Iridium Communications Inc. - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2014

OR

Commission File Number 001-33963

Iridium Communications Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

703-287-7400

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No   x

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of October 27, 2014 was 93,741,773.

IRIDIUM COMMUNICATIONS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.

Iridium Communications Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

Iridium Communications Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

Iridium Communications Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

Iridium Communications Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Iridium Communications Inc. (the “Company”) has prepared its condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly owned subsidiaries, and (iii) all less than wholly owned subsidiaries that the Company controls. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of its results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods covered, and of the financial position of the Company at the date of the interim condensed consolidated balance sheet. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to instructions, rules and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). While the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2013 annual consolidated financial statements and notes included in its Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2014.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Warranty Expense

The Company provides the first end-user purchaser of its subscriber equipment a warranty for one to five years from the date of purchase by such first end-user, depending on the product. The Company maintains a warranty reserve based on historical experience of warranty costs and expected occurrences of warranty claims on equipment. Costs associated with warranties, including equipment replacements, repairs, freight, and program administration, are recorded as cost of subscriber equipment in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Changes in the warranty reserve during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:

Fair Value Measurements

The Company evaluates assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring and non-recurring basis to determine the appropriate level to classify them for each reporting period. This determination requires significant judgments to be made by management of the Company. The instruments identified as subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis are cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Fair value is the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability assuming an orderly transaction in the most advantageous market at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of observability of inputs used in measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following tiers:

The carrying values of short-term financial instruments (primarily cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The fair value of the Company’s investments in money market funds approximates its carrying value; such instruments are classified as Level 1 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Company’s investments in commercial paper and short-term U.S. agency securities with original maturities of less than ninety days approximates their carrying value; such instruments are classified as Level 2 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The fair value of the Company’s investments in fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with original maturities of greater than ninety days are obtained using similar investments traded on active securities exchanges and are classified as Level 2 and are included in marketable securities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Depreciation Expense

The Company calculates depreciation expense using the straight line method and evaluates the appropriateness of the useful life used on a quarterly basis or as events occur that require additional assessment. In September 2014, the Company updated its analysis of the current satellites’ remaining useful lives based on the refinement of the launch schedule and deployment plan for the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation (“Iridium NEXT”). As a result, the estimated useful lives of the satellites within the current constellation have been extended and are consistent with the expected deployment of Iridium NEXT. The change in estimated useful life resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior-year period. The change in accounting estimate reduced the depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 by $0.9 million and the change in estimate will have an impact on future periods. The Company will continue to evaluate the useful lives of its current satellites on an ongoing basis through the full deployment of Iridium NEXT as the satellites are placed into service.

Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company lost communication with three of its in-orbit satellites, one in the first quarter of 2014 and two in the third quarter of 2014. As a result, an impairment charge of $1.3 million and $2.2 million was recorded within depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The Company had in-orbit spare satellites available to replace the lost satellites. The Company lost no satellites in 2013. The Company does not believe the loss of these satellites is an indicator of impairment of the constellation as of September 30, 2014.

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. These investments, along with cash deposited in institutional money market funds, regular interest bearing and non-interest bearing depository accounts, are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents:

The increase in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014 is due to the proceeds from the sale of the Company’s common stock and 6.75% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”). For further discussion of the Company’s equity transactions, see the Equity Transactions and Instruments footnote below.

Restricted Cash

The Company is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to its $1.8 billion loan facility (the “Credit Facility”). As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s restricted cash balance, which includes a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to the Credit Facility and the interest earned on these amounts, was $86.1 million and $81.2 million, respectively. For further discussion on the cash reserve for debt service related to the Credit Facility, see the Commitments and Contingencies footnote below.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with an original maturity in excess of ninety days. These investments are classified as available-for-sale and are included in marketable securities within current assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. All investments are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of the marketable securities sold. There were no material realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of its investments to identify other-than-temporary declines in value. As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s marketable securities included gross unrealized losses of approximately $0.2 million. The Company determined that the decline in fair value of these investments is temporary as the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis.

The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities:

The following tables present the contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities:

4. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Thales

In June 2010, the Company executed a primarily fixed-price full-scale development contract (the “FSD”) with Thales Alenia Space France (“Thales”) for the design and build of satellites for Iridium NEXT, the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation. The total price under the FSD is $2.3 billion, and the Company expects payment obligations under the FSD to extend into the first quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had made aggregate payments of $1,126.8 million to Thales, of which $957.8 million were from borrowings under the Credit Facility, which were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company currently uses the Credit Facility to pay 85% of each invoice received from Thales under the FSD with the remaining 15% funded from cash on hand. Once the Credit Facility is fully drawn, the Company expects to pay 100% of each invoice received from Thales from cash and marketable securities on hand as well as internally generated cash flow, including potential cash flows from hosted payloads and Iridium PRIME^SM.

SpaceX

In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) to secure SpaceX as the primary launch services provider for Iridium NEXT (as amended to date, the “SpaceX Agreement”). The maximum price under the SpaceX Agreement is $453.1 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had made aggregate payments of $104.4 million to SpaceX, which were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Aggregate payments to SpaceX include a $3.0 million refundable deposit made in the first quarter of 2014 for the reservation of additional future launches.

Kosmotras

In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with International Space Company Kosmotras (“Kosmotras”) as a supplemental launch service provider for Iridium NEXT (the “Kosmotras Agreement”). The Kosmotras Agreement originally provided for the purchase of up to six launches with options to purchase additional launches. Each launch can carry two satellites. In June 2013, the Company exercised an option for one launch to carry the first two Iridium NEXT satellites. If the Company does not exercise any additional options, the total cost under the contract including this single launch will be $51.8 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had made aggregate payments of $23.3 million to Kosmotras, which were capitalized within property and equipment, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The option to purchase two dedicated launches expired as of December 31, 2013. By amendment dated April 21, 2014, the option to purchase the remaining three dedicated launches was extended through December 31, 2014.

Credit Facility

In October 2010, the Company entered into the Credit Facility with a syndicate of bank lenders (the “Lenders”). The Credit Facility was subsequently amended and restated in August 2012. In May 2014, the Company entered into a supplemental agreement (the “Supplemental Agreement”) with the Lenders under the Credit Facility to further amend and restate the Credit Facility. The Company had borrowed an aggregate total of $1,089.5 million as of September 30, 2014. The unused portion of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014 was $710.5 million. Pursuant to the Credit Facility, the Company maintains a minimum cash reserve for repayment. As of September 30, 2014, the minimum required cash reserve balance was $86.0 million. This amount is included in restricted cash in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. This minimum cash reserve requirement will increase over the term of the Credit Facility to $189.0 million in 2017.

Interest costs incurred under the Credit Facility were $12.8 million and $37.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. All interest costs incurred related to the Credit Facility are capitalized during the construction period of the Iridium NEXT assets. The Company pays interest on each semi-annual due date through a combination of a cash payment and a deemed additional loan. Interest paid through deemed loans is included in the Company’s aggregate total borrowings under the Credit Facility of $1,089.5 million as of September 30, 2014. The following table presents interest activity for the Credit Facility for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 payable via cash or deemed loan:

The Company is obligated to pay a cash commitment fee of 0.80% per year, in semi-annual installments, on any undrawn portion of the Credit Facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company paid $3.2 million as a semi-annual installment of the commitment fee. The commitment fee payable on the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014 was $2.9 million and is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Supplemental Agreement includes revised financial covenant levels. The Supplemental Agreement also delays, until 2017, a portion of the contributions that the Company had been scheduled to make during 2014, 2015 and 2016 to the debt service reserve account that the Company is required to maintain under the Credit Facility. The Supplemental Agreement delays $22 million of the Company’s 2014 contributions, $22 million of the Company’s 2015 contributions and $32 million of the Company’s 2016 contributions, for a total of $76 million. As of March 31, 2014, prior to the execution of the Supplemental Agreement, the minimum required cash reserve balance was $94.5 million. As of June 30, 2014 after the execution of the Supplemental Agreement, the minimum required cash reserve balance was reduced to $83.5 million. As a result of this reduction, $11.0 million was released from restricted cash to the Company during the three months ended June 30, 2014. In accordance with the Supplemental Agreement, as of September 30, 2014, the minimum cash reserve for debt service was $86.0 million and was maintained and classified as restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Contingencies

From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company is party to various pending claims and lawsuits. On October 7, 2014, Kappa Digital, LLC filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas - Marshall Division. In this action, Kappa Digital alleges that the Company’s products, services and/or systems infringe on Kappa’s U.S. Patent entitled “Method And System For A Wireless Digital Message Service.” Kappa Digital is seeking a judgment that the Company has infringed on its patent and is seeking a permanent injunction enjoining the Company from further infringement, as well as damages, costs, expenses, interest and attorneys’ fees. The Company has not yet filed an answer to the complaint, and no discovery has occurred. As of the date of this report, the Company has not completed an assessment to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of the complaint as remote, reasonably possible, or probable and an amount of possible loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For additional information regarding the complaint, refer to the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that includes these financial statements.

The Company is not aware of any other actions that it would expect to have a material adverse impact on its business, financial results or financial condition.

5. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation at fair value. The fair value of stock options is determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is equal to the closing price of the underlying common stock on the grant date. The fair value of an award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or performance period and is classified in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income in a manner consistent with the classification of the recipient’s compensation. Stock-based awards to non-employee consultants are expensed at their fair value as services are provided according to the terms of their agreements and are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

During 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved a stock incentive plan (the “2012 Stock Incentive Plan”) to provide stock-based awards, including nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock and other equity securities, as incentives and rewards for employees, consultants and non-employee directors. As of September 30, 2014, 13,416,019 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance as awards under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.

In January 2014, members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2014 annual compensation in the form of equity awards, in an aggregate amount of approximately 112,000 stock options and 108,000 RSUs. These stock options and RSUs were granted in January 2014 and vest through the end of 2014, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was $0.3 million. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the RSUs was $0.7 million. In July 2014, a new member of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of his 2014 annual compensation in the form of equity awards, in an aggregate amount of approximately 20,000 stock options which vest through the end of 2014, with 33% vesting immediately upon grant and 33% and 34% vesting on September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options was $0.1 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted approximately 987,000 stock options and 786,000 service-based RSUs to its employees. Employee stock options and service-based RSUs generally vest over a four-year service period with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting ratably on a quarterly basis thereafter. The estimated aggregate grant date fair values of the stock options and service-based RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $3.0 million and $5.1 million, respectively.

In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted performance-based RSUs to its employees. The Company records stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. In March 2014, the Company awarded approximately 207,000 performance-based RSUs to the Company’s executives (the “March 2014 RSUs”). Vesting of these March 2014 RSUs is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals over fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The number of March 2014 RSUs that will ultimately vest may range from 0% to 150% of the original grant based on the level of achievement of the performance goals. If the Company achieves the performance goals, 50% of the March 2014 RSUs will vest at the end of two years and the remaining 50% will vest at the end of the third year, subject to continued service. In June 2014, the Company awarded approximately 323,000 performance-based RSUs to its executives and employees (the “June 2014 RSUs”). Vesting of the June 2014 RSUs is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals for the 2014 fiscal year. The level of achievement, if any, of performance goals in connection with the June 2014 RSUs will be determined by the compensation committee. The Company expects this determination to occur in the first quarter of 2015. The estimated aggregate grant date fair values of the March 2014 RSUs and June 2014 RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $1.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

In June 2014, the Company granted 45,000 stock options to non-employee consultants. The stock options granted to consultants are generally subject to service vesting and vest quarterly over a two-year service period. The fair value of the consultant options is the then-current fair value attributable to the vesting portions of the awards, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to non-employee consultants during 2014 was $0.2 million.

6. Equity Transactions and Instruments

$7.00 Warrants

In connection with the Company’s initial public offering in February 2008, the Company sold 40.0 million units at a price of $10.00 per unit. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one common stock purchase warrant (a “$7.00 Warrant”). Each $7.00 Warrant entitled the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common stock at a price of $7.00 per share. On February 14, 2013, the remaining 655,499 outstanding and unexercised $7.00 Warrants expired in accordance with their terms.

$11.50 Warrants

On September 29, 2009, in connection with the acquisition of Iridium Holdings LLC, holders of approximately 14.4 million $7.00 Warrants exchanged their existing warrants for new warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “$11.50 Warrants”).

The Company may redeem each of the $11.50 Warrants at a price of $0.01 upon 30 days prior notice, provided that the warrants are exercisable and the registration statement covering the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants remains effective and available, and provided further that such redemption can only be made if the closing price of the common stock is at least $18.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading-day period ending on the third day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given. If the registration statement is not still effective at the time of exercise, the holders of the $11.50 Warrants will not be entitled to exercise the warrants, and in no event (whether in the case of a registration statement not being effective or otherwise) will the Company be required to net cash settle any such warrant exercise. Consequently, the $11.50 Warrants may expire unexercised and unredeemed. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the exercise of each $11.50 Warrant is subject to adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence of specified events. As of September 30, 2014, 277,021 of the $11.50 Warrants remained outstanding. Any remaining outstanding $11.50 Warrants will expire in February 2015.

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 2.0 million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. As described below, the Company issued 1.0 million shares of preferred stock in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 0.5 million shares of preferred stock in the second quarter of 2014. The remaining 0.5 million authorized shares of preferred stock remain undesignated and unissued as of September 30, 2014.

Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company issued 1.0 million shares of its 7.00% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) in a private offering. The Company received proceeds of $96.5 million from the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, net of the aggregate $3.5 million in initial purchaser discount and offering costs. The net proceeds of this offering are being used to partially fund the construction and deployment of Iridium NEXT and for other general corporate purposes.

Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.00% per annum of the $100 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $7.00 per share). Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. The Series A Preferred Stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock and on parity with the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in other specified circumstances. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock may convert some or all of their outstanding Series A Preferred Stock at an initial conversion rate of 10.6022 shares of common stock per $100 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.43 per share of common stock (subject to adjustment in certain events).

In 2013, the Company paid $7.0 million in cash dividends to its holders of Series A Preferred Stock. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company paid cash dividends of $1.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively, to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has accrued $0.3 million in cash dividends for the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, which is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On or after October 3, 2017, the Company may, at its option, convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock into the number of shares of common stock that are issuable at the then-applicable conversion rate, subject to specified conditions. On or prior to October 3, 2017, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have a special right to convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock into shares of common stock in the event of fundamental changes described in the Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to specified conditions and limitations. In certain circumstances, the Company may also elect to settle conversions in cash as a result of these fundamental changes.

Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock

In May 2014, the Company issued 500,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $250 per share. The purchase price received by the Company, equal to $242.50 per share, reflected an underwriting discount of $7.50 per share. The Company received proceeds of $120.8 million from the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, net of the $3.8 million underwriter discount and $0.4 million of offering costs. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering to partially fund the construction and deployment of Iridium NEXT and for other general corporate purposes.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 6.75% per annum of the $250 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $16.875 per share). Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, beginning September 15, 2014. The Series B Preferred Stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock and pari passu with respect to the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the Company’s voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in other specified circumstances. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may convert some or all of their outstanding Series B Preferred Stock at an initial conversion rate of 33.456 shares of common stock per $250 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $7.47 per share of common stock (subject to adjustment in certain events).

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company paid cash dividends of $2.9 million to holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has accrued $0.4 million in cash dividends for the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, which is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On or after May 15, 2019, the Company may, at its option, convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Stock into the number of shares of common stock that are issuable at the then-applicable conversion rate, subject to specified conditions. On or prior to May 15, 2019, in the event of certain specified fundamental changes, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to convert some or all of their shares of Series B Preferred Stock into the greater of (i) a number of shares of the Company’s common stock as subject to adjustment plus the make-whole premium, if any, and (ii) a number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the lesser of (a) the liquidation preference divided by the market value of the Company’s common stock on the effective date of such fundamental change and (b) 81.9672 (subject to adjustment). In certain circumstances, the Company may elect to cash settle any conversions in connection with a fundamental change.

Common Stock

Registered Direct Public Offering

In May 2014, the Company issued 7,692,308 shares of its common stock in a registered direct public offering to certain investment funds affiliated with Baron Capital Group Inc. (“Baron”) at a price of $6.50 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $50.0 million. The Company received proceeds of $49.9 million from the sale of the common stock to Baron, net of offering costs of $0.1 million. The Company intends to use the proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, including construction and deployment of the Iridium NEXT system, working capital and general and administrative expenses.

Under the stock purchase agreement entered into with Baron, Baron was entitled to receive additional shares if, during the 90-day period following the date of the stock purchase agreement, the Company issued or sold securities below specified prices. As a result of the Company’s public offering of common stock, described below, and its public offering of Series B Preferred Stock, described above, the Company delivered 504,413 additional shares of common stock to Baron on August 6, 2014.

Underwritten Public Offering

Concurrently with its public offering of Series B Preferred Stock in May 2014, the Company issued 8,483,608 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering, including 1,106,558 shares upon the underwriters’ exercise of their overallotment option in full, at a price to the public of $6.10 per share. The Company received proceeds of $49.0 million, net of the $2.6 million underwriting discount and $0.2 million of offering costs.

7. Net Income Per Share

The Company calculates basic net income per share by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share takes into account the effect of potential dilutive common shares when the effect is dilutive. The effect of potential dilutive common shares, including common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and stock purchase warrants, is computed using the treasury stock method. The effect of potential dilutive common shares issuable upon the conversion of the outstanding convertible preferred securities is computed using the as-if converted method at the stated conversion rate. The RSUs granted to members of the Company’s board of directors contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered to be participating securities in periods of net income. The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share excludes net income attributable to the unvested RSUs from the numerator and excludes the impact of unvested RSUs from the denominator.

The computations of basic and diluted net income per share are set forth as follows:

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of common stock and options to purchase 1.7 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, 1.3 million unvested RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic and diluted net income per share.

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of common stock and options to purchase 4.8 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, 0.9 million unvested RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic and diluted net income per share.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of common stock and options to purchase 3.9 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 10.6 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which represent the weighted-average number of shares of common stock calculated using the as-if converted method, were also excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 1.3 million unvested RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic and diluted net income per share.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of common stock and options to purchase 4.1 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 0.5 million unvested RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic and diluted net income per share.

You should read the following discussion along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed on March 4, 2014 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as well as our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include those that express plans, anticipation, intent, contingencies, goals, targets or future development or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and projections about future events, and they are subject to risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. The important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014 filed on May 1, 2014, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made herein. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview of Our Business

We are engaged primarily in providing mobile voice and data communications services using a constellation of orbiting satellites. We are the second largest provider of satellite-based mobile voice and data communications services based on revenue, and the only commercial provider of communications services offering 100% global coverage. Our satellite network provides communications services to regions of the world where wireless or wireline networks do not exist or are impaired, including extremely remote or rural land areas, airways, open oceans, the polar regions and regions where the telecommunications infrastructure has been affected by political conflicts or natural disasters.

We provide voice and data communications services to businesses, the U.S. and foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and commercial end-users. We provide these services using our constellation of in-orbit satellites and related ground infrastructure, including a primary commercial gateway. We utilize an interlinked, mesh architecture to route traffic across the satellite constellation using radio frequency crosslinks. This unique architecture minimizes the need for ground facilities to support the constellation, which facilitates the global reach of our services and allows us to offer services in countries and regions where we have no physical presence.

We sell our products and services to commercial end-users through a wholesale distribution network, encompassing more than 70 service providers, more than 190 value-added resellers, or VARs, and more than 45 value-added manufacturers, who either sell directly to the end-user or indirectly through other service providers, VARs or dealers. These distributors often integrate our products and services with other complementary hardware and software and have developed a broad suite of applications for our products and services targeting specific vertical markets.

At September 30, 2014, we had approximately 726,000 billable subscribers worldwide, an increase of 11% from approximately 655,000 billable subscribers at September 30, 2013. We have a diverse customer base, with end users in the following lines of business: land-based handset; machine-to-machine, or M2M; maritime; aviation; and government.

We recognize revenue from both the sale of equipment and the provision of services. We expect a higher proportion of our future revenue will be derived from service revenue. Revenues from providing voice and data service historically have generated higher gross margins than sales of subscriber equipment.

We are currently devoting a substantial part of our resources to develop Iridium NEXT, our next-generation satellite constellation, and on hardware and software upgrades to our ground infrastructure in preparation for Iridium NEXT, the development of new product and service offerings, upgrades to our current services, and upgrades to our information technology systems. We estimate the aggregate costs associated with the design, build and launch of Iridium NEXT and related infrastructure upgrades through 2017 to be approximately $3 billion. Our funding plan for these costs includes the substantial majority of the funds available under our $1.8 billion loan facility, or the Credit Facility, together with cash and marketable securities on hand, and internally generated cash flows, including potential cash flows from hosted payloads and Iridium PRIME. The remaining portion of the Credit Facility not used to develop Iridium NEXT is utilized for capitalized interest and insurance premiums paid to COFACE, the French export credit agency that insures the Credit Facility. As discussed below in “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” we were in compliance with all our financial covenants as of September 30, 2014 and believe that our liquidity sources will provide sufficient funds for us to meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next twelve months. As of October 28, 2014, we have borrowed a total of $1,089.5 million under the Credit Facility. For more information about our sources of funding, refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Recent Developments

Amendment and Restatement of the Credit Facility

In May 2014, we entered into a supplemental agreement, or the Supplemental Agreement, with the Lenders under the Credit Facility, to amend and restate the Credit Facility. The Supplemental Agreement includes revised financial covenant levels. The Supplemental Agreement also delays, until 2017, a portion of the contributions that we had been scheduled to make during 2014, 2015 and 2016 to the debt service reserve account that we are required to maintain under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility delays $22 million of our 2014 contributions, $22 million of our 2015 contributions and $32 million of our 2016 contributions, for a total of $76 million. As of March 31, 2014, prior to the execution of the Supplemental Agreement, the minimum required cash reserve balance was $94.5 million. As of June 30, 2014, after the execution of the Supplemental Agreement, the minimum required cash reserve balance was reduced to $83.5 million. As a result of this reduction, $11.0 million was released from restricted cash during the three months ended June 30, 2014. In accordance with the Supplemental Agreement, as of September 30, 2014, the minimum cash reserve for debt service was $86.0 million and was maintained and classified as restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Supplemental Agreement required us to raise at least $217.5 million through the sale of equity securities by July 31, 2014, with net proceeds of at least $200.0 million, in order for the amendment to become effective. The supplemental agreement allowed us to raise up to $150.0 million of the total in convertible preferred equity, with the remainder to be raised through sales of our common equity. There were no other conditions to the effectiveness of the Supplemental Agreement. The condition was satisfied on May 14, 2014 upon the closing of the sales of our common stock and 6.75% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, or Series B Preferred Stock, described below.

Common Stock – Offerings

In May 2014, we issued 7,692,308 shares of our common stock in a registered direct public offering to certain investment funds affiliated with Baron Capital Group Inc., or Baron, at a price of $6.50 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $50.0 million. We received proceeds of $49.9 million from the sale of the common stock to Baron, net of offering costs of $0.1 million.

Under the stock purchase agreement entered into with Baron, Baron was entitled to receive additional shares if, during the 90-day period following the date of the stock purchase agreement, we issued or sold securities below specified prices. As a result of our public offering of common stock and our public offering of Series B Preferred Stock, described below, we were obligated to deliver 504,413 additional shares of common stock to Baron. The additional shares were issued on August 6, 2014.

In May 2014, we issued an additional 8,483,608 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering, including 1,106,558 shares of common stock upon the underwriters’ election to exercise their overallotment option in full. The sale price to the underwriter, equal to $6.10 per share, reflected an aggregate underwriting discount of $2.6 million. We received proceeds of $49.0 million, which were net of the $2.6 million underwriting discount and $0.2 million of offering costs.

Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock Offering

In May 2014, we issued 500,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $250 per share. The purchase price that we received, equal to $242.50 per share, reflected an underwriting discount of $7.50 per share. We received proceeds of $120.8 million from the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, which were net of the $3.8 million underwriter discount and $0.4 million of offering costs.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends when, as and if declared from, and including, the date of original issue at a rate of 6.75% per annum of the $250 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $16.875 per share). Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears, beginning on September 15, 2014. The Series B Preferred Stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock and pari passu with respect to our Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if we fail to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in other specified circumstances.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may convert some or all of their outstanding Series B Preferred Stock initially at a conversion rate of 33.456 shares of common stock per $250 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $7.47 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment in certain events. Except as otherwise provided, the Series B Preferred Stock will be convertible only into shares of our common stock.

On or after May 15, 2019, we may, at our option, convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Stock into the number of shares of common stock that are issuable at the then-applicable conversion rate, subject to specified conditions. On or prior to May 15, 2019, in the event of certain specified fundamental changes, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to convert some or all of their shares of Series B Preferred Stock into the greater of (i) a number of shares of our common stock as subject to adjustment plus the make-whole premium, if any, and (ii) a number of shares of our common stock equal to the lesser of (a) the liquidation preference divided by the market value of the our common stock on the effective date of such fundamental change and (b) 81.9672 (subject to adjustment). In certain circumstances, we may elect to cash settle any conversions in connection with a fundamental change.

We intend to use the proceeds from the common stock and Series B Preferred Stock offerings for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, including development and deployment of the Iridium NEXT system, working capital and general and administrative expenses.

Material Trends and Uncertainties

Our industry and customer base has historically grown as a result of:

Nonetheless, we face a number of challenges and uncertainties in operating our business, including:

Comparison of Our Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Revenue

Total revenue increased 7% to $107.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $100.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in service revenue, driven by an 11% year-over-year increase in billable commercial subscribers and an increase in revenue recognized from prepaid vouchers.

Commercial Service Revenue 

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, commercial voice and data revenue increased primarily due to the increased number of Iridium OpenPort^® billable subscribers. Also contributing to the increase was an increase in prepaid revenue resulting from both a non-recurring benefit related to the non-renewal of vouchers by several large customers as well as the change in our prepaid airtime policy, which became effective at the end of 2013. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in handset usage for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Commercial M2M data revenue growth was driven principally by a 21% increase in commercial M2M data billable subscribers. We anticipate continued growth in billable commercial subscribers for the remainder of 2014.

Government Service Revenue 

We provide Iridium^® airtime and airtime support to U.S. government and other authorized customers pursuant to a five-year Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services, or EMSS, contract managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency which we executed in October 2013. The EMSS contract replaced our previous EMSS contract which we originally entered into in April 2008. Under the terms of this new agreement, authorized customers utilize Iridium airtime services, provided through the U.S. Department of Defense’s, or DoD’s, dedicated gateway. These services include unlimited global secure and unsecure voice, low and high-speed data, paging, and Distributed Tactical Communications System, or DTCS, services for an unlimited number of DoD and other federal subscribers. DTCS is a service that provides beyond-line-of-sight, push-to-talk tactical radio service for user-defined groups. The fixed-price rates in each of the five contract years, which run from October 22 through the following October 21, are $64 million and $72 million in years one and two, respectively, and $88 million in each of the years three through five.

Government service revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased to $16.0 million from $14.1 million in the prior year period as a result of the current EMSS contract, which was executed in October 2013. Under this contract, revenue is a fixed monthly amount and is not based on subscribers or usage, allowing an unlimited number of users access to existing services. As we continue to innovate and better meet the needs of our customers, additional services not contemplated under the current EMSS contract may be provided in future periods at an amount mutually agreed upon by both parties. We anticipate government service revenue for the full year 2014 will exceed full year 2013 government service revenue.

Subscriber Equipment Revenue

Subscriber equipment revenue increased $0.3 million, or 1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to the launch of Iridium GO! ^TM, a portable satellite Wi-Fi device, in the third quarter of 2014. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in handset equipment revenue. We anticipate subscriber equipment revenue for the full year 2014 to exceed full year 2013.

Engineering and Support Service Revenue

Engineering and support service revenue increased by $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period as a result of the DoD’s gateway modernization efforts as we transition to Iridium NEXT capabilities. We anticipate an increase in the scope of work for government contracts in 2014 resulting in overall growth in engineering and support service revenue compared to 2013.

Operating Expenses

Cost of Services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) includes the cost of network engineering and operations staff, including contractors, software maintenance, product support services and cost of services for government and commercial engineering and support service revenue.

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased $1.6 million, or 11%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from the prior year period primarily due to increased costs related to system updates for our current constellation of satellites and an increase in scope of work for government-sponsored contracts.

Cost of Subscriber Equipment

Cost of subscriber equipment includes the direct costs of equipment sold, which consist of manufacturing costs, allocation of overhead, and warranty costs.

Cost of subscriber equipment decreased by $0.3 million, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to a $2.7 million decline in the warranty provision for our Iridium Pilot^® terminals compared to the prior year period. This decrease was partially offset by the increase in unit sales as described above and an increase in the cost per unit for the Iridium Pilot terminals over the comparative period as we implemented product quality improvements.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses increased by $1.8 million, or 57%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period due to Iridium NEXT projects including development costs associated with enabling faster data speeds on our equipment.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.3 million, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period due to additions to property and equipment for ground infrastructure compatible with Iridium NEXT as well as a $1.3 million impairment charge that we recorded during the third quarter of 2014 as a result of having lost communication with two of our in-orbit satellites. We believe the loss of these two satellites will not have a material impact on the useful life of our current satellite constellation. We had in-orbit spare satellites available to replace the lost satellites. We lost no satellites in the third quarter of 2013.

The increase described above was partially offset by a change in the estimated useful lives of the satellites within our current constellation. During the third quarter of 2014, we updated our analysis of the current satellites’ remaining useful lives. Based on the results of this analysis and the refinement of the Iridium NEXT launch schedule and deployment plan, the estimated useful lives of the satellites within our current constellation were extended and are consistent with the expected deployment of Iridium NEXT. This change in estimated useful life was effective in September 2014, resulting in a $0.9 million decrease in depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 when compared to the prior year period. We will continue to evaluate the useful lives of our current satellites through the full deployment of Iridium NEXT as the satellites are placed into service.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest Income, net

Interest income, net, increased by $0.7 million, or 127%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period primarily due to an increase in financing fees recognized on customer receivables.

Undrawn Credit Facility Fees

Commitment fees on the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility were $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.9 million for the prior year period. The decrease of the commitment fee is directly proportional to the increase in the amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility as we continue to finance the development of Iridium NEXT.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net was $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.1 million for the prior year period. This change primarily resulted from a decrease in the equity-method loss recognition from our investment in Aireon LLC in 2014. As of June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014, due to our cumulative recognition of our share of Aireon’s reported losses, our investment balance in Aireon was zero.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, our income tax provision was $12.1 million, compared to $10.4 million for the prior year period. The increase in the income tax provision is primarily related to the increase in our income before income taxes and a decrease in the impact of the benefit of Arizona tax law changes in the current period compared to the prior year period. This was partially offset by lower tax expense in the current period compared to the prior year period related to the valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses. The valuation allowance reflects the estimated realizability of the state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset. If our current estimates change in future periods, the impact on the deferred tax assets and liabilities may change correspondingly.

Net Income

Net income was $20.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $3.8 million from the prior year period. This increase in net income was driven by a $6.2 million increase in service revenue due to increased billable commercial subscribers and the favorable impact of the current EMSS contract, and a $1.6 million decrease in our provision for income taxes. These increases to net income were partially offset by a $1.8 million increase in research and development expenses due to Iridium NEXT development projects and a $1.6 million increase in cost of services due to increased costs related to system updates for our current constellation of satellites and an increase in scope of work for government-sponsored contracts.

Comparison of Our Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Revenue

Total revenue increased 8% to $308.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $284.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. This increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in commercial service revenue, driven by an 11% year-over-year increase in billable commercial subscribers, and an increase in government service revenue. Also contributing to the increase in total revenue was an increase in subscriber equipment sales and an increase in government-sponsored engineering and support contracts.

Commercial Service Revenue 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, commercial voice and data revenue increased primarily due to an increase in prepaid revenue resulting from both a non-recurring benefit related to the non-renewal of vouchers by several large customers as well as the change in our prepaid airtime policy, which became effective at the end of 2013. Also contributing to the increase was an increased number of Iridium OpenPort billable subscribers. Commercial M2M data revenue growth was driven principally by a 21% increase in commercial M2M data billable subscribers.

Government Service Revenue

Government service revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased to $48.0 million from $43.5 million in the prior year period as a result of the current EMSS contract, which was executed in October 2013. Under this contract, revenue is a fixed monthly amount and is not based on subscribers or usage, allowing an unlimited number of users access to existing services.

Subscriber Equipment Revenue

Subscriber equipment revenue increased $3.6 million, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to the launch of Iridium GO! in the third quarter of 2014. Also contributing to this increase were higher unit sales of L-Band transceivers and M2M devices, somewhat offset by targeted lower pricing on these products designed to achieve the higher volumes we experienced. These increases in revenue were partially offset by a decrease in handset equipment revenue.

Engineering and Support Service Revenue

Engineering and support service revenue increased by $4.3 million, or 38%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period due to new government-sponsored contracts entered into during the second half of 2013 related to the DoD’s gateway modernization efforts to transition its gateway to Iridium NEXT capabilities.

Operating Expenses

Cost of Services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased $3.8 million, or 9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from the prior year period primarily due to an increase in scope of work for government-sponsored contracts.

Cost of Subscriber Equipment

Cost of subscriber equipment increased $2.9 million, or 7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to the increase in unit sales described above. In addition, the cost per unit for the Iridium Pilot terminals increased over the comparative period as we implemented product quality improvements. Partially offsetting these increases was a $4.5 million decline in the warranty provision for our Iridium Pilot terminals compared to the prior year period.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses increased $5.2 million, or 79%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period due to Iridium NEXT projects including development costs associated with enabling faster data speeds on our equipment.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.4 million, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period primarily due to additions to property and equipment for ground infrastructure compatible with Iridium NEXT. Contributing to this increase was a $2.2 million impairment charge that we recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as a result of having lost communication with one of our in-orbit satellites in the first quarter of 2014 and two of our in-orbit satellites in the third quarter of 2014. We had in-orbit spare satellites available to replace the lost satellites. We lost no satellites during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. These increases were partially offset by the increase in the estimated useful life our current constellation, which resulted in a $0.9 million decline in depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest Income, net

Interest income, net increased $0.8 million, or 43%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period primarily due to an increase in our cash equivalents and marketable securities balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period. The increase in the cash equivalents and marketable securities balance was due to the issuance of common stock and Series B Preferred Stock in May 2014 for net proceeds of $219.6 million.

Undrawn Credit Facility Fees

Commitment fees on the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility were $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $6.0 million for the prior year period. The decrease of the commitment fee is directly proportional to the increase in the amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility as we continue to finance the development of Iridium NEXT.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net was $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $3.4 million for the prior year period. This change primarily resulted from the equity-method recognition of our share of the losses from our investment in Aireon during the first half of 2014 prior to our suspension of the equity method recognition of Aireon’s losses. As of September 30, 2014, due to our cumulative recognition of our share of Aireon’s reported losses, our investment balance in Aireon was zero.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our income tax provision was $32.8 million compared to $29.2 million for the prior year period. The increase in the income tax provision is primarily related to the increase in our income before income taxes combined with the decrease in the impact of the benefit of Arizona tax law changes compared to the prior year period. This increase was partially offset by lower tax expense in the current period compared to the prior year period related to the valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses. The valuation allowance reflects the estimated realizability of the state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset. If our current estimates change in future periods, the impact on the deferred tax assets and liabilities may change correspondingly.

Net Income

Net income was $52.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $5.0 million from the prior year period. This increase in net income was driven by a $15.6 million increase in service revenue due to increased billable commercial subscribers and the favorable impact of the current EMSS contract, a $4.3 million increase in engineering and support services revenue due to the execution of new government-sponsored contracts, and a $1.6 million decrease in commitment fees on the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility. These increases to net income were partially offset by a $5.2 million increase in research and development costs primarily for Iridium NEXT development projects, a $3.8 million increase in cost of services related to the increase in scope of work for government-sponsored contracts, a $3.4 million increase in depreciation expense due to additions to property and equipment for ground infrastructure compatible with Iridium NEXT and impairment of lost satellites, a $1.1 million increase in other expenses primarily related to our equity-method recognition of our share of the loss from our investment in Aireon, and a $3.7 million increase in our provision for income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2014, our total cash and cash equivalents balance was $307.1 million, and our marketable securities balance was $216.0 million. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, internally generated cash flows, and the Credit Facility. Our principal liquidity requirements are to meet capital expenditure needs, principally the design, build and launch of Iridium NEXT, as well as for working capital, interest payments on the Credit Facility, and dividends payable on our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock.

We estimate the aggregate costs associated with the design, build and launch of Iridium NEXT and related infrastructure upgrades through 2017 to be approximately $3 billion. Our funding plan for these costs includes the substantial majority of the funds available under our Credit Facility, together with cash and marketable securities on hand, and internally generated cash flows, including potential cash flows from hosted payloads and Iridium PRIME. We currently use the Credit Facility to pay 85% of each invoice we receive from Thales Alenia Space France, or Thales, under their contract for the development and construction of our Iridium NEXT satellites, with the remaining 15% funded from cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand. We also utilize the Credit Facility to fund a portion of the interest under the Credit Facility and COFACE insurance premiums. Once the Credit Facility is fully drawn, we expect to pay 100% of each invoice we receive from Thales and all interest on the Credit Facility from cash and marketable securities on hand, and internally generated cash flows, including potential cash flows from hosted payloads and Iridium PRIME. We believe that our liquidity sources will provide sufficient funds for us to meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months.

The Credit Facility contains borrowing restrictions, including financial performance covenants and covenants relating to hosted payloads, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to borrow funds under the Credit Facility. There can also be no assurance that our internally generated cash flows, including those from Iridium PRIME and hosted payloads on our Iridium NEXT satellites, will meet our current expectations. If we do not generate sufficient cash flows, or if the cost of implementing Iridium NEXT or the other elements of our business plan are higher than anticipated, we may need further external funding. Our ability to obtain additional funding may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including global economic conditions, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such funding on reasonable terms or at all. If we are not able to secure such funding in a timely manner, our ability to maintain our network, to design, build and launch Iridium NEXT and related ground infrastructure, products and services, and to pursue additional growth opportunities will be impaired, and we would likely need to delay some elements of our Iridium NEXT development. Our liquidity and our ability to fund our liquidity requirements are also dependent on our future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of $7.00 per share. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, beginning September 15, 2014. For each full quarter that the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding, and assuming that no shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been converted into shares of our common stock, we would be required to pay cash dividends of $1.75 million. We expect that we will satisfy dividend requirements, if and when declared, from internally generated cash flows.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of $16.875 per share. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. For each full quarter that the Series B Preferred Stock is outstanding, and assuming that no shares of Series B Preferred Stock have been converted into shares of our common stock, we would be required to pay cash dividends of $2.1 million. We expect that we will satisfy dividend requirements, if and when declared, from internally generated cash flows.

As of September 30, 2014, we had borrowed a total of $1,089.5 million under the Credit Facility. The unused portion of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014 was $710.5 million. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, a minimum cash reserve for debt service of $86.0 million as of September 30, 2014 was maintained and classified as restricted cash on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. This minimum cash reserve requirement will increase over the term of the Credit Facility to $189.0 million in 2017. For more information about our cash reserves, see “Recent Developments—Amendment and Restatement of the Credit Facility” above.

In addition to the minimum debt service levels, financial covenants under the Credit Facility, as amended and restated in May 2014, include:

Our available cash balance, as defined by the Credit Facility, was $389.6 million as of September 30, 2014. Our debt-to-equity ratio was 0.39 to 1 as of June 30, 2014, the last date at which it was measured. We were in compliance with the operational EBITDA covenant set forth above as of June 30, 2014, the last date at which it was measured. We were also in compliance with the annual capital expenditure covenant set forth above as of December 31, 2013, the last point at which it was measured.

The covenants regarding capital expenditures, operational EBITDA and hosted payload cash flows are calculated in connection with a measurement, which we refer to as available cure amount, that is derived using a complex calculation based on overall cash flows, as adjusted by numerous measures specified in the Credit Facility. In a period in which our capital expenditures exceed, or our operational EBITDA or hosted payload cash flows falls short of, the amount specified in the respective covenant, we would be permitted to allocate available cure amount, if any, to prevent a breach of the applicable covenant. As of June 30, 2014, we had no available cure amount, though none was required to maintain compliance with the covenants. We note that available cure amount, due to the complexity of its calculation, has fluctuated significantly from one measurement period to the next, and we expect that it will continue to do so.

The covenants also place limitations on our ability and that of our subsidiaries to carry out mergers and acquisitions, dispose of assets, grant security interests, declare, make or pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, fund payments under the full scale development contract, or FSD, with Thales from our own resources, incur additional indebtedness, or make loans, guarantees or indemnities. If we are not in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Facility, after any opportunity to cure such non-compliance, or we otherwise experience an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may require repayment in full of all principal and interest outstanding under the Credit Facility. It is unlikely we would have adequate funds to repay such amounts prior to the scheduled maturity of the Credit Facility. If we fail to repay such amounts, the lenders may foreclose on the assets we have pledged under the Credit Facility, which include substantially all of our assets and those of our domestic subsidiaries.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows:

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by $9.0 million from the prior year period. This increase was principally due to a $10.8 million increase in operating income, excluding depreciation and amortization.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased by $57.4 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $118.5 million decrease in capital expenditures, primarily related to Iridium NEXT, partially offset by a $66.1 million increase in net purchases of marketable securities due to the investment of proceeds from the sale of common stock and Series B Preferred Stock during the second quarter of 2014.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by $111.8 million from the prior year period primarily due to receipt of net proceeds of $219.7 million from the sale of our common stock and Series B Preferred Stock during the second quarter of 2014, and a $22.1 million decrease in the cash deposited into our minimum cash reserve required under our Credit Facility as amended in the May 2014 Credit Facility agreement. These increases were partially offset by a $134.2 million decrease in borrowings under the Credit Facility for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year period.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as such term is defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K, that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.

Seasonality

Our results of operations have been subject to seasonal usage changes for commercial customers, and we expect that our results will be affected by similar seasonality effects in the future. March through October are typically the peak months for commercial voice services revenue and related subscriber equipment sales. Commercial M2M revenue has been less subject to seasonal usage changes, and revenue from our fixed-price U.S. government contract will not be subject to seasonal fluctuations.

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. ASU 2014-09 requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. ASU 2014-09 becomes effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. We have not yet selected a transition method, and we are currently evaluating the effect, if any, that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15, which provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect, if any, that ASU 2014-15 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

ITEM  3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances is subject to interest rate fluctuations. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, a one-half percentage point increase or decrease in interest rates would not have had a material effect on our interest income.

We had borrowed $1,089.5 million under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014. A portion of the draws we make under the Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus 1.95% and will, accordingly, subject us to interest rate fluctuations in future periods. Had the currently outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility been outstanding throughout the three months ended September 30, 2014, a one-half percentage point increase or decrease in the LIBOR would have changed our interest cost by approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable. At times we maintain cash and cash equivalent deposit balances in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits, and we may have marketable securities balances in excess of Securities Investment Protection Corporation limits. However, we maintain our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities with financial institutions with high credit ratings. The majority of our cash is swept nightly into funds that invest in or are collateralized by U.S government-backed securities. During 2013, we invested in marketable securities consisting of fixed income and commercial paper debt instruments with fixed interest rates and maturity dates within three years of original purchase. Due to the credit quality and nature of these debt instruments, we do not believe there has been a significant change in our market risk exposure since December 31, 2013. Accounts receivable are due from both domestic and international customers. We perform credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and record reserves to provide for estimated credit losses. Accounts payable are owed to both domestic and international vendors.

We also currently hold marketable securities consisting of commercial paper and fixed-income debt securities. As of September 30, 2014, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would not have had a material impact on the fair value of our marketable securities.

ITEM  4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer, who is our principal executive officer, and our chief financial officer, who is our principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. In evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. In addition, the design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM  1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On October 7, 2014, Kappa Digital, LLC filed a complaint for patent infringement against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas - Marshall Division. In this action, captioned Kappa Digital, LLC v. Iridium Communications Inc., Delorme inReach, LLC, Blue Sky Network LLC and Gilcom Technologies, Inc., Civil Action No. 2:14-cv-935, Kappa Digital alleges that our products, services and/or systems infringe its U.S. Patent No. 6,349,135, entitled “Method And System For A Wireless Digital Message Service.” Kappa Digital is seeking a judgment that we have infringed on its patent and is seeking a permanent injunction enjoining us from further infringement, as well as damages, costs, expenses, interest and attorneys’ fees. We have not yet filed an answer, and no discovery has occurred.

ITEM  1A. RISK FACTORS.

Our business is subject to risks and events that, if they occur, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our securities. In addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2014.

None.

None.

Not applicable.

None.

See the exhibit index.

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 thereunto duly authorized.

Date: October 30, 2014

EXHIBIT INDEX