[Satellite Today 04-27-09] SES has shown solid increases in overall revenues and operating profits for 2009 first quarter, the company announced April 24.
    The satellite operator reported revenues of 423.9 million euros ($552.5 million), an increase of 8.5 percent compared to the first three months of 2008. Operating profit for the 2009 first quarter was 189.7 million euros ($247.3 million), an increase of nearly 15 percent compared to the same stage last year.
    SES has an overall group transponder utilization rate of 79.6 percent, with 880 of 1,105 commercially available transponders under contract.
    Despite the encouraging results, SES CEO Romain Bausch remains cautious, saying that SES potentially could suffer in a difficult economic environment. “As we move through the year, the world economic situation continues to be uncertain. Should the recessionary environment last into 2010, it is possible that SES might suffer some negative impact, whether through the reduction of growth initiatives or as a result of customers experiencing difficulties. However, at this point, SES has experienced no direct negative impact,” he said in a statement.