News Analysis

UltiSat Realigns Organization

Gaithersburg, Md., January 4, 2021–UltiSat, a systems integrator and communications services provider to the defense, federal civilian, humanitarian-aid, and critical infrastructure markets, announced today the realignment of its organization and leadership to better position for evolving customer mission landscapes. The move includes several senior leadership appointments and a reorganization around four primary lines of business – Managed Network Services, Airborne ISR Services, Specialized Wireless Services, and Engineering & Technical Services.

Kymeta Corporation Receives US$ 30 Million Equity Investment from Hanwha Systems

Remond, Wash., January 4, 2020--Kymeta Corporation announced that Hanwha Systems a global solutions company that provides differentiated smart technologies in defense electronics and information infrastructure, has signed an agreement to invest US$ 30 million to back the development of Kymeta’s next generation solutions, the Kymeta u8™ and Kymeta Connect™.

Today's Greater Imperative: The Power of Satellite's Ubiquity

by Martin Jarrold

London, UK, January 2, 2021--From the beginning, with Arthur C. Clarke’s 1945 Wireless World article proposing that just three “geostationary” satellites would cover the entire surface of the Earth from their (relative to a point on the surface below) stationary positions, the idea of using satellites for communications was conceived to achieve global wireless connectivity. 

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Extends Term of Acquisition Agreement for UHP

Melville, N.Y., December 30, 2020--Comtech Telecommunications Corp.  (NASDAQ: CMTL) reported today that Comtech and UHP Networks, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and disruptive satellite ground station technology solutions, agreed to extend their agreement for Comtech’s purchase of UHP, which was originally announced in November 2019, until February 28, 2021. UHP is based in Canada and has developed revolutionary technology that is transforming the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) market.

Gilat Declares US$ 35 Million Cash Dividend to Shareholders

Petah Tikva, Israel, December 30, 2020—Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT), announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend to shareholders in the amount of US$ 0.63 per share (approximately US$ 35 million in the aggregate) following receipt of court approval for the distribution of the dividend. The dividend will be paid in US$ on January 20, 2021 to shareholders of record on January 11, 2021. Together with the US$ 20 milion dividend distributed at the beginning of this month, the aggregate amount of dividends payable to shareholders adds up to approximately US$ 55 million, or $0.99 per share. 

Voyager Space Holdings Intends to Acquire a Majority Stake in X.O. Markets

Denver, Colo., December 23, 2020--Voyager Space Holdings today announced its intent to acquire a majority stake in XO Markets and its largest subsidiary Nanoracks. Nanoracks is one of the world’s leading provider of commercial space services, offering low-cost, high-quality solutions to the most pressing needs for satellite deployment and basic and educational research in more than 30 nations worldwide.

Viasat Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire RigNet

Carlsbad, Calif., December 21, 2020–Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RigNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNET), a leading provider of ultra-secure, intelligent networking solutions and specialized applications, in an all-stock transaction that values RigNet at an enterprise value of approximately US$ 222 million based on Viasat’s share price as of the date of the agreement and RigNet’s net debt at September 30, 2020.

Lockheed Martin To Acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne

Bethesda, Md., Dec. 20, 2020--Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AJRD) for US$ 56 per share in cash, which is expected to be reduced to US$ 51 per share after the payment of a pre-closing special dividend. This represents a post-dividend equity value of $4.6 billion and a total transaction value of $4.4 billion including the assumption of net cash.

Redwire Acquires LoadPath

Jacksonville, Fla., December 15,  2020--Redwire announced today that it has acquired LoadPath, a developer of payload adapters, deployable structures, and thermal products for the space industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Announces Results for Its Fiscal 2021 First Quarter and Updates Its Financial Targets for Fiscal 2021

Melville, NY, December 9, 2020--Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) today reported its operating results for the first fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2020 and updated its financial targets for fiscal 2021. The company reported consolidated net sales of US$ 135.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $14.3 million (or 10.6% of consolidated net sales) exceeded Comtech's expectation for its first quarter of fiscal 2021.