New NSR Report Finds Satellite Operators Driving Efficiencies via HTS and Acquisitions
“Big Four” Global Operators Lead in Revenue Growth as Operational Efficiencies Take Center Stage
Wilmington, DE– September 30, 2014 –NSR’s Satellite Operator Financial Analysis (SOFA), 4th Edition, published today, finds that operational efficiency is more important than ever for satellite operators, with many taking a multi-pronged approach to increasing productivity. This trend is not limited to acquisitions, but also extends to HTS payloads being launched.
“We are seeing a fundamental transformation within the satellite telecommunications industry. Economies of scale the likes of which we have never seen, powered by not only M&A but also HTS payloads delivering previously unimagined throughput, will have an immense impact upon the financial dynamics of the industry moving forward”, states NSR. “The impetus is now on the Big Four to capitalize on their increased efficiencies—and on the regional players to further diversify their value propositions—without this combination, we will see a divergence between the haves and have-nots of the sector, and long-term, extensive consolidation”, adds NSR.
An example of this phenomenon of huge potential for HTS payloads would be Avanti Communications, which is covered extensively in the report. Avanti currently has a fleet of 3 satellites plus 1 on order, and the company has publically stated these satellites are capable of generating revenues of up to $700M—this would make them the 5th largest operator in the world by revenue despite having only 3 dedicated satellites and ARTEMIS, an ESA-purposed satellite. Big revenues? Yes. Big fleet? Absolutely not.
Beyond this phenomenon, 2013 was an inflection point in terms of satellite operators. In recent years, NSR’s past SOFA analyses noted regional players seeing faster growth rates than the Big Four. 2013 changed that in a big way, with Eutelsat’s acquisition of Satmex leading the way for the Big Four to seeing nearly 5% revenue growth, compared to nearly 4% revenue decline for “everyone else”. The fastest growth was again seen by the top regional operators, with companies such as Arabsat, APT Satellite, and Avanti setting the pace. However, unlike 2012, two of the Big Four saw nearly 10% growth rates, with SES and Eutelsat benefitting from currency fluctuations and Eutelsat’s acquisition of Satmex, and as such seeing their collective revenues increase by nearly $400M in 2013.
About the Report
NSR’sSatellite Operator Financial Analysis, 4th Edition (SOFA4), provides industry-leading analysis and comprehensive research on all aspects relating to the financial side of the FSS sector. With financial data taken from 6 fully-reporting operators, 7 partially-reporting operators, and 11 other operators from which data was derived from industry-recognized sources, SOFA4 is unparalleled in its level of detail and scope of data, supplemented by unique NSR analysis and insights. With over 200 tables and charts, and data from 2007 to H1 2014, SOFA4 is the definitive tool for understanding the answers to strategic questions surrounding the financial side of the FSS sector. Satellite Operator Financial Analysis (SOFA), 4th Edition, is a multi-client report now available from NSR.
For additional information on this report, including a full table of contents, list of exhibits, and executive summary, please visit www.nsr.com, or call NSR at 302-295-4981.
About NSR
NSR is a leading international market research and consulting firm with a core focus on the satellite sector and related industries. Founded in 2000 and with an experienced group of analysts located in all regions, NSR specializes in analysis of growth opportunities across four core sectors: Satellite Communications, Broadcasting & Digital Media, Hybrid & Emerging Applications and Commercial Space.
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