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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
Commission file number 0-22085
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LORAL ORION, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 52-2008654
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization No. ) Identification)
2440 Research Boulevard, Suite 400, Rockville, Maryland 20850
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
301-258-8101
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(Registrant's telephone number including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H (1)(a)
AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT
PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTION H (2) OF FORM 10-Q.
1
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
(Uaudited) Note
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,848 $ 35,861
Restricted assets 48,699 50,180
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,420
and $1,019 at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively 15,346 15,292
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,735 4,299
-------- -------
Total current assets 86,628 105,632
Restricted and segregated assets -- 22,675
Property and equipment at cost:
Land 74 74
Satellite and related equipment 263,188 263,188
Telecommunications equipment 35,608 35,630
Furniture and computer equipment 9,069 8,693
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307,939 307,585
Less accumulated depreciation (50,123) (38,706)
Satellite construction in progress, including capitalized
interest of $27,532 and $20,198 at March 31, 1999
and December 31, 1998, respectively 394,290 331,861
-------- -------
Net property and equipment 652,106 600,740
Due from Loral -- 3,619
Costs in excess of net assets acquired associated
with the Loral Merger, net 604,896 608,015
Deferred income taxes 53,503 53,915
Other assets, net 24,978 22,908
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TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,422,111 $ 1,417,504
=========== ============
- ---------
Note: The December 31, 1998 balance sheet has been derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements at that date.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PAR AMOUNTS)
(CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
(Uaudited) Note
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 2,014 $ 1,826
Accounts payable 597 2,035
Accrued and other current liabilities 18,039 16,162
Customer deposits 7,216 7,897
Deferred revenue 36,009 35,841
Interest payable 10,383 22,842
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Total current liabilities 74,258 86,603
Long-term debt 939,249 931,669
Other long-term liabilities 149 141
Due to Loral 34,091 --
Commitments and contingencies:
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized; 100 shares
outstanding at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 -- --
Capital in excess of par value 481,791 481,791
Unearned compensation (2,926) (3,347)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (297) 616
Accumulated deficit (104,204) (79,969)
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Total stockholders' equity 374,364 399,091
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,422,111 $ 1,417,504
=========== ============
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Note: The December 31, 1998 balance sheet has been derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements at that date.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
MARCH 31, 1998
PREDECESSOR
MARCH 31, 1999 COMPANY
-------------- -----------
Service revenue $ 22,538 $ 18,790
Operating expenses:
Direct 6,631 6,406
Sales and marketing 5,902 5,790
Engineering and technical services 2,197 1,898
General and administrative 3,738 3,707
Depreciation and amortization 17,541 12,483
Merger costs -- 12,145
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Total operating expenses 36,009 42,429
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Loss from operations (13,471) (23,639)
Interest income 1,174 5,425
Interest expense (13,896) (21,190)
Other income (expense) 124 (287)
-------- --------
Loss before income taxes (26,069) (39,691)
Income tax benefit 1,834 --
-------- --------
Net loss (24,235) (39,691)
Preferred stock dividend, net of forfeitures -- (1,387)
-------- --------
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (24,235) $ (38,304)
========== ===========
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
MARCH 31, 1998
PREDECESSOR
MARCH 31, 1999 COMPANY
-------------- -----------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (24,235) $ (39,691)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Deferred income tax provision 412 --
Depreciation and amortization 17,541 12,483
Amortization of deferred financing costs -- 609
Provision for bad debts 406 150
Non-cash interest expense 8,210 10,070
Other -- 1,644
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (3,475) (1,408)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 564 693
Other assets (3,086) 201
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
current liabilities 439 (2,186)
Interest payable (12,459) (12,510)
Customer deposits 2,504 23
Deferred revenue (3) 297
--------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities (13,182) (29,625)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Increase in restricted and segregated assets (762) (4,629)
Uses of and transfers from restricted and segregated assets 24,919 35,938
Satellite construction costs (62,819) (14,575)
Capital expenditures (354) (3,805)
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Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (39,016) 12,929
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Due to Loral 37,710 --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs -- 2,117
Repayment of senior notes and notes payable (290) (254)
Payment of satellite incentive obligations (59) (324)
Other (2,176) (1,051)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 35,185 488
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (17,013) (16,208)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 35,861 70,009
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 18,848 $ 53,801
========= =========
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
MARCH 31, 1998
PREDECESSOR
MARCH 31, 1999 COMPANY
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Preferred stock dividend, net of forfeitures $ -- $ (1,387)
======== ===========
Conversion of redeemable preferred stock to common stock -- 69,888
======== ===========
Conversion of Company common stock and stock options to Loral
common stock as the result of the Loral Merger -- 469,000
======== ===========
Conversion of subordinated debentures, accrued interest, and
deferred financing costs to common stock -- 50,000
======== ===========
Issuance of common stock for preferred stock dividend -- 5,458
======== ===========
Issuance of common stock and warrants -- 4,757
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Interest paid $ 25,479 $ 25,237
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
Loral Orion, Inc. (the "Company" or "Loral Orion"), is a holding company with no
assets or operations other than its investments in its subsidiaries. Through the
operations of its subsidiaries, the Company's principal business is providing
satellite-based communications services for private communications networks and
video distribution and other satellite transmission services. In 1998, Loral
Orion organized its business into two distinct operating segments as follows:
Fixed Satellite Services: Leasing transponder capacity and providing
value-added services to customers for a wide variety of applications,
including the distribution of broadcast programming, news gathering, business
television, distance learning and direct-to-home ("DTH") services. As of
January 1, 1999, the Company's fixed satellite services ("FSS") assets are
managed by Loral Skynet, a division of Loral SpaceCom Corporation, and
Data Services: Providing managed communications networks and Internet and
intranet services, using transponder capacity on the Loral Skynet Telstar and
Loral Orion fleets.
GENERAL
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and, in the opinion of the Company, include all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of
results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Certain information
and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or
omitted pursuant to such SEC rules. The Company believes that the disclosures
made are adequate to keep the information presented from being misleading. The
results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. It is
suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the
Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ACQUISITION OF THE COMPANY BY LORAL
On March 20, 1998, Orion Network Systems, Inc. ("Orion" or the "Predecessor
Company") was acquired by Loral Space & Communications Ltd. ("Loral"), through
the merger (the "Merger") of a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral, with and into
Orion. Loral consummated the acquisition by issuing 18 million shares of its
common stock and assuming existing Orion vested options and warrants to purchase
1.4 million shares of Loral common stock representing an aggregate purchase
price of $472.5 million. Orion was the surviving corporation of the Merger and
thereby became a subsidiary of Loral. At the effective date of the Merger, Loral
contributed its investment in Orion to Loral Space & Communications Corporation,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral, and Orion changed its name to "Loral Orion
Network Systems, Inc." The name has since been changed to "Loral Orion, Inc."
The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 1998,
reflect the results of operations of the Predecessor Company. The consolidated
financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 1999 reflect
the results of operations of Loral Orion, Inc. Hereafter, references to the
"Company" include both Loral Orion, Inc and its predecessor, Orion Network
Systems, Inc.
The Merger was accounted for as of March 31, 1998, using the purchase method.
Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 1999 and December 31,
1998 reflects the push-down of the purchase price allocations to the assets and
liabilities. The purchase price represented $447.7 million in excess of Orion's
net book value, which was primarily allocated to costs in excess of net assets
acquired of $619.7 million, and a fair value adjustment of $153.4 million to
increase the carrying value of Orion's senior notes and senior discount notes.
In addition, Loral agreed to assume Orion's unvested employee stock options,
which resulted in a new measurement date and an unearned compensation charge of
$4.3 million, to be amortized over the remaining vesting period of the options.
7
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Had the acquisition of the Company occurred on January 1, 1998, the unaudited
pro forma sales, operating loss and net loss for the three months ended March
31, 1998 would have been $18.8 million, $15.8 million, and $28.7 million,
respectively. These results, which are based on various assumptions are not
necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition been
consummated on January 1, 1998.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130,
Reporting Comprehensive Income ("SFAS 130") for the reporting and disclosure of
comprehensive income and its components. SFAS 130 requires unrealized gains or
losses on the Company's foreign currency translation adjustments to be included
in other comprehensive income (loss). Total comprehensive loss is as follows (in
thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
MARCH 31, 1998
PREDECESSOR
MARCH 31, 1999 COMPANY
-------------- -----------
Net loss $ 24,235 $ 39,691
Cumulative translation adjustment 913 --
--------- ----------
Total comprehensive loss $ 25,148 $ 39,691
========= ==========
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share is not presented since it is not considered meaningful due to
the Merger with Loral and recapitalization of the Company.
NOTE B. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
Senior notes (net of premium of $63.1 million and $64.6 million
at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively) $ 506,149 $ 507,573
Senior discount notes (maturity value of $484 million) 418,446 408,812
Notes payable - TT&C Facility 4,662 4,953
Satellite incentive obligations 11,317 11,376
Other 689 781
--------- ----------
Total long-term debt 941,263 933,495
Less: current portion (2,014) (1,826)
--------- ----------
Long-term debt less current portion $ 939,249 $ 931,669
========= ==========
In connection with the Merger, Loral did not assume the Company's outstanding
debt. Such debt remains outstanding and is non-recourse to Loral. The carrying
value of the Company's Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes was increased to
reflect a fair value adjustment of $153.4 million in connection with the Merger,
based on quoted market prices at March 31, 1998.
8
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE C. INCOME TAXES
The Company is included in the consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return of
Loral Space & Communications Corporation. Pursuant to a tax sharing agreement
for 1999 with Loral Space & Communications Corporation, the Company is entitled
to reimbursement for the use of its tax losses when such losses are utilized by
the consolidated group. The Company recorded a receivable under this tax sharing
agreement of approximately $2.2 million and a deferred tax provision of $0.4
million, resulting in a net tax benefit of $1.8 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1999. The Company's effective tax benefit rate (7%) differs from
the federal statutory rate (35%), due to the valuation allowance established for
the carryforward of the current year tax loss (22.2%) and the non-deductible
amortization of costs in excess of net asset acquired (5.8%). The deferred tax
asset of $53.5 million on the accompanying balance sheet arises from the tax
effect of the temporary differences between the carrying amount of the Senior
Notes and the Senior Discount Notes payable for financial and income tax
purposes.
NOTE D. SEGMENTS
The Company's two operating segments are fixed satellite services and data
services (see Note A).
In evaluating financial performance, management uses revenues and earnings
before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as the
measure of a segment's profit or loss. Beginning January 1, 1999, the Company's
fixed satellite services ("FSS") assets are managed by Loral Skynet. As a
result, in 1999 the FSS segment began leasing satellite capacity to the data
services segment for its use of Orion 1. See Note E.
9
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Summarized financial information concerning the Company's operating segments is
as follows:
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(IN MILLIONS)
FIXED TOTAL
SATELLITE DATA REPORTABLE INTERSEGMENT
SERVICES SERVICES SEGMENTS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------
Revenue from external customers ...... $ 7.3 $ 15.2 $ 22.5 $ -- $ 22.5
Intersegment revenue ................. 1.8 -- 1.8 (1.8) --
------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Gross revenue ........................ $ 9.1 $ 15.2 $ 24.3 $ (1.8) $ 22.5
========== ======== ========= ======= ========
EBITDA 1 ............................. $ 6.3 $ (2.3) $ 4.0 $ -- $ 4.0
Depreciation and amortization ........ 14.2 3.3 17.5 -- 17.5
========== ======== ========= ======= ========
Loss from operations ................. $ (7.9) $ (5.6) $ (13.5) $ -- $ (13.5)
========== ======== ========= ======= ========
Total assets ........................ $ 1,349.4 $ 72.7 $ 1,422.1 $ -- $1,422.1
========== ======== ========= ======= ========
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
PREDECESSOR COMPANY
(IN MILLIONS)
FIXED TOTAL
SATELLITE DATA REPORTABLE
SERVICES SERVICES SEGMENTS CONSOLIDATED
-------- -------- -------- ------------
Revenue from external customers ...... $ 7.9 $ 10.9 $ 18.8 $ 18.8
========== ======== ========= ===========
EBITDA (1)............................ $ 5.1 $ (4.1) $ 1.0 $ 1.0
Depreciation and amortization ........ 9.6 2.9 12.5 12.5
Merger costs ......................... -- -- -- 12.1
---------- -------- ---------
Loss from operations.................. $ (4.5) $ (7.0) $ (11.5) $ (23.6)
========== ======== ========= ============
Total assets ........................ $ 1,381.8 $ 49.4 $ 1,431.2 $ 1,431.2
========== ======== ========= ============
- ---------
(1) EBITDA (which is equivalent to operating income (loss) before depreciation
and amortization and merger costs) is provided because it is a measure
commonly used in the communication industry to analyze companies on the
basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity and is presented to
enhance the understanding of Loral Orion's operating results. However,
EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income as an
indicator of a company's operating performance, or cash flow from operations
as a measure of a company's liquidity. EBITDA may be calculated differently
and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported
by other companies.
10
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE E. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Orion 1 -- In November 1995, a portion of the Orion 1 satellite experienced an
anomaly that resulted in a temporary service interruption, lasting approximately
two hours, in the dedicated capacity serving the European portion of Orion
Atlantic's services. Full service to all affected customers was restored using
redundant equipment on the satellite. The Company believes, based on the data
and the Telesat Report, that, because the redundant component is functioning
fully in accordance with specifications and the performance record of similar
components is strong, the anomalous behavior is unlikely to affect the expected
performance of the satellite over its useful life. Furthermore, there has been
no effect on the Company's ability to provide services to customers. However, in
the event that the currently operating component fails, Orion 1 would experience
a significant loss of usable capacity. In such event, while the Company would be
entitled to insurance proceeds of approximately $47 million as of March 1999,
and could lease replacement capacity and function as a reseller with respect to
such capacity, the loss of capacity would have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
Orion 2 -- During the second quarter of 1998, the Company entered into a
satellite procurement contract with Space Systems/Loral ("SS/L"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Loral, for the construction and launch of the Orion 2 satellite
for the operation in the Atlantic Ocean region at 12(0) W.L. (the "SS/L
Conract"). The SS/L Contract provides for delivery in-orbit of the Orion 2
satellite aboard an Ariane 44L launch vehicle in the third quarter of 1999. The
SS/L satellite design provides for 38 Ku-band transponder with a footprint
covering the Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Europe, the
Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, North and South Africa and
South America. Loral Orion's cash will be used to fund the SS/L Contract up to
an amount that, will not exceed $202 million.. Any requirements to SS/L in
excess of $202 million for Orion 2 will be funded with additional equity
contributed by Loral.
Orion 3 -- In January 1997, the Company entered into a satellite procurement
contract with Hughes Space for the construction and launch of Orion 3, for which
construction commenced in December 1996. The contract provided for delivery in
orbit of Orion 3, for a firm fixed price of $203 million, excluding launch
insurance and $8 million of incentive payments. Orion 3 will cover broad areas
of the Asia Pacific region including China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia,
Australia, New Zealand, Eastern Russia and Hawaii. See Note G.
11
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In November 1996, Orion entered into a contract with DACOM Corp. ("DACOM"), a
Korean communications company, under which, subject to certain conditions, DACOM
will purchase eight dedicated transponders on Orion 3 for 13 years, in return
for approximately $89 million, payable over a period from December 1996 through
seven months following the lease commencement date for the transponders. DACOM
has deposited funds with Orion in accordance with the contract. As of March 31,
1999, Loral Orion had received approximately $35 million from DACOM. Orion had
an obligation to maintain a letter of credit for seven months beginning on the
lease commencement date in the amount of $44.8 million. Payments are subject to
refund pending the successful launch and commencement of commercial operation of
Orion 3.
Agreements with Loral Skynet - During the fourth quarter of 1998, Loral
completed its integration plan for Loral Orion and transferred management of
Loral Orion's satellite capacity leasing and satellite operations to Loral
Skynet, effective January 1, 1999. Orion and Loral Skynet, a division of Loral
SpaceCom Corporation, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral, have
entered into agreements (the "Loral Skynet Agreements") effective January 1,
1999, whereby Loral Skynet provides to Orion (i) marketing and sales of
satellite capacity services on the Orion satellite network and related billing
and administration of customer contracts for those services (the "Sales
Services") and (ii) telemetry, tracking and control services for the Orion
satellite network (the "Technical Services", and together with the Sales
Services, the "Services"). Orion is charged Loral Skynet's costs for providing
these services plus a 5 percent administrative fee.
Litigation -- On November 9, 1996, Orion and Skydata Corporation ("Skydata")
executed a letter with respect to the settlement in full of pending litigation
and arbitration related to a patent dispute. As part of the settlement, Skydata
granted Orion (and its affiliates) an unrestricted, world-wide paid-up license
to make, have made, use or sell products or methods under the patent and all
other corresponding continuation and reissue patents. Orion has paid Skydata
$437,000 during 1997 and 1998 as part of this settlement.
Loral Orion is party to various litigation arising in the normal course of its
operations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability for these
matters, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on Loral Orion's
financial position or results of operations.
NOTE F. RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
period presentation.
NOTE G. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On May 4, 1999, the Company's Orion 3 broadcast video and data communications
satellite was placed into a lower-than-expected orbit after its launch on a
Boeing Delta III rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida. According to
Boeing, the Delta III's second stage apparently failed to complete its second
stage burn, and, as a result, the satellite, manufactured by Hughes Space and
Communications Corporation, achieved an orbit well below the planned final
altitude. Data from the satellite is still being received and analyzed to
determine the cause of the failure. Based on current information, however, it
appears unlikely that the satellite will be usable.
The satellite and launch were fully insured for approximately $265 million.
DACOM Corporation, a Korean communications company which had purchased eight
transponders on Orion 3 for a total of $89 million, had already made prepayments
of approximately $35 million to the Company. Under Loral Orion's agreement with
DACOM, the amount prepaid is subject to refund in the event that Orion 3 fails
to commence commercial operation by June 30, 1999. In addition, Loral Orion's
debt covenants require that the insurance proceeds be used to build and launch a
replacement satellite within 15 months of receipt of such proceeds, or to pay
down such debt (see Note B). The Company is currently evaluating its options
with regard to this matter. During 1999, expected earnings from Orion 3, which
will now not be received, will be offset, in part, by reduced depreciation as
well as reduced interest expense and operating costs.
12
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in
this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition,
from time to time, Loral Orion or their representatives have made or may make
forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Such forward-looking
statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by
Loral Orion with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral
statements made by or with the approval of an authorized executive officer of
Loral Orion. Actual results could differ materially from those projected or
suggested in any forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety of
factors or conditions. See the section of Loral Orion, Inc's. Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, entitled "Certain Facts
That May Effect Future Results".
GENERAL
Loral Orion, Inc. (the "Company" or "Loral Orion"), formerly known as Loral
Orion Network Systems, Inc., is a holding company with no assets or operations
other than its investments in its subsidiaries. Through the operations of its
subsidiaries, the Company's principal business is providing satellite-based
communications services for private communications networks and video
distribution and other satellite transmission services. In 1998, Loral Orion
organized its business into two distinct operating segments as follows:
Fixed Satellite Services: Leasing transponder capacity and providing
value-added services to customers for a wide variety of applications,
including the distribution of broadcast programming, news gathering, business
television, distance learning and direct-to-home ("DTH") services. As of
January 1, 1999, the Company's fixed satellite services ("FSS") assets are
managed by Loral Skynet, a division of Loral SpaceCom Corporation, and
Data Services: Providing managed communications networks and Internet and
intranet services, using transponder capacity on the Loral Skynet Telstar and
Loral Orion fleets.
No restrictions exist on the ability of the subsidiaries of Loral Orion
("Subsidiary Guarantors") other than inconsequential subsidiaries, to pay
dividends or make other distributions to the Company, except to the extent
provided by law generally (e.g., adequate capital to pay dividends under state
corporate laws).
ORION 2
Orion 2. The Company entered into a satellite procurement contract with Space
Systems/Loral ("SS/L"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral SpaceCom Corporation
for the construction and launch of the Orion 2 satellite for operation in the
Atlantic Ocean region at 12(degree) W.L. (the "SS/L Contract"). The SS/L
Contract provides for delivery in-orbit of the Orion 2 aboard an Ariane 44L
launch vehicle in the third quarter of 1999. The SS/L satellite design provides
for 38 Ku-band transponders with a footprint covering the Eastern United States,
Southeastern Canada, Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle
East, North and South Africa and South America.
ORION 3
On May 4, 1999, the Company's Orion 3 broadcast video and data communications
satellite was placed into a lower-than-expected orbit after its launch on a
Boeing Delta III rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida. According to
Boeing, the Delta III's second stage apparently failed to complete its second
stage burn, and, as a result, the satellite, manufactured by Hughes Space and
Communications Corporation, achieved an orbit well below the planned final
altitude. Data from the satellite is still being received and analyzed to
determine the cause of the failure. Based on current information, however, it
appears unlikely that the satellite will be usable.
13
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The satellite and launch were fully insured for approximately $265 million.
DACOM Corporation, a Korean communications company which had purchased eight
transponders on Orion 3 for a total of $89 million, had already made prepayments
of approximately $35 million to the Company. Under Loral Orion's agreement with
DACOM, the amount prepaid is subject to refund in the event that Orion 3 fails
to commence commercial operation by June 30, 1999. In addition, Loral Orion's
debt covenants require that the insurance proceeds be used to build and launch a
replacement satellite within 15 months of receipt of such proceeds, or to pay
down such debt (see Note B). The Company is currently evaluating its options
with regard to this matter. During 1999, expected earnings from Orion 3, which
will now not be received, will be offset, in part, by reduced depreciation as
well as reduced interest expense and operating costs.
Satellite Launch and Operation Risk. There can be no assurance that the
Company's satellites will be successfully launched or operate in accordance with
their design. While the Company intends to procure launch insurance for its
satellites, a total or partial loss of a satellite will involve delays and loss
of revenue, which may impair the Company's ability to service its indebtedness
and such insurance will not protect the Company against business interruption,
loss or delay of revenues or similar losses and may not fully reimburse the
Company for its expenditures.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
On March 20, 1998, Orion was acquired by Loral Space & Communications Ltd.
("Loral"), through the merger (the "Merger") of a wholly owned subsidiary of
Loral, Loral Satellite Corporation, with and into Orion. (See Note A to the
condensed consolidated financial statements.) In order to provide an
understanding of the Company, the results of operations discusses the actual
results for the three months ended March 31, 1999 with the pro forma results for
the three months ended March 31, 1998 of the Predecessor Company. The pro forma
results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1998 have been
presented to give the effect as of January 1, 1998, of the Merger with Loral,
and the Exchange, the Orion Merger, and the Financings (the "Transactions"), as
described in Note 1 in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The pro
forma results of operations does not purport to present the actual results of
operations of the Company had the Transactions in fact occurred on January 1,
1998 nor is it indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved in
the future.
As a result of these Transactions, the pro forma adjustments resulted in an
increase in depreciation and amortization expenses of approximately $4.4 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1998. This increase primarily relates to
amortization expense for cost in excess of net assets acquired associated with
the Loral Merger. The pro forma results for 1998 also include a $12.1 million
adjustment to eliminate merger costs. Pro forma interest expense for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 includes an adjustment to decrease expense by $3.2
million. The decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to the
amortization of bond premium relating to the fair value adjustments and the
elimination of interest expense on the debentures as a result of the Loral
Merger.
In evaluating financial performance, management uses revenues and earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as a measure of
a segment's profit or loss. The following discussion of revenues and EBITDA
reflects the results of Loral Orion's operating segments for the three months
ended March 31, 1999 and the pro forma three months ended March 31, 1998. See
Note D to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional
information on segment results.
14
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
OPERATING REVENUES (IN MILLIONS):
PRO FORMA
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 1998
THREE MONTHS ENDED PREDECESSOR
MARCH 31, 1999 COMPANY
-------------- -------
Fixed satellite services ........ $ 9.1 $ 7.9
Data services ................... 15.2 10.9
Intersegment elimination ......... (1.8) --
------- ---------
Operating revenues ............... $ 22.5 $ 18.8
======== =========
EBITDA (1) (IN MILLIONS):
PRO FORMA
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 1998
THREE MONTHS ENDED PREDECESSOR
MARCH 31, 1999 COMPANY
-------------- -------
Fixed satellite services ......... $ 6.3 $ 5.1
Data services ................... (2.3) (4.1)
------- ---------
EBITDA............................ $ 4.0 $ 1.0
======== =========
- --------
(1) Pro forma EBITDA (which is equivalent to operating income (loss) before
depreciation and amortization) is provided because it is used as the measure
of segment profit or loss and because it is a measure commonly used in the
communications industry to analyze companies on the basis of operating
performance, leverage and liquidity and is presented to enhance the
understanding of Loral Orion's operating results. However, EBITDA should not
be construed as an alternative to net income as an indicator of a company's
operating performance, or cash flow from operations as a measure of a
company's liquidity. EBITDA may be calculated differently and, therefore,
may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other
companies.
15
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Revenue and Backlog. Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1999
were $22.5 million compared to $18.8 million for the pro forma three months
ended March 31, 1998, an increase of $3.7 million or 20 percent. This increase
is primarily attributable to the private communications network services
operations, which included the addition of 99 customer sites in service compared
to the same period in 1998.
At March 31, 1999, the Company had backlog (representing future revenues under
contract) of approximately $328.4 million compared to $285.9 million at March
31, 1998, an increase of 15 percent. Revenue from customer contract backlog is
typically earned over two to five years.
Direct Expenses. Direct expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were
$6.6 million compared to $6.4 million for the pro forma three months ended March
31, 1998, an increase of $0.2 million or 3 percent. This increase was primarily
attributable to Internet access and terrestrial link charges. These costs
support the Worldcast Internet access product ("Worldcast"), which provides
international internet connectivity through the Orion 1.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $5.9 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1999, as compared to $5.8 million for the pro
forma three months ended March 31, 1998, an increase of $0.1 million or 2
percent.
Engineering and Technical Services Expenses. Engineering and technical services
expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were $2.2 million compared to
$1.9 million for the pro forma three months ended March 31, 1998. The increase
is primarily due to additional salaries associated with support of Worldcast.
General Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $3.7
million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and the pro forma three months
ended March 31, 1998.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 was $17.5 million compared to $16.8 million
for the pro forma three months ended March 31, 1998, an increase of $0.7 million
or 4 percent. The increase primarily resulted from additions to property and
equipment to service the Company's operations.
Interest. Interest income was $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31,
1999, compared to $5.4 million for the pro forma three months ended March 31,
1998. The decrease was due to the reduction in the balance of segregated and
restricted funds in 1999, which were used for the construction of satellites and
to fund interest payments on the Company's senior notes. Interest expense, net
of capitalized interest of $7.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, was
$13.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999, and $18.0 million for
the pro forma three months ended March 31, 1998. The decrease in interest
expense is due to additional capitalized interest costs attributable to the two
satellites under construction, amortization of bond premium relating to the fair
value adjustments and the elimination of interest expense on the debentures as a
result of the Loral Merger.
Income Taxes. The Company is included in the consolidated U.S. Federal income
tax return of Loral Space & Communications Corporation. Pursuant to a tax
sharing agreement for 1999 with Loral Space & Communications Corporation, the
Company is entitled to reimbursement for the use of its tax losses when such
losses are utilized by the consolidated group. The Company has recorded a
receivable under this tax sharing agreement of approximately $2.2 million and a
deferred tax provision of $0.4 million, resulting in a net tax benefit of $1.8
million for the three months ended March 31, 1999. The deferred tax asset of
$53.5 million on the accompanying balance sheet arises from the tax effect of
the temporary differences between the carrying amount of the Senior Notes and
the Senior Discount Notes payable for financial and income tax purposes.
16
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Net Loss. As a result of the above, the Company incurred net losses of $24.2
million and $28.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and the pro
forma three months ended March 31, 1998.
RESULTS BY OPERATING SEGMENT
Fixed Satellite Service
FSS revenue for the three months ended March 31, 1999 was $9.1 million
(including $1.8 million in intersegment revenue) versus $7.9 million for three
months ended March 31, 1998. EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 1999
was $6.3 million, or 69 percent of revenues, versus $5.1 million, or 65 percent
of revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 1998. Capital expenditures for
the three months ended March 31, 1999, were approximately $63.4 million.
Data Services
Revenues for the data services segment for the three months ended March 31, 1999
were approximately $15.2 million versus $10.9 million for the three months ended
March 31, 1998, primarily from Loral Orion's corporate data networking and
Internet and intranet services businesses. EBITDA for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 was a loss of approximately $2.3 million (including $1.8 million
of charges from FSS for leasing capacity on Orion 1) versus a loss of $4.1
million for the three months ended March 31, 1998. Capital expenditures for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 were approximately $0.3 million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Existing Capital Resources. As of March 31, 1999, the Company had cash and cash
equivalents of $18.8 million and restricted assets of $48.7 million, placed in a
pledged account (to pre-fund the next two interest payments on the Senior
Notes).
Based upon its current expectations for growth, the Company anticipates it will
have additional funding requirements over the next three years to fund the
purchase of VSATs, Senior Note interest payments, other capital expenditures and
other operating needs. Interest charges on the Senior Notes are fully provided
for by restricted cash through January 2000. The Company does not have a
revolving credit facility. Accordingly, the Company will need to secure funding
from Loral, or raise additional financing. Sources of additional capital may
include public or private debt, equity financings or strategic investments. To
the extent that the Company seeks to raise additional debt financing, the
Indentures limit the amount of such additional debt (under a variety of
provisions contained in such Indentures) and prohibit the Company from using
Orion 1 or Orion 2 or the insurance proceeds from Orion 3 as collateral for
indebtedness for money borrowed. If the Company requires additional financing
and is unable to obtain such financing from Loral or from outside sources in the
amounts and at the times needed, there would be a material adverse effect on the
Company.
17
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
OTHER MATTERS
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000
The Company is evaluating the potential effect of the year 2000 on its
information processing systems. it is not known at this time what modifications,
if any, will be required. All costs associated with any modification will be
expensed as incurred.
The Company's Year 2000 Program is proceeding on schedule. The Year 2000 Issue
is the result of computer programs which were written using two digits rather
than four to signify a year (i.e., the year 1999 is denoted as "99" and not
"1999"). Computer programs written using only two digits may recognize the year
2000 as the year 1900. This could result in a system failure or miscalculations
causing disruption of operations.
The Company has implemented a Year 2000 program (the "Year 2000 Program") for
its internal products, system and equipment, as well as for key vendor and
customer supplied products, systems and equipment. As part of the Year 2000
Program, the Company is assessing the Year 2000 capabilities of, among other
things, its satellite, ground equipment, research and development activities,
and facility management systems. The Year 2000 Program consists of the following
phases: Inventory of Year 2000 items, Assessment (including prioritization),
Remediation (including modification, upgrading and replacement), Testing and
Auditing. This five-step program is divided into six major sections covering
both information and non-information technology systems: 1) business systems, 2)
technical systems, 3) products and services, 4) imbedded hardware/firmware, 5)
vendor supplied products and 6) customer provided products. As of March 31,
1999, the Company has completed approximately 98 percent of the inventory phase
and approximately 90 percent of its assessment phase. The Company expects to
complete the first four phases, through the testing phase, of the Year 2000
Program during the third quarter of 1999, which is prior to any anticipated
material impact on the operations of the Company. The fifth phase, the audit
phase, commenced in January 1999, and is expected continue through the third
quarter of 1999 to accommodate re-audits if necessary.
Both internal and external resources are being utilized to execute the Company's
plan. The program to address Year 2000 has been underway since July 1997. The
incremental costs incurred through March 31, 1999, for this effort by the
Company was approximately $50,000. Based on the efforts of the Company to date,
the Company anticipates additional incremental expenses of approximately
$105,000 will be incurred to substantially complete the effort.
Based upon the accomplishments to date, no contingency plans are expected to be
needed. As risks are identified, contingency plans will be developed and
implemented as necessary. However, because of the progress achieved to date and
the Company's expectations that its Year 2000 program will be substantially
complete in the third quarter of calendar 1999, the Company believes adequate
time will be available to insure alternatives can be developed, assessed and
implemented prior to a Year 2000 issue having a material negative impact on the
operations of the Company. However, there can be no assurance that such
modifications and conversions, if required, will be completed on a timely basis.
The cost of the program and the dates on which the Company believes it will
substantially complete Year 2000 modifications are based on management's best
estimates. Such estimates were derived using software surveys and programs to
evaluate calendar date exposures and numerous assumptions of future events,
including the continued availability of certain resources, third-party year 2000
readiness and other factors. Because none of these estimates can be guaranteed,
actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.
Specific factors that might cause an adjustment of costs are: number of
personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate and correct all relevant
computer codes, the ability to validate supplier certification and similar
uncertainties.
18
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The Company's failure to remediate a material Year 2000 problem could result in
an interruption or failure of certain basic business operations. These failures
could materially and adversely effect the Company's results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition. The Company is also assessing the Year 2000
readiness of key third-party suppliers. Information requests have been
distributed to such suppliers and replies are being evaluated. If the risk is
deemed material, on-site visits to suppliers will be conducted to verify the
adequacy of the information received. However, due to the general uncertainty of
the Year 2000 problem, including uncertainty with regard to third-party
suppliers and customers, the Company is unable to determine at this time whether
the consequences of Year 2000 failures will have an adverse material impact on
the Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. The
Company's Year 2000 Program is expected to have considerably reduced the
Company's level of exposure in regard to third-party supplier Year 2000
problems. There can be no assurance given that the Company's Year 2000 Program
will be successful in avoiding any interruption or failure of certain basic
business operations, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations or financial position.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS 133"), which
requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at
their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each
period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a
derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type
of hedge transaction. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the
adoption of SFAS 133 will have on its earnings or financial position. The
Company is required to adopt SFAS 133 on January 1, 2000.
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None.
20
LORAL ORION, INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
LORAL ORION, INC.
----------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: May 17, 1999
--------------------------------------------------
Richard J. Townsend
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Registrant's
Authorized Officer)
21