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Quarterly Report
Globalstar, Inc. Announces Annual and Fourth Quarter Results for 2007
Key 2007 annual highlights included;
* Launch of eight satellites
* Acceleration of second-generation satellite deliveries
* Commitments to construct gateways in Asia and Africa
* Finalization of contract to launch second-generation
satellites beginning next year
* Introduction of the SPOT Satellite Messenger
* Signing of ATC implementation agreement with Open Range
Communications
* Continued subscriber growth
MILPITAS, Calif., - Globalstar, Inc. a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government and individuals, announced its financial and operational results for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2007.
2007 Major Operational Company Highlights:
* In April the Company signed an agreement with Thales Alenia Space
(formerly Alcatel Alenia Space) to provide upgrades to the
Globalstar satellite control network facilities, which are required
to support the 15-year planned mission duration of the Globalstar
second-generation satellite constellation.
* Globalstar launched a total of eight spare satellites during the
year to enhance service quality for voice and duplex data
customers. These satellites will also be integrated into the
second-generation constellation scheduled for launch beginning in
the second half of 2009.
* In May Globalstar entered into an agreement with Singapore
Telecommunications Limited to construct a gateway and expand
Globalstar's satellite coverage throughout parts of Southeast Asia.
Construction of the Singapore Gateway began in October 2007.
* During the summer Globalstar expanded its satellite Simplex data
coverage to include all of Australia, New Zealand and the
surrounding maritime region.
* In September Globalstar signed a launch agreement with Arianespace
for the launch of Globalstar's second-generation satellite
constellation beginning in the second half of 2009.
* In September Globalstar signed an agreement with Radyne Corporation
business unit AeroAstro, to purchase Appliques to further expand
Globalstar's Simplex data geographic coverage in Asia and Latin
America.
* In October Globalstar entered into an agreement with Open Range
Communications, Inc. permitting Open Range to deploy service in
rural markets under Globalstar's Ancillary Terrestrial Component
(ATC) authority. The agreement is contingent on various conditions,
including Globalstar's receipt of final authority from the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to use an expanded portion of its
licensed spectrum for ATC and Open Range's securing financing for
its system.
* In early November the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making
proposing to expand Globalstar's authorized spectrum for ATC
services in the United States from the current 11 MHz to as much as
19.275 MHz.
* In November Globalstar's subsidiary SPOT Inc. announced the
availability of the SPOT Satellite Messenger(tm), a revolutionary
and affordable satellite consumer product designed to address the
safety concerns of people around the world. SPOT messaging and
tracking functions enable users to send messages to friends, family
or emergency responders, and enabling the subscriber and his or her
designated friends, family and employer to track the location of
the SPOT Satellite Messenger on Google Maps(tm).
* In December Globalstar signed an agreement with Globaltouch West
Africa Limited for Globaltouch to offer Globalstar satellite voice
and data services in Nigeria and parts of Western Africa and for
Globalstar to purchase a minority investment in Globaltouch. A new
satellite gateway ground station will be located in Kaduna, Nigeria
and will be owned and operated by Globaltouch.
* In December Thermo Funding Company LLC and Globalstar entered into
an amended and restated credit agreement, pursuant to which
Globalstar may borrow up to $150 million of which $50 million was
drawn at year end and the balance was borrowed in January and
February of 2008.
"In 2007 we continued to demonstrate customer growth by adding over
21,300 new subscribers throughout the year, thus remaining the largest
North American-based MSS provider," said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO
of Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Monroe added, "Signing the contract for next
year's scheduled launches of our initial second-generation satellites
takes us another step closer to offering our customers advanced
Globalstar products and services while planning the future of our
long-term space segment through to at least 2025."
Mr. Monroe continued, "As we predicted, 2007 saw a number of major
Simplex data integrator product announcements, including the
introduction of the SPOT Satellite Messenger. We were overwhelmed by
the way the outdoor recreational and general media have received the
unveiling of this award-winning, revolutionary and affordable satellite
consumer personal location and messaging device, and we anticipate
further integrated Simplex products to be introduced in the future."
Service Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $19.6 million
compared to $22.2 million during the same period of 2006. During the
fourth quarter of 2007, Globalstar recorded an operating loss of $7.8
million and Adjusted EBITDA of $3.9 million, compared to operating
income of $1.1 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $10.0 million during the
same period in 2006. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $16.3
million, compared to a net loss of $0.7 million in the same period of
2006. The larger loss in the fourth quarter of 2007 was due primarily
to non-cash charges of approximately $8.1 million related to the
assumption of our credit facility by Thermo Funding, a non-cash stock
compensation expense of $4.2 million, and a non-cash impairment charge
related to certain first-generation inventory of approximately $1.9
million. Revenue was impacted by lower retail ARPU (average revenue per
unit) related to the introduction of new lower priced airtime rate
plans designed to retain customers and issues relating to the
performance of our current satellite constellation for two-way
communications services, and lower equipment sales. In addition,
Globalstar also recorded an income tax expense of approximately $2.7
million. (For details concerning the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA,
please see the chart titled "Definition of Terms and Reconciliation of
Non-GAAP Financial Measures" found later in this release.)
Service Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $78.3 million
compared to $92.0 million during 2006. During 2007 Globalstar recorded
an operating loss of $24.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $21.8
million, compared to operating income of $15.7 million and Adjusted
EBITDA of $33.8 million during 2006. Net loss in 2007 was $27.9 million
compared to net income of $23.6 million in 2006. Results for the year
ended December 31, 2007 included a $19.1 million non-cash asset
impairment charge related to our first-generation inventory, a non-cash
stock compensation expense of approximately $9.6 million, a non-cash
charge of $8.1 million related to the assumption of our credit facility
by Thermo Funding and lower ARPU previously mentioned. In addition, in
2006, we recognized a $14.1 million net deferred tax benefit.
Total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2007 was $23.7 million compared
to $29.2 million during the same period in 2006. Total revenue in the
year ended December 31, 2007 was $98.4 million compared to $136.7
million during 2006. Adjusted Revenue (adjusted for the Company's
annual rate plans) in the fourth quarter was $24.4 million compared to
$32.3 million during the same period in 2006. Total Adjusted Revenue
(adjusted for the Company's annual rate plans) in the year ended
December 31, 2007 was $102.2 million compared to $144.6 million during
2006. These decreases are attributable primarily to lower equipment
sales and decreased ARPU in 2007 compared to 2006.
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