News Analysis

New York City, March 13, 2013– The World Teleport Association today released Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2013, the third annual WTA global study. The study tracks, rates, and compares the operational and commercial performance of satellite operators, as experienced by teleport operators. The objective of the annual study, now in its third year, is to strengthen the global industry by encouraging self-improvement among all operating companies.

Cambridge, Mass. March 12, 2013 – According to NSR’s Energy Markets via Satellite, 3rd Edition report released today, Energy Markets are in the midst of a bandwidth revolution that will positively affect satellite companies over the next decade. More applications at  more remote locations continue to drive demand for satellite services, and Oil & Gas, Mining, and Utility end-users will demand over 25 Gbps of satellite capacity by 2022. 

Washington, D.C., February 28, 2013 — Intelsat S.A. reported it suffered a net loss of $146.6 million on revenue of $2,610.2 million in 2012. The company reported EBITDA of $1,940.6 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $2,016.5 million, or 77 percent of revenue, for 2012. 

Richmond, BC, Canada, February 27, 2013 - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) reported financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012.  Consolidated revenues for the full year 2012 increased to $880 million compared to $761 million for the year ended  December 31, 2011.

Ottawa,Canada,  Feb. 21, 2013 — Telesat Holdings Inc. reported on Thursday a US$ 206 million (Ca$ 210) decrease in profitability, which the company blamed on a large one-time insurance claim it received last year.

Englewood, Colo. Feb. 20, 2013--EchoStar Corporation today reported total revenue of US$ 786 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2012 compared to US$ 834 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Total revenue for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2012 is US$ 3,122 million compared to US$ 2,761 million for the corresponding period in 2011.

Dulles, Va., February 14, 2013— Orbital Sciences Corporation today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2012 financial results.  Fourth quarter 2012 revenues were $354.6 million, up 6% compared to $335.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.  Fourth quarter 2012 operating income was $31.3 million, an increase of 41% compared to $22.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.  

by Peter Galace, Associate Editor

Long Beach, Calif., February 15, 2013 — Following the unsuccessful launch of the Intelsat 27 spacecraft on February 1, 2013, majority owner RSC Energia affirmed last week its unfailing commitment to the long-term success of the Sea Launch program. But despite the assurances from the Sea Launch partners, the company faces grim prospects. In addition to its difficulty to now secure launch contracts necessary for its survival, the company also faces a big lawsuit that could dampen prospects of Sea Launch’s emergence from bankruptcy.