NSR Report: Satellite Operator Financials Show Slight 2017 Growth via New Pivot Strategies and Data Verticals
Although Pricing Pressure and Video Revenue Declines Weigh Against High FSS Fill Rates and HTS Growth
Cambridge, MA – Oct 16, 2018 – NSR’s Satellite Industry Financial Analysis, 8th Edition (SIFA8), released today, finds most operators demonstrated higher fill rates in 2017, though aggregate operator revenues increased by just 0.5%. Increasing demand in mobility, broadband and backhaul has enabled operators to post higher contractual volumes towards both FSS and HTS fleets in a supply-heavy market; however, this is balanced by declining capacity pricing and shorter contract durations – resulting in decreased backlog, at a CAGR of -4% over last 5 years.
On top of 7-10% growth in fill rates, operators have been able to post significant growth in data verticals, with customers moving from legacy FSS to new HTS fleets. Although, with a declining video revenue base and a low EBITDA service-oriented business, operators continuously look further to build growth through downstream distribution partnerships as demonstrated by Eutelsat with Orange for Konnect VHTS European broadband and by Sky Perfect JSAT and APT Mobile Satcom for mobility.
“These downstream strategy pivots have given rise to two distinct patterns in the satcom industry. The first doubles down on connectivity in broadband to home, ship and airplane via HTS and a service business to execute growth; while the opposite one focuses on higher FSS revenues per unit CAPEX per leased TPE to increase fill rates and improve margins – in order to strengthen regional incumbency,” notes Gagan Agrawal, report author. “While regional operators may choose either strategy, global operators like Eutelsat, SES, and Telesat look to execute both in a bid to secure long term revenue growth in mobility and backhaul, with Eutelsat, Hughes and ViaSat slated to expand globally in broadband post 2018-19”, adds Agrawal.
Moving forward, with the interim CAPEX cycle ending, satellite operators will look to increase Free Cash Flow (FCF) in the short-to-medium term at manageable debt levels, with focus around maximizing revenues per unit CAPEX in both FSS and HTS fleets. Further, age extension of satellites has stretched the FSS replenishment cycle, giving operators more time to pivot strategy based on regional supply and demand. With satcom Service Providers continuing to post double-digit growth at negative FCF and extremely thin EBITDA, and with operators deleveraging in the short term, expansion through vertical consolidation becomes likely post 2019 in captive markets.
About the Report
NSR’s Satellite Industry Financial Analysis, 8th Edition (SIFA8) offers an industry first analysis with comprehensive research covering 25 financial metrics across 15 satellite operators (FSS and HTS) and 5 service providers. SIFA8 presents an unparalleled level of detail through more than 300 tables and charts to analyze sections in Satcom Financial Index, Statistical metrics across terms 2008-2012 vs. 2013-2017, key efficiency indicators in HTS market strength and break-even fleet pricing, and strategic positioning for each operator/service provider. SIFA8 answers key long term strategic and financial questions, supplemented by NSR’s unique insights. 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 +1-617-674-7743.
About NSR
NSR is the leading global market research and consulting firm focused on the satellite and space sectors. NSR’s global team, unparalleled coverage and anticipation of trends with a higher degree of confidence and precision than the competition is the cornerstone of all NSR offerings. First to market coverage and a transparent, dependable approach sets NSR apart as the key provider of critical insight to the satellite and space industries. Contact us at info@nsr.com to discuss how we can assist your business.
###