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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
September 22, 1998
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GLOBALSTAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Islands of Bermuda 0-25456 13-3795510
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(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
incorporation) Number)
Cedar House, 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 12
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(441) 295-2244
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GLOBALSTAR, L.P.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 333-25461 13-3759824
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(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
incorporation) Number)
3200 Zanker Road, San Jose, California 95134
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(408) 933-4000
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Item 5. Other Events.
As a result of the launch failure on September 9, 1998 of a Zenit 2
rocket carrying 12 Globalstar, L.P. ("Globalstar") satellites, Globalstar has
revised its launch strategy. Globalstar successfully launched eight satellites
earlier this year and plans to launch an additional 24 satellites by May 1999
which will permit it to commence commercial service with a 32-satellite
constellation in the third quarter of 1999. Globalstar expects to complete its
48-satellite constellation, with an additional four in-orbit spares, by December
1999. In order to meet this launch schedule, Globalstar has available to it, and
will select launches from among, eight Soyuz launches of four satellites each,
six Delta 2 launches of four satellites each, and two Zenit launches.
As a result of the Zenit launch failure and the resulting delay in
commencement of commercial service until the third quarter of 1999, Globalstar's
budgeted expenditures for the design, construction and deployment of the
baseline Globalstar System increased approximately $240 million, reflecting
approximately $140 million, after receipt of insurance proceeds, for additional
launch costs, and approximately $100 million for additional working capital,
cash interest on borrowings and operating expenses anticipated through
commencement of commercial service. In addition, Globalstar's budget for the
baseline system now includes approximately $180 million for the cost of eight
satellites previously identified as ground spares but not previously included in
the baseline system. Accordingly, total budget expenditures for the Globalstar
baseline system have increased to approximately $3.26 billion from approximately
$2.84 billion. Actual amounts may vary from these estimates and additional funds
would be required in the event of unforeseen delays, cost overruns, additional
launch failures, technological risks or adverse regulatory developments, or to
meet unanticipated expenses.
As of September 22, 1998, Globalstar had raised or received commitments
for approximately $2.9 billion. Globalstar believes that its current capital,
vendor financing commitments and the availability of the Globalstar credit
agreement ($250 million available at June 30, 1998) are sufficient to fund its
requirements for the system into the first quarter of 1999. Globalstar estimates
that it will require a total of approximately $565 million in additional
financing before commencement of commercial service in the third quarter of
1999, reflecting the additional satellite, launch and operating costs set forth
above, as well as expenditures on system enhancements planned for implementation
after commencement of service and costs related to Globalstar's financing of
service provider purchases of gateways, fixed access terminals and handsets.
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which amounts Globalstar expects to recoup following acceptance of this
equipment by the service providers. Globalstar intends to raise the remaining
funds required from a combination of sources which may include equity issuance,
debt issuance (which may include an equity component), financial support from
the Globalstar partners, projected service provider payments, projected net
service revenues from initial operations and anticipated payments from the sale
of gateways and Globalstar subscriber terminals. Although Globalstar believes
it will be able to obtain these additional funds, there can be no assurance
that such funds will be available on favorable terms or on a timely basis, if
at all. If there are unforeseen delays, if technical or regulatory developments
result in a need to modify the design of all or a portion of the Globalstar
System, if service provider agreements for additional territories are not
entered into at the times or on the terms anticipated by Globalstar or if other
additional costs are incurred, the risk of which is substantial, additional
capital will be required. A substantial shortfall in meeting Globalstar's
capital needs would adversely affect completion of the Globalstar System or
delay full deployment of all Globalstar satellites. The ability of Globalstar
to achieve positive cash flow will depend upon the successful marketing of its
services by service providers and the ability of the Globalstar System to
successfully compete against other satellite-based telecommunications systems,
as to which there can be no assurance.
This report contains forward-looking statements, including statements
regarding schedules for future satellite launches, commencement of commercial
service of the Globalstar system and additional financing. These
forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including
preliminary assessments of the effect of the Zenit 2 launch failure and actual
results may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such
statements. For a description of factors which may cause results for Globalstar
to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements, please consult the Securities and Exchange Act filings of
Globalstar Telecommunications Limited.
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SIGNATURES
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 hereunto duly authorized.
GLOBALSTAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LIMITED
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(Registrant)
Date: September 22, 1998 By: /s/ Eric J. Zahler
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Eric J. Zahler
Vice President
GLOBALSTAR, L.P.
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(Registrant)
By: Loral/QUALCOMM Satellite
Services, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: Loral/QUALCOMM
Partnership, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: Loral General Partner, Inc.
its General Partner
Date: September 22, 1998 By: /s/ Eric J. Zahler
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Eric J. Zahler
Vice President
