voting interest for the election of directors. The remaining voting interest of 36 2/3% for the election of directors is held by shareholders of the Company’s director voting preferred shares.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Statement of Compliance
The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The Company, as a first-time adopter of IFRS, has followed the requirements ofIFRS 1,First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards(“IFRS 1”). The first date on which IFRS was applied was January 1, 2010. The accounting policies described in note 3 were consistently applied to all the periods presented.
Approval of Financial Statements
These financial statements were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and authorized for issue on February 21, 2012.
Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
The Company’s consolidated financial statements were previously prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”). Canadian GAAP differs in some areas from IFRS. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Company has amended certain accounting and measurement methods previously applied in the Canadian GAAP financial statements to comply with IFRS. Note 5 of these consolidated financial statements contains reconciliations and descriptions of the impact of the transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS on equity, income and comprehensive income as at December 31, 2010. Note 5 also has the January 1, 2010 reconciliation of shareholders’ equity. In addition the note discloses the reconciliation for the consolidated statement of income and consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2010 and a line by line reconciliation of the consolidated balance sheets as at January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
Basis of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the results of the Company and subsidiaries controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The most significant wholly owned subsidiaries are listed in note 28.
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for financial instruments which are measured at fair values, as explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
Segment Reporting
The Company’s operating segments are organized around the group’s service lines, which represent the group’s business activities. The operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. To be reported, a segment is usually based on quantitative thresholds but can also encompass qualitative factors management deems significant. The Company operates in a single industry segment, in which it provides satellite-based services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world.
Foreign Currency Translation
Unless otherwise specified, all figures reported in the consolidated financial statements and associated note disclosures are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency of the Company. Each of the subsidiaries of the Company determines its own functional currency and uses that currency to measure items on its separate financial statements.
Upon consolidation of the Company’s foreign operations having a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at the period-end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Gains or losses on translation of foreign subsidiaries are recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
On the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, foreign currency non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at their historical exchange rates, foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the period-end exchange rates, and foreign denominated revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Gains or losses on translation of these items are recognized as a component of net income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash on hand, demand deposits and short term investments. Restricted cash expected to be used within the next twelve months has been classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Revenue Recognition
Telesat recognizes revenue when earned, as services are rendered or as products are delivered to customers. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. There must be clear evidence that an arrangement exists, the amount of revenue must be known or determinable and collectability must be reasonably assured. Revenue from a contract to sell services is recognized as follows:
| • | Consulting revenue 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” consulting revenue contracts. Percentage of completion is measured by comparing actual cost incurred to total cost expected. |
Equipment sales revenue is recognized when the equipment is delivered to and accepted by the customer. 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. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on its relative fair value; otherwise, revenue is recognized as products are delivered or
F-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
as services are provided over the term of the customer contract. When it is questionable whether or not Telesat is the principal in a transaction, the transaction is evaluated to determine whether it should be recorded on a gross or net basis.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents the Company’s liability for the provision of future services and is classified on the balance sheet in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities. Deferred revenue consists of remuneration received in advance of the provision of service and is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the related customer contract.
Borrowing Costs
Borrowing costs are incurred on the Company’s debt financing. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, production or construction of a qualifying asset are added to the cost of that asset. The Company has defined a qualifying asset as an asset that takes longer than twelve months to get ready for its intended use or sale. Capitalization of borrowing costs continues until such time as the asset is substantially ready for its intended use or ready for sale. Borrowing costs are determined based on specific financing related to the asset or in the absence of specific financing, the borrowing costs are calculated on the basis of a capitalization rate which is equal to the Company’s average cost of debt. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Satellites, Property and Other Equipment
Satellites, property and other equipment, which are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, include the contractual cost of equipment, capitalized engineering costs, and with respect to satellites, the cost of launch services, launch insurance and capitalized borrowing costs during construction.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the respective estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimates of useful lives are reviewed at least annually and adjusted prospectively if necessary. Below are the estimated useful lives in years of satellites, property and other equipment as of December 31, 2011.
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| | Years |
Satellites | | | 12 – 15 | |
Property and other equipment | | | 3 – 30 | |
Construction in progress is not depreciated as depreciation only starts when the asset is ready for its intended use. For satellites, depreciation commences on the day the satellite becomes available for service and continues until the accumulated depreciation equals the amount of the cost.
Liabilities related to decommissioning and restoration of retiring property and equipment are measured at fair value with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related asset. The liability is accreted over the period of expected cash flows with a corresponding charge to interest expense. The liabilities recorded to date have not been significant and are reassessed at the end of each reporting period. There are no decommissioning or restoration obligations for satellites.
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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
The investment in each satellite will be removed from the property accounts when the satellite has been fully depreciated and is no longer in service. When other property is retired from operations at the end of its useful life, the amount of the asset and accumulated depreciation 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 income immediately.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Tangible fixed assets and finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment on a quarterly basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets exceeds the recoverable amount.
An impairment test consists of assessing the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. If it is not practicable to estimate the recoverable amount for a particular asset, the Company determines the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) with which it is associated. A cash generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
The Company estimates value in use on the basis of the estimated future cash flows to be generated by an asset or CGU. These future cash flows are based on the Company’s latest business plan information approved by senior management and are discounted using rates that best reflect the time value of money and the specific risks associated with the underlying asset or assets in the CGU.
The fair value less cost to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of the asset or CGU in the course of an arm’s length transaction between interested, knowledgeable and willing parties, less selling costs.
An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses are recognized in Other operating gains (losses).
When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in Other operating gains (losses).
Deferred Satellite Performance Incentive Payments
Deferred satellite performance incentive payments are obligations payable to satellite manufacturers over the lives of certain satellites. The present value of the payments are capitalized as part of the cost of the satellite and recognized in income as part of the depreciation of the satellite.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which establishes specific criteria for the recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess between the total of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired. After initial recognition at cost, goodwill is measured at cost less any cumulative impairment charge. The Company distinguishes intangible assets between assets with finite and indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are comprised of the Company’s trade name and orbital slots.
F-11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
Finite life intangible assets, which are carried at cost less accumulated amortization, consist of revenue backlog, customer relationships, customer contract, concession rights, transponder rights and patents. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method of amortization, except for revenue backlog which is based on the expected period of recognition of the related revenue.
 | |  |
| | Years |
Revenue backlog | | | 4 to 17 | |
Customer relationships | | | 11 to 21 | |
Customer contract | | | 15 | |
Concession rights | | | 15 | |
Transponder rights | | | 6 to 14 | |
Patents | | | 18 | |
The estimates of useful lives are reviewed every year and adjusted prospectively if necessary.
Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
An assessment for impairment of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets is performed annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets are likely to exceed their recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value in use. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level as this represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and is not larger than an operating segment. Indefinite life intangibles have not been allocated to any CGU and are tested for impairment at the asset level.
An impairment test consists of assessing the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use.
Goodwill
In performing the goodwill impairment analysis, the Company uses the income approach as well as the market approach in the determination of the fair value of goodwill at the entity level. Under the income approach, the sum of the projected discounted cash flows for the next five years in addition to a terminal value are used to determine the fair value at the entity level. In this model, significant assumptions used include: revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, working capital, terminal growth rate and discount rate.
Under the market based approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined based on market multiples derived from comparable public companies. As part of that analysis, assumptions are made regarding comparability of selected companies including revenue, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiples for valuation purposes, growth rates, size and overall profitability.
Under both approaches, all assumptions used in the model, with the exception of the discount rate, are based on management’s best estimates. The discount rates are consistent with external sources of information.
Trade name
For the purposes of impairment testing, the fair value of the trade name was determined using an income approach, specifically the relief from royalties method. The relief from royalty method is comprised of two major steps: i) a determination of the hypothetical royalty rate, and ii) the subsequent application of the royalty rate to projected revenue. In determining the hypothetical royalty rate in the relief from royalty approach, the Company considered comparable license agreements, operating earnings benchmark rule of thumb, an excess earnings analysis to determine aggregate intangible asset earnings, and other qualitative factors. The key assumptions used included the tax rate and discount rate.
F-12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
Orbital slots
In performing the orbital slots impairment analysis, the Company estimated fair value using the build up method to determine the cash flows for the income approach, with the resulting projected cash flows discounted at an appropriate weighted average cost of capital. In instances where the build up method did not generate positive value for an orbital slot, but the orbital slot was expected to generate revenue, a value was assigned based upon independent source data for recent transactions of similar orbital slots.
Under the build up approach, the amount an investor would be willing to pay for an orbital slot to operate a satellite business is calculated by first estimating the cash flows that typical market participants would assume could be available from the operation of satellites using the subject slot in a similar market. It was assumed that rather than acquiring such a business as a going concern, the buyer would hypothetically obtain a slot and build a new operation with similar attributes from scratch. Thus the buyer or builder is considered to incur the start-up costs and losses typically associated with the going concern value and pay for all other tangible and intangible assets.
The key assumptions used in estimating the recoverable amounts of the orbital slots included i) market penetration leading to revenue growth, ii) profit margin, iii) duration and profile of the build up period, iv) estimated start-up costs and losses incurred during the build up period and v) the weighted average cost of capital.
Financial Instruments
Telesat uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange rate risk associated with anticipated purchases and with debt denominated in foreign currencies, as well as to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk associated with debt. Currently, Telesat does not designate any of its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. All realized and unrealized gains and losses on these derivative financial instruments are recorded in the statement of income and included as part of gain (loss) on changes in fair value of financial instruments.
Financial assets and financial liabilities that are classified as held-for-trading (“HFT”) are measured at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses relating to the HFT assets and liabilities are recorded in the consolidated statement of income included in gain (loss) on changes in fair value of financial instruments. Loans and receivables and other liabilities are recorded at amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest rate method.
Derivatives, including embedded derivatives that must be separately accounted for, are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at inception and marked to market at each reporting period thereafter. Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments are treated as separate derivatives when their risk and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contract and the host contract is measured separately according to its characteristics.
The Company accounts for embedded foreign currency derivatives in a host contract as a single instrument where the contract requires payments denominated in the currency that is commonly used in contracts to procure non-financial items in the economic environment in which Telesat transacts.
Transaction costs for financial instruments classified as HFT are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets and financial liabilities (other than HFT) are added or deducted from the fair value of the financial asset and financial liability on initial recognition.
Financing Costs
The debt issuance costs related to the revolving Canadian dollar denominated credit facility and the Canadian term loan facility are accounted for as short-term and long-term deferred charges and included in
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other long-term assets. The deferred charges are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis. All other debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.
Employee Benefit Plans
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 actuarial cost methods that are permitted by pension regulatory bodies and reflect 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 the present value of its obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs, adjusted for any unrecognized past service cost and reduced by the fair value of plan assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to any unrecognized past service cost plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan. Pension costs and other retirement benefits are determined 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 bonds as determined in accordance with guidance described by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries in an Educational Note dated September 2011. Past service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining vesting period. All actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur and recognized in accumulated earnings (deficit). A valuation is performed at least every three years to determine the present value of the accrued pension and other retirement benefits. The 2010 pension expense calculations are extrapolated from a valuation performed as of January 1, 2007 while the 2011 pension expense calculations are extrapolated from the calculation performed as of January 1, 2010. The accrued benefit obligation is extrapolated from an actuarial valuation as of January 1, 2010. The most recent valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2011, and the next required valuation is as of January 1, 2012.
In addition, Telesat provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-go basis, with the retiree generally paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and co-insurance provisions. Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.
Share-Based Compensation Plan
The Company offers an equity-settled share-based incentive plan for certain key employees under which it receives services from employees in exchange for equity instruments of the Company. The expense is based on fair value of the awards granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied, with a corresponding increase in equity. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over the respective vesting period.
F-14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
Inventory
Inventories are valued at lower of cost and net realizable value and consist of finished goods and work in process. Cost for substantially all network equipment inventories is determined on a weighted average cost basis. Cost for work in process and certain one-of-a-kind finished goods is determined using the specific identification method.
Income Taxes
Current income tax is measured at the amount expected to be paid to the taxation authorities, net of recoveries, based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Income tax expense, comprised of current and deferred income tax, is recognized in income except to the extent it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or equity, in which case the income tax expense is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity, respectively.
Deferred taxes are the result of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period where the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination. For taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, a deferred tax liability is recognized unless the parent can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Future Changes in Accounting Policies
The IASB recently issued a number of new accounting standards. The new standards determined to be applicable to the Company are disclosed below. The remaining standards have been excluded as they are not applicable.
Financial instruments
IFRS 9,Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) on October 28, 2010, and will replace IAS 39,Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value, replacing multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. Two measurement categories continue to exist to account for financial liabilities in IFRS 9, fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and amortized cost. Financial liabilities held for trading are measured at FVTPL, and all other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost unless the fair value option is applied. The treatment of embedded derivatives under the new standard is consistent with IAS 39 and is applied to financial liabilities and non-derivative hosts not within the scope of this standard.
F-15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (continued)
IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for post employment benefits
On June 16, 2011, the IASB issued the amended version of IAS 19,Employee Benefits(“IAS 19”). The amendments make changes in eliminating the accounting option to defer the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, streamlining the presentation of changes in assets and liabilities arising from defined benefit plans as well as amendments to disclosure requirements. Changes in the defined benefit obligation and plan assets are disaggregated into three components: service costs, net interest on the net defined benefit obligation (asset) and remeasurements of the net defined benefit obligation (asset). The revised standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of revised IAS 19 on its consolidated financial statements.
Fair value measurement and disclosure requirements
IASB issued IFRS 13,Fair value measurement (“IFRS 13”) on May 12, 2011. IFRS 13 provides guidance on how fair value measurement should be applied whenever its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS. IFRS 13 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with earlier application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of revised IFRS 13 on its consolidated financial statements.
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies
The following are the critical judgments made in applying the Company’s accounting policies which have the most significant effect on the amounts reported in the financial statements:
Revenue recognition
The Company’s accounting policy relating to revenue recognition is described in note 3. The percentage of completion method is used for fixed price consulting revenue contracts and requires judgment by management to determine the appropriateness of using the method for revenue recognition as this method requires the ability to accurately estimate costs incurred and accurately estimate costs required to complete contracts.
Uncertain income tax positions
The Company operates in numerous jurisdictions and is subject to country-specific tax laws. Management uses significant judgment when determining the worldwide provision for tax and estimates provisions for uncertain tax positions as the amounts expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. In the assessment, management considers risk with respect to tax matters under active discussion, audit, dispute or appeal with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. Management reviews the provisions at each balance sheet date.
IFRIC 4 — Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease
The Company assesses for each new arrangement whether it contains a lease based on IFRIC 4. The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains a lease, is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date or whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. If contracts contain a lease arrangement, the leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The Company makes accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the carrying value of assets and liabilities, reported net income and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions
F-16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES – (continued)
are based on historical experience, current events and other relevant factors, therefore, actual results will differ and could be material. The accounting estimates and assumptions critical to the determination of the amounts reported in the financial statements are as follows:
Derivative financial instruments measured at fair value
Derivative financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value were $134.4 million and $213.5 million at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — $72.4 million and $244.5 million, January 1, 2010 — $15.9 million and $185.3 million). Quoted market values are unavailable for the Company’s financial instruments and in the absence of an active market, the Company determines fair value for financial instruments based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market-based inputs. The determination of fair value is affected significantly by the assumptions used for the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates. As a result, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities and the amount of gains or losses on changes in fair value recorded to net income could vary.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents approximately $2.4 billion of total assets at December 31, 2011 and at each of the prior balance sheet dates. Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the Company’s value. The Company’s value requires management to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, tax rates, and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis.
Impairment of intangible assets
Intangible assets represent approximately $896 million of total assets at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — $946 million, January 1, 2010 — $926 million). Impairment of intangible assets is tested annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment analysis requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from operations and to make assumptions regarding economic factors, discount rates, tax rates, and annual growth rates. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimates used for the impairment analysis.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the CGU or individual asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, so long as the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the CGU or individual asset in prior years.
The reversal of an impairment requires management to re-assess several indicators that led to the impairment. It requires the valuation of the recoverable amount by estimating the future cash flows expected to arise from the CGU or individual asset and the determination of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate its present value. Significant judgment is made in establishing these assumptions.
Employee Benefit
The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post employment medical benefits and the present value of the pension obligation are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions which may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases, mortality rates, future pension increases and return on plan assets. Due to the complexity of the valuation, the underlying assumptions, and its long term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
F-17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES – (continued)
Determination of useful life of satellites and finite life intangible assets
The estimated useful life and depreciation method for satellites and finite life intangible assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Any change in these estimates may have a significant impact on the amounts reported.
Income taxes
Management assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets based upon an estimation of the Company’s projected taxable income using existing tax laws, and its ability to utilize future tax deductions before they expire. Actual results could differ from expectations.
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS
The Company adopted IFRS on January 1, 2011 with a transition date of January 1, 2010 (the “opening balance sheet”). Prior to the adoption of IFRS the Company prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with previous Canadian GAAP and applied Part V of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants handbook. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 are the first annual consolidated financial statements that comply with IFRS and these consolidated financial statements were prepared as described in note 2, including the application of IFRS 1. IFRS 1 provides for certain mandatory exceptions and provides for certain elective exemptions for first time adopters. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with those IFRS standards and International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (“IFRIC”) interpretations issued and effective or issued and early adopted as at the timing of preparing these consolidated financial statements.
Initial elections upon adoption of IFRS 1
The basic principles of IFRS 1 assume that on the initial adoption of IFRS standards, these will be applied retrospectively as if the standards had been applied and effective from the date of inception. However, the IASB has determined that retrospective application in certain situations cannot be performed with sufficient reliability or significant cost. Therefore, IFRS 1 offers mandatory exceptions and elective exemptions to facilitate conversion from Canadian GAAP to IFRS. Below are the mandatory exceptions and elective exemptions applicable to the Company.
A. Mandatory exceptions
Estimates
The estimates made in the opening IFRS balance sheet reflect conditions that existed at the date of the underlying transaction or January 1, 2010, as required by each specific IFRS standard. Hindsight was not used to create or revise estimates. All estimates used in the preparation of the opening balance sheet reflect the facts and circumstances at the date of the underlying transaction or January 1, 2010, as may be the case.
B. Elective exemptions
Business combinations
IFRS 1 provides the Company with the option to apply IFRS 3R,Business Combinations, retrospectively or prospectively from the transition date of January 1, 2010. The retrospective application requires the restatement of business combinations that occurred prior to the transition date. The Company elected to apply IFRS 3R prospectively to business combinations that occurred on or after the date of transition of January 1, 2010.
Fair value or revaluation as deemed cost
IFRS 1 provides an exemption to measure property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and investment property at its fair value and use that fair value as its deemed cost at that date and an exemption to use a previous Canadian GAAP revaluation as deemed cost if it is comparable to fair value or reflects the cost
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
or depreciated cost under IFRS. If no election is made, retrospective application is required in accordance with IAS 16,Property, Plant and Equipment, IAS 38,Intangible Assets, and IAS 40,Investment Property. The Company has elected to use a previous Canadian GAAP revaluation as deemed cost. The previous revaluation was required as part of the October 31, 2007 acquisition of Telesat Canada and Loral Skynet. This election had no impact on the Company’s opening balance sheet.
Employee benefits
IFRS 1 provides the option to retrospectively apply the corridor approach under IAS 19,Employee Benefits, for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, or alternatively recognize all cumulative actuarial gains and losses deferred under Canadian GAAP in opening accumulated deficit at the transition date. The Company has elected to recognize all cumulative actuarial gains and losses in opening accumulated deficit for all of its employee benefit plans at the date of transition. This election resulted in a decrease to other long-term assets of $15.4 million, a decrease to deferred tax liability of $3.5 million, a decrease to other long-term liabilities of $1.4 million and an increase to accumulated deficit of $10.5 million.
Cumulative currency translation differences
IFRS 1 permits cumulative translation gains and losses to be reset to zero at the transition date. The Company has elected to reset all cumulative translation gains and losses to zero in opening accumulated deficit at January 1, 2010. The impact was a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $7.4 million and an increase to accumulated deficit of $7.4 million after adjusting for changes in functional currency as determined under IAS 21,The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates. There was no impact to the shareholders’ equity.
Borrowing costs
IAS 23,Borrowing Costs, requires an entity to capitalize the borrowing costs related to all qualifying assets. IFRS 1 allows the Company the option to apply this standard retrospectively or prospectively from the date of transition. The Company has elected to apply IAS 23 prospectively.
Leases
IFRS 1 provides the option to apply the transitional provisions under IFRIC 4,Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, to determine whether an arrangement contains a lease on the basis of facts and circumstances existing at the date of transition. The Company has made this election in its evaluation of contracts existing at the transition date. As a result of the application of IFRIC 4, management determined that certain agreements were incorrectly accounted for as leases under Canadian GAAP. These immaterial errors were corrected as part of the IFRS transition as permitted under IFRS 1 with prior periods adjusted in these financial statements and the agreements are now accounted for as service agreements which do not contain a lease under IFRIC 4. The impact to the opening balance sheet was a decrease in satellite, property and other equipment of $19.5 million, a decrease to other current liabilities of $3.5 million, a decrease to other long-term liabilities of $17.8 million, a decrease to deferred tax liability of $6.1 million and a decrease to opening accumulated deficit of $7.9 million.
C. Reconciliation of Canadian GAAP to IFRS
The following represents the reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS for the respective periods noted for shareholders’ equity, net income and total comprehensive income. The first-time adoption of IFRS did not have a material impact on total operating, investing or financing cash flows.
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
Reconciliation of Shareholders’ Equity
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As at | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Shareholders’ equity under Canadian GAAP | | | 1,132,325 | | | | 897,296 | |
Differences increasing (decreasing) reported shareholders’ equity(a):
| | | | | | | | |
1. Impairment – Tangible assets | | | — | | | | (5,921 | ) |
2. Impairment – Intangible assets | | | 365,183 | | | | 312,725 | |
3. Employee benefits | | | (20,100 | ) | | | (10,489 | ) |
4. Foreign currency translation | | | 1,634 | | | | 3,745 | |
5. Share based compensation | | | — | | | | — | |
6. Leases | | | 5,821 | | | | 7,911 | |
Total shareholder’s equity under IFRS | | | 1,484,863 | | | | 1,205,267 | |
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| (a) | Differences increasing (decreasing) reported shareholders’ equity are disclosed net of tax. |
Reconciliation of Net Income
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| | For the year ended December 31, 2010 |
Net income under Canadian GAAP | | | 228,191 | |
Differences increasing (decreasing) reported net income:
| | | | |
1. Impairment – Tangible assets | | | 7,924 | |
2. Impairment – Intangible assets | | | 71,269 | |
3. Employee benefits | | | (192 | ) |
4. Foreign currency translation | | | (32 | ) |
5. Share based compensation | | | 987 | |
6. Leases | | | 68 | |
7. Income taxes | | | (22,114 | ) |
Total net income under IFRS | | | 286,101 | |
Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income
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| | For the year ended December 31, 2010 |
Comprehensive income under Canadian GAAP | | | 229,406 | |
Differences increasing (decreasing) reported comprehensive income:
| | | | |
Differences in net income | | | 57,910 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | (2,907 | ) |
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans | | | (9,450 | ) |
Comprehensive income under IFRS | | | 274,959 | |
D. Changes in accounting policies from Canadian GAAP to IFRS
In addition to the mandatory exceptions and elective exemptions for retrospective application of IFRS, the following narratives explain the significant differences, as identified in the tables above, between previously adopted Canadian GAAP accounting policies and the current IFRS accounting policies adopted by the Company.
(1) Impairment — Tangible assets
A recoverability test, under Canadian GAAP, is a two step process whereby the first test is performed by comparing the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset to its carrying amount. If the
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
asset does not recover its carrying value, an impairment loss is determined as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value. Fair value is calculated as the present value of expected cash flows derived from the asset.
The impairment test under IAS 36,Impairment of Assets, is a one step process whereby impairment is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the asset’s fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. Value in use is defined as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. As a result of the differences in measurement, the Company recognized an impairment under IFRS, on the transition date, as the carrying amount of a certain satellite was in excess of its value in use.
The impairment resulted in the following adjustments to the opening IFRS balance sheet: a reduction to satellites, property and other equipment of $7.9 million, a reduction to deferred tax liability of $2.0 million and an increase in opening accumulated deficit of $5.9 million. The impairment recorded on the transition date was subsequently reversed in 2010 due to changes in revenue assumptions.
(2) Impairment — Intangible assets
Impairment losses cannot be reversed under Canadian GAAP.
IFRS requires impairment losses other than those related to goodwill, to be reversed if certain criteria are met in accordance with IAS 36,Impairment of Assets. As a result, the Company reversed an impairment relating to its orbital slot intangible assets at the transition date. The reversal of the impairment was mainly the result of the variations in the discount rate applied. The reversal resulted in an increase to intangible assets of $411.6 million, an increase to deferred tax liability of $98.9 million and a decrease to opening accumulated deficit of $312.7 million on the opening IFRS balance sheet.
At the end of 2010 the impairment reversal resulted in an increase to intangible assets of $483.0 million, an increase to deferred tax liability of $117.8 million and an increase in accumulated earnings of $365.2 million. In the 2010 statement of income under IFRS compared to Canadian GAAP an additional $71.3 million of other operating gains was recorded, reduced by additional tax expense of $18.8 million.
(3) Employee benefits — actuarial gains and losses
Under Canadian GAAP actuarial gains and losses arising from the calculation of the present value of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets are recognized on a systematic and consistent basis, subject to a minimum required amortization based on a corridor approach. The corridor was 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The excess of 10% is amortized as a component of pension expense on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service period of active participants. Actuarial gains and losses below the 10% corridor are deferred.
Under IFRS, the Company elected to recognize all actuarial gains and losses immediately in other comprehensive income without recycling to the income statement in subsequent periods. As a result, actuarial gains and losses are not amortized to the statement of income but instead recorded directly to other comprehensive income at the end of each period.
The recognition of actuarial gains and losses as per the opening IFRS balance sheet date resulted in a decrease to other long-term assets of $15.4 million, a decrease of $1.4 million to other long-term liabilities, a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $3.5 million and a corresponding increase to accumulated deficit of $10.5 million. The change in accounting policy regarding the recognition of actuarial gains and losses had the following impact on the December 31, 2010 balance sheet: a decrease to other long-term assets of $29.5 million, a decrease of $2.6 million to other long-term liabilities, a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $6.8 million and a corresponding decrease to accumulated earnings of $20.1 million. The operating expense
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
increased by $0.2 million in 2010 under IFRS compared to Canadian GAAP as a result of the different accounting policies. The impact on the 2010 other comprehensive income resulted in a decrease of $9.5 million.
(4) Foreign currency translation
Under Canadian GAAP, foreign currency translation of subsidiaries depends on the criteria provided in determining self-sustaining foreign operations and integrated foreign operations.
IFRS requires each entity in a consolidated group to determine its functionally currency in isolation in accordance with primary and secondary indications. As a result of this difference, certain subsidiaries that were previously accounted for as integrated foreign operations under Canadian GAAP were revised to have their functional currency as a foreign currency. The impact on the transition date was an increase to satellites, property and other equipment of $0.1 million, a $3.6 million increase to intangible assets, a $0.8 million reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss and a $2.9 million reduction of accumulated deficit. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment was then cleared to accumulated deficit using the IFRS 1 exemption for IAS 21.
The impact on the December 31, 2010 balance sheet was an increase to satellites, property and other equipment of $0.1 million, a $1.5 million increase to intangible assets, a $0.8 million reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss and a $0.8 million increase of accumulated earnings. The difference in foreign currency translation of subsidiaries between IFRS and Canadian GAAP resulted in a decrease of gain (loss) on foreign exchange of $0.03 million in the 2010 statement of income. Other comprehensive income decreased by $2.9 million as a result of the foreign currency translation difference.
(5) Share-based compensation
The Company has equity-settled share-based compensation transactions with certain key employees. The vesting conditions embedded in these compensation plans are time and performance based. Under Canadian GAAP, the total fair value of these awards is recognized on a straight line basis throughout the vesting period.
Under IFRS, each tranche of the option grant is considered a separate grant and fair value is determined for each tranche of the option grant. As a result of this difference, the Company recorded a transitional adjustment to its opening IFRS balance sheet which resulted in an increase to reserves of $8.8 million and an increase to accumulated deficit of $8.8 million, with no overall impact on net equity. The Company recorded an adjustment to its December 31, 2010 balance sheet which resulted in an increase to reserves of $7.8 million and a decrease to accumulated earnings of $7.8 million, with no overall impact on net equity. The operating expense decreased by $1.0 million in the 2010 statement of income under IFRS compared to Canadian GAAP.
(6) Leases
As a result of the application of IFRIC 4, management determined that certain agreements were incorrectly accounted for as leases under Canadian GAAP. These immaterial errors were corrected as part of the IFRS transition as permitted under IFRS 1 with prior periods adjusted in these consolidated financial statements and the agreements are now accounted for as service agreements under IFRIC 4. The impact to the opening balance sheet was a decrease in satellites, property and other equipment of $19.5 million, a decrease to other current liabilities of $3.5 million, a decrease to other long-term liabilities of $17.8 million, a decrease to deferred tax liability of $6.1 million and a decrease to opening accumulated deficit of $7.9 million. The impact to the December 31, 2010 balance sheet was a decrease in satellites, property and other equipment of $15.4 million, a decrease to other current liabilities of $3.6 million, a decrease to other long-term liabilities of $13.2 million, a decrease to deferred tax liability of $4.4 million and an increase to accumulated earnings of $5.8 million. The difference between IFRS and Canadian GAAP resulted in an increase of $5.2 million of
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
operating expenses, decrease of $3.4 million of depreciation, decrease of $1.7 million of net interest expense and an increase of tax expense of $1.2 million in the 2010 statement of income.
(7) Income taxes
Differences for income taxes represent the effect of recording, where applicable, the deferred tax impact of other differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS.
E. Presentation and Reclassification Differences
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Aggregation / disaggregation of balance sheet line items
| i. | Under Canadian GAAP, common shares, preferred shares, accumulated other comprehensive loss, and contributed surplus were presented separately. Under IFRS, common shares and preferred shares have been aggregated into the line item share capital while accumulated other comprehensive loss and contributed surplus have been aggregated into the line item reserves. |
| ii. | For Canadian GAAP presentation, various balance sheet accounts were aggregated. IFRS has certain minimum presentation requirements for the balance sheet and as a result additional balance sheet line items were presented. |
Reclassification of pension asset / liability
Under Canadian GAAP there was an asset recorded related to the post employment benefit plans. Upon transition to IFRS, all cumulative actuarial gains or losses deferred under Canadian GAAP were recognized in opening accumulated deficit as of the date of transition to IFRS and subsequently recognized in other comprehensive income. As a result of this accounting difference, the net amount related to the post employment benefit plans represents a liability under IFRS.
Tax reclassification
Under Canadian GAAP, deferred taxes were classified as current and non-current on the basis of either the underlying asset or the liability or the expected reversal of items not related to an asset or liability. For IFRS purposes, all deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current. All deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted.
Reclassification of Derivatives
Under Canadian GAAP the derivatives were categorized between current and non-current based on maturity. For IFRS purposes derivatives are separated into a current and non-current portion based on an assessment of the facts and circumstances (i.e. the underlying contracted cash flows).
Consolidated Statement of Income
Aggregation / disaggregation of statement of income line items
| i. | Under Canadian GAAP, revenue was presented for service revenue and equipment sales revenue. Under IFRS, the revenue streams are presented as a single line revenue. |
| ii. | Under Canadian GAAP, the consolidated statement of income presented amortization for the depreciation of satellites, property and other equipment and intangible assets as one line item. For IFRS the expenses were disaggregated to present 1) depreciation of satellites, property and other equipment (depreciation) and 2) amortization of intangible assets (amortization). |
| iii. | Under Canadian GAAP, cost of equipment sales and other income were presented separately from operations and administration expenses. Under IFRS, the consolidated statement of income combines those expenses and presents one line item operating expenses. |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
| iv. | Under Canadian GAAP, interest income and expenses were presented as one line item interest expense. For IFRS presentation interest expense is disaggregated to present 1) interest expense and 2) interest and other income. |
F. Adjusted Telesat Holdings Inc. financial statements
The following are reconciliations of the financial statements previously presented under Canadian GAAP to the consolidated financial statements prepared under IFRS.
Reconciliation of Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2010
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Canadian GAAP accounts | | Canadian GAAP balance | | IFRS adjustments | | IFRS reclassifications | | IFRS balance | | IFRS accounts |
Current assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Assets | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 220,295 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 220,295 | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 44,109 | | | | — | | | | (26 | ) | | | 44,083 | | | | Trade and other receivables | |
Current future tax asset | | | 1,900 | | | | — | | | | 5,044 | | | | 6,944 | | | | Other current financial assets | |
Other current assets | | | 26,476 | | | | — | | | | (5,539 | ) | | | 20,937 | | | | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
Total current assets | | | 292,780 | | | | — | | | | (521) | | | | 292,259 | | | | Total current assets | |
Satellites, property and other equipment, net | | | 1,994,122 | | | | (15,333 | ) | | | — | | | | 1,978,789 | | | | Satellites, property and other equipment | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 78,631 | | | | 78,631 | | | | Other long-term financial assets | |
Other long-term assets | | | 112,816 | | | | (29,487 | ) | | | (71,302 | ) | | | 12,027 | | | | Other long-term assets | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 461,060 | | | | 484,487 | | | | — | | | | 945,547 | | | | Intangible assets | |
Goodwill | | | 2,446,603 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,446,603 | | | | Goodwill | |
Total assets | | | 5,307,381 | | | | 439,667 | | | | 6,808 | | | | 5,753,856 | | | | Total assets | |
Liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Liabilities | |
Current liabilities
| | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 49,906 | | | | 68 | | | | — | | | | 49,974 | | | | Trade and other payables | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 104,082 | | | | 104,082 | | | | Other current financial liabilities | |
Other current liabilities | | | 128,296 | | | | (3,657 | ) | | | (61,994 | ) | | | 62,645 | | | | Other current liabilities | |
Debt due within one year | | | 96,848 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 96,848 | | | | Current indebtedness | |
Total current liabilities | | | 275,050 | | | | (3,589) | | | | 42,088 | | | | 313,549 | | | | Total current liabilities | |
Debt financing | | | 2,771,802 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,771,802 | | | | Long-term indebtedness | |
Future tax liability | | | 310,552 | | | | 106,565 | | | | (2,400 | ) | | | 414,717 | | | | Deferred tax liabilities | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 265,629 | | | | 265,629 | | | | Other long-term financial liabilities | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 676,217 | | | | (15,847 | ) | | | (298,509 | ) | | | 361,861 | | | | Other long-term liabilities | |
Senior preferred shares | | | 141,435 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | | | | Senior preferred shares | |
Total liabilities | | | 4,175,056 | | | | 87,129 | | | | 6,808 | | | | 4,268,993 | | | | Total liabilities | |
Shareholders’ equity
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Shareholders’ Equity | |
Common shares | | | 756,414 | | | | — | | | | 541,764 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | Share capital | |
Preferred shares | | | 541,764 | | | | — | | | | (541,764 | ) | | | — | | | | | |
| | | 1,298,178 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (176,396 | ) | | | 340,200 | | | | — | | | | 163,804 | | | | Accumulated earnings (deficit) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | (6,207 | ) | | | 6,207 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
| | | (182,603 | ) | | | 346,407 | | | | — | | | | 163,804 | | | | | |
Contributed surplus | | | 16,750 | | | | 6,131 | | | | — | | | | 22,881 | | | | Reserves | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 1,132,325 | | | | 352,538 | | | | — | | | | 1,484,863 | | | | Total shareholders’ equity | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | 5,307,381 | | | | 439,667 | | | | 6,808 | | | | 5,753,856 | | | | Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
Reconciliation of Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2010
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Canadian GAAP accounts | | Canadian GAAP balance | | IFRS adjustments | | IFRS reclassifications | | IFRS balance | | IFRS accounts |
Current assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Assets | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 154,189 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 154,189 | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 70,203 | | | | — | | | | (3 | ) | | | 70,200 | | | | Trade and other receivables | |
Current future tax asset | | | 2,184 | | | | — | | | | 5,133 | | | | 7,317 | | | | Other current financial assets | |
Other current assets | | | 29,018 | | | | — | | | | (6,017 | ) | | | 23,001 | | | | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
Total current assets | | | 255,594 | | | | — | | | | (887) | | | | 254,707 | | | | Total current assets | |
Satellites, property and other equipment, net | | | 1,926,190 | | | | (27,292 | ) | | | — | | | | 1,898,898 | | | | Satellites, property and other equipment | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 21,733 | | | | 21,733 | | | | Other long-term financial assets | |
Other long-term assets | | | 56,924 | | | | (15,560 | ) | | | (22,333 | ) | | | 19,031 | | | | Other long-term assets | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 510,675 | | | | 415,246 | | | | — | | | | 925,921 | | | | Intangible assets | |
Goodwill | | | 2,446,603 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,446,603 | | | | Goodwill | |
Total assets | | | 5,195,986 | | | | 372,394 | | | | (1,487) | | | | 5,566,893 | | | | Total assets | |
Liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Liabilities | |
Current liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 43,413 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 43,413 | | | | Trade and other payables | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 102,124 | | | | 102,124 | | | | Other current financial liabilities | |
Other current liabilities | | | 127,704 | | | | (3,527 | ) | | | (52,056 | ) | | | 72,121 | | | | Other current liabilities | |
Debt due within one year | | | 23,602 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 23,602 | | | | Current indebtedness | |
Total current liabilities | | | 194,719 | | | | (3,527) | | | | 50,068 | | | | 241,260 | | | | Total current liabilities | |
Debt financing | | | 3,021,820 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,021,820 | | | | Long-term indebtedness | |
Future tax liability | | | 269,193 | | | | 87,162 | | | | (2,718 | ) | | | 353,637 | | | | Deferred tax liabilities | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 239,825 | | | | 239,825 | | | | Other long-term financial liabilities | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 671,523 | | | | (19,212 | ) | | | (288,662 | ) | | | 363,649 | | | | Other long-term liabilities | |
Senior preferred shares | | | 141,435 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | | | | Senior preferred shares | |
Total liabilities | | | 4,298,690 | | | | 64,423 | | | | (1,487) | | | | 4,361,626 | | | | Total liabilities | |
Shareholders’ equity
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Shareholders’ Equity | |
Common shares | | | 756,414 | | | | — | | | | 541,764 | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | Share capital | |
Preferred shares | | | 541,764 | | | | — | | | | (541,764 | ) | | | — | | | | | |
| | | 1,298,178 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,298,178 | | | | | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (404,557 | ) | | | 291,740 | | | | — | | | | (112,817 | ) | | | Accumulated earnings (deficit) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | (7,422 | ) | | | 7,422 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
| | | (411,979 | ) | | | 299,162 | | | | — | | | | (112,817 | ) | | | | |
Contributed surplus | | | 11,097 | | | | 8,809 | | | | — | | | | 19,906 | | | | Reserves | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 897,296 | | | | 307,971 | | | | — | | | | 1,205,267 | | | | Total shareholders’ equity | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | 5,195,986 | | | | 372,394 | | | | (1,487) | | | | 5,566,893 | | | | Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |
F-25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
Reconciliation of Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2010
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Canadian GAAP accounts | | Canadian GAAP balance | | IFRS adjustments | | IFRS reclassifications | | IFRS balance | | IFRS accounts |
Operating revenues
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service revenues | | | 801,144 | | | | — | | | | 20,217 | | | | 821,361 | | | | Revenue | |
Equipment sales revenues | | | 20,217 | | | | — | | | | (20,217 | ) | | | — | | | | | |
Total operating revenues | | | 821,361 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
| | | — | | | | (4,422 | ) | | | (202,042 | ) | | | (206,464 | ) | | | Operating expenses | |
| | | — | | | | 3,543 | | | | (205,726 | ) | | | (202,183 | ) | | | Depreciation | |
Amortization | | | (251,194 | ) | | | — | | | | 205,726 | | | | (45,468 | ) | | | Amortization | |
Operations and administration | | | (186,467 | ) | | | — | | | | 186,467 | | | | — | | | | | |
Cost of equipment sales | | | (15,575 | ) | | | — | | | | 15,575 | | | | — | | | | | |
Total operating expenses | | | (453,236 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
| | | — | | | | 79,192 | | | | 3,826 | | | | 83,018 | | | | Other operating gains (losses), net | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 450,264 | | | | Operating income | |
Earnings (loss) from operations | | | 368,125 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (253,086 | ) | | | 1,743 | | | | (5,239 | ) | | | (256,582 | ) | | | Interest expense | |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,752 | | | | 5,752 | | | | Interest and other income | |
Loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | (11,168 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (11,168 | ) | | | Loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments | |
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange | | | 163,998 | | | | (32 | ) | | | — | | | | 163,966 | | | | Gain (loss) on foreign exchange | |
Other income (expense) | | | 4,339 | | | | — | | | | (4,339 | ) | | | — | | | | | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | | 272,208 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 352,232 | | | | Income before tax | |
Income tax expense | | | (44,017 | ) | | | (22,114 | ) | | | — | | | | (66,131 | ) | | | Tax expense | |
Net earnings | | | 228,191 | | | | 57,910 | | | | — | | | | 286,101 | | | | Net income | |
Reconciliation of Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2010
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Canadian GAAP accounts | | Canadian GAAP balance | | IFRS adjustments | | IFRS balance | | IFRS accounts |
Net earnings | | | 228,191 | | | | 57,910 | | | | 286,101 | | | | Net income | |
Other comprehensive income (loss):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Other comprehensive income (loss): | |
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) of self sustaining foreign operations net of related taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax | |
| | | 1,215 | | | | (2,907 | ) | | | (1,692 | ) | | | | |
| | | — | | | | (9,450 | ) | | | (9,450 | ) | | | Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit plans, net of tax | |
| | | 1,215 | | | | (12,357 | ) | | | (11,142 | ) | | | Other comprehensive income (loss) | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | 229,406 | | | | 45,553 | | | | 274,959 | | | | Total comprehensive income | |
G. Adjustments to previously reported unaudited comparative figures under IFRS
The Company has adjusted its comparative consolidated financial statements and the reconciliation of equity as at January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and the reconciliation of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2010 to reflect the correction of amounts recorded for the reversal of impairments on tangible and intangible assets.
F-26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
5. TRANSITION TO IFRS – (continued)
Intangible assets
These adjustments impacted intangible assets, deferred tax liabilities and accumulated earnings (deficit) and were identified through the completion of the Company’s transition to IFRS as a basis of accounting. The comparative amounts had been previously disclosed in the Company’s unaudited 2011 interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
The impact on the Company’s comparative consolidated balance sheet as at January 1, 2010 was a decrease of intangible assets of $71.3 million, a decrease of deferred tax liabilities of $18.8 million, and an increase of accumulated deficit of $52.5 million.
The impact of the Company’s comparative consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2010 was a decrease of intangible assets of $0.1 million, a decrease of deferred tax liabilities of a nominal amount, and a decrease of accumulated earnings of $0.1 million.
The impact on the Company’s comparative consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was an increase in operating income of $71.3 million and an increase in net income of $52.5 million.
Tangible assets
This adjustment impacted satellites, property and other equipment, deferred tax liabilities and accumulated earnings (deficit) and was identified through the completion of the Company’s transition to IFRS as a basis of accounting. The comparative amounts had been previously disclosed in the Company’s unaudited 2011 interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
The impact on the Company’s comparative consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2010 was an increase of satellite, property and other equipment of $6.9 million, an increase of deferred tax liabilities of $1.8 million, and an increase of accumulated earnings of $5.1 million.
The impact on the Company’s comparative consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was an increase in operating income of $6.9 million and an increase in net income of $5.1 million.
6. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Telesat operates in a single industry segment, in which it provides satellite-based services to its broadcast, enterprise and consulting customers around the world.
The Company derives revenue from the following services:
| — | Broadcast — distribution or collection of video and audio signals in the North American and International markets which include television transmit and receive services, occasional use, bundled Digital Video Compression and radio services. |
| — | Enterprise — provision of satellite capacity and ground network services for voice, data, and image transmission and internet access around the world. |
| — | Consulting and other — all consulting services related to space and earth segments, government studies, satellite control services and R&D. |
F-27
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
6. SEGMENT INFORMATION – (continued)
Revenue derived from the above service lines were as follows:
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Revenue Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Broadcast | | | 436,676 | | | | 454,216 | |
Enterprise | | | 341,884 | | | | 334,983 | |
Consulting and Other | | | 29,801 | | | | 32,162 | |
Total revenue | | | 808,361 | | | | 821,361 | |
Geographic Information
Revenue by geographic region was based on the point of origin of the revenue (destination of the billing invoice), allocated as follows:
 | |  | |  |
Revenue Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Canada | | | 411,185 | | | | 419,032 | |
United States | | | 247,924 | | | | 261,136 | |
Europe, Middle East & Africa | | | 75,887 | | | | 77,031 | |
Asia & Australia | | | 19,254 | | | | 16,268 | |
Latin America & Caribbean | | | 54,111 | | | | 47,894 | |
Total revenue | | | 808,361 | | | | 821,361 | |
Telesat’s satellites are in geosynchronous orbit. For disclosure purposes, the satellites have been classified based on ownership. Satellites, property and other equipment and intangible assets by geographic region are allocated as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Canada | | | 1,809,152 | | | | 1,644,049 | | | | 1,519,663 | |
United States | | | 276,211 | | | | 327,608 | | | | 370,664 | |
All others | | | 66,552 | | | | 7,132 | | | | 8,571 | |
Total satellites, property and other equipment | | | 2,151,915 | | | | 1,978,789 | | | | 1,898,898 | |
 | |  | |  | |  |
Intangible assets | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Canada | | | 848,898 | | | | 909,744 | | | | 886,965 | |
United States | | | 33,257 | | | | 33,094 | | | | 36,066 | |
All others | | | 13,923 | | | | 2,709 | | | | 2,890 | |
Total intangible assets | | | 896,078 | | | | 945,547 | | | | 925,921 | |
Goodwill was not allocated to geographic regions in any of the periods.
Major Customers
For the year ended December 31, 2011, there were two significant customers each representing more than 10% of consolidated revenue (December 31, 2010 — two customers).
F-28
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
7. OPERATING EXPENSES
The Company’s operating expenses are comprised of the following:
 | |  | |  |
Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Compensation and employee benefits(a) | | | 61,755 | | | | 66,438 | |
Other operating expenses(b) | | | 48,110 | | | | 52,341 | |
Cost of sales(c) | | | 77,900 | | | | 87,685 | |
Total | | | 187,765 | | | | 206,464 | |

| a) | Compensation and employee benefits include salaries, commission, post-employment benefits and charges arising from share-based payments. |
| b) | Other operating expenses include general and administrative expense, marketing expense, in-orbit insurance expense, professional fees and facility costs. |
| c) | Cost of sales includes the rental of third-party capacity, the cost of equipment sales and costs directly attributable to the facilitation of customer contracts. |
8. OTHER OPERATING GAINS
 | |  | |  |
Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Insurance proceeds(a) | | | 135,019 | | | | — | |
Impairment (loss) reversal on intangible assets (note 15) | | | (19,468 | ) | | | 71,269 | |
Impairment reversal on satellites, property and other equipment | | | — | | | | 7,923 | |
(Loss) gain on disposal of assets | | | (1,483 | ) | | | 3,826 | |
Total | | | 114,068 | | | | 83,018 | |

| (a) | The Company has insurance policies that provide coverage for a total, constructive total, or partial loss of Telstar 14R /Estrela do Sul 2. Following the launch of the satellite in May 2011, the Company determined that the north solar array failed to fully deploy and promptly filed a notice of loss with its insurers. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company filed a claim under its policies to its insurers. In December 2011, the Company received insurance proceeds of U.S. $132.7 million from its insurers with respect to the claim. Based on management’s best estimate and assumptions, there was no impairment in Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. |
9. INTEREST EXPENSE
The components of interest expense are as follows:
 | |  | |  |
Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Interest expense on indebtedness | | | 182,719 | | | | 192,829 | |
Interest expense on derivative instruments | | | 62,124 | | | | 60,818 | |
Interest expense on performance incentive payments | | | 4,361 | | | | 5,016 | |
Interest expense on senior preferred shares (note 20) | | | 9,869 | | | | 12,339 | |
Other expenses | | | — | | | | 224 | |
Capitalized interest | | | (32,022 | ) | | | (14,644 | ) |
Interest expense | | | 227,051 | | | | 256,582 | |
F-29
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
10. INCOME TAXES
 | |  | |  |
Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Current tax expense | | | 132 | | | | 2,279 | |
Deferred tax expense | | | 51,854 | | | | 63,852 | |
Tax expense | | | 51,986 | | | | 66,131 | |
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate, which is a composite of Canadian federal and provincial rates, to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
 | |  | |  |
Year ended December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Income before tax | | | 289,261 | | | | 352,232 | |
Multiplied by the statutory income tax rate of 28.11% (2010 – 30.49%) | | | 81,311 | | | | 107,396 | |
Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate | | | (408 | ) | | | 179 | |
Permanent differences | | | (9,316 | ) | | | (17,811 | ) |
Origination and reversal of temporary differences | | | (10,145 | ) | | | (24,880 | ) |
Previously unrecognized tax losses and credit | | | (8,977 | ) | | | — | |
Other | | | (479 | ) | | | 1,247 | |
Total tax expense in the statement of income | | | 51,986 | | | | 66,131 | |
Effective income tax rate | | | 17.97 | % | | | 18.77 | % |
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, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Deferred tax assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment tax credit | | | 2,702 | | | | 556 | | | | 661 | |
Foreign tax credit | | | 11,289 | | | | 26 | | | | 3 | |
Financing charges | | | 5,439 | | | | 5,495 | | | | 5,465 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 4,065 | | | | 2,063 | | | | 2,455 | |
Loss carry forwards | | | 25,538 | | | | 53,344 | | | | 76,900 | |
Employee benefit | | | 15,250 | | | | 5,860 | | | | 4,441 | |
Other | | | 471 | | | | 585 | | | | 956 | |
Total deferred tax assets | | | 64,754 | | | | 67,929 | | | | 90,881 | |
Deferred tax liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital assets | | | (276,158 | ) | | | (230,094 | ) | | | (206,404 | ) |
Intangibles | | | (226,855 | ) | | | (238,258 | ) | | | (223,577 | ) |
Finance charges | | | (9,359 | ) | | | (8,933 | ) | | | (8,174 | ) |
Reserves | | | (4,278 | ) | | | (5,361 | ) | | | (6,363 | ) |
Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (516,650 | ) | | | (482,646 | ) | | | (444,518 | ) |
Deferred tax liabilities, net | | | (451,896 | ) | | | (414,717 | ) | | | (353,637 | ) |
Losses and tax credits
At December 31, 2011, the Company had Canadian tax losses carried forward of $101.5 million and U.S. tax losses carried forward of $26.7 million. The deferred tax asset not recognized in respect of the U.S. losses was $9.1 million. The Canadian and U.S. losses will expire between 2027 and 2030.
F-30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
10. INCOME TAXES – (continued)
The Company has $25.5 million of Canadian capital losses carried forward which may only be used against future capital gains. The deferred tax asset not recognized in respect of these losses was $3.3 million. These losses may be carried forward indefinitely.
In addition, the Company has $14.0 million of investment tax credits and foreign tax credits which may only be used to offset taxes payable. The deferred tax assets not recognized in respect of these credits is $3.2 million. They will begin to expire in 2017.
Investments in subsidiaries
As at December 31, 2011 the Company had temporary differences of $31.0 million associated with investments in subsidiaries for which no deferred tax liabilities have been recognized, as the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it is not probable that these differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.
11. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Trade receivables | | | 49,936 | | | | 50,456 | | | | 62,499 | |
Trade receivables due from related parties | | | 386 | | | | 428 | | | | 1,509 | |
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (3,740 | ) | | | (7,128 | ) | | | (8,708 | ) |
Net trade receivables | | | 46,582 | | | | 43,756 | | | | 55,300 | |
Other receivables(a) | | | 207 | | | | 327 | | | | 14,900 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | 46,789 | | | | 44,083 | | | | 70,200 | |
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| (a) | The January 1, 2010 balance consists of the main following items: |
$7.2 million receivable related to the sale of Telstar 10, $3.7 million receivable relating to the Company’s tenancy arrangement and a $2.0 million receivable relating to a basis swap payment that was scheduled to settle on December 31, 2009 but was received in the first week of January 2010.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts, at the beginning of the year | | | 7,128 | | | | 8,708 | | | | 5,410 | |
Provisions (reversal) for impaired receivables | | | (136 | ) | | | (1,134 | ) | | | 4,067 | |
Receivables written off during the period | | | (3,050 | ) | | | (256 | ) | | | (769 | ) |
Foreign currency exchange differences | | | (202 | ) | | | (190 | ) | | | — | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year | | | 3,740 | | | | 7,128 | | | | 8,708 | |
12. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Prepaid expenses(a) | | | 10,302 | | | | 10,762 | | | | 10,231 | |
Current tax asset | | | 5,902 | | | | 4,988 | | | | 5,448 | |
Inventory(b) | | | 4,259 | | | | 2,985 | | | | 5,214 | |
Deferred charges(c) | | | 1,663 | | | | 1,996 | | | | 2,108 | |
Other | | | — | | | | 206 | | | | — | |
| | | 22,126 | | | | 20,937 | | | | 23,001 | |
F-31
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
12. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS – (continued)
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| a) | Prepaid expenses are primarily comprised of prepaid satellite in-orbit insurance, prepaid interest on long-term indebtedness, and prepaid license fees. |
| b) | At December 31, 2011, inventory consists of $4.1 million of finished goods (December 31, 2010 — $2.4 million, January 1, 2010 — $2.9 million) and $0.2 million of work in process (December 31, 2010 — $0.6 million, January 1, 2010 — $2.3 million). During the period, $18.3 million was recognized as cost of equipment sales and recorded as an operating expense (December 31, 2010 — $15.6 million). |
| c) | Deferred charges include deferred financing charges relating to the revolving facility and Canadian term loan facility (see note 19). |
13. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Prepaid expenses(a) | | | 4,921 | | | | 9,785 | | | | 13,233 | |
Deferred charges | | | 87 | | | | 1,751 | | | | 5,244 | |
Other | | | 528 | | | | 491 | | | | 554 | |
| | | 5,536 | | | | 12,027 | | | | 19,031 | |
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| a) | Prepaid expenses consist of prepaid satellite in-orbit insurance. |
14. SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Satellites | | Property and other equipment | | Assets under construction | | Total |
Cost at January 1, 2010 | | | 2,018,872 | | | | 199,923 | | | | 72,366 | | | | 2,291,161 | |
Additions | | | — | | | | 6,184 | | | | 282,376 | | | | 288,560 | |
Disposals/retirements | | | — | | | | (21,501 | ) | | | — | | | | (21,501 | ) |
Impact of currency translation | | | — | | | | (690 | ) | | | — | | | | (690 | ) |
Cost at December 31, 2010 | | | 2,018,872 | | | | 183,916 | | | | 354,742 | | | | 2,557,530 | |
Additions | | | — | | | | 1,368 | | | | 371,997 | | | | 373,365 | |
Disposals/retirements | | | (26,502 | ) | | | (16,336 | ) | | | — | | | | (42,838 | ) |
Reclassifications and transfers from assets under construction | | | 321,743 | | | | 24,791 | | | | (346,534 | ) | | | — | |
Impact of currency translation | | | — | | | | (276 | ) | | | — | | | | (276 | ) |
Cost at December 31, 2011 | | | 2,314,113 | | | | 193,463 | | | | 380,205 | | | | 2,887,781 | |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at January 1, 2010 | | | (331,659 | ) | | | (60,604 | ) | | | — | | | | (392,263 | ) |
Reversal of impairment | | | 7,923 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,923 | |
Depreciation | | | (181,872 | ) | | | (20,311 | ) | | | — | | | | (202,183 | ) |
Disposals/retirements | | | — | | | | 7,654 | | | | — | | | | 7,654 | |
Impact of currency translation | | | — | | | | 128 | | | | — | | | | 128 | |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at December 31, 2010 | | | (505,608 | ) | | | (73,133 | ) | | | — | | | | (578,741 | ) |
Depreciation | | | (181,658 | ) | | | (16,968 | ) | | | — | | | | (198,626 | ) |
Disposals/retirements | | | 26,502 | | | | 14,769 | | | | — | | | | 41,271 | |
Impact of currency translation | | | — | | | | 230 | | | | — | | | | 230 | |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment at December 31, 2011 | | | (660,764 | ) | | | (75,102 | ) | | | — | | | | (735,866 | ) |
Net carrying values
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At January 1, 2010 | | | 1,687,213 | | | | 139,319 | | | | 72,366 | | | | 1,898,898 | |
At December 31, 2010 | | | 1,513,264 | | | | 110,783 | | | | 354,742 | | | | 1,978,789 | |
At December 31, 2011 | | | 1,653,349 | | | | 118,361 | | | | 380,205 | | | | 2,151,915 | |
F-32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
14. SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT – (continued)
Substantially all of the Company’s satellites, property and other equipment have been pledged as security as a requirement of our senior secured credit facilities (note 19).
Borrowing costs of $32.0 million arising on financing were capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2011 ($14.6 million — December 31, 2010) and are included in Assets under construction. The average capitalization rate was 8.0%, representing the Company’s weighted average cost of borrowing.
The Company assesses impairment of its satellites, property and other equipment on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. The Company’s CGUs hold a combination of certain satellites, property and other equipment and finite life intangible assets. Indefinite life intangible assets and goodwill have not been allocated to the CGUs. No impairment was recognized for the periods ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
In 2010, an impairment loss of $7.9 million was reversed on the satellites. The reversal of impairment was mainly due to changes in revenue assumptions. The recoverable amount is calculated using the following assumptions:
 | |  | |  |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
Discount rate | | | 10.75 | % | | | 10.0 | % |
15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
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| | Indefinite life | | Finite life |
| | Orbital slots | | Trade name | | Revenue backlog | | Customer relationships | | Customer contract | | Transponder rights | | Other | | Total Intangibles |
Cost at January 1, 2010 | | | 599,549 | | | | 17,000 | | | | 268,433 | | | | 199,070 | | | | — | | | | 29,550 | | | | 4,453 | | | | 1,118,055 | |
Disposals | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (999 | ) | | | (2,966 | ) | | | (3,965 | ) |
Impact of currency translation | | | (1,711 | ) | | | — | | | | (166 | ) | | | (1,044 | ) | | | — | | | | (54 | ) | | | (29 | ) | | | (3,004 | ) |
Cost at December 31, 2010 | | | 597,838 | | | | 17,000 | | | | 268,267 | | | | 198,026 | | | | — | | | | 28,497 | | | | 1,458 | | | | 1,111,086 | |
Additions | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12,618 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12,618 | |
Impact of currency translation | | | 615 | | | | — | | | | 70 | | | | 51 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (123 | ) | | | 613 | |
Cost at December 31, 2011 | | | 598,453 | | | | 17,000 | | | | 268,337 | | | | 198,077 | | | | 12,618 | | | | 28,497 | | | | 1,335 | | | | 1,124,317 | |
Accumulated amortization and impairment at January 1, 2010 | | | (71,370 | ) | | | — | | | | (77,309 | ) | | | (34,087 | ) | | | — | | | | (7,493 | ) | | | (1,875 | ) | | | (192,134 | ) |
Amortization | | | — | | | | — | | | | (32,952 | ) | | | (11,021 | ) | | | — | | | | (4,387 | ) | | | (797 | ) | | | (49,157 | ) |
Retirements | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 999 | | | | 2,468 | | | | 3,467 | |
Reversal of impairment | | | 71,269 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 71,269 | |
Impact of currency translation | | | — | | | | — | | | | 34 | | | | 937 | | | | — | | | | 38 | | | | 7 | | | | 1,016 | |
Accumulated amortization and impairment at December 31, 2010 | | | (101 | ) | | | — | | | | (110,227 | ) | | | (44,171 | ) | | | — | | | | (10,843 | ) | | | (197 | ) | | | (165,539 | ) |
Amortization | | | — | | | | — | | | | (27,930 | ) | | | (11,005 | ) | | | (39 | ) | | | (4,109 | ) | | | (86 | ) | | | (43,169 | ) |
Impairment | | | (19,468 | ) | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (19,468 | ) |
Impact of currency translation | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | (55 | ) | | | (22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13 | | | | (63 | ) |
Accumulated amortization and impairment at December 31, 2011 | | | (19,568 | ) | | | — | | | | (138,212 | ) | | | (55,198 | ) | | | (39 | ) | | | (14,952 | ) | | | (270 | ) | | | (228,239 | ) |
Net carrying values
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At January 1, 2010 | | | 528,179 | | | | 17,000 | | | | 191,124 | | | | 164,983 | | | | — | | | | 22,057 | | | | 2,578 | | | | 925,921 | |
At December 31, 2010 | | | 597,737 | | | | 17,000 | | | | 158,040 | | | | 153,855 | | | | — | | | | 17,654 | | | | 1,261 | | | | 945,547 | |
At December 31, 2011 | | | 578,885 | | | | 17,000 | | | | 130,125 | | | | 142,879 | | | | 12,579 | | | | 13,545 | | | | 1,065 | | | | 896,078 | |
F-33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS – (continued)
The orbital slots represent a right to operate satellites in a given longitudinal coordinate in space, where geostationary orbit may be achieved. They are limited in availability and represent a scarce resource. Usage of orbital slots is licensed through the International Telecommunications Union. Satellite operators can generally expect, with a relatively high level of certainty, continued occupancy of an assigned orbital slot either during the operational life of an existing orbiting satellite or upon replacement by a new satellite once the operational life of the existing orbiting satellite is over. As a result of the “expectancy right” to maintain the once awarded orbital slots, an indefinite life is typically associated with orbital slots.
The Company’s trade name has a long and established history, a strong reputation and has been synonymous with quality and growth within the satellite industry. It has been assigned an indefinite life because of expected ongoing future use.
The following are the remaining useful lives of significant intangible assets:
 | |  |
Revenue backlog | | | 1 – 13 years | |
Customer relationships | | | 7 – 17 years | |
Transponder rights | | | 1 – 10 years | |
Customer contract | | | 15 years | |
Concession rights | | | 12 years | |
Patent | | | 14 years | |
Substantially all of the Company’s intangible assets have been pledged as security as a requirement of our senior secured credit facilities.
Impairment
Finite life intangible assets are assessed annually and are included with the Company’s CGUs (see note 3). Indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment at the individual asset level (see note 3). The annual impairment test was performed in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2010, and at the IFRS transition date.
In 2010, an impairment loss of $71.3 million was reversed on the orbital slots. The impairment was originally recorded in 2008 when discount rates were high due to liquidity issues in the credit markets. The subsequent decrease in discount rates, as well as changes in revenue projections and gross margin assumption positively impacted the valuation of the orbital slots in 2010. In 2011, an impairment loss of $19.5 million was recognized on the orbital slots (2010 — no impairment loss) mainly due to an increase in discount rates.
The recoverable amount is calculated using the following assumptions
 | |  | |  |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
Discount rate | | | 10.75 | % | | | 10.0 | % |
16. GOODWILL
The Company carries goodwill at its cost of $2,446.6 million with no accumulated impairment losses since acquisition.
Impairment
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the entity level because that represents the lowest level at which goodwill supports the Company’s operations and is monitored internally. The annual impairment test on goodwill was performed in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2010 in accordance with the policy described in note 3. In addition, goodwill was tested for impairment for purposes of the opening IFRS balance sheet. No impairment was recognized. The Company’s recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value therefore, no
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
16. GOODWILL – (continued)
impairment was recognized for the period. The most significant assumptions used in the impairment test were as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Discount rate | | | 10.75 | % | | | 10.0 | % | | | 9.5 | % |
Terminal year growth rate | | | 3.0 | % | | | 3.0 | % | | | 3.0 | % |
Some of the more sensitive assumptions used including the forecasted cash flows and the discount rate could have yielded different estimates of recoverable amount. Actual operating results and the related cash flows of the Company could differ from the estimated operating results and related cash flows used in the impairment analysis. Had different estimates been used, it could have resulted in a lower fair value and there could have been a risk of failing the goodwill impairment test.
17. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
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| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Deferred revenue | | | 66,588 | | | | 61,732 | | | | 70,109 | |
Decommissioning liabilities | | | 151 | | | | 166 | | | | 1,024 | |
Other | | | 1,138 | | | | 747 | | | | 988 | |
| | | 67,877 | | | | 62,645 | | | | 72,121 | |
18. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Deferred revenue | | | 342,281 | | | | 315,583 | | | | 322,384 | |
Net defined benefit plan obligations (see note 25) | | | 67,605 | | | | 30,801 | | | | 23,664 | |
Uncertain tax positions | | | 6,795 | | | | 7,585 | | | | 7,086 | |
Unfavorable backlog | | | 1,785 | | | | 3,922 | | | | 7,145 | |
Unfavorable leases | | | 769 | | | | 969 | | | | 1,174 | |
Decommissioning liabilities | | | 1,461 | | | | 1,367 | | | | 14 | |
Other | | | 1,806 | | | | 1,634 | | | | 2,182 | |
| | | 422,502 | | | | 361,861 | | | | 363,649 | |
F-35
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
19. INDEBTEDNESS
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| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Senior secured credit facilities(a):
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revolving facility | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
The Canadian term loan facility | | | 80,000 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 185,000 | |
The U.S. term loan facility (December 31, 2011 – USD $1,684,800, December 31, 2010 – USD $1,702,350, January 1, 2010 – USD $1,719,900) | | | 1,720,686 | | | | 1,698,945 | | | | 1,811,399 | |
The U.S. term loan II facility (December 31, 2011 – USD $144,725, December 31, 2010 – USD $146,225, January 1, 2010 – USD $147,725) | | | 147,808 | | | | 145,933 | | | | 155,584 | |
Senior Notes (USD $692,825)(b) | | | 707,582 | | | | 691,439 | | | | 729,683 | |
Senior Subordinated Notes (USD $217,175)(c) | | | 221,801 | | | | 216,741 | | | | 228,729 | |
| | | 2,877,877 | | | | 2,923,058 | | | | 3,110,395 | |
Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options(d) | | | (43,251 | ) | | | (54,408 | ) | | | (64,973 | ) |
| | | 2,834,626 | | | | 2,868,650 | | | | 3,045,422 | |
Less: current portion (net of deferred financing costs) | | | (86,495 | ) | | | (96,848 | ) | | | (23,602 | ) |
Long-term portion | | | 2,748,131 | | | | 2,771,802 | | | | 3,021,820 | |
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| (a) | The senior secured credit facilities are secured by substantially all of Telesat’s assets. Under the terms of these facilities, Telesat is required to comply with certain covenants including financial reporting, maintenance of certain financial covenant ratios for leverage and interest coverage, a requirement to maintain minimum levels of satellite insurance, restrictions on capital expenditures, a restriction on fundamental business changes or the creation of subsidiaries, restrictions on investments, restrictions on dividend payments, restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt, restrictions on asset dispositions, and restrictions on transactions with affiliates. The financial covenant ratios include total debt to EBITDA for covenant purposes (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other charges) and EBITDA for covenant purposes to interest expense. Both financial covenant ratios tighten over the term of the credit facility. At December 31, 2011, Telesat was in compliance with all of the required covenants. |
Each tranche of the credit facility is subject to mandatory principal repayment requirements, which, in the initial years, are generally an annual amount representing 1% of the initial aggregate principal amount, payable quarterly. The senior secured credit facility has several tranches which are described below:
| (i) | A revolving Canadian dollar denominated credit facility (the “revolving facility”) of up to $153 million is available to Telesat. This revolving facility matures on October 31, 2012 and is available to be drawn at any time. The drawn loans bear interest at the prime rate or LIBOR or Bankers’ Acceptance plus an applicable margin of 125 to 225 basis points per annum. Undrawn amounts under the facility are subject to a commitment fee. As of December 31, 2011, other than approximately $0.2 million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility. |
| (ii) | The Canadian term loan facility was initially a $200 million facility denominated in Canadian dollars, with a maturity date of October 31, 2012. Loans under this facility bear interest at a floating rate of the Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin of 275 basis points per annum. The required repayments on the Canadian term loan facility are as follows: |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
19. INDEBTEDNESS – (continued)
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| | Principal Repayments |
2012 | | | 80,000 | |
The payments are generally made quarterly in varying amounts. The average interest rate was 4.13% for the year ended December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — 3.63%). This facility had $80 million outstanding at December 31, 2011.
| (iii) | The U.S. term loan was initially a $1,755 million facility denominated in U.S. dollars, bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 300 basis points per annum, and has a maturity of October 31, 2014. The weighted average effective interest rate was 3.72% for the year ended December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — 3.76%). The loan had U.S. $1,685 million outstanding at December 31, 2011. Principal repayments of U.S. $4.4 million are made on a quarterly basis, with a lump sum repayment of the remaining balance payable on the maturity date. |
| (iv) | The U.S. term loan II was initially a $150 million delayed draw facility denominated in U.S. dollars, bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 300 basis points per annum, and has a maturity of October 31, 2014. The weighted average effective interest rate was 3.73% for the year ended December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — 3.77%). The facility had U.S. $145 million outstanding at December 31, 2011. Principal repayments of U.S. $0.4 million are made on a quarterly basis, with a lump sum repayment of the remaining balance payable on the maturity date. |
| (b) | The Senior Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 11.0% and are due November 1, 2015. The Senior Notes include covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel the Company’s satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Notes prior to May 1, 2012, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Notes indenture. The weighted average effective interest rate was 11.37% for the year ended December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — 11.56%). |
| (c) | The Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate of 12.5% and are due November 1, 2017. The Senior Subordinated Notes include covenants or terms that restrict Telesat’s ability to, among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel the Company’s satellite insurance, (vi) effect mergers with another entity, and (vii) redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes prior to May 1, 2013, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Subordinated Notes indenture. The weighted average effective interest rate was 12.66% for the year ended December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — 12.88%). |
| (d) | The U.S. term loan facilities, Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes are presented on the balance sheet net of related deferred financing costs of $49.4 million (December 31, 2010 — $61.6 million, January 1, 2010 — $73.1 million). The indentures agreement for the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes contain provisions for certain prepayment options which were fair valued at the time of debt issuance (note 23). The initial fair value impact of the prepayment options on the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes was an increase to the liabilities of $6.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively. These liability amounts are subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method with carrying amounts of $4.1 million and $2.1 million respectively, at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — $4.9 million and $2.3 million, January 1, 2010 — $5.6 million and $2.5 million). |
F-37
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
19. INDEBTEDNESS – (continued)
The short-term and long-term portions of deferred financing costs and prepayment options are as follows:
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| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Short-term deferred financing costs | | | 12,961 | | | | 12,165 | | | | 11,462 | |
Long-term deferred financing costs | | | 36,468 | | | | 49,433 | | | | 61,593 | |
| | | 49,429 | | | | 61,598 | | | | 73,055 | |
Long-term prepayment option – Senior Notes | | | (4,133 | ) | | | (4,928 | ) | | | (5,631 | ) |
Long-term prepayment option – Senior Subordinated Notes | | | (2,045 | ) | | | (2,262 | ) | | | (2,451 | ) |
| | | (6,178 | ) | | | (7,190 | ) | | | (8,082 | ) |
Total deferred financing costs and prepayment options | | | 43,251 | | | | 54,408 | | | | 64,973 | |
The outstanding balance of indebtedness, excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options, will be repaid as follows (in millions of Canadian dollars):
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2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | Thereafter | | Total |
99.5 | | | 19.4 | | | | 1,829.6 | | | | 707.6 | | | | 221.8 | | | | 2,877.9 | |
20. SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES
Telesat issued 141,435 senior preferred shares with an issue price of $1,000 per Senior Preferred Share on October 31, 2007. The Senior Preferred Shares rank in priority, with respect to the payment of dividends and return of capital upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, ahead of the shares of all other classes of Telesat stock which have currently been created, as well as any other shares that may be created that by their terms rank junior to the senior preferred shares. Senior Preferred Shares are entitled to receive cumulative preferential dividends at a rate of 7% per annum on the Liquidation Value, being $1,000 per Senior Preferred Share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends (8.5% per annum following a Performance Failure, being a failure to pay annual dividends in cash or in Holding PIK Preferred Stock in any year, while such failure is continuing, the failure to redeem the Holding PIK Preferred Stock when submitted for redemption on or after the twelfth anniversary of the date of issue, or the failure to redeem Holding PIK Preferred Stock for which an offer of redemption is accepted following a Change of Control). Such annual dividend may be paid in cash, subject to the requirements of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “CBCA”), if such payment is permitted under the terms of (i) the senior secured credit facilities and (ii) the indentures governing the notes. If the cash payment is not permitted under the terms of the senior secured credit facilities, the dividends will be paid, subject to the requirements of the CBCA, in senior preferred shares based on an issue price of $1,000 per Senior Preferred Share. Dividends of $1.7 million have been accrued at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — $2.1 million, January 1, 2010 — $25.1 million).
The Senior Preferred Shares may be submitted by the holder for redemption on or after the twelfth anniversary of the date of issue, subject to compliance with law. Upon a change of control which occurs after the fifth anniversary of the issue of the Senior Preferred Shares, or on the fifth anniversary if a change of control occurs prior to the fifth anniversary of the issue, Telesat must make an offer of redemption to all holders of Senior Preferred Shares, and must redeem any Senior Preferred Shares for which the offer of redemption is accepted within 25 days of such offer. As a result, the Senior Preferred Shares have been classified as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet and dividends have been classified as interest expense on the statement of income (note 9).
The holders of the Senior Preferred Shares are not entitled to receive notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders of the Company except for meetings of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares as a class, called to amend the terms of the Senior Preferred Shares, or otherwise as required by law.
F-38
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
21. SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in share capital in the period of January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011.
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At December 31, 2011 | | Number of shares | | Stated Value ($) |
Common Shares | | | 74,252,460 | | | | 756,414 | |
Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | 7,034,444 | | | | 117,388 | |
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | | 35,953,824 | | | | 424,366 | |
Director Voting Preferred Shares | | | 1,000 | | | | 10 | |
Total share capital | | | | | | | 1,298,178 | |
The authorized share capital of the Company is comprised of: (i) an unlimited number of common shares, of voting participating preferred shares, of non-voting participating preferred shares, of redeemable common shares, and of redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares, (ii) 1,000 director voting preferred shares, and (iii) 325,000 senior preferred shares (note 20). None of the redeemable common shares or redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares have been issued as at December 31, 2011. The Company’s share based compensation plan has authorized the grant of up to 8,824,646 options to purchase non-voting participating preferred shares (see note 24).
Common Shares
The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all annual and special meetings of the shareholders of the Company and to one vote in respect of each common share held on all matters at all such meetings, except in respect of a class vote applicable only to the shares of any other class, in respect of which the common shareholders shall have no right to vote. The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, and are entitled to share in the distribution of the assets of the Company upon liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, subject to the rights, privileges and conditions attaching to any other class of shares ranking in order of priority. The common shares are convertible at the holders’ option, at any time, into voting participating preferred shares or non-voting participating preferred shares, on a one-for-one basis. The common shares have no par value.
Voting Participating Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges and conditions of the voting participating preferred shares are identical in all respects to those of the common shares, except for the following:
| • | The holders of voting participating preferred shares are not entitled to vote at meetings of the shareholders of the Company on resolutions electing directors. |
| • | For all other meetings of the shareholders of the Company, the holders of voting participating preferred shares are entitled to a variable number of votes per voting participating preferred share based on the number of voting participating preferred shares, non-voting participating preferred shares and redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares outstanding on the record date of the given meeting of the shareholders of the Company. |
| • | The voting participating preferred shares are convertible, at any time, at the holders’ option into common shares or non-voting participating preferred shares on a one-for-one basis as long as the result of such conversion does not cause the Company to cease to be a “qualified corporation” within the meaning of the Canadian Telecommunication Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (Canada). |
The voting participating preferred shares have no par value.
F-39
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
21. SHARE CAPITAL – (continued)
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges and conditions of the non-voting participating preferred shares are identical in all respects to those of the common shares, except for the following:
| • | The holders of non-voting participating preferred shares are not entitled to vote on any matter at meetings of the shareholders of the Company, except in respect of a class vote applicable only to the non-voting participating preferred shares. |
| • | The non-voting participating preferred shares are convertible, at any time, at the holders’ option into common shares or voting participating preferred shares on a one-for-one basis as long as the result of such conversion does not cause the Company to cease to be a “qualified corporation” within the meaning of the Canadian Telecommunication Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act (Canada). |
The non-voting participating preferred shares have no par value.
Director Voting Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges and conditions of the director voting preferred shares are identical in all respects to those of the common shares, except for the following:
| • | The holders of director voting preferred shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Company at which directors of the Company are to be elected. The holders of the director voting preferred shares are not entitled to attend meetings of the shareholders of the Company and have no right to vote on any matter other than the election of directors of the Company. |
| • | The holders of director voting preferred shares are entitled to receive annual non-cumulative dividends of $10 per share if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, in priority to the payment of dividends on the common shares, voting participating preferred shares, non-voting participating preferred shares, redeemable common shares, and redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares, but after payment of any accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares. |
| • | In the event of liquidation, wind-up or dissolution, the holders of director voting preferred shares are entitled to receive $10 per share in priority to the payment of dividends on the common shares, voting participating preferred shares, non-voting participating preferred shares, redeemable common shares, and redeemable non-voting participating preferred shares, but after payment of any accrued dividends on the senior preferred shares. |
| • | The director voting preferred shares are redeemable at the option of the Company, at any time, at a redemption price of $10 per share. |
The director voting preferred shares have a nominal stated value.
22. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES
Telesat is a privately held company with registered debt in the United States. The Company’s financial strategy is designed to maintain compliance with its financial covenants under its senior secured credit facility (see note 19), and to maximize returns to its shareholders and other stakeholders. Telesat meets these objectives through regular monitoring of its financial covenants and operating results on a quarterly basis. The Company’s overall financial strategy remains unchanged from 2010.
F-40
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
22. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES – (continued)
Telesat defines its capital as shareholders’ equity (comprising issued share capital, accumulated earnings and excluding reserves) and debt financing (comprising indebtedness and excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options as detailed in note 19).
The Company’s capital at the end of the year was as follows:
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| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Shareholders’ equity (excluding reserves) | | | 1,668,170 | | | | 1,461,982 | | | | 1,185,361 | |
Debt financing (excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options) | | | 2,877,877 | | | | 2,923,058 | | | | 3,110,395 | |
Telesat manages its capital by measuring the financial covenant ratios contained in its senior secured credit agreement (the “credit agreement”), dated October 31, 2007 and which terminates in October 2014. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was subject to three financial covenant compliance tests: a maximum Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) for covenant purposes ratio test, a minimum Consolidated EBITDA for covenant purposes to Consolidated Interest Expense ratio test and a maximum Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount test. Compliance with financial covenants is measured on a quarterly basis, except for the maximum Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount which is only measured at the end of every fiscal year.
As of December 31, 2011, Telesat’s Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for covenant purposes ratio, for credit agreement compliance purposes, was 4.39:1 (December 31, 2010 — 4.59:1), which was less than the maximum test ratio of 6.25:1. The Consolidated EBITDA for covenant purposes to Consolidated Interest Expense ratio, for credit agreement compliance purposes, was 2.74:1 (December 31, 2010 — 2.63:1), which was greater than the minimum test ratio of 1.70:1. The compliance test ratios become more restrictive over the term of the credit agreement.
The maximum Permitted Capital Expenditure Amount varies in each fiscal year with the opportunity to carry forward or carry back unused amounts based on conditions specified in the credit agreement. An additional amount of U.S. $500 million is also available over the term of the credit agreement for the construction or acquisition of up to four new satellites. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s Capital Expenditure Amount, as defined in the credit agreement, was $341.5 million and was in compliance with the credit agreement.
As part of the on-going monitoring of Telesat’s compliance with its financial covenants, interest rate risk due to variable interest rate debt is managed through the use of interest rate swaps (note 23), and foreign exchange risk exposure arising from principal and interest payments on Telesat’s debt is partially managed through a cross currency basis swap (note 23). In addition, the Company’s operating results are tracked against budget on a monthly basis, and this analysis is reviewed by senior management.
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Measurement of Risks
The Company, through its financial assets and liabilities, is exposed to various risks. The following analysis provides a measurement of risks as at the balance sheet date of December 31, 2011.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial asset will default, resulting in the Company incurring a financial loss. At December 31, 2011, the maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets, $474 million (December 31, 2010 — $350 million, January 1, 2010 — $253 million). Cash and cash equivalents are invested with high quality investment grade financial
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (continued)
institutions and are governed by the Company’s corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high-grade U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments.
It is expected that the counterparties to the Company’s financial assets will be able to meet their obligations as they are institutions with strong credit ratings. Telesat regularly monitors the credit risk and credit exposure.
Telesat has a number of diverse customers, which limits the concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables. The Company has credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes intended to mitigate potential credit risks. Telesat’s standard payment terms are 30 days. Interest at a rate of 1.5% per month, compounded monthly, is typically charged on balances remaining unpaid at the end of the standard payment terms. Telesat’s historical experience with customer defaults has been minimal. As a result, Telesat considers the credit quality of its North American customers to be high; however due to the additional complexities of collecting from its International customers the Company considers the credit quality of its International customers to be lower than the North American customers. At December 31, 2011, North American and International customers made up 36% and 64% of the outstanding trade receivable balance, respectively (December 31, 2010 — 38% and 62%, January 1, 2010 — 39% and 61%). Anticipated bad debt losses have been provided for in the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2011 was $3.7 million (December 31, 2010 — $7.1 million, January 1, 2010 — $8.7 million).
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company’s operating results are subject to fluctuations as a result of exchange rate variations to the extent that transactions are made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. The most significant impact of variations in the exchange rate is on the U.S. dollar denominated debt financing. At December 31, 2011, approximately $2,798 million of the $2,878 million total debt financing (before netting of deferred financing costs and prepayment options) is the Canadian dollar equivalent of the U.S. dollar denominated portion of the debt.
The Company has entered into a cross currency basis swap to economically hedge the foreign currency risk on a portion of its U.S. dollar denominated debt. At December 31, 2011, the Company had a cross currency basis swap of $1,175 million (December 31, 2010 — $1,187 million, January 1, 2010 — $1,200 million) which required the Company to pay Canadian dollars to receive U.S. $1,012 million (December 31, 2010 — U.S. $1,022 million, January 1, 2010 — U.S. $1,033 million). At December 31, 2011, the fair value of this derivative contract was a liability of $160.4 million (December 31, 2010 — liability of $192.5 million, January 1, 2010 — liability of $137.1 million). The non-cash loss will remain unrealized until the contract is settled. This contract is due on October 31, 2014.
Telesat uses forward contracts to hedge foreign currency risk on anticipated transactions, mainly related to the construction of satellites. At December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding foreign exchange contracts. At December 31, 2010, the Company had nine outstanding foreign exchange contracts which required the Company to pay $188.3 million Canadian dollars (January 1, 2010 — $21.5 million) to receive U.S. $185.0 million (January 1, 2010 — U.S. $20.0 million) for future capital expenditures and interest payments. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of the derivative contracts was a liability of $2.6 million (January 1, 2010 — $0.4 million).
The Company’s main currency exposures as at December 31, 2011 lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and indebtedness.
As at December 31, 2011, a 5 percent increase (decrease) in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) the Company’s net income by approximately $158 million and increased (decreased) other comprehensive income by $1 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (continued)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its long term debt which is primarily variable rate financing. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest Telesat is required to pay. Telesat uses interest rate swaps to economically hedge the interest rate risk related to variable rate debt financing. At December 31, 2011, the Company had a series of three interest rate swaps to fix interest on $930 million of Canadian dollar denominated debt at average fixed rates ranging from 3.02% to 3.5%. As at December 31, 2011, the fair value of these derivative contracts was a liability of $53.1 million (December 31, 2010 — liability of $49.4 million, January 1, 2010 — liability of $47.7). The contracts mature by October 31, 2014.
If the interest rates on the unhedged variable rate debt change by 0.25% this would result in a change in the net income of approximately $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Liquidity Risk
The Company maintains credit facilities to ensure it has sufficient available funds to meet current and foreseeable financial requirements. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at December 31, 2011:
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In millions of Canadian dollars | | Carrying amount | | Contractual cash flows (undiscounted) | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | After 2016 |
Trade and other payables | | | 45,156 | | | | 45,156 | | | | 45,156 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Customer and other deposits | | | 4,822 | | | | 4,822 | | | | 2,882 | | | | 907 | | | | 999 | | | | 34 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Deferred satellites performance incentive payments | | | 69,898 | | | | 98,594 | | | | 15,661 | | | | 8,416 | | | | 8,414 | | | | 8,435 | | | | 8,481 | | | | 49,187 | |
Dividends payable on senior preferred shares (note 20) | | | 1,650 | | | | 1,650 | | | | 1,650 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Promissory note payable to Loral (note 29) | | | 21,141 | | | | 21,141 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 21,141 | |
Tax indemnification payable to Loral (note 29) | | | 7,111 | | | | 7,111 | | | | — | | | | 7,111 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Other financial liabilities | | | 3,708 | | | | 3,708 | | | | 2,151 | | | | 1,557 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Long-term indebtedness | | | 2,905,023 | | | | 3,552,922 | | | | 289,933 | | | | 186,635 | | | | 1,985,962 | | | | 813,141 | | | | 27,725 | | | | 249,526 | |
Interest rate swaps | | | 53,101 | | | | 52,762 | | | | 18,658 | | | | 18,607 | | | | 15,497 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Cross currency basis swap | | | 160,373 | | | | 76,604 | | | | 27,247 | | | | 26,907 | | | | 22,450 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | 3,271,983 | | | | 3,864,470 | | | | 403,338 | | | | 250,140 | | | | 2,033,322 | | | | 821,610 | | | | 36,206 | | | | 319,854 | |
The carrying value of the deferred satellites performance incentive payments includes $2.5 million interest payable. The carrying value of the long-term indebtedness includes $21.0 million of interest payable and excludes $49.4 million of financing costs.
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (continued)
Financial assets and liabilities recorded in the balance sheet were as follows:
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December 31, 2011 | | Loans and receivables | | Held for Trading – FVTPL | | Other financial liabilities | | Total | | Fair value |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 277,962 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 277,962 | | | | 277,962 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | 46,789 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 46,789 | | | | 46,789 | |
Other financial assets – current | | | 7,010 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,010 | | | | 7,010 | |
Other financial assets – long-term | | | 7,977 | | | | 134,431 | | | | — | | | | 142,408 | | | | 142,408 | |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | (45,156 | ) | | | (45,156 | ) | | | (45,156 | ) |
Other financial liabilities – current | | | — | | | | (42,204 | ) | | | (40,784 | ) | | | (82,988 | ) | | | (85,549 | ) |
Other financial liabilities – long-term | | | — | | | | (171,270 | ) | | | (88,513 | ) | | | (259,783 | ) | | | (255,225 | ) |
Indebtedness (excluding deferred financing costs) (note 19) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,884,056 | ) | | | (2,884,056 | ) | | | (2,943,132 | ) |
Senior preferred shares (note 20) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (141,435 | ) | | | (141,435 | ) | | | (143,265 | ) |
Total | | | 339,738 | | | | (79,043 | ) | | | (3,199,944 | ) | | | (2,939,249 | ) | | | (2,998,158 | ) |
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December 31, 2010 | | Loans and receivables | | Held for Trading – FVTPL | | Other financial liabilities | | Total | | Fair value |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 220,295 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 220,295 | | | | 220,295 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | 44,083 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 44,083 | | | | 44,083 | |
Other financial assets – current | | | 6,944 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,944 | | | | 6,944 | |
Other financial assets – long-term | | | 6,226 | | | | 72,405 | | | | — | | | | 78,631 | | | | 78,631 | |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | (49,974 | ) | | | (49,974 | ) | | | (49,974 | ) |
Other financial liabilities – current | | | — | | | | (63,199 | ) | | | (40,883 | ) | | | (104,082 | ) | | | (104,012 | ) |
Other financial liabilities – long-term | | | — | | | | (181,255 | ) | | | (84,374 | ) | | | (265,629 | ) | | | (263,456 | ) |
Indebtedness (excluding deferred financing costs) (note 19) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,930,248 | ) | | | (2,930,248 | ) | | | (3,067,412 | ) |
Senior preferred shares (note 20) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (141,435 | ) | | | (141,435 | ) | | | (153,978 | ) |
Total | | | 277,548 | | | | (172,049 | ) | | | (3,246,914 | ) | | | (3,141,415 | ) | | | (3,288,879 | ) |
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January 1, 2010 | | Loans and receivables | | Held for Trading – FVTPL | | Other financial liabilities | | Total | | Fair value |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 154,189 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 154,189 | | | | 154,189 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | 70,200 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 70,200 | | | | 70,200 | |
Other financial assets – current | | | 7,317 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,317 | | | | 7,317 | |
Other financial assets – long-term | | | 5,819 | | | | 15,914 | | | | — | | | | 21,733 | | | | 21,733 | |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | (43,413 | ) | | | (43,413 | ) | | | (43,413 | ) |
Other financial liabilities – current | | | — | | | | (57,129 | ) | | | (44,995 | ) | | | (102,124 | ) | | | (102,470 | ) |
Other financial liabilities – long-term | | | — | | | | (128,157 | ) | | | (111,668 | ) | | | (239,825 | ) | | | (237,226 | ) |
Indebtedness (excluding deferred financing costs) (note 19) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (3,118,477 | ) | | | (3,118,477 | ) | | | (3,104,151 | ) |
Senior preferred shares (note 20) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (141,435 | ) | | | (141,435 | ) | | | (174,466 | ) |
Total | | | 237,525 | | | | (169,372 | ) | | | (3,459,988 | ) | | | (3,391,835 | ) | | | (3,408,287 | ) |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (continued)
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. Where possible, fair values are based on the quoted market values in an active market. In the absence of an active market, we determine fair values based on prevailing market rates (bid and ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market-based inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Estimates of fair values 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 expense 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 of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Included in cash and cash equivalents are $66.5 million (December 31, 2010 — $91.1 million, January 1, 2010 — $64.5 million) of short-term investments classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the indebtedness is based on transactions and quotations from third parties considering market interest rates and excluding deferred financing costs. The indebtedness and senior preferred shares are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
The current and long term portions of the fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities, at each of the balance sheet dates, and the fair value methodologies used to calculate those values were as follows:
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December 31, 2011 | | Long-term assets | | Current liabilities | | Long-term liabilities | | Total | | Fair value hierarchy |
Cross currency basis swap | | | — | | | | (23,637 | ) | | | (136,736 | ) | | | (160,373 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Interest rate swaps | | | — | | | | (18,567 | ) | | | (34,534 | ) | | | (53,101 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Forward foreign exchange contracts | | | — | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | Level 2 | |
Prepayment option embedded derivatives | | | 134,431 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 134,431 | | | | Level 2 | |
| | | 134,431 | | | | (42,204 | ) | | | (171,270 | ) | | | (79,043 | ) | | | | |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (continued)
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
December 31, 2010 | | Long-term assets | | Current liabilities | | Long-term liabilities | | Total | | Fair value hierarchy |
Cross currency basis swap | | | — | | | | (29,349 | ) | | | (163,107 | ) | | | (192,456 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Interest rate swaps | | | — | | | | (31,279 | ) | | | (18,148 | ) | | | (49,427 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Forward foreign exchange contracts | | | — | | | | (2,571 | ) | | | — | | | | (2,571 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Prepayment option embedded derivatives | | | 72,405 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 72,405 | | | | Level 2 | |
| | | 72,405 | | | | (63,199 | ) | | | (181,255 | ) | | | (172,049 | ) | | | | |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
January 1, 2010 | | Long-term assets | | Current liabilities | | Long-term liabilities | | Total | | Fair value hierarchy |
Cross currency basis swap | | | — | | | | (16,763 | ) | | | (120,343 | ) | | | (137,106 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Interest rate swaps | | | — | | | | (39,930 | ) | | | (7,814 | ) | | | (47,744 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Forward foreign exchange contracts | | | — | | | | (436 | ) | | | — | | | | (436 | ) | | | Level 2 | |
Prepayment option embedded derivatives | | | 15,914 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 15,914 | | | | Level 2 | |
| | | 15,914 | | | | (57,129 | ) | | | (128,157 | ) | | | (169,372 | ) | | | | |
 | |  |
Reconciliation of fair value of derivative assets and liabilities | | |
Opening fair value, January 1, 2010 | | | (169,372 | ) |
Unrealized losses on derivatives | | | (13,955 | ) |
Realized gains on derivatives:
| | | | |
Cross currency basis swap | | | 1,183 | |
Interest rate swaps | | | — | |
Forward foreign exchange contracts | | | 1,604 | |
Impact of foreign exchange | | | 8,491 | |
Fair value, December 31, 2010 | | | (172,049 | ) |
Unrealized gains on derivatives | | | 87,914 | |
Realized gains on derivatives:
| | | | |
Cross currency basis swap | | | 1,895 | |
Interest rate swaps | | | — | |
Forward foreign exchange contracts | | | 8,776 | |
Impact of foreign exchange | | | (5,579 | ) |
Fair value, December 31, 2011 | | | (79,043 | ) |
24. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Telesat Holdings Stock Option Incentive Plan
On September 19, 2008, Telesat adopted a stock option incentive plan (the “stock option plan”) for certain key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The stock option plan provides for the grant of up to 8,824,646 options to purchase non-voting participating preferred shares of Telesat Holdings Inc., convertible into common shares.
Two different types of stock options can be granted under the stock option plan: time-vesting options and performance-vesting options. The time-vesting options generally become vested and exercisable over a five year period by 20% increments on October 31st of each year, starting in 2008. The vesting amount is prorated for optionees whose employment with the Company or its subsidiaries commenced after October 31, 2007. The performance-vesting options become vested and exercisable over a five year period starting March 31, 2009, provided the Company has achieved or exceeded an annual or cumulative target consolidated EBITDA established and communicated on the grant date by the Board of Directors.
F-46
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
24. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION PLANS – (continued)
The Company expenses the fair value of stock options that are expected to vest over the vesting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The share-based compensation expense is included in operating expenses.
The exercise periods of the stock options expire ten years from the grant date. The exercise price of each share underlying the options will be the higher of a fixed price, established by the Board of Directors on the grant date, and the fair market value of a non-voting participating preferred share on the grant date.
The movement in the number of stock options outstanding and their related weighted-average exercise prices are as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Time Vesting Option Plans | | Performance Vesting Option Plan |
| | Number of Options | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($) | | Number of Options | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price ($) |
Outstanding December 31, 2011 | | | 7,265,952 | | | | 11.08 | | | | 1,407,672 | | | | 11.12 | |
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011 | | | 5,666,287 | | | | | | | | 687,698 | | | | | |
Weighted-average remaining life | | | 6 years | | | | | | | | 6 years | | | | | |
Outstanding December 31, 2010 | | | 7,265,952 | | | | 11.08 | | | | 1,407,672 | | | | 11.12 | |
Options exercisable at December 31, 2010 | | | 4,173,018 | | | | | | | | 526,252 | | | | | |
Weighted-average remaining life | | | 7 years | | | | | | | | 7 years | | | | | |
Outstanding January 1, 2010 | | | 7,303,705 | | | | 11.07 | | | | 1,453,814 | | | | 11.07 | |
Options exercisable at January 1, 2010 | | | 2,740,969 | | | | | | | | 162,091 | | | | | |
Weighted-average remaining life | | | 8 years | | | | | | | | 8 years | | | | | |
During 2011 no options were granted, forfeited, exercised or expired.
The compensation expense, number of stock options granted, weighted-average fair value per option granted and the assumptions used to determine the share-based compensation expense using the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows:
 | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 |
Compensation expense (credited to equity-settled employee benefits reserve) | | | 2,654 | | | | 4,667 | |
Number of stock options granted | | | — | | | | 22,372 | |
Weighted-average fair value per option granted ($) | | | — | | | | 16.50 | |
Weighted average assumptions:
| | | | | | | | |
Dividend yield | | | — | | | | — | |
Expected volatility | | | — | | | | 31.10 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | | — | | | | 3.85 | % |
Expected life (years) | | | — | | | | 10 | |
F-47
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company’s net defined benefit plan expense included in operating expense consisted of the following elements:
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Defined benefit pension plans | | Other post-employment benefit plans |
Year ended December 31, | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Current service cost | | | 3,844 | | | | 2,630 | | | | 299 | | | | 232 | |
Interest cost | | | 9,687 | | | | 9,655 | | | | 1,183 | | | | 1,237 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | (10,708 | ) | | | (10,231 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Net defined benefit plan expense | | | 2,823 | | | | 2,054 | | | | 1,482 | | | | 1,469 | |
The Company’s funding policy is to make contributions to its pension funds based on 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 Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for some of its retired employees and their dependents. Participants are eligible for these benefits generally when they retire from active service and meet the eligibility requirements for the pension plan. These benefits are funded primarily on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the retiree generally paying a portion of the cost through contributions, deductibles and coinsurance provisions.
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Balance sheet obligations for:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pension benefits | | | 43,266 | | | | 9,209 | | | | 1,231 | |
Other post-employment benefits | | | 24,339 | | | | 21,592 | | | | 22,433 | |
| | | 67,605 | | | | 30,801 | | | | 23,664 | |
The amounts recognized in the balance sheet are determined as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
| | Pension | | Other | | Pension | | Other | | Pension | | Other |
Present value of funded obligations | | | 211,872 | | | | — | | | | 174,662 | | | | — | | | | 151,063 | | | | — | |
Fair value of plan assets | | | 169,808 | | | | — | | | | 166,235 | | | | — | | | | 150,746 | | | | — | |
| | | 42,064 | | | | — | | | | 8,427 | | | | — | | | | 317 | | | | — | |
Present value of unfunded obligations | | | 1,202 | | | | 24,339 | | | | 782 | | | | 21,592 | | | | 914 | | | | 22,433 | |
Liability in the balance sheet | | | 43,266 | | | | 24,339 | | | | 9,209 | | | | 21,592 | | | | 1,231 | | | | 22,433 | |
F-48
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS – (continued)
The changes in the defined benefit obligations and in the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the defined benefit plans were as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 |
Pension and other benefits | | Pension | | Other | | Total |
Change in benefit obligations
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Defined benefit obligation, January 1, 2011 | | | 175,444 | | | | 21,592 | | | | 197,036 | |
Current service cost | | | 3,844 | | | | 299 | | | | 4,143 | |
Interest cost | | | 9,687 | | | | 1,183 | | | | 10,870 | |
Actuarial (gains) losses | | | 30,541 | | | | 2,222 | | | | 32,763 | |
Benefits paid | | | (7,825 | ) | | | (990 | ) | | | (8,815 | ) |
Contributions by plan participants | | | 1,383 | | | | 33 | | | | 1,416 | |
Plan amendments | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Defined benefit obligation, December 31, 2011 | | | 213,074 | | | | 24,339 | | | | 237,413 | |
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2011 |
Pension and other benefits | | Pension | | Other | | Total |
Change in fair value of plan assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2011 | | | 166,235 | | | | — | | | | 166,235 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | 10,708 | | | | — | | | | 10,708 | |
Actuarial gains (losses) | | | (8,800 | ) | | | — | | | | (8,800 | ) |
Benefits paid | | | (7,825 | ) | | | (990 | ) | | | (8,815 | ) |
Contributions by plan participants | | | 1,383 | | | | 33 | | | | 1,416 | |
Contributions by employer | | | 8,107 | | | | 957 | | | | 9,064 | |
Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2011 | | | 169,808 | | | | — | | | | 169,808 | |
Funded status
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan surplus (deficit) | | | (43,266 | ) | | | (24,339 | ) | | | (67,605 | ) |
Accrued benefit asset (liability) | | | (43,266 | ) | | | (24,339 | ) | | | (67,605 | ) |
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2010 |
Pension and other benefits | | Pension | | Other | | Total |
Change in benefit obligations
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Defined benefit obligation, January 1, 2010 | | | 151,977 | | | | 22,433 | | | | 174,410 | |
Current service cost | | | 2,630 | | | | 232 | | | | 2,862 | |
Interest cost | | | 9,665 | | | | 1,237 | | | | 10,902 | |
Actuarial (gains) losses | | | 19,165 | | | | (1,250 | ) | | | 17,915 | |
Benefits paid | | | (9,379 | ) | | | (856 | ) | | | (10,235 | ) |
Contributions by plan participants | | | 1,386 | | | | 32 | | | | 1,418 | |
Plan amendments | | | — | | | | (236 | ) | | | (236 | ) |
Defined benefit obligation, December 31, 2010 | | | 175,444 | | | | 21,592 | | | | 197,036 | |
F-49
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS – (continued)
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | December 31, 2010 |
Pension and other benefits | | Pension | | Other | | Total |
Change in fair value of plan assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets, January 1, 2010 | | | 150,746 | | | | — | | | | 150,746 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | 10,231 | | | | — | | | | 10,231 | |
Actuarial gains (losses) | | | 5,108 | | | | — | | | | 5,108 | |
Benefits paid | | | (9,379 | ) | | | (856 | ) | | | (10,235 | ) |
Contributions by plan participants | | | 1,386 | | | | 32 | | | | 1,418 | |
Contributions by employer | | | 8,143 | | | | 824 | | | | 8,967 | |
Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2010 | | | 166,235 | | | | — | | | | 166,235 | |
Funded status
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan surplus (deficit) | | | (9,209 | ) | | | (21,592 | ) | | | (30,801 | ) |
Accrued benefit asset (liability) | | | (9,209 | ) | | | (21,592 | ) | | | (30,801 | ) |
The major categories of plan assets as a percentage of total plans assets and the expected rate of return on assets at the end of the reporting period for each category are as follows:
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Expected return | | Fair value of plan assets |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 |
Equity securities | | | 8.4 | % | | | 7.9 | % | | | 59 | % | | | 61 | % |
Fixed income instruments | | | 4.4 | % | | | 4.6 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 36 | % |
Short-term investments | | | 3.4 | % | | | 2.7 | % | | | 2 | % | | | 3 | % |
Weighted average of expected return | | | 6.7 | % | | | 6.6 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % |
Plan assets are valued as at the measurement date of December 31 each year. The overall expected rate of return is a weighted average of the expected returns of the various investment categories held in the asset portfolio. The Management Level Pension Fund Investment Committee and Investment Managers’ assessment of the expected returns is based on historical average return trends and market predictions.
The actual return on plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.9 million (December 31, 2010 — $15.4 million).
The experience adjustments on plan liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was a loss of $1.0 million (December 31, 2010 — gain of $1.7 million). The experience adjustments on plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2011 was a loss of $8.8 million (December 31, 2010 — gain of $5.1 million).
The significant weighted-average assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s pension and other benefit obligations were as follows:
 | |  | |  |
| | Pension | | Other |
| | December 31, 2011 |
Accrued benefit obligation
| | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | | 4.5 | % | | | 4.5 | % |
Benefit costs for the periods ended
| | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | | 5.5 | % | | | 5.5 | % |
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | | | 6.5 | % | | | — | |
Future salary increase | | | 3.0 | % | | | — | |
Pre and post retirement pension increase | | | 1.1 | % | | | — | |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS – (continued)
For measurement purposes, the medical trend rate for drugs was assumed to be 10.5% for 2011, decreasing by 1% per annum, to a rate of 4.5% per annum in 2016. The health care cost trend rate was assumed to be 9% grading down to 5% in 2019. Other medical trend rates were assumed to be 4.5%.
Actuarial gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income:
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| | 2011 | | 2010 |
| | Pension | | Other | | Total | | Pension | | Other | | Total |
Cumulative amount at January 1 | | | (10,505 | ) | | | 1,055 | | | | (9,450 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Recognized during the year, net of taxes (2011 – $10,486; 2010 – $3,357) | | | (29,614 | ) | | | (1,463 | ) | | | (31,077 | ) | | | (10,505 | ) | | | 1,055 | | | | (9,450 | ) |
Cumulative amount at December 31 | | | (40,119 | ) | | | (408 | ) | | | (40,527 | ) | | | (10,505 | ) | | | 1,055 | | | | (9,450 | ) |
Sensitivity of assumptions
The impact of a hypothetical 1% change in the health care cost trend rate on the other post-retirement benefit obligation and the aggregate of service and interest cost would have been as follows:
 | |  | |  |
| | Benefit obligation | | Aggregate of service and interest cost |
As reported | | | 24,339 | | | | 1,482 | |
Impact of increase of 1% point | | | 2,011 | | | | 146 | |
Impact of decrease of 1% point | | | (1,706 | ) | | | (121 | ) |
The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in amounts based on a 1% point variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in amounts may not be linear. The sensitivities have been calculated independently of changes in other key variables. Changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which could amplify or reduce certain sensitivities.
The Company expects to make contributions of $8.9 million to the defined benefit plans during the next fiscal year.
26. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
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| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | | 86,500 | | | | 129,217 | | | | 89,679 | |
Short term investments, original maturity three months or less | | | 66,547 | | | | 91,078 | | | | 64,510 | |
Restricted cash(a) | | | 124,915 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | 277,962 | | | | 220,295 | | | | 154,189 | |
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| (a) | The insurance proceeds received for the settlement of the Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2 claim are restricted in use, and will be used to repay a portion of the Company’s Credit Facility or reinvested in satellite procurements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement. The restricted amount is expected to be used within the next twelve months. |
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Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
26. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION – (continued)
The net change in operating assets and liabilities shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows is comprised of the following:
 | |  | |  |
At December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Trade and other receivables | | | (1,668 | ) | | | 21,884 | |
Financial assets | | | (1,604 | ) | | | (541 | ) |
Other assets | | | (4,335 | ) | | | (1,295 | ) |
Trade and other payables | | | (196 | ) | | | (22,484 | ) |
Financial liabilities | | | (2,061 | ) | | | (20,249 | ) |
Other liabilities | | | (3,249 | ) | | | (7,130 | ) |
| | | (13,113 | ) | | | (29,815 | ) |
 | |  | |  |
At December 31 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Non-cash investing and financing activities are comprised of:
| | | | | | | | |
Purchase of satellites, property and other equipment | | | 24,441 | | | | 24,775 | |
27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Off balance sheet commitments include operating leases, commitments for future capital expenditures and other future purchases.
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Off balance sheet commitments | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | Thereafter | | Total |
Operating lease commitments | | | 6,830 | | | | 6,478 | | | | 5,824 | | | | 5,392 | | | | 4,805 | | | | 32,628 | | | | 61,957 | |
Other operating commitments | | | 21,791 | | | | 18,285 | | | | 14,271 | | | | 7,530 | | | | 3,377 | | | | 1,388 | | | | 66,642 | |
Capital commitments | | | 156,096 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 156,096 | |
Total off balance sheet commitments | | | 184,717 | | | | 24,763 | | | | 20,095 | | | | 12,922 | | | | 8,182 | | | | 34,016 | | | | 284,695 | |
Certain of the Company’s offices, warehouses, earth stations, and office equipment are leased under various terms. The aggregate expense related to operating lease commitments for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $7 million (December 31, 2010 - $8.0 million). The expiry terms range from January 2012 to January 2043.
Telesat has entered into contracts for the construction and launch of Nimiq 6 (targeted for launch in 2012) and Anik G1 (targeted for launch in 2012). The total outstanding commitments at December 31, 2011 are in U.S. dollars.
Cash and cash equivalents includes $124.9 million of restricted cash as at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010 — zero, January 1, 2010 — zero). The restricted cash can be used for capital expenditures of satellite projects. The restricted cash is as a result of insurance proceeds received for the claim filed in relation to Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2. The insurance proceeds were given as the satellite’s north solar array anomaly has diminished the amount of power available for the satellite’s transponders and reduced the operational life expectancy of the satellite.
Telesat has agreements with various customers for prepaid revenue on several service agreements which take effect when the spacecraft is placed in service. Telesat is responsible for operating and controlling these satellites. Customer prepayments of $408.0 million (December 31, 2010 — $377.1 million, January 1, 2010 — $358.4 million), refundable under certain circumstances, are reflected in other financial liabilities, both current and long-term.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES – (continued)
In the normal course of business, the Company has executed agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in various transactions. These indemnification undertakings and guarantees may require the Company 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. The nature of substantially all of the indemnification undertakings prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount the Company 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, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications.
Telesat and Loral have entered into an indemnification agreement whereby Loral will indemnify Telesat for any tax liabilities for taxation years prior to 2007 related to Loral Skynet operations. Likewise, Telesat will indemnify Loral for the settlement of any tax receivables for taxation years prior to 2007.
Legal Proceedings
The Company frequently participates in proceedings before national telecommunications regulatory authorities. In addition, the Company may also become involved from time to time in other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business.
Telesat Canada’s Anik F1 satellite, built by Boeing and launched in November 2000, has defective solar arrays that have caused a drop in power output on the satellite and reduced its operational life. Telesat Canada filed a claim for Anik F1 as a constructive total loss under its insurance policies and received an amount from its insurers in settlement of that claim. In November 2006, Telesat Canada commenced arbitration proceedings against Boeing, alleging that Boeing was grossly negligent and/or engaged in willful misconduct in the design and manufacture of the Anik F1 satellite and in failing to warn Telesat Canada prior to the launch of a material deficiency in the power performance of a similar satellite previously launched. Telesat’s claim seeks approximately $331 million plus costs and post-award interest, a portion of which was in respect of the subrogated rights of its insurers. Boeing has responded by alleging that Telesat Canada failed to obtain what it asserts to be contractually required waivers of subrogation rights such that, if Telesat Canada is successful in obtaining an award which includes an amount in respect of the subrogated rights of the insurers, Boeing is entitled to off-setting damages in that amount, which is approximately $176 million. Boeing also asserts that Telesat Canada owes Boeing performance incentive payments pursuant to the terms of the satellite construction contract in the amount of approximately U.S. $5.5 million plus interest. The arbitration hearing is scheduled to commence in November 2012. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of the arbitration, Telesat Canada intends to vigorously prosecute its claims and defend its position that no liability is owed Boeing in connection with the dispute and that, in the circumstances of this case, it was not contractually required to obtain waivers of the subrogation rights at issue.
Other than the above, the Company is not aware of any proceedings outstanding or threatened as of the date hereof by or against us or relating to its business which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on Telesat Canada’s financial position or profitability.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
28. SUBSIDIARIES
The list of significant companies included in the scope of consolidation is as follows:
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Company | | Country | | Method of Consolidation | | % voting rights December 31, 2011 |
Telesat Canada | | | Canada | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Infosat Communications LP | | | Canada | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Skynet Satellite Corporation | | | United States | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Telesat Network Services, Inc. | | | United States | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
The SpaceConnection Inc. | | | United States | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Telesat Satellite LP | | | United States | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Infosat Able Holdings Inc. | | | United States | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Able Infosat Communications, Inc. | | | United States | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Telesat Brasil Capacidade de Satélites Ltda. | | | Brazil | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
Telesat (IOM) Limited | | | Isle of Man | | | | Fully consolidated | | | | 100.00 | |
The percentage of voting rights and interest were the same as at December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010, respectively.
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company’s immediate shareholders are Red Isle Private Investment Inc. (“Red Isle”), a company incorporated in Canada, Loral Holdings Corporation (“Loral Holdings”), a company incorporated in the United States, Mr. John P. Cashman and Mr. Colin D. Watson, two Canadian citizens. Red Isle is wholly owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”), a Canadian Crown corporation. Loral Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications Inc. (“Loral”), a United States publically listed company.
Transactions with subsidiaries
The Company and its subsidiaries regularly engage in inter-group transactions. These transactions include the purchase and sale of satellite services and communication equipment, providing and receiving network and call centre services, access to orbital slots and management services. The transactions have been entered into over the normal course of operations. Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore have not been disclosed.
Transactions with related parties
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries regularly engage in transactions with related parties. The Company’s related parties include Loral, Red Isle, Space Systems/Loral (“SSL”), a satellite manufacturer and a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral, XTAR LLC (“XTAR”), a satellite operator and affiliate of Loral, and Loral Canadian Gateway Corporation (“LCGC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral.
On April 11, 2011, Telesat acquired from Loral and LCGC all of its rights and obligations with respect to the Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite, which was manufactured by SSL, and all related agreements. On closing of the transaction, Telesat paid Loral U.S. $13 million ($12.6 million Canadian dollars) for the assumption of Loral’s 15-year revenue contract with Xplornet Communications Inc. for ViaSat-1. In addition Telesat reimbursed Loral and LCGC approximately U.S. $48.2 million of net costs incurred through completion of the sale.
During the year, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into the following transactions with related parties.
F-54
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – (continued)
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| | Sale of goods and services, interest income | | Purchase of goods and services, interest expense |
year ended ended | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 |
Loral
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Revenue | | | 1 | | | | 166 | | | | — | | | | — | |
–Operating expenses | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,990 | | | | 5,245 | |
–Interest expense | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,291 | | | | 1,004 | |
-Intangible asset | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12,618 | | | | — | |
Red Isle
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Interest expense | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,869 | | | | 12,339 | |
SSL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Revenue | | | 1,942 | | | | 2,373 | | | | — | | | | — | |
–Satellite, property and other equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | 180,853 | | | | 168,040 | |
–Operating expenses | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,423 | | | | 373 | |
XTAR
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Revenue | | | 927 | | | | 1,017 | | | | — | | | | — | |
LCGC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Revenue | | | 324 | | | | 442 | | | | — | | | | — | |
–Satellite, property and other equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,586 | | | | — | |
The following balances were outstanding at the end of the year:
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| | Amounts owed by related parties | | Amounts owed to related parties |
At | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 | | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | | January 1, 2010 |
Loral
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Trade receivables/payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 14 | | | | — | |
–Other long-term financial assets/liabilities | | | 2,387 | | | | 2,332 | | | | 2,461 | | | | 28,252 | | | | 24,474 | | | | 19,543 | |
Red Isle
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Other current financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,650 | | | | 2,075 | | | | — | |
–Other long-term financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 25,090 | |
–Senior preferred shares | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | | | | 141,435 | | | | 141,435 | |
SSL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Trade receivable/payable | | | 380 | | | | 428 | | | | 1,430 | | | | 4,758 | | | | 37 | | | | 1,230 | |
–Other current financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,047 | | | | 1,003 | | | | — | |
–Other long-term financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 15,018 | | | | 15,469 | | | | 8,068 | |
XTAR
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
–Trade receivable/payable | | | — | | | | — | | | | 79 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. The related party transactions were made on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s length transactions.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Telesat Holdings Inc.
Notes to the 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – (continued)
The Company has entered into contracts for the construction of Nimiq 6 and Anik G1 with SSL. The total outstanding commitments at December 31, 2011 were $50.9 million (December 31, 2010 — $187.4 million, January 1, 2010 — $225.1 million).
Other related party transactions
The Company funds certain defined benefit pension plans as described in note 25. Contributions made to the plans for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $8.1 million (December 31, 2010 — $8.1 million).
Compensation of key management personnel
Key management personnel consists of Board level directors and senior management.
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| | Year ended 2011 | | Year ended 2010 |
Short-term benefits (including salary) | | | 7,309 | | | | 7,262 | |
Post-employment benefits | | | 720 | | | | 557 | |
Other-long term benefits | | | — | | | | — | |
Termination benefits | | | — | | | | — | |
Share-based payments | | | 2,572 | | | | 4,514 | |
| | | 10,601 | | | | 12,333 | |
There were no transactions with key management personnel in 2011 and 2010 other than compensation.
30. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The 11.0% Senior Notes and the 12.5% Senior Subordinated Notes were co-issued by Telesat LLC and Telesat Canada, (“the Issuers”) which are 100% owned subsidiaries of Telesat, and were guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, by Telesat and certain of its subsidiaries.
The condensed consolidating financial information below for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010 are presented pursuant to Article 3-10(d) of Regulation S-X. The information presented consists of the operations of Telesat Holdings Inc. Telesat Holdings Inc. primarily holds investments in subsidiaries and equity. Telesat LLC, a U.S. Delaware corporation, is a financing subsidiary that has no assets, liabilities or operations.
The condensed consolidating financial information reflects the investments of Telesat Holdings Inc. in the Issuers, of the Issuers in their respective Guarantor and Non-Guarantor subsidiaries and of the Guarantors in their Non-Guarantor subsidiaries using the equity method.
F-56
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2011
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| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Revenue | | | — | | | | — | | | | 742,728 | | | | 110,203 | | | | 20,286 | | | | (64,856 | ) | | | 808,361 | |
Operating expenses | | | — | | | | — | | | | (134,137 | ) | | | (95,827 | ) | | | (22,657 | ) | | | 64,856 | | | | (187,765 | ) |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 608,591 | | | | 14,376 | | | | (2,371 | ) | | | — | | | | 620,596 | |
Depreciation | | | — | | | | — | | | | (146,581 | ) | | | (51,711 | ) | | | (334 | ) | | | — | | | | (198,626 | ) |
Amortization | | | — | | | | — | | | | (42,480 | ) | | | 1,541 | | | | (82 | ) | | | — | | | | (41,021 | ) |
Other operating gains (losses), net | | | — | | | | — | | | | 116,063 | | | | (1,989 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | — | | | | 114,068 | |
Operating income (loss) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 535,593 | | | | (37,783 | ) | | | (2,793 | ) | | | — | | | | 495,017 | |
Income (loss) from equity investments | | | 247,144 | | | | — | | | | (40,204 | ) | | | (3,049 | ) | | | — | | | | (203,891 | ) | | | | |
Interest (expense) income | | | (9,869 | ) | | | — | | | | (219,590 | ) | | | 2,421 | | | | (13 | ) | | | — | | | | (227,051 | ) |
Interest and other income | | | — | | | | — | | | | 86 | | | | 1,465 | | | | 3 | | | | — | | | | 1,554 | |
Gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | — | | | | — | | | | 98,585 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 98,585 | |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange | | | — | | | | — | | | | (75,155 | ) | | | (6,084 | ) | | | 2,395 | | | | — | | | | (78,844 | ) |
Income (loss) before tax | | | 237,275 | | | | — | | | | 299,315 | | | | (43,030 | ) | | | (408 | ) | | | (203,891 | ) | | | 289,261 | |
Tax (expense) benefit | | | — | | | | — | | | | (52,171 | ) | | | 106 | | | | 79 | | | | — | | | | (51,986 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | | 237,275 | | | | — | | | | 247,144 | | | | (42,924 | ) | | | (329 | ) | | | (203,891 | ) | | | 237,275 | |
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2010
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| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Revenue | | | — | | | | — | | | | 745,689 | | | | 98,049 | | | | 23,839 | | | | (46,216 | ) | | | 821,361 | |
Operating expenses | | | — | | | | — | | | | (144,180 | ) | | | (83,375 | ) | | | (25,125 | ) | | | 46,216 | | | | (206,464 | ) |
| | | — | | | | — | | | | 601,509 | | | | 14,674 | | | | (1,286 | ) | | | — | | | | 614,897 | |
Depreciation | | | — | | | | — | | | | (147,892 | ) | | | (53,948 | ) | | | (343 | ) | | | — | | | | (202,183 | ) |
Amortization | | | — | | | | — | | | | (47,395 | ) | | | 2,126 | | | | (199 | ) | | | — | | | | (45,468 | ) |
Other operating losses, net | | | — | | | | — | | | | 75,023 | | | | 7,995 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 83,018 | |
Operating income (loss) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 481,245 | | | | (29,153 | ) | | | (1,828 | ) | | | — | | | | 450,264 | |
Income (loss) from equity investments | | | 298,439 | | | | — | | | | (30,096 | ) | | | (32,013 | ) | | | — | | | | (236,330 | ) | | | — | |
Interest (expense) income | | | (12,338 | ) | | | — | | | | (244,372 | ) | | | 125 | | | | 3 | | | | — | | | | (256,582 | ) |
Interest and other income (expense) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,316 | | | | 1,517 | | | | (81 | ) | | | — | | | | 5,752 | |
Loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | — | | | | — | | | | (11,168 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (11,168 | ) |
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange | | | — | | | | — | | | | 162,921 | | | | 7,333 | | | | (6,288 | ) | | | — | | | | 163,966 | |
Income (loss) before tax | | | 286,101 | | | | — | | | | 362,846 | | | | (52,191 | ) | | | (8,194 | ) | | | (236,330 | ) | | | 352,232 | |
Tax expense | | | — | | | | — | | | | (64,407 | ) | | | (1,169 | ) | | | (555 | ) | | | — | | | | (66,131 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | | 286,101 | | | | — | | | | 298,439 | | | | (53,360 | ) | | | (8,749 | ) | | | (236,330 | ) | | | 286,101 | |
F-57
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2011
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| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | 256,837 | | | | 18,654 | | | | 2,471 | | | | — | | | | 277,962 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | — | | | | — | | | | 27,010 | | | | 18,670 | | | | 1,109 | | | | — | | | | 46,789 | |
Other current financial assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 26 | | | | 255 | | | | 6,729 | | | | — | | | | 7,010 | |
Intercompany receivable | | | — | | | | — | | | | 349,662 | | | | 137,658 | | | | 148,153 | | | | (635,473 | ) | | | — | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 14,052 | | | | 8,019 | | | | 55 | | | | — | | | | 22,126 | |
Total current assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 647,587 | | | | 183,256 | | | | 158,517 | | | | (635,473 | ) | | | 353,887 | |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,808,997 | | | | 340,992 | | | | 1,926 | | | | — | | | | 2,151,915 | |
Other long-term financial assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,084 | | | | 896 | | | | 428 | | | | — | | | | 142,408 | |
Other long-term assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,010 | | | | 2,526 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,536 | |
Intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 848,898 | | | | 47,077 | | | | 103 | | | | — | | | | 896,078 | |
Investment in affiliates | | | 1,878,938 | | | | — | | | | 1,184,893 | | | | 1,495,142 | | | | 260 | | | | (4,559,233 | ) | | | — | |
Goodwill | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,078,056 | | | | 343,876 | | | | 24,671 | | | | — | | | | 2,446,603 | |
Total assets | | | 1,878,938 | | | | — | | | | 6,712,525 | | | | 2,413,765 | | | | 185,905 | | | | (5,194,706 | ) | | | 5,996,427 | |
Liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | 33,405 | | | | 9,118 | | | | 2,633 | | | | — | | | | 45,156 | |
Other current financial liabilities | | | 1,650 | | | | — | | | | 79,995 | | | | 1,308 | | | | 35 | | | | — | | | | 82,988 | |
Intercompany payable | | | 45,689 | | | | — | | | | 179,352 | | | | 375,012 | | | | 35,420 | | | | (635,473 | ) | | | — | |
Other current liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 64,393 | | | | 3,111 | | | | 373 | | | | — | | | | 67,877 | |
Current indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | 86,494 | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 86,495 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 47,339 | | | | — | | | | 443,639 | | | | 388,550 | | | | 38,461 | | | | (635,473 | ) | | | 282,516 | |
Long-term indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,748,131 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,748,131 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 452,208 | | | | (312 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 451,896 | |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 255,630 | | | | 3,862 | | | | 291 | | | | — | | | | 259,783 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 411,533 | | | | 10,726 | | | | 243 | | | | — | | | | 422,502 | |
Senior preferred shares | | | 141,435 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | |
Total liabilities | | | 188,774 | | | | — | | | | 4,311,141 | | | | 402,826 | | | | 38,995 | | | | (635,473 | ) | | | 4,306,263 | |
Shareholders’ Equity
| |
Share capital | | | 1,298,178 | | | | — | | | | 2,320,730 | | | | 1,898,682 | | | | 104,434 | | | | (4,323,846 | ) | | | 1,298,178 | |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) | | | 369,992 | | | | — | | | | 35,415 | | | | 176,382 | | | | 42,071 | | | | (253,868 | ) | | | 369,992 | |
Reserves | | | 21,994 | | | | — | | | | 45,239 | | | | (64,125 | ) | | | 405 | | | | 18,481 | | | | 21,994 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 1,690,164 | | | | — | | | | 2,401,384 | | | | 2,010,939 | | | | 146,910 | | | | (4,559,233 | ) | | | 1,690,164 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | 1,878,938 | | | | — | | | | 6,712,525 | | | | 2,413,765 | | | | 185,905 | | | | (5,194,706 | ) | | | 5,996,427 | |
F-58
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2010
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| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | 196,682 | | | | 21,135 | | | | 2,478 | | | | — | | | | 220,295 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | — | | | | — | | | | 28,718 | | | | 13,593 | | | | 1,772 | | | | — | | | | 44,083 | |
Other current financial assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 25 | | | | 346 | | | | 6,573 | | | | — | | | | 6,944 | |
Intercompany receivable | | | — | | | | — | | | | 219,035 | | | | 202,459 | | | | 112,436 | | | | (533,930 | ) | | | — | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,671 | | | | 7,136 | | | | 130 | | | | — | | | | 20,937 | |
Total current assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 458,131 | | | | 244,669 | | | | 123,389 | | | | (533,930 | ) | | | 292,259 | |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,643,419 | | | | 333,173 | | | | 2,197 | | | | — | | | | 1,978,789 | |
Other long-term financial assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 77,503 | | | | 502 | | | | 626 | | | | — | | | | 78,631 | |
Other long-term assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,907 | | | | 4,120 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12,027 | |
Intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 909,744 | | | | 35,617 | | | | 186 | | | | — | | | | 945,547 | |
Investment in affiliates | | | 1,663,758 | | | | — | | | | 1,309,540 | | | | 1,487,893 | | | | 259 | | | | (4,461,450 | ) | | | — | |
Goodwill | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,078,056 | | | | 343,876 | | | | 24,671 | | | | — | | | | 2,446,603 | |
Total assets | | | 1,663,758 | | | | — | | | | 6,484,300 | | | | 2,449,850 | | | | 151,328 | | | | (4,995,380 | ) | | | 5,753,856 | |
Liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | 31,667 | | | | 15,164 | | | | 3,143 | | | | — | | | | 49,974 | |
Intercompany payable | | | 35,385 | | | | — | | | | 124,484 | | | | 374,061 | | | | — | | | | (533,930 | ) | | | — | |
Other current financial liabilities | | | 2,075 | | | | — | | | | 100,610 | | | | 1,233 | | | | 164 | | | | — | | | | 104,082 | |
Other current liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 61,643 | | | | 301 | | | | 701 | | | | — | | | | 62,645 | |
Current indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | 96,847 | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 96,848 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 37,460 | | | | — | | | | 415,251 | | | | 390,760 | | | | 4,008 | | | | (533,930 | ) | | | 313,549 | |
Long-term indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,771,802 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,771,802 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 416,069 | | | | (2,002 | ) | | | 650 | | | | — | | | | 414,717 | |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 265,346 | | | | — | | | | 283 | | | | — | | | | 265,629 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 348,873 | | | | 12,750 | | | | 238 | | | | — | | | | 361,861 | |
Senior preferred shares | | | 141,435 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | |
Total liabilities | | | 178,895 | | | | — | | | | 4,217,341 | | | | 401,508 | | | | 5,179 | | | | (533,930 | ) | | | 4,268,993 | |
Shareholders’ Equity
| |
Share capital | | | 1,298,178 | | | | — | | | | 2,320,730 | | | | 1,896,596 | | | | 104,434 | | | | (4,321,760 | ) | | | 1,298,178 | |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) | | | 163,804 | | | | — | | | | (128,079 | ) | | | 216,134 | | | | 38,204 | | | | (126,259 | ) | | | 163,804 | |
Reserves | | | 22,881 | | | | — | | | | 74,308 | | | | (64,388 | ) | | | 3,511 | | | | (13,431 | ) | | | 22,881 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 1,484,863 | | | | — | | | | 2,266,959 | | | | 2,048,342 | | | | 146,149 | | | | (4,461,450 | ) | | | 1,484,863 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | 1,663,758 | | | | — | | | | 6,484,300 | | | | 2,449,850 | | | | 151,328 | | | | (4,995,380 | ) | | | 5,753,856 | |
F-59
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As at January 1, 2010
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | 137,623 | | | | 14,232 | | | | 2,334 | | | | — | | | | 154,189 | |
Trade and other receivables | | | — | | | | — | | | | 51,444 | | | | 15,591 | | | | 3,165 | | | | — | | | | 70,200 | |
Other current financial assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 101 | | | | 267 | | | | 6,949 | | | | — | | | | 7,317 | |
Intercompany receivable | | | — | | | | — | | | | 249,103 | | | | 150,490 | | | | 120,038 | | | | (519,631 | ) | | | — | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 14,957 | | | | 7,967 | | | | 77 | | | | — | | | | 23,001 | |
Total current assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 453,228 | | | | 188,547 | | | | 132,563 | | | | (519,631 | ) | | | 254,707 | |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,446,613 | | | | 449,801 | | | | 2,484 | | | | — | | | | 1,898,898 | |
Other long-term financial assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 20,545 | | | | 529 | | | | 659 | | | | — | | | | 21,733 | |
Other long-term assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,311 | | | | 5,720 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 19,031 | |
Intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 886,965 | | | | 38,570 | | | | 386 | | | | — | | | | 925,921 | |
Investment in affiliates | | | 1,371,792 | | | | — | | | | 1,346,054 | | | | 1,477,459 | | | | 261 | | | | (4,195,566 | ) | | | — | |
Goodwill | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,078,057 | | | | 343,876 | | | | 24,670 | | | | — | | | | 2,446,603 | |
Total assets | | | 1,371,792 | | | | — | | | | 6,244,773 | | | | 2,504,502 | | | | 161,023 | | | | (4,715,197 | ) | | | 5,566,893 | |
Liabilities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | — | | | | 32,059 | | | | 6,798 | | | | 4,556 | | | | — | | | | 43,413 | |
Intercompany payable | | | — | | | | — | | | | 108,346 | | | | 411,285 | | | | — | | | | (519,631 | ) | | | — | |
Other current financial liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 100,685 | | | | 1,304 | | | | 135 | | | | — | | | | 102,124 | |
Other current liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 70,523 | | | | 1,093 | | | | 505 | | | | — | | | | 72,121 | |
Current indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | 23,601 | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 23,602 | |
Total current liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 335,214 | | | | 420,481 | | | | 5,196 | | | | (519,631 | ) | | | 241,260 | |
Long-term indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,021,820 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,021,820 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 355,904 | | | | (2,266 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | — | | | | 353,637 | |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | 25,090 | | | | — | | | | 214,633 | | | | 102 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 239,825 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 346,705 | | | | 16,268 | | | | 676 | | | | — | | | | 363,649 | |
Senior preferred shares | | | 141,435 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 141,435 | |
Total liabilities | | | 166,525 | | | | — | | | | 4,274,276 | | | | 434,585 | | | | 5,871 | | | | (519,631 | ) | | | 4,361,626 | |
Shareholders’ Equity
| |
Share capital | | | 1,298,178 | | | | — | | | | 2,320,730 | | | | 1,896,596 | | | | 104,434 | | | | (4,321,760 | ) | | | 1,298,178 | |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) | | | (112,817 | ) | | | — | | | | (430,301 | ) | | | 237,247 | | | | 46,953 | | | | 146,101 | | | | (112,817 | ) |
Reserves | | | 19,906 | | | | — | | | | 80,068 | | | | (63,926 | ) | | | 3,765 | | | | (19,907 | ) | | | 19,906 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 1,205,267 | | | | — | | | | 1,970,497 | | | | 2,069,917 | | | | 155,152 | | | | (4,195,566 | ) | | | 1,205,267 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | 1,371,792 | | | | — | | | | 6,244,773 | | | | 2,504,502 | | | | 161,023 | | | | (4,715,197 | ) | | | 5,566,893 | |
F-60
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flow
For the year ended December 31, 2011
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| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | 237,275 | | | | — | | | | 247,144 | | | | (42,924 | ) | | | (329 | ) | | | (203,891 | ) | | | 237,275 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization and depreciation | | | — | | | | — | | | | 189,061 | | | | 50,170 | | | | 416 | | | | — | | | | 239,647 | |
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 52,099 | | | | (145 | ) | | | (100 | ) | | | — | | | | 51,854 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 66,375 | | | | 4,045 | | | | (2,714 | ) | | | — | | | | 67,706 | |
Unrealized gain on derivatives | | | — | | | | — | | | | (87,914 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (87,914 | ) |
Dividends on senior preferred shares | | | 1,650 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,650 | |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,073 | | | | 383 | | | | 198 | | | | — | | | | 2,654 | |
Income (loss) from equity investments | | | (247,144 | ) | | | — | | | | 40,204 | | | | 3,049 | | | | — | | | | 203,891 | | | | — | |
Loss on disposal of assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 588 | | | | 879 | | | | 16 | | | | — | | | | 1,483 | |
Impairment loss on intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 18,368 | | | | 1,100 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 19,468 | |
Insurance proceeds | | | — | | | | — | | | | (135,019 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (135,019 | ) |
Other | | | — | | | | — | | | | (28,167 | ) | | | (2,876 | ) | | | 242 | | | | — | | | | (30,801 | ) |
Customer prepayments on future satellite services | | | — | | | | — | | | | 55,268 | | | | 2,500 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 57,768 | |
Insurance proceeds | | | — | | | | — | | | | 11,228 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 11,228 | |
Operating assets and liabilities | | | (2,075 | ) | | | — | | | | 1,944 | | | | (15,262 | ) | | | 2,280 | | | | — | | | | (13,113 | ) |
Net cash from (used in) operating activities | | | (10,294 | ) | | | — | | | | 433,252 | | | | 919 | | | | 9 | | | | — | | | | 423,886 | |
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Satellite programs | | | — | | | | — | | | | (302,193 | ) | | | (54,006 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (356,199 | ) |
Purchases of other property and equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | (16,137 | ) | | | (1,374 | ) | | | (55 | ) | | | — | | | | (17,566 | ) |
Purchase of intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (12,618 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (12,618 | ) |
Insurance proceeds | | | — | | | | — | | | | 135,019 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 135,019 | |
Proceeds from sale of assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 148 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 148 | |
Business acquisitions | | | — | | | | — | | | | (9,264 | ) | | | 9,264 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Dividends received | | | — | | | | — | | | | 8,633 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (8,633 | ) | | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | — | | | | — | | | | (183,794 | ) | | | (58,734 | ) | | | (55 | ) | | | (8,633 | ) | | | (251,216 | ) |
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Repayment of indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | (108,741 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (108,741 | ) |
Dividends paid on preferred shares | | | (10 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (10 | ) |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,928 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,928 | ) |
Intercompany loan | | | 10,304 | | | | — | | | | (74,634 | ) | | | 64,330 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Dividends paid | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (8,633 | ) | | | — | | | | 8,633 | | | | — | |
Net cash from (used in) financing activities | | | 10,294 | | | | — | | | | (189,303 | ) | | | 55,697 | | | | — | | | | 8,633 | | | | (114,679 | ) |
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (363 | ) | | | 39 | | | | — | | | | (324 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | 60,155 | | | | (2,481 | ) | | | (7 | ) | | | — | | | | 57,667 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | — | | | | — | | | | 196,682 | | | | 21,135 | | | | 2,478 | | | | — | | | | 220,295 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | | — | | | | — | | | | 256,837 | | | | 18,654 | | | | 2,471 | | | | — | | | | 277,962 | |
F-61
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flow
For the year ended December 31, 2010
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| | Telesat Holdings | | Telesat LLC | | Telesat Canada | | Guarantor Subsidiaries | | Non-guarantor Subsidiaries | | Adjustments | | Consolidated |
Cash flows from operating activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | 286,101 | | | | — | | | | 298,439 | | | | (53,360 | ) | | | (8,749 | ) | | | (236,330 | ) | | | 286,101 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization and depreciation | | | — | | | | — | | | | 195,287 | | | | 51,822 | | | | 542 | | | | — | | | | 247,651 | |
Deferred tax expense | | | — | | | | — | | | | 63,277 | | | | 146 | | | | 429 | | | | — | | | | 63,852 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss | | | — | | | | — | | | | (168,787 | ) | | | (7,502 | ) | | | 6,273 | | | | — | | | | (170,016 | ) |
Unrealized loss on derivatives | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,955 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,955 | |
Dividends on senior preferred shares | | | 2,075 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,075 | |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,691 | | | | 635 | | | | 341 | | | | — | | | | 4,667 | |
(Income) loss from equity investments | | | (298,439 | ) | | | — | | | | 30,096 | | | | 32,013 | | | | — | | | | 236,330 | | | | — | |
Gain on disposal of assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | (3,754 | ) | | | (72 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (3,826 | ) |
Reversal of impairment loss on intangible assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | (71,269 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (71,269 | ) |
Reversal of impairment loss on satellites, property and other equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7,923 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (7,923 | ) |
Other | | | — | | | | — | | | | (24,600 | ) | | | (315 | ) | | | (15 | ) | | | — | | | | (24,930 | ) |
Customer prepayments on future satellite services | | | — | | | | — | | | | 30,982 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 30,982 | |
Operating assets and liabilities | | | 10,293 | | | | — | | | | (44,971 | ) | | | 2,867 | | | | 1,996 | | | | — | | | | (29,815 | ) |
Net cash from operating activities | | | 30 | | | | — | | | | 322,346 | | | | 18,311 | | | | 817 | | | | — | | | | 341,504 | |
Cash flows used in investing activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Satellite programs | | | — | | | | — | | | | (257,725 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (257,725 | ) |
Purchase of other property and equipment | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,299 | ) | | | (1,556 | ) | | | (111 | ) | | | — | | | | (3,966 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | 26,782 | | | | 144 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 26,926 | |
Other | | | — | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (10,000 | ) | | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | — | | | | — | | | | (223,242 | ) | | | (1,412 | ) | | | (111 | ) | | | (10,000 | ) | | | (234,765 | ) |
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Repayment of indebtedness | | | — | | | | — | | | | (34,946 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (34,946 | ) |
Dividends paid on preferred shares | | | (30 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (30 | ) |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,099 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,099 | ) |
Dividends paid | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (10,000 | ) | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | |
Net cash from (used in) financing activities | | | (30 | ) | | | — | | | | (40,045 | ) | | | (10,000 | ) | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | (40,075 | ) |
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4 | | | | (562 | ) | | | — | | | | (558 | ) |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | — | | | | — | | | | 59,059 | | | | 6,903 | | | | 144 | | | | — | | | | 66,106 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | — | | | | — | | | | 137,623 | | | | 14,232 | | | | 2,334 | | | | — | | | | 154,189 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | | — | | | | — | | | | 196,682 | | | | 21,135 | | | | 2,478 | | | | — | | | | 220,295 | |
F-62