AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORP
10-Q, 1996-11-14
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, NEC
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q
             QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996
                         Commission file number 0-23044

                      AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                    DELAWARE                      93-0976127
                (State or other                (I.R.S. Employer
                jurisdiction of               Identification No.)
                incorporation or
                  organization)

          10802 Parkridge Boulevard
                   Reston, VA                     20191-5416
            (Address of principal                 (Zip Code)
              executive offices)

                                 (703) 758-6000
                         (Registrant's telephone number,
                              including area code)


     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  report(s)),  and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at October 31, 1996: 25,091,846





<PAGE>



                          PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                    Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

             AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          (A Development Stage Company)
                         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS
                         -------------------------------
                      (in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   Three Months Ended         Nine Months Ended            May 3, 1988
                                     September 30               September 30           (date of inception)
                                 1996             1995      1996             1995   through September 30, 1996
                                 ---------------------      ---------------------   ---------------------------

Revenues:
<S>                              <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>                   <C>    
 Services                          $2,480        $1,619     $  6,071     $5,220                $17,735
 Sales of equipment                 4,925           438       12,452        504                 14,376
                                   ------        ------       ------     ------                -------

     Total Revenues                $7,405        $2,057      $18,523     $5,724                $32,111

Costs and Expenses:
 Cost of service and operations     7,616         4,357       23,258     12,561                 82,478
 Cost of equipment sold             6,227           599       23,116        757                 27,792
 Sales and advertising              5,729         5,418       18,048      8,950                 57,178
 General and administrative         4,242         4,032       13,635     11,642                 73,340
 Depreciation and amortization     10,101         1,179       32,975      2,917                 65,410
                                   ------        ------       ------     ------                -------

     Operating Loss               (26,510)      (13,528)     (92,509)   (31,103)              (274,087)

Interest Income                       180         1,026          485      4,139                 19,498
Interest Expense                   (3,673)           --      (11,364)        --                (12,347)
                                   ------        ------      -------     ------                -------

 Loss before extraordinary item   (30,003)      (12,502)    (103,388)   (26,964)              (266,936)

Extraordinary gain on early
  extinguishment of debt               --             --          --          --                (1,372)
                                    ------        ------      -------     ------                -------
 Net Loss                        $(30,003)     $(12,502)   $(103,388)  $(26,964)             $(268,308)
                                 =========     =========   ==========  =========             ==========
Loss per share of common stock   $  (1.20)     $  (0.50)   $   (4.13)   $ (1.08)
                                 =========     =========   ==========  =========
Weighted-average number
  of common shares outstanding
  during the period                25,065        24,941       25,024     24,884
                                 =========     =========   ==========  =========

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



                          PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                    Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

             AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          (A Development Stage Company)
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           ---------------------------
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          September 30,            December 31,
                                                               1996                    1995
                                                               ----                    ----
ASSETS
Current Assets:
<S>                                                          <C>                    <C>      
     Cash and cash equivalents                               $  2,388               $  8,865
     Short term investments                                     1,000                     --
     Inventory                                                 39,960                 15,104
     Prepaid in-orbit insurance                                    --                  4,823
     Accounts receivable-trade                                  7,043                  1,375
     Other current assets                                       1,482                  2,860
                                                               ------                 ------
     Total current assets                                      51,873                 33,027

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT IN SERVICE - NET                       274,758                362,105

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS - NET                        16,298                  3,219
                                                              -------                -------
     Total assets                                            $342,929               $398,351
                                                             ========               ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses                     51,739                 34,462
     Obligations under capital leases due within one year       4,245                  2,446
     Obligation to related party for equipment financing        6,297                  6,874
     Current portion of long-term debt                         11,113                 60,990
                                                               -------               -------
     Total current liabilities                                 73,394                104,772

Long-term Liabilities:
     Obligations under Term Loan Facility                      77,000                     --
     Capital lease obligations                                  3,566                  6,052
                                                                -----                  -----
     Total liabilities                                        153,960                110,824
Stockholders' Equity:
     Preferred stock, par value $0.01; no shares issued            --                     --
     Common stock, voting, par value $0.01                        251                    250
     Additional paid-in capital                               451,178                448,757
     Common stock purchase warrants                            23,848                  3,440
     Unamortized guarantee warrants                           (18,000)                    --
     Deficit accumulated during the development stage        (268,308)              (164,920)
                                                             ---------              ---------
     Total stockholders' equity                               188,969                287,527
                                                             ---------              ---------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity              $342,929               $398,351
                                                             =========              =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                          PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                    Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

             AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          (A Development Stage Company)
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          Nine months Ended                     May 3, 1988
                                           September 30,                    (date of inception)
                                          1996           1995           through September 30, 1996
                                          ----           ----             ---------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                     <C>            <C>                     <C>       
Net Loss                                $(103,388)     $(26,964)               $(268,308)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
  to net cash used in
  operating activities:
     Extraordinary loss on early
      extinguishment of debt                   --            --                    1,372
     Amortization of debt discount          4,015            --                    4,015
     Depreciation and amortization         32,975         2,917                   65,410
     Deferred and other items, net          1,621        (1,252)                     800
     Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Prepaid in-orbit insurance            4,823            --                       --
      Trade accounts receivable            (5,668)          887                   (4,293)
      Other current assets                    944        (7,029)                  (3,436)
      Inventory                           (24,856)       (2,122)                 (39,960)
      Accounts payable and
       accrued expenses                    14,891         4,221                   44,070
                                          -------       -------                 --------
     Net cash used in operating
      activities                          (74,643)      (29,342)                (200,330)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Additions to property under
     construction                              --       (71,527)                (288,435)
 Insurance proceeds applied to
     equipment in service                  66,000            --                   66,000
 Additions to  property
     and equipment in service             (10,418)       (6,304)                 (29,253)
 Proceeds from sales of short-term
    investments                                --        28,717                  202,756
 Purchases of short-term investments       (1,000)           --                 (203,756)
 Deferred charges and other assets             --        (1,089)                 (11,999)
 Non-inventory asset sales - net               --            --                    2,176
     Net cash provided by (used in)         ------       -------                 --------
      investing activities                 54,582       (50,203)                (262,511)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock     1,248         2,040                  391,331
 Principal payments under capital leases   (2,671)         (304)                  (3,461)
 Payments on notes payable                     --            --                  (34,667)
 Proceeds from short-term borrowings       70,000            --                   70,000
 Payments on short-term borrowings        (70,000)           --                  (70,000)
 Proceeds from Term Loan Facility          77,000            --                   77,000
 Proceeds from debt                         1,700         7,630                  143,330
 Payments on long-term debt               (53,098)      (11,665)                 (96,584)
 Debt issuance costs                      (10,595)           --                  (11,676)
 Redemption of Common Stock                    --            --                      (44)
                                            ------        ------                  -------
 Net cash provided by (used in)
     financing activities                  13,584        (2,299)                 465,229

 Net (decrease) increase in cash and
     cash equivalents                      (6,477)      (81,844)                   2,388

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     beginning of period                    8,865       137,287                       --
                                           -------      -------                   -------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     end of period                        $ 2,388      $ 55,443                   $2,388
                                          ========     =========                 ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                          PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                    Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

             AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          (A Development Stage Company)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   ------------------------------------------

                               September 30, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)


1.  Organization and Business

     American Mobile  Satellite  Corporation was incorporated on May 3, 1988, by
eight of the  initial  applicants  for the mobile  satellite  services  license,
following a determination by the Federal Communications  Commission ("FCC") that
the public interest would best be served by granting the license to a consortium
of all willing,  qualified  applicants.  The FCC has authorized  American Mobile
Satellite  Corporation  to  construct,  launch,  and operate a mobile  satellite
services  system (the "SKYCELL  System") to provide a full range of mobile voice
and data  services  via  satellite  to land,  air and  sea-based  customers in a
service area consisting of the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,  U.S.  coastal waters,  international  waters and
airspace and any foreign territory where the local government has authorized the
provision  of service.  In March 1991,  American  Mobile  Satellite  Corporation
transferred the mobile  satellite  services  license ("MSS license") to a wholly
owned subsidiary,  AMSC Subsidiary  Corporation  ("AMSC  Subsidiary").  American
Mobile  Satellite  Corporation  has six  other  subsidiaries,  two of which  are
inactive and four whose limited  activities do not require material resources at
this  time.  On April  7,1995,  the  Company  successfully  launched  its  first
satellite ("AMSC-1"), from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

     American  Mobile  Satellite  Corporation  (together  with its  subsidiaries
"AMSC" or the "Company") is devoting its efforts to establishing a new business.
As further  discussed  in  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial
Condition and Results of  Operations,  this effort  involves  substantial  risk.
Specifically,  future operating results will be subject to significant business,
liquidity,  economic,  regulatory,  technical, and competitive uncertainties and
contingencies.  The  integration  of the  components of the SKYCELL  System is a
complex  undertaking.  Delays in the  integration  of the  SKYCELL  System  have
already  occurred,  and there can be no assurance  that further  delays will not
occur.  Depending on their extent and timing,  these factors  individually or in
the aggregate could have an adverse effect on the Company's  financial condition
and future operating results.


2.  Basis of Presentation

     The  consolidated   balance  sheet  as  of  September  30,  1996,  and  the
consolidated  statements  of loss  and cash  flows  for the  nine  months  ended
September  30, 1996 and 1995,  and for the period May 3, 1988 through  September
30, 1996,  have been prepared by the Company  without  audit.  In the opinion of
management,   all  adjustments  (consisting  of  normal  recurring  adjustments)
necessary to present  fairly the financial  position,  results of operations and
cash flows at September 30, 1996, and for all periods  presented have been made.
The balance sheet at December 31, 1995 has been taken from the audited financial
statements.

     The unaudited  consolidated  condensed financial statements included herein
have been prepared  pursuant to the rules and  regulations of the Securities and
Exchange  Commission.  Certain  information  and footnote  disclosures  normally
included in financial  statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. While the Company believes
that the  disclosures  made are adequate to make the  information  presented not
misleading,   these  consolidated   financial   statements  should  be  read  in
conjunction  with  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  notes
included  in the  Company's  1995  Annual  Report  on Form  10-K  ("1995  Annual
Report").

     The  Company  paid  approximately  $6.6  million  and $3.6  million  in the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  to related
parties for  construction  and  service-related  obligations  and payments under
financing  agreements.  Payments  to related  parties  from May 3, 1988 (date of
inception) to September 30, 1996, aggregated approximately $163.7 million. Total
indebtedness  to related  parties as of  September  30, 1996  approximated  $8.5
million.

     Loss per common share is based on the weighted-average  number of shares of
Common  Stock  outstanding  during the period.  Stock  options and common  stock
purchase warrants are not reflected since their effect would be antidilutive.

     Certain  amounts for the three months and nine months ended  September  30,
1995  and for the  period  from  inception  to  September  30,  1996  have  been
reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.


3.  Liquidity and Financing

     Adequate  liquidity  and capital are critical to the ability of the Company
to transition  successfully  from being a development stage company to deploying
and operating the SKYCELL System. As previously reported,  on June 28, 1996, the
Company  established  a $225 million debt facility  with Morgan  Guaranty  Trust
Company and  Toronto  Dominion  Bank (the "Bank  Financing")  consisting  of two
facilities:  (i) a $150 million  five-year,  multi-draw  term loan facility (the
"Term Loan Facility") and (ii) a $75 million five-year revolving credit facility
with a bullet maturity on June 30, 2001 (the "Working Capital Facility").  As of
October 28,  1996,  the  Company  had drawn down $93.0  million of the Term Loan
Facility at annual interest rates ranging from 5.6875% to 5.75%. $200 million of
the Bank  Financing is guaranteed  (the  "Guarantee")  by three of the Company's
principal stockholders:  Hughes Electronics  Corporation  ("Hughes"),  Singapore
Telecommunications,  Ltd. and Baron Capital Partners,  L.P.  (collectively,  the
"Guarantors").  The Guarantors received compensation  consisting  principally of
cash fees and warrants (the "Guarantee  Warrants").  The Guarantee Warrants have
been valued at $19.0 million.

     Under the terms of the Bank Financing and the Guarantee,  borrowings  under
the Bank  Financing  in excess of  prescribed  levels  are  contingent  upon the
satisfaction  by the  Company  of  certain  performance  tests  relating  to net
revenues,  number  of  subscribers,  operating  cash  flow and  earnings  before
interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization.  During the third quarter of
1996,  the  Company  met the  required  performance  tests  except  for the test
relating  to net  revenues.  The  Company  has  received  a waiver  relating  to
satisfaction of that performance test and of a limitation on borrowing,  thereby
permitting  the Company to borrow up to $155 million  under the Bank  Financing.
This is expected to meet the Company's  financing needs through the remainder of
1996 and into 1997.

     Because of the slower than anticipated  build-up in subscribers and related
revenues,  it is currently expected that the Company will not meet the remaining
quarterly  Guarantor  performance  tests  under the Bank  Financing.  Therefore,
additional Guarantor waivers will be required under the Bank Financing.  Even if
the Company is successful in receiving  additional waivers, the Company may need
additional  financing in 1997 beyond the Bank  Financing.  No  assurance  can be
given that additional  waivers will be granted or that the terms of such waivers
will not be adverse to the Company, or that if additional financing is required,
that  such  financing  will be  available  or that  the  terms  thereof  will be
favorable to the Company.  If waivers are not granted,  or the Bank Financing is
not  sufficient,  the Company may not have  adequate  capital to fund its future
operations.

     Following  negotiations of certain existing vendor debt  arrangements  (the
"Vendor   Financing")   and  ground   segment   obligations   ("Ground   Segment
Obligations"),  aggregating  $11.1  million,  the Company has  arranged to defer
repayment of the Vendor Financing and a portion of the Ground Segment Obligation
from September 30, 1996, until various dates in 1997.

4.  Legal and Regulatory Matters

     Like other mobile service providers in the telecommunications industry, the
Company is subject to substantial domestic, foreign and international regulation
including  the need for  regulatory  approvals to both  complete and operate the
SKYCELL  System and operate  mobile data  terminals and mobile  telephones.  The
successful  operation of the SKYCELL System is dependent on a number of factors,
including the amount of L-band  spectrum made available to the Company  pursuant
to an international coordination process. The United States is currently engaged
in an international process of coordinating the Company's access to the spectrum
that the FCC has  assigned  to the  Company.  While the  Company  believes  that
substantial  progress has been made in the coordination process and expects that
the United  States  government  will be  successful  in securing  the  necessary
spectrum,  the process is not yet  complete.  The inability of the United States
government to secure  sufficient  spectrum  could have an adverse  effect on the
Company's financial position, results of operations, and its cash flows.

     The  Company  has  filed  applications  with  the FCC and  expects  to file
applications  in the future with respect to the operation of its SKYCELL  System
and certain types of mobile data terminals and mobile telephones. Certain of its
applications  pertaining to future service have been opposed. While the Company,
for various reasons,  believes that it will receive the necessary approvals on a
timely basis,  there can be no assurance  that the requests will be granted on a
timely  basis or that  they  will be  granted  on  conditions  favorable  to the
Company.  Any significant  changes to the applications  resulting from the FCC's
review process or any significant delay in their approval could adversely affect
the Company's financial position, results of operations, and its cash flows. The
Company's  license  requires  that it  comply  with a  construction  and  launch
schedule specified by the FCC for each of the three authorized  satellites.  The
second  and  third  satellites  are not in  compliance  with  the  schedule  for
commencement of construction.  The Company has asked the FCC to grant extensions
of the deadlines for the second and third satellites. Certain of these extension
requests  have  been  opposed  by third  parties.  The FCC has not  acted on the
Company's  requests.  The FCC has the authority to revoke the authorizations for
the second and third satellites and in connection with any such revocation could
exercise its authority to rescind the Company's  license.  The Company  believes
that the exercise of such authority to rescind the license is unlikely.

     In 1992, a former director of AMSC filed an Amended  Complaint  against the
Company alleging  violations of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,  and
of the Sherman Act and breach of contract.  The suit seeks  damages for not less
than $100  million  trebled  under the  antitrust  laws plus  punitive  damages,
interest, attorneys' fees and costs. In mid-1992, the Company filed its response
denying all allegations.  The Company's motion for summary  judgement,  filed on
June 30,  1994,  was denied on April 18,  1996.  The matter has now been set for
trial beginning November 25, 1996. Management believes that the ultimate outcome
of this matter will not be material to the Company's financial position, results
of operations, or its cash flows.

     In October 1996, a vendor filed a complaint against the Company  concerning
the  production of  approximately  7,500 mobile data  terminals.  The suit seeks
damages in as yet an undetermined  amount.  Management believes that it will not
incur any material liabilities or obligations as a result of this suit in excess
of any existing  contractual  obligations  to such vendor which are reflected in
the  Company's maximum contractual inventory  commitments  described  in  Note 5
below.

5.  Other Matters

     At September 30, 1996, the Company had remaining contractual commitments to
purchase both mobile data  terminal inventory  and  mobile  telephone  inventory
in the maximum amount of $44.4 million.

     As previously reported, the satellite has, in the past, experienced certain
technological anomalies, most significantly with respect to its eastern beam. On
August 1,  1996,  the  Company  reached a  resolution  of the  claims  under its
satellite  insurance  contracts and policies and received proceeds in the amount
of $66.0  million  which were used to repay the  Working  Capital  Facility  and
portions of the Term Loan Facility and the Vendor Financing.  The carrying value
of the satellite was reduced by the net insurance proceeds, which will result in
a reduction of future  depreciation  charges  beginning in the third  quarter of
1996.  There  can  be no  assurance  that  the  satellite  will  not  experience
subsequent  anomalies  that  could  adversely  impact  the  Company's  financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.




<PAGE>



                          PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
              Interim Financial Condition and Results of Operations


General

     The following discussion and analysis provides information which management
believes is relevant to an  assessment  and  understanding  of the  consolidated
financial  condition  and results of  operations  of American  Mobile  Satellite
Corporation  (with its  subsidiaries,  "AMSC" or the "Company").  The discussion
should be read in conjunction  with the  consolidated  financial  statements and
notes thereto.

     American Mobile  Satellite  Corporation was incorporated in May 1988. Since
May 1988, the Company has been a development stage company, engaged primarily in
the design,  development,  construction,  deployment  and  financing of a mobile
satellite  communications  system (the  "SKYCELL  System").  The SKYCELL  System
includes the Company's first satellite ("AMSC-1") launched successfully in April
1995, and a fixed  communications  ground segment (the "CGS"). In December 1995,
the Company began to introduce  certain voice  products and services,  including
its Satellite Telephone Service.

     In addition to  historical  information,  this Form 10-Q  Quarterly  Report
contains forward-looking  statements.  The forward-looking  statements contained
herein are subject to certain  risks and  uncertainties  that could cause actual
results  to  differ  materially  from  those  reflected  in the  forward-looking
statements.  Factors  that might cause such a  difference  include,  but are not
limited to, those  discussed in the "Factors that could affect Future  Operating
Results" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources"  sections.  Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking  statements,  which reflect
management's  analysis  only as of the date hereof.  The Company  undertakes  no
obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or  circumstances  that arise after the date hereof.  Readers  should  carefully
review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time
to time with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  including the Form 10-K
Annual  Report to be filed by the Company  subsequent  to this Form 10-Q and any
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company.

Factors that could affect Future Operating Results

     The Company's  future  operating  results could be adversely  affected by a
number of  uncertainties  and factors,  including (i) the timely  completion and
deployment of all the Company's  products and related services,  including among
other  things,  availability  of mobile  telephones,  data  terminals  and other
equipment  to be used with the SKYCELL  System  ("Subscriber  Equipment")  being
manufactured by third parties over which the Company has limited  control,  (ii)
the market  acceptance  of the  Company's  services,  (iii) the  ability and the
commitment of the Company's  Authorized  Service  Providers and Authorized Sales
Agents to market and distribute the Company's  services,  (iv)  competition from
existing   companies  which  provide  services  using  existing   communications
technologies  and the  possibility  of  competition  from  companies  using  new
technology   in  the  future,   (v)  capacity   constraints   arising  from  the
reconfiguration  of  AMSC-1  previously  reported,   (vi)  additional  technical
anomalies that may occur within the SKYCELL System,  including those relating to
AMSC-1,  which could impact,  among other  things,  the operation of the SKYCELL
System and the cost,  scope or  availability  of in-orbit  insurance,  (vii) the
ability of the Company to fully integrate certain  components of the mobile data
service,  and (viii) the Company's ability to obtain additional waivers from the
Bank Financing Guarantors or secure additional financing as may be necessary.

     The Company's  operating  results and capital and liquidity needs have been
materially  affected by delays  experienced in the development and deployment of
the SKYCELL System.  In particular,  the Company's  marketing  efforts have been
materially affected by delays experienced in the development and availability of
Subscriber  Equipment.  Initial  Subscriber  Equipment for  Satellite  Telephone
Service  ("STS")  use did  not  become  commercially  available  until  December
1995,with  additional  configurations  not available  until the second and third
quarters of 1996.  In addition,  the CGS  currently  does not support  facsimile
capability.  The  Company  anticipates  that  facsimile  capability  will become
available  in the first  quarter  of 1997.  The  impact  of these  delays on the
Company's   marketing   efforts  has   substantially   decreased  the  Company's
anticipated revenues and increased the Company's capital and liquidity needs. No
assurance can be given that additional  delays relating to the SKYCELL System or
Subscriber  Equipment will  not be  encountered  in the  future  and not have an
adverse impact on the Company.

     In  addition,  the  markets  for  wireless   communications   services  are
characterized by rapid  technological  and other changes.  The Company's success
depends,  in part,  on its  ability to respond  and adapt to such  changes.  The
delays  experienced in the deployment of the SKYCELL System and the availability
of  Subscriber  Equipment,  together  with  changes in market  conditions,  have
already  caused the Company to shift its  marketing  focus away from its initial
dual-mode consumer product business to targeted business  applications,  such as
the  maritime,   natural  resources,   transportation,   and  telecommunications
industries.  The Company  continues to expect that sales and marketing  expenses
will continue to increase from  previous  levels in 1995 as increased  resources
are devoted to its subscriber  acquisition  programs and sales personnel.  As of
September 30, 1996, there were  approximately  13,400 subscribers on the SKYCELL
System.  Charges to operations for  depreciation  expense for the SKYCELL System
began in the fourth quarter of 1995 and accordingly,  it is expected that future
charges   will  be   significant.   Additionally,   the   Company   discontinued
capitalization  of  interest  costs  in the  fourth  quarter  of 1995  upon  the
commencement of full commercial service. Interest expense in 1996 is expected to
be  significant  as a result of  borrowings  under the  Interim  Financing,  the
Short-Term Notes, and the Bank Financing.


Results of Operations

Operating Revenues

     Service revenues, which include both the Company's voice and data services,
approximated  $2.5 million and $6.1 million for the  three-month  and nine-month
periods  ended  September  30, 1996,  respectively.  Service  revenue from voice
services  approximated $1.1  million  and $2.9  million for the  three-month and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 including approximately $1.3 million
for the nine-month  period ended  September 30, 1996  attributable  to satellite
capacity leased to TMI Communications and Company,  Limited Partnership ("TMI"),
a Canadian  limited  partnership,  under a commitment which was completed in May
1996. Service revenue from the Company's data services approximated $1.4 million
and $3.2 million for the three-month and nine-month  periods ended September 30,
1996,  respectively,  compared  to $1.6  million  and $5.2  million for the same
period in 1995, a reduction of $256,000 and $2.0 million respectively.  Prior to
1996, the Company provided its data service using satellite capacity leased from
the  Communications  Satellite  Corporation  ("COMSAT"),  the cost of which  was
passed through to one customer ("Major Customer").  The decrease in data service
revenue of $2.0  million  for the  nine-month  period  ended  September  30,1996
reflects  the  reduced  revenue  from the Major  Customer  resulting  from lower
billings for the use of the lower cost AMSC-1 versus  billings  attributable  to
the leased COMSAT satellite applied on a pass-through basis. Of the data service
revenues,  29% and 39% were  attributable  to the Major  Customer  for the three
months and nine months ended September 30, 1996,  respectively,  compared to 80%
and 75% for the respective periods in 1995. Revenue from the sale of mobile data
terminals  and mobile  telephones  increased  from $438,000 for the three months
ended  September  30, 1995 to $4.9 million for the three months ended  September
30, 1996, and increased to $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1996  compared  to  $504,000  for the same  period  in 1995.  This  increase  is
attributable to (i) the Company's  introduction of certain voice products in the
fourth quarter of 1995 and the resulting sale of mobile telephones, and (ii) the
increased  availability  of mobile data  terminals in 1996 compared to the first
nine  months of 1995  following a contract  signed  with a mobile data  terminal
manufacturer in February 1995.

Costs and Expenses

     The  Company's  costs and expenses have  primarily  increased in connection
with the  commencement  of full  commercial  service in December  1995.  Cost of
service  and  operations  for  the  three-month  and  nine-month  periods  ended
September 30, 1996,  which includes costs to support  subscribers and to operate
the SKYCELL  System,  were $7.6 million and $23.3  million,  respectively,  $3.3
million and $10.7 million  greater than the comparable  periods in 1995. Cost of
service  and  operations  for  the  three-month  and  nine-month  periods  ended
September  30, 1996 were 22% and 21%, as a  percentage  of  operating  expenses,
compared to 28% and 34% for the comparable  periods in 1995. The dollar increase
in cost of service and operations was primarily  attributable  to (i) additional
personnel and related costs to support both  existing and  anticipated  customer
demand,  (ii) increased costs  associated  with the on-going  maintenance of the
Company's  billing  systems  and the CGS,  and (iii) $4.8  million of  insurance
expense for in-orbit insurance coverage for AMSC-1, offset by the elimination of
COMSAT lease expense  reflecting the transition of the Company's  customers from
the leased  satellite  to AMSC-1.  The  decrease as a  percentage  of  operating
expenses was attributable to the overall  increase in total operating  expenses.
The cost of equipment sold increased to $6.2 million from $599,000 for the three
months ended  September  30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  and to $23.1 million
from  $757,000  for  the  nine  months  ended   September  30,  1996  and  1995,
respectively,  and represented  18% and 4% of total  operating  expenses for the
three  months  ended  September  30,  1996  and  1995,  and  21%  and 2% for the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase
in both  dollars  and as a  percentage  of  operating  expenses  of the  cost of
equipment sold is primarily  attributable  to (i) the Company's  introduction of
certain voice  products in the fourth  quarter of 1995 and the resulting sale of
mobile  telephones,  (ii) the  availability  of mobile  data  terminals  in 1996
compared to the first nine months of 1995,  (iii) a $4.0  million  charge in the
second quarter of 1996 for the  reconfiguration of certain inventory  components
to better meet customer  requirements,  and (iv) $4.8 million  writedowns in the
second and third quarters of 1996 of certain assets, including inventory, to net
realizable  value.  Sales and  advertising  expenses were $5.7 million and $18.0
million for the  three-month  and nine-month  periods ended  September 30, 1996,
respectively,  compared  with $5.4 million and $8.9 million for the same periods
in 1995.  Sales and  advertising  expenses for the  three-month  and  nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1996 were 17% and 16%, respectively, as a percentage
of operating  expenses,  compared to 35% and 24% for the  comparable  periods in
1995.  The dollar  increase of sales and  advertising  expenses  were  primarily
attributable to (i) additional head count and personnel related costs associated
with the increase in sales staff,  and (ii) increased costs directly  associated
with the increased  subscriber  acquisition  programs,  offset by a $1.4 million
charge,  in 1995,  associated  with the  re-acquisition  of defective  equipment
located at a customer site and settlement of related disputes. The decrease as a
percentage of operating  expenses was  attributable  to the overall  increase in
total  operating   expenses.   General  and  administrative   expenses  for  the
three-month  and nine-month  periods ended  September 30, 1996 were $4.2 million
and $13.6  million,  respectively,  $210,000 and $2.0  million  greater than the
comparable  periods  in  1995.  General  and  administrative  expenses  for  the
three-month  and nine-month  periods ended  September 30, 1996 were 13% and 12%,
respectively, as a percentage of operating expenses, compared to 26% and 32% for
the same  periods in 1995.  The dollar  increase in general  and  administrative
expenses  for the first  nine  months  of 1996  compared  to 1995 was  primarily
attributable to a $2.1 million  increase in  personnel-related  costs associated
with (i) hiring  and  training  staff to support  full  commercial  service  and
increased  facilities and related support costs  approximating  $1.4 million and
(ii)  approximately  $675,000 of severance  costs  associated  with a management
restructuring.  The  decrease  of  general  and  administrative  expenses  as  a
percentage of operating  expenses was  attributable  to the overall  increase in
total  operating  expenses.  Depreciation  and  amortization  expense  was $10.0
million and $33.0  million for the  three-month  and  nine-month  periods  ended
September  30, 1996,  respectively,  compared with $1.2 million and $2.9 million
for the  same  periods  in  1995.  Depreciation  and  amortization  for both the
three-month  and  nine-month  periods  ended  September  30, 1996 were 30%, as a
percentage of operating expenses, compared with 7% and 8%, respectively, for the
comparable  periods in 1995.  Both the dollar  increase  and the  increase  as a
percentage of operating  expenses in depreciation and amortization  expense were
attributable  to the  commencement  of  depreciation  of both AMSC-1 and related
assets and the CGS in the fourth quarter of 1995.


Interest

     Interest income was $180,000 and $485,000 in the three-month and nine-month
periods  ended  September 30, 1996,  respectively,  compared to $1.0 million and
$4.1 million in the same periods in 1995.  The decreases  were a result of lower
average  cash  balances in the first nine months of 1996.  The Company  incurred
$3.7  million and $11.4  million of interest  expense  for the  three-month  and
nine-month  periods  ended  September  30,  1996,  respectively,  compared to no
interest  expense  for  the  comparable  periods  of  1995  reflecting  (i)  the
discontinuation  of interest cost  capitalization  as a result of  substantially
completing  the  SKYCELL  System in the  fourth  quarter  of 1995,  and (ii) the
amortization of debt discount in the first nine months of 1996 of  approximately
$4.0 million.

Capital Expenditures

     Net  capital  reductions,   including  additions  financed  through  vendor
financing  arrangements,  for the first nine  months of 1996 were $61.9  million
compared to capital  expenditures  of $71.6 million for the same period in 1995.
The decrease was largely  attributable  to (i) the net proceeds of $65.3 million
from the  resolution  of the  claims  under the  Company's  satellite  insurance
contracts  and  policies  (see  "Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources"),  (ii) the
purchase,  in the first  quarter of 1995,  of launch  insurance at a cost to the
Company of $42.8 million in connection  with the Company's  launch contract with
Martin  Marietta  Commercial  Launch  Services,  Inc., and (iii) the decrease in
construction  activity as certain components of the  Communications  System were
completed in 1995.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Adequate  liquidity  and capital are critical to the ability of the Company
to transition  successfully  from being a development stage company to deploying
and operating the SKYCELL System. As previously reported,  on June 28, 1996, the
Company  established  a $225 million debt facility  with Morgan  Guaranty  Trust
Company and  Toronto  Dominion  Bank (the "Bank  Financing")  consisting  of two
facilities:  (i) a $150 million  five-year,  multi-draw  term loan facility (the
"Term Loan Facility") and (ii) a $75 million five-year revolving credit facility
with a bullet maturity on June 30, 2001 (the "Working Capital Facility").  As of
October 28,  1996,  the  Company  had drawn down $93.0  million of the Term Loan
Facility at annual interest rates ranging from 5.6875% to 5.75%. $200 million of
the Bank  Financing is guaranteed  (the  "Guarantee")  by three of the Company's
principal stockholders:  Hughes Electronics  Corporation  ("Hughes"),  Singapore
Telecommunications,  Ltd. and Baron Capital Partners,  L.P.  (collectively,  the
"Guarantors").  The Guarantors received compensation  consisting  principally of
cash fees and warrants (the "Guarantee  Warrants").  The Guarantee Warrants have
been valued at $19.0 million.

     Under the terms of the Bank Financing and the Guarantee,  borrowings  under
the Bank  Financing  in excess of  prescribed  levels  are  contingent  upon the
satisfaction  by  the  Company  of  certain  performance  test  relating  to net
revenues,  number  of  subscribers,  operating  cash  flow and  earnings  before
interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization.  During the third quarter of
1996,  the  Company  met the  required  performance  tests  except  for the test
relating  to net  revenues.  The  Company  has  received  a waiver  relating  to
satisfaction of that performance test and of a limitation on borrowing,  thereby
permitting  the Company to borrow up to $155 million  under the Bank  Financing.
This is expected to meet the Company's  financing needs through the remainder of
1996 and into 1997.

     Because of the slower than anticipated  build-up in subscribers and related
revenues,  it is currently expected that the Company will not meet the remaining
quarterly  Guarantor  performance  tests  under the Bank  Financing.  Therefore,
additional Guarantor waivers will be required under the Bank Financing.  Even if
the Company is successful in receiving  additional waivers, the Company may need
additional  financing in 1997 beyond the Bank  Financing.  No  assurance  can be
given that additional  waivers will be granted or that the terms of such waivers
will not be adverse to the Company, or that if additional financing is required,
that  such  financing  will be  available  or that  the  terms  thereof  will be
favorable to the Company.  If waivers are not granted,  or the Bank Financing is
not  sufficient,  the Company may not have  adequate  capital to fund its future
operations.

     Following  negotiations of certain existing vendor debt  arrangements  (the
"Vendor   Financing")   and  ground   segment   obligations   ("Ground   Segment
Obligations"),  aggregating  $11.1  million,  the Company has  arranged to defer
repayment of the Vendor Financing and a portion of the Ground Segment Obligation
from September 30, 1996, until various dates in 1997.

     As previously  reported,  the Company filed a claim for indemnity under its
launch insurance with respect to the anomalies leading to the reconfiguration of
AMSC-1.On  August 1, 1996, the Company  reached a resolution of the claims under
its satellite insurance  contracts and policies,  and received gross proceeds in
the  amount  of $66.0  million  which  were used to repay  the  Working  Capital
Facility and portions of the Term Loan  Facility and the Vendor  Financing.  The
carrying  value of the  satellite was reduced by the amount of the net insurance
proceeds,  which  will  result in a  reduction  of future  depreciation  charges
beginning in the third quarter of 1996.

     At September 30, 1996, the Company had remaining contractual commitments to
purchase both mobile data  terminal  inventory  and mobile  telephone  inventory
in the maximum amount of $44.4 million.

     For the period from inception  through  September 30, 1996, the Company has
used $200.3  million of cash in operating  activities and $262.5 million of cash
in investing  activities and has generated $465.2 million of cash from financing
activities.  The Company's primary  investing  activity since inception has been
capital expenditures related to the SKYCELL System. The Company has financed its
capital and operating  requirements  through a  combination  of private debt and
equity  placements,   a  public  equity  offering,   borrowings  from  financial
institutions, and vendor financing arrangements.

     Cash used in  operating  activities  was $74.6  million  for the first nine
months of 1996  compared  to cash used of $29.3  million  for the same period in
1995,  an  increase of $45.3  million.  The  increase in cash used in  operating
activities was primarily  attributable to (i) increased  operating losses,  (ii)
increased  trade  receivables  as a result of  increased  equipment  and service
revenue,  and (iii) increased  inventory  acquisitions of subscriber  equipment,
partially  offset by the net increase in operating  accounts payable and accrued
expenses.  Cash provided by investing activities was $54.6 million for the first
nine months of 1996  compared to cash used of $50.2  million for the same period
in 1995, an increase of $104.8 million. The increase was primarily  attributable
to (i) the  receipt of  proceeds  from the  resolution  of the claims  under the
Company's  satellite  insurance  contracts  and  policies,  (ii) the decrease in
construction activity in 1996, and (iii) the purchases,  in the first quarter of
1995,  of $42.8  million of launch  insurance,  offset  partially by the sale of
$28.7  million of  short-term  investments  in the first  quarter of 1995.  Cash
provided by financing  activities was $13.6 million for the first nine months of
1996 compared to cash used in financing  activities of $2.3 million for the same
period  in 1995,  an  increase  of  $15.9  million.  The  increase  was  largely
attributable  to the $77.0 million of borrowings  under the Term Loan  Facility,
offset by the  repayment of $40.0  million of long-term  debt and the payment of
$10.6  million  of costs  associated  with  the  acquisition  of the  Term  Loan
Facility.  As of September  30,  1996,  the Company had $2.4 million of cash and
cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of $21.5 million.

Technological Developments

     As previously reported, the satellite has, in the past, experienced certain
technological  anomalies,  most  significantly  with respect to its eastern beam
which resulted in the Company's  receipt of $66.0 million of insurance  proceeds
as discussed  above (see  "Liquidity  and Capital  Resources").  There can be no
assurance that the satellite will not experience subsequent anomalies that could
adversely impact the Company's  financial  condition,  results of operations and
cash flows.



<PAGE>



                          PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

                    Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
                                  (a) Exhibits

3.1 -- Restated  Certificate of Incorporation of AMSC (as restated effective May
1, 1996)  (Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's  Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ending March 31,1996 and June 30, 1996 (File
No. 0-23044))

3.2 -- Amended and Restated  Bylaws of AMSC (as amended and  restated  effective
February 29, 1996)  (Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the  Company's
Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending  December  31, 1995 (File
No. 0-23044))

10.23c -- Third  Amendment  to Term Loan  Agreement,  dated  November  7,  1995,
between AMSC  Subsidiary  Corporation and Northern  Telecom Finance  Corporation
(filed herewith)

10.23d -- Fourth  Amendment  to Term Loan  Agreement,  dated  October  1,  1996,
between AMSC  Subsidiary  Corporation and Northern  Telecom Finance  Corporation
(filed herewith)

11.1 -- Computation of Net Loss Per Share (filed herewith)

27.0 -- Financial Data Schedule


                             (b) Reports on Form 8-K

                  The Company filed a Current  Report dated July 2, 1996 on Form
                  8-K,  describing in response to Item 5 - Other Events,  in the
                  form of a press  release,  regarding the  finalization  by the
                  Company of a $225 million credit facility with Morgan Guaranty
                  Trust Company of New York and Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc.

                  The Company filed a Current Report dated July 25, 1996 on Form
                  8-K  describing in response to Item 5 - Other  Events,  in the
                  form of a press release,  announcing the election of Jack Shaw
                  as a director and as chairman of the board of directors of the
                  Company, to replace Anthony J. Iorillo,  who resigned from the
                  positions assumed by Mr. Shaw to pursue retirement activities.

                  The Company filed a Current Report dated July 31, 1996 on Form
                  8-K,  describing in response to Item 5 - Other Events,  in the
                  form of a press release, announcing the appointment of Gary M.
                  Parsons as president,  chief executive officer and director of
                  the Company, to succeed Brian B. Pemberton.

                  The Company  filed a Current  Report dated October 24, 1996 on
                  Form 8-K,  describing in response to Item 5 - Other Events, in
                  the  Form  of the  appointment  of  David  A.  Juliano  to the
                  Company's  Board of Directors  filling the vacancy left by the
                  resignation  of Jordan  Roderick from the  Company's  Board of
                  Directors.




<PAGE>



SIGNATURE

Pursuant  to the  requirements  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.

                                      AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION
                                      (Registrant)


Date: November 14, 1996               /s/Patrick C. FitzPatrick
                                      Patrick C. FitzPatrick
                                      Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
                                      (principal financial officer)



                                      /s/Christopher Colavito
                                      Christopher Colavito
                                      Controller and Vice President
                                      (principal accounting officer)



<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number      Exhibit

 3.1   --   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AMSC (as restated effective
            May 1, 1996)  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to the
            Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ending March
            31,1996 and June 30, 1996 (File No. 0-23044))

 3.2   --   Amended  and  Restated  Bylaws  of  AMSC  (as  amended and restated
            effective February 29, 1996) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
            ending December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-23044))

10.23c --   Third Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated November 7, 1995,
            between AMSC Subsidiary Corporation and Northern Telecom Finance
            Corporation (filed herewith)

10.23d --   Fourth Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 1996,
            between AMSC Subsidiary Corporation and Northern Telecom Finance
            Corporation (filed herewith)

11.1   --   Computation of Net Loss Per Share (filed herewith)

27.0   --   Financial Data Schedule

<PAGE>


                     THIRD AMENDMENT TO TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

     THIS  THIRD  AMENDMENT  TO TERM LOAN  AGREEMENT  ("Amendment")  dated as of
November  7,  1995,  by and  between  AMSC  SUBSIDIARY  CORPORATION,  a Delaware
corporation  ("Borrower"),  with offices at 10802 Parkridge  Boulevard,  Reston,
Virginia 22091, and NTFC CAPITAL CORPORATION,  a Delaware corporation  (formerly
known as Northern Telecom Finance Corporation)  ("Lender"),  with offices at 220
Athens Way, Nashville, Tennessee 37228.

                                   BACKGROUND:

     A. Borrower and Lender  executed that certain Term Loan Agreement  dated as
of May 28, 1993, as amended by the First  Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated
as of April 8, 1994 and that Second Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated as of
August 1, 1995,  (as so amended,  the "Original Loan  Agreement")  providing for
certain loans to be made to Borrower by Lender (the "Loans").

     B. Borrower has requested Lender to change certain  financial  covenants in
the Original Loan Agreement,  and Lender is willing to make such changes, on the
terms and conditions set forth herein.

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the premises and for other good and
valuable   consideration,   the  receipt  and   adequacy  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.  Definitions.  All capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise
defined  shall  have the  meanings  given to such  terms  in the  Original  Loan
Agreement, as amended hereby.

     2.  Amendment to Section 6.10.  Section 6.10 of the Original Loan Agreement
is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

         6.10  Leverage  Ratio.  Borrower  shall not  permit  at any time  after
     September 30, 1996, the ratio of (a) Total Senior Funded Debt as at the end
     of any fiscal quarter  described below to (b) the sum of (i) EBITDA for the
     six-month period ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter, annualized,
     plus (ii) any new cash equity received by Borrower  during such period,  to
     exceed the ratio set forth  opposite such fiscal quarter below (there being
     no restriction pursuant to this Section 6.10 prior to September 30, 1996):

                  Fiscal Quarter Ending                     Maximum Ratio

                  9/30/96 through 3/31/97                   13 to 1
                  6/30/97 through 3/31/98                    8 to 1
                  6/30/98 and thereafter                     4 to 1

     3. Representations and Warranties of Borrower.  The Borrower represents and
warrants to Lender that the  Borrower has not executed any other deeds of trust,
mortgages,  security  agreements  or financing  statements in favor of any other
person or entity  affecting  the  Collateral;  that no person or entity  has any
rights to claim a lien upon the Collateral  superior to the lien of Lender; that
no Default or Event of Default has occurred  under the Original Loan  Agreement;
and that no event has occurred and no claim,  offset or other  condition  exists
which would relieve the Borrower of any of its  obligations  to Lender under the
Original  Loan  Agreement  or  other  documents  executed  by  the  Borrower  in
connection therewith.

     4. Lender's Fees and Expenses.  Borrower shall pay to Lender on demand, all
costs and  expenses,  including  reasonable  legal  fees,  incurred by Lender in
connection with  preparation,  negotiation,  execution or implementation of this
Amendment.

     5. Full Force and  Effect.  Except as  specifically  modified  herein,  the
Original Loan Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as written,  and
nothing  herein is  intended  to, nor shall it,  release,  diminish or waive the
rights of the parties under the Original Loan  Agreement,  the Note or the other
Loan Documents.

     6.  Counterparts.   This  amendment  may  be  executed  in  any  number  of
counterparts  (by  facsimile  transmission  or  otherwise)  and by the different
parties hereto on separate counterparts,  each of which, when so executed, shall
be deemed an original,  but all such  counterparts  shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this Third  Amendment to Term Loan Agreement has been
executed  as  of  the  day  first  above  written  by  the  parties'  authorized
representatives.

LENDER:                          BORROWER:

NTFC CAPITAL CORPORATION         AMSC SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION

By: /s/_______________________    By: /s/ James E. Bogdan

Title: _______________________   Title: Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>




                     FOURTH AMENDMENT TO TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

     THIS FOURTH  AMENDMENT  TO TERM LOAN  AGREEMENT  ("Amendment")  dated as of
October  1,  1996,  by and  between  AMSC  SUBSIDIARY  CORPORATION,  a  Delaware
corporation  ("Borrower"),  with offices at 10802 Parkridge  Boulevard,  Reston,
Virginia 22091, and NTFC CAPITAL CORPORATION,  a Delaware Corporation  (formerly
known as Northern Telecom Finance Corporation)  ("Lender"),  with offices at 220
Athens Way, Nashville, Tennessee 37228.

                                   BACKGROUND:

     A. Borrower and Lender  executed that certain Term Loan Agreement  dated as
of May 28, 1993, as amended by the First  Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated
as of April 8, 1994,  the Second  Amendment to Term Loan  Agreement  dated as of
August 1, 1995, the Third  Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated as of November
7, 1995 (as so amended,  the "Original  Loan  Agreement")  providing for certain
loans to be made to Borrower by Lender (the "Loans").  The Loans are represented
by the Amended and Restated  Equipment Note dated as of April 8, 1994,  amending
and restating the Note originally  dated as of May 28, 1993 (as so amended,  the
"Original Note").

     B.  Borrower  has  requested   Lender  to  make  certain   changes  in  the
amortization  schedule  and  interest  on the Loans,  and to  eliminate  certain
financial  covenants in the Original  Loan  Agreement,  and Lender is willing to
make such changes, on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the premises and for other good and
valuable   consideration,   the  receipt  and   adequacy  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.  Definitions.  All capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise
defined  shall  have the  meanings  given to such  terms  in the  Original  Loan
Agreement, as amended hereby.
     2.  Amendment to Section 1.01.  Section 1.01 of the Original Loan Agreement
is hereby  amended by amending each of the following  definitions to read in its
entirety as follows:

              "Interest Payment Date ": the First Interest Payment Date for the
         Loan and the first day of each Interest Period.

              "Interest Rate": a variable  interest rate equal to (a) LIBOR plus
         4.5% through and including September 30, 1996, and (b) LIBOR plus 2.5 %
         from and after  October 1, 1996, in each case adjusted on the first day
         of each Interest Period.

              "Maturity Date": December 31, 1997,  on  which  all  principal,
         interest, premium, expenses, fees,  penalties  and  other  amounts due
         under the Note shall be finally due and payable.

     3.  Amendment to Section 2,05.  Section 2.05 of the Original Loan Agreement
is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

               2.05. Principal  Payments.  The  entire  outstanding  principal
               amount of the Note and all accrued but unpaid interest and all
               other unpaid amounts due thereunder shall be paid on the Maturity
               Date.

     4.  Amendment to Section 2.07.  Section 2.07 of the Original Loan Agreement
is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

               2.07. Prepayments.

               (A)  Voluntary  Prepayments.  Commencing  on or after the Initial
Payment Date,  Borrower  may, at its option,  at any time and from time to time,
prepay the Loan in whole or in part, upon (i) at least thirty (30) Business Days
prior  written  notice to Lender  specifying  the date and amount of  prepayment
(together  with all  accrued but unpaid  interest  thereon),  (ii)  payment of a
prepayment  premium in an amount  equal to one  percent  (1 %) of the  principal
amount  prepaid,  and (iii)  payment of all accrued  and unpaid  interest on the
principal amount prepaid and all other charges then outstanding.

               (B) Application of Prepayments. Any prepayments of the Note shall
be applied  first to  interest  and then to the  installments  of  principal  in
reverse chronological order under the Note.

     5. Deletion of Sections 6.10  (Leverage  Ratio) and 6.11 (Cash Flow Ratio).
'The Original Loan  Agreement is hereby  further  amended by deleting  therefrom
Sections 6.10 and 6.11 in their entirety.  Lender hereby and forever waives each
and every  Default or Event of Default based upon or arising from any failure of
the  Borrower  to comply  with the terms of Section 6. 10 of the  Original  Loan
Agreement on or prior to the date hereof.

     6. Amended and Restated Note.  Contemporaneously with the execution of this
Amendment,  Borrower  shall execute an Amended and Restated Note to  incorporate
the terms hereof, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender.

     7. Representations and Warranties of Borrower.  The Borrower represents and
warrants to Lender that the  Borrower has not executed any other deeds of trust,
mortgages,  security  agreements  or financing  statements in favor of any other
person or entity  affecting  the  Collateral;  that no person or entity  has any
rights to claim a lien upon the Collateral  superior to the lien of Lender; that
no Default or Event of Default has occurred  under the Original  Loan  Agreement
(except  Defaults  and Events of Default  that are waived  herein);  and that no
event has occurred and no claim,  offset or other  condition  exists which would
relieve the Borrower of any of its obligations to Lender under the Original Loan
Agreement or other documents executed by the Borrower in connection therewith.

     8. Lender's Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall pay to Lender, on demand, all
costs and  expenses,  including  reasonable  legal  fees,  incurred by Lender in
connection with the preparation,  negotiation,  execution or  implementation  of
this Amendment.

     9. Full Force and  Effect.  Except as  specifically  modified  herein,  the
Original Loan Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as written,  and
nothing  herein is  intended  to, nor shall it,  release,  diminish or waive the
rights of the parties under the Original Loan  Agreement,  the Note or the other
Loan Documents.

     10.  Counterparts.  This  Amendment  may  be  executed  in  any  number  of
counterparts  (by  facsimile  transmission  or  otherwise)  and by the different
parties hereto on separate counterparts,  each of which, when so executed, shall
be deemed an original,  but all such  counterparts  shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this Fourth Amendment to Term Loan Agreement has been
executed  as  of  the  day  first  above  written  by  the  parties'  authorized
representatives.


LENDER:                                       BORROWER:

NTFC CAPITAL CORPORATION                      AMSC SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION

By:   /s/ L.W. Middleton                      By:  /s/ Richard J. Burnheimer

Title:  Secretary                             Title: Vice President & Treasurer
<PAGE>



                            AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE

$5,933,095.61                               Originally dated as of: May 28, 1993
                                                 Previously Amended and Restated
                                                           as of:  April 8, 1994
                                      Amended and Restated as of October 1, 1996


     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, AMSC SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION  ("Borrower"),  promises to
pay to the order of NORTHERN  TELECOM FINANCE  CORPORATION (the "Lender") at its
offices located at 220 Athens Way, Nashville, Tennessee,  37228-1399, or to such
other Person and such other location  specified in writing by the holder hereof,
in lawful  money of the United  States of America and in  immediately  available
funds the principal  amount of Five Million Nine Hundred  Thirty- Three Thousand
Ninety Five Dollars and Sixty-One Cents ($5,933,095.61),  together with interest
thereon and other  amounts due as provided  below.  Notations  on the  Schedules
attached hereto are for convenience  only, and the failure of the Lender to make
any notation on any  Schedule,  or any  incorrect  notation by the Lender on any
Schedule,  shall not diminish the  obligations  of the Borrower under this Note.
This Note shall mature on December 31, 1997 (the "Maturity Date").

     The  "Initial  Payment  Date" means the first  Business Day of the calendar
month following the month in which the Termination  Date falls. The "Termination
Date" means the earliest of the  following  three dates:  (a) December 31, 1994,
but  only if  Final  Acceptance  (as  defined  in the  Loan  Agreement)  ("Final
Acceptance")  has  occurred on or before  such date;  or (b) the last day of the
month of the date of Final Acceptance if Final Acceptance occurs between January
1, 1995 and February 28, 1995; or (c) March 31, 1995.

     This Note has been made and  delivered  pursuant to that  certain Term Loan
Agreement  dated as of May 28, 1993 by and between the  Borrower and the Lender,
as amended by the First  Amendment to Term Loan  Agreement  dated as of April 8,
1994, the Second  Amendment to Term Loan  Agreement  dated as of August 1, 1995,
the Third Amendment to Term Loan Agreement dated as of November 7, 1995, and the
Fourth  Amendment to Term Loan  Agreement of even date herewith (as the same may
be modified,  amended or supplemented  from time to time, the "Loan  Agreement")
and is the Note  described in Section  2.03(a)  thereof.  Any term not otherwise
defined  in  this  Note  shall  have  the  meaning  ascribed  to it in the  Loan
Agreement.  Reference  is made to the Loan  Agreement,  which among other things
provides for the  acceleration  of the maturity  hereof upon the  occurrence  of
certain  events and for  prepayments in certain  circumstances  and upon certain
terms and  conditions.  This Note is secured by the Collateral  described in the
Security Documents.

     All advances hereunder shall bear interest at the Interest Rate (as defined
below)  from the date of such  Advance  until  such  amount  is due and  payable
(whether  on any  Payment  Date,  at the  Maturity  Date,  by  acceleration,  or
otherwise).

     The  "Interest  Rate" shall be a variable  interest rate equal to (a) LIBOR
plus 4.5 % through and including  September  30, 1996,  and (b) LIBOR plus 2.5 %
from and after  October 1, 1996,  in each case adjusted on the first day of each
Interest Period.

     "LIBOR":  in respect of any Interest Period, the rate of interest per annum
shall be the rate quoted in the "money rates" column of The Wall Street  Journal
for the three-month LIBOR (London  Interbank Offered Rates).  This rate is to be
determined on the second  Business Day before the  commencement of such Interest
Period  (each such second  Business Day before the  commencement  of an Interest
Period being hereinafter referred to as an "Interest Determination Date").

     "Interest  Period":  each three (3) calendar month period beginning January
1, April 1, July I and October I of each calendar year provided that:

               (A) if any Interest  Period  pertaining to a Loan would otherwise
         end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period shall be
         extended to the next succeeding  Business Day unless the result of such
         extension would be to carry such Interest Period into another  calendar
         month, in which event such Interest Period shall end on the immediately
         preceding Business Day;

               (B) any Interest  Period  pertaining to a Loan that begins on the
         last  Business Day of a calendar  month (or on a day for which there is
         no  numerically  corresponding  day in the calendar month at the end of
         such  Interest  Period)  shall end on the last Business Day of the last
         calendar month of such Interest Period;

               (C) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date; and

               (D) no Interest Period shall extend beyond any date upon which is
         due any scheduled  principal  payment in respect of the Loan unless the
         aggregate  principal amount of the Loan is equal to or in excess of the
         amount of such principal payment.

     Interest  shall  accrue  at the  Interest  Rate  on all  principal  amounts
outstanding  hereunder and shall be payable quarterly in arrears,  commencing on
January  1,  1997,  and  continuing  on the  first day of each  Interest  Period
thereafter,  and shall be payable on the Maturity  Date.  Interest shall also be
payable on the date of any  prepayment  of this Loan pursuant to Section 2.07 of
the Loan  Agreement  for the  portion  of the Loan so prepaid  and upon  payment
(including  prepayment) in full thereof and, after the occurrence and during the
continuance of any Event of Default, interest shall be payable on demand.

     All  outstanding  principal  and interest and all other  amounts  otherwise
payable hereunder shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.

     Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if the Borrower shall fail to pay any then
due principal  amount or interest or other amount  payable by the Borrower under
the Loan  Agreement  or under this Note within ten (10) days after the due date,
such amount shall bear  interest  from the original due date at a rate per annum
that is equal to the  lesser  of (i) five  percent  (5 %)  higher  than the then
applicable  Interest  Rate or (ii) the maximum  permissible  interest rate under
applicable Law until such overdue principal amount,  interest or other amount is
paid in full  (both  before  and after  judgment)  whether  or not any notice of
default in the payment thereof has been delivered under the Loan Agreement.

     Notwithstanding  any  provision  of this Note or the Loan  Agreement to the
contrary, it is the intent of the Lender and the Borrower that the Lender or any
subsequent  holder of this Note shall never be  entitled  to  receive,  collect,
reserve  or apply,  as  interest,  any amount in excess of the  maximum  rate of
interest permitted to be charged by applicable Law, as amended or enacted,  from
time to time. In the event Lender,  or any subsequent  holder of this Note, ever
receives,  collects,  reserves or applies,  as interest,  any such excess,  such
amount which would be excessive interest shall be deemed a partial prepayment of
principal and treated as such, or, if the principal  indebtedness  and all other
amounts due are paid in full,  any remaining  excess funds shall  immediately be
paid  to the  Borrower.  In  determining  whether  or not the  interest  paid or
payable,  under any specific  contingency,  exceeds the highest lawful rate, the
Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent  permitted under applicable
law, (a) exclude voluntary  prepayments and the effects thereof as it may relate
to any fees charged by the Lender,  and (b)  amortize,  prorate,  allocate,  and
spread, in equal parts, the total amount of interest  throughout the entire term
of the Note;  provided  that if the Note is paid and  performed in full prior to
the end of the full contemplated  term hereof,  and if the interest received for
the actual  period of existence  hereof  exceeds the maximum  lawful  rate,  the
Lender or any  subsequent  holder of the Note shall  refund to the  Borrower the
amount of such excess or credit the amount of such excess  against the principal
portion of the Note,  as of the date it was  received,  and, in such event,  the
Lender  shall  not be  subject  to  any  penalties  provided  by  any  laws  for
contracting  for,  charging,  reserving or  receiving  interest in excess of the
maximum lawful rate.

     Upon the  occurrence of any one or more Events of Default  specified in the
Loan Agreement,  all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall be, or may
be  declared  to be,  immediately  due  and  payable  as  provided  in the  Loan
Agreement,  without  further  notice,  at the option of the holder  hereof.  The
holder may waive any Event of Default before or after the same has been declared
and  restore  this Note to full force and effect  without  impairing  any rights
hereunder,  such  right of waiver  being a  continuing  one,  but one waiver not
implying any additional or subsequent waiver.

     Demand,  presentment,  notice and protest are expressly waived,  except for
notices otherwise expressly required in the Loan Agreement.

     In the event this Note is placed in the hands of one or more  attorneys for
collection or enforcement or protection of the holder's rights  described in the
Loan Agreement,  the Borrower  agrees to pay all reasonable  attorneys' fees and
all court and other  out-of-pocket  costs  incurred by the holder  hereof (which
shall be due on demand).

     This Note may be prepaid in accordance  with the provisions of Section 2.07
of the Loan Agreement.

     This Note is  governed by and shall be  construed  in  accordance  with the
internal laws of the State of New York.

     This Note may not be changed, extended or terminated except in writing.

     This Note may be assigned  in  accordance  with  Section 8. 1 8 of the Loan
Agreement.  In the  event  of any  conflict  between  this  Note  and  the  Loan
Agreement, the provisions of the Loan Agreement shall control.

     This  Amended  and  Restated  Note  is  an  amendment,   modification   and
restatement of that certain Note in the original  principal amount of $3,750,000
(plus  capitalized  interest),  dated as of May 28, 1993,  issued by Borrower to
Lender,  previously  amended and restated by an Amended and  Restated  Equipment
Note in the original principal amount of $7,500,000 (plus capitalized  interest)
dated as of April 8, 1994 (as  previously  amended,  the  "Original  Note).  The
principal  amount  of  this  Note is the  outstanding  principal  amount  of the
Original Note, including interest capitalized and added to principal as provided
therein.  This Note is not a novation,  release or discharge of the indebtedness
evidenced by the Original Note.

     Executed as of October 1, 1996.

                                            AMSC SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION
                                            By:     /s/ Richard J. Burnheimer
                                            Title:  Vice President & Treasurer
<PAGE>



                                                                   Exhibit 11.1

                      AMERICAN MOBILE SATELLITE CORPORATION
                     ---------------------------------------
                    COMPUTATIONS OF EARNING PER COMMON SHARE
                     ---------------------------------------
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                     ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Three Months                   Nine Months
                                                       Ended September 30,          Ended September 30,
                                                       1996              1995       1996             1995
                                                       -------------------          -------------------

PRIMARY CALCULATION
- -------------------------

<S>                                                    <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
Net Loss                                               $(30,003)     $(12,502)      $(103,388)     $(26,964)
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
Net Loss per common share                              $  (1.20)     $   (.50)      $   (4.13)     $  (1.08)
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
Weighted-average common shares outstanding               25,065        24,941          25,024        24,884
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
FULLY DILUTED CALCULATION
- -------------------------
Net Loss(1)                                            $(30,003)     $(12,502)      $ (97,994)     $(26,964)
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
Net Loss per common share                              $  (1.19)     $   (.50)      $   (3.88)     $  (1.07)
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
Weighted-average common shares outstanding(2)            25,200        25,155          25,229        25,099
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(1)  Calculated as follows:                               Three Months                  Nine Months
                                                       Ended September 30,          Ended September 30,
                                                       1996           1995          1996            1995
                                                       -------------------           -------------------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
Primary net loss                                       $(30,003)     $(12,502)      $(103,388)     $(26,964)
Amortization of debt discount                                --            --           2,253            --
Interest on convertible debt                                 --            --           3,141            --
                                                       ---------     ---------      ----------     ---------
                                                       $(30,003)     $(12,502)      $ (97,994)     $(26,964)
                                                       =========     =========      ==========     =========
(2)  Calculated as follows:
Historical weighted average
  number of shares outstanding                           25,065        24,941          25,024        24,884
Assumed exercise of stock options                            35            57             105            58
Assumed exercise of stock purchase warrants                 100           157             100           157
                                                       =========     ========       ==========     =========
                                                         25,200        25,155          25,229        25,099
                                                       =========     ========       ==========     =========

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                   5
<LEGEND>
     This schedule  contains summary  financial  information  extracted from the
     Company's unaudited  Consolidated  Statement of Loss,  Consolidated Balance
     Sheet, and Consolidated  Statement of Cash Flows, in each case for the nine
     months ended September 30, 1996, and is qualified in its entirety by
     reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000
<CURRENCY>                                     U.S. Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                   SEP-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<CASH>                                         2,388
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  7,043
<ALLOWANCES>                                   0
<INVENTORY>                                    39,960
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               51,873
<PP&E>                                         274,758
<DEPRECIATION>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 342,929
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          77,394
<BONDS>                                        102,221
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                       250
<OTHER-SE>                                     188,969
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   342,929
<SALES>                                        12,452
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               18,523
<CGS>                                          23,116
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  78,057
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               32,975
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             11,364
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (103,388)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (103,388)
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (103,388)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (4.13)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0
        
<PAGE>

</TABLE>


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