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Panamsat’s 3Q revenue grows marginally
MUMBAI: Satellite service provider, Panamsat, which claims to deliver the largest number of television channels in the world has reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended, 30 September 2005.
It reported total consolidated revenues of $209.1 million, an increase of one per cent on a quarter-over-quarter basis. The delay in the launch of Galaxy 15 resulted in approximately $7 million of revenues being delayed until the fourth quarter of this year rather than in the third quarter. Programme distribution and video services revenues, the ‘core’ markets of the business which represent 64 per cent of Panamsat’s total revenues grew by six per cent over the third quarter of last year. Net income for the quarter was $54.2 million, compared to a net loss of $76.7 million for the same period in 2004.
New contracts and contract extensions were signed with customers in Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and the US, including: CCTV, OPT New Caledonia, HDNet and Venevision Continental. The PanGlobal TV DTH platform grew with the addition of several new channels including Zee and Japan’s NHK. During the quarter, it was bought by Intelsat for $3.2 billion in cash on 29 August, 2005. Total revenues for the first nine months of this year were $631.8 million, compared to revenues of $619.4 million for the same period last year. This represented an increase of two per cent.
Panamsat CEO ,Joe Wright, said, “Our company had one of the most active quarters in our history and continued to perform extremely well ,as,we and Intelsat took important steps to transform our companies into one that will be
the leader in the technology, marketing and customer service activities that will define our industry in the future.
“This transaction to merge Panamsat with Intelsat is proceeding on schedule. We also completed the acquisition of Europe*Star which strengthens our presence in the European and Middle Eastern marketplaces. We successfully launched Galaxy 14 in August and then Galaxy 15 in October giving our customers two in-orbit back-up satellites for increased reliability while solidifying our position as the largest FSS provider of HDTV signals in the world. In addition, we launched an emergency response unit, which will work specifically with first responder and disaster recovery customers in the event of a sudden emergency, terrorist attack or natural disaster.
“While our management team remains focused on profitable growth, we are also committed to maintaining our fleet reliability as the highest in the industry, exercising sound financial discipline and staying financially strong in order to continue providing predictable and attractive dividends to our shareholders”.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
