News Analysis

Englewood, Colo., August 6, 2013 — Dish Network Corp. reported today second-quarter loss as the company was hit by large impairment charges and pay-TV subscriber additions slowed. Former unit EchoStar Corp. also swung to a loss.

London, UK, August 6, 2013 — Inmarsat plc. has reported slightly higher revenues and profits in the first half of the year, fuelled by strong growth in demand for broadband communications on ships and aircraft. Inmarsat reported first half 2013 revenues of US$635.2 million, up 1 percent than the US$629.6 million during the same period last year. Its adjusted EBITDA was US$327.2 million for the first half of the year versus $332.1 million last year while profit before tax was US$185.5 million against US$222.8 million last year.

Washington, D.C., August 1, 2013 — Intelsat S.A. reported a slight rise in revenue to US$ 653.8 million but posted a net loss of US$ 408.3 million, or US$ 4.19 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  The loss, however, included US$ 366.8 million for pre-tax charges related to early extinguishment of debt resulting from debt paydowns resulting from the company’s April 2013 initial public offering and debt refinancing activity in the second quarter.

Ottawa, August 1, 2013 — Telesat Holdings Inc.’s two new satellites – the Nimiq 6 and Anik G1 – have led to higher revenues of CDN$ 216 million (US$208.65 million) for the three months ending June 30, 2013, the company said on Thursday. The revenue growth contributed to a net income of CDN$ 15 million (US$14.49 million) for the quarter, reversing a loss of Ca$244 million (US$235.70 million) the firm recorded a year ago.

Houston, Tex., August 1, 2013--RigNet, Inc., aprovider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, today announced a strategic deal with Inmarsat plc involving the sale of Inmarsat's Energy Broadband business to RigNet and the appointment of RigNet to become a key distribution partner to deliver Inmarsat's Global Xpress ("GX") and L-band services to the energy sector worldwide.

El Segundo, Calif., August 1, 2013 — DirecTV announced an increase in second quarter 2013 revenues by 7 percent to US$ 7.7 billion but the pay-TV company suffered a decline in its net profit to US$ 660 million.

Paris, France, July 31, 2013--Eutelsat announced it has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. ("Satmex") for an enterprise value of US$1,142 million. This acquisition, together with the recently ordered EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite, will position the group as a major satellite operator in Latin America, reflecting its strategy to expand in high growth markets.

Hong Kong, July 31, 2013-- Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) announced today the confirmation of the build of ABS-2A, a multi-beam 48 transponder Ku- satellite which will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2015 to ABS’ prime 75°E location. ABS-2A, covering the growing markets of Russia, India, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia and the Indian Ocean region, will follow ABS-2, the largest satellite to be launched over Asia scheduled in late 2013.

Saltaire, UK, July 30, 2013 —  British set-top box maker Pace Plc said profits in the first half more than tripled, driven by continuing demand for its media-server products in North America and Latin American markets, which offset some softness in Europe.

Paris, July 30, 2013 — Eutelsat Communications on Tuesday reported a 5.1 percent increase in revenues to €1,284 million (US$1,703 million) and operating income before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of €995.3 million (US$1,320.22 million) equivalent to 77.5 percent margins for fiscal year 2012-2013.