[Satellite Today 10-27-08] SES reported a profit of September of 338.8 million euros ($427.9 million) in the first nine months of 2009, down from earnings of 347 million euros ($438.2 million) in the same period a year ago, the satellite operator reported Oct. 27. Revenues remained relatively flat at 1.2 billion, while operating profit improved 7 percent to 507.8 million euros ($641.3 million).
     “These solid figures underline the strength and visibility of SES’s business model,” SES CEO Romain Bausch said in a statement. “We have continued our development with the successful launch and entry into commercial service of the AMC-21 satellite over North and Central America, which will support our continued growth, given the continued healthy demand for satellite capacity. Our pipeline of 10 new and replacement satellites will deliver organic growth, while we continue to seek other opportunities to add to our global coverage. In the challenging credit market environment, we are well funded, with resources available to meet our requirements during the next twelve months."
    Transponder utilization in the SES fleet reached 77.6 percent, or 821 transponders, at the end of September.
    SES confirmed that its outlook for the satellite market remains positive and foresees growth in line with mid-year expectations. For 2009, SES forecasts recurring revenue growth of 4 percent to 5 percent.