Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a global
leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services,
today announced that it has successfully closed the acquisition of
Stellar Blu Solutions LLC (“Stellar Blu”), a leading US-based
provider of next-generation SATCOM terminal solutions.
Gilat expects its annual revenues from Stellar
Blu to range between $120 and $150 million in 2025, based on
Stellar Blu’s robust backlog. In addition, the acquisition is
expected to be accretive on non-GAAP results for 2025. Furthermore,
the Company estimates that once Stellar Blu reaches its target
manufacturing capacity, which Gilat expects will occur during the
second half of 2025, Stellar Blu’s EBITDA margin is expected to be
above 10%.
“This acquisition is a pivotal step in our
strategy to expand Gilat’s presence in the growing In-Flight
Connectivity (IFC) market,” said Adi Sfadia, Gilat’s CEO. “We
expect Stellar Blu’s cutting-edge technologies, combined with
Gilat’s advanced IFC solutions to position us as a market leader
for both commercial and business aviation, as well as adjacent
high-end mobility markets that are ideal for Electronically Steered
Antenna (ESA) applications.”
Mr. Sfadia continued, “With the increasing
demand for free, seamless, high-quality in-flight Wi-Fi and Stellar
Blu’s pioneering expertise in multi-orbit LEO and GEO IFC
solutions, this acquisition enhances Gilat’s ability to meet the
most demanding service level agreements in the industry, opening up
new growth opportunities in aviation and beyond.”
Mr. Sfadia highlighted, “We expect to ship
hundreds of Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder terminals during the upcoming
quarters.”
The acquisition’s consideration at closing was
$98 million in cash, as adjusted. Although the Company had over
$115 million in Net Cash at the end of 2024, the Company used a new
secured credit line of $100 million from HSBC Bank USA and
Bank Hapoalim to fund $60 million of the consideration paid at
closing. The remaining $40 million, from the secured credit line,
along with the Company’s resources, is expected to be called upon
and cover potential earn-out payments. The three year loan will
bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 2.6% to 3.35%.
Funding this acquisition through a combination
of the Company’s resources and a secured credit line will provide
Gilat with additional flexibility given the opportunities in the
market.
The consideration payment in connection with the
acquisition may increase by up to an additional $147 million in
cash, conditioned upon the acquired business achieving operational
and strategic business milestones, during the first two years that
follow the signing of the agreement.
About Stellar Blu Solutions
Stellar Blu Solutions is a leader in developing
cutting-edge connectivity, network, and avionics solutions for
next-generation satellite networks. Focused on continuing the
development of aircraft communications technologies for the world’s
leading airlines, as well as solutions for other aerospace and
mobility markets, Stellar Blu provides turn-key inflight
connectivity solutions including terminal development, aircraft
integration, and certification and installation packages.
About Gilat
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT,
TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based
broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we
create and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground,
and new space connectivity and provide comprehensive, secure
end-to-end solutions and services for mission-critical operations,
powered by our innovative technology. We believe in the right of
all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to
provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.
Our portfolio includes a diverse offering to
deliver high-value solutions for multiple orbit constellations with
very high throughput satellites (VHTS) and software-defined
satellites (SDS). Our offering is comprised of a cloud-based
platform and high-performance satellite terminals; high-performance
Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas; highly efficient, high-power
Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC)
and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense,
field services, network management software, and cybersecurity
services.
Gilat’s comprehensive offering supports multiple
applications with a full portfolio of products and tailored
solutions to address key applications including broadband access,
mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, defense, aerospace,
broadcast, government, and critical infrastructure clients all
while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For
more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com
Certain statements made herein that are not
historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”,
“project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions
are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and
uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements that may be
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including,
among others, the potential impact of the closing of the
transaction on the ability of Gilat and Stellar to retain and hire
key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers
and others with whom Gilat or Stellar do business, or on Gilat’s or
Stellar’s operating results and business generally; disruption of
the current plans and operations of Gilat and Stellar as a result
of the consummation of the transaction, including risks that
Stellar’s business will not be integrated successfully into Gilat’s
operations, and that Stellar’s product shipments, sales, revenues
and margins following the completion of the acquisition will not
achieve the rates currently expected; risks relating to Gilat’s
ability to realize anticipated benefits of the combined operations;
changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to
maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely
develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications,
rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market
share and pressure on prices resulting from competition,
introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to
manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to
attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect
Gilat’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s
international operations and its location in Israel, including
those related to the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas,
Hezbollah, Iran and Yemen and the instability in the middle east;
and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in
Gilat’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in
this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions
contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date
hereof, and Gilat undertakes no obligation to update or revise the
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
Contact:
Gilat Satellite NetworksHagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing
OfficerHagayk@gilat.com
IR Contact: Alliance
Advisors:
GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com Phone: +1 212 838 3777
Gilat Satellite Networks (NASDAQ:GILT)
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