Telesat’s Earnings Call: Mixed Results with LEO Progress

Telesat Corporation ((TSE:TSAT)) has held its Q3 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

The recent earnings call for Telesat Corporation painted a picture of mixed performance, highlighting both significant advancements and financial challenges. While the company made notable strides in its LEO segment and capital structure optimization, these were tempered by decreased revenues, increased operating expenses, and a substantial net loss, resulting in a balanced outlook for the firm.

Progress in LEO Segment

Telesat is making commendable progress in its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) segment, with developments in satellites, ground infrastructure, and software. The company plans to launch its first LEO satellite by late next year, marking a significant milestone in its strategic growth plan.

Capital Structure Optimization

In a strategic move to optimize its capital structure, Telesat distributed 62% of the equity in Telesat Lightspeed to a wholly-owned subsidiary. This decision aims to enhance the company’s financing options, positioning it for future financial flexibility.

Successful Debt Reduction

Telesat reported a successful reduction in its debt, with interest expenses decreasing by $5 million compared to the previous year. The company has repurchased a cumulative principal amount of $857 million in debt, resulting in annual interest savings of approximately $53 million.

Partnership and Investment in User Terminal Portfolio

The company announced a partnership and investment in Farcast to bolster its user terminal portfolio for the Lightspeed constellation. This collaboration is expected to enhance Telesat’s service offerings and competitive position in the market.

Revenue Decline

Telesat experienced a revenue decline of $37 million, bringing total revenues to $101 million. This decrease was primarily due to a lower renewal rate on a long-term agreement with a North American direct-to-home customer and the expiration of another agreement.

Increased Operating Expenses

Operating expenses rose by $12 million to $58 million, driven by the growth in Telesat Lightspeed’s headcount and higher legal and professional fees. These increased costs reflect the company’s ongoing investments in its strategic initiatives.

Net Loss

The company reported a net loss of $121 million for the quarter, a stark contrast to the net income of $68 million in the same period last year. This loss underscores the financial challenges Telesat is currently facing.

Challenges in Indonesian Market

Telesat faced challenges in the Indonesian market, with reductions in services for certain enterprise customers, particularly in the rural broadband program, contributing to the revenue decline.

Forward-Looking Guidance

Telesat reaffirmed its guidance for the year, projecting full-year revenues between $405 million and $425 million, with adjusted EBITDA ranging from $170 million to $190 million. Capital expenditures are expected to be between $900 million and $1.1 billion, primarily for the development of Telesat Lightspeed. The company remains in compliance with all credit covenants and has completed its third draw on financing facilities with the Canadian and Quebec governments.

In conclusion, Telesat Corporation’s earnings call highlighted a mixed bag of achievements and challenges. While the company is making significant progress in its LEO segment and optimizing its capital structure, financial hurdles such as decreased revenues and increased operating expenses present a balanced outlook. Investors and stakeholders will be keenly watching how Telesat navigates these dynamics in the coming quarters.