Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-274440
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated September 18, 2023)
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
37,457,207 Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus supplement amends and supplements the prospectus dated September 18, 2023, as supplemented or amended from time to time (the “Prospectus”), which forms a part of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-274440). This prospectus supplement is being filed to update and supplement the information in the Prospectus with the information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2024 (the “Form 10-K”). Accordingly, we have attached the Form 10-K to this prospectus supplement.
The Prospectus and this prospectus supplement relate to the sale of certain selling stockholders identified in the Prospectus of 37,457,207 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, of Globalstar, Inc. (the “Common Stock”).
You should read the Prospectus, this prospectus supplement and any further prospectus supplement or amendment carefully before you invest in our securities. Our Common Stock is listed on NYSE American (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GSAT”. The last reported sale price on NYSE of our common stock on February 28, 2024 was $1.45 per share.
Investing in our Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our common stock, you should consider the risks that we have described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of the Prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into the Prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if the Prospectus or this prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is February 29, 2024
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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| (Mark One) | |
| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023
OR
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| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number 001-33117
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| | | | | | | | |
| Delaware | | 41-2116508 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
1351 Holiday Square Blvd.
Covington, Louisiana 70433
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code (985) 335-1500
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: | | | | |
| Title of each class | | Trading Symbol | | Name of exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | | GSAT | | NYSE American |
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Yes ☒ No ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of
incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2023, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $0.7 billion.
As of February 23, 2024, 1.9 billion shares of voting common stock were outstanding, 0.1 million shares of preferred stock were outstanding, and no shares of nonvoting common stock were authorized or outstanding. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to common stock in this Report mean the Registrant's voting common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report.
FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| | | Page |
| | PART I | |
| Item 1. | Business | |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |
| Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | |
| Item 1C. | Cybersecurity | |
| Item 2. | Properties | |
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | |
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | |
| | PART II | |
| Item 5. | Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |
| Item 6. | [Reserved] | |
| Item 7. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | |
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | |
| Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |
| Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | |
| Item 9B. | Other Information | |
| Item 9C. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | |
| | PART III | |
| Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | |
| Item 11. | Executive Compensation | |
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | |
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | |
| Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | |
| | PART IV | |
| Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | |
| Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary | |
| Signatures | | |
PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Report"), other than purely historical information, including, but not limited to, estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, such as the statements regarding our ability to identify and realize opportunities and to generate the expected revenues and other benefits of the XCOM License Agreement, our ability to integrate the licensed technology into our current line of business, the ability of Dr. Jacobs and other new employees to drive innovation and growth, our ability to develop and expand our business (including our ability to monetize our spectrum rights), our anticipated capital spending, our ability to manage costs, our ability to exploit and respond to technological innovation, the effects of laws and regulations (including tax laws and regulations) and legal and regulatory changes (including regulation related to the use of our spectrum), the opportunities for strategic business combinations and the effects of consolidation in our industry on us and our competitors, our anticipated future revenues, our anticipated financial resources, our expectations about the future operational performance of our satellites (including their projected operational lives), our expectations for future increases in our revenue and profitability, our performance and financial results under the Service Agreements, the expected strength of and growth prospects for our existing customers and the markets that we serve, commercial acceptance of new products, problems relating to the ground-based facilities operated by us or by independent gateway operators, worldwide economic, geopolitical and business conditions and risks associated with doing business on a global basis, business interruptions due to natural disasters, unexpected events or public health crises, including viral pandemics such as the COVID-19 coronavirus, and other statements contained in this Report regarding matters that are not historical facts, involve predictions. Risks and uncertainties that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, those in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Report. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this Report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.
Item 1. Business
Mobile Satellite Services Business
Globalstar, Inc. (“we,” “us” or the “Company”) provides Mobile Satellite Services (“MSS”) including voice and data communications services as well as wholesale capacity services through its global satellite network. We offer these services over our network of in-orbit satellites and ground stations (“gateways”) pursuant to our spectrum licenses, which we refer to collectively as the Globalstar System. In addition to supporting Internet of Things ("IoT") data transmissions in a variety of applications, we provide reliable connectivity in areas not served or underserved by terrestrial wireless and wireline networks and in circumstances where terrestrial networks are not operational due to natural or man-made disasters. By providing wireless communications services across the globe, we meet our customers' increasing desire for connectivity.
Business Strategy
Our competitive advantages are leveraged through a strategy that relies primarily on four pillars to drive increasing shareholder value: wholesale satellite capacity, terrestrial spectrum and network solutions, IoT and legacy services. The four pillars are outlined below.
Wholesale Satellite Capacity
Wholesale satellite capacity services include satellite network access and related services using our satellite spectrum and network of satellites and gateways.
We are the operator for certain satellite-enabled services offered by Apple Inc. ("Partner") (the “Services”) pursuant to the agreement (the “Service Agreement”) and certain related ancillary agreements (such agreements, together with the Service Agreement, the “Service Agreements”). The Service Agreements generally require us to allocate network capacity to support the Services, which launched in November 2022, and Partner to enable Band 53/n53 for use in cellular-enabled devices designated by Partner for use with the Services.
As consideration for the Services provided by us, payments to us include a recurring service fee, payments relating to
certain Service-related operating expenses and capital expenditures, and potential bonus payments subject to satisfaction of certain licensing, service and related criteria.
In addition to the Services, we intend to continue to develop wholesale customer opportunities over our retained satellite capacity (discussed below) for IoT and other initiatives.
We retain 15% of network capacity to support our existing and future Duplex, SPOT and IoT subscribers. This capacity can support a substantial increase in our own subscriber base, particularly following recent and planned investments in our space and ground segments. The retained satellite capacity can be used by us directly or through additional wholesale arrangements.
Terrestrial Spectrum and Network Solutions
We have terrestrial licenses in 11 countries resulting in approximately 10.2 billion MHz-POPs (megahertz of our spectrum authority in each country multiplied by a total population of approximately 814 million over the covered area). Prospective spectrum partners, including cable companies, wireless carriers, system integrators, utilities and other infrastructure operators, all benefit from access to uniform and increasingly “borderless” spectrum working across geographies. Our expanding portfolio of terrestrial spectrum represents a substantial opportunity for us. Given our senior status as the incumbent operator in the "Big LEO" band, we believe that our valuable assets include our extensive portfolio of domestic and international licenses to access the globally harmonized spectrum that is essential to all of the services that we offer today and into the future. The Service Agreements significantly enhance the device ecosystem for Band 53/n53.
In August 2023, we entered into an Intellectual Property License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with XCOM Labs, Inc. (“Licensor” or “XCOM”). Under the License Agreement, we purchased an exclusive right and license (the “License”) as well as certain Intellectual Property Assets (as defined in the License Agreement) relating to the development and commercialization of XCOM’s key novel technologies for wireless spectrum innovations, including XCOM Radio Access Network ("XCOM RAN") systems, XCOM’s commercially available coordinated multi-point radio system. XCOM RAN systems deliver substantial capacity gains in dense, complex, challenging wireless environments in sub 7 GHz spectrum. We also gained exclusive access to XCOM’s peer-to-peer connectivity technologies that could have applications across cellular and satellite devices. As part of the License Agreement, certain XCOM employees, including engineering, test, product and R&D professionals, who helped develop the licensed technologies, will continue to further commercialize the technology on behalf of Globalstar. Bringing together Globalstar’s terrestrial spectrum and relationships with leading partners around the world with XCOM’s differentiated technology, which we believe is well suited for high-performance applications, creates a significant opportunity to deliver for private network customers with mission-critical needs.
IoT
Satellite IoT connectivity has become more critical to a growing number of sectors and use cases. We plan to continue to evolve and develop our IoT initiatives. In 2022, we introduced the Realm Enablement Suite, an innovative portfolio of satellite asset tracking hardware and software solutions featuring a powerful application enablement platform for processing smart data at the edge. With Realm, partners can accelerate new solutions to market with smart applications that generate an advanced level of telematics data. The Realm Enablement Suite includes Integrity 150, the first solar-powered, deployment-ready satellite asset tracking device with an application enablement platform; ST150M, a satellite modem module that simplifies product development; and the Realm application enablement platform, which will offer tools and an extensive library for quickly accessing and developing smart applications at the edge for vertical-specific solutions.
We also continue to expand deployments that support environmentally friendly initiatives, including remote monitoring of fluid levels and tanks, which replace the need for motor vehicles to access these assets, as well as asset monitoring solutions for solar lighting and other renewable energy sources.
We are currently developing two-way commercial IoT products which would significantly expand our opportunities in the IoT market, because this technology would have capabilities that include both tracking as well as command control.
Legacy Services
We remain committed to our legacy satellite business and serving our current subscriber base while offering future innovations in MSS. Our existing Duplex and SPOT customers are expected to benefit from expanded capacity through additional ground infrastructure and satellites which improve service levels.
Communications Products and Services
We currently provide the following communications services:
•two-way voice communication and data transmissions via our GSP-1600 and GSP-1700 phone ("Duplex");
•one-way or two-way communication and data transmissions using mobile devices, including our SPOT family of products, such as SPOT X ®, SPOT Gen4TM and SPOT Trace®, that transmit messages and the location of the device ("SPOT");
•one-way data transmissions using a mobile or fixed device that transmits its location and other information to a central monitoring station, including our commercial IoT products, such as our battery- and solar-powered SmartOne, STX-3, ST100, ST-150 and Integrity 150 ("Commercial IoT");
•satellite network access and related services utilizing our satellite spectrum and network of satellites and gateways ("Wholesale Capacity Services"); and
•engineering and other communication services using the Globalstar System ("Engineering and Other").
We compete aggressively on price and strive for differentiation in the solutions that we offer to our customers. We offer a range of products to the industrial, governmental and consumer markets and expect to retain our position as a cost-effective, high-quality leader in the MSS industry.
As technological advancements are made, we continue to explore opportunities to develop new products and provide new services over our network to meet the needs of our existing and prospective customers. We have pursued and continue to pursue initiatives that we expect will expand our satellite communications business and more effectively utilize our network assets. These initiatives are focused in part on further investment and development of IoT-enabled devices, including a two-way reference design module, as well as additional wholesale products and services. We expect to significantly expand our Commercial IoT offerings and terrestrial network solutions leveraging our XCOM RAN product and terrestrial spectrum authorizations.
Globalstar System
Satellite Network
Our constellation of Low Earth Orbit ("LEO") satellites includes both first and second-generation satellites. We designed our satellite network to maximize the probability that at least one satellite is visible from any point on the Earth's surface between the latitudes 70° north and 70° south. We designed our second-generation satellites to last twice as long in space, have 40% greater capacity and be built at a significantly lower cost compared to our first-generation satellites. We also have an in-orbit spare satellite available to raise to operational orbit if it becomes necessary.
Our goal is to provide service levels and call or message success rates equal to or better than our MSS competitors so our products and services are attractive to potential customers. We believe that our system outperforms geostationary (“GEO”) satellites used by some of our competitors. GEO satellite signals must travel approximately 42,000 additional miles on average, which introduces considerable delay and signal degradation to GEO calls.
In 2022, we entered into a satellite procurement agreement with Macdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Corporation ("MDA") pursuant to which we expect to acquire at least 17 and up to 26 satellites. We have filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") to replenish our HIBLEO-4 U.S.-licensed system with these satellites and operate them under an additional fifteen-year license term to provide long-term continuity of our MSS. The technical specifications and design of these replacement satellites are similar to our current satellites. The satellite procurement agreement requires delivery of the 17 new satellites by 2025. In 2023, we entered into a Launch Services Agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) and certain related ancillary agreements (the “Launch Services Agreements”), providing for the launch of the first set of these satellites. The Launch Services Agreements provide a launch window from April to September 2025. Under the Service Agreements, subject to certain terms and conditions, we will receive payments equal to 95% of the approved capital expenditures under the satellite procurement agreement and Launch Services Agreements (to be paid on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the satellites) beginning with the Phase 2 Service Period (the "Approved Capital Expenditure Payments").
Ground Network
Our satellites communicate with a network of gateways, each of which serves an area of approximately 700,000 to 1,000,000 square miles. A gateway must be within line-of-sight of a satellite and the satellite must be within line-of-sight of the subscriber to provide services. We have positioned our gateways to provide coverage over most of the Earth's land and human population and continue to evaluate and expand our gateway footprint to optimize coverage.
Each of our gateways has multiple antennas that communicate with our satellites and pass communications seamlessly between antenna beams and satellites as the satellites traverse the gateways, thereby reflecting the signals from our users' terminals to our gateways. Once a satellite acquires a signal from an end-user, the Globalstar System authenticates the user and establishes the voice or data channel to complete the call to the public switched telephone network (“PSTN”), a cellular or another wireless network or the internet for data communications including Commercial IoT. Over the past few years, we have procured and installed new antennas at our gateways around the world.
We believe that our network's design enables faster and more cost-effective system maintenance and upgrades because the system's software and much of its hardware are located on the ground. Our multiple gateways allow us to reconfigure our system quickly to extend another gateway's coverage to make up for lost coverage from a disabled gateway or to handle increased call capacity resulting from surges in demand.
Our ground network includes our ground equipment, which uses technology permitting communication to multiple satellites. Our system architecture provides full frequency re-use. This maximizes satellite diversity (which maximizes quality) and network capacity as we can reuse the assigned spectrum in every satellite beam in every satellite. In addition, we have developed a proprietary technology for our SPOT and Commercial IoT services.
Throughout the past few years, we have built additional gateways around the world, including new antennas and appliques, to improve our ability to pursue significant new opportunities to deploy our network assets as technologies and customer needs evolve and to ensure our network performance continues to excel as these opportunities increase demand on our capacity.
Customers
For our subscriber driven revenue, the specialized needs of our global customers span many industries. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 783,000 subscribers worldwide, principally within the following markets: recreation and personal; government; public safety and disaster relief; oil and gas; maritime and fishing; natural resources; utilities; animal tracking; and transportation. Our subscriber count only includes our MSS subscribers. Our system is able to offer our customers cost-effective communications solutions completely independent of cellular coverage. Although traditional users of wireless telephony and broadband data services have access to these services in developed locations, our customers often operate, travel and/or live in remote regions or regions with under-developed telecommunications infrastructure where these services are not readily available or are not provided on a reliable basis. In recent years, the number of Commercial IoT devices on our network has increased significantly, driven by a 16% and 8%, respective, increase in volume of equipment sold during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In addition to our subscribers, we also provide services to other customers, such as under the Service Agreements. Our FCC license allows us to provide service over our network to over 250 million users in the United States.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our wholesale capacity customer under the Service Agreements was responsible for 49% and 24%, respectively, of our revenue; no other customer was responsible for more than 10% of our revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2021, no single customer was responsible for more than 10% of our revenue. The loss of a large customer, such as our wholesale capacity customer under the Service Agreements, could have an adverse impact to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Duplex Two-Way Voice and Data Products
Mobile Voice and Data Satellite Communications Services and Equipment
We provide mobile voice and data services to a variety of commercial, government and individual customers for remote business continuity, recreational usage, safety, emergency preparedness and response and other applications. We offer our services for use only with equipment designed to work on our network. Subscribers typically pay an initial activation fee, a usage fee for a fixed or unlimited number of minutes, and fees for additional services such as voicemail, call forwarding, short messaging, email, data compression and internet access. We regularly monitor our service offerings and rate plans in accordance with customer demands and market changes and offer pricing plans such as bundled minutes, annual plans and unlimited plans.
SPOT Consumer Retail Products
The SPOT product family has been used to initiate thousands of rescues since its launch in 2007. SPOT delivers affordable and reliable satellite-based connectivity and real-time GPS tracking to its users, completely independent of cellular coverage.
We currently sell SPOT Gen4TM, SPOT X® and SPOT Trace®. SPOT Gen4TM offers enhanced tracking features and is also water resistant. The product enables users to transmit predefined messages to a specific preprogrammed email address, phone or data device, including requests for assistance and “SOS” messages in the event of an emergency. SPOT X® is a two-way SPOT device with keyboard functionality allowing subscribers to send and receive SMS messages. SPOT X® connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth® wireless technology through the SPOT X® app to send and receive satellite messages. SPOT Trace® is a cost-effective, anti-theft and asset-tracking device. SPOT Trace® ensures cars, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles and other valuable assets are where they need to be, notifying owners via email or text anytime movement is detected, using 100% satellite technology to provide location-based messaging and emergency notification for on or off the grid communications.
We target our SPOT devices to recreational and commercial markets that require personal tracking, emergency location and messaging solutions that operate beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless and wireline coverage. Using our network and web-based mapping software, these devices provide consumers with the ability to trace a path geographically or map the location of individuals or equipment. SPOT products and services are available through our product distribution channels and our direct e-commerce website. We are a vertically-integrated mobile satellite company and this integration results in decreased pre-production costs, greater quality assurance and shorter time to market for our retail consumer products.
Product Distribution
We distribute and sell our SPOT products through a variety of distribution channels. We have distribution relationships with a number of "Big Box" retailers and other similar distribution channels, including Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, REI, Sportsman's Warehouse, Academy and West Marine. We also sell SPOT products and services directly using our existing sales force and through our direct e-commerce website, www.findmespot.com.
Commercial IoT Transmission Products
Commercial IoT service is currently a one-way data service from an IoT device over the Globalstar System that can be used to track and monitor assets. Our subscribers use our Commercial IoT devices for a host of applications, including to track assets, such as cargo containers and rail cars; monitor utility meters; and monitor oil and gas assets. At the heart of the Commercial IoT service is a demodulator and RF interface, called an appliqué, which is located at a gateway and an application server in our facilities. The appliqué-equipped gateways provide coverage over vast areas of the globe. The small size of the IoT devices makes them attractive for use in tracking asset shipments, monitoring unattended remote assets, trailer tracking and mobile security. We provide Commercial IoT services to customers operating in a variety of industries, including primarily government, transportation, construction, agriculture and forestry. Current users include various governmental agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Forest Service and U.K. Ministry of Defence, as well as other organizations, such as BP, Shell and The Salvation Army.
We designed our Commercial IoT service to address demand in the market for a small and cost-effective solution for sending data, such as geographic coordinates, from assets or individuals in remote locations to a central monitoring station. Customers realize an efficiency advantage from tracking assets on a single global system as compared to several regional systems.
Satellite Transmitter Modules and Chips
We offer small satellite transmitter modules, such as the STX-3, ST-150 and ST100, and chips, such as our proprietary ASIC, which enable an integrator’s products to access our network. We have sales arrangements with major resellers to market our IoT services, including some value-added resellers that integrate our modules into their proprietary solutions designed to meet certain specialized niche market applications. The STX3 provides additional opportunities to integrate satellite connectivity into products used for vehicle and asset tracking, remote data reporting and data logger reporting that have limited size requirements. Affordable pricing, low power consumption and its small size make the STX3 a highly efficient device ready for integration in a wide variety of applications. The ST100, or ST100 Satellite Transmitter, is a small, lightweight and low power IoT board with embedded antennas. The ST100 offers a customizable approach to new commercial IoT product innovations and can be used by simply adding power, a mechanical enclosure and configuring the settings within the device firmware. For more advanced technical requirements, third parties can write their own firmware on the ST100 and utilize
Bluetooth® wireless technology and the serial connector to expand the use of the board and integrate it with other devices or hardware. The ASIC provides a single chip one-way solution that can be embedded in a customer's own solution.
SmartOne Asset Managers
We also offer complete products that utilize the STX-3 transmitter module and our ASIC chip. Our Commercial IoT units, including the enterprise-grade SmartOne family of asset-ready tracking units, are used worldwide by industrial, commercial and government customers. These products provide cost-effective, low-power, ultra-reliable, secure monitoring that help solve a variety of security applications and asset tracking challenges. Partnering with existing third party technology providers, we are developing IoT products to connect existing and new users and accelerate deployment of an expanded Globalstar IoT product suite.
We also offer SmartOne Solar™, which is solar-powered and supports similar functionality to our SmartOne suite of products without the need to recharge batteries or line power the device over an expected life of up to ten years. These features will result in a longer field life than existing devices. The SmartOne Solar™ also has unparalleled safety and environmental certifications including ATEX, IECEx, North America (NEC & CEC), IP68/69K, and HERO.
Realm Enablement Suite
The Realm Enablement Suite is an innovative portfolio of satellite asset tracking hardware and software solutions featuring a powerful application enablement platform for processing smart data at the edge. With Realm, partners can accelerate new solutions to market with smart applications that generate an advanced level of telematics data. The Realm Enablement Suite includes Integrity 150, the first solar-powered, deployment-ready satellite asset tracking device with an application enablement platform; ST150M, a satellite modem module that drastically simplifies product development; and the Realm application enablement platform, which will offer tools and an extensive library for quickly accessing and developing smart applications at the edge for vertical-specific solutions.
Future Developments
We have other initiatives underway to expand our Commercial IoT offerings, including the development of a two-way reference design module, which we expect will enhance our lineup of competitive product offerings. Operating on our Realm Enablement Suite, the two-way module and finished product will provide the fundamentals to effectively pursue sales opportunities with carriers, enterprises, large resellers, system integrators, and any party looking to extend their business models with satellite connectivity.
Product Distribution
The reseller channel for Commercial IoT equipment and service is comprised primarily of value-added resellers and commercial communications equipment companies that retain and bill clients directly, outside of our billing system. Many of our resellers specialize in niche vertical markets where high-use customers are concentrated. We expect that demand for our Commercial IoT products and services will increase as more applications are developed and deployed that utilize our technology.
Wholesale Capacity Services
Wholesale satellite capacity services include satellite network access and related services using our satellite spectrum and network of satellites and gateways.
Engineering and Other
We provide engineering services to assist certain customers in developing new applications to operate on our network and to enhance our ground network. These services include hardware and software designs to develop specific applications operating over our network, as well as the installation of gateways and antennas. Also included in "Engineering and Other" is revenue associated with our spectrum manager lease agreement with Nokia to utilize Band 53.
Spectrum and Regulatory Structure
We benefit from a worldwide allocation of radio frequency spectrum in the international radio frequency tables administered by the International Telecommunications Union (“ITU”). Access to this globally harmonized spectrum enables us to design satellites, networks and terrestrial infrastructure enhancements more cost effectively because the products and services can be deployed and sold worldwide. In addition, this broad spectrum assignment enhances our ability to capitalize on existing and emerging wireless and broadband applications.
Satellite Network
In the United States, the FCC has authorized us to operate between 1610-1618.725 MHz for “Uplink” communications from mobile earth terminals to our satellites and between 2483.5-2500 MHz for “Downlink” communications from our satellites to our mobile earth terminals. The FCC has also authorized us to operate our domestic gateways with our first and second-generation satellites in the 5091-5250 and 6875-7055 MHz bands.
We licensed and registered our second-generation satellites in France. We also obtained all authorizations necessary from the FCC to operate our domestic gateways with our second-generation satellites. In accordance with our authorization to operate the second-generation satellites, we completed the enhancements to the existing gateway operations in Aussaguel, France to include satellite operations and control functions. We have redundant satellite operation control facilities in Covington, Louisiana, Milpitas, California and Aussaguel, France.
During 2020, our French authorizations to provide MSS and operate the gateway in Aussaguel, France were renewed for an additional 10-year term.
Terrestrial Authority for Globalstar's Licensed 2.4 GHz Spectrum
We are authorized to provide terrestrial broadband services over 11.5 MHz of our licensed MSS spectrum at 2483.5 to 2495 MHz throughout the United States of America and its Territories. We are licensed by the FCC to provide these services and we expect our authorization to be renewed in 2024.
The Third Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) has designated the 11.5 MHz terrestrial band as Band 53 with 5G variant of our Band 53, known as n53. This new band class provides a pathway for our terrestrial spectrum to be integrated into handset and infrastructure ecosystems.
We believe our MSS spectrum position provides potential for harmonized terrestrial authority across many international regulatory domains and have been seeking approvals in various international jurisdictions. To date, we have received additional terrestrial authorizations in various countries including Brazil, Canada, South Africa and Spain, among others.
We have a strategic perpetual licensing agreement for exclusive access to certain key XCOM technologies and personnel. The license covers a number of XCOM’s novel technologies for wireless spectrum innovations, including XCOM RAN, XCOM’s commercially available coordinated multipoint radio system. XCOM technologies deliver substantial capacity gains and other benefits in dense, complex, challenging wireless environments in sub 7 GHz spectrum including Band n53. We also gained exclusive access to XCOM’s peer-to-peer connectivity technologies that could have applications across cellular and satellite devices.
Industry
We compete in the MSS sector of the global communications industry. MSS operators provide voice and data services using a network of one or more satellites and associated ground facilities. Mobile satellite services are usually complementary to other forms of terrestrial communications services and infrastructure and are intended to allow for connectivity beyond the reach of cellular. Customers typically use satellite voice and data communications in situations where existing terrestrial wireline and wireless communications networks are impaired or do not exist or where they prefer to operate on a single system across terrestrial territories.
Government organizations, military, natural disaster aid associations, event-driven response agencies and corporate security teams across the world depend on mobile and fixed voice and data communications services on a regular basis. Businesses with global operations require communications services when operating in remote locations. MSS users span the forestry, maritime, government, oil and gas, mining, leisure, emergency services, construction and transportation sectors, among others.
Over the past two decades, the global MSS market has experienced significant growth. Increasingly, better-tailored, improved technology products and services are creating new channels of demand. Growth in demand for mobile satellite services is driven by the declining cost of these services, the diminishing size and lower cost of the devices, as well as heightened demand by governments, businesses and individuals for ubiquitous global voice and data coverage. Growth in mobile satellite data services is driven by the rollout of new applications requiring higher bandwidth, as well as low-cost data collection and asset-tracking devices and technological improvements permitting integration of mobile satellite services over smartphones and other Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Communications industry sectors that are relevant to our business include:
•MSS, which provide customers with connectivity to mobile and fixed devices using a network of satellites and ground facilities;
•fixed satellite services, which use geostationary satellites to provide customers with voice and broadband communications links between fixed points on the earth's surface; and
•terrestrial services, which use a terrestrial network to provide wireless or wireline connectivity and are complementary to satellite services.
Additionally, the emergence of satellite to cellular technology has brought with it an increased number of satellite providers working in collaboration with mobile providers to extend smart phone messaging capability.
Within the major satellite sectors, fixed and MSS operators differ significantly from each other. Fixed satellite services providers, such as Intelsat Ltd., Eutelsat Communications and SES S.A., and aperture terminal companies, such as Hughes and Gilat Satellite Networks, are characterized by large, often stationary or "fixed," ground terminals that send and receive high-bandwidth signals to and from the satellite network for video and high speed data customers and international telephone markets. On the other hand, MSS providers, such as Globalstar, Viasat, Inc. ("Viasat") (which acquired Inmarsat PLC (“Inmarsat”)), Iridium Communications Inc. (“Iridium”), and ORBCOMM, focus more on voice and/or data services (including data services which track the location of remote assets such as shipping containers), where mobility or small-sized terminals are essential. As mobile satellite terminals begin to offer higher bandwidth to support a wider range of applications, we expect MSS operators will increasingly compete with fixed satellite services operators. There are also multiple new systems that have recently launched as well as systems that are expected to launch over the coming years. These include SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon Kuiper. These systems each have many thousands of satellites in their constellations providing a host of services across consumer broadband, government and direct-to-cellular.
LEO systems reduce transmission delay compared to a geosynchronous system due to the shorter distance signals have to travel. In addition, LEO systems are less prone to signal blockage and, consequently, we believe provide a better overall quality of service.
We are also a provider of licensed wireless spectrum for use in terrestrial networks. As more and more devices are connected wirelessly and as their applications increase in bandwidth intensity, more terrestrial spectrum is required. In the United States, there are a number of other current licensed spectrum providers, including Anterix, Nextwave and Terrastar as well as various other licensed spectrum holders. We also provide an alternative to unlicensed spectrum used with Wi-Fi or lightly licensed spectrum like CBRS.
Each spectrum band is unique due to its propagation or ecosystem development; accordingly, some bands suit needs that others may not. Our spectrum band offers partners an international resource that has a robust and growing ecosystem.
Competition
The global communications industry is highly competitive. We currently face substantial competition from other service providers that offer a range of mobile and fixed communications options. Our most direct competition comes from other global MSS providers. Our largest global competitors are Viasat, Iridium and ORBCOMM. We compete primarily on the basis of coverage, quality, portability and pricing of services and products. In recent years, advancements in technology have also encouraged non-traditional companies to enter the market.
Viasat operates its owned and leased satellites. Viasat provides communications technologies and services to enterprises, consumers, military and government users. During 2023, Viasat completed the acquisition of Inmarsat, which owned and operated a fleet of geostationary satellites. Due to its multiple-satellite geostationary system, Inmarsat's coverage area extended to and covered most bodies of water more completely than our system. Accordingly, Inmarsat (through Viasat) is the leading provider of satellite communications services to the maritime sector.
Iridium owns and operates a fleet of low earth orbit satellites. Iridium provides voice and data communications to businesses, the United States government as well as foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and consumers. Iridium markets products and services that are similar to those marketed by us. Additionally, Garmin's inReach devices provide two-way tracking with SOS capabilities; Honeywell Global Tracking has a personal tracking unit that enables a smartphone with satellite tracking and messaging capabilities; and Somewear has a satellite hotspot; these products work on Iridium's satellite network.
ORBCOMM owns and operates a fleet of low earth orbit satellites. ORBCOMM primarily provides asset tracking, monitoring and control solutions for its customers in the IoT market, which directly compete with our IoT products and services.
We compete with regional mobile satellite communications services in several markets. In these cases, our competitors serve customers who require regional, not global, mobile voice and data services, so our competitors present a viable alternative to our services in certain markets. All of these competitors operate geostationary satellites. Our principal regional MSS competitor in the Middle East and Africa is Thuraya.
Our direct-to-cellular service also faces competition from newly announced service providers, including SpaceX and a number of new market entrants. While our service is currently the most robust service providing satellite capabilities to smartphones, other satellite service providers are expected to provide similar satellite services in the near-term.
In some of our markets, such as rural telephony, we compete directly or indirectly with SpaceX, which offers voice over IP through its own devices and satellites which has become increasingly competitive due to technological advances that have resulted in smaller, more flexible and less expensive terminals.
Our SPOT products compete indirectly with Personal Locator Beacons (“PLBs”). A variety of manufacturers offer PLBs to industry specifications.
Our industry has significant barriers to entry, including the cost and difficulty associated with obtaining spectrum licenses and successfully building and launching a satellite and ground network. In addition to cost, there is a significant amount of lead-time associated with obtaining the required licenses, designing and building the satellite constellation and synchronizing the network technology.
For terrestrial spectrum opportunities, our primary competition is other licensed and unlicensed spectrum alternatives and, to a lesser extent, lightly licensed bands. Anterix, a licensed spectrum holder, is also a successful competitor for use cases that require low data over longer distances primarily for utilities. We may be able to address certain of these use cases with spectrum provided by our satellite network.
Governmental Regulations
Please refer to Item 1A: Risk Factors - "Risks Related to Government Regulations" for further discussion of the impact of governmental regulations on our business.
United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations and United States Export Administration Regulations
The United States International Traffic in Arms regulations under the United States Arms Export Control Act authorize the President of the United States to control the export and import of articles and services that can be used in the production of arms. The President has delegated this authority to the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. United States Export Administration Regulations enforced by the United States Bureau of Industry and Security, as well as regulations enforced by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control regulate the export of certain products, services, and associated technical data. Among other things, these regulations limit the ability to export certain articles and related technical data to certain nations. Some information involved in the performance of our operations falls within the scope of these regulations. As a result, we may have to obtain an export authorization or restrict access to that information by international companies that are our vendors or service providers. We have received and expect to continue to receive export licenses for covered articles and technical data shared with approved parties outside the United States. We also are subject to restrictions related to transactions with persons subject to United States or foreign sanctions. These regulations, enforced by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control, limit our ability to offer services and equipment to certain parties or in certain areas.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety (including those governing the management, storage and disposal of hazardous materials). Some of our operations require continuous power supply. As a result, current and historical operations at our ground facilities, including our gateways, include storing fuels and batteries, which may contain hazardous materials, to power back-up generators. As an owner or operator of property and in connection with our current and historical operations, we could incur significant costs, including cleanup costs, fines, sanctions and third-party claims, as a result of violations of or in connection with liabilities under environmental laws and regulations.
Foreign Operations
We supply services and products to a number of foreign customers. Although most of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, we are exposed to currency risk for sales in Canada, Europe, Brazil and various other countries. In 2023, approximately 20% of our sales were generated in foreign countries, which generally are denominated in local currencies. See Note 3: Revenue in the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding revenue by country. For more information about our exposure to risks related to foreign locations, see Item 1A: Risk Factors - "We face special risks by doing business in international markets and developing markets, including currency and expropriation risks, which could increase our costs or reduce our revenues in these areas."
Intellectual Property
We hold various U.S. and foreign patents and patents pending, including those acquired from the License Agreement. These patents cover many aspects of our satellite system, our global network, our user terminals and XCOM technologies. In recent years, we have reduced our foreign filings and decided to allow some previously granted foreign patents to lapse based on (a) the relative significance of the patent, (b) our assessment of the likelihood that someone would infringe in the foreign country, and (c) the probability that we could or would enforce the patent in light of the expense of filing and maintaining the foreign patent which, in some countries, is quite substantial. We continue to maintain all of the patents in the United States, Canada and Europe that we believe are important to our business. Our intellectual property is pledged as security for our obligations under the Funding Agreements (as defined below).
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2023, we had 348 employees in fifteen countries around the world; 24 of our employees were located in Brazil and subject to collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good. We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with labor and employment laws in all of the countries in which we operate.
Our compensation and benefit packages are designed to attract and retain employees and were developed using market research. We attract employees through various platforms, such as online job portals, recruiters, in-person job fairs, local universities and employee referrals. Salaries are competitive and based on job position, regional location, experience and skill set. In addition to base salary, certain employees participate in longer-term incentive programs, which include awards of stock-based compensation. Our benefits packages include, but are not limited to, health insurance, a retirement plan, an employee stock purchase plan, flexible spending accounts, life and accidental injury insurance, long- and short-term disability, and paid time off for holidays, vacation, personal choice holidays, sick time and parental leave.
We also encourage training and development through Globalstar University, which is an online platform that hosts a variety of training programs ranging from leadership and management programs to technical, on the job training. Employee engagement is also important to us, and includes an interactive wellness program, corporate communications and employee surveys. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is part of our worldwide culture, which our employees confirmed in our most recent employee survey as "Diversity and Inclusion" continues to be one of the highest rated culture categories.
In response to COVID-19 mitigation measures, we remain focused on the health and safety of our employees. We continue to support hybrid working arrangements and accommodate flexible work schedules, as needed.
Seasonality
Usage on the network and subscriber device sales are subject to seasonal and situational changes. April through October are typically our peak months for usage-based service revenues and equipment sales. We also experience event-driven revenue fluctuations in our business. Most notably, emergencies, natural disasters and other sizable projects where satellite-based communications devices are the only solution may generate an increase in revenue. In the consumer area, SPOT devices sales are influenced by outdoor and leisure activity opportunities, as well as our holiday promotions.
Services and Equipment
Sales of services accounted for approximately 92%, 89% and 85% of our total revenues for 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We also sell the related voice and data equipment to our customers, which accounted for approximately 8%, 11% and 15% of our total revenues for 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Global Chip Shortage
In recent years, the global chip shortage has negatively impacted our manufacturing processes, including causing delays in and increased costs of sourcing certain component parts. We have mitigated some of the impact of these shortages through strategic changes in our manufacturing process and supply chain.
Additional Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC maintains an internet site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information that issuers (including Globalstar) file electronically with the SEC. Our electronic SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC's internet site, www.sec.gov.
We make available free of charge financial information, news releases, SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports on our website at www.globalstar.com as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The documents available on, and the contents of, our website are not incorporated by reference into this Report.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as all of the information in this Report and all of the other reports we file from time to time with the SEC, in evaluating and understanding us and our business. Additional risks not presently known or that we currently deem immaterial may also impact our business operations and the risks identified in this Report may adversely affect our business in ways we do not currently anticipate. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
Risks Related to Our Business
Revenue under the Service Agreements constitutes a substantial portion of our current revenues, and there is no assurance that we will receive the revenue expected under the Service Agreements.
Consideration received under the Service Agreements constituted approximately 49% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Service Agreements impose a number of substantial obligations on us, provide for certain of our fees to be payable only upon satisfaction of the conditions therein and are terminable by each party. It is possible that we may fail to meet these obligations, that the conditions to the payment of such fees may not be satisfied, that our Partner's products that employ the Services will not succeed or that the Service Agreements may be terminated. If any of these events were to occur, we would not receive the revenues we currently expect to receive under the Service Agreements, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
If we experience operational disruptions with respect to our gateways or operations center, we may not be able to provide service to our customers.
Our satellite network traffic is supported by our gateways located around the globe. We operate our satellite constellation from our Network Operations Control Centers at three locations (France, California and Louisiana) to provide geo-redundancy and ongoing coverage. Our gateway facilities are subject to the risk of significant malfunctions or catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events and would be difficult to replace or repair and could require substantial lead-time to do so. In North
America, we have implemented contingency coverage which allows neighboring gateways to provide services in the event of a gateway failure. Material changes in the operation of these facilities may be subject to prior FCC approval, and the FCC might not give such approval or may subject the approval to other conditions that could be unfavorable to our business. Our gateways and operations centers may also experience service shutdowns or periods of reduced service in the future as a result of equipment failure, delays in deliveries, regulatory issues or routine system testing. Equipment failures would impede our ability to provide service to our customers, which could have a material impact on our business.
The actual orbital lives of our satellites may be shorter than we anticipate, and we may be required to reduce available capacity on our satellite network prior to the end of their orbital lives.
Although we designed our second-generation satellites to provide commercial service over a 15-year life, we can provide no assurance as to whether any or all of them will continue in operation for their full 15-year design life. A number of factors will affect the actual commercial service lives of each satellite, including:
•the amount of propellant used in maintaining the satellite's orbital location or relocating the satellite to a new orbital location (and, for a newly-launched satellite, the amount of propellant used during orbit raising following launch);
•the durability and quality of its construction;
•the performance of its components;
•hazards and conditions in space such as solar flares and space debris;
•operational considerations, including operational failures and other anomalies; and
•changes in technology which may make all or a portion of our satellite fleet obsolete.
It is also possible that the total available payload capacity of a satellite may need to be reduced prior to the satellite reaching its end-of-orbital life. A reduction in the orbital life of any of our satellites could result in a reduction of revenue, the recognition of an impairment loss and an acceleration of capital expenditures. The potential impact on our revenue from a reduction in the orbital life of one or more satellites may vary depending on the satellite's orbital location as well as the type of device and service a customer is using.
Our satellites are exposed to a wide and unique range of risks, including collisions with space debris, natural disasters and other extreme space weather events, all of which could adversely affect the performance of our constellation.
Our ability to maneuver our satellites to avoid potential collisions with space debris is limited by, among other factors, uncertainties and inaccuracies in the projected orbit location of, and predicted conjunctions with, debris objects tracked and cataloged by the U.S. government. Some space debris is too small to be tracked, and therefore its orbital location is completely unknown. Debris that cannot be tracked is still large enough to potentially cause severe damage to or failure of one of our satellites should a collision occur. If our constellation experiences satellite collisions with space debris, our service could be impaired. Any such collision could potentially expose us to significant losses.
Natural disasters, including collateral effects, could damage or destroy our ground stations and disrupt service to our customers. In addition, space weather, including coronal mass ejections and solar flares have the potential to impact the performance. If we experience operational disruptions with respect to a natural disaster or space weather event, we may be unable to provide service to our customers in the affected area, either temporarily or indefinitely. Additionally, there are inherent dangers and risk associated with our satellite operations, including the risk of increased radiation. Any such failures or service disruptions could harm our business and results of operations.
The implementation of our business plan and our ability to generate income from operations assume we are able to maintain a healthy constellation and ground network capable of providing commercially acceptable levels of coverage and service quality, which are contingent on a number of factors.
Our products and services are subject to the risks inherent in relying on a large-scale, complex telecommunications system employing advanced technology. Any disruption to our satellites, services, information systems or telecommunications infrastructure could result in degrading or disrupting services to our customers for an indeterminate period of time.
Satellites utilize highly complex technology and operate in the harsh environment of space and therefore are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. Our satellites may experience temporary outages or otherwise may not be fully functioning at any given time. There are some remote tools we use to remedy certain types of problems affecting the performance of our satellites, but the physical repair of satellites in space is not feasible. We do not insure our satellites against in-orbit failures after an initial period of six months, whether the failures are caused by internal or external factors. In-orbit failure may result from various causes, including component failure, solar array failures, telemetry transmitter failures, loss of power or fuel, inability to control positioning of the satellite, solar or other astronomical events, including solar radiation and
flares, and collision with space debris or other satellites. These failures are commonly referred to as anomalies. Some of our satellites have had malfunctions and other anomalies in the past and may have anomalies in the future. Anomalies may occur, for reasons described above or arising from the failure of other systems or components, and intrasatellite redundancy may not be available upon the occurrence of such anomalies. There can be no assurance that, in these cases, it will be possible to restore normal operations. Where service cannot be restored, the failure could cause the satellite to have less capacity available for service, to suffer performance degradation or to cease operating prematurely, either in whole or in part. We cannot guarantee that we could successfully develop and implement a solution if one of these anomalies occurs.
In addition, satellites are particularly vulnerable to loss and malfunction at the time they are launched and deployed into orbit, and some of our competitors have experienced catastrophic losses of substantial numbers of satellites in connection with launch and deployment. While we typically obtain launch insurance to mitigate the risk of such a loss, such insurance would not cover all our economic losses if we experienced such an event, and there would be a substantial delay before we could obtain satellites to replace the ones we lost. Accordingly, a loss of a significant number of our new satellites at launch or deployment could adversely affect our ability to continue to provide our existing satellite services and may cause us to lose opportunities to use our constellation to provide new services. Additionally, human operators may execute improper implementation commands that may negatively impact a satellite's performance.
If a satellite fails prior to the end of its estimated useful life, we would record an impairment charge in our statement of operations to reduce the remaining net book value of that satellite to zero; any such impairment charges could depress our net income (or increase our net loss) for the period in which the failure occurs.
The implementation of our business plan depends on increased demand for wireless communications services via satellite and terrestrial mobile broadband networks, both for existing and new services and products.
We plan to introduce new products and services that work over our network as well as terrestrial mobile broadband services. However, demand for wireless communication services may not grow, or may decrease, either generally or in particular geographic markets, for particular types of services or during particular time periods. A lack of demand could impair our ability to sell our services, could exert downward pressure on prices, or both. This, in turn, could decrease our revenue and profitability and adversely affect our ability to increase our revenue and profitability over time.
The success of our business plan will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to:
•our ability to maintain the health, capacity and control of our satellites;
•our ability to maintain the health of our ground network;
•our ability to influence the level of market acceptance and demand for our products and services;
•our ability to introduce new products and services that meet this market demand;
•our ability to retain current customers and obtain new customers;
•our ability to obtain additional business using our existing and future spectrum authority both in the United States and internationally;
•our ability to control the costs of developing an integrated network providing related products and services, as well as our future terrestrial mobile broadband services;
•our ability to market successfully our products and services;
•our ability to develop and deploy innovative network management techniques to permit mobile devices to transition between satellite and terrestrial modes;
•the cost and availability of user equipment that operates on our network;
•the effectiveness of our competitors in developing and offering similar products and services;
•our ability to successfully predict market trends;
•our ability to hire and retain qualified executives, managers and employees;
•our ability to provide attractive service offerings at competitive prices to our target markets; and
•our ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when required.
Our business will be negatively impacted if we fail to adequately anticipate our satellite capacity needs or are unable to obtain satellite capacity.
In February 2022, we entered into a satellite procurement agreement with MDA pursuant to which we expect to acquire at least 17 satellites that will replenish our existing constellation and provide long-term continuity of our mobile satellite services. We are acquiring the satellites to provide continuous satellite services and meet our obligations under the Service Agreements, as well as to provide services to our current and future customers. We may not have sufficient satellite capacity available to
meet increases in demand, and we may not be able to quickly or easily adjust our capacity to such changes in demand. In addition, satellites represent a significant capital expenditure. Our business could be adversely affected if we are not able to anticipate or adapt to consumer demands for satellite capacity.
Rapid and significant technological changes in the satellite communications industry may impair our competitive position and require us to make significant capital expenditures.
The space and communications industries are subject to rapid advances and innovations in technology. New technology could render our system obsolete or less competitive by satisfying consumer demand in more attractive ways or through the introduction of incompatible standards. Particular technological developments that could adversely affect us include the deployment by our competitors of new satellites with greater power, flexibility, efficiency or capabilities, as well as continuing improvements in terrestrial wireless technologies. We must continue to keep up with technological changes and remain competitive. Customer acceptance of the services and products that we offer will continually be affected by the technology in our product and service offerings relative to competitive offerings. New technologies may be protected by patents and therefore may not be available to us.
Some of the hardware and software we use in operating our gateways are significantly customized and tailored to meet our requirements and specifications and could be difficult and expensive to service, upgrade or replace. Although we maintain inventories of some spare parts, it nonetheless may be difficult, expensive or impossible to obtain replacement parts for our hardware due to a limited number of parts being manufactured to our requirements and specifications. In addition, our business plan contemplates updating or replacing some of the hardware and software in our network as technology advances, but the complexity of our requirements and specifications may present us with technical and operational challenges that complicate or otherwise make it expensive or infeasible to carry out such upgrades and replacements. If we are not able to suitably service, upgrade or replace our equipment, it could harm our ability to provide our services and generate revenue.
We face intense competition in all of our markets, which could result in a loss of customers, lower revenues and difficulty entering new markets.
Satellite-based Competitors
There are other MSS operators providing services similar to ours on a global or regional basis: Iridium, Thuraya, Viasat (though its acquisition of Inmarsat) and ORBCOMM Inc. The provision of satellite-based products and services is subject to downward price pressure when the capacity exceeds demand or as new competitors enter the marketplace with competitive pricing strategies. We also face competition with respect to network coverage and market share in specialized industries, such as maritime and governmental.
Other providers of satellite-based products could introduce their own products similar to our SPOT, Commercial IoT or Duplex products, which may materially adversely affect our business plan and sales volume. In addition, we may face competition from new competitors or new technologies. Many companies target the same customers, and we may not be able to successfully retain our existing customers or attract new customers. As a result, we may not grow our customer base and revenue.
Additionally, in connection with the Service Agreements, our direct to device service also faces competition from other satellite service providers that are expected to provide similar satellite services. For instance, SpaceX has launched its Starlink constellation and has plans to enter the direct-to-cellular market through a series of partnerships. Other satellite providers are in the process of establishing partnerships and network capabilities to offer additional service alternatives.
Terrestrial Competitors
In addition to our satellite-based competitors, terrestrial wireless voice and data service providers are continuing to expand into rural and remote areas, particularly in less developed countries. Many of these companies have greater resources, more name recognition and newer technologies than we do. Industry consolidation could adversely affect us by increasing the scale or scope of our competitors and thereby making it more difficult for us to compete. We could lose market share and revenue as a result of increasing competition from land-based communication service providers.
Although satellite communications services and ground-based communications services are not identical, the two compete in similar markets with similar services. Consumers may perceive cellular voice communication products and services as cheaper and more convenient than satellite-based products and services.
Terrestrial Broadband Network Competitors
We also expect to compete with a number of other satellite companies that plan to develop terrestrial networks that utilize their MSS spectrum. DISH Network received FCC approval to offer terrestrial wireless services over the MSS spectrum that previously belonged to TerreStar and ICO Global. Furthermore, Ligado Networks (formerly LightSquared) has received certain
approvals relating to the build out of its wireless network. Any of these competitors could deploy terrestrial mobile broadband networks before we do, could combine with existing terrestrial networks that provide them with greater financial or operational flexibility than we have or could offer wireless services, including mobile broadband services, that customers prefer over ours.
Other Spectrum Owners
In the United States, our terrestrial spectrum efforts will compete with other terrestrial spectrum holders including Anterix, Nextwave and holders to CBRS licenses. The government may also unlock new spectrum bands.
We could fail to achieve the strategic objectives of the XCOM transaction, and our new Chief Executive Officer may not succeed, which could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
In August 2023, we entered into an Intellectual Property License Agreement with XCOM pursuant to which we acquired a license to use certain intellectual property assets of XCOM. In connection with the transaction, we appointed Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, founder of XCOM, as our Chief Executive Officer. The XCOM transaction may not advance our business strategy in the way we intend, which could harm our growth or profitability. In addition, we may not realize the expected benefits or synergies from the XCOM transaction or realize a satisfactory return on our investment in the XCOM assets or increase our revenue. These risks may be exacerbated because we have a new Chief Executive Officer. Our new Chief Executive Officer may not succeed at working with the current management team, growing revenue, or implementing a successful business plan. All of the foregoing could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Uncertain global macro-economic and political conditions could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our results of operations are materially affected by economic and political conditions in the United States and internationally, including inflation, deflation, interest rates, recession, availability of capital, energy and commodity prices, trade laws and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. Current or potential customers may delay or decrease spending on our products and services as their business and/or budgets are impacted by economic conditions. The inability of current and potential customers to pay us for our products and services may adversely affect our earnings and cash flows. In addition, deterioration of conditions in worldwide credit markets could limit our ability to obtain financing to fund our operations and capital expenditures.
The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and any sanctions imposed as a result, could have an adverse impact on our current operations. Further, such conflicts are likely to lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions for equipment, which could have an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance.
Lack of availability of components from the electronics industry, required in our retail products, gateways and satellites could delay or adversely impact our operations.
We rely upon the availability of components, materials and component parts from the electronics industry. The electronics industry is subject to occasional shortages in parts availability depending on fluctuations in supply and demand. Industry shortages may result in delayed shipments of materials or increased prices, or both. As a consequence, elements of our operation which use electronic parts, such as our retail products, gateways and satellites, could be subject to disruptions, cost increases or both. Recent disruptions in the global supply chain have limited our ability to procure component parts timely and at reasonable prices. During 2022 and at times in 2023, supply chain disruptions and production issues negatively impacted our ability to sell our most popular SPOT and Commercial IoT products. The future impact of global component part shortages is unknown and may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is capital intensive. We may not be able to raise adequate capital on reasonable terms to finance our business strategies, or we may be able to do so only on terms that significantly restrict our ability to operate our business.
Implementation of our longer-term business strategy requires a substantial outlay of capital. As we pursue business strategies and seek to respond to developments in our business and opportunities and trends in our industry, our actual capital expenditures may differ from our expected capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy our capital requirements in the future. In addition, if one of our satellites failed unexpectedly, there can be no assurance of insurance recovery for our losses or the timing thereof, and we may need to obtain additional financing to replace the satellite.
To the extent we are required to raise additional financing, turmoil in the capital markets, including the tightening of credit and increased interest rates, may impact our ability to raise financing on terms and at a cost favorable to the Company. We may be required to raise capital during a weak economy, and have little flexibility to wait for more favorable terms or economic
conditions. We are likely to face higher borrowing costs, less available capital, more stringent terms and tighter covenants. Such unfavorable market conditions could have an adverse impact on our ability to fund our operations and capital expenditures in the future. Any adverse change in the terms of our financing, including increased costs, could have a negative impact on our financial condition.
If we do not develop, acquire, maintain and protect proprietary information and intellectual property rights, it could limit the growth of our business and reduce our market share.
Our business depends on technical knowledge, and we base our business plan in part on our ability to keep up with new technological developments and incorporate them in our products and services. We own or have the right to use our patents, work products, inventions, designs, software, systems and similar know-how. Our proprietary information may be disclosed to others, or others may independently develop similar information, systems and know-how.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary intellectual property rights, including certain methodologies, practices, tools, technologies and technical expertise we utilize in designing, developing, implementing and maintaining our technologies. The steps we take to protect our intellectual property may be inadequate, and we may choose not to pursue or maintain protection for our intellectual property. We will not be able to protect our intellectual property if we are unable to enforce our rights or if we do not detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our technology and use information that we regard as proprietary to create technology that competes with ours.
Protection of our information, systems and know-how may result in litigation, the cost of which could be substantial. Third parties may assert claims that our products or services infringe on their proprietary rights. Any such claims, if made, may prevent or limit our sales of products or services or increase our costs. Defending intellectual property suits is both costly and time-consuming and, even if ultimately successful, may divert management's attention from other business concerns. An adverse determination in litigation to which we may become a party could, among other things:
•subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, including treble damages;
•require disputed rights to be licensed from a third party for royalties that may be substantial;
•require us to cease using technology that is important to our business; or
•prohibit us from selling some or all of our products or offering some or all of our services.
We face special risks by doing business in international markets and developing markets, including currency and expropriation risks, which could increase our costs or reduce our revenues in these areas.
Although our most economically important geographic markets currently are the United States and Canada, we have substantial markets for our mobile satellite services in, and our business plan includes, developing countries or regions that are underserved by existing telecommunications systems, such as rural Brazil and Africa. Developing countries are more likely than industrialized countries to experience market, currency and interest rate fluctuations and high inflation. In addition, these countries present risks relating to government policy, price, wage and exchange controls, social instability, expropriation and other adverse economic, political and diplomatic conditions.
Conducting operations outside the United States involves numerous special risks and expanding our international operations would increase these risks. These risks include, but are not limited to:
•difficulties in penetrating new markets due to established and entrenched competitors;
•difficulties in developing products and services that are tailored to the needs of local customers;
•lack of local acceptance or knowledge of our products and services;
•unavailability of or difficulties in establishing relationships with distributors;
•significant investments, including the development and deployment of gateways in countries that require them to connect the traffic coming to and from their territory;
•instability of international economies and governments;
•changes in laws and policies affecting trade and investment in other jurisdictions;
•noncompliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), UK Bribery Act, sanctions laws and export controls;
•violation by employees or suppliers in regards to our code of conduct and business ethics;
•exposure to varying legal standards in other jurisdictions, including intellectual property protection and other similar laws and regulations;
•difficulties in obtaining required regulatory authorizations;
•difficulties in enforcing legal rights in other jurisdictions;
•variations in local domestic ownership requirements;
•requirements that operational activities be performed in-country;
•changing and conflicting national and local regulatory requirements; and
•uncertainty in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange controls.
These risks could affect our ability to compete successfully and expand internationally. To the extent that the prices for our products and services are denominated in U.S. dollars, any appreciation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies will increase the cost of our products and services to our international customers and, as a result, may reduce the competitiveness of our international offerings and make it more difficult for us to grow internationally. Limited availability of U.S. currency in some local markets or governmental controls on the export of currency may prevent our customers from making payments in U.S. dollars or delay the availability of payment due to foreign bank currency processing and controls.
Our operations involve transactions in a variety of currencies. Sales denominated in foreign currencies involve primarily the Canadian dollar, the euro and the Brazilian real. Accordingly, our operating results may be significantly affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates for these currencies. Approximately 20% and 27% of our total revenue was to customers primarily located in Canada, Europe, Central America, and South America during 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our results of operations for 2023 and 2022 included net gains of approximately $4.9 million and net losses of $6.6 million, respectively, on foreign currency transactions. We may be unable to offset unfavorable currency movements as they adversely affect our revenue and expenses. Our inability to do so could have a substantial negative impact on our operating results and cash flows.
Our global operations expose us to trade and economic sanctions, other restrictions, liabilities and exposure to penalties imposed by the United States, the European Union and other governments and organizations.
The U.S. Departments of Justice, Commerce, State and Treasury and other federal agencies and authorities have a broad range of civil and criminal penalties they may seek to impose against corporations and individuals for violations of economic sanctions laws, export control laws, FCPA and other federal statutes and regulations, including those established by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"). Under these laws and regulations, as well as other anti-corruption laws, anti-money-laundering laws, export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations, various government agencies require export licenses. They may seek to impose modifications to business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries or with sanctioned persons or entities and modifications to compliance programs, which may increase compliance costs, and may subject us to fines, penalties and other sanctions. A violation of these laws or regulations could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Although we have implemented policies and procedures in these areas, we cannot assure you that our policies and procedures are sufficient or that directors, officers, employees, representatives, distributors, consultants, other partners, vendors, customers or subscribers have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible. We cannot assure you that our business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially affect their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or result in us being held liable for such conduct. Violations of the FCPA, OFAC restrictions or other export control, anti-corruption, anti-money-laundering and anti-terrorism laws or regulations may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our indebtedness may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our business, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
On a near-term and longer-term basis, principal liquidity requirements include primarily funding our operating costs, capital expenditures, and financing obligations, including scheduled recoupments under our Funding Agreements, interest on our 2023 13% Notes (as defined below), and dividends on our perpetual preferred stock. Our principal sources of liquidity include cash on hand ($56.7 million at December 31, 2023), cash flows from operations and proceeds from the funding agreement under the Service Agreements. Another source of liquidity may include proceeds from the exercise of warrants under the Service Agreements and the guaranty agreement with Thermo.
Our operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $224.0 million, which included noncash items such as stock-based compensation of $22.5 million and depreciation, amortization and accretion of $88.2 million.
As of December 31, 2023, the principal balance of our debt obligations was $398.7 million, consisting of $117.3 million under the 2023 Funding Agreement, $75.5 million under the 2021 Funding Agreement and $206.0 million under the 2023 13% Notes.
Refer to Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources below for further discussion.
Our indebtedness could restrict us from making strategic acquisitions by limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Our indebtedness could restrict us from paying dividends to our common shareholders. It could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or industry, placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors who may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our leverage prevents us from exploiting. Additionally, even though our current debt agreements place limits on our ability to incur additional debt, in the future we may incur additional debt which could further exacerbate these risks.
We may also access equity and debt capital markets from time to time or refinance our debt obligations with the intent to improve the terms of our indebtedness; the availability of such financing may be unavailable on terms and conditions we determine favorable to us or at all.
Restrictive covenants in our financing arrangements may limit our operating and financial flexibility and our inability to comply with these covenants could have significant implications.
Our Funding Agreements and 2023 13% Notes contain a number of significant restrictions and covenants. See Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Report for further discussion of our debt covenants. Complying with these restrictive covenants, including financial and non-financial covenants, as well as those that may be contained in any agreements governing future indebtedness, may impair our ability to finance our operations or capital needs or to take advantage of favorable business opportunities. Our financing arrangements include limitations on expenditures in connection with the incurrence of certain operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may prohibit us from making certain expenditures that we consider accretive to our business and would otherwise make. Our ability to comply with these covenants will depend on our future performance, which may be affected by events beyond our control. Our failure to comply with these covenants would be an event of default. An event of default under the financing arrangements would permit the lender to accelerate the indebtedness under these agreements.
Our networks and those of our third-party service providers and customers may be vulnerable to unauthorized or unlawful access, including cyber-attacks and other security breaches, that could have significant negative consequences. Our use of personal information could give rise to costs and liabilities arising from developing data privacy laws.
Our business depends on our ability to limit and mitigate interruptions to or degradation of the security of our network. Our network and those of our third-party service providers and our customers may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, malware, data breaches, distributed denial of services and other security breaches. Persons who circumvent security measures could wrongfully obtain or use information from such networks or cause interruptions, delays or malfunctions in our operations. An attack on, or security breach of our network could result in theft of trade secrets, intellectual property, or other company confidential information, the interruption, degradation, or cessation of services, an inability to meet our service requirements under the Service Agreements, and potentially compromise customer data stored on or transmitted over our network. We cannot guarantee that our security measures will not be circumvented, thereby resulting in security events, network failures or interruptions that could impact our network security or availability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operational results. A number of significant, widespread security breaches have compromised companies and governmental agencies. In some cases, these breaches originated from outside the United States. We may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems, including reputational harm and litigation, caused by any breaches, and we may experience a reduction in revenues, litigation and a diminution of goodwill, caused by a compromise of our cybersecurity. In addition, our customer contracts may not adequately protect us against liability to third parties with whom our customers conduct business. We cannot assure you that any measures we implement to protect against breaches will provide security, that we will be able to react in a timely manner, or that our remediation efforts following any attacks will be successful.
We collect and store data, including our customers' personal information. In jurisdictions around the world, personal information is increasingly becoming the subject of extensive legislation and regulations to protect consumers’ privacy and security, such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation that became effective in 2018. The interpretation of privacy and data protection laws and regulations regarding the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of such information in some jurisdictions is unclear and ever evolving. These laws may be interpreted and applied differently from country to country and in a manner that presents a challenge to our current data protection practices. Complying with these varying international
requirements could cause us to incur additional costs or change our business practices. Our services are accessible in many foreign jurisdictions, and some of these jurisdictions may claim that we are required to comply with their laws, even where we have no local entity, employees or infrastructure. We could be forced to incur significant expenses if we were required to modify our products, services or existing security and privacy procedures in order to comply with new or expanded regulations across numerous jurisdictions. In addition, we could face liability to end users alleging that their personal information is not collected, stored, transmitted, used or disclosed appropriately or in accordance with our privacy policies or applicable laws, including claims and litigation resulting from such allegations. Any failure on our part to protect information pursuant to applicable regulations could result in a loss of user confidence, reputation and customers, which could materially impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Due to fluctuations in the insurance market, we may be unable to obtain and maintain our insurance coverages, and the insurance we obtain may not cover all risks we undertake. As a result, we may incur material uninsured or under-insured losses.
The price, terms and availability of insurance have fluctuated significantly since we began offering commercial satellite services. The cost of obtaining insurance can vary as a result of either satellite failures or general conditions in the insurance industry. Rising premiums on insurance policies could increase our costs. In addition to higher premiums, insurance policies may provide for higher deductibles, shorter coverage periods and additional policy exclusions. Our insurance could become more expensive and difficult to maintain and may not be available in the future on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Our failure to maintain sufficient insurance could also create an event of default under our debt agreements. Our insurance may not adequately cover losses incurred arising from claims brought against us or otherwise, which could be material.
Product Liability Insurance and Product Replacement or Recall Costs
We may be subject to product liability and product recall claims if any of our products and services are alleged to have caused injury to persons or damage to property. If any of our products prove to be defective, we may need to recall and redesign them. In addition, any claim or product recall that results in significant adverse publicity may negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We do not maintain any product recall insurance, so any product recall we are required to initiate could have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We investigate potential quality issues as part of our ongoing effort to deliver quality products to our customers.
Because consumers may use SPOT products and services in isolated or dangerous locations, users of our devices who suffer injury or death may seek to assert claims against us alleging failure of the device to facilitate timely emergency response. We cannot assure investors that any legal disclaimers will be effective or insurance coverage will be sufficient to protect us from material losses.
General Liability Insurance In-Orbit Exposures
Our liability policy, covers amounts up to €70 million per occurrence (with a €70 million annual limit) that we and other specified parties may become liable to pay for bodily injury and property damages to third parties related to processing, maintaining and operating our satellite constellation. Our current policy has a one-year term, which expires in October 2024. Our current in-orbit liability insurance policy contains, and we expect any future policies would likewise contain, specified exclusions and material change limitations customary in the industry. These exclusions may relate to, among other things, losses resulting from in-orbit collisions, acts of war, insurrection, terrorism or military action, government confiscation, strikes, riots, civil commotions, labor disturbances, sabotage, unauthorized use of the satellites and nuclear or radioactive contamination, as well as claims directly or indirectly occasioned as a result of noise, pollution, electrical and electromagnetic interference or interference with the use of property.
Our in-orbit insurance does not cover losses that might arise as a result of a satellite failure, other operational problems affecting our constellation, or damage resulting from de-orbiting a satellite. As a result, a failure of one or more of our satellites or the occurrence of equipment failures, collision damage, or other related problems that may result during the de-orbiting process could constitute an uninsured loss and could materially harm our financial condition.
The effect of an epidemic or pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could have an adverse impact on our operations and the operations of our customers and may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
An epidemic or pandemic could significantly disrupt our operations, including, but not limited to, our workforce, supply chain, regulatory processes and market demand of our products. An epidemic or pandemic could also significantly impact our customers, including their demand for and ability to pay for our services and equipment.
We operate in many tax jurisdictions, and changes in tax rates or adverse results of tax examinations could materially increase our costs.
We operate in various U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. The process of determining our anticipated tax liabilities involves many calculations and estimates which are inherently complex. Our tax obligations are subject to review and possible challenge by the taxing authorities of these jurisdictions, such as the ongoing income tax return audits being conducted by the Canada Revenue Agency of our Canadian subsidiary. If taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our current tax positions, or if we changed the manner in which we conduct certain activities, we could become subject to material, unanticipated tax liabilities. We may also become subject to additional tax liabilities as a result of changes to tax laws in any of our applicable tax jurisdictions, which in certain circumstances could have a retroactive effect.
We are exposed to trade credit risk in the ordinary course of our business activities.
We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by our customers of their obligations to us. Some of our customers may be highly leveraged or subject to their own operating and regulatory risks. Many of our customers finance their activities through cash flows from operations, the incurrence of debt or the issuance of equity. From time to time, credit is less available or available on more restrictive terms. The combination of reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in commodity prices and the lack of availability of debt or equity financing may result in a significant reduction in our customers' liquidity and ability to make payments or perform on their obligations to us. Even if our credit review and analysis mechanisms work properly, we may experience financial losses in our dealings with other parties. Any increase in the nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers could reduce our cash flows.
We have been in the past from time to time, and may be in the future, subject to litigation and investigations that could have a substantial, adverse impact on our business.
From time to time we are subject to litigation, including claims related to our business activities. We have also been in the past, and may be in the future, subject to investigations by regulators and governmental agencies, including the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Irrespective of their merits, litigation and investigations may be both lengthy and disruptive to our operations and could cause significant expenditure and diversion of management attention. At this time, we are not aware of any pending litigation, investigation, dispute or claim that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, we may be wrong in this assessment. Additionally, in the future we may become subject to additional litigation that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and operating results, on the trading price of our securities and on our ability to access the capital markets.
Wireless devices' radio frequency emissions are the subject of regulation and litigation concerning their environmental effects, which includes alleged health and safety risks. As a result, we may be subject to new regulations, demand for our services may decrease, and we could face liability based on alleged health risks.
There has been adverse publicity concerning alleged health risks associated with radio frequency transmissions from portable hand-held telephones and other telecommunications devices that have transmitting antennas. Lawsuits have been filed against participants in the wireless communications industry alleging a number of adverse health consequences as a result of wireless phone usage. Other claims allege consumer harm from failures to disclose information about radio frequency emissions or aspects of the regulatory regimes governing those emissions. Although we have not been party to any such lawsuits, we may be exposed to such litigation in the future. Courts or governmental agencies could determine that we do not comply with applicable standards for radio frequency emissions and power or that there is valid scientific evidence that use of our devices poses a health risk. Any such finding could reduce our revenue and profitability and expose us and other communications service providers or device sellers to litigation, which, even if frivolous or unsuccessful, could be costly to defend. Furthermore, any actual or perceived risk from radio frequency emissions could reduce the number of our subscribers and demand for our products and services.
Risks Related to Government Regulations
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation that will impact our future success.
Our MSS system is subject to significant regulation by the FCC in the United States, by the ARCEP and ANFR in France and in other foreign jurisdictions where we do business by similar authorities. Additionally, the availability of globally harmonized spectrum on which our MSS system depends is managed by the ITU and, to a certain extent, sovereign nations. The rules and regulations of these regulatory authorities are subject to change and may not continue to permit our operations as
currently conducted or as we plan to conduct them. Further, certain regulatory authorities may decide to allow additional uses within our ITU-allocation of spectrum that may be incompatible with our continued provision of MSS.
Failure to operate our satellites, ground stations, mobile earth terminals or other facilities as required by our licenses and applicable government regulations could result in the imposition of government sanctions against us, up to and including cancellation of our licenses.
Our system requires regulatory authorization in each of the jurisdictions in which we provide service. We may not be able to obtain or retain all regulatory approvals needed for operations. Regulatory changes, such as those resulting from judicial decisions or adoption of treaties, legislation or regulation in countries where we operate or intend to operate, may also significantly affect our business.
Our operations are subject to certain regulations of the United States State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (the export of satellites and related technical data), United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (financial transactions and transactions with sanctioned persons or countries) and the United States Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (export of satellites and related technical data, our gateways and phones) and as well as other similar foreign regulations. These U.S. and foreign obligations and regulations may limit or delay our ability to offer products and services in a particular country. We may be required to provide U.S. and some foreign government law enforcement and security agencies with call interception services and related government assistance, in respect of which we face legal obligations and restrictions in various jurisdictions. These regulations may limit or delay our ability to operate in a particular country or engage in transactions with certain parties and may impose significant compliance costs. As new laws and regulations are issued, we may be required to modify our business plans or operations. If we fail to comply with these regulations in any country, we could be subject to sanctions that could affect, materially and adversely, our ability to operate in that country. Failure to obtain the authorizations necessary to use our assigned radio frequency spectrum and to distribute our products in certain countries could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and on our overall competitive position.
Spectrum values historically have been volatile, and may again be volatile in the future, which could cause the value of our business to fluctuate.
Our business plan includes forming strategic partnerships to maximize the use and value of our spectrum, network assets and combined service offerings in the United States and internationally. Value that we may be able to realize from these partnerships may depend in part on the value ascribed to our spectrum. Historically, valuations of spectrum in other frequency bands have been volatile, and we cannot predict the future value that we may be able to realize for our spectrum and other assets. In addition, to the extent that the FCC makes additional spectrum available or promotes the more flexible use or greater availability (e.g., via spectrum leasing or new spectrum sales) of existing satellite or terrestrial spectrum allocations, the availability of such additional spectrum could reduce the value that we are able to realize for our spectrum.
Our business plan to use our licensed MSS spectrum to provide terrestrial wireless services depends upon action by third parties, which we cannot control.
Our business plan includes utilizing our licensed MSS spectrum to provide terrestrial wireless services, including mobile broadband applications, around the world. Our MSS licenses, including our terrestrial authority, are valid through various specified terms, which we will seek to renew. In addition, we will need to comply with certain conditions in order to provide terrestrial broadband service under our MSS licenses, including obtaining FCC certifications for our equipment that will utilize this spectrum authority. We are seeking similar approvals in various foreign jurisdictions. We cannot guarantee that such efforts will be successful.
We have entered into agreements with multiple third parties to develop an ecosystem of radios and devices using our terrestrially authorized spectrum. These third parties intend to use our terrestrially authorized spectrum to offer wireless services to their respective customers. Our anticipated future revenues and profitability are dependent upon the commercial success of their offerings.
Other future regulatory decisions could reduce our existing spectrum allocation or impose additional spectrum sharing agreements on us, which could adversely affect our services and operations.
The FCC may permit other MSS operators to operate in our frequency bands in the future despite its prior decisions. To date, there are no other authorized CDMA-based MSS operators. However, the FCC or other regulatory authorities may require us to share spectrum with other systems that are not currently licensed by the United States or any other jurisdiction. From time to time, we have faced applications by other operators for access to its licensed spectrum.
We registered our second-generation constellation with the ITU through France rather than the United States. The French radio frequency spectrum regulatory agency, ANFR, submitted the technical papers filing to the ITU on our behalf in July 2009.
As with the first-generation constellation, the ITU requires us to coordinate our spectrum assignments with other administrators and operators that use any portion of our spectrum frequency bands. We are actively engaged in but cannot predict how long the coordination process will take; however, we are able to use the frequencies during the coordination process in accordance with our national licenses.
The FCC and other regulatory jurisdictions internationally are permitting expanded unlicensed use of the 5 GHz band including within our C-band forward link (earth station to satellite), which operates at 5091-5250 MHz which may have a significant adverse impact on our ability to provide mobile satellite services. Additionally, the completion of the satellite navigation system in China could cause harmful interference to our existing and future services.
If the FCC, our French regulator, or any other regulator, revokes, modifies or fails to renew or amend our licenses, our ability to operate may be limited.
We hold FCC licenses for the operation of our satellites, our U.S. gateways and other ground facilities and our mobile earth terminals that are subject to revocation if we fail to satisfy specified conditions or meet prescribed milestones. The FCC licenses are also subject to renewal and modification by the FCC.
We hold licenses issued by, and subject to the continued regulatory jurisdiction of, the French Ministry in charge of Space and the ARCEP, the French independent administrative authority of post and electronic communications regulations, for the operation of our second-generation satellites. These licenses are subject to revocation if we fail to satisfy specified conditions or meet prescribed milestones. These licenses are also subject to modification by the French regulators.
There can be no assurance that the FCC or our French regulators will renew the licenses we hold. If the FCC, the French Ministry, ARCEP or any other regulators revoke, modify or fail to renew or amend the licenses we hold or if we fail to satisfy any of the conditions of our respective licenses, then we may not be able to continue to provide mobile satellite communications services, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
Furthermore, if we operate in any country without a valid license, we could face regulatory fines and criminal sanctions. We hold certain licenses in each country where our ground infrastructure is located. If we fail to maintain such licenses within any particular country, we may not be able to continue to operate the ground infrastructure located within that country, which could prevent us from continuing to provide mobile satellite communications services within that region.
Changes in international trade regulations and other risks associated with foreign trade could adversely affect our sourcing from foreign manufacturers.
We source our products from both domestic and foreign contract manufacturers, the largest concentration of which being in China. The adoption of regulations related to the importation of products, including quotas, duties, taxes and other charges or restrictions on imported goods, and changes in U.S. customs procedures could result in an increase in the cost of our products. For example, during 2018, the U.S. imposed increased tariffs on certain imports from China, including several of our products, resulting in lower gross margin on impacted products. The current tariffs could increase or expand to additional categories of products not currently covered. We cannot predict how any future tariffs or other trade restrictions will impact our business, but further trade restrictions on our products may result in further reductions to gross margin. In response to the current tariffs and other relevant factors, we have commenced the process, together with our contract manufacturer, of moving our manufacturing from their facility located in China to their facility located in Vietnam. This move may subject us to other risks in the manufacturing process.
Additionally, delays in goods clearing customs or the disruption of international transportation lines used by us could result in our inability to deliver goods to customers in a timely manner or the loss of sales altogether. Current or future social and environmental regulations or critical issues, such as those relating to the sourcing of conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the need to eliminate environmentally sensitive materials from our products, could restrict the supply of components and materials used in production and increase our costs. Any delay or interruption to our manufacturing process or in shipping our products could result in lost revenue, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Restrictive covenants in our financing arrangements restrict our ability to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future, which may affect the market for our shares.
We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Our Funding Agreements and 2023 13% Notes currently restrict our ability to pay cash dividends on our common stock. During 2022, we issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The terms of Series A Preferred Stock provide for the payment of cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7% per annum, subject to
certain terms and conditions. If such dividends are not declared by our board of directors, the dividends will accrue and cumulative payment will be made on the next dividend payment date or upon liquidation.
Any future dividend payments are within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, business opportunities, anticipated cash needs, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. We may not generate sufficient cash from operations in the future to pay dividends on our common stock. Our inability to pay dividends may limit the market for our shares.
There is a limited market for our common stock and our stock price may be volatile or may be subject to short selling.
The trading price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations. There are a wide variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could affect the trading price of our common stock. The trading price of our common stock may also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. Our stockholders may be unable to resell their shares of our common stock at or above the initial purchase price. Because we are a controlled company, there is a limited market for our common stock, and we cannot assure our stockholders that a trading market will further develop or persist. In periods of low trading volume, sales of significant amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market could lower the market price of our stock.
For instance, if we effect a reverse stock split, a higher market price of our common stock may help generate greater or broader investor interest; however, we cannot assure you that a reverse stock split will result in a share price that will attract new investors. Additionally, the liquidity of the shares of our common stock may be affected adversely by a reverse stock split given the reduced number of shares that will be outstanding following a reverse stock split, especially if the market price of our common stock does not increase as a result of the reverse stock split.
Additionally, selling short is a technique used by a stockholder to take advantage of an anticipated decline in the price of a security. A significant number of short sales or a large volume of other sales within a relatively short period of time can create downward pressure on the market price of a security. Further sales of common stock could cause even greater declines in the price of our common stock due to the number of additional shares available in the market, which could encourage short sales that could further undermine the value of our common stock. Holders of our securities could, therefore, experience a decline in the value of their investment as a result of short sales of our common stock.
The future issuance of additional shares of our common stock could cause dilution of ownership interests and adversely affect our stock price.
We may issue our previously authorized and unissued securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our current stockholders. We are authorized to issue 2.2 billion shares of common stock and 100 million shares of preferred stock, of which 0.3 million shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 1.9 billion shares of common stock were issued and outstanding and 0.1 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2023, there were 0.4 billion shares of common and preferred stock available for future issuance, of which approximately 5.2 million shares were contingently issuable upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards and units, 44.5 million shares were contingently issuable upon the achievement and vesting of stock price targets for certain performance based restricted stock units, 5.0 million shares may be issued to Thermo if they exercise the warrants issued to them as consideration for their guarantee under the 2023 Funding Agreement and 49.1 million shares may be issued if the warrants issued in connection with the Service Agreements are exercised. 5.0 million warrants may vest if and when Thermo advances aggregate funds of $25.0 million or more to us or a permitted third party pursuant to the terms of Thermo's guarantee. In the event Thermo is required to advance funds pursuant to its guarantee with us, we will also be required to issue it shares in respect of such advance. We may issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into, or exercisable for, common stock for raising capital or other business purposes. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, may have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
We have issued and may issue shares of preferred stock or debt securities with greater rights than our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock and set the terms of the preferred stock without seeking any further approval from holders of our common stock. Currently, there are 100 million shares of preferred stock authorized, of which 0.1 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. Any preferred stock that is issued may rank ahead of our common stock in terms of dividends, priorities and liquidation premiums and have preferential voting rights to those held by the holders of our common stock.
Provisions in our charter documents, debt agreements and Delaware corporate law may discourage takeovers, which could affect the rights of holders of our common stock.
Provisions of Delaware law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and our debt agreements could hamper a third party's acquisition of us or discourage a third party from attempting to acquire control of us. These provisions include:
•the election of our Minority Directors by a plurality of the vote of our stockholders other than Thermo;
•the requirement that (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation, involving us or any of our subsidiaries and (ii) any sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of Globalstar or any sale or transfer of assets of any of our subsidiaries which are material to us has to be approved by the Strategic Review Committee until such time as Thermo no longer beneficially owns at least 45% of our common stock;
•the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting rights or with rights senior to those of the common stock without any further vote or action by the holders of our common stock;
•the division of our board of directors into three separate classes serving staggered three-year terms;
•the fact that if Thermo does not own a majority of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, our directors will be able to be removed for cause only with the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors;
•prohibitions, at such time when Thermo does not own a majority of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, on our stockholders acting by written consent;
•prohibitions on our stockholders calling special meetings of stockholders or filling vacancies on our board of directors;
•the requirement, at such time when Thermo does not own a majority of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, that our stockholders must obtain a super-majority vote to amend or repeal our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws;
•change of control provisions under our financing arrangements, which provide that a change of control will constitute a default and exercise remedies thereunder; and
•change of control provisions in our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, which provide that a change of control may accelerate the vesting of all outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock.
We also are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits us from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder, as defined in that section, for a period of three years following the date on which that stockholder became an interested stockholder. This provision does not apply to Thermo, which became our principal stockholder prior to our initial public offering.
These provisions also could make it more difficult for our stockholders to take certain corporate actions, and could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
We are controlled by Thermo, whose interests may conflict with yours.
As of December 31, 2023, Thermo owned approximately 58% of our outstanding common stock. Thermo's ownership of our outstanding common stock excludes the issuance of stock for warrants that have vested or may vest in connection with the Service Agreements as well as its ownership of perpetual preferred stock. We have depended substantially on Thermo to provide capital to finance our business. Although extraordinary corporate transactions, material sales of assets and certain transactions with related parties must be approved by the Strategic Review Committee, to the extent these and other matters are also subject to a vote of our shareholders, Thermo is able to control such vote. These matters include the election of certain members of our board of directors and numerous other matters, including changes of control and other significant corporate transactions, so long as these transactions are not between Thermo and Globalstar and until such time as Thermo shall no longer be the beneficial owner of 45% or more of our outstanding common stock.
In addition, Thermo has guaranteed certain of our delegations related to the Service Agreements and has received warrants to purchase our common stock as consideration for providing such guarantee.
Thermo is controlled by James Monroe III, our Executive Chairman. Through Thermo, Mr. Monroe holds equity interests in, and serves as an executive officer or director of, a diverse group of privately-owned businesses not otherwise related to us. We reimburse Thermo and Mr. Monroe for certain third party, documented, out-of-pocket expenses they incur in connection with our business.
The interests of Thermo may conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Thermo may take actions it believes will benefit its equity investment in us or in connection with its guarantees of our obligations even though such actions might not be in your best interests as a holder of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not Applicable
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
We have an enterprise-wide information security program designed to identify, protect, detect and respond to and manage reasonably foreseeable cybersecurity risks and threats.
Our cybersecurity program is integrated into our overall risk management systems and led by our data protection officer. This program is on par with industry standards and best practices, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework. Oversight of the program is performed by our executive management and board of directors. Internal employees as well as third party advisors were involved in the development and continued maintenance of our cybersecurity program. The program is evaluated and audited on an annual basis by independent third parties through ongoing IT compliance initiatives.
Our formalized cybersecurity incident response plan is a framework to facilitate the detection, identification, containment, eradication and recovery from cybersecurity incidents. This framework addresses how and which risks impact our operational, financial or reputational standing and/or the ability to comply with regulatory or legal requirements. The incident response plan is evaluated and tested on an annual basis by management and independent third parties.
As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any material risks from cybersecurity threats, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, we are subject to various cybersecurity risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such risks may include harm to our employees or customers, violation of privacy laws, theft, fraud, extortion as well as legal and reputational risk. See Item 1A. Risk Factors, “Our networks and those of our third-party service providers and customers may be vulnerable to unauthorized or unlawful access, including cyber-attacks and other security breaches, that could have significant negative consequences. Our use of personal information could give rise to costs and liabilities arising from developing data privacy laws." for further discussion.
Item 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2023, our principal headquarters were located in Covington, Louisiana. We own or lease the facilities described in the following table:
| | | | | | | | |
| Facility Use | | Location |
| Offices | | Africa (Botswana) |
| | Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) |
| | Europe (Ireland) |
| | United States of America (California and Louisiana) (1) |
| Gateways | | Africa (Botswana, Gabon and Rwanda) |
| | Argentina (Bosque Alegre) |
| | Asia (Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand) |
| | Australia (Dubbo, Meekatharra and Mount Isa) |
| | Brazil (Manaus, Petrolina and Presidente Prudente) |
| | Canada (Alberta and Ontario) |
| | Europe (Estonia, France, Greece and Spain) (2) |
| | Mexico (Jocotitlan) |
| | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| | United States of America (Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Texas) |
(1) Location includes a Satellite and Ground Control Center.
(2) Location includes a Satellite Control Center.
In connection with the License Agreement previously disclosed, the office lease agreement between XCOM Labs, Inc. and its lessor is expected to be assigned to Globalstar during 2024.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For a description of any material legal and regulatory proceedings and settlements, see Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Common Stock Information
Our common stock trades on the NYSE American under the symbol "GSAT". We are authorized to issue 2.2 billion shares of voting common stock. As of February 23, 2024, 1.9 billion shares of our common stock were outstanding, held by 270 holders of record. The number of holders of record is based upon the actual number of holders registered at such date and does not include holders of shares in street name or persons, partnerships, associates, corporations or other entities in security position listings maintained by depositories.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue 100 million shares of preferred stock, of which 0.3 million shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock. On November 15, 2022, we issued 149,425 shares, of our 7.0% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.0001 par value per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof, cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock, at a fixed rate equal to 7.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2023. As of February 23, 2024, 149,425 shares of our preferred stock were outstanding, held by four holders of record.
Dividend Information
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We pay a dividend on our Series A Preferred Stock, which provides for cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7% per annum. Except for preferred stock dividends, we currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. See Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements in our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements and other information included elsewhere in this Report, including risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item IA. Risk Factors. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, our actual results may differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Report.
Performance Indicators
Our management reviews and analyzes several key performance indicators in order to manage our business and assess the quality and potential variability of our earnings and cash flows. These key performance indicators include:
•total revenue, which is an indicator of our overall business growth;
•subscriber growth and churn rate, which are both indicators of the satisfaction of our customers;
•average monthly revenue per user, or ARPU, which is an indicator of our pricing and ability to obtain effectively long-term, high-value customers. We calculate ARPU separately for each type of our subscriber-driven revenue, including Duplex, Commercial IoT and SPOT;
•operating income and adjusted EBITDA, both of which are indicators of our financial performance; and
•capital expenditures, which are an indicator of future revenue growth potential and cash requirements.
Comparison of the Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenue:
Our revenue is categorized as service revenue and equipment revenue. We provide services to customers using technology from our satellite and ground network. Equipment revenue is generated from the sale of devices that work over our network. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, total revenue increased $75.3 million, or 51%, to $223.8 million from $148.5 million in 2022. See below for a further discussion of the fluctuations in revenue.
The following table sets forth amounts and percentages of our revenue by type of service (dollars in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | | Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| | Revenue | | % of Total
Revenue | | Revenue | | % of Total
Revenue |
| Service Revenue: | | | | | | | |
| Subscriber services | | | | | | | |
| Duplex | $ | 25,932 | | | 12 | % | | $ | 29,222 | | | 20 | % |
| SPOT | 44,184 | | | 20 | % | | 45,670 | | | 31 | % |
| Commercial IoT | 22,867 | | | 10 | % | | 19,516 | | | 13 | % |
| Wholesale capacity services | 109,067 | | | 49 | % | | 34,913 | | | 24 | % |
| Engineering and other services | 2,146 | | | 1 | % | | 2,747 | | | 1 | % |
| Total Service Revenue | $ | 204,196 | | | 92 | % | | $ | 132,068 | | | 89 | % |
The following table sets forth amounts and percentages of our revenue generated from equipment sales (dollars in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended
December 31, 2023 | | Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| | Revenue | | % of Total
Revenue | | Revenue | | % of Total
Revenue |
| Equipment Revenue: | | | | | | | |
| SPOT | 7,724 | | | 3 | % | | 5,888 | | | 4 | % |
| Commercial IoT | 11,866 | | | 5 | % | | 10,132 | | | 7 | % |
| Other | 22 | | | — | % | | 416 | | | — | % |
| Total Equipment Revenue | $ | 19,612 | | | 8 | % | | $ | 16,436 | | | 11 | % |
The following table sets forth our average number of subscribers and ARPU by type of revenue.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Average number of subscribers for the year ended: | | | |
| Duplex | 33,884 | | | 40,913 | |
| SPOT | 260,141 | | | 272,088 | |
| Commercial IoT | 481,859 | | | 442,060 | |
| Other | 364 | | | 13,330 | |
| Total | 776,248 | | | 768,391 | |
| | | |
| ARPU (monthly): | | | |
| Duplex | $ | 63.78 | | | $ | 59.52 | |
| SPOT | 14.15 | | | 13.99 | |
| Commercial IoT | 3.95 | | | 3.68 | |
The numbers reported in the above table are subject to immaterial rounding inherent in calculating averages.
We count "subscribers" based on the number of devices that are subject to agreements that entitle them to use our voice or data communications services rather than the number of persons or entities who own or lease those devices.
Wholesale capacity service revenue includes revenue generated from satellite network access and related services under the Service Agreements. Engineering and other service revenue includes revenue generated primarily from certain governmental and engineering service contracts; neither of these service revenue items is subscriber driven. Accordingly, we do not present ARPU for wholesale capacity service revenue and engineering and other service revenue in the table above.
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, during the first quarter of 2022, we disconnected satellite services to gateways in Russia that were operated by an independent gateway operator. Accordingly, approximately 25,000 subscribers that previously received satellite services through these gateways were removed from our subscriber count; these subscribers were included in "Other" in the table above.
Service Revenue
Duplex service revenue decreased 11% in 2023 due primarily to fewer average subscribers, offset partially by higher ARPU. The decrease in average subscribers is due to churn exceeding gross activations over the last twelve months as we no longer manufacture and sell Duplex devices in favor of other use cases for our network assets, including wholesale capacity services.
SPOT service revenue decreased 3% in 2023 due primarily to fewer subscribers, offset slightly by higher ARPU. Average subscribers were impacted by lower equipment sales during 2022, and therefore lower subscriber activations, due to supply chain issues that reduced the number of devices available in the sales channel. Production resumed fully during the first half of 2023 and, notably, we experienced an increase in activations during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year's quarter.
Commercial IoT service revenue increased 17% in 2023 due to higher average subscribers and ARPU. The increase in average subscribers was due to an 8% increase in gross subscriber activations over the last twelve months when compared to the preceding twelve-month period. Higher ARPU was due to higher usage on the network as well as the mix of subscribers on various rate plans.
Wholesale capacity service revenue increased $74.2 million to $109.1 million during 2023 from $34.9 million during 2022. The increase in revenue during 2023 is due to consideration earned under the Service Agreements following the commencement of service in November 2022. During 2023, revenue under this arrangement included recurring service fees, which accounted for 94% of total wholesale capacity revenue.
Subscriber Equipment Sales
Revenue from SPOT equipment sales increased $1.8 million, or 31%, in 2023. This improvement was due to an almost 80.0% increase in the volume of products sold during 2023. Two of our core SPOT products were on back order for the vast majority of 2022 and starting in the second quarter of 2023, all SPOT products returned to ordinary production levels.
Revenue from Commercial IoT equipment sales increased $1.7 million, or 17%, in 2023. During 2022, we experienced intermittent production delays due to component part shortages for certain of our products. These issues have been resolved and all products are being manufactured in the ordinary course of business. A nearly 40% increase in volume of both our SmartOne Solar and SmartOne C devices contributed to the increase in revenue year over year.
Operating Expenses:
Total operating expenses decreased 39% to $224.0 million in 2023 from $369.5 million in 2022. This decrease was due primarily to non-recurring reductions in the value of inventory and long-lived assets that occurred in 2022. These and other contributors to the variance in operating expenses are explained in detail below.
Cost of Services
Cost of services increased $10.1 million, or 23%, to $53.5 million in 2023 from $43.4 million in 2022. This increase is due to network expansion and upgrade work completed in connection with services provided under the Service Agreements; a substantial portion of network-related costs are reimbursed thereunder and this consideration is recognized as revenue in accordance with the terms of the contract. In line with our new and upgraded ground infrastructure, lease, maintenance and other occupancy costs increased $2.9 million, IT costs increased $1.1 million and personnel costs increased $3.4 million during 2023.
As discussed in Note 2: License Agreement to our Consolidated Financial Statements, in connection with the License Agreement with XCOM, we entered into a Support Services Agreement (the “SSA”) in 2023. Pursuant to the SSA, XCOM is required to provide services to assist us with certain operations of the business. We prepaid for the initial SSA service period (covering nine months from the License Agreement effective date) in shares of Globalstar common stock. During 2023, we recognized $2.5 million in expense associated with these SSA and other ancillary costs.
In December 2022, we received an employee retention credit totaling $1.8 million as a result of our eligibility for the employee retention credit under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") for the first quarter of 2021. The refund was recorded as a reduction to operating expenses during the 2022 and was allocated between Cost of Services and MG&A (defined below) totaling $1.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, based on the employee costs incurred during the eligible period. Similar activity did not recur in 2023.
Cost of Subscriber Equipment Sales
Cost of subscriber equipment sales increased by $2.9 million, or 22%, to $16.0 million in 2023 from $13.1 million in 2022. This increase is consistent with the increase in total revenue from subscriber equipment sales. Margin percentages on subscriber equipment narrowed slightly due to the mix of products sold in each year.
Cost of Subscriber Equipment Sales - Reduction in the Value of Inventory
In September 2022, in connection with the launch of Phase 1 services under the Service Agreements, our strategy relative to second-generation Duplex assets shifted. Due to this shift in strategy, we concluded that there was no remaining net realizable value of our second-generation Duplex inventory, resulting in an $8.5 million reduction in value of inventory. Similar activity did not recur in 2023.
Marketing, General and Administrative
Marketing, general and administrative expenses ("MG&A") increased $10.2 million, or 31%, to $43.5 million in 2023 from $33.3 million in 2022. In connection with the License Agreement, during 2023, we incurred $2.9 million in non-recurring transaction fees, including legal, accounting and other professional fees. We also incurred $1.0 million in MG&A costs associated with the SSA discussed above in Cost of Services.
Other legal and professional fees totaling $2.6 million for various efforts, including increased regulatory work, government relations and negotiations of new commercial arrangements, also contributed to the increase in MG&A during 2023. These costs were in part due to our preparation for, and participation in, the November 2023 World Radio Conference to protect our licensed spectrum rights globally from interference. Higher personnel costs due to merit and headcount increases also contributed to the increase in MG&A.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense increased $11.7 million to $22.5 million in 2023 from $10.8 million in 2022. The increase was due primarily to restricted stock units granted in connection with the License Agreement to certain executives. To a lesser extent, certain performance awards were modified during 2023, which also contributed to the increase in expense. Additionally, we have an annual bonus plan, which is generally paid in the form of Globalstar common stock, designed to reward key employees' efforts to meet and exceed Globalstar's financial performance target for the designated calendar year. Our projected financial performance compared to our target drove the remaining increase in stock-based compensation expense.
Reduction in Value of Long-Lived Assets
During 2023, we impaired approximately $0.4 million of construction in progress primarily related to efforts associated with a terminated software development contract.
During 2022, we recorded an impairment of our long-lived assets totaling $166.0 million. In September 2022, in connection with the launch of Phase 1 services under the Service Agreements, our strategy relative to our second-generation Duplex assets shifted. Due to this shift in strategy, we re-assessed our asset grouping for long-lived assets and determined that the second-generation Duplex assets (including the gateways (and related technology) capable of providing commercial traffic to support Sat-Fi2®) were no longer part of our overall satellite and ground network. These second-generation Duplex assets no longer provided future cash flows to us and had a net book value of approximately $161.2 million prior to their impairment in September 2022. Our first-generation Duplex assets (i.e., handsets and related ground infrastructure) were not impacted. Also reflected in the reduction in the value of long-lived assets were certain prepaid licenses and royalties necessary for the manufacture and distribution of second-generation Duplex products and services. These prepaid items were no longer considered recoverable as there are no longer separately identifiable cash flows for such assets - these assets totaled approximately $4.7 million prior to their write down in September 2022.
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense decreased $5.7 million, or 6%, to $88.2 million in 2023 from $93.9 million in 2022, following a net reduction in total property and equipment due to the factors discussed in the "Reduction in Value of Long-Lived Assets" section above. Partially offsetting this decrease is depreciation expense from the on-ground spare satellite that was launched and placed into service in June 2022.
Other (Expense) Income:
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt
We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $10.4 million during 2023 following the full pay-off of the 2019 Facility Agreement in March 2023. The extinguishment loss was recognized due to the remaining deferred financing costs and debt discount associated with the instrument at the time of repayment.
We recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt totaling $2.8 million during 2022 related to the November 2022 exchange of a portion of the 2019 Facility Agreement principal balance into Series A Preferred Stock. This gain was recorded for the portion exchanged for unaffiliated lenders only. The gain represents the difference between the net carrying amount prior to extinguishment (including unamortized deferred financing costs, debt discounts, and related derivative) and the reacquisition price of the debt.
Interest Income and Expense
Interest income and expense, net, decreased $15.6 million to $14.6 million for 2023 compared to $30.2 million for 2022. This decrease was driven primarily by lower gross interest costs totaling $5.7 million and higher capitalized interest (which decreases interest expense) of $8.1 million due to a higher construction in progress balance.
Gross interest costs were lower due to $34.6 million less interest under the 2019 Facility Agreement (as defined below) due to the partial paydown in November 2022 and the final paydown in March 2023. Offsetting this decrease were increases of $21.5 million in interest associated with the 2023 13% Notes, which commenced in the second quarter of 2023, as well as interest and the accretion of debt discount associated with the 2023 and 2021 Funding Agreements (as defined below), which also commenced in the second quarter of 2023, and totaled $10.5 million. Other less significant items contributed to the remaining difference.
Loss on equity issuance
Loss on equity issuance was $5.0 million for 2023. In connection with Thermo's guaranty of the 2023 Funding Agreement, we issued warrants to Thermo, which vested upon the effectiveness of the guaranty and occurred in December 2023. The portion of the fair value associated with the credit enhancement, as recorded pursuant to applicable accounting guidance, was recorded as a loss on equity issuance. Similar activity did not occur in 2022.
Foreign currency gain (loss)
Changes in foreign currency gains and losses are driven by the remeasurement of financial statement items, which are denominated in various currencies, at the end of each reporting period.
We recorded foreign currency gains of $4.9 million in 2023. We recorded foreign currency losses of $6.6 million in 2022. Foreign currency gains result with other currencies strengthen relative to the U.S. dollar; inversely, foreign currency losses result with the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit) fluctuated by $1.0 million to an expense of $1.1 million in 2023 from an expense of $0.1 million in 2022. The income tax recorded during 2023 was due to withholding tax expense associated with our global transfer pricing allocations in certain foreign jurisdictions.
Comparison of the Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Discussion of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 can be found in the Globalstar Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our principal sources of liquidity include cash on hand, cash flows from operations and proceeds from the Funding Agreements. These liquidity sources are expected to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs for funding our operating costs, capital expenditures and financing obligations, including scheduled recoupments under the 2021 Funding Agreement (defined below), interest on our 13% Notes (defined below), and dividends on our perpetual preferred stock. A longer-term source of liquidity may be the exercise of warrants issued under the Service Agreements as well as the warrants issued to Thermo associated with its guaranty of the 2023 Funding Agreement (defined below).
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we held cash and cash equivalents of $56.7 million and $32.1 million, respectively.
The principal amount of our debt and vendor financing outstanding was $398.7 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $202.8 million at December 31, 2022. This increase was due to the following:
•Issuance of 2023 13% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $206.0 million (including initial sale of $200.0 million plus PIK interest payment of $6.0 million);
•The 2023 Funding Agreement amendments to the 2021 Funding Agreement resulted in debt with an outstanding principal balance as of December 31, 2023 of $75.5 million, and the derecognition of deferred revenue for a corresponding amount; and
•Entry into the 2023 Funding Agreement with an increase of debt $117.3 million; offset by
•Payoff of the remaining balance of $148.3 million due under the 2019 Facility Agreement, inclusive of $5.1 million of PIK interest accrued during 2023 prior to its payoff; and
•Payment of $59.6 million due under the vendor financing arrangement.
Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
The following table shows our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| Statements of Cash Flows | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 74,341 | | | $ | 63,800 | | | $ | 131,881 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | | (175,612) | | | (39,952) | | | (45,186) | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | 125,793 | | | (6,048) | | | (140,282) | |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | 140 | | | (22) | | | (132) | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 24,662 | | | $ | 17,778 | | | $ | (53,719) | |
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operations includes primarily cash received from the performance of wholesale capacity services as well as cash received from subscribers related to the purchase of equipment and satellite voice and data services. We use cash in operating activities primarily for network costs, personnel costs, inventory purchases and other general corporate expenditures.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $74.3 million during 2023 compared to $63.8 million during 2022. The primary driver for the increase was higher net income after adjusting for noncash items due primarily to higher wholesale capacity service fees under the Service Agreements following service launch in November 2022. This activity was offset partially by an unfavorable change in working capital due primarily to the timing of recognition of deferred revenue under the Service Agreements. The unfavorable change in deferred revenue was due primarily to the timing of receipt of the wholesale capacity service quarterly fees. To a lesser extent, the first recoupment under the 2021 Funding Agreement also decreased deferred revenue during 2023.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $175.6 million during 2023 compared to $40.0 million during 2022. An increase in payments made to MDA pursuant to our satellite procurement agreement of $121.9 million was the primary driver of the increase in cash used during 2023. Additionally, payments of capitalized interest during 2023 totaled $8.8 million and did not occur in 2022.
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $125.8 million in 2023 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $6.0 million in 2022. This fluctuation was due to proceeds from the 2023 13% Notes of $190.0 million, before commissions and other related expenses, and the 2023 Funding Agreement of $117.3 million (as discussed in more detail below). The proceeds from the 2023 13% Notes were used to pay the remaining principal amount due under the 2019 Facility Agreement of $148.3 million and financing costs of $8.6 million. The payment of cash dividends in respect to our Series A Preferred Stock totaling $11.9 million was also a use of cash during 2023 that did not occur during the comparable period in 2022. Finally, pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Funding Agreement, a total of $12.5 million was recouped during 2023. During 2022, we made an unscheduled principal repayment of the 2019 Facility Agreement in August 2022 of $6.3 million.
Discussion of our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 can be found in the Globalstar Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023.
Indebtedness
For further discussion on all of our debt and other financing arrangements, see Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Funding Agreements
Our previously disclosed Service Agreements provide for, among other things, payment of up to $252 million to us (the “2023 Funding Agreement”) which we will use to fund 50% of amounts due under the satellite procurement agreement with MDA, as well as launch, insurance and ancillary costs incurred in connection with the construction and launch of these satellites. The 2023 Funding Agreement will be funded on a quarterly basis, as needed and subject to certain conditions therein. The remaining amount of the satellite costs is expected to be funded from our operating cash flows.
Through December 31, 2023, payments under the 2023 Funding Agreement totaled $117.3 million. In February 2024, we received $37.7 million under the 2023 Funding Agreement.
The amount of the Funding Agreement and fees payable thereon are expected to be recouped from amounts payable for services provided by us under the Service Agreements in installments for a period of 16 quarters beginning no later than the third quarter of 2025. For as long as any portion of the 2023 Funding Agreement is outstanding, we will be subject to certain covenants including (i) minimum cash balance of $30 million, (ii) interest coverage and leverage ratios, and (iii) limitations on certain asset transfers, expenditures and investments.
During 2021, we received payments totaling $94.2 million (the "2021 Funding Agreement"), which were recorded as deferred revenue. This funding is expected to be recouped as services are performed by us over the Phase 1 Service Period. Our previously disclosed amendment to this agreement resulted in re-characterizing the previously recorded deferred revenue balance to debt in 2023. During 2023, $12.5 million has been recouped.
Our repayment obligations under the Funding Agreements are secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our assets. Thermo has agreed to provide support of certain of our obligations under the Funding Agreements and certain other amounts under the Service Agreements. Entry into this guarantee agreement received shareholder approval in June 2023 and became effective in December 2023. As consideration for Thermo's guarantee, we have issued to Thermo warrants to purchase 10.0 million shares of Globalstar common stock at an exercise price equal to $2.00 per share (as calculated pursuant to the agreement). 5.0 million of these warrants vested upon effectiveness of Thermo's guarantee in December 2023, and the remaining 5.0 million warrants vest if and when Thermo advances aggregate funds of $25.0 million or more to us or a permitted third party pursuant to the terms of Thermo's guarantee. These warrants expire five years after the date of issuance. In the event Thermo is required to advance amounts under the guarantee, we will be required to issue shares of our stock in respect of such
payments equal the amount of the payment advanced by Thermo divided by the average volume-weighted average price for our common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of such payment.
2023 13% Notes
In March 2023, we completed the sale of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of non-convertible 13% Senior Notes due 2029 (the "2023 13% Notes")”), which were issued pursuant to an indenture with Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The 2023 13% Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of Globalstar and have a stated maturity of September 15, 2029. The 2023 13% Notes were sold at an issue price of 95% of the principal amount and bear interest at a rate of 13.00% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears. We agreed under the Service Agreements to pay cash interest on the 2023 13% Notes at a rate of 6.5% per annum and paid-in-kind ("PIK") interest at a rate of 6.5% per annum.
The 2023 13% Notes may be redeemed at our option at any time, subject to the conditions of the Indenture. In the event of a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the Indenture) or certain other events, holders of the 2023 13% Notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 2023 13% Notes at a price (as calculated by us) in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and certain tax payments. The Indenture includes customary terms and covenants, including restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness, make guarantees, sell equity interests, and customary events of default.
2019 Facility Agreement
In November 2019, we entered into a $199.0 million facility agreement with Thermo, an affiliate of EchoStar Corporation and certain other unaffiliated lenders (the "2019 Facility Agreement"). The 2019 Facility Agreement was scheduled to mature in November 2025. The loans under the 2019 Facility Agreement bore interest at a rate of 13.5% per annum paid-in-kind.
The Service Agreements required us to refinance all loans outstanding under the 2019 Facility Agreement. A portion was refinanced in November 2022 and the remaining portion was refinanced in March 2023. Using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the 2023 13% Notes, we repaid all of our outstanding obligations under the 2019 Facility Agreement of approximately $148 million.
Vendor Financing
In February 2022, we entered into a satellite procurement agreement with MDA. This agreement (as amended) provided for deferrals of milestone payments through March 15, 2023. We paid the remaining outstanding balance during the first quarter of 2023.
Series A Preferred Stock
In November 2022, we issued 149,425 shares of 7.0% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). We recorded the Series A Preferred Stock at fair value of the shares totaling $105.3 million on our consolidated balance sheet.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock, at a fixed rate equal to 7.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. During 2023, we paid dividends, which were approved by our Board of Directors, totaling $11.9 million.
The shares of Series A Preferred Stock do not possess voting rights, other than certain matters specifically affecting their rights and obligations. Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us, in whole or in part, at any time. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock do not have any rights to convert or require us to redeem such stock.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Contractual obligations arising in the normal course of business consist primarily of debt and financing obligations (as discussed above), purchase commitments with vendors related to the procurement, deployment and maintenance of our network (discussed below), obligations for non-cancellable purchase orders for inventory ($14.2 million of which we expect to be fulfilled in line with current forecasted equipment sales) and operating lease obligations (see Note 4: Leases to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion).
Satellite Procurement Agreement
We have a satellite procurement agreement with MDA pursuant to which we expect to acquire at least 17 and up to 26 satellites that will replenish our HIBLEO-4 U.S.-licensed system and ensure long-term continuity of our MSS. The satellite procurement agreement requires delivery of the 17 new satellites by 2025. The amended contract price for these new satellites is $329.5 million, and we have the option to purchase up to nine additional satellites at a lower per unit cost, subject to certain conditions. In addition, MDA will procure equipment to be incorporated into a satellite operations control center ("SOCC") totaling $4.9 million as well as other equipment for $3.7 million.
To date, the parties have accepted milestones totaling $190.4 million associated with the new satellites and related infrastructure, and we have paid $14.0 million during 2022 and $135.9 million during 2023. Amounts accrued as of December 31, 2023 associated with this contract totaled $55.6 million, of which $44.7 million was paid in February 2024. We expect to continue to fund a portion of the future milestone payments using the 2023 Funding Agreement.
The satellite procurement agreement with MDA contains customary termination provisions including our right to terminate the contract for convenience at any time, subject to certain conditions. Under the Service Agreements, subject to certain terms and conditions, we will receive Approved Capital Expenditure Payments.
Launch Services Agreement
As more fully described in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2023, we have a Launch Services Agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) and certain related ancillary agreements (the “Launch Services Agreements”), providing for the launch of the first set of these satellites. The Launch Services Agreements provide a launch window from April to September 2025.
The launch services agreement with SpaceX contains customary termination provisions including our right to terminate the contract for convenience at any time, subject to certain conditions including SpaceX retaining certain amounts of the contract value. Under the Service Agreements, subject to certain terms and conditions, we will receive Approved Capital Expenditure Payments.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting guidance and the expected impact that the guidance could have on our Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our Consolidated Financial Statements contains a description of the accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements as well as the consideration of recently issued accounting standards and the estimated impact these standards will have on our financial statements. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to revenue recognition; property and equipment; and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual amounts could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
We define a critical accounting policy or estimate as one that is both important to our financial condition and results of operations and requires us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates about matters that are uncertain. We
believe that the following are the critical accounting policies and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, there are other items within our Consolidated Financial Statements that require estimates but are not deemed critical as defined in this paragraph.
Revenue Recognition
Our primary types of revenue include (i) service revenue from two-way voice communication, and one-way and two-way data transmissions between a mobile or fixed device, (ii) subscriber equipment revenue from the sale of fixed and mobile devices as well as other products and accessories, (iii) wholesale capacity service revenue from providing satellite network access and related services utilizing our satellite spectrum and network of satellites and gateways and (iv) service revenue from providing engineering and communication services using our MSS and terrestrial spectrum licenses. The complexities or judgements involved in revenue recognition are discussed below.
If a contract includes more than one performance obligation, such as under the Service Agreements or when subscriber equipment is bundled with services in a multiple-element arrangement, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation in proportion to their standalone selling prices at contract inception and recognize them when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied. Determination of the relative stand-alone selling prices is complex and involves judgement, as prices may vary based on many factors, such as promotions, customer, volume and/or type of equipment sold.
Service revenue is generally recognized over a period of time (consistent with the customer's receipt and consumption of the benefits of our performance) and revenue from the sale of subscriber equipment is recognized at a point in time (consistent with the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership of the hardware).
We record customer payments received in advance of the corresponding service period as deferred revenue. We assess the timing of services to a customer as compared to the timing of payments made to us to determine whether a significant financing component exists. In general, our subscriber-driven contracts are paid monthly or annually and the time between cash collection and performance is less than one year. For certain payments made under the Service Agreements, the length of time between receipt of payment and the transfer of services by us was greater than twelve months. Accordingly, these payments included a significant financing component.
For Duplex service revenue, we recognize revenue for monthly access fees in the period services are rendered. For annual plans whereby a customer prepays for a predetermined amount of minutes and data, revenue is recognized consistent with the customer's expected pattern of usage, based on historical experience because we believe that this method most accurately depicts the satisfaction of our obligation to the customer. For annual plans where the customer is charged an annual fee to access our system, we recognize revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the plan.
For our subscriber-driven contracts, subscriber acquisition costs primarily include internal sales commissions and initial activation commissions as well as certain other costs, including but not limited to, promotional costs, cooperative marketing credits and shipping and fulfillment costs. We capitalize incremental costs to obtain a contract to the extent we expect to recover such costs. All other subscriber acquisitions costs are expensed at the time of the related sale.
For wholesale capacity services, we capitalize costs to fulfill a contract to the extent we expect to recover them and we also capitalize noncash consideration issued under the Service Agreements. Costs to fulfill a contract may include certain expenses incurred by us prior to the customer benefiting from the service, such as personnel and contractor costs and other operating expenses. Under the Service Agreements, we issued warrants to purchase shares of Globalstar common stock, which were recorded at the estimated fair value of the consideration granted based on a Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value of the warrants was capitalized as a contract asset and is being recognized as a reduction of the transaction price over the estimated term of the Service Agreements.
Property and Equipment
The vast majority of our property and equipment costs are incurred related to the construction of our satellites, including an agreement executed in 2022 for the purchase of new satellites to replenish our existing satellite constellation, and ground station upgrades. Accounting for these assets requires us to make complex judgments and estimates. We capitalize costs associated with the design, manufacture, test and launch of our low earth orbit satellites. We capitalize costs associated with the design, manufacture and test of our ground stations and other capital assets. We track capitalized costs associated with our ground stations and other capital assets by fixed asset category and allocate them to each asset as it comes into service. For assets that are sold or retired, including satellites that are de-orbited and no longer providing services, we remove the estimated cost and
accumulated depreciation. We recognize a loss from an in-orbit failure of a satellite equal to its net book value, if any, in the period it is determined that the satellite is not recoverable.
Estimating the useful life of our assets is complex and involves judgement. We evaluate the appropriateness of estimated depreciable lives assigned to our property and equipment and revise such lives to the extent warranted by changing facts and circumstances. If the useful life of our significant assets changes, this change could impact our operating results. The estimated useful lives of our assets is based on many factors, including estimated design life, information from our engineering department and our overall strategy for the use of the assets. A one year reduction in the estimated useful life of our second-generation satellites would result in an annual increase to depreciation expense of $5.2 million.
We review the carrying value of our assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment exist, we compare future undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. If an asset is not recoverable, its carrying value would be adjusted down to fair value and an impairment loss would be recorded. Key assumptions in our impairment tests include projected future cash flows, the timing of network upgrades and current discount rates. Additionally, from time to time, we perform profitability analyses to determine if investments in certain products and/or services remain viable. In the event we determine to no longer support a product or service, or that an asset is not expected to generate future benefit, the asset may be abandoned and an impairment loss may be recorded.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities 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. Our deferred tax calculation requires us to make certain estimates about our future operations. Changes in state, federal and foreign tax laws, as well as changes in our financial condition or the carrying value of existing assets and liabilities, could affect these estimates. We recognize the effect of a change in tax rates as income or expense in the period that the rate is enacted.
GAAP requires us to assess whether it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. If we cannot determine that deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be recoverable, GAAP requires us to provide a valuation allowance against those assets. This assessment takes into account factors including: (a) the nature, frequency, and severity of current and cumulative financial reporting losses; (b) sources of estimated future taxable income; and (c) tax planning strategies. We must weigh heavily our recent financial reporting losses as a source of negative evidence when determining our ability to realize deferred tax assets. Projections of estimated future taxable income (exclusive of reversing temporary differences) are a source of positive evidence only when the projections are combined with a history of recent profitable operations and can be reasonably estimated. Otherwise, GAAP requires that we consider projections inherently subjective and generally insufficient to overcome negative evidence that includes cumulative losses in recent years. If necessary and available, we would implement tax planning strategies to accelerate taxable amounts to utilize expiring carryforwards. These strategies would be a source of additional positive evidence supporting the realization of deferred tax assets.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our services and products are sold, distributed or available in numerous countries globally. Our international sales are denominated primarily in Canadian dollars, Brazilian reais and euros. In some cases, insufficient supplies of U.S. currency may require us to accept payment in other foreign currencies. We reduce our currency exchange risk from revenues in currencies other than the U.S. dollar by requiring payment in U.S. dollars whenever possible and purchasing foreign currencies on the spot market when rates are favorable. We currently do not purchase hedging instruments to hedge foreign currencies.
We also have operations in Argentina, which is considered to have a highly inflationary economy. Operations in this country are not considered significant to our consolidated operations.
See Note 9: Fair Value Measurements in our Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair market value and the market factors affecting changes in fair market value of each.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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| | Page |
| Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Globalstar, Inc. | |
| Report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm (PCAOB ID 42) | |
| Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |
| Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |
| Consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |
| Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |
| Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Globalstar, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Globalstar, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 29, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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| Useful life of Space component assets |
| Description of the Matter | At December 31, 2023, the Company had $1.2 billion of Space component assets recorded as property and equipment. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s Space component assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, which is currently estimated to be 15 years. Management’s estimate of the useful life of its Space component assets was based on estimated design life, information from the Company’s engineering department and overall Company strategy for the use of the assets. |
| Auditing the Company’s estimate of the useful life of its Space component assets involved a high degree of subjectivity due to the application of management’s judgment when evaluating the available information to determine the estimated useful life. The resulting estimated useful life has a significant effect on the timing of recognition of depreciation expense given the magnitude of the carrying amount of the Space component assets.
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| How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company's process to determine the estimated useful life of its Space component assets, including controls over management’s evaluation of the available information to determine the estimated useful life.
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| Our testing of the Company's estimated useful life of the Space component assets included, among other procedures, evaluating the application of available information to determine the estimated useful life. We compared management’s useful life to the manufacturer’s estimated design life, publicly available information on the estimated useful life of similar assets, operation and performance of the assets per the Company’s engineering group, and the life of its first-generation satellite constellation. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of changes, if any, in the Company’s long-term strategy for use of the assets on the useful life estimate.
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| Classification and valuation of the 2021 and 2023 Funding Agreements |
| Description of the Matter | As described in Note 7, in February 2023, the Company entered into the 2023 Funding Agreement and amended the terms of the 2021 Funding Agreement (collectively “the Funding Agreements”). We identified the assessment of the Funding Agreements as a critical audit matter, primarily due to significant judgments by management related to the determination that advances under the Funding Agreements were debt, as determined for financial reporting purposes, and the estimation of the fair value to be assigned to the debt and other components. The fair value of the debt, which was determined using a discounted cash flow method, is dependent on significant assumptions such as the discount rate. Auditing of these classification and valuation considerations involved challenging and complex auditor judgment, including the need to involve valuation specialists.
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| How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We tested the effectiveness of controls over the Company’s assessment of the Funding Agreements, including controls related to classification and valuation. We evaluated the Company’s accounting analysis for the Funding Agreements, including the determination that advances were debt. We evaluated the Company’s estimate of the fair value of the debt and other components by involving valuation specialists to assess the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology and (2) valuation assumptions applied including the discount rate by developing a range of independent estimates and comparing our estimates to those used by management. We tested the source information underlying the significant assumptions and estimates and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation.
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/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
New Orleans, Louisiana
February 29, 2024
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Globalstar, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Globalstar, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Globalstar, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and our report dated February 29, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
February 29, 2024
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value and share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| ASSETS | | | |
| Current assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 56,744 | | | $ | 32,082 | |
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,312 and $2,892, respectively | 48,743 | | | 26,329 | |
| Inventory | 14,582 | | | 9,264 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 22,584 | | | 13,569 | |
| Total current assets | 142,653 | | | 81,244 | |
| Property and equipment, net | 624,002 | | | 560,371 | |
| Operating lease right of use assets, net | 34,164 | | | 30,859 | |
| Prepaid satellite costs and customer receivable | 12,443 | | | 27,570 | |
| Intangible and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $12,385 and $10,908, respectively | 111,047 | | | 38,425 | |
| Total assets | $ | 924,309 | | | $ | 738,469 | |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | |
| Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 34,600 | | | $ | — | |
| Accounts payable | 2,027 | | | 3,843 | |
| Vendor financing | — | | | 59,575 | |
| Accrued expenses | 26,958 | | | 22,554 | |
| Accrued satellite construction costs | 58,187 | | | 36,139 | |
| Payables to affiliates | 459 | | | 326 | |
| Deferred revenue, net | 53,677 | | | 74,639 | |
| Total current liabilities | 175,908 | | | 197,076 | |
| Long-term debt | 325,700 | | | 132,115 | |
| Operating lease liabilities | 29,244 | | | 27,635 | |
| Deferred revenue, net | 3,213 | | | 62,877 | |
| Other non-current liabilities | 11,265 | | | 3,995 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | 369,422 | | | 226,622 | |
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| Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) | | | |
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| Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
| Preferred Stock of $0.0001 par value; 99,700,000 shares authorized and none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | — | | | — | |
| Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock of $0.0001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized and 149,425 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively | — | | | — | |
| Voting Common Stock of $0.0001 par value; 2,150,000,000 shares authorized; 1,881,194,682 and 1,811,074,696 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 188 | | | 181 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 2,438,703 | | | 2,345,612 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 5,070 | | | 9,242 | |
| Retained deficit | (2,064,982) | | | (2,040,264) | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 378,979 | | | 314,771 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 924,309 | | | $ | 738,469 | |
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Revenue: | | | | | |
| Service revenue | $ | 204,196 | | | $ | 132,068 | | | $ | 106,464 | |
| Subscriber equipment sales | 19,612 | | | 16,436 | | | 17,833 | |
| Total revenue | 223,808 | | | 148,504 | | | 124,297 | |
| Operating expenses: | | | | | |
| Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately below) | 53,499 | | | 43,370 | | | 37,372 | |
| Cost of subscriber equipment sales | 15,973 | | | 13,097 | | | 13,587 | |
| Cost of subscriber equipment sales - reduction in the value of inventory | — | | | 8,553 | | | 1,004 | |
| Marketing, general and administrative | 43,458 | | | 33,349 | | | 34,629 | |
| Stock-based compensation | 22,489 | | | 10,754 | | | 6,729 | |
| Reduction in the value of long-lived assets | 363 | | | 166,526 | | | 242 | |
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 88,191 | | | 93,884 | | | 96,237 | |
| Total operating expenses | 223,973 | | | 369,533 | | | 189,800 | |
| Loss from operations | (165) | | | (221,029) | | | (65,503) | |
| Other (expense) income: | | | | | |
| (Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt | (10,403) | | | 2,790 | | | 3,098 | |
| Loss on equity issuance | (5,010) | | | — | | | — | |
| Interest income and expense, net of amounts capitalized | (14,609) | | | (30,168) | | | (43,536) | |
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | 4,862 | | | (6,592) | | | (6,308) | |
| Derivative gain (loss) and other | 1,730 | | | (1,843) | | | (675) | |
| Total other expense | (23,430) | | | (35,813) | | | (47,421) | |
| Loss before income taxes | (23,595) | | | (256,842) | | | (112,924) | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 1,123 | | | 73 | | | (299) | |
| Net loss | $ | (24,718) | | | $ | (256,915) | | | $ | (112,625) | |
| | | | | |
| Net loss attributable to common shareholders (Note 14) | $ | (35,323) | | | $ | (258,252) | | | $ | (112,625) | |
| Net loss per common share: | | | | | |
| Basic | $ | (0.02) | | | $ | (0.14) | | | $ | (0.06) | |
| Diluted | (0.02) | | | (0.14) | | | (0.06) | |
| Weighted-average shares outstanding: | | | | | |
| Basic | 1,835,005 | | | 1,800,825 | | | 1,765,139 | |
| Diluted | 1,835,005 | | | 1,800,825 | | | 1,765,139 | |
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Net loss | $ | (24,718) | | | $ | (256,915) | | | $ | (112,625) | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | | | | | |
| Defined benefit pension plan liability adjustment | — | | | 2,073 | | | 410 | |
| Net foreign currency translation adjustment | (4,172) | | | 5,279 | | | 4,424 | |
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income | (4,172) | | | 7,352 | | | 4,834 | |
| Total comprehensive loss | $ | (28,890) | | | $ | (249,563) | | | $ | (107,791) | |
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional
Paid-In
Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Retained
Deficit | Total |
| | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
| Balances – December 31, 2020 | — | | $ | — | | 1,674,669 | | $ | 167 | | $ | 2,096,566 | | $ | (2,944) | | $ | (1,670,724) | | $ | 423,065 | |
| Net issuance of restricted stock awards and employee stock options and recognition of stock-based compensation | — | | — | | 4,937 | | 1 | | 5,543 | | — | | — | | 5,544 | |
| Contribution of services | — | | — | | | — | | 188 | | — | | — | | 188 | |
| Issuance and recognition of stock-based compensation of employee stock purchase plan | — | | — | | 1,887 | | — | | 747 | | — | | — | | 747 | |
| Issuance of stock for warrant exercises | — | | — | | 115,036 | | 12 | | 43,666 | | — | | — | | 43,678 | |
| Other comprehensive income | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 4,834 | | — | | 4,834 | |
| Net loss | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (112,625) | | (112,625) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balances – December 31, 2021 | — | | $ | — | | 1,796,529 | | $ | 180 | | $ | 2,146,710 | | $ | 1,890 | | $ | (1,783,349) | | $ | 365,431 | |
| Net issuance of restricted stock awards and employee stock options and recognition of stock-based compensation | — | | — | | 11,577 | | 1 | | 10,588 | | — | | — | | 10,589 | |
| Contribution of services | — | | — | | — | | — | | 188 | | — | | — | | 188 | |
| Issuance and recognition of stock-based compensation of employee stock purchase plan | — | | — | | 716 | | — | | 1,135 | | — | | — | | 1,135 | |
| Common stock issued in connection with conversion of 2013 8.00% Notes | — | | — | | 2,253 | | — | | 2,548 | | — | | — | | 2,548 | |
| Fair value of Warrants issued in connection with the Service Agreements | — | | — | | — | | — | | 48,337 | | — | | — | | 48,337 | |
| Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock | 149 | | — | | — | | — | | 105,342 | | — | | — | | 105,342 | |
| Gain on extinguishment of 2019 Facility Agreement with Thermo | — | | — | | — | | — | | 30,764 | | — | | — | | 30,764 | |
| Other comprehensive income | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 7,352 | | — | | 7,352 | |
| Net loss | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (256,915) | | (256,915) | |
| Balances – December 31, 2022 | 149 | | $ | — | | 1,811,075 | | $ | 181 | | $ | 2,345,612 | | $ | 9,242 | | $ | (2,040,264) | | $ | 314,771 | |
| Net issuance of restricted stock awards and employee stock options and recognition of stock-based compensation | — | | — | | 9,256 | | 1 | | 19,286 | | — | | — | | 19,287 | |
| Contribution of services | — | | — | | — | | — | | 188 | | — | | — | | 188 | |
| Issuance and recognition of stock-based compensation of employee stock purchase plan | — | | — | | 887 | | — | | 1,270 | | — | | — | | 1,270 | |
| Series A Preferred Dividends | — | | — | | — | | — | | (11,942) | | — | | — | | (11,942) | |
| Fair value of Thermo guarantees associated with 2023 Funding Agreement | — | | — | | — | | — | | 8,864 | | — | | — | | 8,864 | |
| Issuance of warrants to Thermo for its guarantee associated with the 2023 Funding Agreement | — | | — | | — | | — | | 5,010 | | — | | — | | 5,010 | |
| Issuance of stock in connection with License Agreement with XCOM | — | | — | | 59,977 | | 6 | | 70,415 | | — | | — | | 70,421 | |
| Other comprehensive loss | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (4,172) | | — | | (4,172) | |
| Net loss | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (24,718) | | (24,718) | |
| Balances – December 31, 2023 | 149 | | $ | — | | 1,881,195 | | $ | 188 | | $ | 2,438,703 | | $ | 5,070 | | $ | (2,064,982) | | $ | 378,979 | |
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Cash flows provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
| Net loss | $ | (24,718) | | | $ | (256,915) | | | $ | (112,625) | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 88,191 | | | 93,884 | | | 96,237 | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 22,489 | | | 10,754 | | | 6,729 | |
| Noncash consideration, net, associated with wholesale capacity contract | (3,210) | | | (292) | | | — | |
| Reduction in the value of long-lived assets and inventory | 363 | | | 175,079 | | | 1,246 | |
| Noncash interest and accretion expense | 14,739 | | | 30,231 | | | 38,459 | |
| Noncash portion of loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt | 10,194 | | | (2,790) | | | (3,098) | |
| Loss on equity issuance | 5,010 | | | — | | | — | |
| Noncash expenses associated with SSA, net of amortization | 3,070 | | | — | | | — | |
| Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss | (4,972) | | | 6,615 | | | 6,394 | |
| Other, net | (816) | | | 762 | | | (464) | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
| Accounts receivable | 12,693 | | | (1,009) | | | 1,361 | |
| Inventory | (4,154) | | | (2,380) | | | (80) | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (3,235) | | | 952 | | | (5,266) | |
| Other assets | 610 | | | (183) | | | 82 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (3,408) | | | (11,371) | | | (3,647) | |
| Payables to affiliates | 133 | | | (118) | | | (136) | |
| Other non-current liabilities | (53) | | | (2,561) | | | (609) | |
| Deferred revenue | (38,585) | | | 23,142 | | | 107,298 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 74,341 | | | 63,800 | | | 131,881 | |
| Cash flows used in investing activities: | | | | | |
| Payments under the satellite procurement agreement | (135,939) | | | (14,000) | | | — | |
| Payments for other network upgrades to support the Service Agreements | (22,859) | | | (18,233) | | | (37,037) | |
| Payments of capitalized interest | (8,810) | | | — | | | (395) | |
| Payments for network upgrades to support product development | (6,907) | | | (7,076) | | | (6,307) | |
| Sale of property and equipment | — | | | — | | | 350 | |
| Purchase of intangible assets | (1,097) | | | (643) | | | (1,797) | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (175,612) | | | (39,952) | | | (45,186) | |
| Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: | | | | | |
| Principal and interest payments of the 2019 Facility Agreement | (148,281) | | | (6,341) | | | — | |
| Proceeds from 2023 13% Notes | 190,000 | | | — | | | — | |
| Proceeds from 2023 Funding Agreement | 117,253 | | | — | | | — | |
| Principal payments of 2021 Funding Agreement | (12,500) | | | — | | | — | |
| Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock | (11,942) | | | — | | | — | |
| Payments for debt and equity issuance costs | (8,556) | | | (626) | | | (286) | |
| Net proceeds from equity plan transactions | (181) | | | 919 | | | 747 | |
| Principal payments of the 2009 Facility Agreement | — | | | — | | | (186,990) | |
| Net proceeds from common stock offering and exercise of warrants | — | | | — | | | 43,678 | |
| Premium refund from the 2009 Facility Agreement | — | | | — | | | 2,569 | |
| Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities | 125,793 | | | (6,048) | | | (140,282) | |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 140 | | | (22) | | | (132) | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 24,662 | | | 17,778 | | | (53,719) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 32,082 | | | 14,304 | | | 68,023 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period (1) | $ | 56,744 | | | $ | 32,082 | | | $ | 14,304 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | |
| Cash paid for: | | | | | |
| Interest | $ | 13,512 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,534 | |
| Income taxes | 333 | | | 197 | | | 188 | |
| | | | | |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities: | | | | | |
| Increase in capitalized accrued interest for network upgrades | $ | 5,603 | | | $ | 12,164 | | | $ | 2,973 | |
| Capitalized accretion of debt discount and amortization of prepaid financing costs | 5,429 | | | 1,830 | | | 612 | |
| Satellite construction assets acquired through vendor financing arrangement | — | | | 59,822 | | | — | |
| Satellite construction assets in accrued expenses | 58,187 | | | 36,139 | | | — | |
| Principal amount of 2019 Facility Agreement converted into preferred equity | — | | | 149,425 | | | — | |
| Forgiveness of principal and interest of PPP Loan | — | | | — | | | 5,030 | |
| Re-characterization of 2021 Funding Agreement to debt due to 2023 amendment | 87,950 | | | — | | | — | |
| Fair value of common stock issued for XCOM License Agreement | 58,534 | | | — | | | — | |
| Fair value of common stock issued for XCOM SSA | 11,887 | | | — | | | — | |
| Construction in progress assets acquired through XCOM SSA | 2,776 | | | — | | | — | |
| Fair value of warrants issued to Thermo for the guarantee associated with the 2023 Funding Agreement | 5,010 | | | — | | | — | |
(1) Cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet is equal to cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
GLOBALSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business
Globalstar, Inc. (“Globalstar” or the “Company”) provides Mobile Satellite Services (“MSS”) including voice and data communications and wholesale capacity services through its global satellite network. The Company’s only reportable segment is its MSS business. Thermo Companies, through commonly controlled affiliates, (collectively, “Thermo”) is the principal owner and largest stockholder of Globalstar. The Company's Executive Chairman of the Board controls Thermo.
Globalstar currently provides the following communications services:
•two-way voice communication and data transmissions via the GSP-1600 and GSP-1700 phone ("Duplex");
•one-way or two-way communications and data transmissions using mobile devices, including the SPOT family of products, such as SPOT X ®, SPOT Gen4TM and SPOT Trace®, that transmit messages and the location of the device ("SPOT");
•one-way data transmissions using a mobile or fixed device that transmits its location and other information to a central monitoring station, including commercial IoT products, such as the battery- and solar-powered SmartOne, STX-3, ST100, ST-150 and Integrity 150 ("Commercial IoT");
•satellite network access and related services utilizing our satellite spectrum and network of satellites and gateways ("Wholesale Capacity Services"); and
•engineering and other communication services using the Globalstar System ("Engineering and Other").
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to current year presentation. The Company evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Globalstar and all its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Additionally, ASC 805 requires transaction-related costs to be expensed in the period incurred. The determination of fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires estimates and assumptions that can change as a result of new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. As such, the Company will make any necessary adjustments to goodwill in the period identified within one year of the acquisition date. Adjustments outside of that range are recognized currently in earnings. Refer to Note 2: License Agreement of the consolidated financial statements for further details.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash deposited in institutional money market funds, regular interest-bearing depository accounts and non-interest-bearing depository accounts are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consists primarily of highly liquid short-term investments deposited with financial institutions that are of high credit quality.
The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and records reserves to provide for estimated credit losses. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company's wholesale capacity customer under the Service Agreements was responsible for 49% of the Company's revenue and 69% of the Company's receivable balance. Additionally, one of the Company's value added resellers was responsible for 15% of the Company's receivable balance; however, this customer was responsible for less than 10% of the Company's revenue. No other customers were responsible for more than 10% of the Company's revenue or accounts receivable balance.
Accounts Receivable
The Company records trade accounts receivable from its customers, including MSS subscribers and its wholesale capacity customer, when it has a contractual right to receive payment either on demand or on fixed or determinable dates in the future. Receivables are recorded when the right to consideration from the customer becomes unconditional, which is generally upon billing or upon satisfaction of a performance obligation, whichever is earlier. Accounts receivable are uncollateralized, without interest, and consist of receivables from wholesale capacity services and the sale of Globalstar services and equipment. The Company also may act as an agent to procure goods and perform services under the Service Agreements. Payment is generally due within 45 days of the invoice date for this customer. For service, payment is generally due from subscribers within thirty days of the invoice date and for equipment customers, payment is generally due within thirty to sixty days of the invoice date, or, for some customers, may be made in advance of shipment.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and impairs receivable balances by recording specific allowances for credit losses based on factors such as customer credit ratings, supportable and reasonable current trends, the length of time the receivables are past due and historical collection experience. The Company believes that historical collection experience is the most reasonable basis for predicting future performance. One type of the Company’s contract assets is customer receivables and, as such, historical delinquency percentages are generally consistent over time. The estimate of the allowance for subscriber credit losses is computed using aging schedules by type of revenue (service and subscriber equipment), by product (Duplex, SPOT and Commercial IoT) and by country. As discussed above, accounts receivable are considered past due in accordance with the contractual terms of the applicable arrangements. The Company applies a loss rate to its portfolio of subscriber trade receivables based on past-due status and records an allowance for credit losses, which represents the expected losses of those trade receivables over their estimated contractual life. The estimated life may vary by service and product type, but is generally less than one year. Allowances are generally recorded for all aging categories of outstanding receivables, including those in the current category. Accounts receivable balances that are determined likely to be uncollectible are included in the allowance for credit losses. After attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. The estimate of the allowance for credit losses on wholesale capacity receivables is based primarily on customer payment history and credit rating. The Company believes that the risk of loss is extremely remote for this category of outstanding receivables.
The following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 2,892 | | | $ | 2,962 | | | $ | 4,352 | |
| Provision, net of recoveries | 519 | | | 1,087 | | | 409 | |
| Write-offs and other adjustments | (1,099) | | | (1,157) | | | (1,799) | |
| Balance at end of period | $ | 2,312 | | | $ | 2,892 | | | $ | 2,962 | |
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of purchased products, including subscriber equipment devices, which work on the Company’s network, as well as component parts and other chips used in the manufacture of subscriber equipment devices. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory write downs are evaluated at the product level and measured as the difference between the cost of inventory and the net realizable. Write downs are recorded as a cost of subscriber equipment sales - reduction in the value of inventory in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Product sales and returns from the previous 12 months and future demand forecasts are reviewed and excess and obsolete inventory is written off, as applicable.
For each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company wrote down the value of inventory by $8.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, after adjusting for changes in net realizable value. The Company did not write down the value of inventory for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In 2022, the Company wrote down the value of equipment consisting of second-generation Duplex assets, including finished goods, chips and component parts to be used in manufacturing such devices as well as second-generation Duplex gateway spare parts, totaling $6.9 million. Additionally, the Company recorded amounts prepaid to its product manufacturer related to second-generation Duplex products, previously included in Prepaid and other current assets on its consolidated balance sheets totaling $1.6 million. The Company concluded that there was no remaining net realizable value of its second-generation Duplex inventory including prepayments to its product manufacturer.
In 2021, the Company wrote off certain Sat-Fi2® materials that were not likely to be used in production as well as defective inventory units that were no longer saleable.
Property and Equipment
The Globalstar System includes costs for the design, manufacture, test and launch of a constellation of low earth orbit satellites (the “Space Component”), primary and backup control centers, gateways (the “Ground Component”) and spectrum licenses. Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
Costs associated with the design, manufacture, test and launch of the Company’s Space and Ground Components are capitalized and include direct costs of third party suppliers and contractors, internal personnel as well as equipment and materials. Capitalized costs associated with the Company’s Space Component, Ground Component, and other assets are tracked by fixed asset category and are allocated to each asset as it comes into service. Generally, when a satellite is incorporated into the constellation, the Company begins depreciation on the date the satellite is placed into service, which was the point that the satellite reaches its orbital altitude, over its estimated depreciable life. In June 2022, the Company launched an on-ground spare satellite. The costs associated with the construction and launch of this spare satellite were placed into service after its successful launch since this satellite is expected to remain as an in-orbit spare and will only be raised to its operational orbit at a future date if needed.
The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with the costs of assets in progress. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying asset and is amortized over the depreciable life of the asset after it is placed into service. As the Company’s construction in progress increases, the Company capitalizes more interest, resulting in a lower amount of net interest expense recognized under U.S. GAAP.
Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:
Space Component - 15 years from the commencement of service
Ground Component - 7 or 15 years from commencement of service
Software, Facilities & Equipment - 3 to 10 years
Buildings - 18 years
Leasehold Improvements - Shorter of lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements
The estimated useful lives of the Company's Space and Ground components were based on estimated design life, information from the Company's engineering department and overall Company strategy for the use of these assets. The Company evaluates and revises the estimated depreciable lives assigned to property and equipment based on changes in facts and circumstances. When changes are made to estimated useful lives, the remaining carrying amounts are depreciated prospectively over the remaining useful lives.
For assets that are sold or retired, including satellites that are de-orbited and no longer providing services, the estimated cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from property and equipment.
The Company assesses the impairment of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amounts of the assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, excluding financing costs. If the asset is not recoverable, its carrying value would be adjusted down to fair value and an impairment loss would be recorded. Additionally, the Company routinely performs profitability analyses to determine if investments in certain products and/or services remain viable. In the event the Company decides not to support a product or service, or determines that an asset is not expected to generate future benefit, the asset may be abandoned and an impairment loss may be recorded on the associated assets.
Assets held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated cost to sell; these assets are generally classified as current on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as the disposal of these assets is expected within one year.
Leases
The Company has operating and finance leases for facilities and equipment around the world, including corporate offices, satellite control centers, ground control centers, gateways and certain equipment.
Upon inception of a contract, the Company evaluates if the contract, or part of the contract, contains a lease. A lease conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases include both a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The right-of-use asset represents the Company’s right to use the underlying asset in the lease. Certain initial direct costs associated with consummating a lease are included in the initial measurement of the right-of-use asset. The right-of-use asset also includes prepaid lease payments and lease incentives. The lease liability represents the present value of the remaining lease payments discounted using the implicit rate in the lease on the lease commencement date. For leases in which the implicit rate is not readily determinable, an estimated incremental borrowing rate is used, which represents a rate of interest that the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term. The Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components, if applicable.
For operating leases, the Company records lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term in either marketing, general and administrative expense or cost of services, depending on the nature of the underlying asset. For finance leases, the Company records the amortization of the right-of-use asset through depreciation, amortization and accretion expense and records the interest expense on the lease liability through interest expense, net, using the effective interest method.
Variable lease payments are payments made to a lessor due to changes in circumstances occurring after the commencement date. Variable lease payments dependent upon an index or rate are included in the measurement of the lease liability; all other variable lease payments are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and recognized when incurred. Variable lease payments excluded from the measurement of the lease liability are uncommon and, when incurred, are immaterial for the Company.
The Company’s existing leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 18 years. Lease terms include renewal or termination options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, the Company does not record a right-of-use asset and associated lease liability on its consolidated balance sheet.
The Company reviews the carrying value of its right-of-use assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amounts of the assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, excluding financing costs. If a right-of-use asset is not recoverable, its carrying value would be adjusted down to fair value and an impairment loss would be recorded.
Derivative Instruments
Upon inception of a contract, the Company evaluates if the contract contains a derivative instrument. The Company has financing arrangements that are hybrid instruments that contain embedded derivative features. Derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and are measured at fair value with gains or losses recognized in earnings. The Company determines the fair value of derivative instruments based on available market data and assumptions developed by management using appropriate valuation models.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are those costs directly incurred in issuing long-term debt or equity financing. Costs associated with obtaining long-term debt are amortized as additional interest expense over the expected term of the corresponding instrument and are recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as a reduction in the carrying amount of the related debt liability. The Company classifies deferred financing costs consistent with the classification of the related debt outstanding at the end of the reporting period.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company believes it is not practicable to determine the fair value of its debt agreements on a recurring basis without incurring significant additional costs. Unlike typical long-term debt, certain terms for its debt agreements are not readily available and generally involve a variety of factors, including due diligence by the debt holders. The Company's vendor financing arrangement was recorded at net carrying value, which approximated fair value.
Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits that arise in the ordinary course of business. Estimating liabilities and costs associated with these matters requires judgment and assessment based on professional knowledge and experience of our management and legal counsel. When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, a liability is recorded for the Company's best estimate. If there is a range of loss, the Company will record a reserve based on the low end of the range, unless facts and circumstances can support a different point in the range. When a loss is probable, but not reasonably estimable, disclosure is provided, as considered necessary. Reserves for potential claims or lawsuits may be relieved if the loss is no longer considered probable. The ultimate resolution of any such exposure may vary from earlier estimates as further facts and circumstances become known.
Gain/Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Gain or loss on extinguishment of debt generally is recorded upon an extinguishment of a debt instrument or early payment of debt. Gain or loss on extinguishment of debt is calculated as the difference between the reacquisition price and net carrying amount of the debt, which includes unamortized debt issuance costs and any derivative instruments, and is recorded as an extinguishment gain or loss in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue
Revenue consists primarily of satellite voice and data service revenue, revenue generated from the sale of fixed and mobile devices, revenue generated from providing satellite network access and related services utilizing the Company's satellite spectrum and network of satellite and gateways, and revenue from providing engineering and other communication services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. Each type of revenue is a separate performance obligation with distinct deliverables and is therefore accounted for discretely. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer, adjusted for credits and discounts, as applicable, and is recognized when the Company satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer.
Generally, service revenue is recognized over a period of time and revenue from the sale of subscriber equipment is recognized at a point in time. The recognition of revenue for service is over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the Company’s performance over the contract term. The recognition of revenue for subscriber
equipment is at a point in time as the risks and rewards of ownership of the hardware transfer to the customer generally upon shipment, which is when legal title of the product transfers to the customer, among other things (as discussed further below).
The Company does not record sales taxes, telecommunication taxes or other governmental fees collected from customers in revenue. The Company excludes these taxes from the measurement of contract transaction prices.
The Company receives payment from customers in accordance with billing statements or invoices for customer contracts; these payments may be in advance or arrears of services provided to the customer by the Company. Customer payments received in advance of the corresponding service period are recorded as deferred revenue.
Upon activation of a Globalstar device, subscribers are generally charged an activation fee, which is recognized over the term of the expected customer life. Credits granted to customers are expensed or charged against revenue or accounts receivable over the remaining term of the contract.
Under the Service Agreements, the Company issued warrants to Partner (as defined in Note 3) (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of Globalstar common stock; the Warrants were recorded at the estimated fair value of the consideration granted based on a Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value of the Warrants was capitalized as a contract asset and is being recognized as a reduction of the transaction price over the estimated term of the Service Agreements. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, this contract asset was $46.7 million and $52.7 million, respectively, and is netted against the associated contract liability, which is recorded in short-term and long-term deferred revenue on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The value of the contract asset is amortized as a reduction to revenue over the period in which the Company commences its performance obligations through the estimated completion of the contract term, consistent with the period in which the customer benefits from the services provided. For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company reduced revenue by $2.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, associated with the amortization of the fair value of the noncash consideration. The Company did not amortize any of the contract asset during 2021.
Estimates related to earned but unbilled service revenue are calculated primarily using current subscriber data, including plan subscriptions and usage between the end of the billing cycle and the end of the period, or in accordance with the terms of the customer contract for satellite network access services. The recognition of service revenue related to amounts allocated to performance obligations that were satisfied (or partially satisfied) in a previous period is not material to the Company’s financial statements. Amounts related to earned but unbilled revenue from the sale of subscriber equipment are recognized if hardware is shipped prior to the invoice being generated. This situation may result from multi-deliverable contracts, whereby equipment and service revenue are bundled and billed over time to a single customer.
Provisions for estimated future warranty costs, returns and rebates are recorded as a cost of sale, or a reduction to revenue, as applicable. These costs are based on historical trends and the provision is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in estimates.
Certain contracts with customers may contain a financing component. Under ASC 606, an entity should adjust the promised amount of the consideration for the effects of time value of money if the timing of the payments agreed upon by the parties to the contract provides the customer or the entity with a significant benefit of financing for the transfer of goods or services to the customer. For certain payments associated with services provided under the Service Agreements, the length of time between receipt of payment by the customer and transfer of services by the Company was greater than one year. Accordingly, payments made by this customer included a significant financing component. The Company accreted interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the period in which these advance payments were outstanding. The rate in which interest is computed is based on rates implicit in the Service Agreements. For the Company's subscriber contracts, transactions with a significant financing component are infrequent as the time between cash collection and performance is generally less than one year.
The following describes the principal activities from which the Company generates its revenue.
Duplex Service Revenue. The Company recognizes revenue for monthly access fees in the period services are rendered. The Company offers certain annual plans whereby a customer prepays for a predetermined amount of minutes and data. In these cases, revenue is recognized consistent with a customer's expected pattern of usage based on historical experience because the Company believes that this method most accurately depicts the satisfaction of the Company's obligation to the customer. This usage pattern is typically seasonal and highest in the second and third calendar quarters of the year. The Company offers other annual plans whereby the customer is charged an annual fee to access the Company’s system with an unlimited amount of usage. Annual fees for unlimited plans are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term.
SPOT Service Revenue. The Company sells SPOT services as monthly or annual plans and recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the service term, beginning when the service is activated by the customer.
Commercial IoT Service Revenue. The Company sells Commercial IoT services as monthly or annual plans and recognizes revenue ratably over the service term or as service is used, beginning when the service is activated by the customer.
Wholesale Capacity Service Revenue. The Company provides wholesale capacity services. The Company allocates the transaction price under the Service Agreements to each performance obligation generally in proportion to their relative stand-alone selling prices. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligations are performed, the timing of which may involve complex judgements by management. Although the Service Agreements have no expiration date, the Company estimated its contract term based on the useful life of its existing satellite network and the expected useful life of the new satellite network under construction.
Equipment Revenue. Equipment revenue represents subscriber device sales, including fixed and mobile user terminals, SPOT and Commercial IoT products, and accessories. The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment provided control has transferred to the customer. Indicators of transfer of control include, but are not limited to; 1) the Company’s right to payment, 2) the customer has legal title of the equipment, 3) the Company has transferred physical possession of the equipment to the customer or carrier, and 4) the customer has significant risks and rewards of ownership of the equipment. The Company sells equipment designed to work on its network through various channels, including through partners as well as direct to consumers or other businesses by its global sales team and through its e-commerce website. The sales channel depends primarily on the type of equipment and geographic region. Promotional rebates are offered from time to time. A reduction to revenue is recorded to reflect the lower transaction price based on an estimate of the customer take rate at the time of the sale using primarily historical data. This estimate is adjusted periodically to reflect actual rebates given to the Company’s customers. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of subscriber equipment sales.
Engineering and Other Service Revenue. Other service revenue includes primarily revenue associated with engineering and other communication services using the Company's MSS and terrestrial spectrum licenses. The revenue associated with these engineering services is generally recorded over time as the services are rendered, and the Company's obligation to the customer is satisfied.
Multiple-Element Arrangement Contracts. At times, the Company will sell subscriber equipment through multiple-element arrangement contracts with services. When the Company sells subscriber equipment and services in bundled arrangements and determines that it has separate performance obligations, the Company allocates the bundled contract price among the various performance obligations based on relative stand-alone selling prices at contract inception of the distinct goods or services underlying each performance obligation and recognizes revenue when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense in the financial statements for both employee and non-employee share-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards and accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant. For restricted stock awards and units, the fair value is determined from the stock price on the grant date. For existing market-based awards, the fair value was determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model on the grant date.
For share-based awards with a performance condition that affects vesting, the Company recognizes compensation cost for awards if and when the performance condition is probable of achievement. Expense associated with awards with market-based vesting conditions is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the lesser of the derived service period or the explicit service period if one is present. If the market condition is satisfied prior to the end of the requisite service period, the Company will accelerate all remaining expense to be recognized.
Foreign Currency
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign consolidated subsidiaries is generally their local currency, except in certain scenarios, including when the subsidiary operates in a hyperinflationary economy, such as Argentina. Assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars based on exchange rates at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. For 2023, 2022 and 2021, the foreign currency translation adjustments were net losses of $4.2 million, net gains of $5.3 million and net gains of $4.4 million, respectively. Foreign currency transaction gains/losses were approximately net gains of $4.9 million, net losses of $6.6 million and net losses of $6.3 million for each of 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligation
Liabilities arising from legal obligations associated with the retirement of the Company's gateway long-lived assets are measured at fair value and recorded as a liability. Upon initial recognition of a liability for retirement obligations, the Company also capitalizes, as part of the asset carrying amount, the estimated costs associated with its expected retirement. This asset is depreciated over the life of the gateway to be retired. Accretion of the asset retirement obligation liability and depreciation of the related assets are included in depreciation, amortization and accretion in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had accrued approximately $3.0 million, respectively, for asset retirement obligations. There were no new asset retirement obligations established and no settlements during 2023. The Company believes this estimate will be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s obligation under site leases to remove its gateway equipment and restore the lease sites to their original condition.
Warranty Expense
Warranty terms extend from 90 days on equipment accessories to one year for fixed and mobile user terminals. A provision for estimated future warranty costs is recorded as cost of sales when products are shipped. Warranty costs are based on historical trends in warranty charges as a percentage of gross product shipments.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs were $1.4 million, $0.5 million and $1.0 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The majority of increase in research and development costs are associated with costs incurred pursuant to the SSA under the License Agreement (as defined and discussed further in Note 2: License Agreement). Research and development costs are expensed as incurred as cost of services and include primarily the cost of new product development, chip set design and other engineering work.
Income Taxes
The Company is taxed as a C corporation for U.S. tax purposes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date; however, as the Company has a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, there is no impact to the consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets.
The Company recognizes valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers: (i) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; (ii) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (iii) taxable income in prior carry-back year(s) if carry-back is permitted under applicable tax law; and (iv) tax planning strategies.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
All components of comprehensive income (loss), including the foreign currency translation adjustment, are reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the change in Accumulated other comprehensive income resulted from foreign currency translation adjustments; no amounts were reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income during these periods.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. In periods of net income, the numerator used to calculate diluted EPS includes the effect of dilutive securities, including interest expense, net, and derivative gains or losses reflected in net income (loss) as well as the effect of dividends attributable to preferred shareholders. Common stock equivalents are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share only when the effect of their inclusion would be dilutive. Prior to their conversion, the effect of potentially dilutive common shares for the Company's convertible notes were calculated using the if-converted method. Generally, for all other potentially dilutive common shares, the effect is calculated using the treasury stock method.
Goodwill
For acquisitions accounted for as business combinations, goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is not amortized in accordance with the requirements of ASC 350. Goodwill is required to be allocated amongst reporting units and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. All of the Company's goodwill is assigned to Globalstar's MSS business, its only reportable segment.
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis on November 30 of each fiscal year and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test on November 30, 2023 and determined there was no impairment as of that date. Additionally, the Company is not aware of any additional triggering events. The Company's goodwill impairment test is prepared using a qualitative assessment, and if necessary, a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company considers significant unfavorable industry or economic trends as factors in deciding when to perform an impairment test. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, it is not necessary to measure and record an impairment loss. If a goodwill impairment test is necessary, the fair value of the reporting unit, which is determined using an income approach based on the present value of discounted cash flows, is compared to its carrying value, which includes goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.
Intangible and Other Assets
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
A significant portion of the Company's intangible assets are licenses that provide the Company the exclusive right to provide MSS services over the Globalstar System or to utilize designated radio frequency spectrum to provide terrestrial wireless communication services in a particular region of the world. While licenses are issued for only a fixed time, such licenses are subject to renewal by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") or equivalent international regulatory authorities. These license renewals are expected to occur routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, the Company has determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of its wireless licenses. As a result, the Company treats the wireless licenses as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The Company re-evaluates the useful life determination for wireless licenses annually, or more frequently if needed, to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. The Company assesses these intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. In assessing whether it is more likely than not that such an asset is impaired, the Company assesses relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the asset. If the Company determines that an impairment exists, any related loss is estimated based on fair values.
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Our intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. For information related to each major class of intangible assets, including accumulated amortization and estimated average useful lives, see Note 6: Intangible and Other Assets. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an indicator is present, the Company would measure recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the asset is not recoverable, the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount and the carrying amount would be adjusted down to its fair value.
Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain and Fulfill Contracts
The Company capitalizes incremental costs to obtain and/or fulfill a contract to the extent it expects to recover them. For subscriber-driven contracts, these capitalized contract acquisition costs primarily include deferred subscriber acquisition costs and are amortized consistently with the pattern of transfer of the good or delivery of the service to which the asset relates. For wholesale capacity services, the Company capitalizes costs incurred by the Company prior to the customer benefiting from the service. If a contract terminates prior to the end of its expected life, the remaining capitalized contract costs associated with it becomes impaired and the amount is expensed.
For subscriber driven revenue, total contract acquisition costs were $1.2 million and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are recorded in "Intangible and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. These costs are typically amortized to marketing, general and administrative expenses over three years, which considers anticipated contract renewals. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the amount of amortization related to contract acquisition costs was $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
For wholesale capacity services, total costs to fulfill the customer contract associated with the Service Agreements were $5.7 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are recorded in "Intangible and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. These costs are typically amortized to cost of services and marketing, general and administrative expenses over the estimated completion of the contract term, consistent with the period in which the customer benefits from the services provided. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of amortization related to costs to fulfill a contract was $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. There was no amortization related to costs to fulfill a contract in 2021.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs were $2.8 million, $2.0 million and $2.3 million for 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. These costs are expensed as incurred as marketing, general and administrative expenses.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which provides updates to qualitative and quantitative reportable segment disclosure requirements, including enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and increased interim disclosure requirements, among others. This ASU also explicitly requires public entities with a single reportable segment to provide all segment disclosures under ASC 280, including the new disclosures in this ASU. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this standard when it became effective on January 1, 2024. The Company is evaluating the impact this ASU may have on its financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which updates qualitative and quantitative disclosures for the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is also permitted. The Company will adopt this standard when it becomes effective on January 1, 2025. The Company is evaluating the impact this ASU may have on its financial statement disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04: Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill, eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, goodwill impairment will be tested by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. ASU 2017-04 should be applied prospectively and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. Prior to August 2023, the Company did not have any recorded goodwill on its consolidated balance sheets. In connection with the License Agreement (discussed in Note 2: License Agreement) entered into in August 2023, the Company recorded goodwill and is now subject to the guidance pursuant to ASU 2017-04. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 effective July 1, 2023. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04: Liabilities — Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. ASU 2022-04 added certain disclosure requirements for buyers in supplier finance programs. The amendments in the update require that buyers disclose qualitative and quantitative information about their supplier finance programs. Interim and annual requirements include disclosure of outstanding amounts under the obligations as of the end of the reporting period, and annual requirements include a rollforward of those obligations for the annual reporting period, as well as a description of payment and other key terms of the programs. This update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the requirement to disclose rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted this standard when it became effective on January 1, 2023 and revised its disclosures pursuant ASU 2022-04.
2. LICENSE AGREEMENT
On August 29, 2023, the Company entered into an Intellectual Property License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with XCOM Labs, Inc. (“Licensor” or “XCOM”). Under the License Agreement, the Company purchased an exclusive (subject to the qualifications set forth in the license agreement) right and license (the “License”) as well as Intellectual Property Assets (as defined in the License Agreement) relating to the development and commercialization of XCOM’s technologies for wireless spectrum innovations.
As consideration for the License and other agreements of Licensor in the License Agreement, the Company issued 60.6 million shares of its common stock (the “Stock Consideration”), representing a transaction value of approximately $68.7 million, subject to adjustment and a holdback to provide for certain liabilities related to the Intellectual Property Assets. The number of shares issued as Stock Consideration was calculated using the volume-weighted average market price of the Common Stock on the NYSE American for the 20 trading days immediately preceding August 29, 2023.
In connection with the License Agreement, the Company also entered into a Support Services Agreement (the “SSA”) with XCOM. Pursuant to the SSA, XCOM is required to provide services to the Company assisting with certain operations of the business relating to the Intellectual Property Assets and to make available to the Company certain employees and facilities associated with the foregoing. Fees payable by Globalstar pursuant to the SSA will be based on costs incurred to provide the services and will be paid in shares of Globalstar common stock or cash at its option.
The Company accounted for the License Agreement under ASC 805, Business Combinations and allocated the preliminary purchase price based on the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired. If, prior to the end of the one-year measurement period for finalizing the purchase price allocation, information becomes available about facts and circumstances that existed as of the transaction date, which would indicate adjustments are required to the purchase price allocation, such adjustments will be included in the purchase price allocation retrospectively. For the period August 29, 2023 through December 31, 2023, no measurement period adjustments were made.
The fair value of the consideration (paid in Globalstar common stock) totaled $70.4 million. Approximately 18.8 million shares transferred were subject to legal trading restrictions. These shares were valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model (refer to Note 9: Fair Value Measurements for further discussion) and the fair value on the transaction date was $19.0 million. Approximately 41.8 million shares transferred were not subject to legal trading restrictions and, pursuant to applicable accounting guidance and the Company's accounting policy election, were valued using the low price on the transaction date with a fair value of $51.4 million. The fair value of the consideration transferred included $58.5 million associated with the purchase price and the reimbursement of the seller's transaction costs as well as $11.9 million associated with the initial service period under the SSA. The Company recorded this amount as a prepaid asset on its consolidated balance sheets and will amortize the prepayment to cost of services and management, general and administrative expenses over the initial service period of nine months.
The allocation of the purchase price on August 29, 2023 is reflected in the tables below (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | |
| Identifiable assets acquired | | |
| Developed intellectual property (included in intangible assets) | | $ | 25,980 | |
| Other | | 1,929 | |
| Total identifiable assets acquired | | $ | 27,909 | |
| Goodwill (included in intangible assets) | | 30,624 | |
| Net assets acquired | | $ | 58,533 | |
There were no liabilities assumed by the Company at the time of the License Agreement. Other items in the table above include primarily equipment, inventory and the fair value of the trade name. Refer to Note 6: Intangible and Other Assets for further discussion on goodwill.
The table below reflects the intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful lives (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intangible Asset | | Initial Fair Value | | Weighted-Average Useful Life (years) |
| Trade name (included in Other in the table above) | | $ | 560 | | | 5 |
| Developed intellectual property | | 25,980 | | | 10 |
The trade name was valued using an income approach, specifically a relief from royalty method. The developed intellectual property was valued using the income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow method.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $2.9 million of acquisition-related costs, which primarily consisted of transaction fees as well as legal, accounting and other professional fees. These costs are recorded in management, general and administrative expenses on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
3. REVENUE
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table discloses revenue disaggregated by type of product and service (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Service revenue: | | | | | |
| Subscriber services | | | | | |
| Duplex | $ | 25,932 | | | $ | 29,222 | | | $ | 31,197 | |
| SPOT | 44,184 | | | 45,670 | | | 46,040 | |
| Commercial IoT | 22,867 | | | 19,516 | | | 17,951 | |
| Wholesale capacity services | 109,067 | | | 34,913 | | | 8,945 | |
| Engineering and other services | 2,146 | | | 2,747 | | | 2,331 | |
| Total service revenue | 204,196 | | | 132,068 | | | 106,464 | |
| | | | | |
| Subscriber equipment sales: | | | | | |
| SPOT | 7,724 | | | 5,888 | | | 9,427 | |
| Commercial IoT | 11,866 | | | 10,132 | | | 7,169 | |
| Other | 22 | | | 416 | | | 1,237 | |
| Total subscriber equipment sales | 19,612 | | | 16,436 | | | 17,833 | |
| | | | | |
| Total revenue | $ | 223,808 | | | $ | 148,504 | | | $ | 124,297 | |
The Company is the operator for certain satellite-enabled services offered by Apple ("Partner") (the "Services") pursuant to the agreement (the “Service Agreement”) and certain related ancillary agreements (such agreements, together with the Service Agreement, the “Service Agreements”). The Service Agreements generally require Globalstar to allocate network capacity to support the Services, which launched in November 2022. Revenue associated with the Service Agreements is included in "Wholesale capacity services" in the table above.
As consideration for the services provided by Globalstar under the Service Agreements, payments include a recurring service fee, payments relating to certain service-related operating expenses and capital expenditures, and potential bonus payments subject to satisfaction of certain licensing, service and other related criteria. During 2023, revenue recognized included $6.5 million received in connection with the amendment of the Service Agreements in February 2023 as consideration related to performance obligations completed in prior periods.
The Company attributes equipment revenue to various countries based on the location where equipment is sold. Service revenue is generally attributed to the various countries based on the Globalstar entity that holds the customer contract. Revenue does not reflect our intercompany transactions; such intercompany transactions reflect globally accepted transfer pricing principles and align profits with the business operations and functions of the various legal entities in our international business. The following table discloses revenue disaggregated by geographical market (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Service revenue: | | | | | |
| United States | $ | 170,621 | | | $ | 99,735 | | | $ | 75,053 | |
| Canada | 16,058 | | | 17,421 | | | 17,913 | |
| Europe | 6,856 | | | 6,428 | | | 7,300 | |
| Central and South America | 9,978 | | | 7,961 | | | 5,447 | |
| Others | 683 | | | 523 | | | 751 | |
| Total service revenue | 204,196 | | | 132,068 | | | 106,464 | |
| | | | | |
| Subscriber equipment sales: | | | | | |
| United States | $ | 8,599 | | | $ | 7,981 | | | $ | 10,238 | |
| Canada | 5,153 | | | 4,740 | | | 3,029 | |
| Europe | 2,985 | | | 1,870 | | | 2,018 | |
| Central and South America | 2,863 | | | 1,793 | | | 2,487 | |
| Others | 12 | | | 52 | | | 61 | |
| Total subscriber equipment sales | 19,612 | | | 16,436 | | | 17,833 | |
| | | | | |
| Total revenue | $ | 223,808 | | | $ | 148,504 | | | $ | 124,297 | |
Accounts Receivable
Receivables are included in "Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets except for the long-term portion of the wholesale capacity accounts receivable as of December 31, 2022, which was included in "Prepaid satellite costs and customer receivable." The Company's receivable balances by type and classification are presented in the table below net of allowance for credit losses and may include amounts related to earned but unbilled receivables (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses | | | | |
| Subscriber accounts receivable | | $ | 14,474 | | | $ | 14,850 | |
| Wholesale capacity accounts receivable | | 33,521 | | | 7,234 | |
| Agency agreement accounts receivable | | 748 | | | 4,245 | |
| Total accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses | | $ | 48,743 | | | $ | 26,329 | |
| Long-term wholesale capacity accounts receivable | | — | | | 16,100 | |
| Total accounts receivable (short-term and long-term), net of allowance for credit losses | | $ | 48,743 | | | $ | 42,429 | |
During 2023, the Company reclassified $16.1 million of accounts receivable associated with the Service Agreements from long-term accounts receivable to short-term accounts receivable. This balance is associated with amounts that are contractually owed to the Company for meeting performance obligations related to the next-generation satellite constellation prior to the Phase 2 Service Period. The Company expects that this amount will be paid during the next twelve months.
In February 2022, the Company entered into an agreement for the purchase of new satellites that will replenish the Company's HIBLEO-4 U.S.-licensed system under the satellite procurement agreement, as amended, with Macdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Corporation ("MDA") and certain other costs incurred for the new satellites; these payments are expected to be paid to the Company on a straight-line basis commencing with the launch of these satellites through their estimated useful life ("Phase 2 Service Period"). Based on construction in progress incurred by Globalstar, amounts expected to be billed by the Company associated with this phase of the Service Agreements were $197.1 million as of December 31, 2023.
In prior year filings, the Company recorded a long-term unbilled receivable and related long-term deferred revenue reflecting its Partner’s obligation to fund certain construction costs to the Company associated with the satellites that are being constructed to provide service during the Phase 2 Service Period. During 2023, the Company revised this presentation and applied this change to its December 31, 2022 balance sheet. This change in accounting presentation has no impact on Partner’s obligation to provide funding for the satellite construction costs nor the expected revenue the Company will recognize during the Phase 2 Service Period.
Contract Liabilities
Contract liabilities, which are included in deferred revenue on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, represent the Company’s obligation to transfer service or equipment to a customer from whom it has previously received consideration. Contract liabilities reflect balances from its customers, including MSS subscribers and its wholesale capacity customer under the Service Agreements. The Company's contract liabilities by type and classification are presented in the table below (amounts in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Short-term contract liabilities | | | | |
| Subscriber contract liabilities | | $ | 22,816 | | | $ | 21,987 | |
| Wholesale capacity contract liabilities | | 30,861 | | | 52,652 | |
| Total short-term contract liabilities | | $ | 53,677 | | | $ | 74,639 | |
| Long-term contract liabilities | | | | |
| Subscriber contract liabilities | | $ | 1,632 | | | $ | 1,704 | |
| Wholesale capacity contract liabilities, net of contract asset | | 1,581 | | | 61,173 | |
| Total long-term contract liabilities | | $ | 3,213 | | | $ | 62,877 | |
| Total contract liabilities | | $ | 56,890 | | | $ | 137,516 | |
For subscriber contract liabilities, the amount of revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 from performance obligations included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of these periods was $19.6 million and $23.4 million, respectively. For wholesale capacity contract liabilities, the amount of revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 from performance obligations included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of these periods was $44.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
The duration of the Company’s contracts with subscribers is generally one year or less. As of December 31, 2023, the Company expects to recognize $22.8 million of its remaining performance obligations to its subscribers during the next twelve months. The Service Agreements do not have a termination date; therefore, the related contract liabilities may be recognized into revenue over various periods driven by the expected related service or recoupment periods. As of December 31, 2023, the Company expects to recognize $30.9 million of its remaining performance obligations during the next twelve months.
The components of wholesale capacity contract liabilities are presented in the table below (amounts in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Wholesale capacity contract liabilities, net: | | | | |
Advanced payments for services expected to be performed with the second-generation satellite constellation during Phase 1 (2) | | $ | 5,219 | | | $ | 99,671 | |
Additional consideration associated with the 2021 and 2023 Funding Agreements (3) | | 16,104 | | | — | |
| Advanced payments for services expected to be performed with the ground spare satellite launched in June 2022 during Phases 1 and 2 | | 23,673 | | | 25,438 | |
| Advanced payments contractually owed for services expected to be performed with the next-generation satellite constellation prior to the Phase 2 Service Period | | 14,204 | | | 22,540 | |
Advanced payments for the Phase 1 service fee and service-related operating expenses and capital expenditures | | 19,907 | | | 18,872 | |
Contract asset (1) | | (46,665) | | | (52,696) | |
| Wholesale capacity contract liabilities, net | | $ | 32,442 | | | $ | 113,825 | |
(1)In November 2022, the Company issued Warrants with an initial fair value at the time of issuance of $48.3 million and recorded in equity with an offset to a contract asset on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Warrants is recorded as a reduction to revenue over the period in which the Company performs its performance obligations through the estimated completion of the contract term, consistent with the period in which the customer benefits from the services provided.
(2)During 2021, the Company received payments from Partner totaling $94.2 million (the "2021 Funding Agreement"). In February 2023, the Service Agreements were amended. This amendment, which was effective in April 2023, changed certain terms in the 2021 Funding Agreement, resulting in $88.0 million previously recorded as deferred revenue being re-characterized as debt. See further discussion in Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements.
(3)In connection with the Company recording the fair value of its financial obligations in the amended 2021 and 2023 Funding Agreements, it recorded a debt discount of $11.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively, representing the difference between the present value of the future principal payments discounted using the prevailing market rate at the date of issuance of the debt and the effective rate. The offset was recorded to deferred revenue and is being recognized into revenue over the Phase 1 and 2 Service Periods, respectively.
4. LEASES
The following tables disclose the components of the Company’s operating leases (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Operating leases: | | | | |
| Right-of-use asset, net | | $ | 34,164 | | | $ | 30,859 | |
| | | | |
| Short-term lease liability (recorded in accrued expenses) | | 3,004 | | | 2,747 | |
| Long-term lease liability | | 29,244 | | | 27,635 | |
| Total operating lease liabilities | | $ | 32,248 | | | $ | 30,382 | |
Finance leases are not significant to the Company's financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Lease Cost
The components of lease cost are reflected in the table below (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | | | |
| Operating lease cost: | | | | | | |
| Amortization of right-of-use assets, net | | $ | 2,930 | | | $ | 1,782 | | | $ | 1,986 | |
| Interest on lease liabilities | | 2,646 | | | 2,524 | | | 1,948 | |
| Short-term lease cost | | 862 | | | 498 | | | 213 | |
| Total lease cost | | $ | 6,438 | | | $ | 4,804 | | | $ | 4,147 | |
Amortization and interest associated with finance leases were less than $0.1 million in total for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; accordingly, these amounts are not shown in the table above.
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term and Discount Rate
The following table discloses the weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for finance and operating leases:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | |
| Weighted-average lease term | | | | |
| Finance leases | | 3.7 years | | 4.6 years |
| Operating Leases | | 9.8 years | | 10.1 years |
| | | | |
| Weighted-average discount rate | | | | |
| Finance leases | | 10.2 | % | | 10.2 | % |
| Operating leases | | 8.6 | % | | 8.5 | % |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The below table discloses supplemental cash flow information for operating leases (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | | | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Operating cash flows for operating leases | | $ | 5,853 | | | $ | 5,299 | | | $ | 5,445 | |
Operating and financing cash flows from finance leases were each less than $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; accordingly, these cash flows are not shown in the table above.
Maturity Analysis
The following table reflects undiscounted cash flows on an annual basis for the Company’s lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Operating Leases | | Finance Leases |
| | | | |
| 2024 | | $ | 5,638 | | | $ | 23 | |
| 2025 | | 5,667 | | | 23 | |
| 2026 | | 5,714 | | | 23 | |
| 2027 | | 5,593 | | | 15 | |
| 2028 | | 5,577 | | | — | |
| Thereafter | | 19,028 | | | — | |
| Total lease payments | | $ | 47,217 | | | $ | 84 | |
| Imputed interest | | (14,969) | | | (14) | |
| Discounted lease liability | | $ | 32,248 | | | $ | 70 | |
In connection with the License Agreement previously disclosed, the office lease agreement between XCOM Labs, Inc. and its lessor is expected to be assigned to the Company during 2024.
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| Globalstar System: | | | |
| Space component | $ | 1,230,975 | | | $ | 1,246,343 | |
| Ground component | 106,757 | | | 102,567 | |
| Construction in progress: | | | |
| Space component | 240,732 | | | 110,068 | |
| Ground component | 6,814 | | | 5,316 | |
| Other | 9,574 | | | 9,167 | |
| Total Globalstar System | 1,594,852 | | | 1,473,461 | |
| Internally developed and purchased software | 23,310 | | | 22,509 | |
| Equipment | 11,905 | | | 8,042 | |
| Land and buildings | 2,677 | | | 1,681 | |
| Leasehold improvements | 2,147 | | | 2,083 | |
| Total property and equipment | 1,634,891 | | | 1,507,776 | |
| Accumulated depreciation | (1,010,889) | | | (947,405) | |
| Total property and equipment, net | $ | 624,002 | | | $ | 560,371 | |
In 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with MDA for the purchase of new satellites that will replenish the Company's HIBLEO-4 U.S.-licensed system. In 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with SpaceX providing for the launch of the first set of satellites under the agreement with MDA. Refer to Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion of these agreements.
The table below reflects the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet (amounts in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Satellite Procurement Agreement | | | | |
| Construction in progress | | $ | 198,884 | | | $ | 98,491 | |
| Vendor financing liability | | — | | | 59,575 | |
| Accrued construction costs | | 55,627 | | | 36,386 | |
| Prepaid construction costs | | 6,683 | | | 11,470 | |
| | | | |
| Launch Services Agreement | | | | |
| Construction in progress | | $ | 6,400 | | | $ | — | |
| Accrued construction costs | | 2,560 | | | — | |
| Prepaid construction costs | | 5,760 | | | — | |
Construction in progress costs are recorded in the "space component" of construction in progress in the table above. These costs include milestones completed under the Satellite Procurement Agreement and Launch Services Agreement as well as associated personnel costs and capitalized interest. Accrued construction costs reflect work completed, but not yet invoiced under the agreements. Prepaid construction costs reflect costs for milestone payments not yet completed and are recorded in Prepaid satellite costs and customer receivable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
The ground component of construction in progress includes costs incurred for assets to upgrade the Company's ground infrastructure, including costs associated with the procurement of new gateway antennas and gateway upgrade work in connection with the Service Agreements.
Capitalized Interest and Depreciation Expense
The following table summarizes capitalized interest for the periods indicated below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Interest cost eligible to be capitalized | $ | 39,143 | | | $ | 45,609 | | | $ | 47,580 | |
| Interest cost recorded in interest income (expense), net | (15,271) | | | (29,836) | | | (43,325) | |
| Net interest capitalized | $ | 23,872 | | | $ | 15,773 | | | $ | 4,255 | |
The following table summarizes depreciation expense for the periods indicated below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Depreciation Expense | $ | 87,213 | | | $ | 85,475 | | | $ | 84,225 | |
The following table summarizes amortization expense for the periods indicated below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Amortization Expense | $ | 978 | | | $ | 8,409 | | | $ | 12,012 | |
During 2022, the Company wrote down the value of certain second-generation ground assets, including intangible assets. Accordingly the amortization expense decreased during 2023 associated with these assets.
Geographic Location of Property and Equipment
Long-lived assets consist primarily of property and equipment and are attributed to various countries based on the physical location of the asset, except for the Company’s satellites which are included in the long-lived assets of the United States. The Company’s information by geographic area is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Property and equipment: | | | |
| North America | $ | 581,535 | | | $ | 524,880 | |
| Central and South America | 16,122 | | | 12,678 | |
| Africa | 12,379 | | | 11,507 | |
| Asia Pacific | 11,411 | | | 8,913 | |
| Europe | 2,555 | | | 2,393 | |
| Total property and equipment | $ | 624,002 | | | $ | 560,371 | |
6. INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
Intangible Assets
The Company has intangible assets not subject to amortization, which include certain costs to obtain or defend regulatory authorizations. These costs primarily include efforts related to the enhancement of the Company's licensed MSS spectrum to provide terrestrial wireless services as well as costs with international regulatory agencies to obtain similar terrestrial authorizations outside of the United States. The Company also has intangible assets subject to amortization, which primarily include developed technology and definite lived MSS licenses.
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount |
| Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization | $ | 16,929 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,929 | | | $ | 16,803 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,803 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Developed technology | $ | 12,170 | | | $ | (8,235) | | | $ | 3,935 | | | $ | 9,113 | | | $ | (7,292) | | | $ | 1,821 | |
| Regulatory authorizations | 5,370 | | | (1,850) | | | 3,520 | | | 3,722 | | | (1,316) | | | 2,406 | |
| Intellectual property assets in progress | 25,980 | | | — | | | 25,980 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Other intangible assets in progress | 10,289 | | | — | | | 10,289 | | | 9,377 | | | — | | | 9,377 | |
| $ | 53,809 | | | $ | (10,085) | | | $ | 43,724 | | | $ | 22,212 | | | $ | (8,608) | | | $ | 13,604 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 70,738 | | | $ | (10,085) | | | $ | 60,653 | | | $ | 39,015 | | | $ | (8,608) | | | $ | 30,407 | |
During 2023, intellectual property assets in progress were assumed in the License Agreement (discussed further in Note 2: License Agreement). As of December 31, 2023, these assets were still in the development phase and will be amortized over their useful lives once placed into service.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded amortization expense on these intangible assets of $1.4 million. Amortization expense is recorded in operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Excluding the effects of any acquisitions, dispositions or write-downs subsequent to December 31, 2023, total estimated annual amortization of intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| 2024 | $ | 1,575 | |
| 2025 | 1,254 | |
| 2026 | 1,225 | |
| 2027 | 1,161 | |
| 2028 | 646 | |
| Thereafter | 1,594 | |
| Total | $ | 7,455 | |
Goodwill
As of December 31, 2023, the carrying amount of goodwill was $30.6 million and is associated with the Company's only operating segment, its MSS business. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. This goodwill was recorded during 2023 in connection with the License Agreement (refer to Note 2: License Agreement for further discussion) and represented the excess of the purchase price of the net identifiable assets acquired. At the transaction date, the goodwill was attributable to the workforce of the acquired entity and significant synergies. There were no material changes to the value of goodwill between the initial purchase date, August 29, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The Company's annual goodwill impairment test was completed on November 30, 2023 and the qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of goodwill.
Other Assets
Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| Costs to obtain and fulfill a contract (Note 1) | $ | 6,886 | | | $ | 1,770 | |
| Long-term accounts receivable | 5,094 | | | — | |
| International tax receivables (Note 13) | 2,791 | | | 3,552 | |
| Embedded derivative assets within the 2023 Funding Agreement (Note 8) | 1,295 | | | — | |
| Other long-term assets | 3,703 | | | 2,696 | |
| Total other assets | $ | 19,769 | | | $ | 8,018 | |
Long-term accounts receivable represents an unconditional right to consideration for equipment delivered to one customer that will be billed over the next five years; the long-term portion represents the amount that will be billed beyond the next twelve months. Other long-term assets include primarily ERP implementation costs, recoverable tariffs and other long-term deposits.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Principal
Amount | | Unamortized Discount and Deferred Financing Costs | | Carrying
Value | | Principal
Amount | | Unamortized Discount and Deferred Financing Costs | | Carrying
Value |
| 2023 Funding Agreement | $ | 117,253 | | | $ | 15,433 | | | $ | 101,820 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| 2021 Funding Agreement | 75,450 | | | 6,888 | | | 68,562 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 2023 13% Notes | 205,958 | | | 16,040 | | | 189,918 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 2019 Facility Agreement | — | | | — | | | — | | | 143,213 | | | 11,098 | | | 132,115 | |
| Vendor financing | — | | | — | | | — | | | 59,575 | | | — | | | 59,575 | |
| Total debt and vendor financing | 398,661 | | | 38,361 | | | 360,300 | | | 202,788 | | | 11,098 | | | 191,690 | |
| Less: current portion | 34,600 | | | — | | | 34,600 | | | 59,575 | | | — | | | 59,575 | |
| Long-term debt and vendor financing | $ | 364,061 | | | $ | 38,361 | | | $ | 325,700 | | | $ | 143,213 | | | $ | 11,098 | | | $ | 132,115 | |
The principal amounts shown above include payment of in-kind interest, as applicable. The carrying value is net of deferred financing costs and any discounts to the loan amounts at issuance, including accretion. All amounts outstanding associated with the Company's vendor financing arrangement were due in March 2023 and, therefore, were reflected as a current liability on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the current portion of long-term debt is associated with the 2021 Funding Agreement and represents the amounts to be paid under the Service Agreements during the next twelve months.
2023 Funding Agreement
In February 2023, the Service Agreements were amended to provide for, among other things, payment of up to $252 million to the Company (the “2023 Funding Agreement”), which the Company will use to fund 50% of the amounts due under its agreement with MDA, as well as launch, insurance and ancillary costs incurred in connection with the construction and launch of these satellites. The 2023 Funding Agreement replaces the Company’s requirement to raise third-party financing for such costs as previously required under the Service Agreements and will be funded on a quarterly basis, as needed and subject to certain conditions in the agreement. The remaining amount of the satellite costs is expected to be funded from Globalstar’s operating cash flows.
Through December 31, 2023, payments under the 2023 Funding Agreement totaled $117.3 million. In February 2024, the Company received proceeds of $37.7 million.
The total amount paid to the Company under the 2023 Funding Agreement, including fees, is expected to be recouped from amounts payable under the Service Agreements. The total balance is expected to be recouped in installments for a period of 16 quarters beginning no later than the third quarter of 2025. The balance may also be repaid over time through excess cash flow sweeps or voluntary prepayments, as provided under the terms of the 2023 Funding Agreement. For as long as any amount funded under the 2023 Funding Agreement is outstanding, the Company will be subject to certain covenants, including (i) maintenance of a minimum cash balance of $30 million, (ii) interest coverage and leverage ratios, and (iii) other customary negative covenants, including limitations on certain asset transfers, expenditures and investments. The Company’s obligations under the 2023 Funding Agreement is also secured by a first priority lien over substantially all of the assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries.
Thermo has agreed to provide support of certain of the Company’s obligations under the 2023 Funding Agreement and certain other obligations under the Service Agreements. Entry into this guarantee agreement received shareholder approval in June 2023 and became effective in December 2023. See further discussion regarding Thermo's guarantee and the associated accounting conclusions in Note 12: Related Party Transactions.
The Company recorded the fair value of the 2023 Funding Agreement using a discounted cash flow model. The Company recorded debt discounts for the difference between the fair value of the debt and the proceeds received. This difference is attributed to the fair value of the Thermo guarantee (recorded as additional paid in capital) and the fair value of the economic benefit received due to the existing customer relationship (recorded as deferred revenue); both of these debt discounts are netted against the face value of the 2023 Funding Agreement. The Company is accreting the debt discounts to interest expense through the maturity date using an effective interest rate method.
Additionally, the prepayment features included in the 2023 Funding Agreement required bifurcation from the debt and were valued separately. The Company records the embedded derivative liability or asset as a non-current liability or asset on its consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding debt discount or premium, which is netted against the face value of the 2023 Funding Agreement. The debt discount or premium is accreted or amortized to interest expense or income through the maturity date using an effective interest rate method. Refer to Note 8: Derivatives and Note 9: Fair Value Measurements for further discussion on the compound embedded derivative bifurcated from the 2023 Funding Agreement.
As the Company makes additional draws under the 2023 Funding Agreement, the amount of each draw will be recorded at fair value and the Company will assess the fair value of embedded features within the debt.
The table below outlines the components of the draws made under the 2023 Funding Agreement at funding (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| April 2023 | | November 2023 |
| Principal | $ | 87,730 | | | $ | 29,523 | |
| Debt Discount - Thermo Guarantee | (6,897) | | | (1,967) | |
| Debt Discount - Customer Relationship | (4,509) | | | (3,290) | |
| Debt (Discount) Premium - Embedded Derivative | (341) | | | 49 | |
| Fair Value at Issuance | $ | 75,983 | | | $ | 24,315 | |
2021 Funding Agreement
During 2021, the Company received payments under the 2021 Funding Agreement totaling $94.2 million. In connection with the February 2023 amendment of the Service Agreements (discussed above), certain terms of the 2021 Funding Agreement
were amended to align with the terms of the 2023 Funding Agreement, including granting Partner a first-priority lien in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries to secure the Company's repayment of amounts funded. This amendment resulted in the previously recorded deferred revenue being re-characterized as debt. On the amendment date, the Company recorded the funding under the 2021 Funding Agreement at fair value, net of a debt discount. The Company is accreting the debt discount to interest expense through the maturity date using an effective interest rate method.
During 2023, $12.5 million was recouped pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Funding Agreement, which reduced the principal amount outstanding under the agreement.
The table below outlines the components of the 2021 Funding Agreement upon amendment (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | |
| Principal | $ | 94,200 | |
| Less: Amount Repaid Prior to Amendment | (6,250) | |
| Debt Discount - Customer Relationship | (11,626) | |
| Fair Value at Issuance | $ | 76,324 | |
2023 13% Notes
In March 2023, the Company completed the sale of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of non-convertible 13% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “2023 13% Notes”). The 2023 13% Notes were sold pursuant to a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) among the Company, as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto (each, a “Subsidiary Guarantor” and collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), an affiliate of Värde Partners and the other purchasers party thereto (collectively, the “Purchasers”). The 2023 13% Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 31, 2023 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, as guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee.
The 2023 13% Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the Company and have a stated maturity of September 15, 2029. The 2023 13% Notes were sold at an issue price of 95% of the principal amount of the 2023 13% Notes. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds to pay financing costs of $7.8 million, which were recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as a reduction in the carrying amount of the debt. The 2023 13% Notes bear interest initially at a rate of 13.00% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears. The Company is required to pay interest (i) at a rate per annum of 4.00% which must be paid in cash and (ii) at a rate per annum of 9.00% which may be paid either (a) in-kind (“PIK”) by increasing the principal amount of the 2023 13% Notes outstanding or (b) in cash, in such proportion as the Company may choose, with a step up in the PIK component of the interest if any 2023 13% Notes remain outstanding after March 15, 2028. Pursuant to the Service Agreements, the Company has agreed to pay cash interest on the 2023 13% Notes at a rate of 6.5% per annum and PIK interest at a rate of 6.5% per annum.
The 2023 13% Notes may be redeemed at the option of the Company at any time, subject to the conditions of the Indenture. Among other things, prior to March 15, 2025 (the “First Call Date”), the Company will be permitted to redeem the 2023 13% Notes in whole or in part at the redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 13% Notes redeemed plus a premium based on the net present value of the remaining interest payments through the First Call Date. Beginning on the First Call Date, the 2023 13% Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount, declining to 100% of the principal amount after March 15, 2027, in each case, together with accrued and unpaid interest.
Additionally, in the event of a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the Indenture) or certain other events, holders of the 2023 13% Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their 2023 13% Notes at a price (as calculated by the Company) in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and certain tax payments. The Indenture includes customary terms and covenants, including restrictions on the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ ability to incur indebtedness, make guarantees, sell equity interests, and customary events of default after which the holders may accelerate the maturity of the 2023 13% Notes and become due and payable immediately.
2019 Facility Agreement
In November 2019, the Company entered into a $199.0 million facility agreement with Thermo, an affiliate of EchoStar Corporation and certain other unaffiliated lenders (the "2019 Facility Agreement"). The 2019 Facility Agreement was
scheduled to mature in November 2025. The loans under the 2019 Facility Agreement bore interest at a rate of 14.0% per annum to be paid in kind (or in cash, at the option of the Company).
The Service Agreements required the Company to refinance all loans outstanding under the 2019 Facility Agreement. A portion was refinanced in November 2022 and the remaining portion was refinanced in March 2023. Using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the 2023 13% Notes, the Company repaid all of its outstanding obligations under the 2019 Facility Agreement of approximately $148 million.
The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2023 representing the difference between the net carrying amount prior to extinguishment (including unamortized deferred financing costs, debt discounts and derivatives) and the reacquisition price of the debt.
The Company evaluated the various embedded derivatives within the 2019 Facility Agreement related to certain contingently exercisable put options. Due to the substantial discount upon issuance, as calculated under applicable accounting guidance, these prepayment features were required to be bifurcated and separately valued. The Company initially recorded the compound embedded derivative liability as a non-current liability on its consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding debt discount, which was netted against the face value of the 2019 Facility Agreement. The Company accreted the debt discount associated with the compound embedded derivative liability to interest expense through the maturity date, prior to its extinguishment, using an effective interest rate method. Refer to Note 8: Derivatives and Note 9: Fair Value Measurements for further discussion on the compound embedded derivative bifurcated from the 2019 Facility Agreement.
Vendor Financing
In February 2022, the Company entered into a satellite procurement agreement with MDA (see Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion). This agreement (as amended), which had original payment terms within 45 days, provided for deferrals of milestone payments through March 15, 2023. Deferred amounts represented approximately 23% of the initial contract price. Invoices to MDA were generally paid within six months of the due date. The Company paid the remaining balance during the first quarter of 2023.
Reflected in the table below is a rollforward of the Company's obligations under its vendor financing arrangement with MDA (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Confirmed obligations outstanding, January 1, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | $ | 59,575 | | | $ | — | |
| Invoices confirmed during the periods | | — | | | 73,575 | |
| Confirmed invoices paid during the periods | | (59,575) | | | (14,000) | |
| Confirmed obligations outstanding, December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | $ | — | | | $ | 59,575 | |
Series A Preferred Stock
In November 2022, the Company issued 149,425 shares of its 7.0% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, liquidation preference $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) in exchange for $149.4 million outstanding principal amount of its 2019 Facility Agreement held by affiliates of Thermo and certain other lenders. The Company recorded the Series A Preferred Stock at the fair value of the shares totaling $105.3 million on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock do not possess voting rights, other than certain matters specifically affecting the rights and obligations of the Series A Preferred.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof, cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock, at a fixed rate equal to 7.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears beginning on January 1, 2023. During 2023, the Company paid dividends approved by the Company's Board of Directors totaling $11.9 million. No dividends were paid in 2022.
Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company, in whole or in part, at any time. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock do not have any rights to convert or require the Company to redeem such stock. The holders of the Series A Preferred stock have customary liquidation preferences.
Debt maturities
Annual debt maturities for each of the five years following December 31, 2023 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| 2024 | $ | 34,600 | |
| 2025 | 44,023 | |
| 2026 | 41,222 | |
| 2027 | 34,972 | |
| 2028 | 34,972 | |
| Thereafter | 208,872 | |
| Total | $ | 398,661 | |
Amounts in the above table are calculated based on amounts outstanding at December 31, 2023, and therefore exclude future paid-in-kind interest payments and future draws pursuant to the 2023 Funding Agreement and assume recoupments as scheduled under the 2021 and 2023 Funding Agreements.
8. DERIVATIVES
The Company has identified various embedded derivatives resulting from certain features in the Company’s borrowing arrangements, requiring recognition on its consolidated balance sheets. None of these derivative instruments are designated as a hedge. Derivative liabilities are recorded in "Other non-current liabilities" or "Intangible and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of each embedded derivative is marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period, or more frequently as deemed necessary, with any changes in value reported in the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows as a non-cash operating activity.
The instruments and related features embedded in the debt instruments that are required to be accounted for as derivatives are described below. See Note 9: Fair Value Measurements for further discussion.
Embedded Derivatives within the 2023 Funding Agreement
The 2023 Funding Agreement contains certain prepayment features that are required to be bifurcated and recorded as an embedded derivative on the Company's consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding debt discount or premium that is netted against the principal amount of the draws under the 2023 Funding Agreement. As the Company makes a draw on the 2023 Funding Agreement, an associated embedded derivative is bifurcated and recorded. The Company determines the fair value of the embedded derivatives using a discounted cash flow model. As the discount yield and the effective interest rate of the loan fluctuates based on projected cash flows, the derivative may result in either a liability or an asset to the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a derivative gain of $1.6 million, which is reflected in "Derivative gain (loss) and other" in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the embedded derivatives within the 2023 Funding Agreement were assets totaling $1.3 million.
Compound Embedded Derivative within the 2019 Facility Agreement
The 2019 Facility Agreement contained certain contingently exercisable put features that were required to be bifurcated and recorded as a compound embedded derivative. The Company determined the fair value of this derivative using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded derivative losses of $1.0 million and gains of $0.2 million, respectively, which is reflected in Derivative gain (loss) and other in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of the compound embedded derivative within the 2019 Facility Agreement was $0.1 million.
In November 2022, the Company exchanged a portion of the 2019 Facility Agreement into Series A Preferred Stock. In March 2023, the Company refinanced the remaining principal outstanding under the 2019 Facility Agreement with proceeds from the issuance of its 2023 13% Notes. As a result of this activity, the Company wrote off the embedded derivative associated with the 2019 Facility Agreement, which is included in "(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt" on the consolidated statement of operations; therefore, no balance remained as of December 31, 2023. See Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements for further discussion.
Compound Embedded Derivative within the 2013 8.00% Notes
The 2013 8.00% Notes contained a conversion option and contingent put feature that were required to be bifurcated and recorded as a compound embedded derivative. The Company determined the fair value of the compound embedded derivative liability using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded derivative gains of $0.2 million and losses of $1.2 million, respectively, which is reflected in "Derivative gain (loss) and other" in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. During 2022, the compound embedded derivative with the 2013 8.00% Notes was extinguished; therefore no balance remained as of December 31, 2022.
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company follows the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements relating to financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, including presentation of required disclosures herein. This guidance establishes a fair value framework requiring the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets and liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company marks-to-market its derivatives at each reporting date, or more frequently as deemed necessary, with the changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See Note 8: Derivatives for further discussion.
Embedded Derivatives within the 2023 Funding Agreement
The embedded derivatives within the 2023 Funding Agreement are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The most significant observable input used in the fair value measurement is the discount yield, which was 6.51% at December 31, 2023. The discount yield at issuance for the first and second draws was 8.52% and 9.14%, respectively. The decrease in the discount yield as of December 31, 2023 compared to discount yield upon issuance was due primarily to the effectiveness of Thermo's guaranty of the 2023 Funding Agreement, which occurred in December 2023. As the discount yield used in the valuation decreases, the fair value of the embedded derivative decreases.
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement includes estimated timing and amounts of cash flows associated with the prepayment features within the debt agreement. As projected cash flows increase, the fair value of the embedded derivative increases.
As of December 31, 2023, the embedded derivatives within the 2023 Funding Agreement were categorized as a Level 3 fair value and was recorded as an asset of $1.3 million.
Compound Embedded Derivative within the 2019 Facility Agreement
The compound embedded derivative within the 2019 Facility Agreement was valued using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. The most significant observable input was the discount yield. The unobservable inputs included the probability of change of control and the estimated timing and amounts of cash flows. As of December 31, 2022, this compound embedded derivative liability was categorized as a Level 3 fair value and was $0.1 million. In 2023, the Company refinanced the remaining principal balance outstanding and wrote off the associated embedded derivative balance; therefore, no balance remained as of December 31, 2023.
Rollforward of Recurring Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents a rollforward for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| Balances at beginning of period | $ | (122) | | | $ | (880) | |
| Issuance of embedded derivatives within the 2023 Funding Agreement | (292) | | | — | |
| Derivative adjustment related to debt conversions | — | | | 1,148 | |
| Derivative adjustment related to extinguishment of debt | 122 | | | 415 | |
| Unrealized gain (loss), included in derivative gain (loss) and other | 1,587 | | | (805) | |
| Balances at end of period | $ | 1,295 | | | $ | (122) | |
Fair Value of Debt Instruments and Other Financing Arrangements
The Company believes it is not practicable to determine the fair value of its debt agreements on a recurring basis without incurring significant additional costs. Unlike typical long-term debt, certain terms for these instruments are not readily available and generally involve a variety of factors, including due diligence by the debt holders. The Company's vendor financing arrangement was recorded at net carrying value, which approximated fair value.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows the authoritative guidance regarding non-financial assets and liabilities that are remeasured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
2023 Funding Agreement
As previously discussed, the Company entered into the 2023 Funding Agreement in February 2023. Significant quantitative Level 3 inputs were utilized in the valuation model as of the draw dates. Amounts payable under the 2023 Funding Agreement are guaranteed by Thermo.
The Company's first draw under the 2023 Funding Agreement occurred in April 2023 with a total fair value of $76.0 million calculated as the projected future cash flows discounted using the prevailing market rate of interest for a similar transaction. The discount yield used for this calculation was 8.52%. For the fair value associated with the guarantee by Thermo, the Company recorded $6.9 million for this embedded feature, which was calculated as the difference in projected cash flows with and without the guarantee agreement discounted using calculated rates of 6.22% and 8.52%, respectively.
The Company's second draw under the 2023 Funding Agreement occurred in November 2023 with a total fair value of $24.3 million calculated as the projected future cash flows discounted using the prevailing market rate of interest for a similar transaction. The discount yield used for this calculation was 9.14%. For the fair value associated with the guarantee by Thermo, the Company recorded $2.0 million for this embedded feature, which was calculated as the difference in projected cash flows with and without the guarantee agreement discounted using calculated rates of 6.72% and 9.14%, respectively.
2021 Funding Agreement
In connection with the re-characterization of the 2021 Funding Agreement from deferred revenue to debt, the Company recorded the fair value of the debt calculated as the projected cash flows discounted using the prevailing market rate of interest for a similar transaction. The discount yield used for this calculation was 8.52%. The total fair value of the 2021 Funding
Agreement was $76.3 million and was recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet during the second quarter of 2023 when the amendment was effective.
License Agreement
In connection with the License Agreement discussed in Note 2: License Agreement, the consideration paid was in the form of Globalstar common stock.
Approximately 41.8 million shares were not subject to legal trading restrictions and were valued using the low stock price on the transaction date, which was $1.23 per share. The total fair value of these shares was $51.4 million on the transaction date.
The remaining shares, totaling 18.8 million, were subject to legal trading restrictions and were valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model on the transaction date. The total fair value of these shares was $19.0 million and computed using the following assumptions on the transaction date:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underlying Stock Price and Exercise Price | | Term (Years) | | Volatility | | Risk-Free Interest Rate |
| Fair Value of Consideration | $ | 1.13 | | | 0.5 | | 74.5 | % | | 5.52 | % |
Warrants Issued in Connection with the Thermo Guaranty
As discussed in Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements and Note 12: Related Party Transactions, the Company issued to Thermo a warrant to purchase 10.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock.
The fair value of 5.0 million of the warrants, which is the portion that vested immediately on the effective date of the agreement, was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions on the valuation date of December 7, 2023.
| | | | | | | |
| Number of warrants (in millions) | 5.0 | | | |
| Grant date | December 7, 2023 | | |
| Exercise price | $ | 2.00 | | | |
| Expected term (years) | 5 | | |
| Risk-free interest rate | 4.11 | % | | |
| Volatility | 92.14 | % | | |
| Black-Scholes fair value per share | $ | 1.00 | | | |
| Total fair value (in millions) | $ | 5.0 | | | |
The fair value of the warrants that vest if and when Thermo advances aggregate funds of $25.0 million or more to the Company was assigned a fair value of zero based on the low probability of the need for the funding over the term of the 2023 Funding Agreement.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Service Agreements
The Service Agreements set forth the primary terms for the Company to provide services to Partner and incur costs related primarily to new gateways and upgrades at existing gateways as well as satellite construction and launch services. The Service Agreements have an indefinite term but provide that either party may terminate subject to certain notice requirements and, in some cases, other conditions. The Service Agreements also provide for various commitments with which the Company must comply.
Satellite Procurement Agreement and Launch Services Agreement
In February 2022, the Company entered into a satellite procurement agreement with MDA pursuant to which Globalstar will acquire at least 17 satellites (and up to 26 satellites) with an amended contract price of $329.5 million, with initial delivery expected to occur in 2025. In addition, MDA will procure a satellite operations control center for $4.9 million as well as other equipment for $3.7 million.
As more fully described in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2023, in August 2023, the Company entered into a Launch Services Agreement by and between the Company and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) and certain related ancillary agreements (the “Launch Services Agreements”), providing for the launch of the first set of the satellites the Company is acquiring pursuant to the satellite procurement agreement with MDA. The Launch Services Agreements provide a launch window from April to September 2025.
The Service Agreements provide for the Company to receive service payments equal to 95% of the approved capital expenditures under each contract.
Inventory Purchase Commitments
The Company has inventory purchase commitments with its third party product manufacturers in the normal course of business. These commitments are generally noncancelable and the order quantities are based on sales forecasts. The Company estimates that its open inventory purchase commitments as of December 31, 2023 were approximately $14.2 million.
Litigation
Due to the nature of the Company's business, the Company is involved, from time to time, in various litigation matters or subject to disputes or routine claims regarding its business activities. Legal costs related to these matters are expensed as incurred. In management's opinion, there is no pending litigation, dispute or claim, which could be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
11. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Accrued compensation and benefits | $ | 4,307 | | | $ | 4,967 | |
| Accrued property and other taxes | 5,586 | | | 3,293 | |
| Accrued customer liabilities and deposits | 4,284 | | | 5,233 | |
| Accrued professional and other service provider fees | 2,010 | | | 1,190 | |
| Accrued inventory | 1,210 | | | 874 | |
| Short-term lease liability | 3,004 | | | 2,747 | |
| Accrued interest | 3,942 | | | 1,291 | |
| Other accrued expenses | 2,615 | | | 2,959 | |
| Total accrued expenses | $ | 26,958 | | | $ | 22,554 | |
Accrued interest includes interest associated with the cash portion of the 13% Notes due in March 2024. Other accrued expenses include primarily vendor services, warranty reserve and occupancy costs.
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Asset retirement obligations (Note 1) | $ | 2,951 | | | $ | 2,953 | |
| Accrued interest | 7,429 | | | — | |
| Compound embedded derivative with the 2019 Facility Agreement (Note 8 and Note 9) | — | | | 122 | |
| Deferred tax liability (Note 13) | 329 | | | 322 | |
| Foreign tax contingencies | 503 | | | 530 | |
| Other | 53 | | | 68 | |
| Total other non-current liabilities | $ | 11,265 | | | $ | 3,995 | |
Accrued interest includes interest associated with the PIK portion of the 13% Notes and the 2023 Funding Agreement. Foreign tax contingencies reflect primarily amounts owed by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary pursuant to refinancing programs in country.
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Thermo is the principal owner and largest stockholder of Globalstar. The Company's Executive Chairman of the Board controls Thermo. Two other members of the Company's Board of Directors are also directors, officers and/or minority equity owners of various Thermo entities.
Payables to Thermo related to normal purchase transactions were $0.5 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Transactions with Thermo
Certain general and administrative expenses are incurred by Thermo on behalf of the Company. These expenses include: i) non-cash expenses, such as stock compensation costs as well as costs recorded as a contribution to capital, and ii) expenses incurred by Thermo on behalf of the Company that are charged to the Company; these expenses are based on actual amounts (with no mark-up) incurred by Thermo or upon allocated employee time.
Lease Agreement
The Company has a lease agreement with Thermo Covington, LLC for the Company's headquarters office. Annual lease payments increase at a rate of 2.5% per year. 2023 lease payments were $1.6 million. The lease term is ten years and will expire in January 2029. During each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred lease expense of $1.6 million, respectively, associated with this lease agreement.
Perpetual Preferred Stock
Thermo's ownership in the Company's Series A Preferred Stock is $136.7 million. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock, at a fixed rate equal to 7.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. During 2023, the Company made dividend payments to Thermo which were approved by the Company's Board of Directors totaling $10.9 million.
Service Agreements
In connection with the Service Agreements, Partner and Thermo entered into a lock-up and right of first offer agreement that generally (i) requires Thermo to offer any shares of Globalstar common stock to Partner before transferring them to any other Person other than affiliates of Thermo and (ii) prohibits Thermo from transferring shares of Globalstar common stock if such transfer would cause Thermo to hold less than 51.00% of the outstanding common stock of the Company for a period of five years from the launch of Services in November 2022.
Guaranty with 2023 Funding Agreement
Amounts payable by the Company in connection with the 2023 Funding Agreement and certain other obligations under the Service Agreements are guaranteed by Thermo. Thermo has agreed to provide support of certain of the Company’s obligations under the 2023 Funding Agreement. This guarantee agreement received shareholder approval in June 2023 and became effective in December 2023. As consideration for Thermo's guarantee, the Company has issued to Thermo warrants to purchase 10.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to $2.00 per share (as calculated pursuant to the agreement). 5.0 million of these warrants vested immediately upon effectiveness of Thermo's guarantee, which occurred in December 2023, and the remaining 5.0 million warrants vest if and when Thermo advances aggregate funds of $25.0 million or more to the Company or a permitted third party pursuant to the terms of Thermo's guarantee. These warrants expire five years after the date of issuance.
Upon effectiveness of Thermo's guarantee, the Company recorded the fair value of the vested warrants, which was accounted for as a credit enhancement for the guarantee and totaled $5.0 million at issuance, to additional paid-in-capital on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. with an offset to "Loss on equity issuance" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
The second tranche of warrants, which vests if and when Thermo advances aggregate funds of $25.0 million, was assigned a fair value of zero based on the Company's future cash flows and the low probability of the need for funding from Thermo as required under the 2023 Funding Agreement. The Company will reassess the probably of vesting at each reporting period and, if the probability of vesting increases, it will record the fair value as a liability pursuant to applicable accounting guidance with an offsetting expense to derivative gain or loss in that period.
To the extent Thermo is required to advance amounts under the guarantee, the Company is required to issue shares of Common Stock of the Company in respect of such advance in an amount equal to the amount of such payment divided by the average of the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock on the five trading days immediately preceding such payment.
Refer to Note 9: Fair Value Measurements for further discussion on the fair value of the vested warrants issued to Thermo.
License Agreement
In connection with the XCOM transaction, a portion of the Stock Consideration was resold by XCOM to certain long-term investors of Globalstar and XCOM (the “Resale Purchasers”), including Thermo, in private resale transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Together with shares it received for release of debt owed to it by Licensor, Thermo acquired 4.2 million total shares.
Governance
The Company has a Strategic Review Committee that is required to remain in existence for as long as Thermo and its affiliates beneficially own forty-five percent (45%) or more of Globalstar’s outstanding common stock. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Strategic Review Committee has exclusive responsibility for the oversight, review and approval of, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, any acquisition by Thermo and its affiliates of additional newly-issued securities of the Company and any transaction between the Company and Thermo and its affiliates with a value in excess of $250,000.
See Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements for further discussion of the Company's debt and financing transactions with Thermo.
13. TAXES
The components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Current: | | | | | |
| Federal tax | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| State tax | 240 | | | 82 | | | 153 | |
| Foreign tax | 850 | | | (9) | | | 7 | |
| Total | 1,090 | | | 73 | | | 160 | |
| Deferred: | | | | | |
| Federal and state tax | 33 | | | — | | | (459) | |
| Foreign tax | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total | 33 | | | — | | | (459) | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | 1,123 | | | $ | 73 | | | $ | (299) | |
U.S. and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes are presented below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| U.S. loss | $ | (30,086) | | | $ | (232,148) | | | $ | (79,452) | |
| Foreign income (loss) | 6,491 | | | (24,694) | | | (33,472) | |
| Total loss before income taxes | $ | (23,595) | | | $ | (256,842) | | | $ | (112,924) | |
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had cumulative U.S., state and foreign net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards for income tax reporting purposes of approximately $1.9 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively. The vast majority of these NOL carryforwards were generated prior to 2018 and expire through 2041 (with less than 1% expiring prior to 2027) and the remaining NOL carryforwards do not expire.
The components of net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Federal and foreign NOL and credit carryforwards | $ | 467,282 | | | $ | 479,884 | |
| Property and equipment and other long-term assets | (60,697) | | | (77,925) | |
| Deferred revenue | 28,147 | | | 25,774 | |
| Reserves and disallowed interest | 3,081 | | | 8,919 | |
| Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance | 437,813 | | | 436,652 | |
| Valuation allowance | (438,142) | | | (436,948) | |
| Net deferred income tax liability | $ | (329) | | | $ | (296) | |
The deferred revenue tax asset in the table above is related to a portion of the prepayments made under the Service Agreements (see Note 3: Revenue to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion).
The change in the valuation allowance during 2023 of $1.2 million was due to depreciation driven to the difference between tax and book depreciable lives. Due to the limitation on utilization of state NOLs, the Company recorded deferred tax liabilities of $0.3 million as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The actual provision for income taxes differs from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Provision at U.S. statutory rate of 21% | $ | (4,967) | | | $ | (53,951) | | | $ | (23,714) | |
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit | (771) | | | (4,065) | | | (867) | |
| Change in valuation allowance | (969) | | | 43,500 | | | 15,991 | |
| Effect of foreign income tax at various rates | (131) | | | (133) | | | 176 | |
| Permanent differences | 5,923 | | | 8,229 | | | 4,993 | |
| Net change in permanent items due to provision to tax return | (731) | | | 1,855 | | | (569) | |
| Adjustment to reserved deferred assets | 2,104 | | | 4,607 | | | 1,969 | |
| Adjustment to state deferred rate | 170 | | | 136 | | | 775 | |
| Withholding tax | 502 | | | — | | | — | |
| Other | (7) | | | (105) | | | 947 | |
| Total | $ | 1,123 | | | $ | 73 | | | $ | (299) | |
Tax Audits
The Company operates in various U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. The process of determining its anticipated tax liabilities involves many calculations and estimates which are inherently complex. The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with its obligations to pay taxes in these jurisdictions. However, its position is subject to review and possible challenge by the taxing authorities of these jurisdictions. If the applicable taxing authorities were to challenge successfully its current tax positions, or if there were changes in the manner in which the Company conducts its activities, the Company could become subject to material unanticipated tax liabilities. It may also become subject to additional tax liabilities as a result of changes in tax laws, which could in certain circumstances have a retroactive effect.
The Company's Canadian subsidiary is under audit for multiple tax years. The Company is working with the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") to complete the audits. The CRA has completed its audit for the years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017 and assessed the Company for additional tax liabilities, which the Company is appealing. The Company's NOL in Canada would largely offset this tax liability to the extent that the Company is unsuccessful in its appeal. The years ended October 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022 remain under examination.
Except for the audit noted above, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is currently under audit by the IRS or by any state income tax jurisdiction in the United States. The Company's corporate U.S. tax returns for 2020 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after filing of the respective return. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states.
In the Company's international tax jurisdictions, numerous tax years remain subject to examination by tax authorities, including tax returns for 2015 and subsequent years in most of the Company's international tax jurisdictions.
There are no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Other
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had not provided foreign withholding taxes on approximately $5.2 million of undistributed earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries indefinitely invested outside the U.S.
In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the Tax Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The Company elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded a value added tax ("VAT") recoverable, of which the short term portion is included in prepaid and other current assets on its consolidated balance sheet totaling $2.2 million and $1.7 million,
respectively, and the long-term portion is included in intangible and other assets, net, on its consolidated balance sheet totaling $2.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively. This VAT recoverable is related primarily to certain payments for the purchase and importation of gateway equipment in various international jurisdictions in connection with the Company's network upgrade work.
14. LOSS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share and reconciles basic weighted average shares to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the periods indicated (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Numerator: | | | | | |
| Net loss | $ | (24,718) | | | $ | (256,915) | | | $ | (112,625) | |
| Effect of Series A Preferred Stock dividends | (10,605) | | | (1,337) | | | — | |
| Adjusted net loss attributable to common shareholders | $ | (35,323) | | | $ | (258,252) | | | $ | (112,625) | |
| | | | | |
| Denominator: | | | | | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 1,835,005 | | | 1,800,825 | | | 1,765,139 | |
| | | | | |
| Net loss per common share: | | | | | |
| Basic | $ | (0.02) | | | $ | (0.14) | | | $ | (0.06) | |
| Diluted | $ | (0.02) | | | $ | (0.14) | | | $ | (0.06) | |
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, 18.8 million shares, 7.7 million shares and 10.1 million shares, respectively, of potential common stock were excluded from diluted shares outstanding because the effects of potentially dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive. Included in these shares as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is a portion of the 49.1 million Warrants issued under the Service Agreements in 2022 based on the treasury stock method. During 2023, 5.0 million of the warrants that were issued to Thermo for its guarantee of the 2023 Funding Agreement vested; none of these warrants are included in the potentially dilutive securities for the period due to the consideration of the exercise price of the warrants relative to the average market price during the period. Also excluded from the amounts above are 5.0 million unvested warrants associated with Thermo's guarantee of the 2023 Funding Agreement; these warrants vest if and when Thermo advances aggregate funds of $25.0 million or more to the Company or a permitted third party pursuant to the terms of Thermo's guarantee.
As discussed in Note 6: Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements, the Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of dividends totaling $10.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 on its Series A Preferred Stock. This amount adjusts the numerator used to calculate loss per share.
15. STOCK COMPENSATION
Share-Based Payment Arrangements with Employees
The Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (“Equity Plan”) provides long-term incentives to the Company’s key employees, including officers, directors, consultants and advisers (“Eligible Participants”), and is designed to align stockholder and employee interests. Under the Equity Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and other stock based awards or any combination thereof to Eligible Participants. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors establishes the terms and conditions of any awards granted under the plans. At the time of grant, the Company takes into consideration the timing of the stock based award and evaluates for conditions that could result in the award to be considered spring loaded. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the number of shares of common stock that was authorized and remained available for issuance under the Equity Plan was 20.6 million and 9.8 million, respectively.
Stock Options
The Company has granted incentive stock options under the Equity Plan. These options have various vesting terms, but generally vest in equal installments over three years and expire in ten years. The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option grants over the Eligible Participants' requisite service period, which is generally based on the vesting period and the fair value at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The table below summarizes the assumptions for the indicated periods:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.9 | % | | 1.4 | % | | 0.4 | % |
| Expected term of options (years) | 5 | | 5 | | 5 |
| Volatility | 65 | % | | 100 | % | | 62 | % |
| Weighted average grant-date fair value per share | $ | 0.73 | | | $ | 0.86 | | | $ | 0.17 | |
The following table represents the Company’s stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted Average
Exercise Price |
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | 8,099,885 | | | $ | 1.29 | |
| Granted | 800,000 | | | 1.27 | |
| Exercised | (61,484) | | | 0.70 | |
| Forfeited or expired | (554,400) | | | 1.99 | |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 8,284,001 | | | 1.24 | |
| | | |
| Exercisable at December 31, 2023 | 6,736,494 | | | $ | 1.26 | |
The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the total intrinsic value of all stock options exercised was less than $0.1 million, $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding stock options at December 31, 2023 was $6.9 million with a remaining contractual life of 5.3 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of all vested stock options that were exercisable at December 31, 2023 was $5.7 million based on a per grant calculation with a remaining contractual life of 4.7 years. Net cash proceeds during the year ended December 31, 2023 from the exercise of stock options was less than $0.1 million.
For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $0.5 million of compensation expense related to stock options. As of December 31, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options outstanding was approximately $0.6 million to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Restricted Stock
Grants of restricted stock have varying vesting criteria, including immediate, one year from the grant date, in equal annual installments over three years or based on performance criteria. Non-vested shares are generally forfeited upon the termination of employment. Holders of restricted stock awards are entitled to all rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the restricted stock, including the right to vote the shares and receive any dividends or other distributions. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock is measured based on the grant date fair value of the common stock and is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period. The table below summarizes the weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock for the indicated periods:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Weighted average grant date fair value | $ | 1.36 | | | $ | 1.73 | | | $ | 1.23 | |
The following is a rollforward of the activity in restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value |
| Nonvested at January 1, 2023 | 9,953,866 | | | $ | 1.47 | |
| Granted | 7,860,740 | | | 1.36 | |
| Vested | (8,819,458) | | | 1.29 | |
| Forfeited | (159,067) | | | 1.47 | |
| Nonvested at December 31, 2023 | 8,836,081 | | | $ | 1.56 | |
Included in the vested balance during the year ended December 31, 2023 were approximately 3.4 million performance-based restricted stock awards that vested upon the achievement of certain milestones during the year.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $13.1 million, $10.4 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards. The increase in compensation expense during 2023 was driven primarily by performance grants to certain employees associated with their efforts under the Service Agreements as well as other performance criteria. The total fair value, as calculated on the day of vesting, of restricted stock awards that vested during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $11.6 million, $14.6 million, and $8.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock outstanding was approximately $10.2 million to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Market-Based Restricted Stock Units
During 2023, the Company granted 44.5 million restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain executives which are earned over a four-year performance period. The RSUs vest upon the Company's common stock trading at various price levels throughout the performance period. The RSUs were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. As of the grant date, September 25, 2023, the fair value of the RSUs was $39.5 million. This total fair value will be recognized over the derived service period, estimated to be 2.6 years. The Monte Carlo simulation was computed using the following assumptions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Risk-Free Interest Rate | | Stock Price Volatility | | Market Price of Common Stock |
| Fair Value of RSUs | 4.73 | % | | 80.00 | % | | $ | 1.29 | |
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $6.7 million of compensation cost related to these awards. As of December 31, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested market-based RSUs was approximately $32.8 million to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. No market-based RSUs vested, expired or were forfeited during 2023.
Key Employee Bonus Plan
The Company has an annual bonus plan designed to reward designated key employees' efforts to exceed the Company's financial performance goals for the designated calendar year ("Plan Year"). The bonus pool available for distribution is determined based on the Company's adjusted EBITDA performance during the Plan Year. The bonus may be paid in cash or the Company's common stock, subject to certain approvals.
For the 2023 Plan Year, the Company's adjusted EBITDA performance was within the bonus payout threshold according to the plan document. As of December 31, 2023, $2.5 million was accrued on the Company's consolidated balance sheet related to this bonus payment, which is expected to be made in the form of common stock during the first quarter of 2024.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) which provides eligible employees of the Company with an opportunity to acquire shares of its common stock at a discount. As of December 31, 2023, the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be purchased through the Plan was 20.0 million shares (subject to adjustment as allowed in the Plan) and the Company has issued approximately 13.6 million shares.
For 2023 and 2022, the Company received $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in proceeds related to shares issued under the Plan. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded compensation expense of approximately $0.4 million, which is reflected in marketing, general and administrative expenses. The fair value of the employees’ stock purchase rights granted under the ESPP is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of December 31, 2023, the end of the period covered by this Report. This evaluation was based on the guidelines established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Based on this evaluation, each of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2023 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We believe that the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report fairly present, in all material respects, our consolidated financial position and results of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting
As of December 31, 2023, our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that no changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's internal controls were designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation and presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
The Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Through this evaluation, management did not identify any material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting; however, based on the evaluation, management has concluded the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears herein.
Item 9B. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) (each, a “10b5-1 Plan”) or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement. However, certain of our directors and executive officers may adopt 10b5-1 Plans or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements in the future.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the applicable information set forth in "Executive Officers," "Election of Directors," "Information about the Board of Directors and its Committees," and "Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements" which will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC, and Part I, Item 1. Business - Additional Information in this Report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the applicable information set forth in "Compensation of Executive Officers", "Compensation of Directors" and "2023 Pay Ratio" which will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the applicable information set forth in "Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and Management" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" which will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the applicable information set forth in "Other Information - Related Person Transactions" and "Information about the Board of Directors and its Committees" which will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the applicable information set forth in "Other Information - Globalstar's Independent Registered Accounting Firm" which will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
(1) Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
| | |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
| Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022 |
| Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 |
| Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 |
| Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 |
| Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
See Exhibit Index
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | GLOBALSTAR, INC. |
| | | |
| | By: | /s/ Dr. Paul E. Jacobs |
| Date: | February 29, 2024 | | Dr. Paul E. Jacobs |
| | | Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Dr. Paul E. Jacobs and Rebecca S. Clary, jointly and severally, his or her attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated as of February 29, 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Signature | | Title |
| | | |
| /s/ Dr. Paul E. Jacobs | | Chief Executive Officer |
| Dr. Paul E. Jacobs | | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | | |
| /s/ Rebecca S. Clary | | Chief Financial Officer |
| Rebecca S. Clary | | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
| | | |
| /s/ James Monroe III | | |
| James Monroe III | | Director |
| | | |
| /s/ William A. Hasler | | |
| William A. Hasler | | Director |
| | | |
| /s/ James F. Lynch | | |
| James F. Lynch | | Director |
| | | |
| /s/ Michael J. Lovett | | |
| Michael J. Lovett | | Director |
| | | |
| /s/ Keith O. Cowan | | |
| Keith O. Cowan | | Director |
| | | |
| /s/ Benjamin G. Wolff | | |
| Benjamin G. Wolff | | Director |
| | | |
| /s/ Timothy E. Taylor | | |
| Timothy E. Taylor | | Director |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Description |
| | |
| 3.1* | | |
| | |
| 3.2* | | |
| | |
| 3.3* | | |
| | |
| 4.1 | | |
| | |
| 10.1* | | |
| | |
| 10.2* | | |
| | |
| 10.3* | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| 10.4* | | |
| | |
| 10.5* | | |
| | |
| 10.6* | | |
| | |
| 10.7* | | |
| | |
| 10.8* | | |
| | |
| 10.9* | | |
| | |
| 10.10*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.11*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.12*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.13*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.14*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.15*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.16*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.17* | | |
| | |
| 10.18* | | |
| | |
| 10.19*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.20*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.21*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.22*†† | | |
| | |
| 10.23*†† | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
| 10.24†† | | |
| | |
| 10.25†† | | |
| | |
| 10.26 | | |
| | |
| 10.27*†† | | |
| | |
| 19.1 | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| 21.1 | | |
| | |
| 23.1 | | |
| | |
| 24.1 | | |
| | |
| 31.1 | | |
| | |
| 31.2 | | |
| | |
| 32.1 | | |
| | |
| 32.2 | | |
| | |
| 97.1 | | |
| | |
| 101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document |
| | |
| 101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| | |
| 101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| | |
| 101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| | |
| 101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| | |
| 101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| | |
| * | | Incorporated by reference. |
| | |
| † | | Portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Commission. The omitted portions have been filed with the Commission. |
| | |
| †† | | Portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. |
