Exhibit 99.1
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TELESAT CANADA
Quarterly Report
For the Three Month Period Ended March 31, 2020
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Telesat Canada
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income
For the three months ended March 31
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Revenue | | 4 | | $ | 208,673 | | | $ | 222,313 | |
Operating expenses | | 5 | | | (45,476 | ) | | | (39,120 | ) |
Depreciation | | | | | (55,607 | ) | | | (62,291 | ) |
Amortization | | | | | (4,311 | ) | | | (5,664 | ) |
Other operating losses, net | | | | | (221 | ) | | | (73 | ) |
Operating income | | | | | 103,058 | | | | 115,165 | |
Interest expense | | 6 | | | (54,734 | ) | | | (65,082 | ) |
Interest and other income | | | | | 4,252 | | | | 4,675 | |
(Loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | | | (43,772 | ) | | | 57,336 | |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange | | | | | (290,692 | ) | | | 70,340 | |
(Loss) income before tax | | | | | (281,888 | ) | | | 182,434 | |
Tax recovery (expense) | | 7 | | | 3,800 | | | | (10,534 | ) |
Net (loss) income | | | | $ | (278,088 | ) | | $ | 171,900 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Canada
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the three months ended March 31
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (278,088 | ) | | $ | 171,900 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | | |
Items that may be reclassified into profit or loss | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 99,248 | | | | (15,770 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | | 99,248 | | | | (15,770 | ) |
Total comprehensive (loss) income | | $ | (178,840 | ) | | $ | 156,130 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Canada
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Common shares | | Preferred shares | | Total share capital | | Accumulated earnings | | Equity-settled employee benefits reserve | | Foreign currency translation reserve | | Total reserves | | Total shareholders’ equity |
Balance as at January 1, 2019 | | $ | 26,580 | | $ | 127,126 | | $ | 153,706 | | $ | 843,601 | | | $ | 60,715 | | | $ | 34,963 | | | $ | 95,678 | | | $ | 1,092,985 | |
Net income | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 171,900 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 171,900 | |
Issuance of share capital on exercise of stock appreciation rights | | | — | | | 385 | | | 385 | | | (455 | ) | | | (144 | ) | | | — | | | | (144 | ) | | | (214 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $nil | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | | (15,770 | ) | | | (15,770 | ) | | | (15,770 | ) |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | 3,652 | | | | — | | | | 3,652 | | | | 3,652 | |
Dividends declared on preferred shares | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (10 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (10 | ) |
Balance as at March 31, 2019 | | $ | 26,580 | | $ | 127,511 | | $ | 154,091 | | $ | 1,015,036 | | | $ | 64,223 | | | $ | 19,193 | | | $ | 83,416 | | | $ | 1,252,543 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as at April 1, 2019 | | $ | 26,580 | | $ | 127,511 | | $ | 154,091 | | $ | 1,015,036 | | | $ | 64,223 | | | $ | 19,193 | | | $ | 83,416 | | | $ | 1,252,543 | |
Net income | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 15,298 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 15,298 | |
Issuance of share capital on settlement of restricted share units | | | — | | | 804 | | | 804 | | | — | | | | (1,729 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,729 | ) | | | (925 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax expense of $403 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 731 | | | | — | | | | (34,695 | ) | | | (34,695 | ) | | | (33,964 | ) |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | 12,383 | | | | — | | | | 12,383 | | | | 12,383 | |
Dividends declared on preferred shares | | | | | | | | | — | | | (10 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (10 | ) |
Balance as at December 31, 2019 | | $ | 26,580 | | $ | 128,315 | | $ | 154,895 | | $ | 1,031,055 | | | $ | 74,877 | | | $ | (15,502 | ) | | $ | 59,375 | | | $ | 1,245,325 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as at January 1, 2020 | | $ | 26,580 | | $ | 128,315 | | $ | 154,895 | | $ | 1,031,055 | | | $ | 74,877 | | | $ | (15,502 | ) | | $ | 59,375 | | | $ | 1,245,325 | |
Net loss | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (278,088 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (278,088 | ) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $nil | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | | 99,248 | | | | 99,248 | | | | 99,248 | |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | 2,595 | | | | — | | | | 2,595 | | | | 2,595 | |
Balance as at March 31, 2020 | | $ | 26,580 | | $ | 128,315 | | $ | 154,895 | | $ | 752,967 | | | $ | 77,472 | | | $ | 83,746 | | | $ | 161,218 | | | $ | 1,069,080 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Canada
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | $ | 1,204,670 | | $ | 1,027,222 |
Trade and other receivables | | | | | 61,497 | | | 64,062 |
Other current financial assets | | | | | 634 | | | 210 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | | | 38,755 | | | 43,724 |
Total current assets | | | | | 1,305,556 | | | 1,135,218 |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | 4, 8 | | | 1,464,795 | | | 1,458,933 |
Deferred tax assets | | | | | 13,437 | | | 12,412 |
Other long-term financial assets | | | | | 35,022 | | | 57,730 |
Other long-term assets | | 4 | | | 8,203 | | | 8,264 |
Intangible assets | | 4, 9 | | | 801,515 | | | 802,791 |
Goodwill | | | | | 2,446,603 | | | 2,446,603 |
Total assets | | | | $ | 6,075,131 | | $ | 5,921,951 |
| | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables | | | | $ | 32,327 | | $ | 26,247 |
Other current financial liabilities | | | | | 64,167 | | | 38,281 |
Other current liabilities | | | | | 79,308 | | | 72,315 |
Current indebtedness | | 11 | | | 26,416 | | | 24,408 |
Total current liabilities | | | | | 202,218 | | | 161,251 |
Long-term indebtedness | | 11 | | | 3,986,202 | | | 3,688,391 |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | | | 331,023 | | | 348,762 |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | | | 52,384 | | | 42,511 |
Other long-term liabilities | | | | | 434,224 | | | 435,711 |
Total liabilities | | | | | 5,006,051 | | | 4,676,626 |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | 12 | | | 154,895 | | | 154,895 |
Accumulated earnings | | | | | 752,967 | | | 1,031,055 |
Reserves | | | | | 161,218 | | | 59,375 |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | | | 1,069,080 | | | 1,245,325 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | | $ | 6,075,131 | | $ | 5,921,951 |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Canada
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the three months ended March 31
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) | | Notes | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | | | | $ | (278,088 | ) | | $ | 171,900 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | | | 55,607 | | | | 62,291 | |
Amortization | | | | | 4,311 | | | | 5,664 | |
Tax (recovery) expense | | | | | (3,800 | ) | | | 10,534 | |
Interest expense | | | | | 54,734 | | | | 65,082 | |
Interest income | | | | | (4,246 | ) | | | (4,960 | ) |
Loss (gain) on foreign exchange | | | | | 290,692 | | | | (70,340 | ) |
Loss (gain) on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | | | 43,772 | | | | (57,336 | ) |
Share-based compensation | | | | | 2,595 | | | | 3,652 | |
Loss on disposal of assets | | | | | 221 | | | | 73 | |
Other | | | | | (15,147 | ) | | | (27,402 | ) |
Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received | | 16 | | | (10,906 | ) | | | (30,958 | ) |
Interest paid, net of interest received | | 16 | | | (33,759 | ) | | | (31,320 | ) |
Operating assets and liabilities | | 16 | | | 2,524 | | | | 21,427 | |
Net cash from operating activities | | | | | 108,510 | | | | 118,307 | |
Cash flows used in investing activities | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchases for satellite programs | | | | | (888 | ) | | | (1,669 | ) |
Purchase of property and other equipment | | | | | (647 | ) | | | (3,215 | ) |
Purchase of intangible assets | | | | | (5 | ) | | | (12,500 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | | | (1,540 | ) | | | (17,384 | ) |
Cash flows used in financing activities | | | | | | | | | | |
Repayment of indebtedness | | 16 | | | (6,397 | ) | | | (7,717 | ) |
Payments of principal on lease liabilities | | 16 | | | (346 | ) | | | (287 | ) |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | 16 | | | (1,765 | ) | | | (2,407 | ) |
Dividends paid on Director Voting preferred shares | | | | | — | | | | (10 | ) |
Government grant received | | | | | 4,009 | | | | — | |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | | | (4,499 | ) | | | (10,421 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | | | | 74,977 | | | | (12,534 | ) |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | 177,448 | | | | 77,968 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | | | 1,027,222 | | | | 768,433 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | | | $ | 1,204,670 | | | $ | 846,401 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
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Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
1. BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY
Telesat Canada (the “Company” or “Telesat”) is a Canadian corporation. Telesat is a leading global satellite operator providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communication solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, the Company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 16 geostationary satellites and the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1. In 2018, an additional satellite was launched into low earth orbit (“LEO”) as part of Telesat’s plans to deploy an advanced, global LEO constellation.
As at March31, 2020, Loral Space and Communications Inc. (“Loral”) and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”) indirectly held economic interests in Telesat of approximately 63% and 36%, respectively, with the remaining economic interest held by various individuals. Loral indirectly held a voting interest of 33% on all matters including the election of directors. PSP Investments indirectly held a voting interest of 67% on all matters except for the election of directors, and a 29% voting interest for the election of directors. The remaining voting interest of 38% for the election of directors is held by shareholders of the Company’s Director Voting Preferred Shares.
Unless the context states or requires otherwise, references herein to the “financial statements” or similar terms refer to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Telesat Canada.
On April29, 2020, these financial statements were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and authorized for issue.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Statement of Compliance
The financial statements represent the interim financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, prepared in accordance withInternational Accounting Standard34, Interim Financial Reporting (“IAS 34”).
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December31, 2019 consolidated financial statements of Telesat Canada. The financial statements use the same basis of presentation and significant accounting policies as outlined in Notes 2 and 4 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December31, 2019. The results of operations for the three months ended March31, 2020 and 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.
Basis of Consolidation
Subsidiaries
These consolidated financial statements include the results of the Company and subsidiaries controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Company has power over an entity, has exposure, or rights to variable returns from its involvement with an entity, and has the ability to use the power over an entity to affect the amount of its return.
Joint arrangements
A joint operation is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to their share of the assets and revenue, and obligations for the liabilities and expenses, relating to the arrangement.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the Company’s share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of its interest in joint operations.
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Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Future Changes in Accounting Policies
The International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) periodically issues new and amended accounting standards. There are no new and amended standards determined to be applicable to Telesat.
4. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Telesat operates in a single reportable 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 — Direct-to-home television, video distribution and contribution, and occasional use services.
• Enterprise — Telecommunication carrier and integrator, government, consumer broadband, resource, maritime and aeronautical, retail and satellite operator services.
• Consulting and other — Consulting services related to space and earth segments, government studies, satellite control services, and research and development.
Revenue derived from the above services were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Broadcast | | $ | 101,623 | | $ | 113,187 |
Enterprise | | | 102,129 | | | 104,518 |
Consulting and other | | | 4,921 | | | 4,608 |
Revenue | | $ | 208,673 | | $ | 222,313 |
Equipment sales included within the various services were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Broadcast | | $ | — | | $ | 76 |
Enterprise | | | 6,044 | | | 4,090 |
Total equipment sales | | $ | 6,044 | | $ | 4,166 |
Geographic Information
Revenue by geographic regions was based on the point of origin of the revenue, which was the destination of the billing invoice, and was allocated as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Canada | | $ | 92,685 | | $ | 102,410 |
United States | | | 75,928 | | | 82,508 |
Latin America & Caribbean | | | 17,402 | | | 18,599 |
Asia & Australia | | | 10,097 | | | 9,218 |
Europe, Middle East & Africa | | | 12,561 | | | 9,578 |
Revenue | | $ | 208,673 | | $ | 222,313 |
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Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
4. SEGMENT INFORMATION(cont.)
For disclosure purposes, the satellites, and the intangible assets have been classified based on ownership. Satellites, property and other equipment, and intangible assets by geographic regions were allocated as follows:
As at | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Canada | | $ | 647,543 | | $ | 682,518 |
Europe, Middle East & Africa | | | 728,715 | | | 685,562 |
United States | | | 86,242 | | | 88,360 |
All others | | | 2,295 | | | 2,493 |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | $ | 1,464,795 | | $ | 1,458,933 |
As at | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Canada | | $ | 733,510 | | $ | 733,880 |
United States | �� | | 42,607 | | | 39,395 |
Latin America & Caribbean | | | 17,891 | | | 21,908 |
All others | | | 7,507 | | | 7,608 |
Intangible assets | | $ | 801,515 | | $ | 802,791 |
Other long-term assets by geographic regions were allocated as follows:
As at | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Canada | | $ | 7,559 | | $ | 7,624 |
Europe, Middle East & Africa | | | 644 | | | 640 |
Other long-term assets | | $ | 8,203 | | $ | 8,264 |
Goodwill was not allocated to geographic regions.
Major Customers
For the three months ended March31, 2020, there were two significant customers (March31, 2019 — three significant customers) each representing more than 10% of consolidated revenue.
5. OPERATING EXPENSES
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Compensation and employee benefits(a) | | $ | 21,083 | | $ | 19,929 |
Other operating expenses(b) | | | 14,815 | | | 9,918 |
Cost of sales(c) | | | 9,578 | | | 9,273 |
Operating expenses | | $ | 45,476 | | $ | 39,120 |
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Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
6. INTEREST EXPENSE
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Interest on indebtedness | | $ | 47,574 | | | $ | 62,091 | |
Interest on derivative instruments | | | (3 | ) | | | (5,458 | ) |
Interest on satellite performance incentive payments | | | 772 | | | | 942 | |
Interest on significant financing component | | | 5,803 | | | | 6,892 | |
Interest on employee benefit plans | | | 261 | | | | 297 | |
Interest on leases | | | 327 | | | | 318 | |
Interest expense | | $ | 54,734 | | | $ | 65,082 | |
7. INCOME TAXES
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Current tax expense | | $ | 5,290 | | | $ | 17,797 | |
Deferred tax recovery | | | (9,090 | ) | | | (7,263 | ) |
Tax (recovery) expense | | $ | (3,800 | ) | | $ | 10,534 | |
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate, which is a composite of Canadian federal and provincial rates, to the effective income tax rate was as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
(Loss) income before tax | | $ | (281,888 | ) | | $ | 182,434 | |
Multiplied by the statutory income tax rates | | | 26.56 | % | | | 26.59 | % |
| | | (74,870 | ) | | | 48,509 | |
Income tax recorded at rates different from the Canadian tax rate | | | (3,823 | ) | | | (3,536 | ) |
Permanent differences | | | 38,227 | | | | (25,435 | ) |
Effect of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets | | | 35,260 | | | | (9,060 | ) |
Other | | | 1,406 | | | | 56 | |
Tax(recovery)expense | | $ | (3,800 | ) | | $ | 10,534 | |
Effective income tax rate | | | 1.35 | % | | | 5.77 | % |
8. SATELLITES, PROPERTY AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
For the three months ended March31, 2020, the Company had additions of $7.5million (March31, 2019 — $2.3million) related to acquisitions of property and other equipment.
9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
For the three months ended March31, 2020, the Company had no additions to intangible assets. The additions to intangible assets for the three months ended March31, 2019 was $14.4million, related to the LEO constellation currently under development.
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Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
10. LEASE LIABILITIES
The expected undiscounted contractual cash flows of the lease liabilities as at March31, 2020 were as follows:
2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | Thereafter |
$ | 2,616 | | $ | 3,312 | | $ | 3,070 | | $ | 3,005 | | $ | 2,824 | | $ | 29,302 |
The undiscounted contractual cash flows included $13.8million of interest payments.
In addition, there were certain leases which were signed but not capitalized as at March31, 2020. Based upon the assessed lease term, the expected undiscounted cash flows totaled $10.8million.
11. INDEBTEDNESS
| | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Senior Secured Credit Facilities | | | | | | | | |
Revolving Credit Facility | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility (March 31, 2020 – USD $1,903,729) December 31, 2019 – USD $1,908,500) | | | 2,677,023 | | | | 2,479,142 | |
6.5% Senior Notes (USD $550,000) | | | 773,410 | | | | 714,450 | |
4.875% Senior Secured Notes (USD $400,000) | | | 562,480 | | | | 519,600 | |
| | | 4,012,913 | | | | 3,713,192 | |
Less: deferred financing costs and prepayment options | | | (295 | ) | | | (393 | ) |
| | | 4,012,618 | | | | 3,712,799 | |
Less: current indebtedness | | | (26,416 | ) | | | (24,408 | ) |
Long-term indebtedness | | $ | 3,986,202 | | | $ | 3,688,391 | |
On October11, 2019, Telesat Canada issued, through a private placement, USD $550million of 6.5% Senior Notes which mature in October 2027. Debt issue costs of $7.4million were incurred in connection with the issuance of the 6.5% Senior Notes. The 6.5% Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to Telesat Canada’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. The 6.5% Senior Notes are governed by the 6.5% Senior Notes Indenture.
On December6, 2019, Telesat Canada entered into a new amended and restated Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks which provides for the extension of credit under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities of USD $1,908.5million and revolving credit borrowings up to USD $200.0million (or Canadian dollar equivalent). The term loan facility matures in December 2026 while the revolving credit facility matures in December 2024. Debt issue costs of $16.0million were incurred in connection with this amendment, inclusive of $1.3million relating to the revolving credit facility. All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and certain of Telesat Canada’s existing subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by first priority liens and security interest in the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. If the Revolving Credit Facility is drawn by more than 35% of the credit facility amount, the Credit Agreement requires Telesat Canada to comply with a first lien net leverage ratio of 5.75:1.00, tested quarterly, and failure to comply will result in an event of default. The Credit Agreement contains total leverage ratio covenants that restrict, with certain exceptions, the ability of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors to take specified actions, including, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions: creating liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments, engaging in mergers, selling property, paying dividends, entering into sale-leaseback transactions, creating subsidiaries, repaying subordinated debt or amending organizational documents. As at March31, 2020, the leverage ratio was 5.10:1.00, which was more than the maximum test ratio of 4.50:1.00.
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Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
11. INDEBTEDNESS(cont.)
On December6, 2019, Telesat Canada issued, through a private placement, USD$400million of 4.875% Senior Secured Notes which mature in June 2027. Debt issue costs of $6.6million were incurred in connection with the issuance of the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. The 4.875% Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain Guarantors. The obligations under the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes indenture are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by first priority liens and security interest in the assets of Telesat Canada and the Guarantors. The 4.875% Senior Secured Notes include covenants or terms that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, or issue disqualified stock or preferred shares, (ii) incur liens, (iii) pay dividends, or make certain restricted payments or investments, (iv) enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (v) modify or cancel satellite insurance, (vi) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of substantially all assets, (vii) create restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, make loans, and sell assets, and (viii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. The 4.875% Senior Secured Notes are governed by the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes Indenture.
12. SHARE CAPITAL
The number of shares and stated value of the outstanding shares as at March31, 2020 and December31, 2019 were as follows:
| | Number of shares | | Stated value |
Common Shares | | 74,252,460 | | $ | 26,580 |
Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | 7,034,444 | | | 48,246 |
Non-Voting Participating Preferred Shares | | 38,477,137 | | | 80,059 |
Director Voting Preferred Shares | | 1,000 | | | 10 |
Share capital | | | | $ | 154,895 |
13. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the 4.875% Senior Secured Notes are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, excluding the assets of unrestricted subsidiaries. If the Revolving Facility is drawn, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities require Telesat Canada to comply with a first lien net leverage ratio test. As at March31, 2020, the first lien net leverage ratio was 4.09:1.00, which was less than the maximum test ratio of 5.75:1.00.
The Company’s operating results are tracked against budget on a monthly basis, and this analysis is reviewed by senior management. The Company partly manages its interest rate risk on variable interest rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps (Note 14).
14. 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 March31, 2020.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial asset will default, resulting in the Company incurring a financial loss. As at March31, 2020, the maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the financial assets which totaled $1,301.8million (December31, 2019 — $1,149.2million).
11
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS(cont.)
Cash and cash equivalents are invested with high quality investment grade financial institutions and are governed by the Company’s corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high-grade, mainly U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments.
The Company has credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes intended to mitigate potential credit risks related to trade accounts receivable. The Company’s standard payment terms are 30 days with interest typically charged on balances remaining unpaid at the end of standard payment terms. The Company’s historical experience with customer defaults has been minimal. As at March31, 2020, North American and International customers made up 54% and 46% of the outstanding trade receivable balance, respectively (December31, 2019 — 50% and 50%, respectively). Anticipated bad debt losses have been provided for in the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts as at March31, 2020 was $4.2million (December31, 2019 — $1.8million).
The Company mitigates the credit risk associated with derivative instruments by entering into them with only high quality financial institutions.
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 Company’s main currency exposures lie in its U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and indebtedness with the most significant impact being on the U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness. As at March31, 2020 and December31, 2019, the entire indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars. As at March31, 2020, the Canadian dollar equivalent of the U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness was $4,012.9million (December31, 2019 — $3,713.2million) before netting of deferred financing costs and prepayment options.
As at March31, 2020, the impact of a 5 percent increase (decrease) in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar on financial assets and liabilities would have increased (decreased) net loss by $186.4million (December31, 2019 — decreased (increased) net income by $172.9million) and increased (decreased) other comprehensive income by $34.6million (December31, 2019 — $30.9million). This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its indebtedness. The interest rate risk on the indebtedness is from a portion of the indebtedness having a variable interest rate. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest that the Company is required to pay or receive.
In October 2017, the Company entered into four interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the variable interest rate on $1,800.0million of the U.S. denominated Term Loan B at fixed interest rates, excluding applicable margins, ranging from 1.72% to 2.04%. As at March31, 2020, three interest rate swaps were outstanding to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the variable interest rate on $1,350million of the U.S. denominated Term Loan B at fixed interest rates, excluding applicable margins, ranging from 1.84% to 2.04% with expiration terms from September 2020 to September 2022.
If the interest rates on the unhedged variable rate indebtedness change by 0.25%, the result would be an increase or decrease to net loss of $0.5million for the three months ended March31, 2020.
12
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS(cont.)
Liquidity risk
The Company maintains credit facilities to ensure it has sufficient funds available to meet current and foreseeable financial requirements.
The contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at March31, 2020 were as follows:
| | Carrying amount | | Contractual cash flows (undiscounted) | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | Thereafter |
Trade and other payables | | $ | 32,327 | | $ | 32,327 | | $ | 32,327 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Customer and other deposits | | | 1,970 | | | 1,970 | | | 1,359 | | | 250 | | | 19 | | | 91 | | | — | | | 251 |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | | 49,853 | | | 62,367 | | | 10,128 | | | 10,269 | | | 9,238 | | | 8,308 | | | 5,898 | | | 18,526 |
Other financial liabilities | | | 3,561 | | | 3,561 | | | 3,561 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Interest rate swaps | | | 28,777 | | | 15,572 | | | 6,527 | | | 6,193 | | | 2,852 | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Indebtedness(1) | | | 4,045,574 | | | 5,282,835 | | | 175,079 | | | 205,948 | | | 204,931 | | | 203,913 | | | 203,091 | | | 4,289,873 |
| | $ | 4,162,062 | | $ | 5,398,632 | | $ | 228,981 | | $ | 222,660 | | $ | 217,040 | | $ | 212,312 | | $ | 208,989 | | $ | 4,308,650 |
The interest payable and interest payments included in the carrying value and contractual cash flows, respectively, in the above table, were as follows:
| | Interest payable | | Interest payments |
Satellite performance incentive payments | | $ | 837 | | $ | 13,099 |
Indebtedness | | $ | 32,661 | | $ | 1,269,921 |
Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets and the fair value hierarchy levels used to calculate those values were as follows:
As at March 31, 2020 | | FVTPL | | Amortized cost | | Total | | Fair value | | Fair value hierarchy |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,204,670 | | | $ | 1,204,670 | | | $ | 1,204,670 | | | Level 1 |
Trade and other receivables | | | — | | | | 61,497 | | | | 61,497 | | | | 61,497 | | | (3) |
Other current financial assets | | | — | | | | 634 | | | | 634 | | | | 634 | | | Level 1 |
Other long-term financial assets(1) | | | 10,023 | | | | 24,999 | | | | 35,022 | | | | 35,022 | | | Level 1, Level 2 |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | (32,327 | ) | | | (32,327 | ) | | | (32,327 | ) | | (3) |
Other current financial liabilities | | | (15,277 | ) | | | (48,890 | ) | | | (64,167 | ) | | | (66,724 | ) | | Level 2 |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | (13,500 | ) | | | (38,884 | ) | | | (52,384 | ) | | | (52,643 | ) | | Level 2 |
Indebtedness(2) | | | — | | | | (4,012,913 | ) | | | (4,012,913 | ) | | | (3,820,404 | ) | | Level 2 |
| | $ | (18,754 | ) | | $ | (2,841,214 | ) | | $ | (2,859,968 | ) | | $ | (2,670,275 | ) | | |
13
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS(cont.)
As at December 31, 2019 | | FVTPL | | Amortized cost | | Total | | Fair value | | Fair value hierarchy |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,027,222 | | | $ | 1,027,222 | | | $ | 1,027,222 | | | Level 1 |
Trade and other receivables | | | — | | | | 64,062 | | | | 64,062 | | | | 64,062 | | | (3) |
Other current financial assets | | | — | | | | 210 | | | | 210 | | | | 210 | | | Level 1 |
Other long-term financial assets(1) | | | 32,821 | | | | 24,909 | | | | 57,730 | | | | 57,730 | | | Level 1, Level 2 |
Trade and other payables | | | — | | | | (26,247 | ) | | | (26,247 | ) | | | (26,247 | ) | | (3) |
Other current financial liabilities | | | (3,206 | ) | | | (35,075 | ) | | | (38,281 | ) | | | (40,748 | ) | | Level 2 |
Other long-term financial liabilities | | | (4,710 | ) | | | (37,801 | ) | | | (42,511 | ) | | | (42,493 | ) | | Level 2 |
Indebtedness(2) | | | — | | | | (3,713,192 | ) | | | (3,713,192 | ) | | | (3,760,656 | ) | | Level 2 |
| | $ | 24,905 | | | $ | (2,695,912 | ) | | $ | (2,671,007 | ) | | $ | (2,720,920 | ) | | |
Assets pledged as security
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Notes are secured by substantially all of Telesat’s assets excluding the assets of unrestricted subsidiaries.
Fair Value
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market under current market conditions at the measurement date. Where possible, fair values are based on the quoted market values in an active market. In the absence of an active market, the Company determines 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 is based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 is 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 all of the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 is based on 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 values are 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 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.
14
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS(cont.)
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. As at March31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents included $560.7million (December31, 2019 — $484.7million) of short-term investments.
The fair value of the satellite performance incentive payments, included in other current and other long-term financial liabilities, was determined using a discounted cash flow methodology. The calculation is performed on a recurring basis. As at March31, 2020, the discount rate used was 5.0% (December31, 2019 — 5.2%).
The fair value of the indebtedness was based on transactions and quotations from third parties considering market interest rates and excluding deferred financing costs and prepayment options. The calculation of the fair value of the indebtedness is performed on a recurring basis. The rates used were as follows:
As at, | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Term Loan B – U.S. Facility – Senior Secured Credit Facilities | | 94.50 | % | | 100.25 | % |
6.5% Senior Notes | | 97.07 | % | | 104.25 | % |
4.875% Senior Secured Notes | | 95.98 | % | | 102.10 | % |
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
Derivatives were valued using a discounted cash flow methodology. The calculations of the fair value of the derivatives are performed on a recurring basis.
Interest rate swap future cash flows were determined based on current yield curves and exchange rates and then discounted based on discount curves.
Prepayment option cash flows were calculated with a third party option valuation model which is based on the current price of the debt instrument and discounted based on a discount curve.
The discount rates used to discount cash flows as at March31, 2020 ranged from 0.07% to 1.45% (December31, 2019 — 1.45% to 1.91%).
The fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities was calculated based on the level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The current and long-term portions of the fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities, as at each balance sheet date, were as follows:
As at March 31, 2020 | | Other long-term financial assets | | Other current financial liabilities | | Other long-term financial liabilities | | Total |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | — | | $ | (15,277 | ) | | $ | (13,500 | ) | | $ | (28,777 | ) |
Prepayment options | | | 10,023 | | | — | | | | — | | | | 10,023 | |
| | $ | 10,023 | | $ | (15,277 | ) | | $ | (13,500 | ) | | $ | (18,754 | ) |
As at December 31, 2019 | | Other long-term financial assets | | Other current financial liabilities | | Other long-term financial liabilities | | Total |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | — | | $ | (3,206 | ) | | $ | (4,710 | ) | | $ | (7,916 | ) |
Prepayment options | | | 32,821 | | | — | | | | — | | | | 32,821 | |
| | $ | 32,821 | | $ | (3,206 | ) | | $ | (4,710 | ) | | $ | 24,905 | |
15
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS(cont.)
The reconciliation of the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities was as follows:
Fair value, December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 | | $ | 24,905 | |
Unrealized losses on derivatives | | | | |
Prepayment options | | | (24,814 | ) |
Interest rate swaps | | | (18,958 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | | 113 | |
Fair value, March 31, 2020 | | $ | (18,754 | ) |
15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The expenses included on the consolidated statements of (loss) income was as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | Pension | | Other | | Pension | | Other |
Operating expenses | | $ | 1,797 | | $ | 36 | | $ | 1,550 | | $ | 29 |
Interest expense | | $ | 106 | | $ | 155 | | $ | 131 | | $ | 166 |
No amounts were recorded on the statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March31, 2020 or 2019.
The balance sheet obligations, distributed between pension and other post-employment benefits, included in other long-term liabilities were as follows:
As at | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Pension benefits | | $ | 8,883 | | $ | 8,566 |
Other post-employment benefits | | | 23,867 | | | 23,508 |
Accrued benefit liabilities | | $ | 32,750 | | $ | 32,074 |
16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash and cash equivalents were comprised of the following:
As at March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Cash | | $ | 643,943 | | $ | 355,339 |
Short-term investments(1) | | | 560,727 | | | 491,062 |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 1,204,670 | | $ | 846,401 |
Income taxes paid, net of income taxes received was comprised of the following:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Income taxes paid | | $ | (11,305 | ) | | $ | (30,958 | ) |
Income taxes received | | | 399 | | | | — | |
| | $ | (10,906 | ) | | $ | (30,958 | ) |
16
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION(cont.)
Interest paid, net of interest received was comprised of the following:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Interest paid | | $ | (38,281 | ) | | $ | (35,739 | ) |
Interest received | | | 4,522 | | | | 4,419 | |
| | $ | (33,759 | ) | | $ | (31,320 | ) |
The reconciliation of the liabilities arising from financing activities was as follows:
| | Indebtedness | | Satellite performance incentive payments | | Leases |
Balance as at January 1, 2020 | | $ | 3,712,799 | | | $ | 46,951 | | | $ | 28,582 | |
Cash outflows | | | (6,397 | ) | | | (1,765 | ) | | | (346 | ) |
Amortization of deferred financing costs and prepayment options | | | 97 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Interest | | | — | | | | — | | | | 327 | |
Interest paid | | | — | | | | — | | | | (440 | ) |
Non-cash additions | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,631 | |
Other | | | — | | | | 57 | | | | (13 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | | 306,119 | | | | 3,774 | | | | 431 | |
Balance as at March 31, 2020 | | $ | 4,012,618 | | | $ | 49,017 | | | $ | 30,172 | |
| | Indebtedness | | Satellite performance incentive payments | | Leases |
Balance as at January 1, 2019 | | $ | 3,724,228 | | | $ | 58,913 | | | $ | 369 | |
Cash outflows | | | (7,717 | ) | | | (2,407 | ) | | | (287 | ) |
Amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate floor, prepayment option and net gain on repricing/repayment | | | 5,822 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Cumulative effect adjustment(1) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 26,851 | |
Interest | | | — | | | | — | | | | 318 | |
Interest paid | | | — | | | | — | | | | (109 | ) |
Non-cash additions | | | — | | | | — | | | | 392 | |
Other | | | — | | | | 85 | | | | (20 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | | (81,495 | ) | | | (1,270 | ) | | | (99 | ) |
Balance as at March 31, 2019 | | $ | 3,640,838 | | | $ | 55,321 | | | $ | 27,415 | |
17
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION(cont.)
The net change in operating assets and liabilities was comprised of the following:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Trade and other receivables | | $ | (4,340 | ) | | $ | (516 | ) |
Financial assets | | | (265 | ) | | | (3,210 | ) |
Other assets | | | 2,845 | | | | 189 | |
Trade and other payables | | | 1,742 | | | | (1,388 | ) |
Financial liabilities | | | (93 | ) | | | (1,226 | ) |
Other liabilities | | | 2,635 | | | | 27,578 | |
| | $ | 2,524 | | | $ | 21,427 | |
Non-cash investing activities were comprised of:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Satellites, property and other equipment | | $ | 6,021 | | $ | 27,113 |
Intangible assets | | $ | — | | $ | 5,930 |
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The following were the Company’s off-balance sheet contractual obligations as at March31, 2020:
| | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | Thereafter | | Total |
Property leases | | $ | 1,086 | | $ | 1,280 | | $ | 1,071 | | $ | 1,017 | | $ | 1,001 | | $ | 13,149 | | $ | 18,604 |
Capital commitments | | | 18,427 | | | 23,413 | | | 5,203 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 47,043 |
Other operating commitments | | | 17,732 | | | 13,938 | | | 5,617 | | | 4,181 | | | 3,426 | | | 7,823 | | | 52,717 |
| | $ | 37,245 | | $ | 38,631 | | $ | 11,891 | | $ | 5,198 | | $ | 4,427 | | $ | 20,972 | | $ | 118,364 |
Property leases consisted of off-balance sheet contractual obligations for land or building usage, while capital commitments included commitments for capital projects. Other operating commitments consisted of third party satellite capacity arrangements as well as other commitments that are not categorized as property leases or capital commitments. The Company’s off-balance sheet obligations included the future minimum payments for the non-cancellable period of each respective obligation, which have various terms and expire between 2020 to 2039.
Certain variable costs associated with the capitalized leases have been included in property leases commitments with a termination date co-terminus with the lease liability.
The Company has entered into contracts for the development of the LEO constellation and other capital expenditures. The total outstanding commitments as at March31, 2020 were included in capital commitments.
The Company has agreements with various customers for prepaid revenue on several service agreements which take effect when the satellite is placed in service. The Company is responsible for operating and controlling these satellites. As at March31, 2020, customer prepayments of $443.0million (December31, 2019 — $440.3million), a portion of which is refundable under certain circumstances, were reflected in other current and long-term liabilities.
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
18
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES(cont.)
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 tax liabilities for taxation years prior to 2007 related to Loral Skynet operations. Likewise, Telesat will indemnify Loral for the settlement of 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.
Other than the legal proceedings disclosed in Note 32 of the Company’s December31, 2019 consolidated statements, the Company is not aware of any proceedings outstanding or threatened as of the date hereof by or against it or relating to its business which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on the Company’s financial position or profitability.
18. 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 and various individuals. Red Isle is wholly-owned by PSP Investments, a Canadian Crown corporation. Loral Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral, a United States publicly 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 communications 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.
Compensation of executives and Board level directors
Compensation of the Company’s executives and Board level directors consists of short-term benefits (including salaries), post-employment benefits and share-based compensation. The transactions have been entered into with the Company in the normal course of operations.
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 and Red Isle. The transactions have been entered into over the normal course of operations. There were no transactions or balances with Red Isle during any of the periods presented.
19
Telesat Canada
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2020
(all amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted)
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS(cont.)
During the periods presented below, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into the following transactions with Loral.
| | Sale of goods and services, interest income | | Purchase of goods and services, interest expense |
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Revenue | | $ | 34 | | $ | 33 | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Operating expenses | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 1,651 | | $ | 1,664 |
The following balances were outstanding with Loral at the end of the periods presented below:
| | Amounts owed by related parties | | Amounts owed to related parties |
As at | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Current receivables/payables | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 42 | | $ | 204 |
The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash.
Other related party transactions
The Company funds certain defined benefit pension plans. Contributions made to the plans for the three months ended March31, 2020 were $1.4million (March31, 2019 — $1.9million).
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Telesat Canada’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements beginning at Page 1 of this Quarterly 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 Canada 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 Telesat Canada’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
The dollar amounts presented in this Quarterly Report are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.
The financial information presented herein has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard34, Interim Financial Reporting.
Certain totals, subtotals and percentages may not reconcile due to rounding.
The information contained in this MD&A takes into account information available up to April29, 2020, unless otherwise noted.
Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor
This Quarterly Report contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, we or our representatives have made and may continue to make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing, in other contexts. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “well positioned,” “project,” “targeted,” “intend,” “pursue” or “outlook” or other variations of these words. These statements or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Detailed information about some of the known risks and uncertainties is included in the “Risk Factors” section of Telesat Canada’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February27, 2020 as well as Telesat’s other filings with the SEC which can be obtained on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Readers are specifically referred to these documents. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (1) financial risks, including economic downturns, restrictions imposed by covenants contained in the agreements governing our debt, our leverage, volatility in exchange rates, and our dependence on a few large customers for a significant proportion of our revenue; (2) risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance, the ability to deploy successfully an advanced, global low earth orbit (“LEO”) constellation, the ability to obtain or renew satellite insurance at all or on reasonable terms, and competition from other providers of telecommunication services; (3) risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation; and (4) other risks, includingthe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the business of our customers and suppliers,potential conflicts of interest with our significant shareholders, litigation, and market risks. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this Quarterly Report reflects our beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS
We are a leading global fixed satellite services operator. We provide our satellite and communications 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 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.
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As at March31, 2020, we provided satellite services to customers from our fleet of 16 in-orbit geostationary satellites as well as our Canadian payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite. We also manage the operations of additional satellites for third parties.
We have launched a Ka-band satellite into low earth orbit as part of our plans to deploy an advanced, global LEO constellation. This satellite is being used to perform testing and live demonstrations of certain features of our LEO system design with existing Telesat customers and potential suppliers of Telesat LEO system hardware. These satellite leaders will be able to experience key advantages of the Telesat’s LEO system — including ultra-low latency and high speeds — and assess the role Telesat’s constellation can play in their next-generation broadband networks.
Telesat 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 most of our 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 from satellite services on a monthly basis as services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitments from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability is considered probable.
Consulting revenue for cost plus contracts is recognized as the approved time and labor is completed by Telesat. The percentage of completion method is used to recognize consulting revenue for fixed price contracts. Equipment sales revenue is recognized when the customer obtains control of the equipment, being at the time the equipment is delivered to and accepted by the customer.
Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of labor, the cost of which has historically been relatively stable, and variable operating expenses which include in-orbit insurance and direct-billed expenses, such as third-party contractor services.
Interest expense is significant and arises principally from our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Senior Secured Notes and our Senior Notes. Foreign exchange gains or losses incurred on the translation of our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness and the gains or losses on financial instruments resulting from variations in the fair value of interest rate swaps, the prepayment options on our Senior Notes and the prepayment option on our Senior Secured Notes remain significant components of our total expenses.
Other significant operating expenses include the straight-line depreciation of the cost of each of our satellites over their useful lives and amortization expense related to various finite-life intangible assets.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Repurposing ofC-band
In a number of countries, regulators plan to adopt new spectrum allocations for terrestrial mobile broadband and 5G, including certain C-band spectrum currently allocated to satellite services. Telesat currently uses C-band spectrum in a number of countries, including the United States and Canada. To the extent that our C-band spectrum is made available for use for terrestrial mobile broadband and 5G, we may be entitled to certain compensation.
On February28, 2020,in the U.S.,the FCC approved its Report and Order onExpanding Flexible use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band, which Report and Order was released on March3, 2020. The Report and Order indicated that Telesat could receive as much as US$344.4million from the repurposing of C-band Spectrum, a reduction from the US$374.8million it indicated Telesat could have received under the FCC’s draft order issued on February7, 2020.
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In addition, Telesat will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable clearing costs.Telesat’s ability to receive any proceeds would be subject to meeting certain conditions as set out in that Report and Order, including a requirement that satellite operators who wish to receive accelerated relocation payments must make an election with the FCC by May29, 2020 and meet the Phase 1 and Phase 2 clearing dates of December5, 2021 and 2023, respectively. The FCC will only make accelerated relocation payments available if satellite operators who are entitled to at least 80% of accelerated relocation payments make such elections. While Telesat intends to make that election, as a practical matter, accelerated relocation payments will be available if and only if both Intelsat and SES make such elections. The date for filing with the FCC an election to accept accelerated clearing is May 29th and the FCC stated it will announce whether sufficient elections have been made by June 5th, and thus it is not known if both SES and Intelsat will make the election. Further, in the course of the proceeding a number of parties raised issues with aspects of the report and order, and thus the report and order may be subject to challenge.In addition, there are members of the United States Senate and Congress who oppose the FCC’s current plans and are seeking to modify or overturn them. There are also technical challenges to clearing C-band spectrum.There can be no assurance that Telesat will receive any proceeds from the FCC process or, if it were to receive proceeds, the amount or timing of receipt.
COVID-19
Telesat’s corporate headquarters, and many of its other offices and facilities, are located in jurisdictions that have, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, instituted work from home and social distancing requirements. These restrictions have adversely impacted the ability of our employees to travel to their places of work, to customer locations and to supplier facilities. Many of our customers and suppliers have been similarly impacted.
The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, business prospects and financial performance is subject to change and dependent on many factors, including the duration of the pandemic, continuation of the current measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and any new restrictions that may be imposed upon us or our customers and suppliers and is therefore difficult to predict. For additional details on risks associated with the current outbreak of COVID-19, refer to Part II. Other information — Item 1A. Risk Factors.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Our desirable spectrum rights, commitment to providing the highest level of customer service, deep technical expertise and culture of innovation have enabled us to successfully develop our business to date. Leveraging these strengths and building on our existing contractual revenue backlog, our focus is on profitably growing our business by increasing the utilization of our in-orbit satellites and, in a disciplined manner, deploying expansion satellite capacity where we anticipate there will be strong market demand. We have launched a satellite into LEO in furtherance of our plan to develop a state-of-the-art, high capacity LEO constellation that will deliver transformative, low latency, fiber-like broadband to commercial and government users worldwide.
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.
As we move through 2020, we remain focused on increasing the utilization of our existing satellites, the development of our global LEO constellation, identifying and pursuing opportunities to invest in expansion satellite capacity, and leveraging the value of our spectrum rights, all while maintaining our operating discipline.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Review of financial performance
Our net loss for the three months ended March31, 2020, was $278.1million compared to a net income of $171.9million for the same period in the prior year. The net loss for the three months ended March31, 2020 was principally due to non-cash foreign exchange losses for the three months ended March31, 2020, primarily as a result of the U.S. dollar strengthening against the Canadian dollar, negatively impacting the translation of our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness into Canadian dollars, combined with an unfavorable change in the fair value of financial instruments. This was in contrast to the net income for three month period ended March31, 2019 which was primarily as a result of the U.S. dollar weakening against the Canadian dollar resulting in a foreign exchange gain, combined with a favorable change in the fair value of financial instruments.
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Below are the foreign exchange rates used for our interim condensed consolidated financial statements and this MD&A:
| | Q1 2020 | | March 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
USD to CAD spot rate | | — | | 1.4062 | | 1.2990 |
USD to CAD average rates | | 1.3211 | | — | | — |
| | Q1 2019 | | March 31, 2019 | | December 31, 2018 |
USD to CAD spot rate | | — | | 1.3349 | | 1.3637 |
USD to CAD average rates | | 1.3311 | | — | | — |
Revenue
| | Three months ended March 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(In millions of Canadian dollars except percentages) | | 2020 | | 2019 | |
Broadcast | | $ | 101.6 | | $ | 113.2 | | (10.2 | )% |
Enterprise | | | 102.1 | | | 104.5 | | (2.3 | )% |
Consulting and other | | | 4.9 | | | 4.6 | | 6.8 | % |
Revenue | | $ | 208.7 | | $ | 222.3 | | (6.1 | )% |
Total revenue for the three months ended March31, 2020, decreased by $13.6million, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Revenue from Broadcast services decreased by $11.6million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of service for one of our North American DTH customers.
Revenue from Enterprise services decreased by $2.4million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenue resulting from the completion of an agreement that provided for a prepayment for services and which was accounted for as having a significant financing component. This was partially offset by higher equipment sales and new revenue from services we provided to users impacted by a failure of a competitor’s satellite in 2019.
Consulting and other revenue increased by $0.3million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Expenses
| | Three months ended March 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(In millions of Canadian dollars except percentages) | | 2020 | | 2019 | |
Depreciation | | $ | 55.6 | | $ | 62.3 | | (10.7 | )% |
Amortization | | | 4.3 | | | 5.7 | | (23.9 | )% |
Operating expenses | | | 45.5 | | | 39.1 | | 16.2 | % |
Other operating losses, net | | | 0.2 | | | 0.1 | | 202.7 | % |
Total expenses | | $ | 105.6 | | $ | 107.1 | | (1.4 | )% |
Depreciation
Depreciation of satellites, property and other equipment decreased by $6.7million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in depreciation was primarily due to the end of useful life, for accounting purposes, of our Anik F2 satellite in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Amortization
Amortization of intangible assets decreased by $1.4million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily related to the end of useful life, for accounting purposes, of certain customer contracts in 2019.
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Operating Expenses
| | Three months ended March 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(In millions of Canadian dollars except percentages) | | 2020 | | 2019 | |
Compensation and employee benefits | | $ | 21.1 | | $ | 19.9 | | 5.8 | % |
Other operating expenses | | | 14.8 | | | 9.9 | | 49.4 | % |
Cost of sales | | | 9.6 | | | 9.3 | | 3.3 | % |
Operating expenses | | $ | 45.5 | | $ | 39.1 | | 16.2 | % |
Operating expenses increased by $6.4million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating expenses consisted of compensation and employee benefits, other operating expenses, such as marketing, general and administration expenses, and cost of sales.
Compensation and employee benefits increased by $1.2million for the three months ended March31, 2020, in comparison with the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to lower capitalized engineering combined with higher other benefits. This was partially offset by lower share-based compensation.
Other operating expenses increased by $4.9million for the three months ended March31, 2020, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher provision for bad debts expense combined with higher in-orbit insurance expenses and higher professional fees.
Cost of sales increased by $0.3million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Interest Expense
| | Three months ended March 31, | | % Increase (Decrease) |
(In millions of Canadian dollars except percentages) | | 2020 | | 2019 | |
Debt service costs | | $ | 47.6 | | $ | 56.6 | | (16.0 | )% |
Interest expense on significant financing | | | 5.8 | | | 6.9 | | (15.8 | )% |
Interest expense on satellite performance incentive payments | | | 0.8 | | | 0.9 | | (18.0 | )% |
Interest expense on employee benefit plans | | | 0.3 | | | 0.3 | | (12.1 | )% |
Interest expense on leases | | | 0.3 | | | 0.3 | | 2.8 | % |
Interest expense | | $ | 54.7 | | $ | 65.1 | | (15.9 | )% |
Interest expense included interest related to our debt, as well as, interest related to our derivative instruments, significant financing on certain revenue agreements, satellite performance incentive payments, employee benefit plans and leases.
Debt service costs, which included interest expense on indebtedness and derivative instruments, decreased by $9.1million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in debt service costs was primarily due to the refinancing of our debt at lower interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Interest expense on significant financing component decreased by $1.1million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in interest expense was primarily a result of the completion of an agreement that provided for a prepayment for services and which was accounted for as having a significant financing component.
Interest on satellite performance incentive payments decreased by $0.2million for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to declining balances of satellite performance incentive liabilities.
Interest expense on employee benefit plans and leases remained constant for the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
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Interest and Other Income
| | Three months ended March 31, |
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Interest and other income | | $ | 4.3 | | $ | 4.7 |
Interest and other income decreased by $0.4million in the three months ended March31, 2020, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease related primarily to lower interest income on short-term investments due to a decrease in interest rates, partially offset by an increase in interest income on cash balances due to higher cash balances.
Foreign Exchange and Derivatives
| | Three months ended March 31, |
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
(Loss) gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | $ | (43.8 | ) | | $ | 57.3 |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange | | $ | (290.7 | ) | | $ | 70.3 |
The loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments in the three months ended March31, 2020 was $43.8million compared to a gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments of $57.3million for the same period in 2019 resulting in a negative change of $101.1million. The loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments for the three months ended March31, 2020 primarily reflected changes in the fair values of our interest rate swaps, prepayment options on our 6.5% Senior Notes and 4.875% Senior Secured Notes. The gain on changes in fair value of financial instruments for the three months ended March31, 2019, primarily reflected changes in our interest rate swaps, interest rate floors on our former senior secured credit facilities and prepayment options on our 8.875% Senior Notes. The gains or losses on changes in fair value of financial instruments were as a result of changes in key economic variables, such as foreign exchange rates, credit spreads and swap rates.
The foreign exchange loss for the three months ended March31, 2020, was $290.7million compared to a foreign exchange gain of $70.3million for the same period in 2019 resulting in a negative change of $361.0million. The loss for the three months ended March31, 2020, was mainly due to stronger U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar spot rate at March31, 2020 ($1.4062), compared to the spot rate at December31, 2019 ($1.2990), and the resulting unfavorable impact on the translation of our U.S. dollar denominated debt. The gain for the three months ended March31, 2019, was mainly due to a weaker U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar spot rate at March31, 2019 ($1.3349), compared to the spot rate at December31, 2018 ($1.3637), and the resulting favorable impact on the translation of our U.S. dollar denominated debt.
Income Taxes
| | Three months ended March 31, |
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Current tax expense | | $ | 5.3 | | | $ | 17.8 | |
Deferred tax recovery | | | (9.1 | ) | | | (7.3 | ) |
Tax (recovery) expense | | $ | (3.8 | ) | | $ | 10.5 | |
Income taxes for the three months ended March31, 2020, decreased by $14.3million, when compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to decreased operating income and losses on certain financial instruments.
Backlog
Contracted revenue backlog (“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 majority of our contracted revenue backlog is generated from contractual agreements for
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satellite capacity. We do not include revenue beyond the stated expiration date of a contract regardless of the potential for a renewal. As at March31, 2020, our contracted backlog was approximately $3.2billion.
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 were to experience a significant launch delay, launch or in-orbit failure, or otherwise fail to operate as anticipated, our customers may be entitled to terminate their agreement and we may be obligated to return all or a portion of the customer prepayments made under service agreements for that satellite and reduce the associated contractual revenue from revenue backlog. Any repayments under such conditions would be funded by insurance proceeds we may receive, cash on hand, short-term investments, and funds available under our Revolving Credit Facility.
We expect our backlog, as at March31, 2020, to be recognized as follows:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | Remaining 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | Thereafter |
Backlog | | $ | 556.5 | | $ | 625.1 | | $ | 483.8 | | $ | 418.4 | | $ | 309.5 | | $ | 797.8 |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and Available Credit
As at March31, 2020, we had $1,204.7million of cash and short-term investments, including $535.7million held in Unrestricted subsidiaries, as well as approximately $200million U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollar equivalent) of borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash generated from operating activities for the three months ended March31, 2020, was $108.5million, a $9.8million decrease compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a negative change in working capital combined with lower operating income. This was partially offset by lower income taxes paid.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March31, 2020 was $1.5million. This consisted of $0.9million of expenditures on satellite programs and $0.6million of payments for property and other equipment.
Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March31, 2019 was $17.4million. This consisted of $1.7million of expenditures on satellite programs, $12.5million of payments for intangible assets, as well as $3.2million of payments for property and other equipment.
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March31, 2020 was $4.5million. This was principally due to repayments on our Senior Secured Credit Facilities as well as satellite performance incentive payments. This was partially offset by funds received in connection with our government grant.
Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March31, 2019 was $10.4million. This was principally due to repayments on our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, as well as satellite performance incentive payments.
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 cash and short-term investments as at March31, 2020, cash flows from operating activities, and drawings on the Revolving Credit Facility under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities 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 our capital requirements and required interest and principal payments on our indebtedness.
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The construction of any satellite replacement or expansion program, including our planned LEO constellation, will require significant capital expenditures. Cash required for any future satellite programs may be funded from a range of sources including: cash and short-term investments, cash flows from operating activities, cash flows from customer prepayments or through borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities; vendor financing; equity investments; export credit agency financing; additional secured or unsecured financing; proceeds received from repurposing C-band spectrum; and from government sources. In addition, we may sell certain satellite assets and, in accordance with the terms and conditions of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, reinvest the proceeds in replacement satellites or pay down indebtedness under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. However, our ability to access these sources of funding is not guaranteed, and therefore, we may not able to fully fund additional replacement or new satellite programs.
We are developing our planned LEO constellation in an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as defined in our Credit Agreement and Indentures), and we expect to complete the development of, fund, and operate our planned LEO constellation through a current or a future Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Debt
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by a first priority security interest in the assets of Telesat and certain of our subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). The Credit Agreement contains covenants that restrict the ability of Telesat and the Guarantors to take specified actions, including, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions: creating liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments, engaging in mergers, selling property, paying dividends, entering into sale-leaseback transactions, creating subsidiaries, repaying subordinated debt or amending organizational documents. The Credit Agreement also requires Telesat and the Guarantors to comply with a maximum first lien leverage ratio and contains customary events of default and affirmative covenants, including an excess cash sweep, that may require us to repay a portion of the outstanding principal under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities prior to the stated maturity.
Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities are comprised of the following facilities:
i — Revolving Credit Facility
Our Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolving Facility”) is a $200.0million loan facility available in either U.S. dollar or Canadian dollar equivalent, maturing in December 2024. Loans under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a floating interest rate. For Canadian Prime Rate and Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) loans, an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% is applied to the Prime Rate and ABR as these interest rates are defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. For Bankers Acceptance (“BA”) Loans and Eurodollar Loans, an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% is applied to either the BA interest rate or LIBOR. The rates on the Revolving Facility vary depending upon the results of the first lien leverage ratio. Our Revolving Facility currently has an unused commitment fee that ranges from 25 to 37.5 basis points per annum, depending upon the result of the total leverage ratio. As at March31, 2020, other than approximately $0.1million in drawings related to letters of credit, there were no borrowings under this facility.
ii — Term Loan B — U.S. Facility
Our Term Loan B — U.S. Facility (“U.S. TLB Facility”) is a USD $1,908.5million facility maturing in December 2026.
As at March31, 2020, USD $1,903.7million of this facility was outstanding, which represents the full amount available. The borrowings under our U.S. TLB Facility bear interest at a floating rate of either: (i) LIBOR as periodically determined for interest rate periods selected by Telesat in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities plus an applicable margin of 2.75%; or (ii) Alternative Base Rate as determined in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities plus an applicable margin of 1.75%.
The mandatory principal repayments on our U.S. TLB Facility are one quarter of 1.00% of the value of the loan, which must be paid on the last day of each quarter.
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Senior Secured Notes
Our Secured Senior Notes, in the amount of USD $400.0million, bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% and are due in June 2027. The Indenture include covenants or terms that restrict our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, modify or cancel our satellite insurance, effect mergers with another entity, and redeem our Senior Secured Notes, without penalty, before December1, 2024, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Secured Notes indenture.
Senior Notes
Our Senior Notes, in the amount of USD $550.0million, bear interest at an annual rate of 6.5% and are due in October 2027. They include covenants or terms that restrict our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, modify or cancel our satellite insurance, effect mergers with another entity, and redeem our Senior Notes, without penalty, before October15, 2024, in each case subject to exceptions provided in the Senior Notes indenture.
As at March31, 2020, we were in compliance with the financial covenants of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the indenture governing our Senior Notes and the indenture governing our Senior Secured Notes.
Debt Service Cost
An estimate of the interest expense is based upon assumptions of foreign exchange rates, LIBOR, BA rates and the applicable margins of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Our interest expense for the year ending December31, 2020, is expected to be approximately $189.4million. The interest expense excludes the amortization of our deferred financing costs and prepayment options.
Derivatives
We use, from time to time, interest rate and currency derivatives to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
As at March31, 2020, we had three outstanding interest rate swaps which hedge the interest rate risk on $1,350.0million of U.S. denominated Term Loan B borrowings. As at March31, 2020, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $28.8million. These contracts, which mature between September 2020 and September 2022, are at fixed interest rates ranging from 1.84% to 2.04%, excluding applicable margin.
We also have embedded derivatives that are accounted for separately at fair value. These embedded derivatives are related to a prepayment option included on our Senior Notes and the prepayment option on our Senior Secured Notes. As at March31, 2020, the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the prepayment option on our Senior Notes was an asset of $6.5million and the embedded derivative related to the prepayment option on our Senior Secured Notes was an asset of $3.5million.
The changes in the fair value of these embedded derivatives are recorded on our consolidated statements of (loss) income as a gain or loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments and are non-cash.
All derivative instruments are measured at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market under current market conditions at the measurement date. 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.
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 our derivative instruments are not reflected in the fair values. The fair values also include an adjustment related to the counterparty credit risk. 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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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
We have entered into contracts for the development of our LEO constellation and other capital expenditures. The outstanding commitments associated with these contracts were approximately $47.0million as at March31, 2020. These expenditures may be funded from some or all of the following: cash and short-term investments, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from customer prepayments or funds available under our Revolving Credit Facility.
MARKET RISK
Credit Risk Related to Financial Instruments
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and short-term investments, accounts receivable, derivative assets and other assets. Cash and short-term investments are invested with high quality financial institutions and are governed by our corporate investment policy, which aims to reduce credit risk by restricting investments to high-grade, mainly U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated investments. Credit checks are performed to minimize exposure to any one customer. 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, but we continue to 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 our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness and cash and short-term investments. In addition, a portion of our revenue and expenses, as well as the majority of our capital expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, the volatility of the U.S. currency exposes us to foreign exchange risks.
For the three month period ended March31, 2020, we recorded a mainly non-cash foreign exchange loss of approximately $290.7million due to a stronger U.S. to Canadian dollar spot rate ($1.4062) compared to December31, 2019 ($1.2990). For the three month period ended March31, 2019, we recorded a mainly non-cash foreign exchange gain of approximately $70.3million due to a weaker U.S. to Canadian dollar spot rate ($1.3349) compared to December31, 2018 ($1.3637).
The approximate amount of our revenue and certain expenses denominated in U.S. dollars, as a percentage of their overall balance, is summarized in the table below:
Three months ended March 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Revenue | | 51.2 | % | | 49.7 | % |
Operating expenses | | 47.1 | % | | 42.3 | % |
Interest expense on indebtedness | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
We use, from time to time, the following instruments to manage our exposure to foreign exchange risk:
• forward currency contracts to hedge foreign exchange risk on anticipated cash flows, mainly related to the construction of satellites and interest payments; and
• currency derivative instruments to hedge the foreign exchange risk on our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness.
Our policy is that we do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As at March31, 2020, we had no forward currency contracts nor any currency derivative instruments.
A five percent increase (decrease) in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar would have increased (decreased) our indebtedness as at March31, 2020 and increased (decreased) our net loss for the three months ended March31, 2020 by $200.6million.
A five percent increase (decrease) in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar would have increased (decreased) our cash and cash equivalents by $52.8million as at March31, 2020, decreased (increased) our net loss by $17.2million and increased (decreased) our other comprehensive income by $35.6million for the three months ended March31, 2020.
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A five percent increase (decrease) in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar would have increased (decreased) our revenue and certain expenses for the three months ended March31, 2020, as summarized in the table below:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | |
Revenue | | $ | 5.3 |
Operating expenses | | $ | 1.1 |
Interest expense on indebtedness | | $ | 2.4 |
The sensitivity analyses above assume that all other variables remain constant.
Through our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness, we are exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. The following table contains our existing U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness balances at the beginning of each respective period, which are net of our scheduled debt repayments, and based on the foreign exchange rate as at March31, 2020.
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | Q2 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | Thereafter |
U.S. TLB Facility | | $ | 2,677.0 | | $ | 2,656.9 | | $ | 2,630.1 | | $ | 2,603.2 | | $ | 2,576.4 | | | 2,549.5 |
6.5% Senior Notes | | | 773.4 | | | 773.4 | | | 773.4 | | | 773.4 | | | 773.4 | | | 773.4 |
4.875% Senior Secured Notes | | | 562.5 | | | 562.5 | | | 562.5 | | | 562.5 | | | 562.5 | | | 562.5 |
U.S. dollar denominated debt balances | | $ | 4,012.9 | | $ | 3,992.8 | | $ | 3,965.9 | | $ | 3,939.1 | | $ | 3,912.3 | | $ | 3,885.4 |
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our cash and short-term investments and on our indebtedness, a portion of which includes a variable interest rate. Changes in the interest rates could impact the amount of interest that we receive or are required to pay.
We use, from time to time, interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk related to our indebtedness.
Our policy is that we do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. In October 2017, we entered into four interest rate swaps which hedge the interest rate risk on USD $1,800.0million of borrowings under our U.S. TLB Facility. These contracts, which mature between September 2019 and September 2022, are at fixed interest rates ranging from 1.72% to 2.04%, excluding applicable margin. As at March31, 2020, three of the interest rate swaps were outstanding to hedge the interest rate risk on USD $1,350.0million of borrowings under our U.S. TLB Facility. The outstanding contracts, which mature between September 2020 and September 2022, are at fixed interest rates ranging from 1.84% to 2.04%.
If the interest rates on our unhedged variable rate debt increased (decreased) by 0.25%, the result would be a $0.5million increase (decrease) to our net loss for the three months ended March31, 2020.
As at March31, 2020, through our U.S. TLB Facility we are exposed to interest rate fluctuations. The following table contains the balance of the U.S. TLB facility at the beginning of each respective period, net of our scheduled repayments, and based on the foreign exchange rates as at March31, 2020.
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | Q2 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | Thereafter |
U.S. TLB Facility(1) | | $ | 2,677.0 | | | $ | 2,656.9 | | | $ | 2,630.1 | | | $ | 2,603.2 | | $ | 2,576.4 | | $ | 2,549.5 |
Interest rate derivative variable to fixed(2) | | | (1,898.4 | ) | | | (1,265.6 | ) | | | (632.8 | ) | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Debt exposed to variable interest rate after interest rate derivatives | | $ | 778.7 | | | $ | 1,391.3 | | | $ | 1,997.3 | | | $ | 2,603.2 | | $ | 2,576.4 | | $ | 2,549.5 |
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NON-IFRS MEASURES
Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement for our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, we are required to comply with a senior secured leverage ratio maintenance covenant as well as with other financial ratio covenants that impact, among other items, our ability to incur debt and make dividend payments.
If our Revolving Credit Facility is drawn by more than 35% of the Credit Facility amount, our Credit Agreement requires us to comply with a first lien net leverage ratio of 5.75:1.00, tested quarterly, and failure to comply will result in an event of default. We refer to this first lien net leverage ratio as the Consolidated Total Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes ratio.
Our Credit Agreement limits, among other items, our ability to incur debt and make dividend payments if the total leverage ratio is above 4.50:1.00, with certain exceptions. We refer to this total leverage ratio as the Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes to Consolidated EBITDA for the purposes of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities.
Our Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) for Covenant Purposes is defined as net income (loss) for Telesat and Restricted Subsidiaries plus interest expense, net of cash interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents, depreciation expense, amortization expense, extraordinary losses and unusual and non-recurring charges, non-cash charges, 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 share-based compensation expense and consulting fees payable to Loral. Additional sums which may be added include projected cost savings from an acquisition and lost revenue 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, non-recurring gains and losses and non-cash gains and losses.
Further adjustments are made to account for income from Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and currency gains and losses (including non-cash gains or losses on derivative contracts). Unrestricted Subsidiaries are (a) any Subsidiary of Telesat that is formed or acquired after the closing date of the Credit Agreement, provided that such Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, and (b) any Restricted Subsidiary subsequently redesignated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
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) cash flows from operating activities 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 items 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 the financial ratio maintenance covenant and other covenants on our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes is a material component of these covenants. Non-compliance with the financial ratio maintenance covenant contained in our Senior Secured Credit Facilities could result in the requirement to immediately repay all amounts outstanding. This presentation of Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes is not comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies because not all companies use identical calculations of EBITDA. 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 net income, which is an IFRS measure of our operating results, to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes, as defined in the Credit Agreement and the calculation of the ratio of Consolidated Total Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes as defined in the Credit Agreement. The terms and related calculations are defined in the Credit Agreement, a copy of which is publicly available atwww.sec.gov.
(In millions of Canadian dollars) | | Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
Net loss | | $ | (262.8 | ) |
Impact of unrestricted subsidiaries | | | 0.8 | |
Consolidated loss for Covenant Purposes | | | (262.0 | ) |
| | | | |
Plus: | | | | |
Income taxes (Note 1) | | | 0.8 | |
Interest expense (Note 1) | | | 192.5 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense (Note 1) | | | 258.2 | |
Non-cash share-based compensation | | | 15.0 | |
Loss on refinancing | | | 151.9 | |
Debt issue costs | | | 28.1 | |
Other | | | 32.2 | |
| | | | |
Increased (decreased) by: | | | | |
Non-cash losses on changes in fair value of financial instruments and swap obligations and cash gains on the value of swap obligations | | | 150.8 | |
Non-cash losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates | | | 197.2 | |
Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes | | $ | 764.6 | |
Note 1: | | Tax, interest, depreciation and amortization expense for covenant purposes excludes certain specific expenses as defined in the Credit Agreement. As a result, these items in the covenant calculation do not reconcile to the financial statement line items. |
Consolidated Total Secured Debt for Covenant Purposes
Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes and Consolidated Total Secured Debt for Covenant Purposes are non-IFRS measures. We believe that the inclusion of Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes and Consolidated Total Secured Debt for Covenant Purposes herein are appropriate to provide additional information concerning the calculation of the financial ratio maintenance and other covenants under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and provides information that is useful to an investor’s understanding of our compliance with these financial covenants.
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The following is a reconciliation of our Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes and Consolidated Total Secured Debt for Covenant Purposes to Indebtedness:
(in $ millions) | | As at March 31, 2020 |
U.S. dollar denominated debt | | | | |
Term Loan B U.S Facility (USD) | | $ | 1,903.7 | |
6.5% Senior Notes (USD) | | | 550.0 | |
4.875% Senior Secured Notes (USD) | | | 400.0 | |
| | | 2,853.7 | |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | | 1,159.2 | |
Subtotal (CAD) | | | 4,012.9 | |
Deferred financing costs and prepayment options (CAD) | | | (0.3 | ) |
Indebtedness | | $ | 4,012.6 | |
(in CAD $ millions) | | |
Indebtedness | | $ | 4,012.6 | |
Adjustments for covenant purposes: | | | | |
Deferred financing costs and prepayment options (CAD) | | | 0.3 | |
Add: lease liabilities | | | 30.2 | |
Consolidated Total Debt | | | 4,043.1 | |
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (max. $100 million USD) | | | (140.6 | ) |
Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes | | $ | 3,902.5 | |
| | | | |
Consolidated Total Debt | | $ | 4,043.1 | |
Less: Unsecured debt (6.5% Senior Notes) | | | (773.4 | ) |
Consolidated Total Secured Debt | | | 3,269.7 | |
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (max. $100 million USD) | | | (140.6 | ) |
Consolidated Total Secured Debt for Covenant Purposes | | $ | 3,129.1 | |
As at March31, 2020, the Consolidated Total Debt for Covenant Purposes to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, for the purposes of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities was 5.10:1.00. The Consolidated Total Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for Covenant Purposes ratio, for the purposes of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, was 4.09:1.00.
The consolidated EBITDA for covenant purposes for the former senior secured credit facilities for the twelve months ended March31, 2019 was $742million. Detailed information of the calculation is included in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Telesat Canada Quarterly Report for the three month period ended March31, 2019 on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May2, 2019, which can be obtained on the SEC website athttp://www.sec.gov.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE ISSUER, RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES
Balance Sheet Data as of March 31, 2020 (In millions of Canadian dollars) | | Issuer and Restricted Subsidiaries | | Unrestricted Subsidiaries |
Current assets | | $ | 758.9 | | $ | 546.7 |
Total assets | | $ | 6,072.9 | | $ | 589.6 |
Current liabilities | | $ | 201.6 | | $ | 0.7 |
Long-term debt, including current portion | | $ | 4,012.6 | | $ | — |
Total liabilities | | $ | 5,003.8 | | $ | 2.3 |
Shareholder’s equity | | $ | 1,069.1 | | $ | 587.2 |
Statements of(Loss)Income Data for the threemonths ended March 31, 2020 (In millions of Canadian dollars) | | Issuer and Restricted Subsidiaries | | Unrestricted Subsidiaries |
Revenue | | $ | 208.7 | | | $ | — | |
Operating expenses | | | (44.5 | ) | | | (1.0 | ) |
Depreciation | | | (55.6 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
Amortization | | | (4.3 | ) | | | — | |
Other operating losses, net | | | (0.2 | ) | | | — | |
Operating income (loss) | | | 104.1 | | | | (1.0 | ) |
Income from equity investments | | | 0.9 | | | | — | |
Interest expense | | | (54.7 | ) | | | — | |
Interest and other income | | | 2.2 | | | | 2.0 | |
Loss on changes in fair value of financial instruments | | | (43.8 | ) | | | — | |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange | | | (290.7 | ) | | | 0.1 | |
(Loss) income before tax | | | (282.1 | ) | | | 1.1 | |
Tax recovery (expense) | | | 4.0 | | | | (0.2 | ) |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (278.1 | ) | | $ | 0.9 | |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) 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 year. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. For more details on these estimates, refer to Note 5 of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December31, 2019.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
We have prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance withIAS 34.
Recent IFRS Accounting Pronouncements
The IASB periodically issues new and amended accounting standards. There are no new and amended standards determined to be applicable to us.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See Item. 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the section “Market Risk”.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We discuss certain legal proceedings in Telesat Canada’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019, filed with the SEC, in the section titled “Legal Proceedings”. We refer the reader to that discussion for information concerning those proceedings. There have been no material developments in those proceedings since the filing of that report.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business and operations are subject to a significant number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The most significant of the known risks are summarized in, and the reader’s attention is directed to, the section titled “Risk Factors” of Telesat Canada’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December31, 2019, filed with the SEC.
In that Annual Report under “Risks Related to Our Business” the risks we identify include that “We derive a substantial amount of our revenues from only a few of our customers. A loss of, or default by, 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.”, “Our dependence on outside contractors could result in delays related to the design, manufacture and launch of our new satellites…which could adversely affect our operating results and prospects.”,“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 revenue”and“Interruption or failure of, or cyber-attacks on, our information technology and communication systems could hurt our ability to operate our business effectively, which could harm our business and operating results.”
The risk factor set forth below updates, and should be read together with, the aforementioned and other risk factors described in our Annual Report.
THREATS TO PUBLIC HEALTH, AND MEASURES TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THEM, MAY HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our business and results of operation may be adversely affected by outbreaks of epidemic, pandemic, or contagious diseases, such as the current outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), and by measures taken to prevent their spread, including restrictions on travel, imposition of quarantines, cancellation of events, remote working, and closure of workplaces and other businesses. Our business and results of operations may also be negatively impacted by the adverse effect that COVID-19 has had and may continue to have on global economic activity, which may include a period of prolonged global or regional economic slowdowns or recessions. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 is subject to change and dependent on many factors, including the duration of the pandemic and the measures that may be implemented by, or that may be imposed upon, us, our customers and our suppliers in response to the pandemic, and is therefore difficult to predict. The COVID-19 impact on capital markets could also impact our ability to attract capital to finance business strategies, such as the development of our LEO constellation and related network, and also could increase our cost of borrowing.
Some of our customers have experienced or may experience operational challenges, temporary shut downs, severe financial hardship or bankruptcy due, in whole or in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic or measures implemented in response to it, in particular our customers in the maritime, aeronautical and energy markets, which markets have each been significantly impacted. Other customers may also be experiencing significant adverse impacts of which we are presently unaware or may experience such impacts in the future. Some of our customers have sought to amend the terms of their contracts with us to reduce their future payment obligations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses and other customers may make similar requests in the future. The adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could result in the future in some of our customer(s) defaulting on their obligation to pay for services they have contracted to buy from us. These adverse effects could also result in reduced demand for our services generally in the marketplace as companies reduce spending or redirect their resources. In any of these circumstances, our revenues, operating margins and cash flows would be negatively impacted.
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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. Additionally, we are currently developing an advanced, global LEO constellation consisting of over one hundred, and potentially several hundred, satellites in non-geostationary orbit. There are a limited number of manufacturers that are able to design and build satellites and ground terminals according to the technical specifications and standards of quality we require and a limited number of launch providers that are able to launch our satellites. If our suppliers do not meet their obligations to deliver and support their equipment due to operational challenges, temporary or permanent shut downs, severe financial hardship or bankruptcy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or disruptions in their own supply chains, our ability to meet our service commitments to our customers may be adversely affected and the design, construction or launch of our LEO constellation or components of the network that support it may be delayed.
Telesat’s corporate headquarters, and many of its other offices and facilities, are located in jurisdictions that have instituted work from home and social distancing requirements. These restrictions have adversely impacted the ability of our employees to travel to their places of work, to customer locations and to supplier facilities. We enacted a work from home policy for our employees effective March16, 2020. We have implemented processes that allow for a minimum number of employees present at our facilities in an attempt to further ensure that our satellite control and network operations are not impacted. To date, we have maintained our operations without any known adverse impact. However, the future effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are dependent on a number of factors, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether a significant number of our employees supporting critical operations were to contract COVID-19, whether the current measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 continue, and whether new restrictions are imposed, and, as a result, the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operation is difficult to predict. In the event that our ability to operate our business was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or by measures taken to prevent its spread, our revenue and financial performance could be adversely affected.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Reserved
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
None.
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