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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
Commission file number 333-11149
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
ORBCOMM GLOBAL CAPITAL CORP.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS)
54-1698039
DELAWARE 54-1841164
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization of Registrants) Identification Nos.)
2455 HORSE PEN ROAD, SUITE 100
HERNDON, VIRGINIA 20171
(ADDRESS OF REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(ZIP CODE)
(703) 406-6000
(REGISTRANTS' TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants (1) have filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to
such filing requirements for the last 90 days. Yes X No
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the Registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K [X]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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PART I
Item 1. Business.................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties.................................................. 19
Item 3. Legal Proceedings........................................... 19
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 19
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrants' Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters......................................... 20
Item 6. Selected Financial Data..................................... 20
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................... 21
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market
Risk........................................................ 38
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................. 39
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure.................................... 102
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrants............. 102
Item 11. Executive Compensation...................................... 104
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners............. 108
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 108
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form
8-K......................................................... 119
Signatures.................................................. 122
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
ORBCOMM Global, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership formed in 1993 to
develop, construct, operate and market the ORBCOMM low-Earth orbit ("LEO")
satellite-based data communication system. Teleglobe Mobile Partners, a Delaware
general partnership whose interests are wholly owned on an indirect basis by
Teleglobe Inc., holds both general and limited partnership interests in us, and
Orbital Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation and subsidiary of
Orbital Sciences Corporation, holds a limited partnership interest in us. Unless
the context requires otherwise, references to "ORBCOMM," "we," "ours," "us," and
similar terms refer to ORBCOMM Global, L.P. and its subsidiaries.
Our principal executive offices are located at 2455 Horse Pen Road, Suite
100, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Our Internet address is http://www.orbcomm.com.
OVERVIEW
We provide global two-way data communication services using our commercial
LEO satellite communication system. We and our distribution partners also
develop and market application packages that offer commercial customers turnkey
solutions, enabling them to monitor and control via the Internet their fixed and
mobile assets located around the world. In November 1998, we commenced full
commercial service in the United States and Canada and we have since launched
commercial service in Europe, Japan, South America and Malaysia.
The ORBCOMM system is a network designed around, and optimized for,
machine-to-machine data communication. Our services provide a link between a
customer's information technology and management information system ("IT
system") and its asset base. Our proprietary application service platform
integrates the data generated by the ORBCOMM satellite system into a customer's
existing IT system without the need to develop expensive custom application
software. By connecting each customer's IT system with its fixed and/or mobile
assets in the field, our services effectively extend the reach of the customer's
IT system. Moreover, using an Internet browser, a customer can communicate with
an ORBCOMM-equipped asset to monitor its status and/or track its location. We
believe our services enable our customers to monitor productivity, reduce
downtime and realize other operational, economic and competitive benefits.
We completed deployment of our 34-satellite network in early December 1999
with the launch of seven satellites. We plan to launch an additional seven
satellites into an equatorial orbit in the first quarter of 2001 to increase
service availability in the equatorial region.
In addition, as of December 31, 1999:
- approximately 21,000 subscriber units were activated on our system,
approximately 70% of which were revenue-generating;
- approximately 61,000 subscriber units were under firm purchase orders;
- 35 satellites had been launched, 26 of which were in commercial
service;
- 17 service license agreements covering over 190 countries had been
executed; and
- 5 gateway control centers, which process data transmitted using the
ORBCOMM system, and 10 gateway Earth stations, which are used to
access the ORBCOMM system, had been installed and accepted and were in
commercial use.
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Effective as of January 1, 2000, we entered into agreements with our
partners pursuant to which:
- Teleglobe Mobile became our sole general partner and majority owner,
with an interest of approximately 66% as of March 15, 2000;
- Orbital Communications remained a limited partner in us, with a
minority ownership interest of approximately 34% as of March 15, 2000;
and
- we made arrangements to settle deferred invoiced amounts owed to
Orbital, which amounts totaled approximately $91 million as of
December 31, 1999.
Please see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions -- Omnibus
Agreement" and "The Partnership Agreement" for a more detailed description of
the agreements described above and the other transactions agreed to among the
parties.
On February 15, 2000, BCE Inc., which currently owns approximately 23% of
Teleglobe indirectly through Bell Canada, announced that it had executed a
definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 77% of Teleglobe for approximately
US$6.66 billion. BCE, Canada's largest communications company, provides
residential and business customers in Canada with wireline and wireless
communications products and applications, satellite communications and
direct-to-home television services and directories.
Concurrent with our formation, Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
formed two marketing partnerships, ORBCOMM USA, L.P. and ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P., to market services using the ORBCOMM system in the United States
and internationally, respectively. As of December 31, 1999, we held general and
limited partnership interests with a 98% participation percentage in each of
ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International, and Orbital Communications directly held
general and limited partnership interests with a 2% participation percentage in
ORBCOMM USA and Teleglobe Mobile directly held general and limited partnership
interests with a 2% participation percentage in ORBCOMM International. On
January 26, 2000, each of Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
contributed to us its 2% interest in ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International,
respectively (the "January 2000 Merger"). As a result of the January 2000
Merger, these companies ceased doing business as separate entities and we
assumed their business operations.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Key components of our business strategy include the following:
Target Select Markets; Focus on Leading Companies. Our initial target
markets are mobile asset tracking, fixed asset monitoring and messaging. These
target markets typically require only short data messages transmitted on an
intermittent, rather than "real-time," basis, which our system is particularly
well suited to provide. Within these target markets, we have chosen to focus on
the industry leaders in selected vertical market segments including trucking,
railroad and shipping companies, heavy equipment companies, electric utilities,
oil and gas companies and automobile manufacturing and rental companies, as well
as government agencies. We believe that focusing our efforts on industry leaders
in each of such market segments accelerates the product adoption cycle and
enhances our ability to deliver high-quality services. We selected these
vertical market segments due to their dependence on mobile and/or widely
dispersed fixed assets, and we believe companies in each of these market
segments would benefit from the significant operational efficiencies that they
can achieve using our services.
Develop Reliable End-to-End Solutions. We and our business partners are
developing end-to-end solutions, including hardware and software, that integrate
into our customers' IT systems. Our manufacturers have developed 13
type-approved and commercially available subscriber unit models. Our proprietary
application service platform provides data storage and processing, information
filtering and presentation and information delivery and is used by our internal
value-added resellers ("internal VARs") and is marketed to our external
value-added resellers ("VARs") and international licensees. This software is
capable of integrating the data collected by our system into the customer's IT
system and can be used to format the
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information in a manner that allows the customer to generate reports tailored to
its needs. We believe that our ability to deliver turnkey solutions to address
our customers' asset management needs significantly enhances our competitive
advantage.
Offer Internet-Accessible Service. Our system is designed to provide easy
access to asset data. Using the Internet, we allow our customers to manage their
assets from any location. The Internet also facilitates the international
deployment of applications that use our application service platform, which
provides a customizable Web-based customer interface to data transmitted via the
ORBCOMM system. This strategy allows us to rapidly and easily extend the reach
of applications as they are developed and minimizes the interconnection costs
for both ourselves and our customers over the Internet.
Offer Cost-Effective Service. We believe that our small and relatively
inexpensive satellites and subscriber units and relatively low-cost ground
infrastructure enable us to provide customers with affordable and convenient
narrowband data communication services. Satellite-based systems that are
designed primarily to provide voice services require investments estimated to be
between $3 billion and $4 billion. Our satellite system is designed specifically
for the transmission of data, rather than for the provision of voice services.
We estimate that the aggregate cost to design, construct, launch and place in
commercial service our current satellite system and design and construct the
related U.S. ground segment, which includes a gateway and two network control
centers, is approximately $345 million, excluding approximately $57 million of
capitalized interest.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
We market our services to customers within the United States directly and
indirectly through our VARs and internal VARs, and internationally through
international licensees that may distribute our services directly or through a
distribution network.
VARs. Our VARs market our services to specific industries or markets
according to a marketing plan and program that we approved. Our VARs also
develop applications, establish pricing to their customers and provide customer
support and billing services. VARs integrate the ORBCOMM system with related
hardware and software applications in a manner intended to address the needs of
a particular industry or market segment. In the United States, we have entered
into agreements with approximately 70 VARs and we continue to negotiate
agreements with prospective VARs. In general, the agreements we have with VARs
are non-exclusive with respect to application area, market segment and
geographic area. The VARs provide or are expected to provide tracking,
monitoring and/or messaging services in one or more of the market segments we
have identified within our target markets.
Internal VARs. During 1999, we formed ORBCOMM Enterprises, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, to distribute value-added products and services using the
ORBCOMM system. We have established three internal VARs as business units of
ORBCOMM Enterprises, each of which is focused on a specific industry or market
segment. In particular, our internal VARs are targeting: (1) the transportation
market segment (Vantage); (2) the heavy equipment market segment (Tracsat); and
(3) the process industries market segment (Controlsat). Our internal VARs, which
collectively have over 100 employees and consultants, work with customers to
develop and integrate our system with related hardware and software to create
applications that address their specific needs in their targeted industries or
market segments.
Vantage is able to leverage its relationships with hardware manufacturers
and software developers to help it develop, market and distribute its products
and services. Vantage has developed a trailer fleet management system that is
commercially available for use with dry van trailers and that enables a fleet
owner or operator or other party to track and/or monitor information such as
whether a trailer's door is open or closed, whether a trailer is full or empty
and whether or not a trailer is connected to a tractor. Vantage markets its
products directly to key industry participants and is also establishing a
distribution network for its products and services composed of industry leaders
in mobile communication services and transportation-related areas.
Vantage has executed and is in the process of negotiating end-user
agreements with a number of key industry participants. In addition, Vantage has
executed and is in the process of negotiating distribution
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agreements with a number of potential partners, and is also in the process of
establishing and implementing an installation and service network for its
customers. Vantage is developing a refrigerated trailer monitoring system, which
it expects to begin to test and implement later in 2000.
Tracsat develops, supplies, implements and supports heavy equipment
tracking, utilization and monitoring applications. Tracsat began providing field
evaluation systems in the second quarter of 1999 and began delivering commercial
systems in the third quarter of 1999. Tracsat has developed and markets two
types of products. The first product is a custom-made, private-label tracking
unit that Tracsat developed exclusively for use by one of its customers. The
second product is a configurable tracking unit that was developed for use by all
other Tracsat customers.
Tracsat has a firm initial order for private label units from a customer
that completed field tests of prototype units in October 1999 and approved
deliveries of production units over a six- to nine-month period thereafter.
Currently, Tracsat also has subscriber units involved in pilot testing with
potential customers. Tracsat estimates that four of these potential customers
collectively represent a significant portion of the potential market for
tracking and monitoring of heavy equipment in the United States. Tracsat is also
negotiating with original equipment manufacturers to provide Tracsat products
and services. Tracsat is currently developing applications that would extend the
value of Tracsat's products and services to the servicing of heavy equipment
fleets. Tracsat currently anticipates that it will begin to test and implement
certain of these applications later in 2000.
Controlsat has relied both on in-house resources and partnerships with
third parties to develop and deploy commercially several applications for the
petro-chemical, chemical and oil and gas industries. One of Controlsat's
commercially available applications provides tank level telemetry that enhances
vendor-managed inventory programs. This application incorporates both a basic
product that can be used to monitor tank levels of gases, fuels and hydrocarbon
products, and a more sophisticated product that can be used to monitor tank
levels of specialty high-end chemical products that may be used in chemical
processing or distribution, mining and agriculture. Controlsat's application
enables the transfer of key inventory data around the world via e-mail,
facsimile or the Internet. In addition, this application enables suppliers to
compile usage data that allows effective optimization of supply-chain logistics
and ensures availability of raw material data flow to customers, in addition to
enabling suppliers to receive alarm notification when, for example, tank levels
are low.
Controlsat also has a commercial application available that is capable of
monitoring oil and gas well-heads at a customer's production site. This
application enables the customer to receive data on a daily basis and also
incorporates an alarm function that can notify the customer when there is a
problem. Further, Controlsat has an application to monitor and control the
performance of so-called "stripper wells," or low-volume wells, as well as other
types of wells, pump jacks, compressors, water pumps and other equipment.
Stripper wells are typically located at unmanned sites that are generally out of
reach of telephone and cellular services, with monitoring of these wells usually
accomplished by sending personnel to the site, which is time-consuming and
expensive.
International Licensees. Outside the United States, we market and
distribute our services through international licensees that are responsible
for, among other things, procuring and installing the necessary ground
infrastructure, obtaining the necessary regulatory and other approvals to
provide our services in their designated regions and marketing and distributing
our services in their designated regions. Like VARs, the international licensees
develop software and hardware applications, establish pricing and provide
customer support and billing services. During 1999, we executed six additional
service license or similar agreements covering over 115 additional countries.
Currently, we have a total of 18 agreements covering over 195 countries. Our
international licensees include a European consortium led by Telespazio, S.p.A.
and a Japanese consortium that includes Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Kyushu Matsushita
Electric Co. Ltd., also known as Panasonic. We are continuing to negotiate
agreements with other potential international licensees to cover additional
countries.
Our relationship with each international licensee is governed by a service
license or similar agreement. Subject to certain limitations, these agreements
grant to the international licensee, among other things, the exclusive right to
market services using our satellites in a designated geographic area and a
limited right to use
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our proprietary technologies and intellectual property. International licensees
generally are required to make our system available to VARs and their
applications wherever they may have originated. This strategy allows
applications to be quickly deployed on a global basis by any VAR that wishes to
expand its market geographically from its original region to any other part of
the world and allows it to do so on the same terms as resellers authorized by
these international licensees.
We select each international licensee primarily by evaluating its ability
to market and distribute our services successfully and do so by examining the
following qualities of each potential international licensee:
- reputation in the marketplace;
- existing distribution capabilities and infrastructure;
- financial condition and other resources; and
- ability to obtain the necessary regulatory and other approvals.
ADDRESSABLE MARKETS AND SERVICE OFFERINGS
We have defined our "addressable market" as the aggregate of those market
segments that possess a significant unsatisfied need for, and can afford the
products and services provided by, LEO systems such as the ORBCOMM system, which
systems operate in the frequencies below 1 GHz ("little LEO" systems). We have
identified and are currently pursuing a number of industries and industry
segments in which a demand exists for mobile asset tracking, fixed asset
monitoring and messaging services. We view these industries and industry
segments as our primary target market segments.
MOBILE ASSET TRACKING
Our system provides a regular and reliable means to track the location and
report the status or condition of mobile assets around the world, enabling
customers to reduce downtime, repair costs, theft and other losses, to improve
service and to use transportation, heavy equipment and other assets more
effectively. Primary applications currently include or are expected to include
tracking and monitoring applications for:
Trailers, Containers and Rail Cars. We estimate that the addressable market
for trailer, container and rail car tracking services includes some segments of
the trailer market, intermodal marine and land containers containing
temperature-controlled or high-value cargo and rail cars used to transport
temperature-controlled or high-value cargo.
- Trailers. We believe that the addressable market for trailer tracking
services includes:
- non-refrigerated trailers belonging to large trucking fleets that
need to improve trailer utilization and operational efficiency;
- trailers that carry high-value goods in the medium and small truck
fleet segment; and
- refrigerated trailers.
Many trailers (both refrigerated and non-refrigerated) are currently being
tracked by a system that relies on geostationary satellites and provides
coverage for tethered trailer tracking only as it depends on a larger power
source that requires the trailer to be attached to the tractor.
- Containers. We estimate that the addressable market for intermodal
marine and land container services includes refrigerated containers,
containers carrying valuable items subject to theft (e.g.,
electronics) and general freight containers that need to be tracked
for security and liability purposes. Currently, intermodal container
transportation systems use manual and radio tag systems to record
containers as they enter and leave distribution facilities. These
systems therefore record only where the container has been, not where
it is. Our services are capable of tracking the current location of
the asset, as well as monitoring its status and the condition of its
contents.
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- Rail Cars. We estimate that the addressable market for tracking rail
cars includes rail cars used to transport high-value cargo, such as
automobiles, refrigerated goods and paper rolls, or hazardous cargo
comprising bulk materials. The American Association of Railroads has
mandated the use of automatic equipment identifiers ("AEI") on rail
cars. AEI systems consist of a radio tag mounted on the rail car and a
reader that records the identity of the car as it passes by. AEIs,
therefore, share the same limitations as bar code systems because they
record only where the rail car has been, not its current location,
status or the condition of its contents. Our services are capable of
tracking the current location of the rail car, as well as monitoring
its status or the condition of its contents.
Heavy Equipment. We estimate that the addressable market for heavy
equipment includes equipment used in various large-scale construction,
infrastructure and mining operations. Currently, heavy equipment and machine
diagnostic information is collected manually and provided to equipment
manufacturers and operators for warranty programs and maintenance operations.
Our services enable equipment manufacturers, equipment lessors and operators to
automatically collect diagnostic information from remote locations on a more
timely and efficient basis.
Automotive. We estimate that the addressable market for the automotive
market includes luxury cars, taxis and special vehicles. We believe that the
global remote coverage provided by our system will address private car owners'
safety and security concerns. We also believe that certain vehicles operating in
fleets in and out of remote areas in dispatch mode have similar safety and
security concerns and would also value our system's coverage. This segment also
includes taxis and special vehicles such as emergency response vehicles,
regional police, buses, tow trucks, snowplows and road maintenance vehicles.
Fishing Vessels and Barges. We believe that the use of little LEO systems
such as our system will provide fishing vessel and barge operators with a
cost-effective means of data communication. Fishing vessels usually remain at
sea for extended periods and operate on extremely tight margins and therefore
must focus on improving their efficiency while carefully controlling their
operating costs. As a result, they need cost-effective communication systems to
meet safety and regulatory requirements and to exchange commercial and
operational information with their offices, fuel providers, provisioners and
packing houses. Commercial deep sea fishing vessels currently use either
high-frequency radio or one of the Inmarsat services. High-frequency radio is
not considered cost-effective and is considered difficult to use, while use of
the Inmarsat system requires a considerable up-front investment of capital.
Inmarsat is an international mobile satellite organization that provides
maritime, aeronautical and land mobile voice and low-speed data services using
the L-band spectrum. Commercial fishing vessels operating in U.S. coastal waters
may also purchase service from American Mobile Satellite Corporation ("American
Mobile") or use cellular telephone service, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico.
Our system is capable of providing remote tracking and operational data to a
central location from a fishing vessel anywhere in the world. Given the
limitation of American Mobile's geographic coverage, our system may provide more
efficient communication services for both deep sea and coastal fishing vessels.
U.S. Government Assets. The U.S. military had previously been relying on
manual record keeping to track assets. This process has recently been
supplemented by distributed database systems communicating over lines owned
and/or leased by the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"). One of the problems
encountered by the U.S. military is that asset tracking is currently performed
at the endpoints of the distribution chain. This means that a misdirected
shipment can be located only by tracing forward from its most recent known
location, and this can take weeks to accomplish. We believe our services can
provide tracking on demand or on a scheduled basis for use by the U.S. military
for the location of either assets or personnel. We are competing or expect to
compete to provide little LEO services to the U.S. military, including in
connection with programs that have already been announced by the U.S.
government. For instance, DoD has a strategic plan, Joint Vision 2010, which
comprises four fundamental strategic components. The ORBCOMM system's
capabilities directly support the fundamental strategic component known as
Focused Logistics (Supply Chain Management).
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In addition, we believe that our services could provide other U.S.
government users with cost-effective solutions, low probability of intercept and
detection and worldwide availability. We may elect to compete to provide global
data services to other departments or agencies of the U.S. government. For
instance, the U.S. Postal Service ("USPS") has an approximately $5 billion
budget that will be allocated to a number of procurements to provide vehicle and
container, pallet or small package tracking (and personal messaging) services to
track all or a portion of the USPS' several hundred thousand vehicles, as well
as the millions of pieces of mail processed daily by the USPS. Also, the DoD's
Global Transportation Network and Joint Total Asset Visibility programs are
collectively budgeted for over $450 million and are focused on the development
of global personnel, aircraft and weapon systems tracking solutions.
FIXED ASSET MONITORING
Our system provides a means of collecting data from assets in multiple
fixed locations around the world, allowing customers to monitor productivity,
minimize downtime and realize other operational benefits. Our system can also
control the functions of these assets, for example, by remotely operating valves
and electrical switches, providing further operational, economic and competitive
advantages. Primary applications currently include or are expected to include
monitoring and control applications for:
Oil and Gas Storage Tanks, Wells and Pipelines. We believe that the oil and
gas storage tank monitoring market segment comprises tanks used, among other
things, in crude oil production and in retail, wholesale and fleet motor fuel
storage. We believe that our services could be used, among other things, to
monitor tank levels and provide related tank management services, to assist in
inventory management and to aid reporting and compliance efforts by tank
operators. For the monitoring of wells in less remote areas, private radio
systems based on very high frequency ("VHF") radio, multiple-address radio and
microwave are currently being used to collect data. These systems have been
installed primarily for other communication purposes; therefore, the incremental
cost of monitoring storage tanks and wells is low. However, asset monitoring
based on private radio systems is not cost-effective in locations where the
system cannot be combined with other communication functions such as in the case
of a stand-alone well.
The oil and gas pipeline monitoring market segment consists of gas
compressors, oil pumps, pipeline rectifiers (which measure pipeline corrosion),
offshore platforms and pipeline valves. For remote and/or hard-to-read meters,
manual monitoring systems are typically used, which require personnel to travel
to the site to read the meter. We believe that we offer a cost-effective means
of gathering data from meters located in remote locations. In addition to
recording operations data, subscriber units could be programmed to operate
pipelines, pumps, compressors and valves on a routine basis, as well as in the
event of a leak or other emergency.
Chemical Tanks. The chemical tank segment includes tanks that store
industrial gases, fuels and hydrocarbon products, and specialty and intermediate
chemicals used in chemical processing/distribution, mining and agriculture.
We believe that our services can provide a communication link between a
customer's tank and a chemical supplier that enhances vendor managed inventory
programs. Key inventory data may be transmitted via satellite and received via
an e-mail, facsimile or Internet Web page. As a result, the supplier can
automatically receive alarm notification where there are low tank levels and is
able to compile usage data that allows effective optimization of supply-chain
logistics and ensures availability of raw material flow to customers. We believe
that our tank telemetry can provide significant benefits over traditional
telephone lines and radio networks, including lower installation and
infrastructure costs and communication charges, especially in areas where
land-line or cellular phone service is not available or reliable, or is too
costly to install and/or maintain.
Electric Utility Meters. Currently, wireless, wireline, cellular and paging
systems, as well as traditional manual meter reading, are all being used to
collect data from electric utility meters located in urban and suburban areas.
Our system is capable of reading electric utility meters in rural, as well as
urban and suburban areas, and transmitting data related to usage to a central
location. In the future, subscriber units may be programmed to turn power on and
off and identify unauthorized usage.
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Environmental Projects. We believe that the environmental monitoring market
segment comprises numerous sites that monitor meteorological, hydrological and
other environmental data such as rainfall, water levels and water quality. These
sites are located in remote areas not served or inadequately served by wireline
or terrestrial wireless communication systems. Based on discussions with VARs
that target the environmental monitoring market, we believe that there are
numerous sites globally that require water and air monitoring devices that
measure substances such as bacteria, dissolved oxygen and concentrations of
carbon monoxide and ozone, and that provide meteorological data on wind speed
and barometric pressure.
MESSAGING
Our system is capable of providing two-way messaging/wireless e-mail
communication services worldwide. We expect that our system will complement
existing and planned wireline and terrestrial wireless communication systems by
providing coverage in geographic areas where such services are not offered or by
enhancing data applications currently being offered by such systems.
Internationally, we believe that we will be able to offer services in developing
countries or in remote regions where basic telephone service or data
communication services are not available.
Messaging customers include and are expected to include commercial and
government customers that require a means of communicating with various
locations such as their offices, dispatch centers or homes or that require the
ability to send messages or position information. Some customers in this market
segment currently have no cost-effective alternatives or rely on pagers,
cellular phones or fleet dispatch systems, all of which can be expensive,
unavailable or inconvenient in certain locations. Primary market segments
include:
Commercial. We believe the commercial messaging market includes both mobile
and remote workers who frequently use terrestrial wireless communication in
their jobs but require the extension of coverage that our system is able to
provide. These workers spend a significant portion of their time away from an
office and require a messaging service that is available in remote areas. The
industries typically populated by these workers include the mining,
construction, energy, forestry and utilities industries.
U.S. Government. Today, numerous independent e-mail systems, including the
Autodin system which sends messages between fixed terminals located throughout
the world, provide messaging services to the U.S. military. We believe that our
services would complement existing and other planned communication services to
provide messaging to the military and other U.S. government departments and
agencies. For instance, in addition to the potential for providing messaging
solutions for the USPS, we are currently conducting pilot tests of certain
personal messaging applications (including e-mail applications) for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard. Also, the Defense
Messaging System, a $1.5 billion project with an annual operating budget of $45
million, is designed to provide messaging for the DoD, NATO and certain civilian
agencies. We believe that use of our system in connection with the Defense
Messaging System implementation could offer users the ability to send and
receive messages regardless of location. Over the long term, our services could
provide a relatively low-cost means to extend the Defense Messaging System to
remote areas that are out of reach of existing or planned communication
services.
FUTURE APPLICATIONS
In addition to the addressable markets described above for data services,
we believe that future target markets may include:
U.S. Government. We believe that there are additional DoD programs that may
use the services of little LEO systems such as ours. These programs include: the
Commercial Satellite Communications Initiative, budgeted for $1.6 billion; the
Global Command and Control System, budgeted for $500 million; the Combat Search
and Rescue program to locate downed pilots, budgeted for $220 million; the Air
Mobility Command and Control Information Processing System, budgeted for $210
million; the Mobile Satellite Service program, budgeted for $87 million; and the
Joint Surveillance System, budgeted for $85 million. The fundamental shift in
the DoD's strategy to focused logistics creates an environment requiring
visibility of all materials movement. The budget for these programs is greater
than $1 billion. The Army Wholesale Logistics Modernization Program alone is
estimated to be a $1 billion program. In February 1999, the U.S. General
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Services Administration awarded a satellite services contract to Hughes Global
Services Inc., a reseller of our services. This indefinite delivery/indefinite
quantity contract has a $100 million ceiling for which we could provide any or
all of our fixed asset monitoring, mobile asset tracking and messaging services.
There are also a number of civil government applications suitable for our
services. The Post-FTS 2000 is a program to provide long-distance domestic and
international wireless Internet access, data and e-mail to U.S. government
civilian agencies. It is a ten-year contract with the potential to generate an
estimated $300 to $400 million in revenues to service providers. The existing
Post-FTS 2000 provides domestic long-distance calling service to the federal
government only. The new contract for service includes wireless, mobile and
international services. The U.S. Departments of State, Justice and
Transportation are also developing wireless e-mail and messaging programs. In
addition, we believe that each of the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Coast Guard and
the U.S. Navy is likely to initiate its own indefinite delivery/indefinite
quantity procurement for satellite-based data communication services such as
those we provide. We would expect to position ourselves to be competitive with
respect to bidding for any such procurements.
Foreign Governments. We believe we can provide selected foreign governments
with cost-effective applications combining low probability of intercept and
detection and worldwide availability. Potential defense applications include
transmission of GPS-determined position data for maneuvering units and
recovering downed pilots, transmission of data for air defense, fire support and
asset tracking and tactical messaging. Potential civil government applications
include wide-area secure communication, monitoring and control of natural
resources and search and rescue functions.
Home and Commercial Security Systems. In addition to security system
monitoring, home security units could be used to remotely turn on or off alarms,
lights or home appliances. Home security systems have historically relied on
telephone lines for communication with central offices, but these lines can be
intentionally disabled. Wireless systems, mostly based on cellular technologies,
are now being adopted to eliminate this problem and ensure service quality. Our
system is designed to support messaging to and from central security offices,
both as a primary system and as a back-up to wired and wireless emergency
communication with ambulances, police and other public safety personnel. For
example, our system could supplement terrestrial wireless systems by providing
primary communication with home security systems in remote, as opposed to urban,
areas where terrestrial wireless services may be unavailable or expensive. While
our current business plan does not include sales to the home security system
market, we continue to assess this market and anticipate that we may in the
future begin marketing and sales efforts in this area.
Personal Messaging. We believe that the addressable market for messaging
applications for consumers includes those consumers who are frequent hunters,
hikers, campers or backpackers and boating enthusiasts who enjoy traveling a
considerable distance outside the range of wireline and terrestrial wireless
communication systems and whose boats are generally over 26 feet and have
overnight accommodations suitable for extended travel.
Recreational boaters typically use VHF radio and/or cellular telephone
where terrestrial wireless communication systems are available. Some individuals
rely on high-frequency radio and a very small number employ Inmarsat services
and services provided by Globalstar, L.P. However, due to the significant
limitations of these alternatives in terms of geographic coverage or expense,
there are few viable communication alternatives currently available to
back-country or boating enthusiasts. The primary market requirements of these
customers are based on a concern for safety and the desire for a reliable,
cost-effective, lightweight portable unit.
APPLICATION SERVICE PLATFORM
We provide a comprehensive set of data application services through our
Dolphin Software Services ULC subsidiary, which was formed in 1998. During 1999,
we continued to expand upon our development and marketing efforts in connection
with our proprietary application service platform, which is capable of
collecting raw data that is obtained from a customer's fixed or mobile assets,
whether through the ORBCOMM system or through a terrestrial cellular network,
and transforming such data into valuable information that can be easily accessed
via the Internet. We believe that our application service platform will
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help accelerate the sale of ORBCOMM services by facilitating the integration of
the data generated by the ORBCOMM system into a customer's existing IT system.
MULTI-NETWORK SERVICES
In 1999, we entered into an agreement with Aeris.net that allows both
companies to resell the other's wireless data services. In addition, in 1999, we
entered into agreements with BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P. and Rogers Cantel
Inc. that allow us to resell wireless data services using their Mobitex national
networks in the United States and Canada, respectively. We believe our system is
highly complementary with these terrestrial networks. Our system is ideally
suited to provide coverage in low-density areas while cellular and packet radio
services are ideally suited to provide coverage in high-density areas. These
combined service offerings are expected to provide coverage, reliability and
cost-of-service advantages over any of the services alone. We are currently
offering services incorporating the Aeris Microburst service and our satellite
services. Testing and integration of the ORBCOMM satellite network with the
BellSouth Wireless and Rogers Cantel Mobitex national networks is expected to
begin shortly.
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
Overview. Our system is a two-way system that supports communication to and
from mobile or fixed subscriber units. In most applications, a message or other
data is first generated by a subscriber unit. From that source, the data is
transmitted to the nearest ORBCOMM satellite. The satellite downlinks the data
to the selected gateway Earth station, which then transmits the data to the
associated gateway control center. Within the gateway control center, the data
is processed and transmitted to its ultimate destination. This destination may
be to another subscriber unit, a pager, our application service platform, a
corporate resource management system or any personal or business e-mail or
Internet address. The message can be delivered in a variety of ways as desired
by the customer. These include the Internet, public/private X.25 data networks,
text-to-fax conversion or modems connected to a telephone network. If desired,
an acknowledgment message is returned to the sender. To mitigate design and
implementation risks and to control costs, our system architecture, where
possible, makes use of existing, mature technologies and conforms to
internationally accepted standards (e.g. X.400 messaging).
Space Segment. To date, we have successfully launched 35 satellites into
orbits between approximately 740 and 825 kilometers above the Earth, 33 of which
are in commercial service. One of the two satellites launched in 1995 is no
longer operational. Our distributed satellite system architecture, consisting of
numerous satellites, is designed not only to provide global coverage but also to
reduce potential risks associated with the loss or outage of one or more
satellites. We expect our current satellite constellation to be in commercial
service through at least 2006. We expect to launch replacement satellites
periodically.
The satellites are manufactured by Orbital, one of our partners. The
satellites currently in-orbit (with the exception of the first two satellites
launched in April 1995) were procured by us under our 1995 procurement agreement
with Orbital. In 1999, we executed a second procurement agreement with Orbital,
which has subsequently been amended, under which we will procure, at a minimum,
11 additional satellites, two satellite propulsion rings and two separate
Pegasus(R) launch vehicles, at a total cost not to exceed $93 million. In
addition, under the 1999 procurement agreement we have the option to procure up
to three additional satellites and associated launch services using the Pegasus
launch vehicle. We expect that these additional satellites will be used, among
other things, to meet milestones specified in the license granted by the U.S.
Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") on March 31, 1998 authorizing
Orbital Communications to launch an additional 12 satellites, as well as for
replenishment satellites and/or ground spares. We expect that the 1999
procurement agreement will enable us to add an equatorial plane to our
constellation to enhance service in that region, to launch satellites more
quickly should an in-orbit or launch failure occur and to replenish in-orbit
satellites as necessary.
The seven satellites planned to be launched in an equatorial orbit in the
first quarter of 2001 will be launched using a Pegasus launch vehicle. The
Pegasus launch vehicle, a cost-effective launcher with a relatively flexible
launch schedule, is launched from beneath a modified Lockheed L-1011 owned by
Orbital
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and is capable of deploying one or more satellites collectively weighing up to
1,000 pounds into low-Earth orbit. Orbital has conducted 28 Pegasus missions,
with approximately a 90% success rate. All of our launches to date using the
Pegasus launch vehicle have been successful.
Our in-orbit satellites are equipped with a VHF or ultra high frequency
("UHF") communication payload capable of operation in the 137.0-150.05 MHz and
the 400.075-400.125 MHz bands. The use of the spectrum is managed by an on-board
computer that employs the ORBCOMM-pioneered Dynamic Channel Activity Assignment
System ("DCAAS"). The DCAAS continuously scans the authorized spectrum,
identifies frequencies in use by other users of the frequency band and assigns
channels to minimize the possibility of interference. The DCAAS changes the
frequency of the uplink random access channels every five seconds. It allows us
to coexist with the current users of the VHF frequency band, limiting
interference to acceptable levels.
Gateway Earth stations and the subscriber units comprising the ORBCOMM
system communicate with the satellites in the same band, thus eliminating the
design complexity, as well as the associated mass, power and cost of supporting
multiple radio payloads on a single satellite. The satellites also contain an
intelligent packet-routing capability, including a limited store-and-forward
capability.
In connection with the deployment of our satellite system, we have
experienced anomalies with respect to several of our satellites. These anomalies
include reduced power levels on some satellites and the failure of other
satellites to transmit data to subscriber units. While we have bypassed the data
transmission anomaly and are offering commercial service via the affected
satellites, the coverage footprint of these satellites is reduced. Also,
implementation of the bypass requires that manufacturers modify certain
subscriber unit models to enable them to work with the modified satellites.
Similarly, we have demonstrated that the reduced power levels experienced by
some of our satellites do not result in the inability of those satellites to
offer commercial service.
Ground and Control Segment. The ground and control segment consists of
gateways strategically located throughout the world and of facilities to monitor
and manage all network elements.
The role of each gateway is to provide access to the space segment and to
interface with public and private data networks including the Internet. The
major elements of a gateway include:
- one or more gateway Earth stations, each of which is composed of two
radomes, with enclosed VHF tracking antennae, one of which is
redundant, and associated pedestal, controller and radio equipment;
and
- a gateway control center comprising:
- a gateway message switching system, which processes the message
traffic and provides the interconnection to the terrestrial networks;
and
- a management system, which manages the gateway elements.
Each radome weighs approximately 3,300 pounds and is approximately 28 feet
in diameter. Each gateway Earth station is unmanned, and contains a freestanding
shelter and an optional fuel tank and power generator. The gateway satellite
links have been designed to make use of single uplink and downlink channels for
all of our satellites by using a Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA")
protocol. This protocol will permit several gateways to communicate
simultaneously with a single satellite and vice versa. The TDMA protocol has
several advantages, including the ability to provide a virtually seamless
handover of a satellite from gateway Earth station to gateway Earth station
under the centralized control of the gateway control center.
Providing services using our system in a particular region requires an
appropriately located gateway. Gateway Earth stations cover a roughly circular
area with a radius of approximately 3,300 miles. All elements of the U.S.
gateway are operational, including four gateway Earth stations located in New
York, Arizona, Georgia and Washington and a gateway control center located in
Virginia. The U.S. gateway is being used to serve the United States, Canada,
Mexico, the north Caribbean region, Greenland and, for at least the near
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future, a portion of South America and the south Caribbean region. Gateway Earth
stations located in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Malaysia and Curacao have
successfully completed acceptance testing. We expect that many international
licensees will enter into agreements to share gateways. International licensees
paid for and own each of the existing gateway Earth stations and gateway control
centers located outside the United States, while we paid for and own the U.S.
gateway. We have entered into and will continue to enter into agreements with
international licensees to construct additional gateways outside the United
States. We expect existing and future international licensees to bear the cost
and implementation of future gateways, although generally the international
licensees procure from us all of the hardware and software comprising the
gateways.
The core control segment of our system is housed at the network control
center. The control segment includes a network management system, which monitors
the status of all network elements, and a space vehicle management system. The
existing network control center is equipped with back-up hardware and an
automatic emergency generator to provide a backup for normal building power.
Construction of a back-up network control center is substantially completed and
we expect it to be fully operational by mid-2000. Through the U.S. gateway,
managed from the network control center, we have access to the space segment for
command and control purposes, although, consistent with the rules and
regulations of the FCC, Orbital Communications, as holder of the FCC licenses
for the ORBCOMM system, maintains ultimate control over the ORBCOMM system.
Subscriber Segment. The subscriber segment consists of various models of
subscriber units, some of which are intended for general use, and some of which
are designed to support specific applications, although even in the case of
general purpose subscriber units, the configuration of these units may make them
more or less suitable for specific applications. The subscriber unit models
include or will include:
- vehicular-powered subscriber units that could be used in asset
tracking or vehicular operation monitoring;
- externally powered subscriber units for fixed applications such as
pipeline monitoring, remote device control or environmental
monitoring; and
- self-contained, battery- and/or solar-powered subscriber units that
would support applications where commercial or other external power is
not available, including trailer tracking, cargo monitoring or
personal messaging.
The subscriber units targeted for industrial applications are designed to
interface with sensors or control devices, through an industry-standard serial
interface using a proprietary communication protocol, developed to take
advantage of the packet nature of the ORBCOMM system. They are usually enclosed
in ruggedized packaging adapted to their intended environment. The subscriber
units targeted for the messaging market will incorporate interfaces such as
integrated keyboards or touch-sensitive screens. Additionally, while the
satellites are designed to support Doppler position determination in the
subscriber units, some subscriber unit models are also equipped with GPS
receivers, permitting the user or application to determine the subscriber unit's
location more quickly and accurately.
To ensure the availability of subscriber units having different functional
capabilities in sufficient quantities to meet demand, we have provided extensive
design specifications and technical and engineering support to our subscriber
unit manufacturers. We have entered into agreements with seven subscriber unit
manufacturers: Panasonic (a member of the consortium that is the international
licensee for Japan); Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (also a VAR); Magellan
Corporation, an affiliate of Orbital; Stellar Electronics Ltd.; QUAKE Wireless,
Inc.; Telital, S.p.A.; and Satellite Smart Solutions Ltd. During 1999, we
type-approved seven subscriber unit models for use with the ORBCOMM system, for
a total of 13 type-approved subscriber unit models available for commercial use
with the ORBCOMM system. Six subscriber unit manufacturers have commenced
production of subscriber units that can be used for a variety of applications,
including electric utility meter, oil and gas storage tank, well and pipeline
and environmental monitoring and commercial truck, trailer, container, rail car,
heavy equipment, fishing vessel and government asset tracking applications, as
well as personal messaging.
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COMPETITION
Competition in the communication industry is intense, fueled by rapid and
continuous technological advances and alliances between industry participants
seeking to use these advances to capture significant market share. At this time,
our system is the only commercially operational little LEO system. We expect
that potential competitors may include the following systems:
Little LEO Systems. In addition to Orbital Communications, which holds the
FCC licenses for the ORBCOMM system, four other entities have been licensed by
the FCC to provide little LEO satellite services in the United States.
Volunteers in Technical Assistance ("VITA") was licensed for one of the two
satellites for which it applied. VITA will use a small amount of uplink and
downlink spectrum to transmit health, research and scientific data on a delayed
basis between developing countries and the United States. In addition, in 1998,
the FCC's International Bureau granted licenses to Leo One Worldwide, Inc.,
Final Analysis Communication Services and E-SAT, Inc.
Based on published reports, we do not believe that any of the other
proposed little LEO systems will initiate commercial operation until at least
late 2001. We believe that we hold a substantial advantage over these potential
competitors by having already designed, constructed and launched a fully
functional system, by having developed strong working relationships with key
customers and VARs, by having acquired segment-specific and client-specific
knowledge concerning application requirements, by having customized applications
developed by our internal VARs and VARs for their customers, by having obtained
FCC licenses for all elements of our system in the United States and by
achieving, in large part, international coordination of our designated
frequencies through the International Telecommunications Union ("ITU"). Over the
next several years, we expect to obtain further advantages over these potential
competitors by:
- establishing de facto industry standards for hardware and software
applications;
- developing operational expertise;
- launching additional satellites;
- continuing to develop our existing internal VARs;
- signing reseller agreements and service license and similar agreements
with additional entities; and
- signing agreements with additional subscriber unit manufacturers.
Geostationary Orbit-Based Systems. In addition, we believe that we compete
in some of our market segments with existing operators and users of some
geostationary ("GEO") systems, such as American Mobile and QUALCOMM
Incorporated, and companies providing services using the Inmarsat system.
American Mobile offers SKYCELL mobile data services, both satellite only and
"dual-mode" (i.e., satellite and terrestrial), through a packet data network
that can reach both densely populated urban areas and sparsely populated rural
areas. QUALCOMM designs, manufactures, distributes and operates the OmniTRACS(R)
Communications System, a satellite-based, two-way mobile communication and
tracking system that provides messaging, position reporting and other services
for transportation companies and other mobile and fixed-site customers using
certain GEO satellites. In addition, various companies using the Inmarsat system
are providing fishing vessel and other marine tracking applications. We believe
that our system has certain advantages over these other systems including
worldwide coverage and, in most cases, lower power requirements and lower
equipment costs.
Terrestrial Systems. While our system is not intended to compete in general
with existing and planned terrestrial communication systems, in some of our
market segments we believe we compete with some of these systems including the
systems operated by HighwayMaster and Terion, Inc. HighwayMaster and Terion both
operate wireless enhanced services networks that provide integrated voice, data,
tracking and fleet management information services to trucking fleets and other
operators in the long-haul segment of the transportation industry. The
terrestrial wireless systems operated by American Mobile and BellSouth Wireless
are capable of providing geographically limited data communication services to a
variety of end-users. SkyTel provides messaging services in cities in the United
States and is using its messaging network to provide fixed location
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services, specifically utility meter reading in urban areas. The architecture of
these systems may provide some advantages relative to our system, including
in-building penetration. Because of the inherent coverage limitations of
terrestrial communication systems, we believe that our system will also
complement these systems, which provide cost-effective services primarily in
metropolitan areas where subscriber densities justify construction of radio
towers. These systems generally do not have sufficient coverage outside
metropolitan areas and major highways, making them less attractive to some
market segments. We believe that our system presents an attractive complement to
tower-based services because it can provide a geographic "gap-filler" service at
affordable costs without the need for additional infrastructure investment. As
such, we have entered into a reciprocal reseller agreement with Aeris.net that
permits both companies to resell services offered by the other. We have also
entered into reseller agreements with BellSouth Wireless and Rogers Cantel
allowing us to resell their services. The value of our geographic gap-filler
services may decline, however, as terrestrial communication systems expand their
coverage.
Big LEO and Medium-Earth Orbit Systems. The big LEO systems (operating in
the frequencies above 1 GHz) and medium-Earth orbit systems are expected to
provide real-time, uninterrupted service. These systems are designed primarily
to provide two-way voice services and consequently require larger, more complex
satellites than our satellites and larger satellite systems. As a result, the
cost of the big LEO and medium-Earth orbit systems is significantly greater than
the cost of our system. However, the marginal cost on a per-message basis of
providing services similar to those we offer could be relatively low for a big
LEO or medium-Earth orbit system that is unable to sell its capacity for voice
services. Nevertheless, their technical complexity and the relatively high
frequencies at which they operate are expected to translate into subscriber
units that are more expensive to produce than ours.
The following are some big LEO and medium-Earth orbit systems:
- Globalstar, L.P. initiated commercial service in late 1999 to provide
voice and other communication services at usage charges of
approximately $0.35 to $0.55 wholesale per minute for voice services.
Globalstar's total system cost (excluding marketing costs) based on a
48-satellite constellation is expected to be approximately $2.7
billion. In February 2000, Globalstar announced plans to offer packet
data services beginning in the fourth quarter of 2000.
- ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Ltd. anticipates initiating
commercial service based on a satellite system of ten medium-Earth
orbit satellites. ICO's total system cost (excluding marketing costs)
is expected to be approximately $3.5 billion. ICO filed for bankruptcy
in 1999. In October 1999, Craig McCaw of Eagle River Investments LLC
agreed to invest or raise $1.2 billion for ICO, which averted ICO's
potential liquidation.
- Iridium LLC initiated commercial service in November 1998 to provide
voice and other communication services at usage charges of
approximately $1.59 to $7.00 per minute plus tail charges (land-line
extension charges). Iridium's total system cost (excluding marketing
costs) based on a 66-satellite system has exceeded $4 billion. Iridium
filed for bankruptcy in 1999. Iridium has petitioned the bankruptcy
court to allow Iridium to de-orbit its system, wind down its
operations and liquidate its business.
We may also face competition in the future from companies using new
technologies and new satellite systems. Any number of these new technologies,
even if they are not ultimately successful, could negatively affect us.
Additionally, our business could be adversely affected if competitors begin or
expand their operations or if existing or new communication service providers
penetrate our target markets.
REGULATION
U.S. FCC Regulation
Regulation of NVNG Systems. All commercial non-voice, non-geosynchronous
("NVNG") satellite, or little LEO, systems in the United States such as our
system fall under the regulatory authority of the FCC, which is the U.S.
government agency with jurisdiction over commercial uses of the radio spectrum.
Little
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LEO systems must obtain authorization from the FCC to launch and operate their
satellites to provide services in assigned spectrum segments.
The FCC both allocates spectrum to particular uses or services and licenses
particular companies to operate in these frequencies. In January 1993, the FCC
allocated spectrum segments for NVNG mobile satellite services ("MSS") and
issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to govern the NVNG licensing process. In
October 1993, the FCC formally adopted its licensing and service rules for NVNG
systems (the "NVNG Order"). The NVNG Order imposes limits on subscriber units
operating in the band 148.0-149.9 MHz. Subscriber units are limited to
transmitting no more than one percent of the time during any 15-minute period
and no transmission may exceed 450 milliseconds. We believe that we provide our
services within these limitations.
First Processing Round; Original FCC License. On February 28, 1990, Orbital
Communications filed an application with the FCC for a little LEO system.
Thereafter, Starsys Global Positioning, Inc. and VITA each filed a little LEO
system application. The FCC considered these applications together in a single
processing round.
On October 24, 1994, the FCC granted Orbital Communications a license to
construct, launch and operate 36 LEO satellites, in four inclined and two
near-polar orbital planes, to provide two-way data communication and position
determination services. In 1995, the FCC granted Orbital Communications licenses
to operate four gateway Earth stations and to deploy up to 200,000 subscriber
units in the continental United States.
The frequency bands in which the ORBCOMM system is authorized to operate
are as follows:
Uplink: 148.0 -- 149.9 MHz
Downlink: 137.0 -- 138.0 MHz and 400.075 -- 400.125 MHz
The original FCC license authorizes Orbital Communications to offer service
as a private carrier. The original FCC license has a term of ten years from the
operational date of the first ORBCOMM satellite, FM1, which was April 1995. To
ensure that a licensee actually uses the spectrum that has been licensed to it,
the FCC imposed deadlines for initiating and completing construction and launch
of the licensee's satellite system. The milestone requirements of the original
FCC license require that Orbital Communications launch:
- its first two satellites by December 1998; and
- its remaining 34 authorized satellites by December 2000.
Orbital Communications met the first milestone by virtue of the launch of
our first two satellites, FM1 and FM2, in April 1995. We also launched 26
satellites in late 1997 and during 1998 and seven satellites in December 1999.
Orbital Communications has applied for a modification of the original FCC
License to use fewer satellites (at a higher elevation) in an equatorial orbit.
As a result of this modification request, we expect the December 2000 milestone
to be decreased from 36 satellites to 35 satellites. If this request is granted,
Orbital Communications will have met the second milestone with the launch of
seven satellites in December 1999. In addition, Orbital Communications is
required to apply for a license renewal three years before the expiration of the
original FCC license.
To facilitate sharing of the spectrum bands between Orbital Communications
and Starsys, the parties agreed to technical limitations on their respective
operations. These limitations include Orbital Communications agreeing to use
channels at the edges of the 137.0-138.0 band, or agreeing to shut down the
channels located near the center of the band when Orbital Communications' and
Starsys' satellites are aligned. Starsys agreed to limit the number and location
of its gateways, and also agreed to use narrow beamwidth antennas to minimize
the time during which the two systems' satellites will be aligned. Although
Starsys returned its license to the FCC, under new rules that took effect on
January 2, 1998, the FCC authorized E-SAT to operate in the spectrum previously
licensed to Starsys consistent with the provisions of Starsys' first processing
round authorization. Thus, these operating restrictions remain in effect to
facilitate sharing of this band between Orbital Communications and E-SAT.
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Second Processing Round; Supplemental FCC License. On November 16, 1994,
the FCC closed the application filing period for a second processing round for
NVNG applications. Eight applicants, including Orbital Communications, initially
filed applications in the second processing round; however, three of these
applicants later dropped out of the processing round. The FCC's International
Bureau, acting on delegated authority, granted Leo One's application for a
48-satellite little LEO System on February 13, 1998, and granted the
second-round applications of Orbital Communications, Final Analysis, E-SAT and
VITA on March 31, 1998. Orbital Communications has filed applications for review
of the International Bureau's orders granting licenses to Leo One and Final
Analysis.
The March 31, 1998 license permits Orbital Communications, among other
things, to launch an additional 12 LEO satellites. The term of this supplemental
FCC license is ten years from the operational date of the first ORBCOMM
satellite, which was in April 1995. The supplemental FCC license contains the
following milestone requirements:
- that Orbital Communications begin constructing the first two of these
additional 12 satellites by March 1999 and the remaining ten
satellites no later than March 2001; and
- that Orbital Communications launch the first two of these additional
12 satellites by September 2002 and the remaining ten satellites by
March 2004.
Orbital Communications has met the first milestone requirement, as we
executed the 1999 procurement agreement with Orbital to construct additional
satellites. Failure of Orbital Communications to meet these milestones will
render the supplemental FCC license null and void, unless the FCC grants an
extension of these milestones. In addition, Orbital Communications is required
to apply for a license renewal three years before the supplemental FCC license
expires.
The supplemental FCC license will also enable Orbital Communications to
refine the design of the ORBCOMM system by permitting:
- the ORBCOMM system to use fewer, potentially higher, data rate
customer downlink channels;
- a change in the orbital altitude of the ORBCOMM satellites in the
non-high-inclination planes from 775 kilometers to approximately 825
kilometers above Earth; and
- the launch of one plane of the high-inclination satellites to
108(degrees) inclination instead of 70(degrees) inclination.
Launch of the additional 12 satellites authorized by the supplemental FCC
license would provide additional capacity, better high latitude coverage and
greater in-orbit redundancy for the ORBCOMM system. In addition, we believe that
the grant of the supplemental FCC license will facilitate coordination with
Russia and France. See "-- International Regulation -- ITU Coordination."
Finally, the supplemental FCC license provided Orbital Communications a
secondary right to use a portion of the 149.9-150.0 MHz band for its feeder
links. This right is contingent on Final Analysis moving its feeder link to
another location, which it has indicated it desires to do. However, before Final
Analysis can move its feeder link, the ITU needs to make available additional
spectrum for the MSS, which is not likely to happen until at least 2001, if at
all. See "-- International Regulation -- ITU Spectrum Allocations."
Additional Domestic Regulatory Activities. On July 17, 1998, the FCC
granted a modification request filed by Orbital Communications. The modification
permits Orbital Communications to launch eight of its authorized satellites in
an equatorial orbit rather than a 45(degrees) orbit and to increase the spacing
between the other three planes of satellites.
On March 18, 1999, Orbital Communications filed an additional request to
modify its equatorial plane of satellites by increasing the altitude of this
plane of satellites from 825 kilometers to 1,000 kilometers and reducing the
number of satellites in the equatorial plane from eight to seven (thus reducing
the December 2000 milestone from 36 satellites to 35 satellites and reducing the
total number of authorized satellites in the constellation from 48 to 47).
Subsequently, Orbital Communications amended this application to reduce the
altitude of this plane of satellites from the previously requested 1,000
kilometers to 975 kilometers. In
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addition, on September 27, 1999, Orbital Communications filed a request to
modify its satellite constellation design to implement a fourth 45(degrees)
inclined plane, and to space the four inclined planes 90(degrees) apart. The
seven satellites in this fourth plane, in addition to one other satellite for
this plane that we plan to launch subsequently, would be shifted from the
satellites authorized for the high inclination planes, so that the total number
of authorized satellites would remain at 47 under the modified constellation.
These modification requests are currently pending.
International Regulation
ITU Spectrum Allocations. The International Table of Frequency Allocations
identifies radio frequency segments that have been designated for specific radio
services by the member nations of the ITU. The International Table is revised
periodically at the World Radiocommunication Conferences, or WRCs. Between WRCs,
the member nations of the ITU, in connection with private industry, prepare and
propose recommendations for international allocations to be considered at the
next WRC. Preparatory analyses and recommendations are considered in appropriate
technical study groups for specific topics. In this way, the countries of the
world coordinate their respective spectrum allocations.
Little LEO systems require use of radio spectrum on a global basis to reach
their full commercial potential. At the 1992 World Administrative Radio
Conference, or WARC-92, the precursor to the WRCs, with the sponsorship of the
U.S. government and a number of other key administrations, major portions of the
137 to 150 MHz band and a narrow portion of the spectrum band at 400 MHz were
allocated on a global basis to little LEO systems. The specific frequency
allocations for uplink and downlink operations included the following:
Uplink: 148.0 -- 149.9 MHz (1.9 MHz on a primary basis)
Downlink: 137.0 -- 138.0 (675 kHz on a primary basis; 325 kHz on a
secondary basis)
400.15 -- 401.00 MHz (850 kHz on a primary basis)
The band 400.075-400.125 MHz licensed for use by our system was allocated
previously on a global basis to Time and Frequency Standard service and,
therefore, was not subject to consideration at WARC-92. Orbital Communications'
planned use of this bandwidth complies with the regulations governing its use.
In addition, the procedures for "coordinating" little LEO services with other
registered users of the band were established at WARC-92.
ITU Coordination. The United States, on behalf of Orbital Communications,
is required to coordinate the frequencies used by our system through the ITU.
ITU frequency coordination is a necessary prerequisite to obtaining interference
protection from other NVNG satellite systems. There is no penalty for launching
a satellite system before completing the ITU coordination process, although
protection from interference through this process is only afforded as of the
date that the ITU notifies Orbital Communications that the coordination process
has been successfully completed.
The FCC, on behalf of Orbital Communications, notified the ITU that the
ORBCOMM system was placed in service in April 1995 and has operated without
complaint of interference since that time. The FCC also informed the ITU that
Orbital Communications has successfully completed its coordination with all
other administrations except Russia and France. Since that time, the United
States has successfully coordinated our system with Russia with the exception of
two downlink channels that operate on co-frequencies with the Russian Meteor
system. We will not need these two downlink channels immediately, but we will
need them when any additional high-inclination plane satellites are launched.
Discussions are continuing directly with the operator of the Russian Meteor
system under the terms of the U.S.-Russian coordination agreement, and we
currently expect this coordination to be completed later this year. The United
States has successfully coordinated our system with a French government system
that is currently in operation. However, the United States has not completed
coordination of our system with the French commercial little LEO system S80-1,
which is currently planned to be launched in November 2000. We currently expect
that coordination with respect to S80-1 will be completed before the planned
launch of this system.
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The FCC has modified Orbital Communications' ITU documentation to include
the proposed launch of the 12 additional satellites for which Orbital
Communications has been licensed. We do not expect this modification to affect
coordination of our satellite constellation. Satellite systems subsequent to our
system must coordinate with Orbital Communications to protect our system from
interference.
ITU coordination is also required for the uplink channels required by the
ground segment of our system, but is the responsibility of the international
licensees, or their designees through their respective national administrations.
Depending on the location of particular ground stations, the applicable
coordination distance specified in the ITU procedures may extend across
international boundaries and require coordination by more than one governmental
authority. For example, two of the four U.S. gateway Earth stations have a
coordination distance that extends into Canada, and thus required U.S.
coordination with Canada before ITU notification or registration.
At the 1995 WRC, France proposed a reduction in the threshold beyond which
coordination with terrestrial services would be required. This would entail
additional coordination for MSS systems. France raised this proposal again at
the 1997 WRC. This proposed change was not adopted at either the 1995 or 1997
WRCs, but we cannot assure you that it will not be proposed and adopted at the
next WRC scheduled for 2000, or that, if adopted, additional coordination
requirements would not be imposed on our system, to the extent that Orbital
Communications may not have completed the ITU coordination process.
Coordination with Intelsat and Inmarsat. Under the Intelsat treaty,
international satellite operators are required to demonstrate that they will not
cause economic or technical harm to Intelsat. Orbital Communications was
notified in March 1995 that this coordination with Intelsat had been
successfully completed for a 36-satellite system. Further coordination will be
required for the 12 satellites licensed under the supplemental FCC license.
Orbital Communications anticipates that it will successfully complete
coordination with Intelsat for these satellites, although it also expects this
coordination requirement to disappear with the expected privatization of
Intelsat, which privatization is now targeted for completion in April 2001.
The Inmarsat treaty similarly required both technical and economic harm
coordination. Orbital Communications was notified in October 1995 that it had
successfully completed both technical and economic coordination with Inmarsat
for a satellite system. The privatization of Inmarsat in July 1999 appears to
have eliminated this specific Inmarsat coordination requirement, although it
remains a condition in the Orbital Communications license, which pre-dated the
Inmarsat privatization. Nevertheless, as with the Intelsat coordination, Orbital
Communications anticipates that there will be no problem completing the
technical coordination with Inmarsat with respect to the 12 satellites licensed
under the supplemental FCC license, because the two satellite systems operate in
different frequency bands.
Regulation of Service Providers. Primary responsibility for obtaining local
regulatory approval to offer our services in countries outside the United States
resides with the various international licensees or their designees. In all
cases, the proposed international licensees are private companies, reflecting
the expectation that our system will generally be licensed as a value-added
service rather than as a regulated basic service. International licensees and
proposed international licensees have had and continue to be in discussions with
regulators in certain major target countries.
The process for obtaining regulatory approval in foreign countries
generally conforms to the following outline. The international licensee or its
designee requests regulatory approval from the appropriate national regulatory
body, which has the sole authority to grant an operating license. Obtaining
these local regulatory approvals normally requires, among other things, that the
international licensee demonstrate the absence of interference with other
authorized users of the spectrum in each country. In some countries, this
process may take longer due to heavier shared use of the applicable frequencies
and, in other countries, may require reassignment of some existing users. The
national regulatory authority will be required to associate with the Orbital
Communications ITU submission, reflecting the fact that the terrestrial
facilities licensed by that regulatory authority will communicate with the
ORBCOMM satellites. The national regulatory authority also will be required to
submit so-called Appendix 3 information to the ITU to coordinate and protect
gateway Earth stations located in the territory or region from interference by
other ground systems in neighboring countries.
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To date, we have executed 18 agreements with international licensees. Our
licensees have secured licenses in 41 countries, 30 of which grant full
commercial authority to provide our services in such country, including Mexico,
Canada, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina,
Morocco and Malaysia. We provide technical and regulatory assistance to our
international licensees in pursuing such operating authority. The assistance we
provide includes actual in-country demonstrations that our system can share use
of the allocated spectrum with existing users while neither causing harmful
interference nor constraining operations and growth of those systems. While
international licensees have been selected, in part, based upon their perceived
qualifications to obtain the requisite foreign regulatory approvals, we cannot
assure you that they will be successful in doing so. If they are not successful,
our services will not be available in those countries. In addition, the
continued operations of the international licensees may be subject to other
regulatory requirements or regulatory or other changes in each foreign
jurisdiction.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 15, 2000, we had 432 full-time employees. None of our employees
is unionized. Our management considers its relations with employees to be good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We currently lease approximately 67,500 square feet of office space at two
locations in Herndon, Virginia. We also lease approximately 18,500 square feet
of office space in Dulles, Virginia from Orbital and approximately 31,500 square
feet of additional space at various sites in Virginia and Maryland for, among
other purposes, self-storage and to house the back-up network control center. In
the second quarter of 2000, we plan to sub-lease from Orbital approximately
92,000 square feet of additional office space in Dulles, Virginia, at which time
we intend to sub-lease a portion of the office space we currently lease in
Herndon, Virginia. We currently operate four gateway Earth stations. We own the
properties on which the St. Johns, Arizona and Arcade, New York gateway Earth
stations are located and lease, under long-term lease agreements, the properties
on which the Ocilla, Georgia and East Wenatchee, Washington gateway Earth
stations are located.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On December 18, 1998, ORBCOMM International terminated for non-performance
its service license agreements with SEC ORBCOMM (Middle East) Ltd. and CEC
Bosphorus Communications Ltd., which agreements together covered 20 countries.
On December 23, 1998, SATCOM International Group PLC, the alleged
successor-in-interest to SEC ORBCOMM's and CEC Bosphorus' interests in these
agreements, filed an action claiming that the termination of these agreements
was unjustified. The suit sought damages and a preliminary and permanent
injunction effectively awarding the licenses to SATCOM. The district court
denied SATCOM's application for a temporary restraining order on December 28,
1998. Following an evidentiary hearing, on March 18, 1999, the district court
denied SATCOM's request for a preliminary injunction. SATCOM appealed the
district court's denial of its request for a preliminary injunction; however,
SATCOM subsequently withdrew this appeal. On March 29, 1999, SATCOM moved for an
order staying the district court action pending arbitration before the American
Arbitration Association. On May 27, 1999, the district court denied SATCOM's
motion for a stay of the district court action and granted a cross-motion filed
by ORBCOMM International, staying the arbitration SATCOM had initiated and
enjoining SATCOM from proceeding with such arbitration. On December 15, 1999,
the Second Circuit summarily affirmed the district court's May 27, 1999 ruling.
On January 28, 2000, we filed a motion for summary judgment, which motion is
currently pending. In management's opinion, the final resolution of this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on ORBCOMM's or ORBCOMM International's
financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1999.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANTS' COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
We are a Delaware limited partnership whose partnership interests were
owned as of March 15, 2000 approximately 66% by Teleglobe Mobile and 34% by
Orbital Communications. There is no public trading market for any class of our
common equity. To date, we have not paid cash dividends to either Teleglobe
Mobile or Orbital Communications, and we do not intend to do so in the near
future.
There are no distributions required to be made to our partners other than a
minimum annual distribution required by our partnership agreement in the amount
of (a) 40%, multiplied by (b) an amount equal to the lesser of (i) such partners
distributive share of our taxable income for the preceding year and (ii) the
excess, if any, of cumulative Net Income (as defined) over cumulative Net Loss
(as defined) allocated to such partner since our inception. All other
distributions are to be made at the discretion of the partners. Pursuant to the
covenants contained in the Indenture dated August 7, 1996 among us, ORBCOMM
Global Capital, certain affiliate guarantors and HSBC Bank USA, as trustee,
governing the $170,000,000 14% Senior Notes due 2004 with Revenue Participation
Interest (the "Notes"), no additional cash distributions are permitted to be
made to our partners other than those distributions that satisfy the
requirements of the various limitations on "Restricted Payments" contained in
the Indenture.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following is our selected statements of operations data for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and our selected balance
sheet data as of December 31, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, which in each
case come from our audited financial statements. You should read the selected
financial data set forth below together with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our financial
statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. SINCE, PRIOR
TO THE JANUARY 2000 MERGER, WE ACCOUNTED FOR OUR OWNERSHIP IN BOTH ORBCOMM USA
AND ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL USING THE EQUITY METHOD OF ACCOUNTING, YOU SHOULD ALSO
READ THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ORBCOMM USA AND ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL AND THE
NOTES THERETO LOCATED ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN THOUSANDS)
---------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
----- -------- -------- -------- ---------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues.............................. $ 900(1) $ 420 $ 527 $ 1,262 $ 2,772
----- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Cost of sales............................... 0 268 517 1,242 3,186
Engineering expenses........................ 0(2) 5,453 8,160 17,007 25,492
Marketing, administrative and other
expenses.................................. 50 6,933 12,070 34,961 43,051
----- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations before
depreciation and amortization............. 850 (12,234) (20,220) (51,948) (68,957)
Depreciation and goodwill amortization...... 0 6,198 7,348 11,048 47,077
----- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations............... 850 (18,432) (27,568) (62,996) (116,034)
Interest income............................. 59 3,861 5,378 914 335
Interest expense and other financial
charges(3)................................ 0 (307) (833) (2,814) (25,866)
Equity in net losses of affiliates(4)....... (854) (4,602) (8,413) (4,732) (2,983)
----- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net income (loss)........................... $ 55 $(19,480) $(31,436) $(69,628) $(144,548)
===== ======== ======== ======== =========
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AS OF DECEMBER 31,
(IN THOUSANDS)
---------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
-------- -------- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash, cash equivalents and investments....... $ 1,785 $153,482 $38,862 $ 4,189 $ 8,722
ORBCOMM system and other fixed assets,
net(5)..................................... 106,990 170,034 263,379 327,946 346,042
Total assets................................. 109,030 329,509 316,969 346,634 389,812
Total long-term debt......................... 4,174 173,269 172,277 171,190 170,000
Partners' capital............................ 94,601 137,942 106,418 104,790 90,749
- ------------------------------
(1) Represents a non-refundable fee received from a potential international
licensee.
(2) Prior to 1996, we capitalized all engineering expenses as part of the total
costs of the ORBCOMM system.
(3) Prior to the November 1998 launch of full commercial service in the United
States and Canada, we capitalized substantially all interest expense as part
of the total costs of the ORBCOMM system.
(4) Prior to the January 2000 Merger, we accounted for our investments in
ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International using the equity method of accounting.
We also account for our investments in ORBCOMM Middle East & Central Asia
Ltd. and ORBCOMM Japan Limited using the equity method of accounting.
(5) Represents the aggregate costs incurred to design, construct and launch our
satellite system, to design and construct the related U.S. ground segment
and also represents capitalized launch insurance and other fixed assets, net
of accumulated depreciation.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
In 1993, Teleglobe, acting through Teleglobe Mobile, and Orbital, acting
through Orbital Communications, formed ORBCOMM. At that time, Teleglobe Mobile
and Orbital Communications each acquired general and limited partnership
interests with a 50% participation interest in us and as of December 31, 1999,
each continued to own a 50% participation interest in us. Effective January 1,
2000, Teleglobe Mobile became our sole general partner and as of March 15, 2000,
Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications owned approximately a 66% and a 34%
partnership interest in us, respectively.
Concurrently with our formation, Orbital Communications and Teleglobe
Mobile formed two marketing partnerships, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International,
each of which had the exclusive right to market our services in the United
States and internationally, respectively. As of December 31, 1999, we held
general and limited partnership interests with a 98% participation interest in
each of ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International, while Orbital Communications and
Teleglobe Mobile held the remaining 2% participation interest in ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, respectively. On January 26, 2000, each of Orbital
Communications and Teleglobe Mobile contributed to us its 2% interest in ORBCOMM
USA and ORBCOMM International, respectively (the "Merger"). As a result of the
Merger, these companies ceased doing business as separate entities and we
assumed their business operations.
Orbital Communications retains control over the licenses granted to it by
the FCC. Orbital Communications agreed to file an application with the FCC to
transfer the FCC Licenses to us once an aggregate of $75 million in capital
contributions or similar equity investments has been made to us by any entity
after January 1, 2000.
OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE; BASIS OF OUR FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our audited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
ORBCOMM and the accounts of our direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries,
including ORBCOMM Global Capital. ORBCOMM Global Capital was formed in July 1996
to act as a co-issuer with us in connection with the offering of the Notes.
ORBCOMM Global Capital has nominal assets and does not conduct any operations.
Since, as of December 31, 1999, Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
had effective control over ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International, respectively,
we accounted for each of ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International using the equity
method of accounting. Accordingly, we have not consolidated either ORBCOMM USA
or ORBCOMM International and therefore have not reported in our
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consolidated financial statements either of ORBCOMM USA's or ORBCOMM
International's assets, liabilities and operating revenues and expenses.
Instead, our proportionate share of the net income and losses of each of ORBCOMM
USA and ORBCOMM International has been recorded under the caption "Equity in net
losses of affiliates" in our consolidated financial statements. Correspondingly,
our investment in each of ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International has been carried
at cost, and has been subsequently adjusted for the proportionate share of net
income and losses, additional capital contributions and distributions under the
caption "Investments in and advances to affiliates."
We have minority interests in several international licensees and a third
party. For those investments in which we own at least a 20% interest, we account
for our investment using the equity method of accounting. For those investments
in which we own less than a 20% interest, we account for our investment using
the cost method of accounting.
We ceased being a development stage enterprise in the fourth quarter of
1999.
ROLL-OUT OF OUR SERVICES
We offer our commercial customers turnkey solutions, enabling them to
monitor and control via the Internet their fixed and mobile assets located
around the world. In November 1998, we commenced full commercial service in the
United States and Canada and we have since launched commercial service in
Europe, Japan, South America and Malaysia.
REVENUES
We generate revenues through three principal sources: (1) VARs; (2)
internal VARs; and (3) international licensees. Domestically, we generate
service revenues from the direct sale of satellite access and usage to VARs,
which sales are primarily for resale to customers. In the United States, pricing
to our VARs for satellite access and usage is based on many variables, including
the availability and cost of substitute services, the cost of providing service
and the nature of the customer application. Pricing to our VARs generally is
based on a structure that incorporates, among other things, an initial
activation charge and a recurring monthly charge for access to, and usage of,
our system. During 2000, we intend to implement usage fees based on designated
"bands" or levels of usage. It is likely that multiple pricing alternatives will
eventually be offered in the United States including usage-sensitive billing,
peak/off-peak, priority messaging, volume discounts and annual contract
commitment options. The prices charged by the VARs to their customers are set by
the VARs and are largely outside our control.
The pricing of services provided by our internal VARs to their customers is
generally based on a pricing structure similar to the VAR pricing structure
described above. The internal VARs generate additional revenues for us from the
sale of value-added software, hardware and services to their customers.
In addition to service revenues, we also generate revenues from the sale of
subscriber units. We have type-approved 13 subscriber unit models from five
manufacturers for use with our system, all of which are commercially available.
Our customers may order units directly from the manufacturers. In addition, we
have entered into agreements and may enter into additional agreements in the
future to purchase subscriber units for resale. We expect to sell these
subscriber units at prices approximately equal to or greater than our cost,
although we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. We believe that as
more subscriber units become commercially available and as the overall
production volume for subscriber units increases, the price for subscriber units
will decline.
Internationally, we generate revenues through license fees paid by, and the
sale of gateways to, international licensees. In addition, all international
licensees in commercial service pay a monthly satellite usage fee based on a
percentage of gross revenues. In the future, we expect to be able to charge the
international licensees a monthly satellite usage fee based on the greater of a
percentage of gross revenues and a data throughput fee. International licensees'
gross revenues are based on a pricing structure similar to the prices charged to
VARs, which includes an activation charge and a recurring monthly charge based
on access to, and use of, our system. On execution of a service license or
similar agreement with us, international
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licensees purchase a gateway or gateway components from us under a gateway
procurement contract or arrange to share a gateway with an international
licensee that is in close proximity. Cash received under a gateway procurement
contract is generally accounted for as deferred revenues and recognized when the
gateway has successfully completed acceptance testing. License fees from service
licenses or similar agreements are generally accounted for as deferred revenues
and recognized over the term of the agreements.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Satellite-based communication systems are characterized by high initial
capital expenditures and relatively low marginal costs for providing service. In
November 1998, we commenced full commercial service in the United States and
Canada and we commenced depreciation of our satellite system. Additionally, we
continually incur:
- engineering expenses related to the development and operation of our
system;
- marketing expenses related to the marketing of our services; and
- administrative and other expenses related to the operation of our
system.
We have also incurred expenses related to the development of internal VARs,
which are included in our marketing, administrative and other expenses. We
anticipate that our expenses related to the continued development and operation
of the internal VARs, including the development of applications for customers,
will increase substantially as we expand the marketing and distribution efforts
of the internal VARs.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- ORBCOMM
We have generated substantial negative cash flows to date. Our activities
have focused primarily on the:
- design, construction and launch of satellites;
- design and construction of associated ground network and operating
systems (including associated software);
- establishment of contractual agreements with VARs and international
licensees;
- acquisition of U.S. regulatory approvals for the operation of the
ORBCOMM system;
- development of subscriber unit manufacturing sources;
- development of internal VARs;
- development of customer software and hardware applications; and
- marketing and sales activities associated with our commercial
operations.
Revenues. Services and product sales of $2.8 million, $1.3 million and $0.5
million for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively,
relate primarily to the sale of subscriber units by us to both ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, which units in turn are sold to customers.
Cost of product sales. Cost of product sales was $3.2 million, $1.2 million
and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Cost of product sales consists of the cost of the subscriber units
sold by us to both ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International.
Engineering expenses. We incurred $25.5 million, $17.0 million and $8.2
million in ORBCOMM system engineering expenses for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. We are capitalizing a portion of engineering
direct labor costs that relate to hardware and system design and development and
coding of the software products that enhance the operation of the ORBCOMM
system. Engineering expenses, which consist primarily of salaries and
employee-related expenses, were higher year-over-year due in substantial part to
a lower capitalization of engineering expenses and a greater number of
employees.
Marketing, administrative and other expenses. We incurred $43.1 million,
$35.0 million and $12.1 million of marketing, administrative and other expenses
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
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and 1997, respectively. These expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998
include approximately $2.2 million we expensed in the third quarter of 1998
relating to the proposed initial public offering of securities of an affiliate
of ours, which offering was not consummated. Marketing, administrative and other
expenses were higher year-over-year due in substantial part to increased costs
relating to a greater number of employees.
Depreciation. We incurred $47.0 million, $11.0 million and $7.3 million in
depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Depreciation expense increased in 1999 as a result of the November
1998 launch of full commercial service of the ORBCOMM system in the United
States and Canada, at which time we commenced depreciation of our current
satellite system.
Interest income. We recognized $0.3 million, $0.9 million and $5.4 million
of interest income for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Interest income consists of interest earned on the invested
portion of the net proceeds of the Notes and the investment of unused capital
contributions from our partners. Interest income was lower in 1999 and 1998
versus 1997 primarily due to the use of the proceeds of the Notes to fund our
operations.
Interest expense and other financial charges. We incurred $25.9 million,
$2.8 million and $0.8 million of interest expense and other financial charges
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Interest
expense primarily consists of interest on the Notes. Interest expense increased
in 1999 as a result of the November 1998 launch of full commercial service of
the ORBCOMM system in the United States and Canada, at which time we stopped
capitalizing interest expense related to the ORBCOMM system.
Equity in net losses of affiliates. We recognized $3.0 million, $4.7
million and $8.4 million of equity in net losses of affiliates of which $1.8
million, $4.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively, represent our
proportionate share of ORBCOMM USA's net losses and ORBCOMM International's net
income (losses). Equity in net losses of these affiliates decreased
year-over-year because ORBCOMM International generated improved results
year-over-year. Please refer to the Results of Operations of ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International below for additional information. In addition, we
recognized $1.2 million as equity in net losses of ORBCOMM Japan Limited, our
international licensee for Japan, and ORBCOMM Middle East & Central Asia Ltd.
("OMECA"), our international licensee for the Middle East and central Asia, for
the year ended December 31, 1999 (none for the previous years). In 1999, our
equity interest in ORBCOMM Japan increased to approximately 32%. With the
purchase of this additional ownership interest, we now account for our
investment in ORBCOMM Japan using the equity method of accounting whereas, prior
to 1999, we were using the cost method of accounting. In September 1999, we made
our initial investment in OMECA and have a 20% interest in that company. We
account for our investment in OMECA using the equity method of accounting.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- ORBCOMM USA
Revenues. ORBCOMM USA recognized $2.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.2
million of revenues relating to the provision of products and services for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Total revenues
increased in 1999 over 1998 and 1997 due in substantial part to an increase in
service revenues.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales was $0.9 million, $0.8 million and $0.4
million for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Cost
of sales consists primarily of the cost of subscriber units sold to customers.
The gross margin increased in 1999 over 1998 and 1997 primarily due to the
increase in service revenues.
Marketing expenses. ORBCOMM USA incurred $6.0 million, $3.6 million and
$5.2 million of marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively. The increase in marketing expenses from 1998 to 1999 is
a result of an increase in employee-related expenses, which increase is
partially offset by the fact that, beginning in April 1999, ORBCOMM Enterprises,
as opposed to ORBCOMM USA, began incurring marketing expenses related to the
development of the internal VARs.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL
Revenues. ORBCOMM International recognized $15.8 million, $10.9 million and
$56,000 of revenues for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The increases in total revenues are primarily due to an increase
in the number of gateways that were installed and accepted in 1999 and 1998,
resulting in the recognition of revenues. ORBCOMM International's revenues
consist primarily of:
- Construction of gateways. ORBCOMM International recognized $11.2
million and $10.7 million of revenues from the installation and final
acceptance of gateways for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively (none for the year ended December 31, 1997). During 1999,
installation and final acceptance of gateways in Brazil, Argentina,
Malaysia and Curacao occurred, whereas, during 1998, installation and
final acceptance of the gateways in Italy, Japan and South Korea
occurred.
- Service license or similar agreements ("SLAs"). ORBCOMM International
recognized $1.0 million as amortization of license fees associated
with SLAs for the year ended December 31, 1999 (none for the previous
years). These SLAs authorize the international licensees to use the
ORBCOMM system to provide two-way data communication services in their
respective territories. License fees from SLAs are accounted for as
deferred revenues and recognized over the term of the SLAs.
- Other. In the second quarter of 1999, ORBCOMM International recognized
$3.1 million in revenue reflecting payments previously made by our
former international licensees SEC ORBCOMM (Middle East) Ltd. and CEC
Bosphorus Communications Ltd. under their respective SLAs and
associated agreements with us. We had terminated these licensees for
non-performance and had deferred recognizing this revenue pending the
outcome of a motion for a preliminary injunction filed by SATCOM
International Group PLC, the alleged successor-in-interest to each of
SEC ORBCOMM and CEC Bosphorus. SATCOM's motion for a preliminary
injunction was denied by the district court on March 18, 1999. See
"Legal Proceedings."
Cost of sales. ORBCOMM International incurred $9.7 million, $10.9 million
and $0.1 million of cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively. Cost of sales relates primarily to cost of sales
associated with the construction and delivery of gateways.
Marketing expenses. ORBCOMM International incurred $3.0 million, $1.2
million and $3.2 million of marketing expenses for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The increase in marketing expenses from 1998
to 1999 is a result of an increase in employee related expenses.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Set forth below is certain supplemental data for the ORBCOMM system
comprising data of ORBCOMM, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International for the year
ended December 31, 1999. Such supplemental data should be read in conjunction
with our financial statements and the financial statements of ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, and the notes thereto located elsewhere in this report.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
(IN THOUSANDS)
ORBCOMM ORBCOMM ELIMINATION
ORBCOMM USA INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES TOTAL
-------- ------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Total revenues........................ $ 2,772 $2,123 $15,804 $(1,575) $ 19,124
Expenses.............................. 118,806(1) 6,939 12,776 (1,575) (136,946)
-------- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations......... (116,034) (4,816) 3,028 0 (117,822)
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ORBCOMM ORBCOMM ELIMINATION
ORBCOMM USA INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES TOTAL
-------- ------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Interest income (expense), net........ (25,531) 0 0 0 (25,531)
Equity in net losses of affiliates.... (2,983) 0 0 1,788 (1,195)
-------- ------ ------- ------- ---------
Net income (loss)..................... (144,548) (4,816) 3,028 1,788 (144,548)
Capital expenditures.................. 65,131(2) 0 0 0 65,131
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
ORBCOMM ORBCOMM
ORBCOMM USA INTERNATIONAL TOTAL
-------- ------- ------------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 8,722 $ 0 $ 0 $ 8,722
ORBCOMM system and other fixed assets, net(2).... 346,042 0 0 346,042
Total debt....................................... 170,000 0 0 170,000
Subscriber units(3).............................. 1,662 12,755 6,508 20,925
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes $47.1 million of depreciation expense and goodwill amortization.
(2) Represents capital expenditures, including non-cash capital expenditures
from Orbital, principally for the construction of the space and ground
network system elements.
(3) Represents subscriber units that have been activated on the ORBCOMM system,
14,155 of which were revenue generating.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have incurred cumulative net losses from inception and have financed our
operations to date primarily with capital contributions from our partners and
through financing activities. For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, net cash used in operating activities was $103.8 million, $53.2 million
and $12.4 million, respectively, primarily as a result of a net loss (excluding
items not affecting cash for depreciation, amortization, and equity in net
losses of affiliates) of $93.4 million, $53.0 million and $14.8 million,
respectively. The increased net loss year-over-year, excluding items not
affecting cash, is primarily attributable to higher operating expenses related
to the roll-out of commercial service around the world and because interest
expense is no longer capitalized as it was during the construction phase of the
ORBCOMM system.
For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, cash used in
investing activities was $18.4 million, $26.0 million and $27.2 million,
respectively, primarily for capital expenditures, investments in and advances to
affiliates and the purchase and sale of investments. In 1999, we spent $11.9
million for the design, development and construction of satellites, launch
services and the design and construction of the U.S. ground segment, excluding
$53.3 million of accrued milestone obligations under the 1995 and 1999
procurement agreements, each with Orbital. In April 1999, we invested $3.0
million in Aeris.net, a provider of two-way, digital cellular-based data
communication, with whom we have executed a service provider agreement.
For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, cash flows from financing
activities provided cash of $127.1 million and $66.9 million, respectively. The
increase from 1998 to 1999 is primarily attributable to increased capital
contributions from our partners, which were $130.2 million in 1999 and $68.0
million in 1998. Financing activities resulted in a use of cash for the year
ended December 31, 1997 of $1.2 million, primarily attributable to the repayment
of long-term debt.
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CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Over the next twelve months, we currently anticipate that we will spend
approximately an additional $160 million. Expected future uses of cash include:
- the funding of operating losses;
- the development of integrated applications for our customers;
- the enhancement of our marketing and distribution capabilities through
strategic investments in internal VARs and international licensees;
- the procurement and launch of additional satellites;
- the maintenance of our satellite system;
- the payment of interest on the Notes; and
- working capital and general partnership purposes.
FINANCING PLAN
We expect to continue to generate negative cash flows throughout 2000. We
expect that a portion of our cash requirements will be met through revenues from
operations. In addition, we expect to receive additional cash payments related
to our achievement of milestones under agreements with our international
licensees. Our equipment contracts are U.S. dollar-based and, hence, not subject
to foreign currency risk. Through December 31, 1999, Teleglobe Mobile and
Orbital Communications had made capital contributions to us totaling
approximately $358 million. We also received net proceeds of $164.5 million from
the sale of the Notes. While it is not contractually required to do so,
Teleglobe Mobile is currently funding our operations. We expect to fund our
future capital requirements through an initial public offering, additional
contributions or loans from our partners, other equity or debt financings in the
public or private markets or operating lease arrangements or we may seek to
enter into strategic arrangements, or some combination thereof. We cannot assure
you, however, that other equity or debt financing or operating lease
arrangements, or some combination thereof, will be available including, without
limitation, from our partners, and, if available, that they will be available on
terms acceptable to us or that strategic arrangements will be possible and, if
so, that they will be possible on terms acceptable to us.
YEAR 2000
We did not experience any material disruptions associated with the Year
2000 issue. At December 31, 1999, we had expended approximately $2 million on
our Year 2000 readiness program.
RISK FACTORS
Many statements contained in this report are not historical and are
forward-looking in nature. Examples of such forward-looking statements include
statements concerning:
- our operations, funding needs and financing sources,
- our cash flows and profitability;
- our launch and commercial service schedules;
- future regulatory approvals;
- expected characteristics of competing systems; and
- expected actions of third parties such as equipment suppliers, VARs
and international licensees.
These forward-looking statements are inherently predictive and speculative,
and are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events and
operating performance. The following are some of the risks that could cause
actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such
statements.
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LIMITED HISTORY OF OPERATIONS AND NET LOSSES
We expect to continue to incur net losses. We incurred cumulative net
losses of approximately $265 million through December 31, 1999 and expect losses
to continue for at least the next several quarters. Our continued business
development will require substantial expenditures, most of which we will incur
before we realize significant revenues from the ORBCOMM system. Together with
our operating expenses, these expenditures will result in negative cash flows
unless or until we establish an adequate revenue-generating customer base.
We have a limited operating and financial history. We have conducted full
commercial operations for only a limited period of time. Our ability to provide
commercial service globally or in key markets and to generate positive operating
cash flows will depend on our ability to, directly or indirectly, among other
things:
- successfully operate and maintain the satellites in the constellation;
- successfully and timely develop and distribute applications that
enable customers to use the ORBCOMM system;
- develop distribution capabilities within the United States and
licensing and distribution arrangements outside the United States
sufficient to capture and retain an adequate customer base;
- successfully and timely launch an additional plane of satellites in an
equatorial orbit to enhance service in the equatorial region;
- install the necessary ground infrastructure and obtain the necessary
regulatory and other approvals outside the United States; and
- provide for the timely design, manufacture and distribution of
subscriber units to customers in sufficient quantities, with
appropriate functional characteristics and at competitive prices for
various applications.
MARKET DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IS NOT CERTAIN
Customer acceptance depends on several factors. The success of the ORBCOMM
system will depend on customer acceptance of our services, which is contingent
on a number of factors, including:
- the number of satellites that are operational at any time;
- completion and performance of the necessary ground infrastructure;
- receipt of the necessary regulatory and other approvals to operate in
a particular country;
- the availability of subscriber units that are compatible with the
ORBCOMM system and that meet the varying needs of customers;
- the price of our services and related subscriber units; and
- the extent, availability and price of alternative data communication
services.
In addition, we believe that market acceptance of certain of our services
depends on the design, development and commercial availability of integrated
hardware and software applications that support the specific needs of our target
customers. Our VARs, internal VARs and international licensees are responsible
for developing and/or marketing such applications. If there is a lack of, or a
delay in the availability of, the components necessary to fulfill our customers'
business requirements or if the products our VARs develop fail to meet key
customer requirements, market acceptance of ORBCOMM services could be adversely
affected. As with any new communication service, we cannot assure you that the
market will accept our services.
Currently over 100 companies are using or are in the process of evaluating
the ORBCOMM system in North America. Our business plan assumes that our
potential customers will accept certain limitations inherent in satellite
communication services. For example, the ORBCOMM system's line-of-sight
limitation,
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particularly in "urban canyons," and its limited ability to penetrate buildings
and other objects, could limit customers' use of the ORBCOMM system and
services. In addition to the limitations that the ORBCOMM system architecture
imposes, our services will not be available in those countries where we or our
international licensees have not obtained the necessary regulatory and other
approvals. Certain potential customers may find these limitations on the
availability of our services to be unacceptable.
SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Additional funding required could be significant. To maintain our satellite
constellation and to expand global service, we will require significant
additional capital expenditures. Under the 1999 procurement agreement with
Orbital, as amended, we will procure, at a minimum, among other things, 11
additional satellites, two satellite propulsion rings and two separate Pegasus
launch vehicles, at a total cost not to exceed $93 million. As of December 31,
1999, we had incurred approximately $16 million under the 1999 procurement
agreement. Interest expense on the Notes also represents a significant cash
requirement for us.
We will require significant expenditures to fund service development,
marketing, and distribution activities. Developing, marketing and distributing
data communication services to customers, constructing certain components of the
ground infrastructure or procuring and launching additional satellites may
require us to make significant expenditures that are not currently planned.
These additional expenditures may arise as a result of, among other things:
- a decision to establish additional internal VARs;
- the requirement that we construct international gateways because
international licensees are unable or unwilling to do so; or
- the requirement that we procure and launch satellites to replace
satellites in the event of, for example, an uninsured loss.
Cost increases from satellite enhancements, launch failures and other
sources could negatively affect our financial performance. We could experience
an increase in costs over those currently estimated to be necessary to complete
our enhanced satellite constellation. These additional cost increases could come
from, for example, launch or uninsured satellite failures and further
modifications to all or a portion of the ORBCOMM system design to work out
technical difficulties or to accommodate changes in market conditions, customer
needs, system requirements or regulatory requirements. Significant cost
increases related to launching and implementing our enhanced satellite
constellation could negatively affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
The costs of maintaining the space segment may exceed funds generated from
operations. The ORBCOMM satellites, which constitute a substantial portion of
our total assets, have limited useful lives. We anticipate using funds from
operations to maintain our current satellite constellation and to develop a
second generation of satellites to replenish and expand the constellation. If
sufficient funds from operations are not available and we are unable to obtain
financing for the second generation satellites, we will not be able to replace
the first generation satellites at the end of their useful lives.
RAPID GROWTH
Our business is expected to grow rapidly, and our future success depends in
large part on our ability to manage the recent and anticipated growth in our
business. For us to manage this growth, we will need to:
- significantly expand our internal management, technical, provisioning,
information and accounting systems;
- establish directly or through third parties an installation and repair
network;
- expand and enhance our financial procedures;
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- identify, attract and retain qualified management, professional and
technical personnel;
- monitor operations; and
- control costs.
These activities are expected to place a significant strain on our
financial and management resources. If we are unable to manage growth
effectively, our business could suffer.
IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION RISKS
To be able to offer turnkey solutions to our customers, we will be required
to develop and implement successfully applications and application platforms
that create a link between our communication system and our customers' IT
systems. While our Dolphin Software Services subsidiary has developed an
application service platform that processes, integrates and displays the data
collected from the ORBCOMM system, which application service platform is
currently used by our internal VARs and marketed to our VARs and international
licensees, other competing products may be commercially available or may be
developed for commercial distribution, which products could offer more
efficient, cost-effective and/or user-friendly applications that could be used
with our services. If other products that compete with our application service
platform are commercially available or are developed for commercial
distribution, it could reduce, perhaps substantially, the size of the market for
our application service platform, which could have an adverse effect on the
amount of revenue we are able to generate from our Dolphin Software Services
subsidiary and inhibit our ability to recoup our continuing investment in
Dolphin Software Services. In addition, our internal VARs, VARs and
international licensees are responsible for developing customer applications for
use with the ORBCOMM system. If our internal VARs, VARs, or international
licensees fail to develop applications that are technically viable and
competitively priced and that meet our customers' specific needs, such failure
could negatively effect our ability to obtain or maintain customers.
While the ORBCOMM system has successfully transmitted over 21 million
messages to date, our system is exposed to the risks inherent in any large-scale
complex communication system using new or advanced technologies. Despite
extensive testing of the different segments of our system, the nature and
complexity of our system, including the design and integration of communication
technologies and devices ranging from satellites operating in space to ground
infrastructure, including subscriber units, located around the world, is such
that we cannot assure you that our system will function in its intended manner.
Even if built to specifications, any or all of the segments of the ORBCOMM
system may not function as expected. If any of the diverse and dispersed
elements of our system fails to function or to be integrated successfully as
required, that failure could render our system unable to perform at the quality
and capacity levels required for us to operate our business successfully.
SECURITY ON THE INTERNET
Like many other modern communication networks, we currently deliver a
substantial portion of data to our customers over the Internet and expect to
continue to use the Internet as a primary delivery method for data collected
from our satellite system. While we currently take certain measures to ensure
the security of customer data, persons who are able to circumvent our security
measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in
our data delivery operations. Concerns over the security of our delivery of
information over the Internet may also inhibit the growth of our customer base.
If any compromise of our security measures were to occur, or if customers were
to perceive that such unauthorized access was likely, it could have a material
adverse effect on our reputation, business, prospects, financial condition or
results of operations. We may be required to expend capital and other resources
to protect against such security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by
such breaches, which expenditures may be significant.
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SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE
We currently have a significant amount of indebtedness and, therefore, are
highly leveraged. As of December 31, 1999, our total liabilities were
approximately $299 million. Our substantial leverage could negatively affect our
market value because it may:
- limit our ability to borrow additional funds;
- require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from
operations to repaying indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability
of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures,
strategic investments and other requirements;
- increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry
conditions; and
- limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our
business and in the communication industry generally.
The Indenture permits us to incur limited additional indebtedness under
certain specific circumstances. We may incur additional indebtedness in the
future in one or more fixed asset financings or under other facilities, to the
extent that the Indenture permits us to do so. Any additional borrowings would
further increase the amount of our leverage and the associated risks.
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS IN THE INDENTURE
The Indenture contains certain restrictive covenants. The restrictions in
the Indenture affect, and in some cases significantly limit or prohibit, our
ability to, among other things:
- incur additional indebtedness;
- make prepayments of certain indebtedness;
- make distributions on the partnership interests;
- make certain investments;
- engage in transactions with affiliates;
- issue capital stock;
- create liens;
- sell assets; and
- engage in mergers and consolidations.
If we fail to comply with the restrictive covenants in the Indenture, our
obligation to repay the Notes may be accelerated.
COMPETITION
Competition in the communication industry is intense, fueled by rapid and
continuous technological advances and alliances among industry participants
seeking to use such advances to capture significant market share. Although
currently no other company is providing the same global, satellite-based
commercial data communication services that we provide, we anticipate that the
ORBCOMM system will face competition from numerous existing and potential
alternative communication services. We expect that potential competitors may
include:
- operators or users of other little LEO satellite systems similar to
the ORBCOMM system;
- operators and users of terrestrial-based data communication systems.
- operators or users of networks of big LEO satellite systems;
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- operators or users of medium-Earth orbit satellite systems that use
satellites with orbits located between 2,000 and 18,000 miles above
the Earth; and
- operators or users of geostationary or geosynchronous satellite
systems that use satellites with orbits located approximately 22,300
nautical miles directly above the equator.
If any of our competitors succeeds in marketing and deploying systems with
services having functions and prices similar to those we offer or expect to
offer, our ability to compete in markets served by such competitors may be
adversely affected.
Some of our actual or potential competitors have financial, personnel and
other resources that are substantially greater than our resources. In addition,
a continuing trend toward consolidation and strategic alliances in the
communication industry could give rise to significant new competitors.
Furthermore, any foreign competitor may benefit from subsidies from, or other
protective measures taken by, its home country. Some of these competitors could
develop more technologically advanced systems than the ORBCOMM system or could
provide more efficient or less expensive services than those that we provide or
expect to provide.
We may also face competition in the future from companies using new
technologies including new satellite systems. A number of these new
technologies, even if they are not ultimately successful, could negatively
affect us. Additionally, our business could be adversely affected if competitors
begin or expand their operations or if existing or new communication service
providers are able to penetrate our target markets.
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS
We rely heavily on VARs within the United States. In the United States, we
rely heavily on VARs to market and distribute many of our services to customers.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified
VARs. We cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into VAR agreements for
additional markets at the times or on the terms we expect or that we will be
able to retain our existing VARs when the terms of their respective agreements
end.
We believe that for the VARs to successfully market our services, they will
need to design, develop and make commercially available data applications that
support the specific needs of our target customers. This will require the VARs
to commit substantial financial and technological resources. Certain VARs are or
are likely to be newly formed ventures with limited financial resources, and
these entities may not be successful in designing data applications or marketing
our services effectively. The inability of VARs to provide data applications to
customers could negatively affect market acceptance of our services. Also, if
VARs fail to develop data applications, we may do so, which would increase our
expenses. Furthermore, while our reseller agreements with the VARs provide that
VARs will use all commercially reasonable efforts to market and distribute our
services, generally the VARs are not required to meet established sales
objectives.
Although we are developing VARs internally, we currently act primarily as a
wholesaler to VARs. Thus, the cost to customers for our services purchased
through VARs is largely beyond our control. Furthermore, we will have no rights
independently to offer particular data applications developed by VARs or to use
the associated software unless we enter into appropriate licensing agreements.
By developing internal VARs, we may create actual or apparent conflicts with
certain VARs, which could adversely affect such VARs' willingness to invest
resources in developing and distributing data applications for the ORBCOMM
system.
We rely heavily on international licensees outside the United
States. Outside the United States, we enter into service license or similar
agreements with international licensees. The international licensees are
responsible in their territories for procuring and installing the necessary
gateways, obtaining the necessary regulatory and other approvals to provide
services using the ORBCOMM system and marketing and distributing our services.
We select the international licensees primarily by evaluating their ability to
market and distribute our services successfully. Although we consider many
elements in evaluating potential international licensees, an individual
international licensee may not satisfy any one or more of these elements. Our
success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified
international licensees. In addition, each agreement we have executed with an
international licensee provides that the international licensee may
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terminate the agreement upon one year's written notice, and any international
licensee may decide to do so. Also, we have the right under the terms of these
agreements to terminate such agreements based on the non-performance of the
licensee as described therein.
Certain of the agreements grant international licensees the right to
terminate their agreements if they are unable to obtain the necessary regulatory
and other approvals within certain time parameters. Our international licensees
may not be successful in obtaining the necessary regulatory and other approvals,
and, even if successful, the international licensees may not develop a market
and/or a distribution network for our services.
Certain international licensees are or are likely to be newly formed
ventures with limited financial resources. These entities may not be successful
in procuring and installing the necessary gateways, obtaining the necessary
regulatory approvals or successfully marketing and distributing our services.
The general form of our service license agreement does not obligate us or give
us the contractual right to construct the necessary gateway if an international
licensee is unable or unwilling to construct one. In the future, and if an
international licensee is unable or unwilling to do so, we may desire to
construct, or finance the construction of, the necessary gateway. However, the
international licensee or the relevant governmental authority may not permit us
to construct the gateway, or we may not be able to bear the cost of constructing
the gateway, which cost may be significant.
DEPENDENCE ON MANUFACTURERS
Our success depends in part on manufacturers developing, on a timely basis,
relatively inexpensive subscriber units. While we have type-approved 13
different subscriber unit models from five manufacturers for use with our
system, a sufficient supply of these subscriber units may not be available to
customers at prices or with functional characteristics that meet customers'
needs. If subscriber unit manufacturers are unable to develop and manufacture
subscriber units successfully at cost-effective prices that both meet the needs
of customers and are available in sufficient numbers, market acceptance of the
ORBCOMM system and the quality of our services could be affected, which, in
turn, could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
DEPENDENCE ON ORBITAL
We do not independently have, and do not intend to acquire, except by
contracting with other parties, the ability to design, construct or launch our
satellites. Under the 1999 procurement agreement with Orbital, as amended, we
will procure, at a minimum, among other things, 11 additional satellites, two
satellite propulsion rings and two separate Pegasus launch vehicles, at a total
cost not to exceed $93 million. In addition, we have an option to procure three
additional satellites and associated launch services using the Pegasus launch
vehicle. Depending on the product or service being purchased, we are required to
pay Orbital a fixed amount, subject to certain incentive payments and other
adjustments, or on a time and materials basis. Under the 1999 procurement
agreement, we are entitled to withhold payments from Orbital based on Orbital's
failure to achieve certain milestones, until such time as such milestones are
achieved or we have waived in writing the requirement to achieve such
milestones.
An adverse effect on Orbital and its business for whatever reason may
adversely affect Orbital's ability to perform under the 1999 procurement
agreement. We have not identified any alternate provider of the services Orbital
currently provides. An alternate service provider may not be available or, if
available, may not be available at a cost or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition, some of our VARs and subscriber unit manufacturers are relying
on Magellan to design and manufacture a low-cost chip set that will reduce the
cost of certain of our subscriber units. Failure by Magellan to design and
manufacture, in a timely manner, a chip set that is fully compliant with the
relevant specifications could have an adverse effect on us.
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DEPENDENCE ON AND ABILITY TO PROTECT PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Our success and ability to compete depend to a certain degree on our
proprietary technology, and we depend on Orbital's intellectual property rights
relating to the ORBCOMM system. Under the 1995 procurement agreement and the
1999 procurement agreement, Orbital or its subcontractors generally own the
intellectual property relating to the work performed by Orbital under the
procurement agreements, including the U.S. ground segment and our satellites,
other than certain communication software. We rely primarily on copyright and
trade secret law to protect our technology. While we have applied for six
patents, none of our patent applications has yet been granted. We have entered
into confidentiality agreements with each of our employees, consultants and
vendors, which agreements, where appropriate, obligate the signatory to assign
to us proprietary technology developed during performance under the agreements
and generally to control access to and distribution of our software,
documentation and other proprietary information. Notwithstanding these
precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain
and use our software or other proprietary information without authorization or
to develop similar software independently. In addition, absent the appropriate
licensing agreements, we have no rights independently to offer particular
applications developed by VARs or to use the software included in these
applications. Enforcing intellectual property rights to these applications will
depend on the VARs. Furthermore, the laws of countries outside the United States
may afford us and our VARs little or no effective protection of our intellectual
property. Losing protection of these intellectual property rights could
negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The steps we have taken may not prevent misappropriation of our technology,
and agreements entered into for that purpose may not be enforceable. In
addition, we may have to resort to litigation in the future to enforce our
intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the
validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against
claims of infringement or invalidity. This litigation, whether or not
successful, could result in substantial costs and diverted resources, each of
which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
LIMITED LIFE OF SATELLITE CONSTELLATION
A significant portion of our tangible assets are our LEO satellites and the
related ground infrastructure. The loss or failure of satellites in the
constellation could negatively affect us.
There are many factors that contribute to and may affect the useful life of
any satellites, including our satellites, such as the quality of the satellites'
design and construction and the durability and expected gradual environmental
degradation of their electrical and other components.
We expect our current satellite constellation to be in commercial service
through at least 2006. We expect to launch replacement satellites periodically.
One of our satellites placed in service in 1995 is no longer operational.
DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF SATELLITES
Loss of or damage to our satellites may result from a variety of causes,
including:
- electrostatic storms;
- collisions with other objects, including space debris, man-made
objects or certain space phenomena such as comets, meteors or meteor
showers;
- random failure of satellite components; or
- high levels of radiation.
Also, loss of or damage to our satellites may result from the failure of
the launch vehicle that was to place the satellites in orbit.
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The ORBCOMM system was designed to provide for redundancy in the event of
the loss or failure of one or more satellites in the constellation, whether due
to a satellite reaching the end of its life or some other cause. However, the
loss or failure of satellites in the constellation may cause:
- gaps in service availability;
- significantly degraded service quality;
- increased costs; or
- loss of revenue for the period that service is interrupted or
impaired.
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a number of factors
that may cause anomalies with respect to the operation or performance of
satellites in orbit. In connection with the deployment of our current satellite
constellation, we experienced certain anomalies with respect to several of our
satellites. These anomalies include reduced power levels on certain satellites
and the failure of certain satellites to transmit data to subscriber units.
While we have bypassed the data transmission anomaly, the coverage footprint of
such satellites is reduced. Moreover, implementation of the bypass requires that
certain manufacturers modify certain subscriber communicator models to enable
them to work with the modified satellites. Also, we have demonstrated that the
reduced power levels experienced by some of our satellites do not result in the
inability of those satellites to offer commercial service. You should also note
that:
- anomalies such as those described above, or other anomalies that have
comparable effects, could occur in the future with respect to the
in-orbit satellites or additional satellites launched by us; and
- if we are unable to correct such anomalies, if applicable, or should
additional anomalies occur in the future with respect to the other
in-orbit satellites or additional satellites that we launch, such
events could negatively affect our business.
LAUNCH FAILURES
To date, we have successfully launched 35 satellites into their proper
orbits, 33 of which are in commercial service. Currently, we plan to launch
seven additional satellites on a Pegasus launch vehicle in early 2001. Satellite
launches are subject to significant risks, including:
- failure of the launch vehicle due to a crash or explosion, which could
cause disabling damage to or loss of the satellites;
- damage to the satellites during loading into the launch vehicle,
during the launch itself or as the satellites are deployed by the
launch vehicle;
- failure of the satellites to achieve their proper orbits;
- unreasonable delays related to poor weather conditions or prior launch
failures; and
- delays or failures in the development or deployment of satellite
propulsion rings.
We bear the risk of loss of a launch vehicle and satellites upon release of
the Pegasus launch vehicle from Orbital's L-1011 aircraft. Our insurance against
the loss of a launch vehicle and its satellite payload may be limited. If our
next satellite launch fails, or if we should need to procure launch services
from an alternate provider for any reason, the resulting delays would increase
the costs to deploy our enhanced satellite constellation.
LIMITED INSURANCE
Our insurance may not adequately mitigate the adverse effects of a launch
failure or of a loss of satellites in-orbit. For the December 1999 launch (the
"Fourth Pegasus Launch"), we procured insurance against launch failure and
in-orbit failure of the seven satellites launched. This insurance provides that
if there is an in-orbit failure of two or more of the seven satellites launched
in the Fourth Pegasus Launch, our insurance will cover the cost of the launch
vehicle and the satellites at the rate of 20% of the aggregate amount of such
35
38
costs based on a failure of two such satellites, 40% of such costs based on a
failure of three such satellites, 60% of such costs based on a failure of four
such satellites, and 100% of such costs based on a failure of five or more such
satellites. We have not yet procured insurance for our planned launch of seven
satellites in early 2001 (the "Fifth Pegasus Launch").
We have procured insurance against the in-orbit failure of satellites in
each of the first three planes of eight satellites launched using the Pegasus
launch vehicle. If there is a failure of any of the three planes of eight
satellites currently in orbit, where "failure" is defined as the loss of three
or more satellites in any such plane, our insurance program would cover a
portion of the cost of a replacement launch vehicle and thereafter would cover
the cost of the launch vehicle and the satellites, as well as the increased
insurance premium thereon, for subsequent launches. In the event such a failure
occurs prior to the Fifth Pegasus Launch, and we decided to launch the
satellites currently intended to be launched in the Fifth Pegasus Launch as
replacement satellites, our insurance would cover a portion of the cost to
procure the launch vehicle used in the Fifth Pegasus Launch, and thereafter, the
launch vehicle and the satellites launched in connection with the Fifth Pegasus
Launch.
We have no insurance against in-orbit satellite failure for the two
satellites that were launched in April 1995 or for the two satellites launched
in February 1998.
SCHEDULE DELAYS
A delay or failure of the launch of seven satellites into an equatorial
orbit currently scheduled for early 2001, or a delay or failure in placing such
satellites into commercial operation, could impair service in that region, which
could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The failure to maintain the necessary U.S. licenses could negatively affect
us. Our business may be affected by the regulatory activities of various U.S.
government agencies, primarily the FCC. Although each of the FCC Licenses is
currently valid, the FCC could revoke these licenses if Orbital Communications
fails to satisfy certain conditions or to meet certain prescribed milestones,
including:
- the September 2002 milestone by which Orbital Communications must
launch two of the 12 additional satellites licensed in March 1998; and
- the March 2004 milestone by which Orbital Communications must launch
the remaining ten of these satellites,
unless the FCC grants extensions or modifications for accomplishing the required
milestones. Orbital Communications is required to apply for a license renewal
three years before each FCC License expires. While, based on past experience,
Orbital Communications believes the FCC generally grants the renewal
applications of existing licensees where the licensee has satisfied the
requirements of the license, it is possible that the FCC will not, in fact,
renew the FCC Licenses. Should the FCC revoke or fail to renew the FCC Licenses,
or if Orbital Communications fails to satisfy any of the conditions of the FCC
Licenses, such event would negatively affect our financial condition and results
of operations.
The FCC has licensed Orbital Communications to operate as a private
carrier. Because of our method of distributing services, we believe that Orbital
Communications currently is not subject to the restrictions that apply to common
carriers or to providers of Commercial Mobile Radio Services ("CMRS"). In the
United States, we distribute our services to customers indirectly through VARs
and directly through internal VARs. In most cases, we will provide our customers
with enhanced services and will not be interconnected with the public switched
telephone network. Therefore, we do not believe that the FCC will regard these
services as common carrier or CMRS. In the future, however, we may provide
services that the FCC deems common carrier or CMRS, or the FCC may exercise its
discretionary authority to apply the common carrier or CMRS rules to our
operations. Applying these rules could negatively affect our financial condition
and results of operations by, for instance, subjecting us to rate regulation and
certain tariff filing requirements, limiting some foreign ownership in us and
subjecting us to state regulation, if we were deemed to be a common carrier.
36
39
Our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely
affected if the United States adopts new laws, policies or changes in the
interpretation or application of existing laws, policies and regulations that
modify the present regulatory environment.
The failure to obtain regulatory approvals in other countries could hinder
global service offerings. Our business is affected by the regulatory authorities
of the countries in which we or our international licensees will operate and in
which we plan to offer our services. Our international licensees will be
required to obtain local regulatory approvals to offer our services, to operate
gateways and to sell subscriber units within their territories. Thus, our
international licensees must obtain numerous approvals before we can offer full
global coverage. Our current business plan is based on our receiving regulatory
approvals in several foreign jurisdictions within specified time periods. As of
March 20, 2000, our licensees had secured licenses in 41 countries, 30 of which
grant full commercial authority to provide ORBCOMM services in such country
including Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Venezuela,
Argentina, Morocco and Malaysia. Certain of these licenses permit a range of
activities including the right to test and demonstrate or operate the ORBCOMM
system on a temporary or otherwise limited basis. While each international
licensee is responsible for obtaining regulatory approvals in its territory,
each international licensee may not be successful in doing so. If any
international licensee is not successful, we will not be able to offer services
in the affected territory.
Although many countries have moved to privatize communication services and
permit competition in providing these services, some countries continue to
require that a government-owned entity provide all communication services. While
we anticipate that substantially all of the international licensees will be
private entities, we may be required to offer our services through a
government-owned or -controlled entity in those territories where government
monopolies prevail.
Our inability to offer service in a foreign country or countries could
negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. Regulatory
provisions in countries in which we or our international licensees seek to
operate may impose impediments on our or the international licensees'
operations, and such restrictions could be unduly burdensome. Our business may
also be adversely affected by regulatory changes resulting from judicial
decisions and/or the adoption of treaties, legislation or regulations by the
national authorities of countries or territories where we plan to operate the
ORBCOMM system.
Coordination with the ITU poses risks of delays. Frequency coordination
through the ITU is a necessary prerequisite to obtaining interference protection
from other satellite systems. There is no penalty for launching a satellite
system before completing the ITU coordination process, although protection from
interference through this process is only afforded as of the date that the ITU
notifies Orbital Communications that the coordination process has been
successfully completed. Orbital Communications has completed the ITU
coordination process with respect to our satellite constellation with all
administrations except Russia and France. Orbital Communications expects that it
will successfully complete the ITU coordination process with Russia and France
later this year, at which time the ORBCOMM system will be fully registered with
the ITU. The FCC has modified Orbital Communications' ITU documentation to
include the proposed launch of the 12 additional satellites for which Orbital
Communications has been licensed. We do not expect this modification to affect
coordination of our satellite constellation. Moreover, supplemental coordination
of these 12 satellites is not required for countries for which the U.S.
previously completed coordination.
Any delay in or failure to complete the ITU coordination process
successfully may result in interference to the ORBCOMM system by other mobile
satellite systems operating internationally, and this interference could
negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, international licensees working with their respective governments
are required to complete ITU coordination of subscriber units and gateways
located in their territories with countries located within distances determined
by ITU recommendations. These coordinations may not be completed successfully or
in a timely manner, which could result in delayed availability of ORBCOMM
services in the affected territories.
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RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
Multinational operations and developing markets pose unique operating
challenges. Since we expect to derive substantial revenues by providing
communication services globally, we are subject to certain multinational
operating risks, such as:
- changes in domestic and foreign government regulations and
communication standards;
- licensing requirements;
- tariffs or taxes and other trade barriers;
- price, wage and exchange controls;
- political, social and economic instability;
- inflation;
- interest rate and currency fluctuations; and
- U.S. law prohibitions from operating in certain countries.
Many of these risks may be greater in developing countries or regions. In
addition, although we anticipate that the international licensees will make all
payments in U.S. dollars, currency control restrictions may prevent the
international licensees in those countries from being able to do so. Because we
expect to receive most payments in U.S. dollars, we do not intend to hedge
against exchange rate fluctuations.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AGREEMENTS BETWEEN AND INVESTMENTS BY OUR PARTNERS
Deadlock Between Our Partners. Teleglobe and Orbital are our sole
partners. Under our partnership agreement, certain transactions are subject to
the approval of both our partners. Any potential deadlock between our partners
could negatively affect our results of operations.
BCE Ownership of TMI Communications. BCE, which currently owns
approximately 23% of Teleglobe and recently announced that it had executed a
definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 77% of Teleglobe, owns 100% of TMI
Communications. TMI Communications provides geostationary satellite-based
communication services, including wireless digital data, voice, fax and dispatch
radio services, in North, Central and South America. Some of the services
offered by TMI Communications may compete with the services offered by ORBCOMM.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have issued $170,000,000 in Notes that mature in August 2004. The Notes
earn interest at a fixed rate of 14% as well as a 5% revenue participation
interest on service and certain other revenues. The market price for the Notes
may fluctuate as a function of market interest rate changes, investors'
perceptions of the risks faced by us and our revenue growth.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. 40
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. 41
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
1998................................................... 42
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997................................................... 43
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997............................................... 44
Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital for the Years
Ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.......................................... 45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ 46
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. 57
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. 58
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998........... 59
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997.................................... 60
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997.................................... 61
Statements of Partners' Capital for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997....................... 62
Notes to Financial Statements............................. 63
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. 66
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. 67
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998........... 68
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997.................................... 69
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997.................................... 70
Statements of Partners' Capital for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997....................... 71
Notes to Financial Statements............................. 72
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. 77
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. 78
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
1998................................................... 79
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 1999 1998 and
1997................................................... 80
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997............................................... 81
Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital for the Years
Ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.......................................... 82
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ 83
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. 90
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. 91
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
1998................................................... 92
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997............................................... 93
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997............................................... 94
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit for the
Years Ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.......................................... 95
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ 96
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
ORBCOMM Global, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of ORBCOMM
Global, L.P. (the "Company") as of December 31, 1999, and the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, partners' capital
and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. The financial
statements of the Company as of December 31, 1998 and for each of the two years
in the period then ended, were audited by other auditors whose report dated
March 30, 1999, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ORBCOMM
Global, L.P. as of December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Vienna, VA
February 3, 2000
40
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Partners
ORBCOMM Global, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ORBCOMM
Global, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensiveness, partners' capital,
and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31,
1998. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ORBCOMM
Global, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period
ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG LLP
Washington, DC
March 30, 1999
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ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 8,722 $ 3,799
Investments............................................... 0 390
Accounts receivable....................................... 1,264 0
Inventory................................................. 15,964 6,688
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 5,171 248
-------- --------
Total Current Assets.............................. 31,121 11,125
Mobile Communications Satellite System and other property,
plant and equipment, net.................................. 346,042 327,946
Other assets, net........................................... 5,543 4,690
Investments in and advances to affiliates................... 6,722 2,483
Goodwill, net............................................... 384 390
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $389,812 $346,634
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt......................... $ 0 $ 1,190
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. 20,030 19,255
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities -- Orbital
Sciences Corporation................................... 107,513 50,800
-------- --------
Total Current Liabilities......................... 127,543 71,245
Revenue participation accrued interest...................... 1,520 599
Long-term debt.............................................. 170,000 170,000
-------- --------
Total Liabilities................................. 299,063 241,844
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
Teleglobe Mobile Partners................................. 70,079 56,520
Orbital Communications Corporation........................ 20,670 48,270
-------- --------
Total Partners' Capital........................... 90,749 104,790
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL........... $389,812 $346,634
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
REVENUES:
Service and product sales............................... $ 2,772 $ 1,262 $ 527
EXPENSES:
Cost of product sales................................... 3,186 1,242 517
Engineering expenses.................................... 25,492 17,007 8,160
Marketing, administrative and other expenses............ 43,051 34,961 12,070
--------- -------- --------
Total expenses.................................. 71,729 53,210 20,747
--------- -------- --------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND
AMORTIZATION............................................ (68,957) (51,948) (20,220)
Depreciation............................................ 47,035 11,048 7,348
Goodwill amortization................................... 42 0 0
--------- -------- --------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS...................................... (116,034) (62,996) (27,568)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest income......................................... 335 914 5,378
Interest expense and other financial charges............ (25,866) (2,814) (833)
Equity in net losses of affiliates...................... (2,983) (4,732) (8,413)
--------- -------- --------
NET LOSS.................................................. (144,548) (69,628) (31,436)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Reclassification adjustments for net holding gains on
sales of investments................................. 0 0 (88)
Currency translation adjustments........................ 348 0 0
--------- -------- --------
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS........................................ $(144,200) $(69,628) $(31,524)
========= ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss................................................ $(144,548) $(69,628) $(31,436)
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET LOSS TO NET CASH USED IN
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation......................................... 47,035 11,048 7,348
Goodwill amortization................................ 42 0 0
Amortization of financing fees....................... 1,042 837 833
Equity in net losses of affiliates................... 2,983 4,732 8,413
--------- -------- --------
SUB-TOTAL............................................... (93,446) (53,011) (14,842)
Net changes in non-cash working capital items:
Increase in accounts receivable...................... (1,264) 0 0
Increase in inventory................................ (9,276) (4,528) (409)
Increase (decrease) in prepaid expenses and other
current assets..................................... (4,923) 1,683 (661)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities........................................ 4,224 2,095 3,510
Increase in revenue participation accrued interest... 921 585 14
--------- -------- --------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES.............. (103,764) (53,176) (12,388)
--------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures.................................... (11,867) (45,915) (84,241)
Increase in investments in and advances to affiliates... (6,874) (2,105) (16,689)
Purchase of investments................................. 0 (7,228) (47,125)
Proceeds from sale of investments....................... 390 29,594 120,893
Other................................................... (36) (390) 0
--------- -------- --------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES.............. (18,387) (26,044) (27,162)
--------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of long-term debt............................. (1,190) (1,087) (992)
Partners' contributions................................. 130,159 68,000 0
Financing fees paid and other........................... (1,895) 0 (222)
--------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING
ACTIVITIES...................................... 127,074 66,913 (1,214)
--------- -------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS...... 4,923 (12,307) (40,764)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period..................................... 3,799 16,106 56,870
--------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of period........................................... $ 8,722 $ 3,799 $ 16,106
========= ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE:
Interest paid........................................... $ 23,860 $ 23,965 $ 24,060
========= ======== ========
Non-cash capital expenditures and increase in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities -- Orbital Sciences
Corporation.......................................... $ 53,264 $ 29,700 $ 16,452
========= ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(IN THOUSANDS)
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED ACCUMULATED
OTHER OTHER
PARTNER'S COMPREHENSIVE PARTNER'S COMPREHENSIVE
CAPITAL INCOME TOTAL CAPITAL INCOME TOTAL TOTAL
--------- ------------- -------- --------- ------------- -------- ---------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1996.... $ 73,552 $ 44 $ 73,596 $ 64,302 $ 44 $ 64,346 $ 137,942
Net loss.............................. (15,718) 0 (15,718) (15,718) 0 (15,718) (31,436)
Reclassification adjustments for net
holding gains on sales of
investments included in net loss.... 0 (44) (44) 0 (44) (44) (88)
-------- ---- -------- -------- ---- -------- ---------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1997.... 57,834 0 57,834 48,584 0 48,584 106,418
Capital contributions................. 33,500 0 33,500 34,500 0 34,500 68,000
Net loss.............................. (34,814) 0 (34,814) (34,814) 0 (34,814) (69,628)
-------- ---- -------- -------- ---- -------- ---------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1998.... 56,520 0 56,520 48,270 0 48,270 104,790
Capital contributions................. 85,659 0 85,659 44,500 0 44,500 130,159
Net loss.............................. (72,274) 0 (72,274) (72,274) 0 (72,274) (144,548)
Share of ORBCOMM Japan Ltd.'s currency
translation adjustment.............. 0 174 174 0 174 174 348
-------- ---- -------- -------- ---- -------- ---------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1999.... $ 69,905 $174 $ 70,079 $ 20,496 $174 $ 20,670 $ 90,749
======== ==== ======== ======== ==== ======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organization
In 1993, Teleglobe Mobile Partners ("Teleglobe Mobile"), a partnership
established by affiliates of Teleglobe Inc. ("Teleglobe"), and Orbital
Communications Corporation ("Orbital Communications"), a majority owned
subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation ("Orbital"), formed ORBCOMM Global,
L.P. ("ORBCOMM" or the "Company"), a Delaware limited partnership. Orbital
Communications and Teleglobe Mobile also formed two marketing partnerships,
ORBCOMM USA, L.P. ("ORBCOMM USA") and ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P.
("ORBCOMM International"), to market services using the ORBCOMM low-Earth orbit
satellite-based data communication system (the "ORBCOMM System") in the United
States and internationally, respectively. In 1995, the Company became a general
and limited partner in ORBCOMM USA with a 98% participation interest and Orbital
Communications' direct partnership interest was reduced to 2% and Teleglobe
Mobile's direct partnership interest was eliminated entirely. Simultaneously,
the Company became a general and limited partner in ORBCOMM International with a
98% participation interest and Teleglobe Mobile's direct partnership interest
was reduced to 2% and Orbital Communications' direct partnership interest was
eliminated entirely. In January 2000, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International
ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed their business
operations (see note 13).
In February 1999, the Company formed ORBCOMM Investment Corporation, a
Delaware corporation, as an unrestricted subsidiary for the purpose of making
strategic investments in existing and prospective international service
licensees, other service distributors and various third parties. In April 1999,
the Company and ORBCOMM Enterprises Corporation, a Delaware corporation and
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, formed ORBCOMM Enterprises, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership ("ORBCOMM Enterprises"), as an unrestricted
subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of marketing and distributing the
Company's monitoring, tracking and messaging services to customers and
developing applications with respect thereto.
The ORBCOMM System Description
ORBCOMM was formed to develop, construct, operate and market the ORBCOMM
System. The space assets currently consist of a constellation of 35 in-orbit
satellites, 26 of which were in commercial service at December 31, 1999. The
ground and control assets consist of gateways strategically located throughout
the world and the facilities to monitor and manage all network elements. In
addition, ORBCOMM operates a network control center, which is designed to
support the full constellation of ORBCOMM System satellites. The subscriber
assets consist of various models of subscriber units, some of which are intended
for general use, while others are designed to support specific applications.
Regulatory Status
Construction and operation of communications satellites in the United
States requires licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC").
Orbital Communications has been granted full operational authority for the
ORBCOMM System by the FCC. Similar licenses are required from foreign regulatory
authorities to permit ORBCOMM System services to be offered outside the United
States. Primary responsibility for obtaining licenses outside the United States
resides with entities who become international licensees. In January 2000,
Orbital Communications agreed to transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses held by
Orbital Communications with respect to the ORBCOMM System upon the occurrence of
certain events (see note 13).
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ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company's operations are subject to certain risks and uncertainties
that are inherent in satellite communication companies. The Company expects to
have continuing losses for the next several quarters and is dependent upon
additional financing to fund operations, complete construction of additional
system capacity and to further develop its marketing infrastructure. While it is
not contractually required to do so, Teleglobe, through Teleglobe Mobile, is
currently funding the Company's operations. The Company expects to fund its
capital requirements through, among other sources, additional contributions or
loans from Teleglobe or another partner, other equity or debt financings in the
public or private markets or operating lease arrangements, or some combination
thereof.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The Company emerged from its development stage in the fourth quarter of
1999. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on
the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. These statements include the accounts
of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as
well as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, determined on the specific
identification basis, or market and primarily represents subscriber units
available for sale to customers.
Depreciation and Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The Company depreciates its operational assets over the estimated economic
useful life using the straight-line method as follows:
Space Segment Assets: generally 8 years
Ground Segment Assets: 3 to 10 years
Other Property, Plant and Equipment: generally 5 years
The Company's policy is to review its long-lived assets, including its
Mobile Communications Satellite System, for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. The Company recognizes impairment losses when the sum of the
expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets. With
regard to satellites, the Company
47
50
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
recognizes impairment losses on a satellite-by-satellite basis. If such assets
are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of
the assets. Given the inherent technical and commercial risks within the space
communications industry, it is possible that the Company's current estimate for
recovery of the carrying amount of its assets may change.
Other Assets
Other assets principally consist of deferred debt issuance costs. These
costs are amortized over the term of the related debt and such amortization is
reported as a component of interest expense and other financial charges.
Investments in Affiliates
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in and
earnings of affiliates in which the Company has the ability to exercise
significant influence over, but does not control, such affiliates' operations.
In accordance with the equity method of accounting, the Company's carrying
amount of an investment in an affiliate is initially recorded at cost, and is
increased to reflect its share of the affiliate's income and reduced to reflect
its share of the affiliate's losses. The Company's investment is also increased
to reflect contributions to, and decreased to reflect distributions received
from, the affiliate. Investments in which the Company does not have the ability
to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are
accounted for under the cost method of accounting.
Prior to the merger in January 2000 described in note 13 and pursuant to
the terms of the relevant partnership agreements: (i) Teleglobe Mobile
controlled the operational and financial affairs of ORBCOMM International; and
(ii) Orbital Communications controlled the operational and financial affairs of
ORBCOMM USA. Since the Company was unable to control, but was able to exercise
significant influence over, ORBCOMM International's and ORBCOMM USA's operating
and financial policies, the Company accounted for its investments in ORBCOMM
International and ORBCOMM USA using the equity method of accounting.
Each year, the Company reviews the underlying value of its investments by
comparing their carrying amount to their net recoverable amount. The
determination of the net recoverable amount consists of evaluating forecasted
income and cash flows. Any permanent impairment of such value would be written
off to expense.
Goodwill
In 1998, the Company acquired the assets of Dolphin Software Systems, Inc.
("Dolphin"). Goodwill, which represents the excess of costs over the fair value
of identifiable assets acquired from Dolphin, is amortized on a straight-line
basis over 10 years.
Each year, the Company reviews the underlying value of its goodwill by
comparing its carrying amount to its net recoverable amount. The determination
of the net recoverable amount consists of evaluating forecasted income and cash
flows. Any permanent impairment of such value would be written off to expense.
Partners' Capital
As of December 31, 1999, Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications were
both general and limited partners in the Company and each partner's limited and
general partner accounts were combined into one
48
51
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
single capital account and presented as such in the consolidated balance sheets
and consolidated statements of partners' capital. Subsequent to year end, the
Company's partnership agreement was amended (see note 13).
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from product sales are generally recognized when products are
shipped or when customers have accepted the products, depending on contractual
terms. Service revenues are generally recognized when services are rendered.
License fees from service license or similar agreements are generally accounted
for as deferred revenues and recognized ratably over the term of the agreements.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company has determined the functional currency of its Canadian
subsidiary, Dolphin Software Services ULC ("DSS"), to be the U.S. dollar.
Consequently, DSS's financial statements are remeasured into U.S. dollars on the
following basis:
-- monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at the current exchange
rate;
-- all non-monetary items that reflect prices from past transactions are
remeasured using historical exchange rates, while all non-monetary items
that reflect prices from current transactions are remeasured using the
current exchange rate; and
-- revenues and expenses are remeasured at the average exchange rates
prevailing at the time the transactions occurred, except those expenses
related to non-monetary items, which are remeasured at historical
exchange rates.
Exchange gains/losses resulting from the remeasurement process are reported
on the consolidated statements of operations under "Interest expense and other
financial charges."
Income Taxes
As a partnership, Federal and state income taxes are the direct
responsibility of each partner. Accordingly, no income taxes have been recorded
by the Company within the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Stock Based Compensation
ORBCOMM and its subsidiary, Dolphin Information Services, Inc. ("DIS"),
account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS
No. 123"), which requires companies to (i) recognize as expense the fair value
of all stock-based awards on the date of grant, or (ii) continue to apply the
provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and provide pro forma net income (loss) data for
employee stock option grants as if the fair-value-based method as defined in
SFAS No. 123 had been applied. ORBCOMM and DIS elected to continue to apply the
provisions of APB 25 and to provide the pro forma disclosure in accordance with
the provisions of SFAS No. 123.
Segment Information
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS No. 131"), establishes
standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards
for related disclosures about
49
52
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company's
revenues are primarily derived from customers in the United States. The
Company's operations for 1999 and 1998 constitute a single segment.
Comprehensive Income
As of January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130 "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS No. 130"). SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for
reporting and presentation of comprehensive income and its components.
Comprehensive loss consists of net loss, net holding gains on sale of
investments and currency translation adjustments and is presented in the
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. SFAS No. 130
requires only additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements;
it does not affect the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform
with the requirements of SFAS No. 130.
Reclassification of Prior Years' Balances
Certain amounts in the prior years' consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
(3) INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had $390,000 of investments classified
as "held-to-maturity" U.S. Treasury notes that matured within one year (none as
of December 31, 1999). The fair value of these investments approximated carrying
value.
(4) MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY, PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT
The Mobile Communications Satellite System and other Property, Plant and
Equipment consist of the following assets:
DECEMBER 31,
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Space Segment Assets................................. $350,771 $289,414
Ground Segment Assets................................ 50,064 51,141
Other Property, Plant and Equipment.................. 16,841 11,985
-------- --------
Total................................................ 417,676 352,540
Less accumulated depreciation........................ (71,634) (24,594)
-------- --------
Total, net........................................... $346,042 $327,946
======== ========
During construction of the Mobile Communications Satellite System, the
Company is capitalizing substantially all construction costs. The Company also
is capitalizing the portion of the engineering direct labor costs that relates
to hardware and system design and development and coding of the software
products that enhance the operation of the Mobile Communications Satellite
System. For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, $559,000,
$5,041,000 and $4,641,000, respectively, of such costs have been capitalized.
For the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, total interest costs were
$24,550,000 and $24,060,000, respectively, of which $22,573,000 and $24,060,000
have been capitalized as a part of the historical cost of the Mobile
Communications Satellite System. For the year ended December 31, 1999, total
interest costs were $24,784,000, none of which was capitalized. Capitalization
of engineering expenses was
50
53
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(4) MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY, PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT -- (CONTINUED)
lower in 1999 versus 1998 and 1997 as a result of the November 1998 launch of
full commercial service of the ORBCOMM System in the United States and Canada,
at which time the Company also stopped capitalizing interest costs related to
the ORBCOMM System.
(5) LONG-TERM DEBT
In August 1996, the Company and ORBCOMM Global Capital Corp. issued
$170,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 14% Senior Notes due 2004 with
Revenue Participation Interest (the "Old Notes"). All of the Old Notes were
exchanged for an equal principal amount of registered 14% Series B Senior Notes
due 2004 with Revenue Participation Interest (the "Notes"). Revenue
Participation Interest represents an aggregate amount equal to 5% of ORBCOMM
System revenues generated from August 1996 and is payable on the Old Notes and
the Notes on each interest payment date subject to certain covenant
restrictions. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and
several basis by Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications, and were
guaranteed by ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International prior to the merger
described in note 13. The guarantees are non-recourse to the shareholders and/or
partners of the guarantors, limited only to the extent necessary for each such
guarantee not to constitute a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. The
Indenture governing the Notes contains certain financial covenants providing
for, among other things, limitations on payments and cash transfers between the
credit parties and Teleglobe and Orbital, limitations on transactions between
ORBCOMM and its affiliates, limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and restrictions on the sale of ORBCOMM's assets. The Indenture
also imposes limitations governing the conduct of ORBCOMM's business and creates
restrictions relating to ORBCOMM's investment activities. In management's
opinion, there have been no events which would cause ORBCOMM to be out of
compliance with any of the covenants set forth in the Indenture.
On the closing of the Old Notes, ORBCOMM used $44,800,000 of the net
proceeds from the sale of the Old Notes to purchase a portfolio of U.S.
Government securities to provide for payment in full of interest on the Old
Notes and the Notes through August 15, 1998. All of this investment portfolio
was used to pay semi-annual interest that was due on the Notes in 1997 and 1998.
The Company also had a $5,000,000 secured note with a financial institution
of which $1,190,000 was outstanding as the current portion of long-term debt as
of December 31, 1998 (none as of December 31, 1999). The note bore interest at a
rate of 9.2% per annum, was secured by equipment located at certain of the U.S.
gateway Earth stations and the network control center and was guaranteed by
Orbital.
(6) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company paid Orbital $537,000, $5,641,000 and $41,843,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Payments were made for
work performed pursuant to the ORBCOMM System Design, Development, and
Operations Agreement, the ORBCOMM System Procurement Agreement (the "Procurement
Agreement") and the Administrative Services Agreement (for provision of ongoing
administrative support to the Company). Additionally, as of December 31, 1999,
Orbital had deferred invoicing $91,300,000 under the Company's 1995 and 1999
procurement agreements with Orbital ($50,800,000 was deferred under the 1995
procurement agreement as of December 31, 1998). As of December 31, 1999, the
Company also accrued an additional $16,213,000 under the 1995 procurement
agreement. In January 2000, the Company agreed to repayment terms for the
deferred invoicing amounts (see note 13).
In May 1999, ORBCOMM USA transferred approximately $700,000 of its product
development assets associated with the marketing and distribution of the
Company's monitoring, tracking and messaging services
51
54
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(6) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- (CONTINUED)
and associated applications to ORBCOMM Enterprises, an entity formed by the
Company to distribute value-added products and services using the ORBCOMM
System.
The Company paid ORBCOMM Canada Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of
Teleglobe, $494,000 and $216,300 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, pursuant to a consulting agreement dated March 18, 1998, in
consideration for services provided by employees of ORBCOMM Canada.
The Company sold an aggregate of $1,212,000, $1,008,000 and $487,000 of
products to ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International for the years ended December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Effective January 1, 1999, the Company commenced allocating to ORBCOMM USA
and ORBCOMM International their respective share of expenses incurred by the
Company on behalf of ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International. For the year ended
December 31, 1999, the Company allocated to ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM
International $8,944,000 of expenses (none for the years ended December 31, 1998
and 1997).
(7) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, investments,
receivables, prepaid expenses and accounts payable and accrued liabilities
approximates fair value since all such instruments are short-term in nature.
Fair value for the Company's long-term debt is determined based on quoted market
rates. The table below compares the carrying and the fair value of the Company's
long-term debt as of December 31, 1999 and 1998.
DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
--------------------- ---------------------
CARRYING CARRYING
AMOUNT FAIR VALUE AMOUNT FAIR VALUE
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
Long-term debt.............................. $170,000 $115,600 $170,000 $175,100
(8) STOCK OPTION PLAN
During the second quarter of 1999, the Company and ORBCOMM Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the
"Corporation"), adopted The Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Plan of ORBCOMM
Corporation and ORBCOMM Global, L.P. (the "Equity Plan"). The Equity Plan
provides for grants of incentive or non-qualified stock options to purchase
common stock of the Corporation to officers, employees, consultants and
independent directors of the Corporation and its affiliates and to officers,
employees and consultants of the Company. Under the terms of the Equity Plan,
incentive or non-qualified stock options may not be granted at less than 100% of
the fair market value at the date of grant. The options vest at a rate set forth
in each individual option agreement, generally in full three years from the date
of grant, subject to acceleration under certain conditions.
In 1999, options to acquire 709,325 shares of the Corporation's common
stock were granted under the Equity Plan, of which 65,375 were subsequently
cancelled as of December 31, 1999. All of these options have been granted at an
exercise price of $14.97, which price represented the fair market value of the
Corporation's common stock on the date of grant. As of December 31, 1999, none
of these options were exercisable and the weighted average remaining contractual
life of these options was 9.67 years.
In 1998, DIS adopted the Dolphin Information Services, Inc. 1998 Stock
Option Plan (the "DIS Plan"). The DIS Plan provides for grants of incentive or
non-qualified stock options to purchase DIS common stock to officers, employees
and outside directors of DIS, the Company and their respective affiliates. Under
the terms of the DIS Plan, incentive stock options may not be granted at less
than 100% of the fair market value of DIS
52
55
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(8) STOCK OPTION PLAN -- (CONTINUED)
common stock at the date of grant and non-qualified stock options may not be
granted at less than 85% of the fair market value of DIS common stock at the
date of grant. The options vest at a rate set forth in each individual option
agreement, generally in full three years from the date of grant, subject to
acceleration under certain conditions.
The following table summarizes information regarding options under the DIS
Plan:
NUMBER OPTION PRICE
OF SHARES PER SHARE
--------- ------------
Granted..................................................... 1,372,500 $0.08
Cancelled................................................... (135,000) $0.08
---------
Outstanding as of December 31, 1998......................... 1,237,500 $0.08
Granted..................................................... 278,000 $1.00
---------
Outstanding as of December 31, 1999......................... 1,515,500 $0.08-$1.00
=========
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, all stock options had been granted at the
fair market value of DIS's common stock on the date of grant and none were
exercisable. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the outstanding
stock options was 8.98 years and 9.75 years as of December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
(9) STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the
pro forma impact of stock option grants under SFAS No. 123 on the Company's net
loss. The model uses certain information, such as the interest rate on a
risk-free security maturing generally at the same time as the option being
valued, and requires certain assumptions, such as the expected amount of time an
option will be outstanding until it is exercised or it expires, to calculate the
weighted-average fair value per share of stock options granted.
This information and the assumptions used for 1999 and 1998 for the Equity
Plan and the DIS Plan are summarized as follows:
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
FAIR VALUE
ADDITIONAL SHARES PER SHARE AT GRANT RISK-FREE
AVAILABLE AS OF DECEMBER 31, DATE INTEREST RATE
----------------------------- ------------------ ---------------
1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ------ ----- ---- ----
ORBCOMM............................. 856,050 N/A $14.97 N/A 5.61% N/A
DIS................................. 1,484,500 1,762,500 $ 0.25 $0.08 5.61% 4.22%
The assumed volatility, dividend yield and average expected life was 30%,
zero percent and 4.5 years, respectively, for both plans for the year ended
December 31, 1999 and was 30%, zero percent and 4.5 years, respectively, for the
DIS Plan for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the
grant date for the stock options in accordance with the fair value method
prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net loss would have been $144,795,000
and $69,628,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
(10) EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN
The Company maintains the ORBCOMM Retirement Savings Plan (the "Plan"),
which is a 401(k) profit sharing plan. All U.S. employees who are scheduled to
work 1,000 hours in a consecutive 12-month
53
56
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(10) EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN -- (CONTINUED)
period are eligible to participate in the Plan on their dates of employment.
Employees may contribute 15% of eligible compensation to the Plan and the
Company matches 100% of the amount contributed by each employee up to 4% of such
compensation. In addition, the Plan contains a discretionary contribution
component, pursuant to which the Company may make an additional annual
contribution to the Plan. As of December 31, 1999, Company contributions vested
over a five-year period from the employee's date of employment. Subsequent to
year end 1999, the vesting period was shortened to three years.
Company contributions (both the Company match and the annual discretionary
contribution) for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were
$1,227,000, $1,127,000 and $765,000, respectively.
(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
1999 Procurement Agreement
In 1999, the Company entered into a procurement agreement with Orbital, as
amended, under which the Company will purchase, among other things, 11
additional satellites, two satellite propulsion rings and two separate Pegasus
launch vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $93,000,000. The Company's
remaining obligation under this agreement is approximately $77,000,000.
Lease Commitments
The Company leases facilities and equipment under agreements classified as
operating leases. Rental expense for 1999, 1998 and 1997 amounted to $2,227,000,
$2,074,000 and $951,000, respectively, of which $815,000, $939,000 and $825,000,
respectively, represents rental expense charged to the Company by Orbital as
part of the Administrative Services Agreement. The future minimum rental
payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
PERIODS IN THOUSANDS
------- ------------
2000........................................................ $2,179
2001........................................................ 2,202
2002........................................................ 2,096
2003........................................................ 919
2004........................................................ 526
Thereafter.................................................. 0
------
Total minimum lease commitments........................... $7,922
======
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in claims from licensees or
potential licensees. In management's opinion, there will be no material adverse
impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company as a
result of such claims.
54
57
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(12) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
1999
Total revenues........................... $ 514 $ 550 $ 719 $ 989 $ 2,772
Operating expenses (including
depreciation).......................... 25,030 30,588 30,044 33,144 118,806
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Loss from operations..................... (24,516) (30,038) (29,325) (32,155) (116,034)
Interest income (expense), net........... (6,403) (6,580) (6,331) (6,217) (25,531)
Equity in net income (losses) of
affiliates............................. (2,857) 2,348 (1,388) (1,086) (2,983)
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net loss................................. $(33,776) $(34,270) $(37,044) $(39,458) $(144,548)
======== ======== ======== ======== =========
1998
Total revenues........................... $ 220 $ 507 $ 197 $ 338 $ 1,262
Operating expenses (including
depreciation).......................... 9,076 16,507 18,739 19,936 64,258
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Loss from operations..................... (8,856) (16,000) (18,542) (19,598) (62,996)
Interest income (expense), net........... 218 143 120 (2,381) (1,900)
Equity in net losses of affiliates....... (2,008) (1,225) (818) (681) (4,732)
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net loss................................. $(10,646) $(17,082) $(19,240) $(22,660) $ (69,628)
======== ======== ======== ======== =========
(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective as of January 1, 2000, ORBCOMM entered into an agreement with
Teleglobe, Orbital, Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications pursuant to
which:
- Teleglobe Mobile became the Company's sole general partner and majority
owner, with an interest of approximately 64% as of January 1, 2000;
- Orbital Communications remained a limited partner, with a minority
ownership interest of approximately 36% as of January 1, 2000;
- the Company made arrangements to settle $91,300,000 of deferred invoiced
amounts owed to Orbital; and
- Teleglobe agreed to sell to the Company the business of ORBCOMM Canada,
ORBCOMM's international licensee for Canada, and Orbital agreed to sell
to the Company the assets of its GEMtrac division, which ORBCOMM has
operated since March 1999.
Additionally, Orbital Communications agreed to file an application with the
FCC to transfer to the Company the FCC licenses held by Orbital Communications
with respect to the ORBCOMM System if an aggregate of $75,000,000 in additional
capital contributions or similar equity investments has been made to the Company
by any entity after January 1, 2000.
On January 26, 2000, each of Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
contributed to the Company its 2% direct participation interest in ORBCOMM USA
and ORBCOMM International, respectively (the "Merger"). As a result of the
Merger, these companies ceased doing business as separate entities and the
Company assumed their business operations.
The $91,300,000 of deferred invoiced amounts have been or will be settled
as follows:
- On January 26, 2000, ORBCOMM paid $41,460,000 to Orbital. The funds for
this payment came from an equity contribution made in ORBCOMM on that
date by Teleglobe Mobile.
55
58
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS -- (CONTINUED)
- In March 2000, Orbital is to invoice ORBCOMM $33,082,000 and
simultaneously assign such invoice to Orbital Communications. Orbital
Communications will request ORBCOMM to convert the full amount of this
invoice into a contribution to Orbital Communications' partnership
interests in ORBCOMM.
- The remaining $16,758,000, together with accrued interest, is to be paid
by ORBCOMM to Orbital 50% on each of March 31, 2001 and June 30, 2001.
56
59
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
("ORBCOMM USA") as of December 31, 1999, and the related statements of
operations, partners' capital and cash flows for the year then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of ORBCOMM USA's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit. The financial statements of ORBCOMM USA as of December 31, 1998 and
for each of the two years in the period then ended, were audited by other
auditors whose report dated March 30, 1999, expressed an unqualified opinion on
those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ORBCOMM USA, L.P. as of
December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Vienna, VA
February 3, 2000
57
60
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Partners
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ORBCOMM USA, L.P. as of
December 31, 1998, and the related statements of operations, partners' capital,
and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31,
1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ORBCOMM USA, L.P. as of
December 31, 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Washington, DC
March 30, 1999
58
61
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable....................................... $ 708 $ 220
Inventory................................................. 0 309
Other assets.............................................. 34 113
Product development....................................... 0 569
-------- --------
Total Current Assets.............................. 742 1,211
Amount due from an affiliate................................ 1,225 0
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $ 1,967 $ 1,211
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. $ 414 $ 717
-------- --------
Total Current Liabilities......................... 414 717
Amount due to affiliates.................................... 19,217 13,342
-------- --------
Total Liabilities................................. 19,631 14,059
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
ORBCOMM Global, L.P....................................... (17,311) (12,591)
Orbital Communications Corporation........................ (353) (257)
-------- --------
Total Partners' Capital........................... (17,664) (12,848)
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL........... $ 1,967 $ 1,211
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
59
62
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------------ -------
REVENUES:
Service and product sales................................ $ 2,123 $ 759 $ 172
EXPENSES:
Cost of sales............................................ 895 798 383
Marketing expenses....................................... 6,044 3,559 5,173
------- ------- -------
Total expenses................................... 6,939 4,357 5,556
------- ------- -------
NET LOSS................................................... $(4,816) $(3,598) $(5,384)
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
60
63
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------------ -------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss................................................. $(4,816) $(3,598) $(5,384)
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET LOSS TO NET CASH USED IN
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net changes in non-cash working capital items:
Increase in accounts receivable....................... (488) (155) (11)
Decrease in inventory................................. 309 0 0
Decrease in other assets.............................. 79 0 0
Decrease (increase) in product development............ 569 (868) (123)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities................................. (303) (86) 461
------- ------- -------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES............... (4,650) (4,707) (5,057)
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in amount due to affiliates, net................ 4,650 4,707 5,057
------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES........... 4,650 4,707 5,057
------- ------- -------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.................... 0 0 0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period...................................... 0 0 0
------- ------- -------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of period............................................ $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
61
64
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(IN THOUSANDS)
ORBITAL ORBCOMM
COMMUNICATIONS GLOBAL,
CORPORATION L.P. TOTAL
-------------- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1996.................. $ (77) $(3,789) $ (3,866)
Net loss............................................ (108) (5,276) (5,384)
----- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1997.................. (185) (9,065) (9,250)
Net loss............................................ (72) (3,526) (3,598)
----- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1998.................. (257) (12,591) (12,848)
Net loss............................................ (96) (4,720) (4,816)
----- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1999.................. $(353) $(17,311) $(17,664)
===== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
62
65
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organization
In 1993, Teleglobe Mobile Partners ("Teleglobe Mobile"), a partnership
established by affiliates of Teleglobe Inc. ("Teleglobe"), and Orbital
Communications Corporation ("Orbital Communications"), a majority owned
subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation ("Orbital"), formed ORBCOMM Global,
L.P. ("ORBCOMM"), a Delaware limited partnership. Orbital Communications and
Teleglobe Mobile also formed two marketing partnerships, ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
("ORBCOMM USA") and ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P. ("ORBCOMM
International"), to market services using the ORBCOMM low-Earth orbit
satellite-based data communication system (the "ORBCOMM System") in the United
States and internationally, respectively. In 1995, the Company became a general
and limited partner in ORBCOMM USA with a 98% participation interest and Orbital
Communications' direct partnership interest was reduced to 2% and Teleglobe
Mobile's direct partnership interest was eliminated entirely. Simultaneously,
ORBCOMM became a general and limited partner in ORBCOMM International with a 98%
participation interest and Teleglobe Mobile's direct partnership interest was
reduced to 2% and Orbital Communications' direct partnership interest was
eliminated entirely. In January 2000, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International
ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed their business
operations (see note 5).
In April 1999, ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Enterprises Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of ORBCOMM, formed ORBCOMM Enterprises,
L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("ORBCOMM Enterprises"), as an unrestricted
subsidiary of ORBCOMM for the purpose of marketing and distributing ORBCOMM's
monitoring, tracking and messaging services to customers and developing
applications with respect thereto.
The ORBCOMM System Description
ORBCOMM was formed to develop, construct, operate and market the ORBCOMM
System. The space assets currently consist of a constellation of 35 in-orbit
satellites, 26 of which were in commercial service at December 31, 1999. The
ground and control assets consist of gateways strategically located throughout
the world and the facilities to monitor and manage all network elements. In
addition, ORBCOMM operates a network control center, which is designed to
support the full constellation of ORBCOMM System satellites. The subscriber
assets consist of various models of subscriber units, some of which are intended
for general use, while others are designed to support specific applications.
Regulatory Status
Construction and operation of communications satellites in the United
States requires licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC").
Orbital Communications has been granted full operational authority for the
ORBCOMM System by the FCC. Similar licenses are required from foreign regulatory
authorities to permit ORBCOMM System services to be offered outside the United
States. Primary responsibility for obtaining licenses outside the United States
resides with entities who become international licensees. In January 2000,
Orbital Communications agreed to transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses held by
Orbital Communications with respect to the ORBCOMM System upon the occurrence of
certain events (see note 5).
63
66
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM USA emerged from their development stage in the fourth
quarter of 1999. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the
accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well
as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Pursuant to banking arrangements, ORBCOMM USA has no cash or cash
equivalents in accordance with a zero balance agreement with ORBCOMM. ORBCOMM
considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Revenue Recognition
ORBCOMM USA provides subscriber unit hardware to commercial customers.
Revenues are recognized when products are shipped or when customers have
accepted the products, depending on contractual terms. Service revenues are
recognized when services are rendered.
Income Taxes
As a partnership, Federal and state income taxes are the direct
responsibility of each partner. Accordingly, no income taxes have been recorded
by ORBCOMM USA within the accompanying financial statements.
Segment Information
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS No. 131"), establishes
standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards
for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. ORBCOMM USA's revenues are primarily derived from customers in the
United States. ORBCOMM USA's operations for 1999 and 1998 constitute a single
segment.
Reclassification of Prior Years' Balances
Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, ORBCOMM USA had a net payable of
$17,992,000 and $13,660,000, respectively, to ORBCOMM for amounts advanced to
support ORBCOMM USA's efforts to establish commercial and government markets in
the United States, which was extinguished in connection
64
67
ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- (CONTINUED)
with the merger described in note 5. ORBCOMM USA obtained funds to support
operations through non-interest bearing advances from ORBCOMM.
As of December 31, 1998, ORBCOMM USA had a receivable of $318,000 from
ORBCOMM International (none as of December 31, 1999).
In May 1999, ORBCOMM USA transferred approximately $700,000 of its product
development assets associated with the marketing and distribution of ORBCOMM's
monitoring, tracking and messaging services and associated applications to
ORBCOMM Enterprises, an entity formed by ORBCOMM to distribute value-added
products and services using the ORBCOMM System.
For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, ORBCOMM USA purchased
$756,000, $757,000 and $383,000, respectively, of products from ORBCOMM.
Effective January 1, 1999, ORBCOMM commenced allocating to ORBCOMM USA its
respective share of expenses incurred by ORBCOMM on behalf of ORBCOMM USA. For
the year ended December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM allocated to ORBCOMM USA $5,198,000 of
expenses (none for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997).
(4) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Long-Term Debt
In August 1996, ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Global Capital Corp. issued
$170,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 14% Senior Notes due 2004 with
Revenue Participation Interest (the "Old Notes"). All of the Old Notes were
exchanged for an equal principal amount of registered 14% Series B Senior Notes
due 2004 with Revenue Participation Interest (the "Notes"). Revenue
Participation Interest represents an aggregate amount equal to 5% of ORBCOMM
System revenues generated from August 1996 and is payable on the Old Notes and
the Notes on each interest payment date subject to certain covenant
restrictions. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and
several basis by Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications, and were
guaranteed by ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International prior to the merger
described in note 5. The guarantees are non-recourse to the shareholders and/or
partners of the guarantors, limited only to the extent necessary for each such
guarantee not to constitute a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. The
Indenture governing the Notes contains certain financial covenants providing
for, among other things, limitations on payments and cash transfers between the
credit parties and Teleglobe and Orbital, limitations on transactions between
ORBCOMM and its affiliates, limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and restrictions on the sale of ORBCOMM's assets. The Indenture
also imposes limitations governing the conduct of ORBCOMM's business and creates
restrictions relating to ORBCOMM's investment activities. In management's
opinion, there have been no events which would cause ORBCOMM to be out of
compliance with any of the covenants set forth in the Indenture.
(5) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 26, 2000, each of Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
contributed to ORBCOMM its 2% direct participation interest in ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, respectively (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger,
these companies ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed
their business operations.
Orbital Communications agreed to file an application with the FCC to
transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses held by Orbital Communications with respect
to the ORBCOMM System if an aggregate of $75,000,000 in additional capital
contributions or similar equity investments has been made to ORBCOMM by any
entity after January 1, 2000.
65
68
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P. ("ORBCOMM International") as of December 31, 1999, and the
related statements of operations, partners' capital and cash flows for the year
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of ORBCOMM
International's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit. The financial statements of ORBCOMM
International as of December 31, 1998 and for each of the two years in the
period then ended, were audited by other auditors whose report dated March 30,
1999, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P. as of December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Vienna, VA
February 3, 2000
66
69
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Partners
ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P. as of December 31, 1998, and the related statements of
operations, partners' capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P. as of December 31, 1998, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Washington, DC
March 30, 1999
67
70
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1999 1998
------- -------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable....................................... $ 6,539 $ 1,023
Current portion of deferred and prepaid contract costs.... 10,870 14,733
------- -------
Total Current Assets.............................. 17,409 15,756
Deferred and prepaid contract costs, net of current
portion................................................... 8,383 6,146
------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $25,792 $21,902
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. $ 509 $ 530
Current portion of deferred revenue....................... 9,642 11,254
------- -------
Total Current Liabilities......................... 10,151 11,784
Amount due to affiliates.................................... 4,689 7,389
Deferred revenue, net of current portion.................... 14,035 8,840
------- -------
Total Liabilities................................. 28,875 28,013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
Teleglobe Mobile Partners................................. (61) (122)
ORBCOMM Global, L.P....................................... (3,022) (5,989)
------- -------
Total Partners' Capital........................... (3,083) (6,111)
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL........... $25,792 $21,902
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
68
71
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
REVENUES:
Service and product sales................................. $15,804 $10,943 $ 56
EXPENSES:
Cost of sales............................................. 9,749 10,943 104
Marketing expenses........................................ 3,027 1,231 3,152
------- ------- -------
Total expenses.................................... 12,776 12,174 3,256
------- ------- -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)........................................... $ 3,028 $(1,231) $(3,200)
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
69
72
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)......................................... $ 3,028 $(1,231) $ (3,200)
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET CASH
PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net changes in non-cash working capital items:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable............. (5,516) (1,023) 15
Decrease (increase) in deferred and prepaid contract
costs................................................ 1,626 (1,299) (15,709)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities.......................................... (21) (670) 472
Increase in deferred revenue........................... 3,583 6,824 7,123
------- ------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES........................................ 2,700 2,601 (11,299)
------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Decrease in amount due from an affiliate.................. 0 0 1,309
------- ------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES............ 0 0 1,309
------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in amount due to affiliates........... (2,700) (2,601) 9,990
------- ------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING
ACTIVITIES........................................ (2,700) (2,601) 9,990
------- ------- --------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..................... 0 0 0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period....................................... 0 0 0
------- ------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of period............................................. $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
======= ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
70
73
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(IN THOUSANDS)
TELEGLOBE ORBCOMM
MOBILE GLOBAL,
PARTNERS L.P. TOTAL
--------- ------- -------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1996........................ $ (34) $(1,646) $(1,680)
Net loss.................................................. (64) (3,136) (3,200)
----- ------- -------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1997........................ (98) (4,782) (4,880)
Net loss.................................................. (24) (1,207) (1,231)
----- ------- -------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1998........................ (122) (5,989) (6,111)
Net income................................................ 61 2,967 3,028
----- ------- -------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL, DECEMBER 31, 1999........................ $ (61) $(3,022) $(3,083)
===== ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
71
74
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organization
In 1993, Teleglobe Mobile Partners ("Teleglobe Mobile"), a partnership
established by affiliates of Teleglobe Inc. ("Teleglobe"), and Orbital
Communications Corporation ("Orbital Communications"), a majority owned
subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation ("Orbital"), formed ORBCOMM Global,
L.P. ("ORBCOMM"), a Delaware limited partnership. Orbital Communications and
Teleglobe Mobile also formed two marketing partnerships, ORBCOMM USA, L.P.
("ORBCOMM USA") and ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P. ("ORBCOMM
International"), to market services using the ORBCOMM low-Earth orbit
satellite-based data communication system (the "ORBCOMM System") in the United
States and internationally, respectively. In 1995, ORBCOMM became a general and
limited partner in ORBCOMM USA with a 98% participation interest and Orbital
Communications' direct partnership interest was reduced to 2% and Teleglobe
Mobile's direct partnership interest was eliminated entirely. Simultaneously,
ORBCOMM became a general and limited partner in ORBCOMM International with a 98%
participation interest and Teleglobe Mobile's direct partnership interest was
reduced to 2% and Orbital Communications' direct partnership interest was
eliminated entirely. In January 2000, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International
ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed their business
operations (see note 7).
The ORBCOMM System Description
ORBCOMM was formed to develop, construct, operate and market the ORBCOMM
System. The space assets currently consist of a constellation of 35 in-orbit
satellites, 26 of which were in commercial service at December 31, 1999. The
ground and control assets consist of gateways strategically located throughout
the world and the facilities to monitor and manage all network elements. In
addition, ORBCOMM operates a network control center, which is designed to
support the full constellation of ORBCOMM System satellites. The subscriber
assets consist of various models of subscriber units, some of which are intended
for general use, while others are designed to support specific applications.
Regulatory Status
Construction and operation of communications satellites in the United
States requires licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC").
Orbital Communications has been granted full operational authority for the
ORBCOMM System by the FCC. Similar licenses are required from foreign regulatory
authorities to permit ORBCOMM System services to be offered outside the United
States. Primary responsibility for obtaining licenses outside the United States
resides with entities who become international licensees. In January 2000,
Orbital Communications agreed to transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses held by
Orbital Communications with respect to the ORBCOMM System upon the occurrence of
certain events.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM International emerged from their development stage in
the fourth quarter of 1999. The accompanying financial statements have been
prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well
as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and
72
75
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Pursuant to banking arrangements, ORBCOMM International has no cash and
cash equivalents in accordance with a zero balance agreement with ORBCOMM.
ORBCOMM considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Deferred and Prepaid Contract Costs
Deferred and prepaid contract costs consist primarily of work-in-process
for construction of gateway Earth stations for sale to international licensees.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues under the gateway procurement contracts with international
licensees or under agreements for the sale of subscriber unit hardware are
recognized when contracts are completed, products are shipped or when customers
have accepted the products or services, depending on contractual terms. License
fees from service license or similar agreements are accounted for as deferred
revenues and recognized ratably over the term of the agreements.
Income Taxes
As a partnership, Federal and state income taxes are the direct
responsibility of each partner. Accordingly, no income taxes have been recorded
by ORBCOMM International within the accompanying financial statements.
Segment Information
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"("SFAS No. 131"), establishes
standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards
for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. ORBCOMM International's operations for 1999 and 1998 constitute a
single segment.
Reclassification of Prior Years' Balances
Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, ORBCOMM International had a payable of
$4,689,000 and $7,071,000, respectively, to ORBCOMM for amounts advanced to
support ORBCOMM International's efforts to establish commercial markets outside
the United States, which was extinguished in connection with the merger
described in note 7. ORBCOMM International obtained funds to support its
operations through non-interest bearing advances from ORBCOMM.
As of December 31, 1998, ORBCOMM International had a payable of $318,000 to
ORBCOMM USA (none as of December 31, 1999).
73
76
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- (CONTINUED)
For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, ORBCOMM International
purchased $456,000, $251,000 and $104,000, respectively, of products from the
Company.
Effective January 1, 1999, ORBCOMM commenced allocating to ORBCOMM
International its respective share of expenses incurred by ORBCOMM on behalf of
ORBCOMM International. For the year ended December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM allocated
to ORBCOMM International $3,746,000 of expenses (none for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997).
(4) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Long-Term Debt
In August 1996, ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Global Capital Corp. issued
$170,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 14% Senior Notes due 2004 with
Revenue Participation Interest (the "Old Notes"). All of the Old Notes were
exchanged for an equal principal amount of registered 14% Series B Senior Notes
due 2004 with Revenue Participation Interest (the "Notes"). Revenue
Participation Interest represents an aggregate amount equal to 5% of ORBCOMM
System revenues generated from August 1996 and is payable on the Old Notes and
the Notes on each interest payment date subject to certain covenant
restrictions. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and
several basis by Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications, and were
guaranteed by ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International prior to the merger
described in note 7. The guarantees are non-recourse to the shareholders and/or
partners of the guarantors, limited only to the extent necessary for each such
guarantee not to constitute a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. The
Indenture governing the Notes contains certain financial covenants providing
for, among other things, limitations on payments and cash transfers between the
credit parties and Teleglobe and Orbital, limitations on transactions between
ORBCOMM and its affiliates, limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and restrictions on the sale of ORBCOMM's assets. The Indenture
also imposes limitations governing the conduct of ORBCOMM's business and creates
restrictions relating to ORBCOMM's investment activities. In management's
opinion, there have been no events which would cause ORBCOMM to be out of
compliance with any of the covenants set forth in the Indenture.
Construction of Gateways
ORBCOMM International has entered into agreements with certain
manufacturers for the purchase of 24 gateway Earth stations and one gateway
antenna that have been or will be installed around the world. During 1999,
installation and final acceptance of gateways in Brazil, Argentina, Malaysia and
Curacao occurred. The related revenue and associated costs have been properly
reflected in the statements of operations. Additionally, as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, ORBCOMM International had $19,253,000 and $20,879,000, respectively,
of deferred and prepaid contract costs of which $10,889,000 and $12,718,000,
respectively, represents advance payments to manufacturers for gateways that
have not yet been completed. Total commitments under the gateway manufacturing
agreements approximated $22,000,000 of which approximately $5,400,000 was
outstanding as of December 31, 1999. Included in deferred and prepaid contract
costs is the portion of engineering direct labor costs that relates to the
construction of gateways. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, $1,999,000 and
$1,114,000, respectively, of such costs had been included in deferred and
prepaid contract costs.
In the second quarter of 1999, ORBCOMM International recognized $3,137,000
in revenue reflecting payments previously made by its former international
licensees SEC ORBCOMM (Middle East) Ltd. and CEC Bosphorus Communications Ltd.
under their respective service license agreements and associated agreements with
ORBCOMM International. ORBCOMM International had terminated these licensees for
non-performance and deferred recognizing this revenue pending the outcome of a
motion for a preliminary
74
77
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(4) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- (CONTINUED)
injunction filed by SATCOM International Group PLC ("SATCOM"), the alleged
successor-in-interest to each of SEC ORBCOMM and CEC Bosphorus. SATCOM's motion
for a preliminary injunction was denied by the district court on March 18, 1999.
SATCOM appealed the district court's denial of its request for a preliminary
injunction; however, SATCOM subsequently withdrew this appeal. On March 29,
1999, SATCOM moved for an order staying the district court action pending
arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. On May 27, 1999, the
district court denied SATCOM's motion for a stay of the district court action
and granted a cross-motion filed by ORBCOMM International, staying the
arbitration SATCOM had initiated and enjoining SATCOM from proceeding with such
arbitration. On December 15, 1999, the Second Circuit summarily affirmed the
district court's May 27, 1999 ruling. On January 28, 2000, we filed a motion for
summary judgment, which motion is currently pending. In management's opinion,
the final resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on
ORBCOMM's or ORBCOMM International's financial condition or results of
operations.
Contingencies
From time to time, ORBCOMM International is involved in claims from
licensees or potential licensees. In management's opinion, there will be no
material adverse impact on the financial condition or results of operations of
ORBCOMM International as a result of such claims.
(5) SERVICE LICENSE OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS
As of December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM International had signed 17 agreements
with international licensees, 12 of which had associated gateway procurement
contracts and software license agreements. These agreements authorize the
international licensees to use the ORBCOMM System to provide two-way data
communication services in their designated territories. As of December 31, 1999
and 1998, $23,677,000 and $20,094,000, respectively, was recorded as deferred
revenue under these agreements and the associated gateway procurement
agreements. As of December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM International had constructed and
delivered seven gateways and was obligated to construct and deliver five
gateways to certain international licensees under certain of these agreements
(see note 4).
75
78
ORBCOMM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(6) SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
ORBCOMM International derives substantially all of its revenues from
customers outside of the United States. The following sets forth the total
revenues generated by international licensees that accounted for more than 10%
of ORBCOMM International's total revenues during 1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
---- ----
Customer A.................................................. * 33%
Customer B.................................................. * 34%
Customer C.................................................. * 32%
Customer D.................................................. 37% *
Customer E.................................................. 21% *
Customer F.................................................. 13% *
Customer G.................................................. 20% *
-----------------------
* Less than 10% of total revenues in the respective period.
The following sets forth the accounts receivable balance from international
licensees as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 that are greater than 10% of ORBCOMM
International's total accounts receivable balance:
AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
--------------
1999 1998
---- ----
Customer A.................................................. * 99%
Customer D.................................................. 25% *
Customer H.................................................. 31% *
Customer I.................................................. 17% *
-----------------------
* Less than 10% of total accounts receivable as of the end of each
respective period.
(7) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 26, 2000, each of Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
contributed to ORBCOMM its 2% direct participation interest in ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, respectively (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger,
these companies ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed
their business operations.
76
79
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
Teleglobe Mobile Partners:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Teleglobe
Mobile Partners ("Teleglobe Mobile") as of December 31, 1999, and the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, partners' capital
and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of Teleglobe Mobile's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. The
financial statements of Teleglobe Mobile as of December 31, 1998 and for each of
the two years in the period then ended, were audited by other auditors whose
report dated March 5, 1999, expressed an unqualified opinion on those
statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Teleglobe
Mobile Partners as of December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Vienna, VA
February 3, 2000
77
80
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Partners of
Teleglobe Mobile Partners
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Teleglobe Mobile Partners
(the "Partnership") as of December 31, 1998, and the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive loss, partners' capital and cash flows for each of
the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1998. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our
audits. We did not audit the financial statements of ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P., a 51 percent subsidiary, the statements of which reflect total
assets constituting 27 percent at December 31, 1998, of the related consolidated
total. Those statements were audited by other auditors, whose reports thereon
have been furnished to us and our opinion insofar as it relates to the amounts
included for ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P., is based solely on the
reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of the other auditors,
these consolidated financial statements referred to above, present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December
31, 1998, and the results of its operations, partners' capital and cash flows
for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1998, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Grant Thornton LLP
Vienna, Virginia
March 5, 1999
78
81
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1999 1998
------------ ------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 1 $ 11
Accounts receivable....................................... 6,539 1,023
Current portion of deferred and prepaid contract costs.... 10,870 14,733
------- -------
Total Current Assets.............................. 17,410 15,767
Deferred and prepaid contract costs, net of current
portion................................................... 8,383 6,146
Investments in affiliates................................... 70,075 58,467
------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $95,868 $80,380
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. $ 668 $ 651
Current portion of deferred revenue....................... 9,642 11,254
------- -------
Total Current Liabilities......................... 10,310 11,905
Amount due to affiliates.................................... 4,689 7,389
Deferred revenue, net of current portion.................... 14,035 8,840
------- -------
Total Liabilities................................. 29,034 28,134
Non-controlling interest in net assets of ORBCOMM
International Partners, L.P............................... (1,510) (2,994)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
Teleglobe Mobile, L.P..................................... 67,661 54,688
Teleglobe Mobile Investment Inc........................... 683 552
------- -------
Total Partners' Capital........................... 68,344 55,240
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL........... $95,868 $80,380
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
79
82
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
REVENUES:
Service and product sales................................ $ 15,804 $ 10,943 $ 56
EXPENSES:
Cost of sales............................................ 9,749 10,943 104
Marketing, administrative and other expenses............. 3,115 1,408 3,565
-------- -------- --------
Total expenses................................... 12,864 12,351 3,669
-------- -------- --------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS.............................. 2,940 (1,408) (3,613)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest income.......................................... 0 53 78
Equity in net losses of ORBCOMM Global, L.P. ............ (74,225) (34,678) (14,672)
Non-controlling interest in net losses (income) of
ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P. ................. (1,484) 603 1,568
-------- -------- --------
NET LOSS................................................... (72,769) (35,430) (16,639)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Reclassification adjustments for net holding gains on
sales of investments of ORBCOMM Global, L.P. ......... 0 0 (44)
Currency translation adjustments......................... 174 0 0
-------- -------- --------
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS......................................... $(72,595) $(35,430) $(16,683)
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
80
83
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................. $(72,769) $(35,430) $(16,639)
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET LOSS TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY
(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Items not affecting cash:
Equity in net losses of ORBCOMM Global, L.P. .......... 74,225 34,678 14,672
Non-controlling interest in net losses (income) of
ORBCOMM International Partners, L.P. ................ 1,484 (603) (1,568)
-------- -------- --------
SUB-TOTAL................................................. 2,940 (1,355) (3,535)
Net changes in non-cash working capital items:
Increase in accounts receivable........................ (5,516) (983) (23)
Decrease (increase) in deferred and prepaid contract
costs................................................ 1,626 (1,299) (15,709)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities.......................................... 17 (914) 666
Increase in deferred revenue........................... 3,583 6,824 7,123
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES........................................ 2,650 2,273 (11,478)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investments in affiliates................................. (85,659) (33,500) 0
Decrease in amount due from an affiliate.................. 0 0 1,309
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING
ACTIVITIES........................................ (85,659) (33,500) 1,309
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in amount due to affiliates........... (2,700) (2,601) 9,990
Partners' contributions................................... 85,699 32,400 0
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES............ 82,999 29,799 9,990
-------- -------- --------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS................... (10) (1,428) (179)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period....................................... 11 1,439 1,618
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of period............................................. $ 1 $ 11 $ 1,439
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
81
84
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(IN THOUSANDS)
TELEGLOBE MOBILE
TELEGLOBE MOBILE, L.P. INVESTMENT INC.
------------------------------------ ---------------------------------
ACCUMULATED ACCUMULATED
OTHER OTHER
PARTNER'S COMPREHENSIVE PARTNER'S COMPREHENSIVE
CAPITAL INCOME TOTAL CAPITAL INCOME TOTAL
--------- ------------- -------- --------- ------------- -----
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1996....... $ 51,912 $ 30 $ 51,942 $ 524 $ 1 $ 525
Net loss................ (11,531) 0 (11,531) (116) 0 (116)
Share of
reclassification
adjustments for net
holding gains on sales
of investments of
ORBCOMM Global, L.P.
included in net
loss.................. 0 (30) (30) 0 (1) (1)
-------- ---- -------- ----- --- -----
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1997....... 40,381 0 40,381 408 0 408
Capital contributions... 25,896 0 25,896 261 0 261
Excess of contributions
from a new partner to
the existing
partners.............. 1,726 0 1,726 17 0 17
Net loss................ (25,368) 0 (25,368) (256) 0 (256)
Reallocation of TR
(U.S.A.) Ltd. 30%
partnership
interest.............. 12,053 0 12,053 122 0 122
-------- ---- -------- ----- --- -----
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1998....... 54,688 0 54,688 552 0 552
Capital contributions... 84,842 0 84,842 857 0 857
Net loss................ (72,041) 0 (72,041) (728) 0 (728)
Share of ORBCOMM Global,
L.P. currency
translation
adjustment............ 0 172 172 0 2 2
-------- ---- -------- ----- --- -----
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1999....... $ 67,489 $172 $ 67,661 $ 681 $ 2 $ 683
======== ==== ======== ===== === =====
TR (U.S.A) LTD.
------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
PARTNER'S COMPREHENSIVE
CAPITAL INCOME TOTAL TOTAL
--------- ------------- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1996....... $ 22,473 $ 13 $ 22,486 $ 74,953
Net loss................ (4,992) 0 (4,992) (16,639)
Share of
reclassification
adjustments for net
holding gains on sales
of investments of
ORBCOMM Global, L.P.
included in net
loss.................. 0 (13) (13) (44)
-------- ---- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1997....... 17,481 0 17,481 58,270
Capital contributions... 6,243 0 6,243 32,400
Excess of contributions
from a new partner to
the existing
partners.............. (1,743) 0 (1,743) 0
Net loss................ (9,806) 0 (9,806) (35,430)
Reallocation of TR
(U.S.A.) Ltd. 30%
partnership
interest.............. (12,175) 0 (12,175) 0
-------- ---- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1998....... 0 0 0 55,240
Capital contributions... 0 0 0 85,699
Net loss................ 0 0 0 (72,769)
Share of ORBCOMM Global,
L.P. currency
translation
adjustment............ 0 0 0 174
-------- ---- -------- --------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1999....... $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 68,344
======== ==== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
82
85
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organization
Teleglobe Mobile Partners, a Delaware general partnership ("Teleglobe
Mobile" or the "Partnership"), is a majority owned indirect subsidiary of
Teleglobe Inc. ("Teleglobe"), and is included in Teleglobe's consolidated
financial statements. The Partnership was originally formed on July 21, 1993 in
accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Uniform Partnership Law. As of
June 29, 1994, the original partnership agreement was amended and restated by
admitting TR (U.S.A.) Ltd. as a new partner to the Partnership. On December 1,
1998, TR (U.S.A.) Ltd. sold its entire partnership interest in the Partnership
to Teleglobe Mobile Investment Inc., a Delaware corporation and Teleglobe Mobile
L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (collectively, the "Partners").
Consequently, as of December 1, 1998, the partners' capital attributable to TR
(U.S.A.) Ltd. was reallocated to the Partners and the partnership agreement was
amended and restated. The Partnership's term commenced on June 29, 1994 and
terminates on December 31, 2015.
In 1993, the Partnership and Orbital Communications Corporation ("Orbital
Communications"), a majority owned subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation
("Orbital"), formed ORBCOMM Global, L.P. ("ORBCOMM"), a Delaware limited
partnership.
Teleglobe Mobile and Orbital Communications also formed two marketing
partnerships, ORBCOMM USA, L.P. ("ORBCOMM USA") and ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P. ("ORBCOMM International"), to market services using the ORBCOMM
low-Earth orbit satellite-based data communication system (the "ORBCOMM System")
in the United States and internationally, respectively. In 1995, ORBCOMM became
a general and limited partner in ORBCOMM USA with a 98% participation interest
and Orbital Communications' direct partnership interest was reduced to 2% and
Teleglobe Mobile's direct partnership interest was eliminated entirely.
Simultaneously, ORBCOMM became a general and limited partner in ORBCOMM
International with a 98% participation interest and Teleglobe Mobile's direct
partnership interest was reduced to 2% and Orbital Communications' direct
partnership interest was eliminated entirely. In January 2000, ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM
assumed their business operations (see note 8).
The ORBCOMM System Description
ORBCOMM was formed to develop, construct, operate and market the ORBCOMM
System. The space assets currently consist of a constellation of 35 in-orbit
satellites, 26 of which were in commercial service at December 31, 1999. The
ground and control assets consist of gateways strategically located throughout
the world and the facilities to monitor and manage all network elements. In
addition, ORBCOMM operates a network control center, which is designed to
support the full constellation of ORBCOMM System satellites. The subscriber
assets consist of various models of subscriber units, some of which are intended
for general use, while others are designed to support specific applications.
Regulatory Status
Construction and operation of communications satellites in the United
States requires licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC").
Orbital Communications has been granted full operational authority for the
ORBCOMM System by the FCC. Similar licenses are required from foreign regulatory
authorities to permit ORBCOMM System services to be offered outside the United
States. Primary responsibility for obtaining licenses outside the United States
resides with entities who become international licensees. In January 2000,
Orbital Communications agreed to transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses held by
Orbital Communications with respect to the ORBCOMM System upon the occurrence of
certain events.
83
86
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
ORBCOMM and the Partnership emerged from their development stage in the
fourth quarter of 1999. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have
been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. They include the accounts of
the Partnership and its subsidiary, ORBCOMM International. All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as
well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Deferred and Prepaid Contract Costs
Deferred and prepaid contract costs consist primarily of work-in-process
for construction of gateway Earth stations for sale to international licensees.
Investments in Affiliates
The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in
and earnings of affiliates in which the Partnership has the ability to exercise
significant influence over, but does not control, such affiliates' operations.
In accordance with the equity method of accounting, the Partnership's carrying
amount of an investment in an affiliate is initially recorded at cost and is
increased to reflect its share of the affiliate's income and reduced to reflect
its share of the affiliate's losses. The Partnership's investment is also
increased to reflect contributions to, and decreased to reflect distributions
received from, the affiliate.
Goodwill, consisting of the excess of the cost of the Partnership's
investment over its equity in the underlying net assets of ORBCOMM at the
acquisition date, is included in "Investments in Affiliates." Goodwill is
amortized on a straight-line basis, over ten years.
Each year, the Partnership reviews the underlying value of its investments
by comparing their carrying amount to their net recoverable amount. The
determination of the net recoverable amount consists of evaluating forecasted
income and cash flows. Any permanent impairment of such value would be written
off to expense when that determination is made.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues under the gateway procurement contracts with international
licensees or under agreements for the sale of subscriber unit hardware are
recognized when contracts are completed, products are shipped or when customers
have accepted the products or services, depending on contractual terms. License
fees from service license or similar agreements are accounted for as deferred
revenues and recognized ratably over the term of the agreements.
84
87
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
Income Taxes
As a partnership, Federal and state income taxes are the direct
responsibility of each partner. Accordingly, no income taxes have been recorded
by the Partnership within the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of the Partnership's cash and cash equivalents,
receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value
since all such instruments are short-term in nature.
Segment Information
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS No. 131"), establishes
standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards
for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. The Partnership's operations for 1999 and 1998 constitute a single
segment.
Comprehensive Income
As of January 1, 1998, the Partnership adopted SFAS No. 130 "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS No. 130"). SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for
reporting and presentation of comprehensive income and its components.
Comprehensive loss consists of net loss, net holding gains on sale of
investments and currency translation adjustments and is presented in the
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. SFAS No. 130
requires only additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements;
it does not affect the Partnership's financial position or results of
operations. Prior years' consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the requirements of SFAS No. 130.
Reclassification of Prior Years' Balances
Certain amounts in the prior years' consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
(3) INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
As of December 31, 1999, goodwill, net of accumulated amortization in the
amount of $1,521,000 ($1,053,000 as of December 31, 1998), included in
"Investments in Affiliates" was $3,104,000 ($3,572,000 as of December 31, 1998).
Prior to the merger described in note 8 and pursuant to the terms of the
relevant partnership agreements: (i) the Partnership controlled the operational
and financial affairs of ORBCOMM International; and (ii) Orbital Communications
controlled the operational and financial affairs of ORBCOMM USA. Since the
Partnership was unable to control, but was able to exercise significant
influence over, ORBCOMM's and ORBCOMM USA's operating and financial policies,
the Partnership was accounting for its investments in ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM USA
using the equity method of accounting.
85
88
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(3) INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES -- (CONTINUED)
The following tables summarize the information concerning the income,
assets and liabilities of ORBCOMM, including ORBCOMM's equity interests in
ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International.
YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
Revenues............................................. $ 2,722 $ 1,262 $ 527
Net Loss............................................. (144,548) (69,628) (31,436)
DECEMBER 31,
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Total Assets.............................................. $389,812 $346,634
Total Liabilities......................................... 299,063 241,844
Partners' Capital
Teleglobe Mobile Partners.............................. 70,079 56,520
Orbital Communications Corporation..................... 20,670 48,270
Based on its current assessment of the overall business prospects of
ORBCOMM's marketing partnerships and the ORBCOMM System, the Partnership
currently believes its investments in ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM USA are fully
recoverable. If in the future the ORBCOMM business is not successful, the
Partnership may be required to expense part or all of its investments.
(4) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, ORBCOMM International had a payable of
$4,689,000 and $7,071,000, respectively, to ORBCOMM for amounts advanced to
support ORBCOMM International's efforts to establish commercial markets outside
the United States, which was extinguished in connection with the merger
described in note 8. ORBCOMM International obtained funds to support its
operations through non-interest bearing advances from ORBCOMM.
As of December 31, 1998, ORBCOMM International had a payable of $318,000 to
ORBCOMM USA (none as of December 31, 1999).
For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, ORBCOMM International
purchased $456,000, $251,000 and $104,000, respectively, of products from
ORBCOMM.
Effective January 1, 1999, ORBCOMM commenced allocating to ORBCOMM
International its respective share of expenses incurred by ORBCOMM on behalf of
ORBCOMM International. For the year ended December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM allocated
to ORBCOMM International $3,746,000 of expenses (none for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997).
In 1996, the Partnership entered into an administrative services agreement
with Teleglobe. Under this agreement, Teleglobe provides management services to
the Partnership. Teleglobe invoices the Partnership for these services on a
monthly basis. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Partnership owed Teleglobe
$153,000 and $74,000, respectively, under this agreement.
86
89
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Long-Term Debt
In August 1996, ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Global Capital Corp. issued
$170,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 14% Senior Notes due 2004 with
Revenue Participation Interest (the "Old Notes"). All of the Old Notes were
exchanged for an equal principal amount of registered 14% Series B Senior Notes
due 2004 with Revenue Participation Interest (the "Notes"). Revenue
Participation Interest represents an aggregate amount equal to 5% of ORBCOMM
System revenues generated from August 1996 and is payable on the Old Notes and
the Notes on each interest payment date subject to certain covenant
restrictions. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and
several basis by the Partnership and Orbital Communications, and were guaranteed
by ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International prior to the merger described in note
8. The guarantees are non-recourse to the shareholders and/or partners of the
guarantors, limited only to the extent necessary for each such guarantee not to
constitute a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. The Indenture governing
the Notes contains certain financial covenants providing for, among other
things, limitations on payments and cash transfers between the credit parties
and Teleglobe and Orbital, limitations on transactions between ORBCOMM and its
affiliates, limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and
restrictions on the sale of ORBCOMM's assets. The Indenture also imposes
limitations governing the conduct of ORBCOMM's business and creates restrictions
relating to ORBCOMM's investment activities. In management's opinion, there have
been no events which would cause ORBCOMM to be out of compliance with any of the
covenants set forth in the Indenture.
Construction of Gateways
ORBCOMM International has entered into agreements with certain
manufacturers for the purchase of 24 gateway Earth stations and one gateway
antenna that have been or will be installed around the world. During 1999,
installation and final acceptance of gateways in Brazil, Argentina, Malaysia and
Curacao occurred. The related revenue and associated costs have been properly
reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Additionally, as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, ORBCOMM International had
$19,253,000 and $20,879,000, respectively, of deferred and prepaid contract
costs of which $10,889,000 and $12,718,000, respectively, represents advance
payments to manufacturers for gateways that have not yet been completed. Total
commitments under the gateway manufacturing agreements approximated $22,000,000
of which approximately $5,400,000 was outstanding as of December 31, 1999.
Included in deferred and prepaid contract costs is the portion of engineering
direct labor costs that relates to the construction of gateways. As of December
31, 1999 and 1998, $1,999,000 and $1,114,000, respectively, of such costs had
been included in deferred and prepaid contract costs.
In the second quarter of 1999, ORBCOMM International recognized $3,137,000
in revenue reflecting payments previously made by its former international
licensees SEC ORBCOMM (Middle East) Ltd. and CEC Bosphorus Communications Ltd.
under their respective service license agreements and associated agreements with
ORBCOMM International. ORBCOMM International had terminated these licensees for
non-performance and deferred recognizing this revenue pending the outcome of a
motion for a preliminary injunction filed by SATCOM International Group PLC
("SATCOM"), the alleged successor-in-interest to each of SEC ORBCOMM and CEC
Bosphorus. SATCOM's motion for a preliminary injunction was denied by the
district court on March 18, 1999. SATCOM appealed the district court's denial of
its request for a preliminary injunction; however, SATCOM subsequently withdrew
this appeal. On March 29, 1999, SATCOM moved for an order staying the district
court action pending arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. On
May 27, 1999, the district court denied SATCOM's motion for a stay of the
district court action and granted a cross-motion filed by ORBCOMM International,
staying the arbitration SATCOM had initiated and enjoining SATCOM from
proceeding with such arbitration. On December 15, 1999, the Second Circuit
summarily affirmed the district court's May 27, 1999 ruling. On January 28,
2000, we filed a motion for summary judgment, which motion is currently pending.
In management's opinion, the final resolution of this matter will not have a
material adverse effect on ORBCOMM's or ORBCOMM International's financial
condition or results of operations.
87
90
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- (CONTINUED)
Contingencies
From time to time, ORBCOMM International is involved in claims from
licensees or potential licensees. In management's opinion, there will be no
material adverse impact on the financial condition or results of operations of
ORBCOMM International as a result of such claims.
(6) SERVICE LICENSE OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS
As of December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM International had signed 17 agreements
with international licensees, 12 of which had associated gateway procurement
contracts and software license agreements. These agreements authorize the
international licensees to use the ORBCOMM System to provide two-way data
communication services in their designated territories. As of December 31, 1999
and 1998, $23,677,000 and $20,094,000, respectively, was recorded as deferred
revenue under these agreements and the associated gateway procurement
agreements. As of December 31, 1999, ORBCOMM International had constructed and
delivered seven gateways and was obligated to construct and deliver five
gateways to certain international licensees under certain of these agreements
(see note 5).
88
91
TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(7) SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
ORBCOMM International derives substantially all of its revenues from
customers outside of the United States. The following sets forth the total
revenues generated by international licensees that accounted for more than 10%
of ORBCOMM International's total revenues during 1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
---- ----
Customer A.................................................. * 33%
Customer B.................................................. * 34%
Customer C.................................................. * 32%
Customer D.................................................. 37% *
Customer E.................................................. 21% *
Customer F.................................................. 13% *
Customer G.................................................. 20% *
- ---------------
* Less than 10% of total revenues in the respective period.
The following sets forth the accounts receivable balance from international
licensees as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 that are greater than 10% of ORBCOMM
International's total accounts receivable balance:
AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
------------
1999 1998
---- ----
Customer A.................................................. * 99%
Customer D.................................................. 25% *
Customer H.................................................. 31% *
Customer I.................................................. 17% *
- ---------------
* Less than 10% of total accounts receivable as of the end of each
respective period.
(8) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective as of January 1, 2000, Teleglobe Mobile entered into an agreement
with ORBCOMM, Teleglobe, Orbital and Orbital Communications pursuant to which:
- Teleglobe Mobile became ORBCOMM's sole general partner and majority
owner, with an interest of approximately 64% as of January 1, 2000;
- Orbital Communications remained a limited partner, with a minority
ownership interest of approximately 36% as of January 1, 2000; and
- ORBCOMM made arrangements to settle deferred invoiced amounts owed to
Orbital.
On January 26, 2000, each of Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
contributed to ORBCOMM its 2% direct participation interest in ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, respectively (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger,
these companies ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed
their business operations.
89
92
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Orbital Communications Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Orbital
Communications Corporation (the "Company") as of December 31, 1999, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficit, and cash
flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audit. The financial statements of the
Company as of December 31, 1998 and for each of the two years in the period then
ended, were audited by other auditors whose report dated February 16, 1999,
expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Orbital
Communications Corporation as of December 31, 1999, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Vienna, VA
February 3, 2000
90
93
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Orbital Communications Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Orbital
Communications Corporation and subsidiary (a subsidiary of Orbital Sciences
Corporation) as of December 31, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Orbital
Communications Corporation and subsidiary as of December 31, 1998, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Washington, D.C.
February 16, 1999
91
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ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
1999 1998
--------- --------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 10 $ 10
Accounts receivable and other current assets.............. 830 1,247
--------- --------
Total Current Assets.............................. 840 1,257
Investments in affiliates................................... 30,699 56,111
--------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................... $ 31,539 $ 57,368
========= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities -- current... $ 270 $ 724
Due to parent and affiliates -- non-current................. 173,358 123,677
--------- --------
Total Liabilities................................. 173,628 124,401
Non-controlling interest in net assets of consolidated
subsidiary................................................ (8,656) (6,296)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:
Common stock, par value $0.01;
8,000,000 shares authorized;
4,818,892 and 4,783,892 shares issued;
4,713,620 and 4,688,320 shares outstanding,
respectively........................................... 48 48
Additional paid-in capital................................ 732 452
Treasury stock, at cost, 105,272 and 95,572 shares,
respectively........................................... (1,193) (770)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (133,020) (60,467)
--------- --------
Total Stockholders' Deficit....................... (133,433) (60,737)
--------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT....... $ 31,539 $ 57,368
========= ========
See accompanying footnotes to the consolidated financial statements.
92
95
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
SERVICE AND PRODUCT SALES................................... $ 2,126 $ 759 $ 172
EXPENSES:
Costs of sales............................................ 584 775 383
Marketing, administrative and other expenses.............. 6,541 3,617 5,202
-------- -------- --------
Total expenses.................................... 7,125 4,392 5,585
-------- -------- --------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS........................................ (4,999) (3,633) (5,413)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Equity in net losses of affiliates........................ (69,914) (33,050) (13,004)
Non-controlling interest in net losses of consolidated
subsidiary............................................. 2,360 1,763 2,639
-------- -------- --------
Net loss.................................................... $(72,553) $(34,920) $(15,778)
======== ======== ========
See accompanying footnotes to the consolidated financial statements.
93
96
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $(72,553) $(34,920) $(15,778)
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET LOSS TO NET CASH USED IN
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
ITEMS NOT AFFECTING CASH:
Equity in net losses of affiliates 69,914 33,050 13,004
Non-controlling interest in net losses of consolidated
subsidiary (2,360) (1,763) (2,639)
-------- -------- --------
SUB-TOTAL 67,554 31,287 10,365
Net change in non-cash working capital items:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable and other
current assets 417 (1,059) (159)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other
accrued liabilities (617) (82) 301
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (5,199) (4,774) (5,271)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investments in affiliates (44,502) (34,498) 0
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (44,502) (34,498) 0
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of common stock to employees 280 102 141
Purchases of treasury stock (260) (40) (575)
Repayments of promissory notes 0 (331) (166)
Net borrowings from parent and affiliates 49,681 39,517 5,763
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 49,701 39,248 5,163
-------- -------- --------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 0 (24) (108)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period 10 34 142
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of period $ 10 $ 10 $ 34
======== ======== ========
NON-CASH TRANSACTION: As discussed in note 7 of the accompanying footnotes,
during 1999, 9,700 common shares were repurchased for cash of $260,000 and a
promissory note of $163,000.
See accompanying footnotes to the consolidated financial statement.
94
97
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL TREASURY STOCK ACCUMULATED
------------------ PAID-IN ----------------- EARNINGS
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL SHARES AMOUNT (DEFICIT) TOTAL
--------- ------ ---------- ------- ------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996..... 4,730,392 $47 $210 50,772 $ (155) $ (9,769) $ (9,667)
Shares issued to employees... 20,900 1 140 0 0 0 141
Treasury stock purchased..... 0 0 0 43,800 (575) 0 (575)
Net loss..................... 0 0 0 0 0 (15,778) (15,778)
--------- --- ---- ------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997..... 4,751,292 48 350 94,572 (730) (25,547) (25,879)
Shares issued to employees... 32,600 0 102 0 0 0 102
Treasury stock purchased..... 0 0 0 1,000 (40) 0 (40)
Net loss..................... 0 0 0 0 0 (34,920) (34,920)
--------- --- ---- ------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998..... 4,783,892 48 452 95,572 (770) (60,467) (60,737)
Shares issued to employees... 35,000 0 280 0 0 0 280
Treasury stock purchased..... 0 0 0 9,700 (423) 0 (423)
Net loss..................... 0 0 0 0 0 (72,553) (72,553)
--------- --- ---- ------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1999..... 4,818,892 $48 $732 105,272 $(1,193) $(133,020) $(133,433)
========= === ==== ======= ======= ========= =========
See accompanying footnotes to the consolidated financial statements.
95
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ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organization
Orbital Communications Corporation ("Orbital Communications") is a majority
owned and controlled subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation ("Orbital") and
is included in Orbital's consolidated financial statements. In 1993, Orbital
Communications and Teleglobe Mobile Partners ("Teleglobe Mobile"), a partnership
established by affiliates of Teleglobe Inc. ("Teleglobe"), formed ORBCOMM
Global, L.P. ("ORBCOMM"), a Delaware limited partnership, and two marketing
partnerships, ORBCOMM USA, L.P. ("ORBCOMM USA") and ORBCOMM International
Partners, L.P. ("ORBCOMM International"). As of December 31, 1999, each of
Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile is a 50% general partner in ORBCOMM,
and ORBCOMM is a 98% general partner in each of the two marketing partnerships.
Additionally, Orbital Communications is a 2% general partner in ORBCOMM USA, and
Teleglobe Mobile is a 2% general partner in ORBCOMM International. Directly and
indirectly, as of December 31, 1999, Orbital Communications holds and controls
51% and 49% of ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International, respectively. In January
2000, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International ceased doing business as separate
entities and ORBCOMM assumed their business operations (see note 9).
Pursuant to the terms of the relevant partnership agreements, and prior to
the merger referred to in note 9, as of December 31, 1999: (i) Orbital
Communications and Teleglobe Mobile share equal responsibility for the
operational and financial affairs of ORBCOMM; (ii) Orbital Communications
controls and consolidates the operational and financial affairs of ORBCOMM USA;
and (iii) Teleglobe Mobile controls the operational and financial affairs of
ORBCOMM International. Since Orbital Communications is unable to control, but is
able to exercise significant influence over ORBCOMM's and ORBCOMM
International's operating and financial policies, Orbital Communications
accounts for its investments in ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM International using the
equity method of accounting.
In April 1999, ORBCOMM formed ORBCOMM Enterprises, L.P. ("ORBCOMM
Enterprises"), a Delaware limited partnership for the purpose of marketing and
distributing ORBCOMM's monitoring, tracking and messaging services to customers
and developing applications with respect thereto. In May 1999, ORBCOMM USA
transferred approximately $700,000 of its assets to ORBCOMM Enterprises.
The ORBCOMM System Description
ORBCOMM was formed to develop, construct, operate and market the ORBCOMM
low-Earth orbit ("LEO") satellite data communication system (the "ORBCOMM
System"). The ORBCOMM System is comprised of three operational segments: (i) a
space segment consisting of 35 LEO satellites, 26 of which were in commercial
service at December 31, 1999; (ii) a ground and control segment consisting of a
network control center, which serves as the global control for the satellites'
gateway Earth stations which send signals to and receive signals from the
satellites, and (iii) a subscriber segment consisting of various models of
subscriber units, some of which are intended for general use, while others are
designed to support specific applications.
Regulatory Status
Construction and operation of communications satellites in the United
States requires licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC").
Orbital Communications has received licenses from the FCC granting Orbital
Communications full operational authority for the ORBCOMM System. Similar
licenses are required from foreign regulatory authorities to permit ORBCOMM
System services to be offered outside the United States. Primary responsibility
for obtaining licenses outside the United States will reside with the entities
that become international licensees. In January 2000, Orbital Communications
agreed to transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses if certain events occur (see note
9).
96
99
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain
reclassifications have been made to the 1998 and 1997 consolidated financial
statements to conform to the 1999 consolidated financial statement presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Orbital
Communications and ORBCOMM USA. All material transactions and accounts between
consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
ORBCOMM USA provides subscriber unit hardware and services to customers.
Revenues from product sales are recognized when products are shipped or when
customers have accepted the products, depending on contractual terms. Service
revenues are recognized when service is rendered.
Income Taxes
Orbital Communications is included in Orbital's consolidated Federal income
tax returns. Orbital Communications determines its provision for income taxes as
if it were filing on a separate return basis. Orbital Communications recognizes
income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
period that includes the enactment date.
Investments in Affiliates and Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
Orbital Communications uses the equity method of accounting for its
investments in and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates in which Orbital
Communications has the ability to significantly influence, but not control the
affiliates' operations. In accordance with the equity method of accounting,
Orbital Communications' carrying amount of an investment in an affiliate is
initially recorded at cost and is increased to reflect its proportionate share
of the affiliate's income and is reduced to reflect its proportionate share of
the affiliate's losses. Orbital Communications' investment is also increased to
reflect contributions to, and decreased to reflect distributions from, the
affiliate. Any excess of the amount of Orbital Communications' investment over
the amount of Orbital Communications' underlying equity in each affiliate's net
assets is amortized over a period of 20 years.
Orbital Communications' policy is to review its long-lived assets,
including its investments in affiliates, for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. Orbital Communications recognizes an impairment loss when the
sum of expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset.
97
100
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of Orbital Communications' current assets and current
liabilities approximate fair value since all such instruments are short-term in
nature.
Stock Based Compensation
Orbital Communications accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), which requires companies to: (i)
recognize as expense the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of
grant, or (ii) continue to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and provide
pro forma net income (loss) data for employee stock option grants as if the
fair-value-based method as defined in SFAS 123 had been applied. Orbital
Communications has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and to
provide the pro forma disclosure in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123.
(3) INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, Orbital Communications had approximately
$30,699,000 and $56,111,000, respectively, in investments in affiliates relating
to ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM International. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, ORBCOMM had
$389,812,000 and $346,634,000 in total assets, $299,063,000 and $241,844,000 in
total liabilities and $90,749,000 and $104,790,000 of total partners' capital,
respectively. ORBCOMM recorded $2,772,000, $1,262,000 and $527,000 in revenues
and $144,548,000, $69,628,000 and $31,436,000 in net losses for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The difference between Orbital
Communications' investment in ORBCOMM and the amount of Orbital Communications'
underlying equity in ORBCOMM is primarily due to ORBCOMM accounting for its
interests in ORBCOMM USA using the equity method of accounting, while Orbital
Communications consolidates its interests in ORBCOMM USA. Based on the amended
terms of the Partnership Agreement as explained in note 9, and its current
assessment of the overall business prospects of the ORBCOMM System, Orbital
Communications currently believes its investments in ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM
International are fully recoverable. If in the future, the ORBCOMM business is
not successful, Orbital Communications may be required to expense part or all of
its investments.
(4) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Orbital Communications obtains virtually all of its funding for its
operations and for its capital investments in ORBCOMM from Orbital via a
non-interest bearing intercompany borrowing arrangement. As of December 31, 1999
and 1998, Orbital Communications owed Orbital $154,973,000 and $110,287,000,
respectively, none of which is currently payable. As of December 31, 1999 and
1998, Orbital Communications owed ORBCOMM $393,000 and $48,000, respectively.
ORBCOMM USA currently obtains all of its funding from ORBCOMM via a
non-interest bearing intercompany borrowing arrangement. As of December 31, 1999
and 1998, ORBCOMM USA owed ORBCOMM $17,992,000 and $13,342,000, respectively.
This liability was extinguished in connection with the merger described in note
9.
(5) INCOME TAXES
Orbital Communications had no current or deferred provision for income
taxes for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997.
98
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ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(5) INCOME TAXES -- (CONTINUED)
The differences between the actual taxes and taxes computed at the U.S.
Federal income tax rate are summarized as follows:
YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
U.S. Federal statutory rate............................. (35%) (35%) (34%)
Change in valuation allowance........................... 35% 35% 34%
--- --- ---
Effective rate.......................................... 0% 0% 0%
=== === ===
The tax effects of significant temporary differences are as follows:
DECEMBER 31,
(IN THOUSANDS)
--------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss carryforward and other........... $ 72,902 $ 35,994
Valuation allowance................................. (48,870) (21,283)
-------- --------
Tax assets net.............................. 24,032 14,711
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Book/Tax differences attributable to partnership
items............................................ (24,032) (14,711)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets..................... $ 0 $ 0
======== ========
Orbital Communications provides a valuation allowance against its net
deferred tax assets given the trend of taxable losses in prior years.
(6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In August 1996, ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Global Capital Corp. issued
$170,000,000 senior unsecured notes due in 2004 (the "Notes") to institutional
investors. The Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 14% and provide for
noteholder participation in future ORBCOMM System revenues. The Notes are fully
and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Orbital
Communications and Teleglobe Mobile and were guaranteed by ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International prior to the merger described in note 9. The guarantees
are non-recourse to Orbital Communications' shareholders (including Orbital) and
Teleglobe Mobile's partners (including Teleglobe).
(7) STOCK OPTION PLAN
Orbital Communications adopted a stock option plan in 1992 (the "Orbital
Communications Plan"). The Orbital Communications Plan provides for grants of
incentive and non-qualified stock options to officers and employees of Orbital
Communications, ORBCOMM, ORBCOMM USA, ORBCOMM International and Orbital to
purchase Orbital Communications' common stock. Under the terms of the Orbital
Communications Plan, incentive stock options may not be granted at less than
100% of the fair market value at the date of grant and non-qualified options may
not be granted at less than 85% of the fair market value of Orbital
Communications common stock at the date of grant as determined by Orbital
Communications' Board of Directors. The options vest at a rate set forth by the
Board of Directors in each individual option agreement, generally in one-fourth
increments over a four-year period following the date of grant.
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ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(7) STOCK OPTION PLAN -- (CONTINUED)
Certain provisions of the Orbital Communications Plan require Orbital
Communications to repurchase, with cash or promissory notes, the common stock
acquired pursuant to the options. The total amount of cash for stock repurchases
and promissory note repayments is restricted to $1,000,000 per year, in
accordance with the terms of the Notes (see note 6). During 1999, 1998 and 1997,
Orbital Communications repurchased 9,700, 1,000 and 43,800 common shares,
respectively, by paying $260,000, $40,000 and $575,000 in cash, respectively. A
promissory note of $163,000 was issued in 1999 in connection with the repurchase
of the 9,700 common shares.
Orbital Communications' Board of Directors is required to determine the
fair value of Orbital Communications' common stock semiannually in March and
September. The Board of Directors has not yet determined the fair value of the
common stock as of September 1999, to be used in its offer to repurchase shares.
The price that will eventually be used may be contested by certain shareholders.
The maximum number of shares that may be repurchased is approximately 43,000.
The aggregate repurchase amount is not expected to exceed $2,000,000, however,
the maximum amount that would be paid is limited to $1,000,000 per year as
described in the preceding paragraph.
The following two tables summarize information regarding options under the
Orbital Communications Plan for the last three years:
WEIGHTED OUTSTANDING
NUMBER OPTION PRICE AVERAGE AND
OF SHARES PER SHARE EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE
--------- --------------- -------------- -----------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31,
1996............................ 598,830 $ 1.50 -- $25.00 $ 9.40 393,903
Granted...................... 284,500 $26.50 $26.50
Exercised.................... (20,900) $ 1.50 -- $25.00 $ 6.68
Canceled or Expired.......... (112,600) $ 1.50 -- $25.00 $14.86
--------- --------------- ------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31,
1997............................ 749,830 $ 1.50 -- $26.50 $15.22 415,804
Granted...................... 305,300 $26.50 -- $39.75 $32.37
Exercised.................... (32,600) $ 1.50 -- $13.00 $ 3.15
Canceled or Expired.......... (17,700) $ 1.50 -- $26.50 $23.94
--------- --------------- ------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31,
1998............................ 1,004,830 $ 1.50 -- $39.75 $20.40 520,864
Granted...................... 36,000 $39.75 -- $43.67 $43.34
Exercised.................... (35,000) $ 1.50 -- $26.50 $ 8.02
Canceled or Expired.......... (287,825) $ 4.00 -- $43.67 $27.84
--------- --------------- ------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31,
1999............................ 718,005 $ 1.50 -- $43.67 $19.18 531,739
========= =============== ======
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
NUMBER WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
RANGE OF OUTSTANDING REMAINING WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISABLE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES AT DEC. 31, 1999 CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISE PRICE AT DEC. 31, 1999 EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 1.50 -- $ 4.00 217,040 2.83 $ 2.41 217,040 $ 2.41
$ 5.25 -- $25.00 144,790 4.56 $14.44 139,165 $14.01
$26.50 235,500 7.83 $26.50 145,709 $26.50
$39.75 -- $43.67 120,675 8.48 $40.72 29,825 $39.75
- --------------- --------- ---- ------ ------- ------
$ 1.50 -- $43.67 718,005 5.77 $19.18 531,739 $14.14
=============== ========= ==== ====== ======= ======
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ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(8) STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Orbital Communications uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to
determine the pro forma impact of stock option grants under SFAS 123 on Orbital
Communications' net loss. The model utilizes certain information, such as the
interest rate on a risk-free security maturing generally at the same time as the
option being valued, and requires certain assumptions, such as the expected
amount of time an option will be outstanding until it is exercised or it
expires, to calculate the weighted-average fair value per share of stock options
granted. This information and the assumptions used in the option pricing model
for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, are as follows: volatility 30%; dividend
yield, zero percent; average expected life, 4.5 years; risk free interest rate,
5.6%, 5.4% and 6.1%; additional shares available, 308,750, 56,925 and 48,878;
and weighted-average exercise price per option grant, $43.34, $32.37 and $26.50.
Had the company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the
grant date for its stock options in accordance with the fair value method
prescribed by SFAS 123, Orbital Communications' net loss would have been
$72,885,000, $36,666,000 and $16,460,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
(9) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective as of January 1, 2000, Orbital Communications entered into an
agreement with ORBCOMM, Teleglobe, Orbital, and Teleglobe Mobile pursuant to
which:
- Teleglobe Mobile became ORBCOMM's sole general partner and majority
owner, with an interest of approximately 64% as of January 1, 2000; and
- Orbital Communications remained a limited partner in ORBCOMM, with a
minority ownership interest of approximately 36% as of January 1, 2000.
On January 26, 2000, Orbital Communications and Teleglobe Mobile
contributed to ORBCOMM its 2% direct participation interest in ORBCOMM USA and
ORBCOMM International, respectively. As a result of this contribution, these
companies ceased doing business as separate entities and ORBCOMM assumed their
business operations.
Orbital Communications has agreed to file an application with the FCC to
transfer to ORBCOMM the FCC licenses held by Orbital Communications with respect
to the ORBCOMM System if an aggregate of $75,000,000 in additional capital
contributions or similar equity investments is made to ORBCOMM by any entity
after January 1, 2000.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANTS
Our partnership agreement provides that the management of ORBCOMM is the
exclusive responsibility of our general partner. Our officers are nominated by
our President and elected by our general partner and exercise such authority as
they are granted by our general partner.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND PARTNER REPRESENTATIVES
(a) ORBCOMM.
Executive Officers. The following are our executive officers as of March
15, 2000:
NAME AGE POSITION
- -------------------- --- ----------------------------------------------
Scott L. Webster 47 Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
William J. Meder 57 Vice Chairman and Vice President, Strategic
Relations
Richard G. Tennant 55 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
Andre Halley 53 Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and
Distribution
Mary Ellen Seravalli 41 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
Scott L. Webster has been our President since April 1999 and has been our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since February 1998. Mr. Webster has been
the President of Orbital Communications since 1997. He is a co-founder of
Orbital, and served in various consulting capacities with Orbital from 1993 to
1996. He served as President of Orbital's Space Data Division from 1990 to 1993
and was Executive Vice President of that organization from 1989 to 1990. Mr.
Webster served as Orbital's Vice President and Senior Vice President of
Marketing from Orbital's inception in 1982 until 1989. Previously, he held
technical and management positions at Advanced Technology Laboratories and
Litton Industries.
William J. Meder has been our Vice President, Strategic Relations since
February 1998 and has been our Vice Chairman since May 1999. He was our Vice
President, Special Projects from July 1997 to February 1998 and Vice Chairman,
Strategic Relationships from February 1998 to May 1999. Mr. Meder also has been
President of ORBCOMM Canada Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Teleglobe,
since August 1994 and is also a part-owner of ORBCOMM Canada. From 1993 to 1994,
Mr. Meder was a business consultant and, from 1990 to 1993, Chief Operating
Officer of Henry Birks and Sons Ltd. From 1982 to 1989, Mr. Meder was the Chief
Executive Officer of Comp-u-Card Canada Inc. and, from 1978 to 1982, Chief
Executive Officer of Imperial Manufacturing Inc. Before 1978, Mr. Meder spent 13
years with IBM in various senior management positions. Mr. Meder was formerly a
chairman of Syscor, an information services company serving hospitals in the
Montreal area, and President of the Young Presidents Association.
Richard G. Tennant has been our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer since April 1999. From December 1998 to March 1999, Mr.
Tennant provided financial consulting and advisory services to Information
Resource Engineering, Inc., a provider of security solutions for the Internet
and other shared networks for private communication, as well as several other
technology companies. From July 1997 to November 1998, Mr. Tennant was Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Information Resource Engineering.
From 1987 to 1997, Mr. Tennant was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President of Finance for Netrix Corporation, a telecommunications company that
provides wide-area network hardware and
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software. From 1978 to 1987, Mr. Tennant was Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of LTX Corporation, which designs and manufacturers
semiconductor test equipment. Between 1982 and 1992, Mr. Tennant was also a
director of LTX Corporation. In January 2000, Mr. Tennant was elected a director
of The Burton Group, Inc., a provider of network computing architecture,
research and advisory services.
Andre Halley has been our Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and
Distribution since November 1999, and from April 1998 to October 1999, Mr.
Halley was our Senior Vice President, International Market Development. Mr.
Halley was our Managing Director from May 1998 to May 1999. From April 1996 to
April 1998, Mr. Halley was employed by both Teleglobe Canada, Inc. and Teleglobe
GmbH and was seconded to ORBCOMM International to provide it with management
consulting services for international market development projects. From 1994 to
1996, Mr. Halley was Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa for
Teleglobe Canada. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Halley was President of Optinet
Communications, a value-added carrier involved in the design, engineering and
operation of multimedia networks and from 1990 to 1992, he was President of
Cellular Canada, a national supplier of cellular equipment and related services.
From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Halley was Vice President, Operations, Eastern Region for
Bell Cellular, where he was responsible for, among other things, the expansion
of Bell Cellular's client base and deployment of its system infrastructure. From
1988 to 1989, he was also President of Cellnet Canada, a Canadian association of
cellular operators. Prior to 1987, Mr. Halley held various positions with Bell
Canada, including Division Sales Manager, National Accounts, Sales and Marketing
and Account Representative.
Mary Ellen Seravalli has been our Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary since January 1997, and from January 1996 to December 1996 she was
our Vice President and General Counsel. From 1991 to 1995, Ms. Seravalli was
Assistant General Counsel of Orbital and from January 1995 to December 1995 she
was also a Vice President of Orbital. Prior to joining Orbital in 1991, Ms.
Seravalli was an associate in the law firm of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, where
she worked on mergers and acquisitions, with an emphasis on the
telecommunications industry, and where she represented both lenders and
borrowers in connection with the establishment of various types of credit
facilities.
PARTNER REPRESENTATIVES
Pursuant to our partnership agreement, Teleglobe Mobile, our general
partner, is represented at the meetings of the partners by up to three
authorized representatives. In addition, so long as Orbital Communications'
participation percentage in us is not less than 15%, then at each meeting of the
partners, two representatives of Orbital Communications, as well as our Chief
Executive Officer, are entitled to be present as observers. Either partner may
by notice to the other change its designated authorized representatives. Set
forth below is information regarding each of the partners' representatives.
Teleglobe Mobile:
Claude Seguin, 50, is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Teleglobe Mobile Investment Inc., the managing partner of Teleglobe Mobile. He
has also been the Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
of Teleglobe since October 1992. Mr. Seguin served in the Quebec Finance
Ministry as Deputy Minister from 1987 to 1992 and as Assistant Deputy Minister
from 1983 to 1987. In the former capacity, Mr. Seguin oversaw all departmental
activities relating to Quebec's budgetary, fiscal and economic policies and was
in charge of financing and treasury operations for the entire government. Mr.
Seguin sits on the boards of Financiere Banque Nationale and New Skies
Satellites N.V. He is also a former governor of the Montreal Exchange and former
director of Telesystem International Wireless Corporation, Caisse de depot et
placement du Quebec, Desjardins Laurentian Financial Corporation and La Societe
generale de financement du Quebec. He is a director of L'Institut de Cardiologie
de Montreal and L' Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Montreal.
Andre Bourbonnais, 38, is President of Teleglobe Mobile Investment. He has
also been Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of
Teleglobe since January 1, 1999. Mr. Bourbonnais joined Teleglobe in 1993 as
Senior Legal Counsel and was later promoted to Director, Legal Affairs and Vice
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President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary. From 1990 to 1993, Mr.
Bourbonnais was an associate, then a partner, at Transact International, a
consulting firm based in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Mr. Bourbonnais began his career
at the law firm of Stikeman Elliott in 1986 as a corporate attorney. Mr.
Bourbonnais holds an L.L.M. from the London School of Economics.
William J. Meder is a representative of Teleglobe Mobile.
Orbital Communications:
David W. Thompson, 46, is a founder of Orbital and has been Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbital since 1982. From 1981 to
1982, Mr. Thompson was Special Assistant to the President at Hughes Aircraft
Company's Missile Systems Group. From 1977 to 1979, Mr. Thompson was employed by
NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center as a project manager and engineer.
Prior to 1977, he worked on the Space Shuttle's autopilot design at the Charles
Stark Draper Laboratory.
Jeffrey V. Pirone, 39, has been Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Orbital since January 1998. Prior to January 1998, Mr.
Pirone held a number of positions at Orbital, including Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President and Controller. Mr. Pirone has
also been the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orbital
Communications since June 1996. Prior to joining Orbital in 1991, Mr. Pirone was
a Senior Manager at KPMG LLP.
(b) ORBCOMM Global Capital.
Executive Officers and Directors. The following are ORBCOMM Global
Capital's executive officers and directors as of March 15, 2000:
NAME AGE POSITION
- -------------------- --- --------------------------------------
Scott L. Webster 47 President and Director
Richard G. Tennant 55 Vice President, Treasurer and Director
Carol P. Hanna 37 Vice President, Finance
Mary Ellen Seravalli 41 Vice President and Secretary
All of the above-named executive officers and directors of ORBCOMM Global
Capital (except for Ms. Hanna) were elected in May 1999. Ms. Hanna has been the
Vice President, Finance of ORBCOMM Global Capital since November 11, 1999.
Carol P. Hanna has been our Vice President, Finance since September 1999.
From 1997 to 1999, Ms. Hanna was Director of Finance and Accounting of PRA
International, a contract drug development company. From 1992 to 1997, Ms. Hanna
was Controller and Director of Corporate Taxation of Applied Bioscience
International Inc, a contract drug development and environmental consulting
company. From 1985 to 1992, Ms. Hanna was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP, and
from 1990 to 1992, held the position of Tax Manager. Ms. Hanna is a Certified
Public Accountant.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation earned,
awarded or paid in the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, as
applicable, to those persons who were at December 31, 1999: (i) our Chief
Executive Officer, (ii) our four other most highly compensated executive
officers who were serving as executive officers at December 31, 1999 and (iii)
one additional former executive officer of the
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Company for whom disclosures would have been provided pursuant to paragraph (ii)
except that such individual was not serving as an executive officer at December
31, 1999 (collectively, the "Named Officers").
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
-------------------------------- ---------------
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS/SARS(1) COMPENSATION(2)
- ----------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- --------------- ---------------
Scott L. Webster................... 1999 $262,500 $159,000 15,000 $ 83,789(4)
Chairman, President and Chief 1998 250,000 287,500(3) 100,000 49,575(4)
Executive Officer 1997(5) -- -- -- --
William J. Meder................... 1999 -- 137,570 50,000 241,000(8)
Vice Chairman and Vice President, 1998 -- 235,000(6) 20,000(7) 216,300(8)
Strategic Relations(9) 1997(5) -- -- -- --
Richard G. Tennant................. 1999 123,750 34,000 28,000 4,634
Senior Vice President and 1998(5) -- -- -- --
Chief Financial Officer(10) 1997(5) -- -- -- --
Andre Halley....................... 1999 191,500 103,180 20,000 21,980(12)
Executive Vice President, 1998 170,000 59,683 20,000 17,873(12)
Global Marketing and 1997(5) -- -- -- --
Distribution(11)
Mary Ellen Seravalli............... 1999 175,000 65,820 10,000 10,457
Senior Vice President and 1998 165,000 50,000 15,000 8,024
General Counsel 1997 150,000 52,531 -- 7,645
Robert F. Latham................... 1999 172,700 -- -- 276,689(14)
Executive Vice President and 1998 220,000 73,700 40,000 7,121
Chief Operating Officer(13) 1997 108,692(15) 157,800(16) 70,000 32,250(17)
- ------------------------------
(1) The 1999 amounts for all officers except 20,000 of the 28,000 amount for
Mr. Tennant represent shares of common stock of ORBCOMM Corporation subject
to options granted under the ORBCOM Global, L.P. and ORBCOMM Corporation
1999 Equity Plan (the "ORBCOMM Stock Option Plan"). All other amounts,
including 20,000 of the 1999 amount for Mr. Tennant, represent shares of
common stock of OCC subject to options granted under the Orbital
Communications Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "OCC Stock Option
Plan").
(2) The 1999, 1998 and 1997 amounts for all officers except Mr. Meder and, to
the extent noted below, Mr. Halley include matching and profit sharing
contributions made under our 401(k) plan and our Group Term Life Insurance
premiums paid by us in the following amounts, respectively: Mr. Webster,
1999, $5,892 and $1,220, 1998, $3,077 and $498; Mr. Tennant, 1999, $3,717
and $917; Ms. Seravalli, 1999, $9,978 and $479, 1998, 7,501 and $523 and
1997, $7,645 and $0; Mr. Latham, 1999, $10,413 and $2,427, 1998, $6,400 and
$721, 1997, $4,638 and $1,218; and Mr. Halley (Group Term Life Insurance
premium payments only, see note 11), 1999, $980 and 1998, $373.
(3) Includes an amount paid to Mr. Webster as consideration for Mr. Webster
becoming our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in February 1998, as well
as a year-end bonus.
(4) Of these amounts $76,677 represents a one-time housing allowance paid to
Mr. Webster in 1999, and $46,000 represents moving expenses paid in 1998,
respectively.
(5) No compensation is reported where the individual did not serve as one of
our executive officers during a given fiscal year.
(6) Includes an amount paid to Mr. Meder as consideration for Mr. Meder
becoming our Vice Chairman-Strategic Relationships and Vice President,
Strategic Relations, as well as a year-end bonus.
(7) Securities underlying options granted to Mr. Meder do not include
securities underlying options to purchase 90,000 shares of common stock of
Dolphin Information Services pursuant to the Dolphin Information Services,
Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the "DIS Stock Option Plan").
(8) Of these amounts, approximately $33,000 and $8,300 represent consideration
paid to Mr. Meder in 1999 and 1998, respectively, in his capacity as
President of Dolphin Software Services, which position Mr. Meder assumed in
October 1998 and $208,000 of such amounts represents amounts paid by us in
each of 1999 and 1998 to ORBCOMM Canada pursuant to the March 18, 1998
consulting agreement with ORBCOMM Canada in consideration for the services
provided by Mr. Meder as an officer of ours.
(9) Mr. Meder commenced employment as an executive officer of ours in August
1998.
(10) Mr. Tennant became our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in
April 1999.
(11) Mr. Halley commenced employment as an executive officer of ours in August
1998.
(12) In 1999 and 1998, $21,000 and $17,500, respectively, was paid to Mr. Halley
as additional compensation in lieu of other benefits.
(13) Mr. Latham ceased to be our President and Chief Operating Officer in
September 1999.
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(14) Includes $263,849 of compensation paid by us when Mr. Latham ceased to be
our President and Chief Operating Officer in September 1999.
(15) Represents compensation beginning in May 1997 when Mr. Latham started his
employment with us.
(16) Includes an amount paid to Mr. Latham as consideration for Mr. Latham
becoming our President and Chief Operating Officer, as well as a year-end
bonus.
(17) This amount includes $10,385 in consulting fees earned prior to Mr.
Latham's employment with us, $14,009 in moving expenses and $2,000 in legal
fees paid by us.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Shown below is information on grants of stock options to the Named Officers
pursuant to the OCC Stock Option Plan for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, which options are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZED VALUE
NUMBER OF AT ASSUMED RATES OF
SECURITIES % OF TOTAL PRICE ON STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE DATE OF FOR OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE GRANT EXPIRATION -------------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) ($/SHARE) DATE 5% 10%
---- ---------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------- -- ---
Richard G. Tennant...... 20,000 55.56 $43.67 $43.67 06/01/09 549,277 1,391,975
Shown below is information on grants of stock options to the Named Officers
pursuant to the ORBCOMM Stock Option Plan for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, which options are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table:
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZED VALUE
NUMBER OF AT ASSUMED RATES OF
SECURITIES % OF TOTAL PRICE ON STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE DATE OF FOR OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE GRANT EXPIRATION -------------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) ($/SHARE) DATE 5% 10%
---- ---------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------- -- ---
Scott L. Webster........ 15,000 2.11 $14.97 $14.97 08/27/09 141,218 357,875
William J. Meder........ 50,000 7.05 14.97 14.97 08/27/09 470,728 1,192,916
Richard G. Tennant...... 8,000 1.13 14.97 14.97 08/27/09 75,316 190,867
Andre Halley............ 20,000 2.82 14.97 14.97 08/27/09 188,291 477,166
Mary Ellen Seravalli.... 10,000 1.41 14.97 14.97 08/27/09 94,146 238,583
STOCK OPTION PLANS
We have granted options under the ORBCOMM Stock Option Plan, Dolphin
Information Services has granted options under the DIS Stock Option Plan and
Orbital Communications has granted options under the OCC Stock Option Plan, in
each case to, among others, our executive officers.
The OCC 1992 Stock Option Plan provides for grants by Orbital
Communications of either incentive or non-qualified stock options to directors
(other than outside directors), officers and employees of Orbital
Communications, its parent, its subsidiaries and ORBCOMM. Under its terms:
- incentive options may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair
market value at the date of grant;
- incentive options granted to an individual then owning more than 10%
of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of Orbital
Communications or any of its subsidiaries may not be granted at less
than 110% of the fair market value at the date of grant; and
- non-qualified options may not be granted at less than 85% of the fair
market value at the date of grant.
Each option vests at a rate set by the board of directors in each
individual's stock option agreement, generally in one-fourth increments over a
four-year period following the date of grant. All options expire no more than
ten years following the grant date.
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As of December 31, 1999, 1.1 million shares of common stock were authorized
for issuance, of which options to acquire 718,005 shares were outstanding at
exercise prices ranging from $1.50 to $43.67. Of the total number of options
outstanding, 531,739 were exercisable as of December 31, 1999.
The DIS 1998 Stock Option Plan provides for grants of either incentive or
non-qualified stock options to directors, officers, and employees of Dolphin
Information Services and its subsidiaries. Under its terms:
- incentive options may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair
market value at the date of grant;
- incentive options granted to an individual then owning more than 10%
of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of Dolphin
Information Services or any of its subsidiaries may not be granted at
less than 110% of the fair market value at the date of grant; and
- non-qualified options may not be granted at less than 85% of the fair
market value at the date of grant.
Each option vests at a rate set by the board of directors in each
individual's stock option agreement, although, all options granted to date vest
on the third anniversary of the grant date. All options expire no more than ten
years following the grant date.
As of December 31, 1999, three million shares of common stock were
authorized for issuance, of which options to acquire 1,515,500 shares were
outstanding at exercise prices equal to $0.08 and $1.00. Of the total number of
options outstanding, none are currently exercisable.
The ORBCOMM Stock Option Plan provides for grants of either incentive or
non-qualified stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of
each entity and its subsidiaries. Under its terms:
- (a) incentive options and (b) non-qualified options granted to
independent directors may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair
market value at the date of grant;
- incentive options granted to an individual then owning more than 10%
of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of ORBCOMM
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries may not be granted at less than
110% of the fair market value at the date of grant; and
- non-qualified options may not be granted at less than 85% of the fair
market value at the date of grant.
Each option vests at a rate set by the Compensation Committee of ORBCOMM or
ORBCOMM Corporation, as applicable, or the board of directors of ORBCOMM
Corporation with respect to independent directors; provided that options granted
to independent directors shall vest in one-third increments over a three-year
period following the date of grant. Generally, all options granted to date vest
on the third anniversary of the grant date. All options expire no more than ten
years following the grant date.
As of December 31, 1999, 1.5 million shares of common stock were authorized
for issuance, of which options to acquire 643,950 shares were outstanding at an
exercise price equal to $14.97. Of the total number of options outstanding, none
are currently exercisable.
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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our partnership interests as of March 15, 2000:
NAME AND ADDRESS PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
---------------- ---------------------
Teleglobe Mobile Partners(1)................................ 66%
c/o Teleglobe Inc.
1000, rue de La Gauchetiere ouest
Montreal, Quebec H3B 4X5
Orbital Communications Corporation(2)....................... 34%
21700 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, Virginia 20166
- ------------------------------
(1) Teleglobe Mobile is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Teleglobe. As a
result, the partnership interests beneficially owned by Teleglobe Mobile are
deemed to be beneficially owned by Teleglobe.
(2) Orbital Communications is a majority-owned subsidiary of Orbital. As a
result, the partnership interests beneficially owned by Orbital
Communications are deemed to be beneficially owned by Orbital.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Omnibus Agreement,
dated as of January 1, 2000, entered into among Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile,
Orbital, Orbital Communications and us for the purpose of governing our
ownership and financing and certain other transactions. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Omnibus Agreement.
Amendments to the Partnership Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the
Omnibus Agreement, the parties agreed to, among other things, the following
amendments to our Partnership Agreement. These amendments are reflected in the
Partnership Agreement, amended and restated as of January 1, 2000, the terms of
which are more fully described under "The Partnership Agreement." Except as
otherwise specifically provided, all of the following amendments were effective
as of January 1, 2000.
- Teleglobe Mobile is now our sole general partner with the exclusive
responsibility for managing our affairs. Teleglobe Mobile also remains
a limited partner;
- Orbital Communications converted its general partner interest into a
limited partner interest;
- for purposes of calculating participation percentages following
additional capital contributions from January 1, 2000, such
contributions will be accorded a 75% premium based on a new formula,
with the effect that a partner contributing less than its pro-rata
share will be diluted more than under our previous partnership
agreement;
- provisions subjecting certain of our actions to the approval of at
least 86% of the participation percentages of our partners have been
eliminated and replaced (as described below under "The Partnership
Agreement");
- except for the quarterly review of our financial performance and
business, our general partner has no obligation to call meetings of
the partners. However, if and when such meetings are called and so
long as Orbital Communications' participation percentage is in excess
of 15%, Orbital Communications is entitled to have two representatives
and our Chief Executive Officer present at such meetings as observers;
and
- all distributions shall be made to the partners pro rata in accordance
with their respective participation percentages instead of their
respective capital preferences.
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Financing. Pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, the parties
thereto agreed to the following:
- amounts that Orbital deferred invoicing us under the 1995 and 1996
procurement agreements as of July 1999 were $66,163,290;
- on January 26, 2000:
- Orbital invoiced us $33,081,645, representing half of this amount;
- Teleglobe Mobile contributed $33,081,645 in exchange for partnership
interests in us;
- we paid the above-mentioned invoice to Orbital; and
- Orbital paid $33,081,645 due to Teleglobe pursuant to previously
issued promissory notes and such notes were cancelled;
- on March 3, 2000:
- Orbital invoiced us $33,081,645, representing the other half of this
amount;
- Orbital assigned such invoice to Orbital Communications;
- Orbital Communications requested us to convert the full amount of
such invoice into a contribution to partnership interests in us;
- we accepted such request and such invoice was deemed fully paid; and
- the respective participation percentages of the partners were
adjusted pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement;
- from July through December 1999, Orbital deferred invoicing us an
additional $25,137,209 under the procurement agreements, subject to
further adjustments to be agreed upon by the parties.
- On January 26, 2000:
- Orbital invoiced us $8,379,070, representing one-third of this
amount;
- Teleglobe Mobile contributed $8,379,070 in exchange for partnership
interests in us;
- we paid the above-mentioned invoice to Orbital; and
- the respective participation percentages of the partners were
adjusted pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement.
In addition, Orbital will invoice us $8,379,070 on each of March 31, 2001
and June 30, 2001, representing the balance of this amount together with accrued
interest. In the event we fail to pay certain of these invoices by a specified
date, Orbital will have, among other rights, the option to convert the whole of
the unpaid amounts covered by the applicable invoice into a contribution to
partnership interests in us according to a prescribed mechanism.
Other Agreements. Pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, the
parties thereto agreed to the following:
- we granted Orbital an opportunity to bid on all requests for proposals
we initiate for the construction, integration, test, launch and
operation of satellites not currently covered or to be covered under
the procurement agreements, the whole according to a prescribed
mechanism;
- Teleglobe agreed to sell to us the business of ORBCOMM Canada, our
international licensee for Canada, and Orbital agreed to sell to us
the assets of its GEMtrac division, which is a business engaged in
developing, designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling to
commercial customers automated tracking and cargo status data systems
for unpowered mobile assets, and which we have operated since March
1999;
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- Orbital and Orbital Communications agreed to, within three business
days of the date by which an aggregate of $75 million in capital
contributions or similar equity investments will have been made to us
by any entity after January 1, 2000 (excluding certain contributions),
file an application with the FCC to transfer to us the FCC licenses
held by Orbital Communications with respect to the ORBCOMM system,
which obligation is subject to certain conditions; and
- we agreed to execute a sub-lease with Orbital with respect to certain
premises currently being built for us on the Orbital campus in Dulles,
Virginia, where most of our Virginia-based employees will be relocated
in the coming months.
MASTER AGREEMENT
As of June 30, 1993, Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile, Orbital and Orbital
Communications entered into the master agreement that sets forth the principles
upon which the parties have agreed to develop, construct and operate the ORBCOMM
system. The master agreement subsequently has been amended and restated and
currently provides for the following:
Covenants Relating to Orbital Communications. Orbital and Orbital
Communications have agreed:
- to preserve Orbital Communications' corporate existence;
- to use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain all
material U.S. operating licenses and permits necessary for the
construction, operation and marketing of the ORBCOMM system;
- to ensure that so long as Orbital Communications holds any of the FCC
licenses, Orbital Communications will:
- remain a subsidiary of Orbital, other than as a result of options
exercised under the OCC Stock Option Plan;
- carry on no business other than the construction, operation and
marketing of the ORBCOMM system or businesses that are in furtherance
of, or in connection with, the expansion of the ORBCOMM system; and
- remain the sole holder of the FCC licenses required for the
construction, launch and operation of the ORBCOMM system (other than
FCC licenses for individual user transceivers and FCC licenses held
by us);
- subject to certain exceptions, that Orbital Communications will not
grant, create, assume, incur or suffer to exist any lien affecting
Orbital Communications or any of its property, rights, revenues or
assets and that in no circumstances will Orbital Communications grant,
create, assume, incur or suffer to exist any lien on any of the FCC
licenses held by Orbital Communications;
- subject to certain exceptions, that Orbital will not dispose of any
debt interest in Orbital Communications and that Orbital
Communications will not sell, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise
dispose of any assets;
- that Orbital Communications will not consolidate, merge or amalgamate
with any other person;
- subject to certain exceptions in accordance with certain specified
agreements entered into by the parties to the master agreement (the
"Definitive Agreements"), that Orbital and Orbital Communications will
not create, amend or repeal any by-laws or modify the Orbital
Communications certificate of incorporation;
- subject to certain exceptions in accordance with the Definitive
Agreements, that Orbital Communications will not make any loans or
give any financial guarantees for the obligations of any other party;
and
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- that Orbital and Orbital Communications will not make any assignment
for the benefit of creditors or subject Orbital Communications to any
proceedings under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or take steps to
wind up or terminate Orbital Communications' corporate existence or
engage in any financial restructuring.
Covenant Relating to Teleglobe Mobile. Teleglobe and Teleglobe Mobile have
agreed to preserve Teleglobe Mobile's existence.
Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the
master agreement) of Orbital or Teleglobe (the "Change of Control Party"),
Teleglobe Mobile or Orbital Communications, as the case may be (the "Non-Change
of Control Party"), has the option:
- for a period of 180 days from such Change of Control (the "Option
Period") to require the Change of Control Party to purchase the
Non-Change of Control Party's interest in us at an aggregate price
equal to the greater of:
- the Non-Change of Control Party's aggregate Unrecouped Capital
Preferences (as defined in the master agreement) in such
partnerships; and
- the Non-Change of Control Party's direct and indirect Participation
Percentage (as defined in the master agreement) in each such
partnership multiplied by the fair market value (as defined in the
master agreement) of each such partnership; or
- to cause our general partner to adopt a resolution providing that, in
the event there is a deadlock on a matter requiring the approval of a
Majority in Interest (as defined in the master agreement) of the
partners, our President shall be entitled to decide on such matter by
way of casting a vote or otherwise, as deemed appropriate by the
Non-Change of Control Party, notwithstanding any contrary provision
set forth in our partnership agreement; and
- subject to the receipt of all necessary government approvals, upon a
Change of Control of Orbital, Orbital agrees to cause Orbital
Communications to transfer to us all of the FCC licenses then held by
Orbital Communications relating to the construction, launch or
operation of the ORBCOMM system.
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
ORBCOMM, Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile, Orbital and Orbital Communications
have entered into the proprietary information and non-competition agreement,
restated as of September 12, 1995, to protect any confidential and proprietary
information that may be disclosed by any party to another in connection with the
development, construction, operation and marketing of the ORBCOMM system. The
parties to the agreement that are in receipt of proprietary information agree
that they will not, during and for a period of five years after the term of the
agreement, use, disclose or otherwise disseminate such proprietary information
to any person or make use of the proprietary information for their own benefit
or for the benefit of any other person. Teleglobe and Orbital entered into the
agreement for the additional purpose of prohibiting direct competition between
the two entities in the provision of certain LEO satellite services during the
term of the agreement and for a period of one year thereafter.
Teleglobe and Orbital agree that for the duration of the agreement and for
one year thereafter, they will not, directly or indirectly or in any capacity:
- except in connection with the fulfillment of their respective
obligations under any of the Definitive Agreements, carry on, engage,
participate, invest or have an equity or any financial interest in the
marketing, construction, development or management of any business or
enterprise that competes with Teleglobe or Orbital or their respective
affiliates in offering commercial, LEO, non-voice satellite
communication services operating in the 137-150 MHz band or such other
frequency allocated to the little LEO MSS below 1 GHz; provided,
however, that Orbital Communications and Orbital are permitted to:
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- sell satellites, launch vehicles, launch services and communication
services to non-commercial entities without limitation; and
- provide all other entities up to two satellites every two years and
launch vehicles or launch services for up to two satellites every two
years;
- assist in or influence the hiring by any person who competes with
Teleglobe or Orbital or their respective affiliates of any salesman,
distributor, or employee of Teleglobe or Orbital or their respective
affiliates, or otherwise cause any person having a business
relationship with Teleglobe or Orbital or their respective affiliates
to sever such relationship; or
- employ any person to work on or represent the ORBCOMM system who will
also work on or represent another mobile communication system, without
first notifying our President.
Neither of Teleglobe or Orbital will be in default of its obligations under
this portion of the proprietary information and non-competition agreement by
virtue of holding for portfolio purposes as a passive investor no more than five
percent of the issued and outstanding public equity securities of a corporation.
Indemnification. Teleglobe and Orbital agree to indemnify and save
harmless one another and their respective affiliates and representatives from
and against any claims, demands, actions, causes of action, judgments, damages,
losses, liabilities, costs or expenses that may be made against any of them as a
result of, arising out of or relating to any violation, contravention or breach
of the proprietary information and non-competition agreement by a party who is
not indemnified.
AGREEMENTS WITH ORBITAL:
1995 PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT
As of September 12, 1995, we entered into a procurement agreement with
Orbital pursuant to which Orbital has undertaken responsibility for the overall
design, development, construction, integration, testing and operation of the
ORBCOMM system. The 1995 procurement agreement was the result of arm's-length
negotiations between Orbital and Teleglobe Mobile that took place prior to
Teleglobe Mobile's decision to exercise an option to invest approximately $75
million in additional equity in us. The 1995 procurement agreement has
subsequently been amended and currently provides for the following:
Orbital agreed to develop, construct and deliver and launch 34 ORBCOMM
satellites (33 of which have been successfully launched and one of which has yet
to be launched) and complete the construction and design of the U.S. ground
segment. Orbital will also provide in-orbit check-out support for up to 120 days
after the launch of the seven satellites in December 1999.
We have agreed to pay Orbital approximately $207 million for satellite
construction, launch services and other work specified in the 1995 procurement
agreement, not including certain incentive fees.
Incentive Payments. In addition to the above prices for work and service,
Orbital is entitled to receive certain in-orbit performance incentive payments.
Payments are to be made on a per-plane basis with the incentive to be earned
monthly for each complete month that there are a specified minimum number of
working satellites in the plane. The minimum number of working satellites in a
plane is seven during the first 30 months of the in-orbit performance incentive
period and six during the second 30 months of the in-orbit performance period.
Delivery; Title and Risk of Loss. With respect to a satellite launch using
the Pegasus launch vehicle, delivery of the launch vehicle and satellites occurs
on separation of the launch vehicle from Orbital's L-1011 aircraft. With respect
to a satellite launch using a Taurus launch vehicle, delivery of the satellites
occurs on intentional ignition of the Taurus launch vehicle. At such time, title
to and risk of loss or damage passes to us
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and our sole remedy for launch failure, defects, failures to conform to
applicable specifications or any other requirements is limited to:
- non-payment to Orbital of the specified milestone payment and any
satellite performance incentive payment; and
- termination of the 1995 procurement agreement.
Limitation of Liability. Under no circumstances, regardless of fault,
shall Orbital be liable for any damage greater than $10.0 million excluding:
- any unpaid portion of Category A Milestone payments; and
- any unpaid portion of the in-orbit performance incentive payment.
Intellectual Property. In general, all designs, inventions, processes,
technical data, drawings and/or confidential information related to the
satellites, launch vehicle launch services, the network control center and U.S.
gateway Earth stations provided by Orbital under the 1995 procurement agreement
are the exclusive property of Orbital and its subcontractors. All rights, title
and interest in and to all underlying intellectual property relating to the work
to be performed pursuant to the 1995 procurement agreement will remain
exclusively in Orbital and its subcontractors, notwithstanding Orbital's
disclosure of any information or delivery of any data items to us or our payment
to Orbital for engineering or non-recurring charges. We agreed not to use or
disclose such information or property to any third party without the prior
written consent of Orbital.
1999 PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT
In February 1999, we entered into a new fixed-price procurement agreement
with Orbital, as amended, under which Orbital will construct, integrate, test,
launch and operate 11 additional satellites, two satellite propulsion rings and
two separate Pegasus launch vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $93 million.
In addition, we have the option to procure up to three additional satellites and
associated launch services using the Pegasus launch vehicle on or before
December 31, 2000, and, with respect to the launch services, after December 31,
2000.
With respect to the satellites being procured and under certain
circumstances, we will share a portion of the benefits of any cost savings
realized by Orbital. The 1999 procurement agreement also includes specified
incentive payments and provides for other adjustments.
Launch Pause Option. We may, only once, on prior written notice, require
Orbital to pause the work on the second firm launch on either (a) February 1,
2000 or (b) June 1, 2000, in each case, for a period of no longer than 24
months. Orbital shall cease to provide us with the monthly invoices described
above, but will be entitled to invoice us at the time that we exercise the
launch pause option at the amounts set forth in the agreement. These amounts may
be refunded in whole or in part as provided in the agreement if Orbital makes
use of the launch motor vehicle for another launch during the pause period. We
also must pay Orbital a fixed monthly fee for each complete month that elapses
during the pause period.
Incentive Payments. In addition to the above prices for work and service,
Orbital is entitled to receive an incentive fee per functional satellite if more
than two-thirds of the satellites in any one launch are functional.
Regulatory Matters. Orbital is required to use all commercially reasonable
efforts directly or through its subsidiaries:
- to obtain and maintain the required U.S. regulatory authority needed
to construct, launch and operate the satellites; and
- to take reasonable actions in any regulatory proceedings to defend any
claims against any regulatory authority granted to Orbital or any of
its subsidiaries in connection with the satellites.
Title and Risk of Loss. Title to and risk of loss or damage of the Pegasus
launch vehicle and satellites occurs on separation of the launch vehicle from
Orbital's L-1011 aircraft. However, in the event we elect to
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store satellites prior to a launch, we bear the risk of loss of those
satellites, with such risk covered by insurance provided by Orbital pursuant to
the agreement.
Limitation of Liability. Under no circumstances, regardless of fault,
shall Orbital be liable for any damage greater than $3 million.
Stop Work. We may at any time by written order to Orbital require Orbital
to stop all or any part of the work called for by the 1999 procurement agreement
for a period of 60 days or for any further period to which the parties may
agree. Within a period of 60 days after a stop-work is delivered to Orbital, or
within any extension of that period to which the parties agree, we will either
(a) cancel the stop-work order and make an equitable adjustment to the 1999
procurement agreement for the delay; or (b) terminate the work, subject to such
stop-work order, as provided in the 1999 procurement agreement or if Orbital
otherwise agrees to terminate.
Intellectual Property. The intellectual property terms of the 1999
procurement agreement are substantially similar to those of the 1995 procurement
agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we own certain intellectual property
named in the 1999 procurement agreement either exclusively, or jointly with
Orbital, and all rights, title and interest in and to this intellectual property
will remain exclusively with us, or jointly with us and Orbital, as applicable.
Each of ORBCOMM and Orbital grants to the other a non-exclusive license to
use the other party's intellectual property for purposes of performing work
under the agreement.
Termination. We may, by written notice of termination to Orbital,
terminate the 1999 procurement agreement upon the failure of Orbital:
- to achieve any of the milestones within 40 weeks after the scheduled
completion date set forth in the agreements provided that scheduled
completion dates can be extended by any excusable delay as a result of
a force majeure event; or
- to comply in any material respect with any of the provisions of the
1999 procurement agreement and to correct such failure, within 60 days
from the date of Orbital's receipt of written notice thereof from us,
setting forth in detail our basis for termination of the 1999
procurement agreement.
However, damage to stored satellites caused by something other than the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of Orbital is not an event of
termination.
AMENDED AND RESTATED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
As of January 1, 1997, we entered into an amended and restated
administrative services agreement with Orbital that sets forth the terms on
which Orbital has agreed to provide office space and certain administrative and
other services to us. The administrative services agreement currently provides
for the following:
Orbital has agreed to provide us with defined office space for a total
price per month that is based on our occupied useable square footage as a
percentage of total useable square footage in any Orbital facility occupied by
us, and is equal to our pro rata portion of all Orbital's monthly costs and
expenses relating to the applicable facility, including but not limited to rent,
mortgage (including interest), operating expenses, taxes, building maintenance,
utilities, janitorial services, landscaping, management fees and leasehold
improvement amortization for interior buildout. Orbital also has agreed to
provide us with certain use and occupancy services on a cost-reimbursable basis
(as specified therein). The use and occupancy services that are available from
Orbital include management information systems services, security and facilities
support, telephone switchboard and communication services, employee training
services and other support services, some of which we are currently using.
Finally, Orbital has agreed to provide various administrative and executive
management services to us on a cost-reimbursable basis (as specified therein).
The administrative and executive management services that are available from
Orbital include accounting support, payroll processing, miscellaneous purchasing
services, personnel services and other administrative services, some of which we
are currently using.
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We have agreed to indemnify Orbital, its directors, officers or employees
against any liability in connection with any actions arising out of the
performance of the services except to the extent that such liability arises from
Orbital's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The administrative services agreement continues in effect so long as any of
the categories of office space or administrative services are being provided by
Orbital, provided that we have the right to terminate any or all of the
administrative services being provided by Orbital on 90 days' prior written
notice to Orbital, and provided further that we have the right to terminate the
provision by Orbital of any office space occupied by us only upon the expiration
of the lease relating to such office space.
RESELLER AGREEMENT
On March 3, 1997, we entered into a reseller agreement with Orbital. The
agreement has subsequently been amended and currently provides, subject to
certain exclusions, for a grant by us to Orbital of a non-exclusive right to
market and resell our products and services for intelligent transportation
system monitoring, tracking and messaging applications to federal, state and
local government and commercial accounts. The agreement provides that Orbital
will pay us an activation fee for each new subscriber and monthly access and
usage fees for each new and current subscriber solicited by Orbital to use the
ORBCOMM system.
The term of the agreement is for one year renewable automatically for
additional terms of one year each unless either party gives the other 60 days'
written notice of its desire to terminate the agreement.
AGREEMENTS WITH ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS:
ORBCOMM SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS AGREEMENT
As of January 26, 2000, we entered into the ORBCOMM system construction and
operations agreement with Orbital Communications. Under the terms of the ORBCOMM
system construction and operations agreement, we have agreed to develop,
construct, deploy, manage and operate, subject to Orbital Communications
ultimate control, the ORBCOMM system satellites and the system assets, in
consideration for which Orbital Communications has granted to us the right to
market, sell, lease and franchise all output capacity. We have agreed to pay
Orbital Communications $100,000 in 2000 for use of this output capacity.
We have agreed to indemnify Orbital Communications from and against any
claim with respect to an infringement or other violation of any copyright,
trademark or patent or other validly registered enforceable intellectual
property right of any third party for any items constructed by us pursuant to
the authority granted in the system construction agreement, but only to the same
extent as the indemnification received by us from Orbital pursuant to the 1995
procurement agreement or the 1999 procurement agreement.
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
In January 2000, we entered into a consulting agreement with Orbital
Communications pursuant to which we provide certain regulatory consulting
services. We expect to receive approximately $80,000 in fees for these services
in 2000.
AGREEMENTS WITH ORBCOMM CANADA:
SERVICES AGREEMENT
As of December 9, 1998, we entered into a services agreement with ORBCOMM
Canada, a majority-owned subsidiary of Teleglobe and an international licensee,
which provides that we will have full time use of the services of certain
ORBCOMM Canada employees. We pay to ORBCOMM Canada the base compensation for
each individual and we reimburse ORBCOMM Canada for its payments to them of
bonuses, commissions, business expenses and the cost of their health and dental
insurance. ORBCOMM Canada is entitled to invoice us monthly for all amounts due
under the agreement.
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CONSULTING AGREEMENT
As of March 18, 1998, we entered into a consulting agreement with ORBCOMM
Canada, which provides that ORBCOMM Canada will furnish us with certain business
and industry consultancy services including:
- arranging meetings with senior executives of Fortune 100 companies
with the objective of developing business relationships for our
services;
- providing advice and counsel to our marketing executives to build and
extend our business partner relationships;
- acting as the executive contact for certain application developers,
manufacturers and related vendors;
- providing advice and counsel to our management as it develops and
improves business processes, with a particular focus on sales and
pricing policies and practices; and
- establishing strategic relationships with key partners on a global
basis.
In consideration for these consultancy services, we agreed to pay ORBCOMM
Canada $1,000 per day, not to exceed $4,000 in any calendar week. Either party
may terminate the consulting agreement by giving ten days written notice to the
other party.
SERVICE LICENSE AGREEMENT
On December 19, 1995, we entered into a service license agreement with
ORBCOMM Canada. Under the terms of this agreement, which provides for an initial
ten-year term and is renewable for up to an additional ten years, we granted to
ORBCOMM Canada an exclusive license to market our services throughout Canada and
a non-exclusive license to market our services in international waters.
The agreement provides that ORBCOMM Canada will obtain the necessary
regulatory approvals, procure the necessary ground infrastructure and use
commercially reasonable efforts to advertise, promote and market the ORBCOMM
system throughout Canada. In addition, ORBCOMM Canada has agreed to pay certain
license fees according to the provisions of the agreement. Finally, ORBCOMM
Canada will pay to us a monthly satellite usage fee based on the greater of a
percentage of gross operating revenues and a data throughput fee, although
currently, the satellite usage fee is calculated as a percentage gross operating
revenues.
AGREEMENTS WITH MAGELLAN:
SUBSCRIBER UNIT MANUFACTURE AGREEMENT
As of July 31, 1996, we entered into a subscriber unit manufacture
agreement with Magellan. Under the terms of the agreement, which provides for a
ten-year term, Magellan agrees to manufacture, distribute and service subscriber
units to be used with the ORBCOMM system according to our specifications and
technical requirements. Under the terms of the agreement, we authorize Magellan
to use our subscriber unit software in subscriber units Magellan offers for sale
to us or to any other buyer. We also authorize Magellan to manufacture and sell
subscriber units that have been type-approved by us. Under the terms of the
agreement, we do not remit any payments to Magellan for the development,
manufacture or delivery of any subscriber units not specifically purchased by
us. Moreover, the agreement provides that Magellan shall pay us a per-
subscriber unit royalty for each unit that Magellan sells.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND LICENSE AGREEMENT
As of October 29, 1998, we entered into a technology development and
license agreement with Magellan pursuant to which Magellan has agreed to design
and develop a modem board and associated chips for use in connection with
certain of our subscriber units or with other communication systems. Under the
agreement, we have agreed to pay Magellan approximately $1.3 million to design
and develop the modem board and
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associated chips, which amount is subject to adjustment based on Magellan's
early completion of, or its failure to complete, certain milestones under the
agreement. The agreement establishes a target price for the modem board and the
associated chip set based on order quantities of at least 50,000 of each case.
The target price for the modem board may be renegotiated by us and Magellan on
completion of certain milestones set forth in the statement of work attached to
the agreement and in the event the target price is then unacceptable to either
of the parties. In addition, the target price for the modem board is subject to
review by either of the parties at any time after the units are in production
and may be changed based on market or other considerations. The agreement
requires that each of the parties work together to generate orders for at least
50,000 modem boards at least three months before the release of the board into
production. If any of the modem boards remain unsold, we are obligated to
purchase one-half of the unsold boards. Once the boards go into production, we
also have the option to purchase the modem boards from Magellan for resale to
third-party customers; in such event, our price will not be higher than the
lowest price provided by Magellan to any of its customers, subject to certain
discounts.
Under the terms of the agreement, Magellan owns all right and title to the
modem board (including the modem software) and the chips, while we retain all
right and title to the modem specification and the modem software specification.
Under certain circumstances, which include non-performance by Magellan under the
agreement, discontinuation by Magellan of its ORBCOMM system modem board
business or Magellan's failure to release the modem board into production by a
specified date, Magellan is required to grant to us a non-transferable,
non-exclusive, worldwide license to make or have made the modems, and to
sublicense the design of the modem to third parties for purposes of their making
or having made the modems. In the event Magellan grants such a license to us and
we use or sublicense such technology licensed by Magellan, we are required to
pay to Magellan licensee fees and per unit royalties as described in the
agreement.
Six months after the modem board goes into production, Magellan will offer,
on reasonable commercial terms, the modem board for license to any third party
that desires to purchase such a license for the purpose of manufacturing and
selling the modem board on the open market. In addition, eight months after the
modem board goes into production, Magellan is obligated to license, on
commercially reasonable terms, the chip(s) that comprise the modem board to any
third party that desires to obtain such a license for the purpose of
manufacturing and selling our chip(s) on the open market.
Under the terms of the agreement, on the earlier of (a) the release of the
modem board into production and (b) April 30, 2000, Magellan is required to put
into escrow all design information regarding the modem board, the modem software
and the chips including, but not limited to, all source code, specifications,
schematics and test and calibration procedures. Magellan covenants that the
design information is sufficient in all material respects to enable a competent
third-party manufacturer to begin, promptly following release of the design
information, production of the modem board. We are entitled to the release of
the design information from escrow under certain circumstances, including
termination of the agreement due to the bankruptcy or insolvency of Magellan,
non-performance by Magellan under the agreement, discontinuation by Magellan of
its ORBCOMM system modem board business or Magellan's failure to release the
modem board into production by a specified date.
THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The following paragraphs are a summary of certain provisions of our current
Partnership Agreement, restated as of January 1, 2000, and such summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to our Partnership Agreement. Unless
otherwise described herein, references to the "Partnership" constitute
references to ORBCOMM Global, L.P.
Organization and Duration. The Partnership will dissolve on December 31,
2013, unless sooner dissolved with the consent of the general partner or upon
removal, withdrawal, resignation, liquidation or bankruptcy of the last
remaining general partner (unless a new general partner is appointed within 90
days with the unanimous consent of the remaining partners).
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General Partner; Management. Teleglobe Mobile is our sole general partner.
The management of the Partnership is the exclusive responsibility of the general
partner and, except as provided by law or except as specified in the Partnership
Agreement and summarized below, the act of the general partner is the act of the
Partnership.
The Partnership Agreement provides for meetings of the partners to be
called by the general partner. Except for the quarterly review of our financial
and business performance, the general partner has no obligation to call meetings
of the partners. However, if and when such meetings are called and so long as
Orbital Communications' participation percentage in us is not less than 15%,
Orbital Communications will be entitled to have two representatives and our
Chief Executive Officer present at such meetings as observers. The general
partner is represented at the meetings by up to three authorized
representatives, although one representative of the general partner is entitled
to vote the general partner's participation percentage.
The Partnership Agreement provides for the election of officers to provide
for the day-to-day operation of the Partnership. Officers are nominated by the
President of the Partnership and elected by the general partner. Officers
exercise the authority granted to such officers by the general partner. Under
the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the general partner is required to
appoint one or more officers to have authority to act for the Partnership with
respect to the procurement agreement. Officers are subject to removal for any
reason by approval of the general partner.
Certain Actions. Under the Partnership Agreement:
- so long as Orbital Communications' participation percentage is at
least equal to 15%, its approval will be required for us to:
- enter into any transaction with an affiliate of the general partner;
and
- make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, decide to subject
ourselves to any proceedings under any bankruptcy or insolvency law,
decide to avail us of the benefit of any other legislation for the
benefit of debtors, or take steps to wind up or terminate our
existence;
- so long as Orbital Communications' participation percentage is at
least equal to 31.67%, its approval will be required for us to:
- transfer all or substantially all our assets or contract to do so;
- merge or consolidate with any other entity, subject to certain
exceptions;
- enter into any additional lines of business other than as
contemplated in the Partnership Agreement or directly related
thereto;
- select or remove our independent certified public accountant or
adopt, or modify in any material respect, any significant accounting
policy or tax policy;
- determine our value for purposes of the change of control provisions
found in the Master Agreement; and
- amend any provision of the Partnership Agreement, subject to certain
exceptions set forth in the Partnership Agreement; and
- so long as Orbital Communications owns any interest in us, its
approval will be required to modify, in a manner detrimental to
Orbital Communications, certain provisions of the Partnership
Agreement relating to the allocation of partnership interests,
distributions, partners' accounts, allocation of partnership income
and expenses, and dissolution, subject to certain exceptions.
Capital Contributions. Pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement,
for purposes of calculating participation percentages following additional
capital contributions from January 1, 2000, such contributions will be accorded
a 75% premium based on a prescribed formula.
Indemnification. The Partnership has agreed to indemnify the general
partner and all of its officers, directors, partners, employees, and agents from
and against any and all claims or liabilities arising out of or in
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connection with any action taken or omitted by the general partner or the
officers of the Partnership pursuant to authority granted by the Partnership
Agreement so long as the indemnified party's conduct did not constitute gross
negligence, willful or wanton misconduct or bad faith. The Partnership Agreement
further provides that the general partner and all of its officers, directors,
partners, employees and agents will not be liable to the Partnership or the
limited partners for any act or omission by the general partner or any of its
officers, directors, partners, employees and agents, except as such act or
omission results from gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct or bad
faith.
Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds. Upon the dissolution of the
Partnership, the general partner, or, in the case of the removal, withdrawal,
resignation, liquidation or bankruptcy of the general partner, one of the
limited partners elected by a majority vote of the limited partners, shall act
as liquidator to wind up the Partnership. The liquidator shall have full power
and authority to sell, assign and encumber any or all of the Partnership's
assets and to wind up and liquidate the affairs of the Partnership in an orderly
and business-like manner. All proceeds from liquidation shall be distributed in
the following order of priority:
- to the payment of the debts and liabilities of the Partnership and
expenses of liquidation;
- to the setting up of such reserves as the liquidator may reasonably
deem necessary for any contingent liability of the Partnership; and
- the balance, if any, to the partners in the proportions of their
participation percentages.
Allocations and Distributions. Allocations of net income and net loss of
the partners shall generally be allocated to the capital accounts of partners in
proportion to their participation percentage. Except as set forth below, or in
the case of liquidating distributions, the amount and timing of distributions by
the Partnership are determined in the discretion of the general partner. All
distributions will be made to partners in proportion to their participation
percentages. The Partnership Agreement provides for a minimum distribution each
year in an amount sufficient to ensure that each partner shall have received at
least an amount equal to the product of (1) 40% multiplied by (2) the lesser of
(a) such partner's distributive share of the Partnership's estimated taxable
income for the preceding fiscal year or (b) the excess of cumulative net income
over cumulative net loss allocated to such partner.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 1. Financial Statements
The Financial Statements listed in the index to the Financial
Statements that appears on page 39 of this Report on Form 10-K are
filed as part of this Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are
inapplicable or are not required.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits.
3 Organizational Documents.
3.1(a) Certificate of Limited Partnership of ORBCOMM.
3.2(i) Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of ORBCOMM dated
January 1, 2000.
4(a) Indenture, dated as of August 7, 1996, by and among ORBCOMM,
ORBCOMM Global Capital, ORBCOMM USA, ORBCOMM International,
Orbital Communications, Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile and
Marine Midland Bank.
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10 Material Contracts.
10.1(i) Omnibus Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, among
Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile, Orbital, Orbital Communications
and ORBCOMM.
10.2(a) Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 7, 1996, by and among
ORBCOMM, ORBCOMM Global Capital and Marine Midland Bank as
Collateral Agent.
10.4(a) Master Agreement, restated as of September 12, 1995, by and
among ORBCOMM, Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile, Orbital and
Orbital Communications (the "Master Agreement").
10.4.1(b) Amendment No. 1 to Master Agreement, dated as of February 5,
1997.
10.5(a) Procurement Agreement, dated as of September 12, 1995, by
and between ORBCOMM and Orbital (the "1995 Procurement
Agreement") (provided that Appendix I is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.24.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 1993 filed by Orbital on
August 13, 1993).
10.5.1(c) Amendment No. 1 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated
December 9, 1996.
10.5.2(b) Amendment No. 2 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated
March 24, 1997.
10.5.3(e) Amendment No. 3 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of March 31, 1998.
10.5.4(e) Amendment No. 4 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of March 31, 1998.
10.5.5(g) Amendment No. 5 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of July 30, 1998.
10.5.6(g) Amendment No. 6 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of September 21, 1998.
10.5.7(g) Amendment No. 7 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of December 31, 1998.
10.5.8(h) Procurement Agreement dated as of February 1, 1999, by and
between ORBCOMM and Orbital.
10.5.9(h) Amendment No. 8 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of December 24, 1999.
10.5.9.1(h) Amendment No. 9 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of June 30, 1999.
10.5.9.2(h) Amendment No. 10 to the 1995 Procurement Agreement, dated as
of September 30, 1999.
10.6(a) Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement,
restated as of September 12, 1995, by and among ORBCOMM,
Teleglobe, Teleglobe Mobile, Orbital, Orbital
Communications, ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM International.
10.10(a) Service License Agreement, dated as of December 19, 1995,
between ORBCOMM International and ORBCOMM Canada.
10.12(a) Service License Agreement, dated as of October 15, 1996,
between ORBCOMM International and European Company for
Mobile Communicator Services, B.V., ORBCOMM Europe ("MCS").
10.14(a) Ground Segment Facilities Use Agreement, dated as of
December 19, 1995, between ORBCOMM International and ORBCOMM
Canada.
10.15(a) Ground Segment Procurement Contract, dated as of October 15,
1996, between ORBCOMM International and MCS.
10.16(f) Orbital Communications Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan.
10.16.1(h) The 1999 Equity Plan of ORBCOM Corporation and ORBCOMM
Global, L.P.
10.16.2(h) Dolphin Information Services, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan.
10.17(f) Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement,
dated as of January 1, 1997 by and between ORBCOMM and
Orbital.
10.19(f) Subscriber Communicator Manufacture Agreement dated as of
July 31, 1996 by and between ORBCOMM and Magellan.
10.20(f) Reseller Agreement dated as of March 3, 1997 by and between
ORBCOMM USA and Orbital (the "Reseller Agreement").
10.20.1(f) Amendment No. 1 to the Reseller Agreement dated as of
September 2, 1997.
10.22(f) Consulting Agreement dated as of March 18, 1998 by and
between ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Canada.
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10.23* ORBCOMM System Construction and Operations Agreement, dated
as of January 26, 2000, by and between ORBCOMM and Orbital
Communications.
10.24* Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2000, by and
between ORBCOMM and Orbital Communications.
10.25* Services Agreement, dated as of December 9, 1998, by and
between ORBCOMM and ORBCOMM Canada.
21* Subsidiaries of the Registrants.
27* Financial Data Schedule.
- ---------------
* Filed herewith.
(a) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our
Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended (Reg. No. 333-11149).
(b) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 filed by
us on May 14, 1997.
(c) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 filed by us
on March 28, 1997.
(d) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16.1 of the Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 (the "Orbital 1996 Form
10-K") of Orbital, filed by Orbital on March 27, 1997.
(e) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to Amendment
No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Reg.
333-50599).
(f) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, filed by us
on March 31, 1998.
(g) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, filed by us
on March 31, 1999.
(h) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, filed by
us on August 16, 1999.
(i) Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit to our Report
on Form 8-K, filed by us on February 2, 2000.
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SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT ON
FORM 10-K TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF HERNDON, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, ON MARCH 30, 2000.
ORBCOMM GLOBAL, L.P.
By: TELEGLOBE MOBILE PARTNERS,
its general partner
By: TELEGLOBE MOBILE INVESTMENT INC.,
its managing partner
By: /s/ CLAUDE SEGUIN
------------------------------------
Claude Seguin
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
---------- ----- ----
/s/ SCOTT L. WEBSTER Chief Executive Officer, ORBCOMM March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------- Global, L.P.
Scott L. Webster (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ CAROL P. HANNA Vice President, Finance, ORBCOMM March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------- Global, L.P.
Carol P. Hanna (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ CLAUDE SEGUIN Director, Teleglobe Mobile Investment March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------- Inc.
Claude Seguin
/s/ GUTHRIE J. STEWART Director, Teleglobe Mobile Investment March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------- Inc.
Guthrie J. Stewart
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SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT ON
FORM 10-K TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF HERNDON, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, ON MARCH 30, 2000.
ORBCOMM GLOBAL CAPITAL CORP.
By: /s/ SCOTT L. WEBSTER
------------------------------------
Scott L. Webster
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
---------- ----- ----
/s/ SCOTT L. WEBSTER President and Director, ORBCOMM March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------- Global Capital Corp.
Scott L. Webster (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ CAROL P. HANNA Vice President, Finance, ORBCOMM March 30, 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------- Global Capital Corp.
Carol P. Hanna (Principal Accounting Officer)
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