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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 CEO CERTIFICATION SECTION 906 - HSN, Inc.exhibit321chiefexecutiveof.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 CFO CERTIFICATION SECTION 906 - HSN, Inc.exhibit322chieffinancialof.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 CFO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - HSN, Inc.exhibit312chieffinancialof.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 CEO CERTIFICATION SECTION 302 - HSN, Inc.exhibit311chiefexecutiveof.htm


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2015
Or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 001-34061
________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
HSN, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Delaware
  
26-2590893
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
1 HSN Drive, St. Petersburg, Florida
  
33729
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
(Zip Code)
(727) 872-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 x No o

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 definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non‑accelerated filer o 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of November 3, 2015, the registrant had 52,474,383 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

 






 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures
 
 
 
 






PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales
 
$
864,868

 
$
837,477

 
$
2,592,397

 
$
2,470,101

Cost of sales
 
558,594

 
535,062

 
1,649,380

 
1,578,777

Gross profit
 
306,274

 
302,415

 
943,017

 
891,324

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and marketing
 
176,916

 
171,852

 
544,209

 
521,838

General and administrative
 
60,917

 
53,440

 
180,320

 
161,569

Depreciation and amortization
 
10,608

 
11,155

 
32,942

 
32,714

Total operating expenses
 
248,441

 
236,447

 
757,471

 
716,121

Operating income
 
57,833

 
65,968

 
185,546

 
175,203

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
35

 
50

 
111

 
163

Interest expense
 
(4,098
)
 
(1,883
)
 
(11,352
)
 
(5,506
)
Total other expense, net
 
(4,063
)
 
(1,833
)
 
(11,241
)
 
(5,343
)
Income before income taxes
 
53,770

 
64,135

 
174,305

 
169,860

Income tax provision
 
(19,562
)
 
(24,604
)
 
(64,776
)
 
(65,207
)
Net income
 
$
34,208


$
39,531


$
109,529


$
104,653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.65

 
$
0.75

 
$
2.08

 
$
1.98

Diluted
 
$
0.64

 
$
0.74

 
$
2.04

 
$
1.95

Shares used in computing earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
52,736

 
52,420

 
52,658

 
52,829

Diluted
 
53,495

 
53,246

 
53,637

 
53,716

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.35

 
$
0.25

 
$
11.05

 
$
0.75


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


1



HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
34,208

 
$
39,531

 
$
109,529

 
$
104,653

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of tax
(238
)
 
523

 
(720
)
 
34

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(238
)
 
523

 
(720
)
 
34

Comprehensive income
$
33,970

 
$
40,054

 
$
108,809

 
$
104,687

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2




HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
63,174

 
$
159,985

 
$
93,063

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $13,292, $18,824 and $13,426, respectively
 
208,464

 
317,785

 
215,574

Inventories
 
506,602

 
398,705

 
477,580

Deferred income taxes
 
24,106

 
32,668

 
20,428

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
60,857

 
44,728

 
56,513

Total current assets
 
863,203

 
953,871

 
863,158

Property and equipment, net
 
204,668


193,889


180,009

Intangible assets, net
 
256,896

 
261,962

 
262,061

Goodwill
 
9,858

 
9,858

 
9,858

Other non-current assets
 
17,250

 
12,614

 
13,593

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,351,875

 
$
1,432,194

 
$
1,328,679

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 

Accounts payable, trade
 
$
269,392

 
$
255,287

 
$
254,160

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
18,750

 
17,188

 
15,625

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
188,081

 
241,074

 
203,788

Total current liabilities
 
476,223

 
513,549

 
473,573

Long-term debt, less current maturities
 
681,250

 
210,938

 
215,625

Deferred income taxes
 
70,357

 
88,787

 
75,868

Other long-term liabilities
 
20,156

 
16,579

 
15,482

Total liabilities
 
1,247,986

 
829,853

 
780,548

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
 

Preferred stock $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 authorized shares; no issued shares
 

 

 

Common stock $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 authorized shares; 52,390,584, 52,425,895 and 52,350,784 issued shares at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively
 
524

 
524

 
523

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,103,320

 
1,710,581

 
1,724,442

Accumulated deficit
 
(999,362
)
 
(1,108,891
)
 
(1,177,222
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(593
)
 
127

 
388

Total shareholders’ equity
 
103,889

 
602,341

 
548,131

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
1,351,875

 
$
1,432,194

 
$
1,328,679


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3



HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Total
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 

 
$

 
53,002

 
$
530

 
$
1,810,072

 
$
(1,281,875
)
 
$
354

 
$
529,081

Net income
 

 

 

 

 

 
172,984

 

 
172,984

Other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(227
)
 
(227
)
Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards
 

 

 

 

 
15,606

 

 

 
15,606

Cash dividends declared on common stock
 

 

 

 

 
(57,824
)
 

 

 
(57,824
)
Issuance of common stock from stock-based compensation awards, including tax benefit of $8,293
 

 

 
435

 
4

 
(1,816
)
 

 

 
(1,812
)
Repurchases of common stock
 

 

 
(1,011
)
 
(10
)
 
(55,457
)
 

 

 
(55,467
)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 

 

 
52,426

 
524

 
1,710,581

 
(1,108,891
)
 
127


602,341

Net income
 

 

 

 

 

 
109,529

 

 
109,529

Other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(720
)
 
(720
)
Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards
 

 

 

 

 
13,814

 

 

 
13,814

Cash dividends declared on common stock
 

 

 

 

 
(579,516
)
 

 

 
(579,516
)
Issuance of common stock from stock-based compensation awards, including tax benefit of $11,760
 

 

 
784

 
8

 
10,496

 

 

 
10,504

Repurchases of common stock
 

 

 
(819
)
 
(8
)
 
(52,055
)
 

 

 
(52,063
)
Balance as of September 30, 2015
 

 
$

 
52,391

 
$
524

 
$
1,103,320

 
$
(999,362
)
 
$
(593
)
 
$
103,889


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


4



HSN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
109,529

 
$
104,653

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
32,942

 
32,714

Stock-based compensation expense
 
13,814

 
11,691

Asset impairment
 
5,000

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs
 
1,725

 
830

Deferred income taxes
 
(9,442
)
 
(2,875
)
Bad debt expense
 
21,010

 
14,987

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
 
(11,855
)
 
(6,294
)
Other
 
847

 
115

Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
88,309

 
34,556

Inventories
 
(107,897
)
 
(150,261
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
(14,756
)
 
(9,825
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
(24,294
)
 
(2,083
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
104,932

 
28,208

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(45,289
)
 
(24,975
)
Other
 
(1,402
)
 
(448
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(46,691
)
 
(25,423
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Borrowings under term loan
 
500,000

 

Repayment of term loan
 
(228,125
)
 
(9,375
)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
 
265,000

 

Repayment of revolving credit facility
 
(65,000
)
 

Repurchase of common stock
 
(52,063
)
 
(55,467
)
Payments of debt issuance costs
 
(6,624
)
 

Cash dividends paid
 
(579,516
)
 
(39,488
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
14,755

 
2,093

Tax withholdings related to stock-based awards
 
(15,334
)
 
(10,191
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
 
11,855

 
6,294

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(155,052
)
 
(106,134
)
Total cash used in continuing operations
 
(96,811
)
 
(103,349
)
Total cash used in discontinued operations
 

 
(21
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(96,811
)
 
(103,370
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
159,985

 
196,433

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
63,174

 
$
93,063

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
      Capital expenditures incurred but paid in advance
 
$

 
$
9,100


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION
Company Overview
HSN, Inc. (“HSNi”) is an interactive multi-channel retailer that markets and sells a wide range of third party and proprietary merchandise directly to consumers through various platforms including (i) television home shopping programming broadcast on the HSN television networks and other direct-response television marketing; (ii) catalogs, consisting primarily of the Cornerstone portfolio of leading print catalogs which includes Ballard Designs, Chasing Fireflies, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Grandin Road, Improvements and TravelSmith; (iii) websites, which consist primarily of HSN.com and the seven branded websites operated by Cornerstone; (iv) mobile applications; and (v) retail and outlet stores. HSNi’s television home shopping business, related digital sales and outlet stores are referred to herein as “HSN” and all catalog operations, including related digital sales and stores, are collectively referred to herein as “Cornerstone.”
HSN offerings primarily consist of jewelry, fashion (apparel & accessories), beauty & health, and home & other (including home, electronics, culinary and other). Merchandise offered by Cornerstone primarily consists of home furnishings (including indoor/outdoor furniture, home décor, tabletop, textiles and other home related goods) and apparel & accessories.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). They do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of HSNi's management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with HSNi's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the year ended December 31, 2014 were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but may not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service. A customer obtains control when it has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits from the good or service. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. This standard will now become effective for HSNi in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted in the first quarter of 2017. HSNi is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The new standard is limited to the presentation of debt issuance costs and does not affect their recognition and measurement. ASU 2015-03 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that annual period. HSNi will adopt ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330) ("ASU 2015-11"). The amendments, which apply to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, require that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. HSNi is currently assessing the timing of adoption of ASU 2015-11 and the potential impact to its consolidated financial statements.


6




NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Estimates
HSNi prepares its financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These principles require management to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings during any period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of HSNi's management, the assumptions underlying these interim unaudited financial statements are reasonable.
Significant estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include: the determination of the lower of cost or market adjustment for inventory; sales returns and other revenue allowances; the allowance for doubtful accounts; the recoverability of long-lived assets; the impairment of intangible assets; the annual expected effective tax rate; the determination of deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; the accrual for actual, pending or threatened litigation, claims and assessments; and assumptions related to the determination of incentive compensation and contingent consideration.    
NOTE 3—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The balance of property and equipment, net, is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Capitalized software
 
$
231,701

 
$
223,436

 
$
225,492

Computer and broadcast equipment
 
93,436

 
89,739

 
90,659

Buildings and leasehold improvements
 
105,658

 
105,086

 
103,955

Furniture and other equipment
 
95,985

 
88,174

 
87,511

Projects in progress
 
49,140

 
30,794

 
17,615

Land and land improvements
 
10,511

 
10,541

 
10,471

 
 
586,431

 
547,770

 
535,703

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(381,763
)
 
(353,881
)
 
(355,694
)
Total property and equipment, net
 
$
204,668

 
$
193,889

 
$
180,009


NOTE 4—SEGMENT INFORMATION
HSNi presents its operating segments and related financial information in a manner consistent with how the chief operating decision maker and executive management view the businesses, how the businesses are organized as to segment management, and the focus of the businesses with regards to the types of products or services offered and/or the target market. HSNi has two operating segments, HSN and Cornerstone. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
HSNi’s primary performance metric is Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as operating income excluding, if applicable: (1) non-cash charges including: (a) stock-based compensation expense, (b) amortization of intangibles, (c) depreciation and gains and losses on asset dispositions, and (d) goodwill, long-lived asset and intangible asset impairments; (2) pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions; and (3) other significant items. Significant items, while periodically affecting our results, may vary significantly from period to period and have a disproportionate effect in a given period, thereby affecting the comparability of results. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and HSNi believes it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the retail and media industries. Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations in that it does not take into account the impact to HSNi’s consolidated statements of operations of certain expenses, gains and losses; including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles, depreciation, gains and losses on asset dispositions, asset impairment charges, acquisition-related accounting expenses and other significant items.


7



The following tables reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to operating income for HSNi’s operating segments and to HSNi’s consolidated net income (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
HSN
 
Cornerstone
 
Total
 
HSN
 
Cornerstone
 
Total
Adjusted EBITDA
$
67,109

 
$
11,028

 
$
78,137

 
$
66,730

 
$
14,255

 
$
80,985

Stock-based compensation expense
(3,292
)
 
(1,097
)
 
(4,389
)
 
(3,086
)
 
(795
)
 
(3,881
)
Depreciation and amortization
(7,318
)
 
(3,290
)
 
(10,608
)
 
(7,477
)
 
(3,678
)
 
(11,155
)
Distribution center closure (a)
(189
)
 

 
(189
)
 

 

 

Asset impairment (b)

 
(5,000
)
 
(5,000
)
 

 

 

(Loss) gain on disposition of fixed assets
(115
)
 
(3
)
 
(118
)
 
5

 
14

 
19

Operating income
$
56,195

 
$
1,638

 
57,833

 
$
56,172

 
$
9,796

 
65,968

Total other expense, net
 
 
 
 
(4,063
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,833
)
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
53,770

 
 
 
 
 
64,135

Income tax provision
 
 
 
 
(19,562
)
 
 
 
 
 
(24,604
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
$
34,208

 
 
 
 
 
$
39,531

 
(a) In the third quarter of 2015, HSN recorded a $0.2 million charge associated with the planned closure of one of its distribution centers as part of its supply chain optimization initiative. See Note 13 for further information.
(b) In the third quarter of 2015, Cornerstone recognized a $5.0 million non-cash charge for the impairment of intangible assets related to the acquisition of Chasing Fireflies. See Note 8 for further information.

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
HSN
 
Cornerstone
 
Total
 
HSN
 
Cornerstone
 
Total
Adjusted EBITDA
$
201,493

 
$
39,820

 
$
241,313

 
$
188,530

 
$
34,305

 
$
222,835

Stock-based compensation expense
(10,518
)
 
(3,296
)
 
(13,814
)
 
(9,283
)
 
(2,408
)
 
(11,691
)
Depreciation and amortization
(22,326
)
 
(10,616
)
 
(32,942
)
 
(22,337
)
 
(10,377
)
 
(32,714
)
Distribution center closure (a)
(3,221
)
 

 
(3,221
)
 

 

 

Asset impairment (b)

 
(5,000
)
 
(5,000
)
 

 

 

CPSC settlement (c)

 

 

 

 
(3,100
)
 
(3,100
)
Loss on disposition of fixed assets
(779
)
 
(11
)
 
(790
)
 
(100
)
 
(27
)
 
(127
)
Operating income
$
164,649

 
$
20,897

 
185,546

 
$
156,810

 
$
18,393

 
175,203

Total other expense, net
 
 
 
 
(11,241
)
 
 
 
 
 
(5,343
)
Income before income taxes
 
 
 
 
174,305

 
 
 
 
 
169,860

Income tax provision
 
 
 
 
(64,776
)
 
 
 
 
 
(65,207
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
$
109,529

 
 
 
 
 
$
104,653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSN recorded $3.2 million in charges associated with the planned closure of one of its distribution centers as part of its supply chain optimization initiative. See Note 13 for further information.
(b) In the third quarter of 2015, Cornerstone recognized a $5.0 million non-cash charge for the impairment of intangible assets related to the acquisition of Chasing Fireflies. See Note 8 for further information.
(c) In the first quarter of 2014, Cornerstone recorded a $3.1 million settlement of a civil penalty assessed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
 

The net sales for each of HSNi's reportable segments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HSN
 
$
590,588

 
$
578,297

 
$
1,763,384

 
$
1,679,271

Cornerstone
 
274,280

 
259,180

 
829,013

 
790,830

Total
 
$
864,868

 
$
837,477

 
$
2,592,397

 
$
2,470,101

 

8



NOTE 5—EARNINGS PER SHARE
HSNi computes basic earnings per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. HSNi computes diluted earnings per share using the treasury stock method, which includes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the potential dilution that could occur if various equity awards to issue common stock were exercised or restricted equity awards were vested resulting in the issuance of common stock that could share in HSNi’s earnings.
 
The following table presents HSNi’s basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 


 


Net income
$34,208
 
$39,531
 
$109,529
 
$104,653
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
52,736

 
52,420

 
52,658

 
52,829

Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards
759

 
826

 
979

 
887

Diluted
53,495

 
53,246

 
53,637

 
53,716

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.65

 
$
0.75

 
$
2.08

 
$
1.98

Diluted
$
0.64

 
$
0.74

 
$
2.04

 
$
1.95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unexercised employee stock options and stock appreciation rights and unvested restricted stock units excluded from the diluted EPS calculation because their effect would have been antidilutive
557

 
790

 
544

 
792


NOTE 6—LONG-TERM DEBT
The balance of long-term debt, including current maturities, is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Secured credit agreement terminated January 27, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan
 
$

 
$
228,126

 
$
231,250

Revolving credit facility
 

 

 

Secured credit agreement expiring January 27, 2020:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan
 
500,000

 

 

Revolving credit facility
 
200,000

 

 

Total long-term debt
 
700,000

 
228,126

 
231,250

Less: current maturities
 
(18,750
)
 
(17,188
)
 
(15,625
)
Long-term debt, less current maturities
 
$
681,250

 
$
210,938

 
$
215,625


On January 27, 2015, HSNi entered into a $1.25 billion five-year syndicated credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") which is secured by 100% of the voting equity securities of HSNi's U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of HSNi's first-tier foreign subsidiaries. This Credit Agreement replaced the credit agreement that was set to expire in April 2017. Certain HSNi subsidiaries have unconditionally guaranteed HSNi's obligations under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement, which includes a $750 million revolving credit facility and a $500 million term loan, may be increased up to $1.75 billion subject to certain conditions and expires January 27, 2020. HSNi drew $200 million from its term loan under the Credit Agreement on January 27, 2015 to repay in full its existing term loan of $228.1 million. HSNi drew the remaining $300 million from the term loan and $200 million under the revolving credit facility, both under the Credit Agreement, on February 18, 2015 to fund a $524 million special cash dividend that was paid on February 19, 2015.

In connection with the termination of the prior credit agreement, $0.5 million of the $2.4 million of unamortized deferred financing costs were expensed in the first quarter of 2015. The remaining balance of $1.9 million along with the $6.6 million in

9



capitalized financing costs related to the Credit Agreement are being amortized to interest expense over the five-year term of the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50x and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00x. HSNi was in compliance with all such covenants as of September 30, 2015 with a leverage ratio of 1.95x and an interest coverage ratio of 32.42x. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions to third parties, repurchase or redeem our stock, make investments, sell assets, incur liens, enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. Dividends, loans or advances to HSNi by its subsidiaries are not restricted by the Credit Agreement.

Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%.  HSNi can elect to borrow at either LIBOR or the Base Rate plus a predetermined margin which is determined by HSNi's leverage ratio. The interest rate on the $700.0 million outstanding long-term debt balance as of September 30, 2015 was 1.71%.  HSNi pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% (based on the leverage ratio) on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. 

The amount available to HSNi under the revolving credit facility portion of the Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of outstanding letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility, which totaled $15.4 million as of September 30, 2015. The ability to draw funds under the revolving credit facility is dependent upon meeting the aforementioned financial covenants. As of September 30, 2015, the amount that could be borrowed under the revolving credit facility, after consideration of the financial covenants and the outstanding letters of credit, was approximately $534.6 million.

NOTE 7—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
HSNi uses derivatives in the management of its interest rate risk with respect to its variable rate debt. HSNi's strategy is to eliminate the cash flow risk on a portion of its variable rate debt caused by changes in the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR). Derivative instruments are not entered into for speculative purposes.

HSNi entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement on December 20, 2012 with a notional amount of $187.5 million at a fixed rate of 0.8525%, resulting in an all-in fixed rate of 2.3525% based on HSNi's leverage ratio as of September 30, 2015. The interest rate swap took effect on January 31, 2014 with a maturity date in April 2017. Under this swap, HSNi pays at a fixed rate and receives payments at a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR. The swap effectively fixes the floating LIBOR-based interest of our outstanding LIBOR-based debt. The interest rate swap was designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge; therefore, the effective portion of the changes in fair value is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Any ineffective portions of the changes in fair value of the interest rate swap will be immediately recognized in earnings in the consolidated statements of operations. The change in fair value of the interest rate swap (inclusive of reclassifications to net income and net of tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was a loss of approximately $0.2 million and income of approximately $0.5 million, respectively, and were included in other comprehensive income (loss). The change in fair value of the interest rate swap (inclusive of reclassifications to net income and net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was a loss of approximately $0.7 million and income of less than $0.1 million, respectively, and were included in other comprehensive income (loss).

The fair value of the interest rate swap at September 30, 2015 was a liability of $0.9 million and was recorded in "Other long-term liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the interest rate swap at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 was an asset of $0.2 million and an asset of $0.6 million, respectively, and was recorded in "Other non-current assets" in the consolidated balance sheets. HSNi estimates that approximately $0.9 million of unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to this swap will be realized and reported in earnings within the next twelve months. See Note 8 for discussion of the fair value measurements concerning this interest rate swap.


10




NOTE 8—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value assumptions are made at a specific point in time and changes in underlying assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. HSNi applies the following framework for measuring fair value which is based on a three-level hierarchy:
Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. The following table summarizes the fair value of HSNi's other financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet
 
Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
 
$
949

 
$

 
$
949

 
$

 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet
 
Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
 
$
208

 
$

 
$
208

 
$

 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Total Fair Value and Carrying Value on Balance Sheet
 
Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
 
$
621

 
$

 
$
621

 
$

HSNi's interest rate swap is carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The swap was entered into in December 2012 for the purpose of hedging the variability of interest expense and interest payments on HSNi's long-term variable rate debt. The fair value is based on a valuation model which utilizes interest rate yield curves and credit spreads as the significant inputs to the model. These inputs are observable in active markets (level 2 criteria). HSNi considers credit risk associated with its own standing as well as the credit standing of any counterparties involved in the valuation of its financial instruments.

11



The following table summarizes the fair value of HSNi’s financial assets and liabilities which are carried at cost (in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Term loan expiring January 27, 2020
 
$
500,000

 
$
500,000

 
$

 
$
500,000

 
$

Revolving credit facility
 
$
200,000

 
$
200,000

 
$

 
$
200,000

 
$

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Term loan terminated January 27, 2015
 
$
228,126

 
$
228,126

 
$

 
$
228,126

 
$

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurement Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Term loan terminated January 27, 2015
 
$
231,250

 
$
231,250

 
$

 
$
231,250

 
$

The fair value of the term loan was estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to HSNi for debt of the same remaining maturities (level 2 criteria).
HSNi assesses the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at fair value at least annually during the fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. During the third quarter of 2015, HSNi performed a quantitative assessment of certain intangible assets related to its acquisition of Chasing Fireflies and concluded a fair value adjustment was necessary. An impairment charge of $5.0 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2015 within the Cornerstone segment and is included in "General and administrative" expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the intangible assets, consisting of trademarks and tradenames, was determined using the relief from royalty method (level 3 criteria). Key inputs used in this calculation included revenue growth, discount, royalty and terminal growth rates.
NOTE 9—INCOME TAXES
HSNi calculates its interim income tax provision in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes in interim periods. At the end of each interim period, HSNi makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax or benefit related to significant, unusual, or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur.
In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates, tax status, or judgment on the realizability of beginning-of-the-year deferred taxes in future years is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.
The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on prior quarters is included in tax expense for the current quarter.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSNi recorded tax provisions of $19.6 million and $64.8 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 36.4% and 37.2%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, HSNi recorded tax provisions of $24.6 million and $65.2 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 38.4%. The change in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended results was primarily due to a decrease in state income taxes for 2015 and the non-deductibility of the $3.1 million settlement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission recognized in the first quarter of 2014.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has concluded its examination of HSNi's consolidated federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2010 and its limited scope examination of HSNi's consolidated federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2011. No material adjustments resulted from these IRS examinations. There are currently no income tax examinations in progress. New York State notified HSNi of its intent to audit prior year returns. This audit will commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

12



HSNi and several companies previously owned by IAC/InterActiveCorp, or IAC, were spun-off from IAC on August 20, 2008. In connection with the spin-off, HSNi entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with IAC pursuant to which, among other things, each of the companies included in the spin-off (the "Spincos") has indemnified IAC and the other Spincos for any taxes resulting from the spin-off of such Spinco (and any related interest, penalties, legal and professional fees, and all costs and damages associated with related shareholder litigation or controversies) to the extent such amounts result from (i) any act or failure to act by such Spinco described in the covenants in the Tax Sharing Agreement, (ii) any acquisition of equity securities or assets of such Spinco or a member of its group, and (iii) any breach by such Spinco or any member of its group of any representation or covenant contained in the separation documents or in the documents relating to the IRS private letter ruling and/or tax opinions. As a result, the Tax Sharing Agreement could subject HSNi to tax contingencies.  In the event an adjustment with respect to a pre-spin-off period for which IAC is responsible results in a tax benefit to HSNi in a post-spin-off period, HSNi will be required to pay such tax benefit to IAC. In general, IAC controls all audits and administrative matters and other tax proceedings relating to the consolidated federal income tax return of the IAC group and any other tax returns for which the IAC group is responsible.

No IAC consolidated or combined federal or state tax returns for years including HSNi operations are under examination. By virtue of the Tax Sharing Agreement with IAC, HSNi is indemnified with respect to additional tax liabilities for consolidated or combined federal and state tax returns prepared and filed by IAC prior to the spin-off, but is liable for any additional tax liabilities for HSNi separately filed state income tax returns.
NOTE 10—STOCK-BASED AWARDS
Stock-based compensation expense is included in the following line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015
 
2014
2015
 
2014
Selling and marketing
$
1,472

 
$
1,135

 
$
4,624

 
$
3,424

General and administrative
2,917

 
2,746

 
9,190

 
8,267

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
4,389

 
3,881

 
13,814

 
11,691

Income tax benefit
(1,539
)
 
(1,401
)
 
(4,897
)
 
(4,224
)
Stock-based compensation expense after income taxes
$
2,850

 
$
2,480

 
$
8,917

 
$
7,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2015, there was approximately $27.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all equity-based awards which is currently expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

The Second Amended and Restated 2008 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”), authorizes the issuance of 8.0 million shares (8.8 million shares after giving effect to the anti-dilution provisions of the Plan related to the special cash dividend) of HSNi common stock for new awards granted by HSNi. The purpose of the Plan is to assist HSNi in attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees, directors and consultants, and to provide HSNi with the ability to provide incentives more directly linked to the profitability of HSNi’s business and increases in shareholder value.

In connection with the special cash dividend of $10.00 per common share paid on February 19, 2015, and as required by the anti-dilution provisions of the Plan, adjustments were made to outstanding equity awards as of the ex-dividend date to preserve their value following the dividend, as follows: (i) the number of shares subject to outstanding restricted stock units was increased as a result of the reinvestment of the dividend; and (ii) the exercise prices of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights and the grant date fair value of market stock units were reduced and the number of shares subject to such awards was increased. These adjustments did not result in additional stock-based compensation expense as the fair value of the outstanding awards did not change. As further required by the Plan, the maximum number of shares issuable under the Plan was also proportionally adjusted, which resulted in approximately 0.8 million additional shares available to be issued. As of September 30, 2015, after adjustment for the special dividend, there were approximately 2.7 million shares of common stock available for grants under the Plan.

13



A summary of the stock-based awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Number of Awards Granted

Weighted Average per Share Fair Value
Stock appreciation rights
508,420

 
$13.65
Restricted stock units
230,118

 
$66.22
Employee stock purchase plan options
40,239

 
$15.07
Stock appreciation rights and stock options due to special dividend
343,485

 
-
Restricted stock unit dividend equivalents due to special dividend and quarterly dividends
102,053

 
-
Market stock units related to special dividend
15,078

 
-
The fair values of the options granted under the HSN, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the stock appreciation rights are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of each for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are as follows: 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
Stock Appreciation Rights
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Options
Volatility factor
 
29.2
%
 
21.8
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.49
%
 
0.12
%
Expected term
 
4.4

 
0.5

Dividend yield
 
2.2
%
 
1.9
%
As a result of the special cash dividend, the exercise prices of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights were reduced and the number of shares subject to such awards were increased as of the ex-dividend date. The following table summarizes the information about stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding and exercisable (after giving effect to the anti-dilution provisions of the special cash dividend) as of September 30, 2015: 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Exercisable
 
 
Number
Outstanding at
September 30, 2015
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise  Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term in Years
 
Number
Exercisable at
September 30, 2015
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$0.00 to $9.99
 
106,698

 
$
4.92

 
3.2
 
106,698

 
$
4.92

$10.00 to $19.99
 
70,701

 
15.56

 
3.2
 
70,701

 
15.56

$20.00 to $29.99
 
57,541

 
25.86

 
5.4
 
57,541

 
25.86

$30.00 to $39.99
 
609,562

 
36.54

 
3.8
 
609,562

 
36.54

$40.00 to $49.99
 
398,520

 
47.73

 
8.2
 
126,164

 
47.73

$50.00 to $59.99
 
300,174

 
51.57

 
7.3
 
190,246

 
51.57

$60.00 to $69.99
 
470,422

 
65.24

 
9.4
 

 

 
 
2,013,618

 
 
 
 
 
1,160,912

 
 

NOTE 11—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Repurchase Program
Effective September 27, 2011, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program which allowed HSNi to purchase 10 million shares of its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated and/or open market transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, HSNi acquired approximately 1.0 million shares of its outstanding common stock for $55.5 million at an average price of $54.87. In July 2014, HSNi completed this share repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $451.0 million, representing an average cost of $45.10 per share. All shares were retired immediately following purchase.

14



Effective January 27, 2015, HSNi’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program which allows HSNi to purchase up to 4 million shares of its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated and/or open market transactions. The timing of repurchases and actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under HSNi’s debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSNi acquired approximately 819,000 shares of its outstanding common stock for $52.1 million at an average price of $63.57. All shares were retired immediately following purchase.
Dividend Policy
In the third quarter of 2015, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per common share resulting in a payment of $18.3 million on September 16, 2015 to HSNi's shareholders of record as of September 2, 2015.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per common share. The dividend will be paid on December 16, 2015 to HSNi's shareholders of record as of December 2, 2015.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includes the cumulative gains and losses of derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges. The following table provides a rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Accumulated other comprehensive income as of January 1,
 
$
127

 
$
354

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
 
(2,111
)
 
(838
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations
 
954

 
885

Income tax benefit (expense)
 
437

 
(13
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(720
)
 
34

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30,
 
$
(593
)
 
$
388


NOTE 12—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, HSNi is a party to various audits, claims and lawsuits. These audits or litigation may relate to claims involving property, personal injury, contract, intellectual property (including patent infringement), sales tax, product recalls, regulatory compliance, employment matters and other claims. HSNi has established reserves for specific legal or tax compliance matters for which it has determined the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management has also identified certain other legal matters where it believes an unfavorable outcome is not probable and, therefore, no reserve is established. Although management currently believes that an unfavorable resolution of claims against HSNi, including claims where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, will not have a material impact on its liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future and an unfavorable resolution of such a proceeding could have a material impact. Moreover, any claims or regulatory actions against HSNi, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources.

HSNi also evaluates other contingent matters, including tax contingencies, to assess the probability and estimated extent of potential loss. See Note 9 for discussion related to income tax contingencies.

NOTE 13—COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH AN EXIT ACTIVITY

As part of its supply chain optimization initiative designed to increase operational efficiencies and enhance customer service, HSNi announced in June 2015 its plan to close the HSN distribution center in Roanoke, Virginia and expand the capabilities of its distribution center in Piney Flats, Tennessee. The closure will involve the eventual elimination of approximately 350 positions at the Virginia facility. HSNi expects the closure to occur in accordance with an eighteen-month transition plan and be substantially completed by the end of 2016.

15




HSN expects to incur approximately $4 million to $5 million in total charges related to the closure. These charges include approximately $3 million to $4 million in employee-related expenses, including severance payments and retention incentives. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, HSN recognized $0.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively in employee-related costs which are included in "General and administrative” operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

A summary of HSNi’s liability associated with exit activities, which is recorded in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are presented in the following table (in thousands):
 
 
Employee Related Costs
Balance at January 1, 2015
 
$

Provisions
 
3,132

Payments
 

Adjustments
 
89

Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
3,221


    

16



ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report. Historical results and trends which might appear should not be taken as indicative of future operations. Our results of operations and financial condition, as reflected in the accompanying statements and related notes, are subject to management’s evaluation and interpretations of business conditions, changing market conditions and other factors.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which are based on management’s exercise of business judgment, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used in this document, the words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and words of similar import, are intended to identify any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the following: future financial performance, business prospects and strategy, anticipated trends and prospects in the various markets in which HSNi’s businesses operate and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance.
Should one or more of these uncertainties, risks or changes in circumstances materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include but are not limited to those described under “Risk Factors,” included in HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the following:
the influence of the macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer confidence and spending levels;
our ability to attract new and retain existing customers in a cost-effective manner;
our exposure to intense competition and our ability to effectively compete for customers;
changes in our relationships with pay television operators, vendors, manufacturers and other third parties;
changes in product shipping and handling costs particularly if we are unable to offset them;
any technological or regulatory developments that could negatively impact the way we do business, including developments requiring us to collect and remit state and local sales and use taxes;
risks associated with possible systems failures and/or security breaches, including, any security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or company information, or the failure to comply with various laws applicable to HSNi in the event of such a breach;
HSNi’s business prospects and strategy, including whether HSNi’s initiatives will be effective;
our ability to offer new or innovative products and services through various platforms in a cost effective manner and consumer acceptance of these products and services;
risks associated with litigation;
risks associated with acquisitions including the ability to successfully integrate new businesses and achieve expected benefits and results; and
the loss of any key member of our senior management team.
Other unknown or unpredictable factors that could also adversely affect HSNi’s business, financial condition and results of operations may arise from time to time.
You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. Such forward-looking statements speak only to the date such statements are made and we do not undertake to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, we

17



can give no assurance that our expectations will materialize. Historical results should not be considered an indication of future performance.
Results of Operations
Net Sales
Net sales primarily relate to the sale of merchandise, including shipping and handling fees, and are reduced by incentive discounts and actual and estimated sales returns. Sales taxes collected are not included in net sales. Digital sales include sales placed through our internet websites and our mobile applications using tablets and smart phones.
Revenue is recorded when delivery to the customer has occurred. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, which is generally on the date of shipment. HSNi’s sales policy allows customers to return virtually all merchandise for a full refund or exchange, subject to pre-established time restrictions.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
HSN
$
590,588

 
2%
 
$
578,297

 
$
1,763,384

 
5%
 
$
1,679,271

Cornerstone
274,280

 
6%
 
259,180

 
829,013

 
5%
 
790,830

Total HSNi net sales
$
864,868

 
3%
 
$
837,477

 
$
2,592,397

 
5%
 
$
2,470,101

HSNi net sales in the third quarter of 2015 increased 3%, or $27.4 million, due to 2% sales growth at HSN and 6% sales growth at Cornerstone. Digital sales grew 8% with penetration increasing 200 basis points to 49.4%. Gross units shipped in the third quarter of 2015 increased 1% to 15.1 million and the average price point increased 3% to $63.95.
HSNi net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 5%, or $122.3 million, due to 5% sales growth at HSN and 5% sales growth at Cornerstone. Digital sales grew 10% with penetration increasing 240 basis points to 49.3%. Gross units shipped increased 2% to 45.0 million and the average price point increased 3% to $64.24.
HSN
HSN net sales in the third quarter of 2015 increased 2%, or $12.3 million, led by sales growth in electronics and culinary, partially offset by declines in home and jewelry.  Digital sales grew 7% and penetration increased 170 basis points to 40.5%. The return rate decreased 80 basis points from 17.6% to 16.8% primarily due to changes in sales mix to categories with lower return rates. Gross units shipped increased 2% to 11.7 million and average price point increased 1% to $58.34.

HSN net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 5%, or $84.1 million, led by sales growth in electronics, partially offset by declines in home and jewelry. These results include sales from a direct-response television marketing campaign that started during the fourth quarter of 2014 and contributed 1% of total sales growth (included within the Home & Other division). Digital sales grew 12% and penetration increased 250 basis points to 40.5%. The return rate decreased 70 basis points from 18.2% to 17.5% primarily due to changes in sales mix to categories with lower return rates. Gross units shipped increased 4% to 35.1 million and average price point increased 1% to $57.94.
Divisional product sales mix at HSN is provided in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Jewelry
8.2
%
 
10.0
%
 
9.0
%
 
10.8
%
Fashion (apparel & accessories)
14.1
%
 
15.0
%
 
15.8
%
 
15.3
%
Beauty & Health
27.5
%
 
27.8
%
 
28.6
%
 
28.9
%
Home & Other (including home, electronics, culinary and other)
50.2
%
 
47.2
%
 
46.6
%
 
45.0
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Cornerstone
Cornerstone net sales in the third quarter of 2015 increased 6%, or $15.1 million primarily due to growth in the home brands and Garnet Hill. Digital sales grew 9% and penetration increased 200 basis points to 68.3%. Catalog circulation was 82.8 million, an increase of 5% compared to the prior year. The return rate decreased 10 basis points to 13.1%.

18



Cornerstone net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 5%, or $38.2 million. The increase in net sales was driven by sales growth in the home brands, partially offset by lower sales in the apparel brands. Digital sales grew 8% with penetration increasing 200 basis points to 67.9%, up from 65.9% in the prior year. Catalog circulation was 252.4 million, an increase of 3% compared to the prior year. The return rate was 13.0%, consistent with the prior year.
The brand mix at Cornerstone is provided in the table below (as a percentage of net sales):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Home brands (Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Grandin Road and Improvements)
77.9
%
 
75.6
%
 
79.1
%
 
77.3
%
Apparel brands (Chasing Fireflies, Garnet Hill and TravelSmith)
22.1
%
 
24.4
%
 
20.9
%
 
22.7
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of products sold, shipping and handling costs and compensation and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in supply chain functions. Cost of products sold includes merchandise cost, inbound freight and duties and certain allocable general and administrative costs, including certain warehouse costs.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Gross profit:
 
 
 
HSN
$
204,527

 
1%
 
$
202,730

 
$
621,329

 
5%
 
$
589,805

HSN gross profit margin rate
34.6
%
 
(50 bp)
 
35.1
%
 
35.2
%
 
10 bp
 
35.1
%
Cornerstone
$
101,747

 
2%
 
$
99,685

 
$
321,688

 
7%
 
$
301,519

Cornerstone gross profit margin rate
37.1
%
 
(140 bp)
 
38.5
%
 
38.8
%
 
70 bp
 
38.1
%
HSNi
$
306,274

 
1%
 
$
302,415

 
$
943,017

 
6%
 
$
891,324

HSNi gross profit margin rate
35.4
%
 
(70 bp)
 
36.1
%
 
36.4
%
 
30 bp
 
36.1
%
bp = basis points

HSN
Gross profit for HSN in the third quarter of 2015 increased 1%, or $1.8 million. Gross profit margin rate decreased 50 basis points to 34.6% primarily due to an increase in shipping promotions and changes in product mix.
Gross profit for HSN in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 5%, or $31.5 million. Gross profit margin rate increased 10 basis points to 35.2%.
Cornerstone
Gross profit for Cornerstone in the third quarter of 2015 increased 2%, or $2.1 million, compared to the prior year. Gross profit margin rate decreased 140 basis points to 37.1% primarily the result of increased promotions including markdowns on end-of-season inventory. The rate was also unfavorably impacted by higher fulfillment costs due to warehouse expansion and an increase in labor costs.
Gross profit for Cornerstone in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 7%, or $20.2 million, compared to the prior year. Gross profit margin rate increased 70 basis points to 38.8% primarily due to improvement in overall product and shipping margins, particularly at Garnet Hill. The increases in the product and shipping margins were primarily due to lower promotional activity in the first half of the year and selective price increases.

19



Selling and Marketing Expense
Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of advertising and promotional expenditures, compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in customer service, sales and merchandising, production and programming functions and on-air distribution costs. Advertising and promotional expenditures primarily include catalog production and distribution costs and online marketing, including fees paid to search engines and third-party distribution partners.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
HSN
$
100,765

 
1%
 
$
100,011

 
$
308,284

 
4%
 
$
295,930

As a percentage of HSN net sales
17.1
%
 
(20 bp)
 
17.3
%
 
17.5
%
 
(10 bp)
 
17.6
%
Cornerstone
$
76,151

 
6%
 
$
71,841

 
$
235,925

 
4%
 
$
225,908

As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales
27.8
%
 
10 bp
 
27.7
%
 
28.5
%
 
(10 bp)
 
28.6
%
HSNi
$
176,916

 
3%
 
$
171,852

 
$
544,209

 
4%
 
$
521,838

As a percentage of HSNi net sales
20.5
%
 
-
 
20.5
%
 
21.0
%
 
(10 bp)
 
21.1
%
HSNi's selling and marketing expense in the third quarter of 2015 increased 3%, or $5.1 million, and was 20.5% of net sales which was consistent with the prior year. HSNi's selling and marketing expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 4%, or $22.4 million, and was 21.0% of net sales compared to 21.1% in the prior year.
HSN
HSN's selling and marketing expense in the third quarter of 2015 increased 1%, or $0.8 million, due to an increase in employee-related costs, primarily for wages and healthcare, offset by lower on-air distribution costs. HSN's selling and marketing expense was 17.1% of net sales compared to 17.3% in the prior year.
HSN's selling and marketing expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 4%, or $12.4 million, primarily due to media expense for direct-response television marketing; and an increase in employee-related costs, primarily in its call center and for healthcare costs; offset by lower on-air distribution costs. HSN's selling and marketing expense was 17.5% of net sales compared to 17.6% in the prior year.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's selling and marketing expense in the third quarter of 2015 increased 6%, or $4.3 million, primarily due to higher catalog costs driven by a 5% increase in circulation and an increase in employee-related costs. Cornerstone's selling and marketing expense was 27.8% of net sales compared to 27.7% in the prior year.
Cornerstone's selling and marketing expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 4% or $10.0 million, primarily due to an increase in employee-related costs, higher catalog costs driven by a 3% increase in circulation and an increase in digital marketing costs. Cornerstone's selling and marketing expense was 28.5% of net sales compared to 28.6% in the prior year.

General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in finance, legal, tax, human resources, information technology and executive management functions; bad debts; facilities costs; and fees for professional services.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
HSN
$
40,249

 
3%
 
$
39,069

 
$
126,070

 
10%
 
$
114,727

As a percentage of HSN net sales
6.8
%
 
-
 
6.8
%
 
7.1
%
 
30 bp
 
6.8
%
Cornerstone
$
20,668

 
44%
 
$
14,371

 
$
54,250

 
16%
 
$
46,842

As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales
7.5
%
 
200 bp
 
5.5
%
 
6.5
%
 
60 bp
 
5.9
%
HSNi
$
60,917

 
14%
 
$
53,440

 
$
180,320

 
12%
 
$
161,569

As a percentage of HSNi net sales
7.0
%
 
60 bp
 
6.4
%
 
7.0
%
 
50 bp
 
6.5
%

20



HSNi’s general and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2015 increased 14%, or $7.5 million, and was 7.0% of net sales compared to 6.4% in the prior year. HSNi’s general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 12%, or $18.8 million, and was 7.0% of net sales compared to 6.5% in the prior year.
HSN
HSN's general and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2015 increased 3%, or $1.2 million, and was 6.8% of net sales, consistent with the prior year. The increase is primarily due to an increase of $2.0 million in bad debt expense as a result of changes in sales mix towards electronics, which typically result in higher write-offs of Flexpay receivables.
HSN's general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 10%, or $11.3 million, and was 7.1% of net sales compared to 6.8% in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to a $5.4 million increase in bad debt expense; $3.2 million in costs accrued for the planned closure of its Virginia distribution center; and increases in employee and warehouse-related costs.
HSN’s general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 include approximately $3.2 million related to the planned closure of its Roanoke, Virginia distribution center. The facility closure that will occur in 2016 is part of HSNi’s supply chain optimization initiative that is designed to increase operational efficiencies and enhance customer service. As part of this initiative, HSN will be expanding the capabilities of its Piney Flats, Tennessee distribution center. HSNi expects to incur approximately $4 million to $5 million in total charges related to the closure of the Virginia facility. These charges include approximately $3 million to $4 million in employee-related expenses, including severance payments and retention incentives. The financial benefits associated with the supply chain optimization initiative, including labor and transportation savings, are expected to be realized beginning in the second half of 2016. HSNi expects to utilize much of these savings to remain competitive in the marketplace, including initiatives to drive future sales growth and enhance customer service.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's general and administrative expense in the third quarter of 2015 increased 44%, or $6.3 million, and was 7.5% of net sales compared to 5.5% in the prior year. The increase was due to a $5.0 million intangible asset impairment charge and an increase in employee-related costs, primarily for performance-based incentives. Cornerstone recognized a non-cash charge for the impairment of certain intangible assets associated with its 2012 acquisition of Chasing Fireflies. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the impairment charge.
Cornerstone's general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 16%, or $7.4 million, primarily due to a $5.0 million intangible asset impairment charge, an increase in employee-related costs primarily for performance-based incentives, and consulting costs, offset by a $3.1 million charge related to a settlement in the prior year with the Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"). Cornerstone's general and administrative expense was 6.5% of net sales, compared to 5.9% in the prior year.
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
HSN
$
7,318

 
(2)%
 
$
7,477

 
$
22,326

 
—%
 
$
22,337

Cornerstone
3,290

 
(11)%
 
3,678

 
10,616

 
2%
 
10,377

HSNi
$
10,608

 
(5)%
 
$
11,155

 
$
32,942

 
1%
 
$
32,714

As a percentage of HSNi net sales
1.2
%
 
(10 bp)
 
1.3
%
 
1.3
%
 
-
 
1.3
%

Depreciation and amortization in the third quarter of 2015 decreased 5%, or $0.5 million, compared to the prior year. Capital expenditures in the current quarter have been for investments in our distribution centers, including our warehouse automation project that has not yet been put into service, information technology, digital commerce and infrastructure.


21



Depreciation and amortization in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 1%, or $0.2 million, compared to the prior year. Capital expenditures in the current year have been for investments in our distribution centers, including our warehouse automation project that has not yet been put into service, information technology and infrastructure.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating income.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
HSN
$
67,109

 
1%
 
$
66,730

 
$
201,493

 
7%
 
$
188,530

As a percentage of HSN net sales
11.4
%
 
(10 bp)
 
11.5
%
 
11.4
%
 
20 bp
 
11.2
%
Cornerstone
$
11,028

 
(23)%
 
$
14,255

 
$
39,820

 
16%
 
$
34,305

As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales
4.0
%
 
(150 bp)
 
5.5
%
 
4.8
%
 
50 bp
 
4.3
%
HSNi
$
78,137

 
(4)%
 
$
80,985

 
$
241,313

 
8%
 
$
222,835

As a percentage of HSNi net sales
9.0
%
 
(70 bp)
 
9.7
%
 
9.3
%
 
30 bp
 
9.0
%
HSNi's Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2015 decreased 4%, or $2.8 million, and was 9.0% of net sales compared to 9.7% in the prior year. The decrease was primarily driven by the 70 basis point decrease in the gross profit margin rate, partially offset by the 3% growth in net sales. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales (excluding non-cash charges) were 26.4%, consistent with the prior year.
HSNi's Adjusted EBITDA in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 8%, or $18.5 million, and was 9.3% of net sales compared to 9.0% in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the 5% growth in net sales and 30 basis point improvement in gross profit margin rate. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales (excluding non-cash charges and a $3.2 million charge associated with the planned closure of one of HSN's distribution centers) were 27.1%, consistent with the prior year.
HSN
HSN's Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2015 increased 1%, or $0.4 million, and was 11.4% of net sales compared to 11.5% in the prior year. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was due to the 2% growth in net sales, offset by a 50 basis point decrease in gross profit margin rate and a 1% increase in operating expenses (excluding non-cash charges). The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher bad debt expense and employee-related costs, partially offset by lower on-air distribution costs.
HSN's Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 7%, or $13.0 million, and was 11.4% of net sales compared to 11.2% in the prior year. The increase was due to the 5% growth in net sales and 10 basis point improvement in gross profit margin rate, partially offset by a 5% growth in operating expenses (excluding non-cash charges and a $3.2 million charge associated with the planned closure of its Virginia distribution center). The increase in operating expenses was primarily related to employee-related costs, media spend for direct-response television marketing and bad debt expense.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone's third quarter Adjusted EBITDA decreased 23%, or $3.2 million, and was 4.0% of net sales compared to 5.5% in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the 140 basis point decrease in the gross profit margin rate and the increase in operating expenses. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales (excluding non-cash charges) increased 10 basis points to 33.0%.
Cornerstone's Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 16%, or $5.5 million, primarily due to strong performance at Garnet Hill. Adjusted EBITDA was 4.8% of net sales compared to 4.3% in the prior year which was due to the 70 basis point improvement in gross profit margin rate, partially offset by the 20 basis point increase in operating expenses as a percent of net sales (excluding non-cash charges and the $3.1 million CPSC settlement). Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to higher employee-related and consulting costs, offset by improved catalog cost leverage.

22




Operating Income
 
Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
HSN
$
56,195

 
—%
 
$
56,172

 
$
164,649

 
5%
 
$
156,810

As a percentage of HSN net sales
9.5
%
 
(20 bp)
 
9.7
%
 
9.3
%
 
-
 
9.3
%
Cornerstone
$
1,638

 
(83)%
 
$
9,796

 
$
20,897

 
14%
 
$
18,393

As a percentage of Cornerstone net sales
0.6
%
 
(320 bp)
 
3.8
%
 
2.5
%
 
20 bp
 
2.3
%
HSNi
$
57,833

 
(12)%
 
$
65,968

 
$
185,546

 
6%
 
$
175,203

As a percentage of HSNi net sales
6.7
%
 
(120 bp)
 
7.9
%
 
7.2
%
 
10 bp
 
7.1
%
NM = not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HSNi's operating income in the third quarter of 2015 decreased 12%, or $8.1 million, and was 6.7% of net sales compared to 7.9% in the prior year. The decrease was due to the 70 basis point decline in gross profit margin rate and increase in operating expenses. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales increased primarily due to the $5.0 million intangible asset impairment charge, an increase of $2.0 million for HSN's bad debt expense and increases in employee-related and digital marketing costs, partially offset by lower on-air distribution cost at HSN.
HSNi's operating income in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 6%, or $10.3 million, and was 7.2% of net sales compared to 7.1% in the prior year. The increase was driven by the 5% growth in net sales and 30 basis point improvement in gross profit margin rate, offset by an increase in operating expenses. Operating expenses as a percent of net sales increased primarily due to a $5.9 million increase in bad debt expense, $5.0 million intangible asset impairment charge, an increase in employee-related costs, an increase in media spend related to HSN's direct-response television marketing and a $3.2 million charge associated with the closure of one of HSN's distribution centers, offset by the $3.1 million CPSC settlement at Cornerstone in the prior year and lower on-air distribution costs at HSN.
Other Income (Expense)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
2015
 
Change
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income
$
35

 
(30)%
 
$
50

 
$
111

 
(32)%
 
$
163

Interest expense
(4,098
)
 
118%
 
(1,883
)
 
(11,352
)
 
106%
 
(5,506
)
Total other expense, net
$
(4,063
)
 
122%
 
$
(1,833
)
 
$
(11,241
)
 
110%
 
$
(5,343
)
As a percentage of HSNi net sales
0.5
%
 
30 bp
 
0.2
%
 
0.4
%
 
20 bp
 
0.2
%

On January 27, 2015, HSNi entered into a $1.25 billion five-year syndicated credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") which replaced a $600 million credit agreement that was set to expire in April 2017. HSNi drew $200 million from its term loan under the Credit Agreement on January 27, 2015 to repay its existing term loan of $228.1 million and drew the remaining $300 million from its term loan and $200 million under the revolving credit facility to fund a $524 million special cash dividend that was paid on February 19, 2015.

HSNi executed an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $187.5 million that took effect on January 31, 2014 with a maturity date of April 2017. The interest rate swap effectively fixes the floating LIBOR-based interest on $187.5 million of the outstanding term loan (under both credit agreements) resulting in a fixed rate of 2.3525% (based on HSNi's leverage ratio as of September 30, 2015). See Note 7 to Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $2.2 million and $5.9 million, respectively. The increase in interest expense compared to the prior year is due to a higher outstanding debt balance and the write-off of $0.5 million of deferred financing fees in the first quarter of 2015 related to the prior credit agreement.
Income Tax Provision
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSNi recorded a tax provision of $19.6 million and $64.8

23



million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 36.4% and 37.2%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, HSNi recorded a tax provision of $24.6 million and $65.2 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 38.4%. The change in the effective tax rate for the nine month periods was primarily due to the non-deductibility of the $3.1 million settlement with the CPSC recognized in the first quarter of 2014 and the impact of state income taxes. The annual effective rate for 2015 is estimated to be approximately 37%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2015, HSNi had $63.2 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to $160.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and $93.1 million as of September 30, 2014.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $104.9 million compared to $28.2 million in the prior year, an increase of $76.7 million. The increase is primarily due to changes in working capital, including accounts receivable and inventories. Collections of accounts receivable increased in 2015 compared to the prior year due to the higher outstanding balance at the end of 2014 driven by the fourth quarter's sales growth and increased customer utilization of HSN's Flexpay program in the fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease in cash used for inventories was primarily due to lower inventory purchases in 2015 at HSN as compared to the prior year when it was normalizing its inventory levels. Additionally, there was an increase in cash used for income tax payments due to the timing of earnings and temporary tax differences.
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $46.7 million and was related to capital expenditures primarily for investments in our distribution centers, including our warehouse automation project, information technology, digital commerce and infrastructure.
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $155.1 million and was primarily related to the funding of HSNi's capital return plan. HSNi paid a special cash dividend of $10.00 per common share in February 2015 and quarterly cash dividends totaling $1.05 per common share in the first nine months of 2015, representing aggregate payments of $579.5 million. HSNi also paid $52.1 million for approximately 819,000 shares of common stock repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. HSNi borrowed $700 million under the Credit Agreement to repay the $228.1 million term loan that was outstanding under the prior credit agreement and to fund the payment of the special cash dividend. Additionally, HSNi had a cash inflow of $14.8 million from stock option proceeds that was offset by a cash outflow of $15.3 million used to cover withholding taxes for stock-based awards. HSNi also had $11.9 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based awards.

On January 27, 2015, HSNi entered into a $1.25 billion five-year syndicated Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement replaced the existing $600 million credit agreement that was set to expire in April 2017. The Credit Agreement, which includes a $750 million revolving credit facility and a $500 million term loan, may be increased up to $1.75 billion subject to certain conditions and expires January 27, 2020. HSNi drew $200 million from its term loan under the Credit Agreement on January 27, 2015 to repay in full its existing term loan of $228.1 million and drew the remaining $300 million from its term loan and $200 million under the revolving credit facility on February 18, 2015 to fund the $524 million special cash dividend that was paid on February 19, 2015.

The Credit Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50x and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00x. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to a LIBOR rate plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% or the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 0.25% to 1.25%. HSNi can elect to borrow at either a LIBOR rate or the Base Rate and the predetermined margin is determined by HSNi's leverage ratio. HSNi pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% (based on the leverage ratio) on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.
The amount available under the Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of commercial and standby letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility, which totaled $15.4 million as of September 30, 2015. The ability to draw funds under the revolving credit facility is dependent upon meeting the aforementioned financial covenants, which may limit HSNi’s ability to draw the full amount of the facility. As of September 30, 2015, the additional amount that could be borrowed under the revolving credit facility, in consideration of the financial covenants and outstanding letters of credit, was approximately $534.6 million.
To reduce our future exposure to rising interest rates under our credit facility, we entered into a forward-starting swap in December 2012 that effectively converts $187.5 million of our variable rate term loan (under both credit agreements) to a

24



fixed-rate basis beginning January 2014 through April 2017. For additional information related to our interest rate swap, refer to Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effective January 27, 2015, HSNi's Board of Directors authorized a new 4 million share repurchase program which allows HSNi to purchase shares of its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated and/or open market transactions. The timing of any repurchases and actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under HSNi’s debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, HSNi repurchased approximately 819,000 shares of common stock at a cost of $52.1 million, or an average cost of $63.57 per share. As of September 30, 2015, approximately 3.2 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the program.
HSNi anticipates it will need to make capital and other expenditures in connection with the development and expansion of its operations. Our capital expenditures for fiscal 2015 are planned at approximately $60 million to $65 million and primarily relate to investments in our distribution centers, including our warehouse automation project; information technology; and digital commerce. HSNi’s ability to fund its cash and capital needs will be affected by its ongoing ability to generate cash from operations, the overall capacity and terms of its financing arrangements as discussed above, and access to the capital markets. HSNi believes that its cash on hand, its anticipated operating cash flows, its available unused portion of the revolving credit facility and its access to capital markets will be sufficient to fund its operating needs, capital, investing and other commitments and contingencies for the foreseeable future.
In the third quarter of 2015, HSNi's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.35 per common share. The dividend will be paid on December 16, 2015 to HSNi's record holders as of December 2, 2015.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
As a result of entering into the Credit Agreement in January 2015 (as discussed in Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements), certain contractual obligations of HSNi (including long-term debt and interest on debt) have changed from the amounts disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The following table presents HSNi’s long-term debt and related interest obligations as of September 30, 2015:
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1 - 3 Years
 
3 - 5 Years
 
More Than
5  Years
 
(In thousands)
Long-term debt, including current maturities (a)
$
700,000

 
$
18,750

 
$
59,375

 
$
621,875

 
$

Interest on debt (a)(b)
49,717

 
13,287

 
22,640

 
13,790

 

Total contractual obligations
$
749,717

 
$
32,037

 
$
82,015

 
$
635,665

 
$


(a)
Long-term debt and related interest are based on HSNi's debt that was outstanding as of September 30, 2015 under its $1.25 billion Credit Agreement.
(b)
Includes interest on variable rate debt estimated using the rate in effect as of September 30, 2015, net of the impact of the interest rate swap.
Seasonality
HSNi is affected by seasonality, although historically our business has exhibited less seasonality than many other retail businesses. Our sales levels are generally higher in the fourth quarter.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, HSNi’s outstanding long-term debt was $700.0 million and $228.1 million, respectively, all of which pays interest at a variable rate, generally tied to LIBOR. Changes in interest rates on our variable rate debt could affect our earnings. We are managing our future interest rate exposure through an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $187.5 million and a fixed rate of 0.8525% that took effect January 2014 with a maturity date of April 2017. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information of the interest rate swap. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates on the portion of our variable rate debt that was outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and that was not effectively hedged by the fixed-rate interest rate swap would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $5.1 million.

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ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2015. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
    
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal matters arising out of our operations. These matters may relate to claims involving property, personal injury, contract, intellectual property (including patent infringement), sales tax, product recalls, regulatory compliance, employment matters and other claims. As of the date of this filing, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; however, litigation matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Moreover, any claims or regulatory actions against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. 

See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies in Part I, Item 1 for additional information regarding legal matters in which we are involved.  

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

See Part I. Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” of HSNi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, for a detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting HSNi. There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in the annual report.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On January 27, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 4 million shares of our common stock, principally to offset dilution related to HSNi's equity compensation programs. Under the terms of the share repurchase program, HSNi will repurchase its common stock from time to time through privately negotiated or open market transactions, including pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or by any combination of such methods. The timing of repurchases and the actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under the company’s debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by HSNi at any time.
Below is a summary of our common stock repurchases during the third quarter of 2015:

Period
 
Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans or
Programs
July 1, 2015 - July 31, 2015
 

 
$

 

 
3,722,449

August 1, 2015 - August 31, 2015
 
526,416

 
$
62.37

 
526,416

 
3,196,033

September 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015
 
15,000

 
$
59.86

 
15,000

 
3,181,033

 
 
541,416

 
$
62.30

 
541,416

 
 

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

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ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
  
Description of Document
  
Method of Filing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial information from HSNi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and filed electronically herewith: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and Year Ended December 31, 2014, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Filed herewith


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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.

Date: November 4, 2015
 
 
 
By:
 
/S/  JUDY A. SCHMELING
 
 
 
 
 
 
Judy A. Schmeling,
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


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