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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR

 

 

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                to                

Commission File Number 001-35707

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

State of Delaware

 

37-1699499

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

12300 Liberty Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado

 

80112

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (720) 875-5400

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes     No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes     No 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer 

 

Accelerated filer 

 

Non-accelerated filer 
(do not check if smaller
reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes     No 

The number of outstanding shares of Liberty Media Corporation's common stock as of October 31, 2014 was:

 

 

 

 

Series A common stock

 

104,473,079 

Series B common stock

 

9,873,972 

Series C common stock

 

228,698,276 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) 

I-3

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued) (unaudited) 

I-4

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (unaudited) 

I-5

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Continued) (unaudited) 

I-6

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (unaudited) 

I-7

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (unaudited) 

I-8

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (unaudited) 

I-9

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 

I-10

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

I-28

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

I-38

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

I-38

 

 

 

Part II - Other Information 

II-1

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

II-1

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

II-1

 

Item 6. Exhibits

II-2

 

 

 

SIGNATURES 

II-3

EXHIBIT INDEX 

II-4

 

 

I-2


 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2014

    

December 31, 2013

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

377 

 

1,088 

 

Trade and other receivables, net

 

243 

 

206 

 

Short term marketable securities (note 4)

 

296 

 

15 

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

915 

 

916 

 

Other current assets

 

340 

 

269 

 

Total current assets

 

2,171 

 

2,494 

 

Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments (note 5)

 

1,099 

 

1,324 

 

Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 6)

 

3,298 

 

3,299 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

2,282 

 

2,149 

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(496)

 

(341)

 

 

 

1,786 

 

1,808 

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 7):

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

14,391 

 

14,365 

 

FCC licenses

 

8,600 

 

8,600 

 

Other

 

1,073 

 

1,073 

 

 

 

24,064 

 

24,038 

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 7)

 

1,145 

 

1,200 

 

Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization

 

282 

 

379 

 

Total assets

$

33,845 

 

34,542 

 

 

(continued)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-3


 

 

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30, 2014

    

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions,

 

 

 

except share amounts

 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

699 

 

670 

 

Current portion of debt (note 8)

 

 

754 

 

777 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

1,621 

 

1,575 

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

157 

 

150 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

3,231 

 

3,172 

 

Long-term debt (note 8)

 

 

5,320 

 

4,778 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

2,325 

 

2,312 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

375 

 

398 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

11,251 

 

10,660 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 104,464,363 shares at September 30, 2014 and 104,421,488 shares at December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,873,972 shares at September 30, 2014 and 9,876,178 shares at December 31, 2013

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series C common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 228,680,643 shares at September 30, 2014 and retroactive issued and outstanding 228,595,332 December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

2,057 

 

2,215 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(3)

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

11,964 

 

11,859 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

14,021 

 

14,081 

 

Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries

 

 

8,573 

 

9,801 

 

Total equity

 

 

22,594 

 

23,882 

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

33,845 

 

34,542 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-4


 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

    

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subscriber revenue

 

$

892 

 

832 

 

2,602 

 

2,280 

 

Other revenue

 

 

292 

 

278 

 

753 

 

697 

 

Total Revenue

 

 

1,184 

 

1,110 

 

3,355 

 

2,977 

 

Operating costs and expenses, including stock based compensation (note 2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of subscriber services (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue share and royalties

 

 

204 

 

175 

 

600 

 

469 

 

Programming and content

 

 

66 

 

64 

 

194 

 

179 

 

Customer service and billing

 

 

94 

 

77 

 

276 

 

224 

 

Other

 

 

33 

 

25 

 

97 

 

74 

 

Subscriber acquisition costs

 

 

120 

 

131 

 

367 

 

367 

 

Other operating expense

 

 

119 

 

104 

 

274 

 

254 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

209 

 

207 

 

640 

 

548 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

90 

 

79 

 

272 

 

237 

 

 

 

 

935 

 

862 

 

2,720 

 

2,352 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

249 

 

248 

 

635 

 

625 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(70)

 

(39)

 

(185)

 

(78)

 

Dividend and interest income

 

 

 

12 

 

22 

 

37 

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 6)

 

 

(6)

 

(8)

 

(53)

 

(12)

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 4)

 

 

(15)

 

64 

 

(55)

 

222 

 

Gains (losses) on transactions, net (note 1)

 

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 

7,481 

 

Other, net

 

 

(13)

 

(67)

 

(69)

 

(73)

 

 

 

 

(99)

 

(38)

 

(339)

 

7,577 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

150 

 

210 

 

296 

 

8,202 

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

 

(63)

 

(94)

 

(31)

 

170 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

87 

 

116 

 

265 

 

8,372 

 

Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

54 

 

40 

 

160 

 

144 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders

 

$

33 

 

76 

 

105 

 

8,228 

 

 

(continued)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-5


 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions,

 

 

 

except per share amounts

 

Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share (note 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A, B and C common stock

 

$

0.10 

 

0.21 

 

0.31 

 

23.05 

 

Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders per common share (note 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A, B and C common stock

 

$

0.10 

 

0.21 

 

0.30 

 

22.67 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-6


 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

87 

 

116 

 

265 

 

8,372 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

 

(1)

 

 

(4)

 

 

Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities, net

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(25)

 

Share of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of equity affiliates

 

 

(8)

 

 

(3)

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

(9)

 

11 

 

(7)

 

(19)

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

78 

 

127 

 

258 

 

8,353 

 

Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

54 

 

40 

 

160 

 

144 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders

 

$

24 

 

87 

 

98 

 

8,209 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-7


 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

265 

 

8,372 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

272 

 

237 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

151 

 

141 

 

Cash payments for stock-based compensation

 

 

(2)

 

(2)

 

Share of (earnings) loss of affiliates, net

 

 

53 

 

12 

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net

 

 

55 

 

(222)

 

Losses (gains) on transactions, net

 

 

(1)

 

(7,481)

 

Losses (gains) on dilution of investment in affiliate

 

 

67 

 

55 

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

(190)

 

Noncash interest expense

 

 

(27)

 

(54)

 

Other, net

 

 

 

15 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current and other assets

 

 

(72)

 

142 

 

Payables and other liabilities

 

 

28 

 

(136)

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

801 

 

889 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash proceeds from sale of investments

 

 

247 

 

12 

 

Cash (paid) for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(47)

 

408 

 

Proceeds (payments) on financial instruments, net

 

 

(30)

 

(59)

 

Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees

 

 

(169)

 

(2,584)

 

Repayments of loans by cost and equity investees

 

 

35 

 

71 

 

Capital expended for property and equipment

 

 

(153)

 

(132)

 

Purchases of short term investments and other marketable securities

 

 

(349)

 

(178)

 

Sales of short term investments and other marketable securities

 

 

68 

 

229 

 

Other investing activities, net

 

 

(3)

 

(7)

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

(401)

 

(2,240)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings of debt

 

 

2,218 

 

4,211 

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(1,660)

 

(1,731)

 

Repurchases of Liberty common stock

 

 

 —

 

(140)

 

Subsidiary shares repurchased by subsidiary

 

 

(1,650)

 

(1,602)

 

Other financing activities, net

 

 

(19)

 

(19)

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(1,111)

 

719 

 

Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

 —

 

 

Cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

 —

 

 

Cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

 —

 

550 

 

Change in available cash held by discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

650 

 

Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations

 

 

 —

 

1,200 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(711)

 

568 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

1,088 

 

603 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

377 

 

1,171 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-8


 

 

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity

(unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

Accumulated

    

 

    

Noncontrolling

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

other

 

 

 

interest in

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid-in

 

comprehensive

 

Retained

 

equity of

 

Total

 

 

    

Stock

    

Series A

    

Series B

    

Series C

    

Capital

    

earnings

    

earnings

    

subsidiaries

    

equity

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2014

 

$

 

 

 

 

2,215 

 

 

11,859 

 

9,801 

 

23,882 

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

105 

 

160 

 

265 

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7)

 

 

 

(7)

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

91 

 

 

 

50 

 

141 

 

Minimum withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30)

 

 

 

 

(30)

 

Shares repurchased by subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

(208)

 

 

 

(1,390)

 

(1,598)

 

Shares issued by subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20)

 

 

 

20 

 

 

Remaining balance available on funds allocated for subsidiary accelerated share repurchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(68)

 

(68)

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2014

 

$

 

 

 

 

2,057 

 

(3)

 

11,964 

 

8,573 

 

22,594 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

I-9


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(1)   Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of Liberty Media Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (formerly named Liberty Spinco, Inc.) ("Liberty" or the "Company" unless the context otherwise requires).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Liberty, through its ownership of interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the media, communications and entertainment industries primarily in North America.  The significant subsidiaries include Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. ("SIRIUS XM"), the Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. ("ANLBC") and TruePosition, Inc. ("TruePosition").  Our significant investments accounted for under the equity method include Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter") and Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. ("Live Nation").  See the discussion below regarding the subsequent completion of the spin-off of Liberty Broadband Corporation.

The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Additionally, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with current period presentation.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Liberty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers (i) fair value measurement, (ii) accounting for income taxes, (iii) assessments of other-than-temporary declines in fair value of its investments and (iv) the expected depreciable lives of satellites and spacecraft control facilities to be its most significant estimates.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers.  The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016.   The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have its financial statements and related disclosures.

Liberty holds investments that are accounted for using the equity method. Liberty does not control the decision making process or business management practices of these affiliates. Accordingly, Liberty relies on management of these affiliates to provide it with accurate financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that the Company uses in the application of the equity method. In addition, Liberty relies on audit reports that are provided by the affiliates' independent auditors on the financial statements of such affiliates. The Company is not aware, however, of any errors in or possible misstatements of the financial information provided by its equity affiliates that would have a material effect on Liberty's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Liberty has entered into certain agreements with Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty Interactive”), Starz and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“TripCo”) all of which are separate publicly traded companies, in order to govern relationships between the companies. None of these entities have any stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in any of

I-10


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

the others. These agreements include Reorganization Agreements, Services Agreements, Facilities Sharing Agreements, a Lease Agreement (in the case of Starz only) and Tax Sharing Agreements.

The Reorganization Agreements provide for, among other things, provisions governing the relationships between Liberty and each of Liberty Interactive, Starz and TripCo, respectively, including certain cross-indemnities. Pursuant to the Services Agreements, Liberty provides Liberty Interactive, Starz and TripCo with general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury and investor relations support. Liberty Interactive, Starz and TripCo reimburse Liberty for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Liberty in providing these services and, in the case of Liberty Interactive and Starz, Liberty Interactive's and Starz's respective allocable portion of costs associated with any shared services or personnel based on an estimated percentage of time spent providing services to each respective company, while TripCo pays an annual fee for the provision of these services. Under the Facilities Sharing Agreements, Liberty shares office space and related amenities at its corporate headquarters with Liberty Interactive and TripCo.  Under these various agreements approximately $4 million and $6 million of these allocated expenses were reimbursed to Liberty during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $12 million and $15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 respectively.  Under the Lease Agreement, Starz leases its corporate headquarters from Liberty.  The Lease Agreement with Starz for their corporate headquarters requires a payment of approximately $3 million annually, subject to certain increases based on the Consumer Price Index.

On January 18, 2013, Liberty settled a block transaction with a financial institution taking possession of an additional 50,000,000 common shares of SIRIUS XM as well as converting its remaining SIRIUS XM Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B-1, into 1,293,509,076 shares of SIRIUS XM Common Stock.  As a result of these transactions Liberty holds more than 50% of the capital stock of SIRIUS XM entitled to vote on any matter, including the election of directors.  This resulted in the application of purchase accounting and the consolidation of SIRIUS XM in the first quarter of 2013 and the recognition of a $7.5 billion gain on the transaction.  We note that in periods prior to a controlling interest, SIRIUS XM was treated as an equity method affiliate.

On October 9, 2013, Liberty entered into a share repurchase agreement with SIRIUS XM pursuant to which SIRIUS XM agreed to acquire 136,600,826 SIRIUS XM shares for $500 million, in three separate tranches between the fourth quarter of 2013 and second quarter of 2014, at a price of $3.6603 per share (which was based on a 1.5% discount to the average of the daily volume weighted average price ("VWAP") per share of SIRIUS XM common stock over a period of ten days beginning on the third trading day following the date of the public release of SIRIUS XM's third quarter 2013 earnings subject to a cap on the average VWAP of $4.18 and a floor on the average VWAP of $3.64). The repurchase of shares approximated 2% of the outstanding shares of SIRIUS XM on an as adjusted basis as the shares were retired at the SIRIUS XM level.  The first tranche of shares in the amount of 43,712,265 was repurchased on November 14, 2013. The second tranche was delayed and the final two tranches were settled on April 25, 2014 for total proceeds of $340 million. The retirement of SIRIUS XM shares on a consolidated basis did not significantly impact the consolidated results as it only required an adjustment to noncontrolling interest as the shares were repurchased and retired. Liberty still retains a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM following the completion of the share repurchases.

In May 2014, SIRIUS XM entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement ("May ASR agreement") with a third-party financial institution to repurchase up to $600 million of its common stock.  Under the May ASR agreement SIRIUS XM prepaid $600 million to a financial institution and received an initial delivery of 112,500,000 shares of its common stock and final delivery, during August 2014, of 39,346,125 shares.  Approximately $94 million of the prepaid May ASR Agreement was returned upon the final settlement.  In August 2014, SIRIUS XM entered into another accelerated share repurchase agreement (“August ASR agreement” and together with the May ASR Agreement, the “ASR Agreements”) to repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock.  Under the August ASR Agreement SIRIUS XM prepaid $250 million and received 51,884,795 shares of its common stock prior to September 30, 2014 which were retired upon receipt.  The remaining $68 million under this ASR agreement is included in noncontrolling interest within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014.   The August ASR agreement settled in October 2014 and SIRIUS XM retired an additional 19,431,708 shares of its common stock.  The aggregate purchase price paid under these ASR agreements and the total aggregate number of shares repurchased under the ASR agreements

I-11


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

which were determined based on the VWAP of SIRIUS XM common stock minus a discount during the term of the ASR agreements.

Liberty’s board previously approved the issuance of shares of its Series C common stock to holders of its Series A and Series B common stock, effected by means of a dividend. On July 23, 2014, holders of Series A and Series B common stock as of 5:00 p.m., New York City, time on July 7, 2014, the record date for the dividend, received a dividend of two shares of Series C common stock for each share of Series A or Series B common stock held by them as of the record date. The impact of the Series C common issuance has been reflected retroactively due to the treatment of the dividend as a stock split for accounting purposes.  Additionally, in connection with the Series C common stock issuance, outstanding Series A common stock warrants have been adjusted.  There are 15,776,000 warrants with a strike price of $87.35 per share, at September 30, 2014

Liberty’s board previously authorized management to pursue a plan to spin-off to its stockholders common stock of a newly formed company to be called Liberty Broadband Corporation ("Liberty Broadband") (the “Broadband Spin”) and to distribute subscription rights to acquire shares of Liberty Broadband’s Series C common stock. Liberty Broadband would be comprised of, among other things, Liberty’s (i) interest in Charter, (ii) wholly owned subsidiary TruePosition,  (iii) minority equity investment in Time Warner Cable, Inc. ("Time Warner"), (iv) certain deferred tax liabilities, as well as liabilities related to the Time Warner call option and (v) initial indebtedness, pursuant to a credit arrangement entered into prior to the completion of the spin-off. 

On November 4, 2014 the Broadband Spin was completed and shares of Liberty Broadband were distributed to the shareholders of Liberty as of a record date of October 29, 2014.  The Broadband Spin and rights offering are intended to be tax-free to stockholders of Liberty.  In the Broadband Spin, record holders of Liberty’s Series A, Series B and Series C common stock received one share of the corresponding series of Liberty Broadband common stock for every four shares of common stock held by them as of the record date for the Broadband Spin, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. In addition, Liberty Broadband stockholders, at a future date to be determined by Liberty Broadband’s board of directors, are expected to receive a subscription right to acquire one share of Series C Liberty Broadband common stock for every five shares of Liberty Broadband common stock they received in the Broadband Spin (irrespective of the series of common stock received).  Prior to the transaction, Liberty Broadband borrowed funds under a credit arrangement and made a final distribution to Liberty of approximately $300 million in cash. Liberty expects to account for the Broadband Spin at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distributions and Liberty Broadband will be treated as discontinued operations at the time of the transaction in the fourth quarter.

The subscription rights will be issued to raise capital for general corporate purposes of Liberty Broadband and will enable the holders to acquire shares of Series C Liberty Broadband common stock at a 20% discount to the 20-trading day volume weighted average trading price of the Series C Liberty Broadband common stock following the completion of the Broadband Spin.

 

(2)   Stock-Based Compensation

Liberty grants, to certain of its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries, restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to purchase shares of its common stock (collectively, "Awards"). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity classified Award (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the Award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for a liability classified Award (such as SARs that will be settled in cash) based on the current fair value of the Award, and remeasures the fair value of the Award at each reporting date.

I-12


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are the following amounts of stock-based compensation, a portion of which relates to SIRIUS XM, as discussed below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

(amounts in millions)

 

Cost of subscriber services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Programming and content

 

$

 

 

13 

 

11 

 

Customer service and billing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating expense

 

 

 

 

12 

 

10 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

41 

 

41 

 

116 

 

112 

 

 

 

$

53 

 

52 

 

151 

 

141 

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted approximately 1 thousand options to purchase shares of Series A Liberty common stock at a weighted average grant-date fair value of $38.86 per share.  These options vest quarterly over a 4 year vesting period.

Liberty  calculates the grant-date fair value for all of its equity classified awards and the subsequent remeasurement of its liability classified awards using the Black-Scholes Model. Liberty estimates the expected term of the Awards based on historical exercise and forfeiture data. The volatility used in the calculation for Awards is based on the historical volatility of Liberty common stock and the implied volatility of publicly traded Liberty options. Liberty uses a zero dividend rate and the risk-free rate for Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject Awards.

Liberty—Outstanding Awards

The following tables present the number and weighted average exercise price ("WAEP") of Awards to purchase Liberty common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company and certain Awards of employees of Starz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A

 

 

    

    

    

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Liberty

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

Awards (000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

 

3,656 

 

$

30.58 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

$

45.10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(206)

 

$

28.71 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(1)

 

$

24.03 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2014

 

3,450 

 

$

30.70 

 

4.5 years

 

$

57 

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2014

 

2,337 

 

$

30.11 

 

4.3 years

 

$

40 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I-13


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

Series C

 

 

    

    

    

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Liberty

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

Awards (000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series C Dividend Adjustment

 

6,942 

 

$

46.01 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(47)

 

$

23.98 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(1)

 

$

41.81 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2014

 

6,894 

 

$

30.72 

 

4.5 years

 

$

112 

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2014

 

4,668 

 

$

30.14 

 

4.3 years

 

$

79 

 

 

On July 23, 2014 a dividend of Series C common stock was distributed and adjustments to the Awards outstanding were required to reflect the changes to the capital structure of the Company.  For every Series A Award held, two Series C Awards were issued with an exercise price equal to one third the exercise price of the outstanding Award.  Additionally, the exercise price of the outstanding Series A Awards was adjusted to one third the exercise price associated with such Award.  The change to outstanding Awards did not change the aggregate intrinsic value associated with the Awards outstanding just prior to the distribution and immediately following the distribution.

As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty Awards was approximately $32 million, including compensation associated with the option exchange that occurred in December 2012. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years.

As of September 30, 2014, Liberty reserved 10.3 million shares of Series A and Series C common stock for issuance under exercise privileges of outstanding stock Awards.

SIRIUS XM - Stock-based Compensation

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, SIRIUS XM granted stock options and restricted stock units to its employees and members of its board of directors.  As of September 30, 2014, SIRIUS XM has approximately 282 million options outstanding of which approximately 134 million are exercisable, each with a weighted-average exercise price per share of $2.67 and $2.21, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of SIRIUS XM options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2014 is $270 million and $204 million, respectively. The stock-based compensation related to SIRIUS XM stock options was $39 million and $38 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $110 million and $97 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested SIRIUS XM stock options was $274 million.  The SIRIUS XM unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.

(3)   Earnings Attributable to Liberty Media Corporation Stockholders Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented.

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Series A, Series B and Series C Common Stock

The basic and diluted EPS calculations are based on the following weighted average outstanding shares of common stock.  As discussed in note 1, on July 23, 2014 the Company completed a stock dividend of two shares of Series C common stock for every share of Series A or Series B common stock held as of the record date.  Therefore, all prior period outstanding share amounts for purposes of the calculation of EPS have been retroactively adjusted for comparability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Common Stock

 

 

 

Three months

 

Nine months

 

Three months

 

Nine months

 

 

 

ended

 

ended

 

ended

 

ended

 

 

    

September 30, 2014

    

September 30, 2014

    

September 30, 2013

    

September 30, 2013

 

 

 

numbers of shares in millions

 

Basic EPS

 

341 

 

341 

 

357 

 

357 

 

Potentially dilutive shares

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

346 

 

345 

 

363 

 

363 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)   Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

For assets and liabilities required to be reported at fair value, GAAP provides a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  Liberty does not have any assets or liabilities required to be measured at fair value considered to be Level 3.

Liberty's assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at

 

Fair Value Measurements at

 

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

    

 

 

    

Quoted

    

 

    

 

    

Quoted

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

prices

 

 

 

 

 

prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in active

 

Significant

 

 

 

in active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

markets

 

other

 

 

 

markets

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

 

for identical

 

observable

 

 

 

for identical

 

observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

assets

 

inputs

 

 

 

assets

 

inputs

 

Description

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash equivalents

 

$

244 

 

214 

 

30 

 

859 

 

859 

 

 —

 

Short term marketable securities

 

$

296 

 

 —

 

296 

 

15 

 

15 

 

 —

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

$

1,062 

 

987 

 

75 

 

1,293 

 

978 

 

315 

 

Financial instrument assets

 

$

330 

 

31 

 

299 

 

397 

 

 —

 

397 

 

Debt

 

$

983 

 

 —

 

983 

 

1,002 

 

 —

 

1,002 

 

 

The majority of Liberty's Level 2 financial assets are primarily investments in debt related instruments and certain derivative instruments. The Company notes that these assets are not always traded publicly or not considered to be traded on "active markets," as defined in GAAP.  The fair values for such instruments are derived from a typical model using observable market data as the significant inputs.  Accordingly, those available-for-sale securities and debt related instruments are reported in the foregoing table as Level 2 fair value.

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Fair Value Option Securities

 

$

(30)

 

53 

 

33 

 

189 

 

Cash convertible notes (a)

 

 

41 

 

 —

 

18 

 

 —

 

Other derivatives (b)

 

 

(26)

 

11 

 

(106)

 

33 

 

 

 

$

(15)

 

64 

 

(55)

 

222 

 

 


(a)

Liberty issued $1 billion of cash convertible notes in October 2013 which are accounted for at fair value (Level 2), as elected by Liberty at the issuance of the notes.

(b)

Derivatives, including the Charter warrants (as discussed in note 6) and the bond hedge (as discussed in note 8), are marked to market based on the trading price of underlying securities and other observable market data as the significant inputs (Level 2).

 

(5)   Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities and Other Cost Investments

All marketable equity and debt securities held by the Company are classified as available-for-sale ("AFS") and are carried at fair value generally based on quoted market prices. GAAP permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments, such as AFS securities, and certain other items at fair value and to recognize the changes in fair value of such instruments in the entity's statement of operations (the "fair value option"). The Company previously entered into economic hedges for certain of its non-strategic AFS securities (although such instruments were not accounted for as fair value hedges by the Company). Changes in the fair value of these economic hedges were reflected in the Company's statement of operations as unrealized gains (losses). In order to better match the changes in fair value of the subject AFS securities and the changes in fair value of the corresponding economic hedges in the Company's financial statements, the Company elected the fair value option for those of its AFS securities which it considers to be non-strategic ("Fair Value Option Securities"). Accordingly, changes in the fair value of Fair Value Option Securities, as determined by quoted market prices, are reported in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Investments in AFS securities, including Fair Value Option Securities separately aggregated, and other cost investments are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Fair Value Option Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time Warner, Inc. (a)

 

$

320 

 

297 

 

Time Warner Cable, Inc. (a)

 

 

339 

 

320 

 

Viacom, Inc. (a)

 

 

279 

 

317 

 

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (b)

 

 

25 

 

255 

 

Other equity securities

 

 

47 

 

37 

 

Other debt securities

 

 

27 

 

27 

 

Total Fair Value Option Securities

 

 

1,037 

 

1,253 

 

AFS and cost investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. ("Live Nation") debt securities

 

 

24 

 

24 

 

Other AFS and cost investments

 

 

38 

 

47 

 

Total AFS and cost investments

 

 

62 

 

71 

 

 

 

$

1,099 

 

1,324 

 

 


(a)

See note 8 for details regarding the number and fair value of shares pledged as collateral pursuant to certain margin loan agreements as of September 30, 2014.

(b)

In April 2014 Liberty reduced its overall ownership interest in Barnes & Noble, Inc. to less than 2% through the sale of approximately 90% of the preferred stock held by Liberty as of such date for $247 million in proceeds.

Unrealized Holding Gains and Losses

Unrealized holding gains and losses related to investments in AFS securities are summarized below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

    

Equity

    

Debt

    

Equity

    

Debt

 

 

 

securities

 

securities

 

securities

 

securities

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Gross unrealized holding gains

 

$

 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized holding losses

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I-17


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

(6)   Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method

Liberty has various investments accounted for using the equity method. The following table includes the Company's carrying amount and percentage ownership of the more significant investments in affiliates at September 30, 2014 and the carrying amount at December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

    

Percentage

    

Fair Value

    

Carrying

    

Carrying

 

 

 

ownership

 

(Level 1)

 

amount

 

amount

 

 

 

dollar amounts in millions

 

Charter (a)

 

25 

%  

$

4,201 

 

$

2,376 

 

2,395 

 

Live Nation (b) (c)

 

27 

%

$

1,291 

 

 

452 

 

409 

 

SIRIUS XM Canada

 

37 

%

$

304 

 

 

239 

 

273 

 

Other

 

various

 

 

NA

 

 

231 

 

222 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,298 

 

3,299 

 

 

The following table presents the Company's share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Charter (a)

 

$

(34)

 

(37)

 

(87)

 

(74)

 

SIRIUS XM

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

Live Nation

 

 

21 

 

13 

 

18 

 

 

SIRIUS XM Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

14 

 

13 

 

46 

 

 

 

$

(6)

 

(8)

 

(53)

 

(12)

 

 


(a)

As discussed below, Liberty acquired its interest in Charter during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for approximately $2.6 billion. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Liberty acquired 896,845 shares of Charter for $124 million.

(b)

See note 8 for details regarding the number and fair value of shares pledged as collateral pursuant to certain margin loan agreements as of September 30, 2014.  

(c)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Liberty acquired approximately 1.7 million shares of Live Nation for approximately $39 million.

 

Charter Communications, Inc.

 

In May 2013, Liberty completed a transaction with investment funds managed by, or affiliated with, Apollo Management, Oaktree Capital Management and Crestview Partners to acquire approximately 26.9 million shares of common stock and approximately 1.1 million warrants in Charter for approximately $2.6 billion, which represented an approximate 27% beneficial ownership, including warrants on an as if converted basis, in Charter, at the time of purchase, and a price per share of $95.50.   Liberty accounts for the investment in Charter as an equity method affiliate based on the ownership interest obtained and the board seats held by Liberty appointed individuals.  Liberty allocated the purchase price between the shares of common stock and the warrants acquired in the transaction by determining the fair value of the publicly traded warrants and allocating the remaining balance to the shares acquired, which resulted in an excess basis in the investment of $2.5 billion.  The excess basis was primarily allocated to franchise fees, customer

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

relationships, debt and goodwill based on a valuation of Charter's assets and liabilities. Due to the amortization of amortizable assets acquired and losses due to warrant and stock option exercises at Charter, the excess basis has decreased to $2.4 billion as of September 30, 2014.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized $11 million and $61 million, respectively, in losses in its investment in Charter shares and warrants due to warrant and stock option exercises at Charter below Liberty's book basis per share. Liberty recognized $55 million in dilution losses on its investment in Charter shares and warrants during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Dilution losses are included in the other, net line in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. 

 

SIRIUS XM Canada

 

In 2005, SIRIUS XM entered into agreements to provide SIRIUS XM Canada with the right to offer SIRIUS XM satellite radio service in Canada. The agreements have an initial ten year term and Sirius XM Canada has the unilateral option to extend the agreements for an additional five year term. SIRIUS XM receives a percentage based royalty for certain types of subscription revenue earned by SIRIUS XM Canada each month for the distribution of Sirius and XM channels, royalties for activation fees and reimbursement for other charges. At September 30, 2014, SIRIUS XM has approximately $6 million and $18 million in related party assets and liabilities, respectively, related to these agreements described above with SIRIUS XM Canada which are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Additionally, SIRIUS XM recorded approximately $12 million and $36 million in revenue, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, associated with these various agreements in the other revenue line in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  SIRIUS XM Canada declared dividends to SIRIUS XM of $5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $39 million and $12 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

(7)   Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

SIRIUS XM

    

Other

    

Total

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2014

 

$

14,165 

 

200 

 

14,365 

 

Acquisitions (1)

 

 

 —

 

26 

 

26 

 

Balance at September 30, 2014

 

$

14,165 

 

226 

 

14,391 

 

 


(1)

TruePosition made an acquisition during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Other major intangible assets not subject to amortization, not separately disclosed are SIRIUS XM tradenames ($930 million) and ANLBC franchise rights ($143 million) at September 30, 2014.  

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

    

Gross

    

 

    

Net

    

Gross

    

 

    

Net

 

 

 

carrying

 

Accumulated

 

carrying

 

carrying

 

Accumulated

 

carrying

 

 

 

amount

 

amortization

 

amount

 

amount

 

amortization

 

amount

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Customer relationships

 

$

854 

 

(110)

 

744 

 

838 

 

(65)

 

773 

 

Licensing agreements

 

 

316 

 

(43)

 

273 

 

316 

 

(22)

 

294 

 

Other

 

 

477 

 

(349)

 

128 

 

433 

 

(300)

 

133 

 

Total

 

$

1,647 

 

(502)

 

1,145 

 

1,587 

 

(387)

 

1,200 

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $38 million and $30 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $115 million and $85 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Based on its amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2014, Liberty expects that amortization expense will be as follows for the next five years (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remainder of 2014

    

$

45 

 

2015

 

$

172 

 

2016

 

$

127 

 

2017

 

$

115 

 

2018

 

$

105 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

(8) Long-Term Debt

Debt is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

Carrying value

 

    

Principal September 30,

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

amounts in millions

Corporate level notes and loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty 1.375% Cash Convertible Notes due 2023

 

$

1,000 

 

 

983 

 

1,002 

Margin Loans

 

 

250 

 

 

250 

 

920 

Subsidiary notes and loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIRIUS XM 7% Exchangeable Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014

 

 

491 

 

 

496 

 

520 

SIRIUS XM 5.875% Senior Notes due 2020

 

 

650 

 

 

644 

 

643 

SIRIUS XM 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021

 

 

600 

 

 

595 

 

594 

SIRIUS XM 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022

 

 

400 

 

 

407 

 

407 

SIRIUS XM 4.25% Senior Notes due 2020

 

 

500 

 

 

495 

 

494 

SIRIUS XM 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023

 

 

500 

 

 

495 

 

495 

SIRIUS XM 6% Senior Notes due 2024

 

 

1,500 

 

 

1,484 

 

SIRIUS XM Credit Facility

 

 

145 

 

 

145 

 

460 

Other subsidiary debt

 

 

80 

 

 

80 

 

20 

Total debt

 

$

6,116 

 

 

6,074 

 

5,555 

Less debt classified as current

 

 

 

 

 

(754)

 

(777)

Total long-term debt

 

 

 

 

$

5,320 

 

4,778 

 

Liberty 1.375% Cash Convertible Notes due 2023

On October 17, 2013, Liberty issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.375% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 ("Convertible Notes").  The Convertible Notes will mature on October 15, 2023 unless earlier repurchased by us or converted.  Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year at a rate of 1.375% per annum. All conversion of the Convertible Notes will be settled solely in cash, and not through the delivery of any securities.  The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 5.5882 shares of Liberty Series A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $178.95 per share of Liberty Series A common stock.  Upon the issuance of Series C common stock on July 23, 2014 the conversion rate for the Convertible Notes was adjusted to 15.7760 shares of Series A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes and an adjusted conversion price of $63.39 per share with an additional adjustment expected for the Broadband Spin. Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date of the notes under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter after the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2013, if the last reported sale price of our Series A common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is equal to or more than 130% of the conversion price of the notes on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter; (2) during the five businessday period after any five consecutive trading day period, which we refer to as the measurement period, in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our  Series A common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions.  Liberty has elected to account for this instrument using the fair value option.  Accordingly, changes in the fair value of this instrument are recognized as

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

unrealized gains (losses) in the statement of operations.  As of September 30, 2014, the Convertible Notes are classified as a long term liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, as the conversion conditions have not been met as of such date.

Additionally, contemporaneously with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, Liberty entered into privately negotiated cash convertible note hedges and purchased call options (the “Bond Hedge Transaction”). The Bond Hedge Transaction covered approximately 5,588,200 shares (adjusted to 15,776,000 for the Series C common stock distribution in July 2014 with an additional adjustment expected for the Broadband Spin upon the completion of an adequate trading period) of Liberty Series A common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments pertaining to the Convertible Notes, which is equal to the number of shares of Liberty Series A common stock that will initially underlie the Convertible Notes.  The Bond Hedge Transaction is expected to offset potential cash payments Liberty would be required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes, upon conversion of the notes in the event that the volume-weighted average price per share of the Liberty Series A common stock, as measured under the cash convertible note hedge transactions on each trading day of the relevant cash settlement averaging period or other relevant valuation period, is greater than the strike price of $178.95 per share (adjusted to $63.39 per share for the Series C common stock distribution in July 2014 with an additional adjustment expected for the Broadband Spin upon the completion of an adequate trading period) of Liberty Series A common stock, which initially corresponds to the conversion price of the Convertible Notes. Liberty paid approximately $299 million for the Bond Hedge Transaction.  The expiration of these instruments is October, 15, 2023 and is included in other long-term assets as of September 30, 2014 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, with changes in the fair value recorded as unrealized gains (losses) in the statement of operations.

Margin Loans

During the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with Liberty's acquisition of Charter common stock and warrants, as discussed in note 6, Liberty, through certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered into several margin loans with various financial institutions (“lender parties”) in order to fund the purchase. Each agreement contains language that indicates that Liberty, as borrower and transferor of underlying shares as collateral, has the right to exercise all voting, consensual and other powers of ownership pertaining to the transferred shares for all purposes, provided that Liberty agrees that it will not vote the shares in any manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to transfer or certain other restrictions. Similarly, the loan agreements indicate that no lender party shall have any voting rights with respect to the shares transferred, except to the extent that a lender party buys any shares in a sale or other disposition made pursuant to the terms of the loan agreements.

 

On April 30, 2013, Liberty Siri MarginCo, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, entered into a margin loan agreement whereby Liberty Siri MarginCo, LLC borrowed $250 million pursuant to a term loan and $450 million pursuant to a revolving credit facility with various lender parties with incremental borrowings through the prior year end. Shares of SIRIUS XM, Live Nation, Time Warner, Inc., Viacom, Inc., CenturyLink, Inc., and Time Warner Cable, Inc. common stock were pledged as collateral pursuant to this agreement. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a spread, based on the market value of the non-SIRIUS XM shares pledged as collateral pursuant to the agreement and such assets and available credit are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of Liberty and its other subsidiaries. Given the non-SIRIUS XM market value of the eligible pledged shares as of April 30, 2013, the initial interest rate on the loan is LIBOR plus 2% which has not changed since inception.  Interest on the term loan is payable on the first business day of each calendar quarter, and interest is payable on the revolving line of credit on the last day of the interest period applicable to the borrowing of which such loan is a part. As of September 30, 2014, availability under the revolving line of credit was $750 million. Additionally, up to $1 billion in loans may be extended under the loan agreement in the form of incremental loans, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.  During October 2014, Liberty refinanced the current margin loan arrangement for a similar financial instrument with a term loan of $250 million and a $750 million undrawn line of credit.  The term loan and any drawn portion of the revolver will carry an interest rate of LIBOR plus an applicable spread between 1.75% and 2.50% (based

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

on value of collateral) with the undrawn portion carrying a fee of 0.75%.  The maturity of the new arrangement is October 28, 2015.  Other terms of the loan were substantially similar to the current arrangement.

 

$670 Million Margin Loan due 2015

At closing on May 1, 2013, LMC Cheetah 2, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, entered into a margin loan agreement with an availability of $670 million pursuant to a term loan with various lender parties ("$670 Million Margin Loan due 2015").  Shares of Charter common stock were pledged as collateral pursuant to this agreement. The $670 Million Margin Loan due May 1, 2015 bears interest equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 3.25%, payable on the first day of each of February, May, August and November throughout the term of the loan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Liberty has fully repaid the $670 Million Margin Loan due 2015 and the shares previously pledged under the loan are no longer pledged as collateral.

 

As of September 30, 2014, the values of shares pledged as collateral pursuant to the remaining margin loan agreement are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Number of Shares Pledged

    

 

 

 

 

 

as Collateral as of

 

Share value as of

 

Investment

 

September 30, 2014

 

September 30, 2014

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

SIRIUS XM

 

719.9 

 

$

2,513 

 

Live Nation

 

8.1 

 

$

193 

 

Time Warner, Inc.

 

3.6 

 

$

272 

 

Viacom, Inc.

 

3.5 

 

$

272 

 

Time, Inc.

 

0.5 

 

$

11 

 

 

The outstanding margin loan contains various affirmative and negative covenants that restrict the activities of the borrower. The loan agreement does not include any financial covenants.

 

SIRIUS XM Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

In December 2012, SIRIUS XM entered into a five-year Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions for $1,250 million.  The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all SIRIUS XM's assets and the assets of their subsidiaries. The proceeds of loans under the Credit Facility have been or will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including financing acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends.  Interest on borrowings is payable on a quarterly basis and accrues at a rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable rate. SIRIUS XM is required to pay a variable fee on the average daily unused portion of the Credit Facility which is currently 0.35% per annum and is payable on a quarterly basis. The Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including a maintenance covenant.

As of September 30, 2014, availability under the Credit Facility was $1,105 million.

 

SIRIUS XM $1.5 Billion 6.00% Senior Notes due 2024

In May 2014, SIRIUS XM issued $1.5 billion principal amount of new senior secured notes due 2024 which bear interest at an annual rate of 6.00% ("SIRIUS XM 6.00% Senior Notes due 2024") paid semi-annually in January and July. SIRIUS XM intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.  The notes are recorded net of the remaining unamortized original issue discount.

As of September 30, 2014, SIRIUS XM was in compliance with all debt covenants.

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Fair Value of Debt

The fair value, based on quoted market prices of the same instruments but not considered to be active markets (Level 2), of SIRIUS XM's publicly traded debt securities, not reported at fair value, are as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30, 2014

 

SIRIUS XM 5.875% Senior Notes due 2020

 

$

660 

 

SIRIUS XM 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021

 

$

606 

 

SIRIUS XM 7% Exchangeable Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014

 

$

942 

 

SIRIUS XM 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022

 

$

417 

 

SIRIUS XM 4.25% Senior Notes due 2020

 

$

482 

 

SIRIUS XM 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023

 

$

466 

 

SIRIUS XM 6% Senior Notes due 2024

 

$

1,532 

 

 

Due to the variable rate nature of the Credit Facility, margin loans and other debt the Company believes that the carrying amount approximates fair value at September 30, 2014. 

(9)   Commitments and Contingencies

Guarantees

The Company continues to guarantee Starz, LLC's obligations, in the event Starz, LLC is unable to meet its financial obligations, under one of its studio output agreements. At September 30, 2014, the Company's guarantee for obligations for films released by such date aggregated $91 million. The outstanding guarantee (the "Guarantee") associated with this studio output agreement is expected to lapse in November of 2014.   While the guarantee amount for films not yet released is not determinable, as box office amounts are unknown prior to release of films which determines the applicable rate to be paid by Starz, LLC, such amounts are expected to be significant, although as the date of the guarantee release draws closer, the amounts are expected to decrease, as films under the guarantee will be less. The Company considered whether a liability associated with the Guarantee was considered necessary and determined that based on a number of scenarios associated with this Guarantee due to the financial well-being of Starz, the anticipated financial performance of Starz over the next year and Starz's availability under its outstanding credit facility, that no liability was considered necessary.

In connection with agreements for the sale of assets by the Company or its subsidiaries, the Company may retain liabilities that relate to events occurring prior to its sale, such as tax, environmental, litigation and employment matters. The Company generally indemnifies the purchaser in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification obligations may extend for a number of years. The Company is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnification obligations as the sale agreements may not specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees.

Employment Contracts

The Atlanta Braves and certain of their players and coaches have entered into long-term employment contracts whereby such individuals' compensation is guaranteed. Amounts due under guaranteed contracts as of September 30, 2014 aggregated $369 million, which is payable as follows: $2 million in 2014, $86 million in 2015, $59 million in

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

2016, $76 million in 2017 and $146 million thereafter. In addition to the foregoing amounts, certain players and coaches may earn incentive compensation under the terms of their employment contracts.

Operating Leases

The Company and its subsidiaries lease business offices, have entered into satellite transponder lease agreements and use certain equipment under lease arrangements.

Litigation

The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible the Company may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

(10)   Information About Liberty's Operating Segments

The Company, through its ownership interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the media, communications and entertainment industries. The Company identifies its reportable segments as (A) those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of its consolidated annual revenue, annual Adjusted OIBDA or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings represent 10% or more of the Company's annual pre-tax earnings.

The Company evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue and Adjusted OIBDA. In addition, the Company reviews nonfinancial measures such as subscriber growth, churn and penetration.

The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding all stock-based compensation. The Company believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, including each business's ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company has identified the following business as its reportable segment:

·

SIRIUS XM — consolidated subsidiary that provides a subscription based satellite radio service.  SIRIUS XM broadcasts music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels as well as infotainment services in the United States on a subscription fee basis through their proprietary satellite radio systems.  Subscribers can also receive their music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM, over the internet, including through applications for mobile devices.  SIRIUS XM is also a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. Its connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle owners while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers.

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

The Company's segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, differing revenue sources and marketing strategies. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company's summary of significant policies in the Company's annual financial statements filed on Form 10-K.

Performance Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

3,060 

 

1,085 

 

2,626 

 

956 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

295 

 

(27)

 

351 

 

47 

 

 

 

$

3,355 

 

1,058 

 

2,977 

 

1,003 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended  September 30,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

1,047 

 

381 

 

959 

 

353 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

137 

 

11 

 

151 

 

26 

 

 

 

$

1,184 

 

392 

 

1,110 

 

379 

 

 

 Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

 

    

Total

    

Investments

    

Capital

 

 

 

assets

 

in affiliates

 

expenditures

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

28,011 

 

239 

 

87 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

5,834 

 

3,059 

 

66 

 

 

 

$

33,845 

 

3,298 

 

153 

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

The following table provides a reconciliation of segment Adjusted OIBDA to earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Consolidated segment Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

392 

 

379 

 

1,058 

 

1,003 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(53)

 

(52)

 

(151)

 

(141)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(90)

 

(79)

 

(272)

 

(237)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(70)

 

(39)

 

(185)

 

(78)

 

Dividend and interest income

 

 

 

12 

 

22 

 

37 

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net

 

 

(6)

 

(8)

 

(53)

 

(12)

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

 

 

(15)

 

64 

 

(55)

 

222 

 

Gains (losses) on transactions, net

 

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 

7,481 

 

Other, net

 

 

(13)

 

(67)

 

(69)

 

(73)

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

150 

 

210 

 

296 

 

8,202 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I-27


 

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, product and marketing strategies; new service offerings; revenue growth and subscriber trends at SIRIUS XM Holdings, Inc. ("SIRIUS XM"); the recoverability of our goodwill and other long-lived assets; the performance of our equity affiliates; our projected sources and uses of cash; SIRIUS XM's stock repurchase program; and the anticipated non-material impact of certain contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors (as they relate to our consolidated subsidiaries and equity affiliates) that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:

·

consumer demand for our products and services and our ability to adapt to changes in demand;

·

competitor responses to our products and services;

·

uncertainties inherent in the development and integration of new business lines and business strategies;

·

uncertainties associated with product and service development and market acceptance, including the development and provision of programming for satellite radio and telecommunications technologies;

·

significant dependence of one of our consolidated businesses upon automakers;

·

our ability to attract and retain subscribers at a profitable level in the future is uncertain;

·

our future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;

·

our ability to successfully integrate and recognize anticipated efficiencies and benefits from the businesses we acquire;

·

the ability of suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;

·

interruption or failure of our information technology and communication systems, including the failure of our satellites, could negatively impact our results and brand;

·

royalties for music rights have increased and there can be no assurance they will not continue to increase in the future;

·

the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation;

·

availability of qualified personnel;

·

changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;

·

changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, vendors and joint ventures;

·

general economic and business conditions and industry trends including the current economic downturn;

·

consumer spending levels, including the availability and amount of individual consumer debt;

·

rapid technological changes;

·

our indebtedness could adversely affect the operations and could limit the ability of our subsidiaries to react to changes in the economy or our industry;

·

failure to protect the security of personal information about our customers, subjecting us to potentially costly government enforcement actions or private litigation and reputational damage;

·

capital spending for the acquisition and/or development of products and services;

I-28


 

·

the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which we, and the entities in which we have interests, operate; and

·

threatened terrorist attacks and ongoing military action in the Middle East and other parts of the world and political unrest in international markets.

For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Explanatory Note

On January 18, 2013, Liberty settled a block transaction with a financial institution taking possession of an additional 50,000,000 common shares of SIRIUS XM as well as converting its remaining SIRIUS XM Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B-1, par value $0.001 per share, into 1,293,509,076 shares of SIRIUS XM Common Stock.  As a result of these two transactions Liberty holds more than 50% of the capital stock of SIRIUS XM entitled to vote on any matter, including the election of directors.  This resulted in the application of purchase accounting and the consolidation of SIRIUS XM in the first quarter of 2013 and the recognition of a $7.5 billion gain on the transaction.  We note that our investment in SIRIUS XM, in periods prior to our acquisition of a controlling interest, was treated as an equity method affiliate.

Overview

We own controlling and non-controlling interests in a broad range of media, communications and entertainment companies. Our most significant operating subsidiary, which is also our principal reportable segment, is SIRIUS XM. SIRIUS XM provides a subscription based satellite radio service.  SIRIUS XM broadcasts music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels as well as infotainment services in the United States on a subscription fee basis through their proprietary satellite radio systems.  Subscribers can also receive their music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM, over the internet, including through applications for mobile devices.  SIRIUS XM is also a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. Its connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle owners while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers.

Our "Corporate and Other" category includes our other consolidated subsidiaries, including the Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. ("ANLBC"), TruePosition, Inc. ("TruePosition") and corporate expenses.  ANLBC owns the Atlanta Braves, a major league baseball club, as well as certain of the Atlanta Braves' minor league clubs.

In addition to the foregoing businesses, we hold an ownership interest in Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter"), Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. ("Live Nation") and through SIRIUS XM, SIRIUS XM Canada, which we account for as equity method investments; and we continue to maintain investments and related financial instruments in public companies such as Time Warner, Inc., Time Warner Cable, Inc. and Viacom, Inc. which are accounted for at their respective fair market values and are included in corporate and other.

Additionally, subsequent to September 30, 2014 Liberty completed the spin-off of Liberty Broadband Corporation as described in note 1 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Broadband Spin”).

I-29


 

Results of Operations—Consolidated

General.    We provide in the tables below information regarding our Consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our reportable segments. The "corporate and other" category consists of those assets or businesses which do not qualify as a separate reportable segment. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of our principal reportable segment see "Results of Operations—Business" below.

Consolidated Operating Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

1,047 

 

959 

 

3,060 

 

2,626 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

137 

 

151 

 

295 

 

351 

 

 

 

$

1,184 

 

1,110 

 

3,355 

 

2,977 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

381 

 

353 

 

1,085 

 

956 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

11 

 

26 

 

(27)

 

47 

 

 

 

$

392 

 

379 

 

1,058 

 

1,003 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

265 

 

247 

 

739 

 

651 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(16)

 

 

(104)

 

(26)

 

 

 

$

249 

 

248 

 

635 

 

625 

 

 

Revenue.    Our consolidated revenue increased $74 million and $378 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to revenue growth at SIRIUS XM (approximately $291 million) and a full nine months of consolidated SIRIUS XM revenue ($166 million) which was partially offset by reduced revenue at TruePosition and no revenue earned during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to a contractual arrangement with CNBC that was held by a subsidiary exchanged in the fourth quarter of 2013 with Comcast. TruePosition revenue increased $1 million and decreased $8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods due primarily to a decrease in international and domestic hardware and software sales offset slightly by revenue from the acquisition of Skyhook.  ANLBC revenue increased $1 million and decreased $9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year.  The three month period increase was due to slightly higher broadcast revenue period over period and an increase in national revenue from Major League Baseball.  The difference for the nine month period was primarily due to a one time recognition of revenue from a settlement of historical broadcast rights issues in the three months ended March 31, 2013. See "Results of Operations—Business"  below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of SIRIUS XM, including a discussion of the SIRIUS XM results on a comparative basis.

 

Adjusted OIBDA.    We define Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less operating expenses and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses excluding all stock-based compensation. Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses, including each business's ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in

I-30


 

accordance with GAAP. See note 10 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes.

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA increased $13 million and $55 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase was the result of a full nine months of consolidated results for SIRIUS XM and increased operating efficiencies at SIRIUS XM offset by reduced Adjusted OIBDA results at ANLBC, TruePosition and the impacts of a transaction in the fourth quarter of 2013 related to a revenue sharing agreement discussed above.   The Adjusted OIBDA decrease for ANLBC was primarily the result of increased player payroll due to season ending injuries at key positions which required additional players to be added to the roster.  Additionally, other players were released from the roster and full recognition of guaranteed portions of their contracts were recognized during the current period.  See "Results of Operations—Business" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of SIRIUS XM.

 

Stock-based compensation.    Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to (1) options and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") for shares of our common stock that are granted to certain of our officers and employees, (2) phantom stock appreciation rights ("PSARs") granted to officers and employees of certain of our subsidiaries pursuant to private equity plans and (3) amortization of restricted stock grants.

We recorded $151 million and $141 million of stock compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in stock compensation expense in 2014 relates to the additional stock-based compensation from SIRIUS XM.  As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity awards was approximately $32 million. Such amount will be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years.  Additionally, as of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested SIRIUS XM stock options was $274 million.  The SIRIUS XM unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.

Operating income.    Our consolidated operating income increased $1 million and $10 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  The increase is primarily the result of increased operating results at SIRIUS XM offset by increased stock compensation expense and the other subsidiary activity discussed above in the Adjusted OIBDA section.  See "Results of Operations—Business"  below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of SIRIUS XM.

Other Income and Expense

Components of Other Income (Expense) are presented in the table below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

(70)

 

(39)

 

(185)

 

(78)

 

Dividend and interest income

 

 

 

12 

 

22 

 

37 

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net

 

 

(6)

 

(8)

 

(53)

 

(12)

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

 

 

(15)

 

64 

 

(55)

 

222 

 

Gains (losses) on transactions, net

 

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 

7,481 

 

Other, net

 

 

(13)

 

(67)

 

(69)

 

(73)

 

 

 

$

(99)

 

(38)

 

(339)

 

7,577 

 

 

Interest expense.    Consolidated interest expense increased $31 million and $107 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of SIRIUS XM's debt on a full year to date basis, an overall increase in the average debt balance outstanding during the period and a reduction in premium amortization as a result of debt refinancing by SIRIUS XM in the prior period.

I-31


 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates.    The following table presents our share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Charter

 

$

(34)

 

(37)

 

(87)

 

(74)

 

SIRIUS XM

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

Live Nation

 

 

21 

 

13 

 

18 

 

 

SIRIUS XM Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

14 

 

13 

 

46 

 

 

 

$

(6)

 

(8)

 

(53)

 

(12)

 

 

We acquired a 27% interest in Charter during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for approximately $2.6 billion.  Therefore, Liberty's share of Charter's losses in 2014 are for the full year as opposed to just one quarter in the prior year.  Charter's results have improved period over period, primarily due to an increase in revenue as a result of an increase in customers from the prior year, partially offset by increases in programming costs and customer service costs.   We acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM on January 18, 2013 resulting in share of earnings for only the first seventeen days of January 2013.

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments.  Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Fair Value Option Securities

 

$

(30)

 

53 

 

33 

 

189 

 

Cash convertible notes

 

 

41 

 

 —

 

18 

 

 —

 

Other derivatives

 

 

(26)

 

11 

 

(106)

 

33 

 

 

 

$

(15)

 

64 

 

(55)

 

222 

 

 

Liberty issued $1 billion of cash convertible notes in October 2013 which are accounted for at fair value, as elected by Liberty at the issuance of the notes.  At the same time Liberty entered into a bond hedge transaction on the same amount of underlying shares.  These derivatives are marked to fair value on a recurring basis and are included in other derivatives in the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments line item.  The primary driver of the change in the current period is the change in the fair value of the underlying stock. 

Liberty obtained Charter warrants in the second quarter of 2013.  These warrants are marked to fair value based on the trading price of Charter and other observable market data as the significant inputs.  The change in fair value was primarily driven by the change in the trading price of the Charter common stock and was recorded as part of other derivatives in the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments line item.

Gains (losses) on transactions, net.  During January 2013, we acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM which resulted in the application of purchase accounting and the consolidation of SIRIUS XM in the first quarter of 2013.  Liberty recorded a gain in the three months ended September 30, 2014 of approximately $7.5 billion associated with application of purchase accounting based on the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the ownership interest Liberty had in SIRIUS XM prior to the acquisition of the controlling interest.

Other, net.  Other, net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2014 is primarily the impact of stock issuances at Charter below Liberty's cost basis (primarily from stock option exercises).

Income taxes.  Our income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was an expense of $63 million and $31 million, respectively.  Tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was slightly higher than the federal tax rate of 35% due to the impact of state taxes.  The primary reason tax expense is less than the federal tax rate of 35% for the nine months ended September 30,2014 was the liquidation of a consolidated partnership

I-32


 

investment and the related reduction in the tax basis of the partnership’s assets, which was not recognized for financial statement purposes. 

Net earnings.  We had net earnings of $87 million and $265 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and net earnings of $116 million and $8,372 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The change in net earnings was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses.

Material Changes in Financial Condition

As of September 30, 2014, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were invested in U.S. Treasury securities, other government agencies, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated financial and corporate debt instruments.

The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, cash generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries (to the extent such cash exceeds the working capital needs of the subsidiaries and is not otherwise restricted), proceeds from asset sales, monetization of our public investment portfolio (including derivatives), debt borrowings and equity issuances, and dividend and interest receipts.

Liberty does not have a debt rating.

As of September 30, 2014 Liberty's liquidity position consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

Unencumbered

 

 

 

Cash and Cash

 

Fair Value Option

 

 

 

Equivalents

 

AFS Securities

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Corporate and other

 

$

273 

 

482 

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

104 

 

 

 

To the extent Liberty recognizes any taxable gains from the sale of assets, we may incur tax expense and be required to make tax payments, thereby reducing any cash proceeds. Liberty has a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM which has significant cash and cash provided by operating activities, although due to SIRIUS XM being a separate public company and the significant noncontrolling interest, we do not have ready access to their cash.  Prior to the completion of the Broadband Spin Liberty received a distribution of approximately $300 million from Liberty Broadband Corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014

    

2013

 

Cash Flow Information

 

amounts in millions

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

$

801 

 

889 

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

$

(401)

 

(2,240)

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

$

(1,111)

 

719 

 

 

Liberty's primary use of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (excluding SIRIUS XM's uses of cash) was the repayment of $670 million which was a portion of the outstanding margin loans through the use of cash on hand and the sale of the Barnes & Noble investment during the period.  SIRIUS XM's primary uses of cash were the repayment of a portion of their outstanding credit facility and the repurchase of outstanding SIRIUS XM common stock.  The SIRIUS XM uses of cash were funded by cash provided by operating activities, the issuance of additional senior notes and cash on hand.

The projected uses of Liberty's cash are the investment in existing or new businesses, debt service, capital expenditures and the potential buyback of common stock under the approved share buyback program as well as further repayment of the margin loans. Liberty expects to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand, cash from operations, and borrowing capacity under margin loans.  SIRIUS XM's uses of cash are expected to be the repayment of certain outstanding debt and the repurchases of its common stock in accordance with its approved share buyback program.  Liberty expects SIRIUS XM to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand, cash from operations and the

I-33


 

existing credit facility. Liberty may be required to make net payments of income tax liabilities to settle items under discussion with tax authorities.

Results of Operations—Business

SIRIUS XM Holdings, Inc.  SIRIUS XM broadcasts music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels as well as infotainment services in the United States on a subscription fee basis through their proprietary satellite radio systems.  Subscribers can also receive their music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM, over the internet, including through applications for mobile devices.  SIRIUS XM is also a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. Its connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle owners while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers.  Subscribers to its connected vehicle services are not included in the subscriber count below.  SIRIUS XM has agreements with every major automaker ("OEMs") to offer satellite radios in their vehicles from which SIRIUS XM acquires the majority of its subscribers.  SIRIUS XM also acquires subscribers through the marketing to owners of factory-installed satellite radios that are not currently subscribing to SIRIUS XM services.  Additionally, SIRIUS XM distributes its radios through retail locations nationwide and through its website.  Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain daily rental car companies.  SIRIUS XM's primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of its customers subscribing on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis.  SIRIUS XM offers discounts for prepaid and longer term subscription plans as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions.  SIRIUS XM also derives revenue from activation and other fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios, components and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as weather, data, traffic, and Backseat TV services.  SIRIUS XM is a separate publicly traded company and additional information about SIRIUS XM can be obtained through its website and public filings.

 

As of September 30, 2014, SIRIUS XM had 26.7 million subscribers of which 22.0 million were self-pay subscribers and 4.7 million were paid promotional subscribers.  These subscriber totals include subscribers under regular pricing plans; discounted pricing plans; subscribers that have prepaid, including payments either made or due from automakers for subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a vehicle; subscribers to SIRIUS XM Internet services who do not also have satellite radio subscriptions; and certain subscribers to SIRIUS XM's other ancillary services.

 

We acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM on January 18, 2013 and applied purchase accounting and consolidated the results of SIRIUS XM from that date.  Prior to the acquisition of our controlling interest, we maintained an investment in SIRIUS XM accounted for using the equity method.  For comparison purposes we are presenting the stand alone results of SIRIUS XM prior to any purchase accounting adjustments in the current year for a discussion of the operations of SIRIUS XM.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, see the reconciliation of the results reported by SIRIUS XM to the results reported by Liberty included below. As of September 30, 2014, there is an approximate 43% noncontrolling interest in SIRIUS XM, and the net earnings (loss) of SIRIUS XM attributable to such noncontrolling interest is eliminated through the noncontrolling interest line item in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

I-34


 

SIRIUS XM's stand alone operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2014 (1)

    

2013(1)

    

2014 (1)

    

2013(1)

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Subscriber revenue

 

$

902 

 

834 

 

2,632 

 

2,432 

 

Other revenue

 

 

155 

 

127 

 

458 

 

367 

 

Total revenue

 

 

1,057 

 

961 

 

3,090 

 

2,799 

 

Operating expenses (excluding stock-based compensation included below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of subscriber services

 

 

(399)

 

(332)

 

(1,175)

 

(988)

 

Subscriber acquisition costs

 

 

(120)

 

(126)

 

(367)

 

(372)

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

(13)

 

(11)

 

(41)

 

(38)

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

(144)

 

(129)

 

(423)

 

(359)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

381 

 

363 

 

1,084 

 

1,042 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(22)

 

(20)

 

(58)

 

(50)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(65)

 

(59)

 

(200)

 

(193)

 

Operating income

 

$

294 

 

284 

 

826 

 

799 

 

 

 


(1)

See the reconciliation of the results reported by SIRIUS XM to the results reported by Liberty included below.

 

Subscriber revenue includes subscription, activation and other fees. Subscriber revenue increased approximately 8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in daily weighted average number of subscribers, the inclusion of subscription revenue from the recently acquired connected vehicle business and an increase in certain subscription rates that began in January 2014. These increases were partially offset by a change in an agreement with an automaker and a rental car company and an increasing number of lifetime subscription plans that have reached full revenue recognition.

 

Other revenue includes advertising revenue, royalties, equipment revenue and other ancillary revenue.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, other revenue increased approximately 22% and 25%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior periods.  The most significant change in other revenue was the result of an increase in the number of subscribers who pay royalty fees as a cost pass through.  Additionally, equipment revenue increased due to higher sales to distributors and increased OEM production royalties.

 

Cost of subscriber services includes revenue share and royalties, programming and content costs,  customer service and billing expenses and other ancillary costs associated with providing the satellite radio service. The cost of subscriber service increased approximately 20% and 19% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increases were primarily the result of increased revenue share and royalties which were higher due to the full amortization of certain deferred credits on executory contracts from the merger of Sirius and XM and, in part, to increased revenue from increased subscribers and a higher royalty rate.  Programming and content costs were relatively flat to slightly down, as compared to the prior periods, and decreased as a percentage of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Additionally, customer service and billing expense increased 22% and 16% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year which was a slight increase as a percentage of revenue.  The increase was the result of added costs associated with the connected vehicle business and higher subscriber volume which resulted in increased subscriber contacts.

 

Subscriber acquisition costs include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers, including subsidies paid for chip sets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; device royalties for certain radios and chip sets; commissions paid to automakers and retailers; product warranty obligations; freight; and provisions for inventory allowances attributable to inventory consumed in OEM and retail distribution channels. The majority of subscriber acquisition costs are incurred and expensed in advance of, or concurrent with, acquiring a subscriber.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, subscriber acquisition costs decreased

I-35


 

approximately 5% and 1%, respectively, and decreased as a percentage of subscriber revenue. The overall decrease in cost was primarily a result of changes related to a contract with an automaker and improved OEM subsidy rates per vehicle.  Additionally, prior periods included certain purchase accounting adjustments that benefited those periods which were fully amortized in the prior year.

 

Other operating expense includes engineering, design and development costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 other operating expense remained relatively flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was driven primarily by the increased costs associated with the connected vehicle business and, to a lesser extent, product development costs related to enhanced subscriber features and functionality for the SIRIUS XM service.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense includes costs of advertising, media and production, including promotional events and sponsorship, executive management, facilities costs, finance, legal, human resources, information technology and insurance costs.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, selling, general and administrative expense increased $15 million and $64 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increase in costs was primarily due to additional subscriber communications and retention programs associated with a greater number of subscribers and promotional trials, additional personnel costs associated with the connected vehicle business and increased legal fees, consulting and facilities.  Additionally, prior periods included certain purchase accounting adjustments that benefited those periods which were fully amortized in the prior year.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the results reported by SIRIUS XM, used for comparison purposes above to understand their operations, to the results reported by Liberty:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended  September 30, 2014

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

 

 

    

As

    

 

    

As

    

As

    

 

    

As

 

 

 

reported

 

Purchase

 

reported

 

reported

 

Purchase

 

reported

 

 

 

by

 

Accounting

 

by

 

by

 

Accounting

 

by

 

 

 

SIRIUS XM

 

Adjustments

 

Liberty

 

SIRIUS XM

 

Adjustments

 

Liberty

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Subscriber revenue

 

$

902 

 

(10)

 

892 

 

2,632 

 

(30)

 

2,602 

 

Other revenue

 

 

155 

 

 

155 

 

458 

 

 

458 

 

Total revenue

 

 

1,057 

 

(10)

 

1,047 

 

3,090 

 

(30)

 

3,060 

 

Operating expenses (excluding stock-based compensation included below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of subscriber services

 

 

(399)

 

10 

 

(389)

 

(1,175)

 

31 

 

(1,144)

 

Subscriber acquisition costs

 

 

(120)

 

 

(120)

 

(367)

 

 

(367)

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

(13)

 

 

(13)

 

(41)

 

 

(41)

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

(144)

 

 

(144)

 

(423)

 

 

(423)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

381 

 

 

381 

 

1,084 

 

 

1,085 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(22)

 

(17)

 

(39)

 

(58)

 

(52)

 

(110)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(65)

 

(12)

 

(77)

 

(200)

 

(36)

 

(236)

 

Operating income

 

$

294 

 

(29)

 

265 

 

826 

 

(87)

 

739 

 

 

 

I-36


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended  September 30, 2013

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2013

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

Elimination

    

 

 

 

 

As

 

 

 

As

 

As

 

 

 

for Equity

 

As

 

 

 

reported

 

Adjustment

 

reported

 

reported

 

Adjustment

 

Method

 

reported

 

 

 

by

 

for Purchase

 

by

 

by

 

for Purchase

 

Accounting

 

by

 

 

 

SIRIUS XM

 

Accounting

 

Liberty

 

SIRIUS XM

 

Accounting

 

(17 days)

 

Liberty

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Subscriber revenue

 

$

834 

 

(2)

 

832 

 

2,432 

 

(6)

 

(146)

 

2,280 

 

Other revenue

 

 

127 

 

 —

 

127 

 

367 

 

(1)

 

(20)

 

346 

 

Total revenue

 

 

961 

 

(2)

 

959 

 

2,799 

 

(7)

 

(166)

 

2,626 

 

Operating expenses (excluding stock-based compensation included below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of subscriber services

 

 

(332)

 

(2)

 

(334)

 

(988)

 

 

60 

 

(927)

 

Subscriber acquisition costs

 

 

(126)

 

(5)

 

(131)

 

(372)

 

(15)

 

20 

 

(367)

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

(11)

 

 —

 

(11)

 

(38)

 

 

 

(35)

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

(129)

 

(1)

 

(130)

 

(359)

 

(4)

 

22 

 

(341)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

363 

 

(10)

 

353 

 

1,042 

 

(25)

 

(61)

 

956 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(20)

 

(18)

 

(38)

 

(50)

 

(50)

 

 

(97)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(59)

 

(9)

 

(68)

 

(193)

 

(27)

 

12 

 

(208)

 

Operating income

 

$

284 

 

(37)

 

247 

 

799 

 

(102)

 

(46)

 

651 

 

 

I-37


 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing investing and financial activities. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and investment activities, which include investments in fixed and floating rate debt instruments and borrowings used to maintain liquidity and to fund business operations. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We believe this best protects us from interest rate risk. We have achieved this mix by (i) issuing fixed rate debt that we believe has a low stated interest rate and significant term to maturity, (ii) issuing variable rate debt with appropriate maturities and interest rates and (iii) entering into interest rate swap arrangements when we deem appropriate. As of September 30, 2014, our debt is comprised of the following amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate debt

 

 

Fixed rate debt

 

 

    

Principal

    

Weighted avg

    

 

Principal

    

Weighted avg

 

 

 

amount

 

interest rate

 

 

amount

 

interest rate

 

 

 

dollar amounts in millions

 

SIRIUS XM

 

$

145 

 

0.4 

%  

 

$

4,656 

 

5.6 

%

Corporate and other

 

$

315 

 

2.1 

%

 

$

1,000 

 

1.4 

%

 

The Company is exposed to changes in stock prices primarily as a result of our significant holdings in publicly traded securities. We continually monitor changes in stock markets, in general, and changes in the stock prices of our holdings, specifically. We believe that changes in stock prices can be expected to vary as a result of general market conditions, technological changes, specific industry changes and other factors. We periodically use equity collars and other financial instruments to manage market risk associated with certain investment positions. These instruments are recorded at fair value based on option pricing models and other appropriate methods.

At September 30, 2014, the fair value of our AFS equity securities was $1,012 million. Had the market price of such securities been 10% lower at September 30, 2014, the aggregate value of such securities would have been $101 million lower.  Additionally, our stock in Live Nation, SIRIUS XM Canada, and Charter (three of our equity method affiliates) are publicly traded securities which are not reflected at fair value in our balance sheet. These securities are also subject to market risk that is not directly reflected in our statement of operations and had the market price of such securities been 10% lower at September 30, 2014 the aggregate value of such securities would have been $580 million lower.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer, principal accounting officer and principal financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2014 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

I-38


 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Share Repurchase Programs

On January 11, 2013 Liberty Media Corporation announced that its board of directors authorized $450 million of repurchases of Liberty common stock from that day forward.  There were no repurchases of Liberty common stock made pursuant to the repurchase program during the second quarter of 2014. As of September 30, 2014,  $327 million is available for repurchases under the Company's share repurchase program.  Additionally, in conjunction with the Broadband Spin an additional authorization of $300 million in Liberty share repurchases was approved by the Liberty board of directors.

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, 89 shares of Series A Liberty common stock were surrendered by certain of our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting of their restricted stock.

 

II-1


 

Item 6.    Exhibits

(a)  Exhibits

Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

 

 

 

 

31.1 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*

31.2 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*

32 

Section 1350 Certification**

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document**

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document**

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document**

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document**

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document**

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document**

 


*Filed herewith

**Furnished herewith

II-2


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

Date:

November 5, 2014

By:

/s/ GREGORY B. MAFFEI

 

 

 

Gregory B. Maffei

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:

November 5, 2014

By:

/s/ CHRISTOPHER W. SHEAN

 

 

 

Christopher W. Shean

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

II-3


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

 

 

 

 

31.1 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*

31.2 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*

32 

Section 1350 Certification**

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document**

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document**

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document**

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document**

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document**

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document**

 


*Filed herewith

**Furnished herewith

 

 

II-4