QVC INC - FORM 10-Q - November 8, 2016

Attached files

file filename
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - QVC INCqvc_exhibit312x09302016.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - QVC INCqvc_exhibit321x09302016.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - QVC INCqvc_exhibit311x09302016.htm
Table of Contents -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


 
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, 2016
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 Number 000-55409
qvclogoa08.jpg
QVC, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
23-2414041
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)
19380
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (484) 701-1000
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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes 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 the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
(do not check if
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
None of the voting stock of the registrant is held by a non-affiliate of the registrant. There is no publicly traded market for any class of voting stock of the registrant. There is one holder of record of our equity, Liberty QVC Holding, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation.
 



QVC, Inc.
2016 QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q


Table of Contents





Item 1. Financial Statements
QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
September 30,

December 31,

(in millions, except share amounts)
2016

2015

Assets
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
319

327

Restricted cash
11

11

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $90 at September 30, 2016 and $86 at December 31, 2015
794

1,370

Inventories
1,123

929

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
50

42

Total current assets
2,297

2,679

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,045 at September 30, 2016 and $941 at December 31, 2015
1,087

1,002

Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
205

339

Goodwill
5,069

5,035

Other intangible assets, net
2,793

2,936

Other noncurrent assets
87

67

Total assets
$
11,538

12,058

Liabilities and equity


Current liabilities:


Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
13

9

Accounts payable-trade
637

658

Accrued liabilities
626

872

Total current liabilities
1,276

1,539

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
5,254

5,393

Deferred income taxes
750

827

Other long-term liabilities
153

181

Total liabilities
7,433

7,940

Equity:


QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity:


Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1 authorized share
—

—

Additional paid-in capital
6,842

6,827

Accumulated deficit
(2,740
)
(2,669
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(122
)
(140
)
Total QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity
3,980

4,018

Noncontrolling interest
125

100

Total equity
4,105

4,118

Total liabilities and equity
$
11,538

12,058


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-1

QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

2016

2015

Net revenue
$
1,948

2,007

6,024

5,943

Cost of goods sold
1,251

1,266

3,816

3,721

Gross profit
697

741

2,208

2,222

Operating expenses:
 
 




Operating
140

144

428

424

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
172

176

533

536

Depreciation
38

33

103

101

Amortization
116

108

345

341


466

461

1,409

1,402

Operating income
231

280

799

820

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
Equity in losses of investee
(2
)
(3
)
(4
)
(7
)
Interest expense, net
(52
)
(49
)
(159
)
(158
)
Foreign currency gain
5

12

27

11

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

—

—

(21
)

(49
)
(40
)
(136
)
(175
)
Income before income taxes
182

240

663

645

Income tax expense
(66
)
(86
)
(244
)
(243
)
Net income
116

154

419

402

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)
(8
)
(28
)
(25
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
107

146

391

377


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-2

QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

2016

2015

Net income
$
116

154

419

402

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(3
)
3

36

(77
)
Total comprehensive income
113

157

455

325

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(11
)
(11
)
(46
)
(25
)
Comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
102

146

409

300


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-3

QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

Operating activities:
 
 
Net income
$
419

402

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




Equity in losses of investee
4

7

Deferred income taxes
(68
)
(78
)
Foreign currency gain
(27
)
(11
)
Depreciation
103

101

Amortization
345

341

Noncash interest
5

6

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

21

Stock-based compensation
24

24

Change in other long-term liabilities
—

17

Effects of changes in working capital items
44

(37
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
849

793

Investing activities:
 
 
Capital expenditures
(140
)
(132
)
Expenditures for cable and satellite television distribution rights
(8
)
(48
)
Changes in other noncurrent assets
(2
)
(1
)
Other investing activities
(3
)
2

Net cash used in investing activities
(153
)
(179
)
Financing activities:
 
 
Principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations
(1,300
)
(1,565
)
Principal borrowings of debt from senior secured credit facility
1,048

1,470

Payment of debt origination fees
(2
)
(3
)
Payment of bond premium fees
—

(18
)
Dividends paid to Liberty
(427
)
(444
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(21
)
(20
)
Other financing activities
(9
)
(14
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(711
)
(594
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
7

(4
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(8
)
16

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
327

347

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
319

363

Effects of changes in working capital items:
 
 
Decrease in accounts receivable
$
583

319

Increase in inventories
(192
)
(298
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(14
)
(5
)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable-trade
(40
)
84

Decrease in accrued liabilities and other
(293
)
(137
)
Effects of changes in working capital items
$
44

(37
)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-4

QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
(unaudited)
 
Common stock
 
Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated deficit

Accumulated other
comprehensive loss

Noncontrolling interest

Total equity

(in millions, except share data)
Shares

Amount

Balance, December 31, 2015
1

$
—

6,827

(2,669
)
(140
)
100

4,118

Net income
—

—

—

391

—

28

419

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
—

—

—

—

18

18

36

Dividends paid to Liberty and noncontrolling interest and other
—

—

—

(427
)
—

(21
)
(448
)
Impact of tax liability allocation and indemnification agreement with Liberty
—

—

—

(35
)
—

—

(35
)
Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation
—

—

(9
)
—

—

—

(9
)
Stock-based compensation
—

—

24

—

—

—

24

Balance, September 30, 2016
1

$
—

6,842

(2,740
)
(122
)
125

4,105


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-5
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


(1) Basis of Presentation
QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("QVC" or the "Company") is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications.
In the United States ("U.S."), QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year. Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Italy, Japan, and France.
In Germany, QVC distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. In Japan, QVC distributes live programming 24 hours per day. In the U.K., QVC distributes its program 24 hours per day with 16 hours of live programming. In Italy, QVC distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television. On weekdays, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for eight hours per day, and distributes an additional 14 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming. On weekends, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for 12 hours per day, and distributes an additional 10 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming.
Historically, QVC reported its results on a country-by-country basis. During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC began reporting its results based on two operating segments: QVC-US, which is comprised of our U.S. operations and QVC-International, which is comprised of our international operations in Germany, Japan, the U.K., Italy and France. Refer to note 11 for additional information.
The Company's Japanese operations ("QVC-Japan") are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $21 million and $20 million, respectively.
The Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio (''CNR''). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. Live programming is distributed 15 hours per day and recorded programming is distributed for nine hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty"), which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. The QVC Group common stock (Nasdaq: QVCA and QVCB), tracks the economic performance, assets and liabilities of the QVC Group. The QVC Group tracks the Company, zulily, llc (as of October 1, 2015) and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc., one of the Company's two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The QVC Group does not represent a separate legal entity; rather, it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that are attributed to that group.
On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily, inc. ("zulily") (now known as zulily, llc) and QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $910 million with funds drawn from the Company’s credit facility to support Liberty’s purchase. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day for a limited time period. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and the Company believes that its business is complementary to the Company. zulily is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC and zulily engaged in multiple transactions relating to sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives and business advisory services. The gross value of these transactions totaled less than $11 million, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.


I-6
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

Additionally, on June 23, 2016, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the "Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") increasing the revolving credit facility from $2.25 billion to $2.65 billion as explained further in note 6. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by QVC or zulily. Under the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, QVC and zulily are jointly and severally liable for all amounts borrowed on the $400 million tranche. In accordance with the accounting guidance for obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, QVC will record a liability for amounts it has borrowed under the credit facility plus any additional amount it expects to repay on behalf of zulily. As of September 30, 2016, there was $55 million borrowed by zulily on the $400 million tranche of the senior secured credit facility, none of which the Company expects to repay on behalf of zulily.
QVC engages with CommerceHub, Inc. ("CommerceHub"), which was an approximately 99% owned subsidiary of Liberty prior to the completion of its spinoff from Liberty in July 2016, to handle communications between QVC and certain of its vendors for drop ship sales and returns. CommerceHub is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements. During each of the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, QVC paid CommerceHub for the related services totaling less than $2 million, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. As of July 22, 2016, Liberty completed the spin-off of CommerceHub. As a result, Liberty and CommerceHub are now separate publicly traded companies.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QVC, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in QVC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates include, but are not limited to, sales returns, uncollectible receivables, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of fixed assets, internally-developed software, valuation of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes and stock‑based compensation.
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing, and in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 which clarifies assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The updated guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has started a preliminary assessment, but has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.


I-7
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides explicit guidance to help companies evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement. The new guidance clarifies that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting for other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The Company has adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its financial reporting.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. The new principle is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and applies to entities that measure inventory using a method other than last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has determined there is no significant effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Statements - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires equity investments with readily determinable fair values (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s ongoing financial reporting.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which revises the accounting related to lessee accounting. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. The new lease guidance also simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and should be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined what the effects of adopting this ASU will be on its ongoing financial reporting.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the third quarter of 2016. In accordance with the new guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax benefit or expense rather than as additional paid-in capital. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur rather than continue to estimate expected forfeitures which resulted in an inconsequential effect to the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In addition, pursuant to the new guidance, excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies are applied prospectively from January 1, 2016. The presentation changes for excess tax benefits have been applied retrospectively in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows resulting in $6 million of excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 reclassified from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities. Refer to the reclassification section below for additional detail of the adoption of this guidance.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues to reduce the diversity in practice for appropriate classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption will have a material effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-8
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.
For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 the Company has reclassified costs of $30 million and $93 million, respectively, on the condensed consolidated statements of operations from operating to selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation due to continued convergence of broadcast and e-commerce operations which included programming, broadcasting, personnel and production costs.
For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 the Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts relating to the QVC-International segment disclosure to conform with the current period presentation. Refer to note 11 for additional information.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 the Company has reclassified excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation of approximately $13 million on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows from other financing activities to accrued liabilities and other in relation to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
(2) Cable and Satellite Television Distribution Rights, Net
Cable and satellite television distribution rights consisted of the following:
(in millions)
September 30, 2016

December 31, 2015

Cable and satellite television distribution rights
$
2,277

2,259

Less accumulated amortization
(2,072
)
(1,920
)
Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
$
205

339

The Company recorded amortization expense of $47 million and $45 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to cable and satellite television distribution rights. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, amortization expense for cable and satellite television distribution rights was $143 million and $140 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2016, related amortization expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Remainder of 2016
$
46

2017
125

2018
13

2019
9

2020
8

The decrease in future amortization expense in 2018 is primarily due to the end of affiliation agreement terms for contracts in place at the time of Liberty's acquisition of QVC in 2003.


I-9
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

(3) Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were as follows:
(in millions)
QVC-U.S.

QVC-Germany

QVC-Japan

QVC-U.K.

QVC-Italy

Total

Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
4,190

278

251

193

123

5,035

Exchange rate fluctuations
—

6

47

(23
)
4

34

Balance as of September 30, 2016
$
4,190

284

298

170

127

5,069

(4) Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(in millions)
Gross
cost

Accumulated
amortization

Other intangible assets, net

Gross
cost

Accumulated
amortization

Other intangible assets, net

Purchased and internally developed software
$
682

(490
)
192

625

(418
)
207

Affiliate and customer relationships
2,408

(2,242
)
166

2,409

(2,115
)
294

Debt origination fees
8

(1
)
7

9

(2
)
7

Trademarks (indefinite life)
2,428

—

2,428

2,428

—

2,428


$
5,526

(2,733
)
2,793

5,471

(2,535
)
2,936

The Company recorded amortization expense of $69 million and $63 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to other intangible assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, amortization expense for other intangible assets was $202 million and $201 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2016, the related amortization and interest expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Remainder of 2016
$
71

2017
202

2018
72

2019
16

2020
4

The decrease in future amortization expense in 2018 is primarily due to the end of the useful lives of the affiliate and customer relationships in place at the time of Liberty's acquisition of QVC in 2003.


I-10
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

(5) Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
(in millions)
September 30, 2016

December 31, 2015

Accounts payable non-trade
$
188

240

Accrued compensation and benefits
99

116

Deferred revenue
79

83

Allowance for sales returns
73

106

Income taxes
55

116

Sales and other taxes
41

79

Accrued interest
41

58

Other
50

74

 
$
626

872

(6) Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
(in millions)
September 30, 2016

December 31, 2015

3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019, net of original issue discount
$
399

399

5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
500

500

4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023, net of original issue discount
750

750

4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, net of original issue discount
600

600

4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, net of original issue discount
599

599

5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034, net of original issue discount
399

399

5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043, net of original issue discount
300

300

Senior secured credit facility
1,570

1,815

Capital lease obligations
74

72

Build to suit lease obligation (1)
104

—

Less debt issuance costs, net
(28
)
(32
)
Total debt
5,267

5,402

Less current portion
(13
)
(9
)
Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
5,254

5,393

(1) At December 31, 2015, the build to suit lease liability (note 7) was presented in other long term liabilities.
Senior Secured Notes
All of QVC's senior secured notes are secured by the capital stock of QVC and certain of its subsidiaries and have equal priority to the senior secured credit facility. The interest on all of QVC's senior secured notes is payable semi-annually.
On April 15, 2015, QVC completed the redemption of $500 million principal amount of its 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020, whereby holders received consideration of $1,036.88 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. As a result of the redemption, the Company recorded an extinguishment loss in the condensed consolidated statements of operations of $21 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.


I-11
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

Senior Secured Credit Facility
On June 23, 2016, QVC entered into a third amended and restated senior secured credit agreement with zulily as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”) which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.65 billion revolving credit facility with a $300 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by the Company or zulily with an additional $50 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit. The remaining $2.25 billion may be borrowed only by the Company. Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.25% and 0.75% depending on the Borrowers’ combined ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (the “Consolidated Leverage Ratio”). Borrowings that are LIBOR loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 1.25% and 1.75% depending on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Because the calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio was revised to include zulily, the effective interest rate margins, on the date that the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into, decreased from the interest rate margins under the previous bank credit facility. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. No mandatory prepayments will be required other than when borrowings and letter of credit usage exceed availability; provided that, if zulily ceases to be controlled by Liberty Interactive Corporation, all of its loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default. The senior secured credit facility is secured by the capital stock of QVC.

QVC had $1,024.8 million available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at September 30, 2016, including the portion available under the $400 million tranche that zulily may also borrow on. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 1.9% at September 30, 2016.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility to June 23, 2021, provide zulily the opportunity to borrow on the senior secured credit facility, and lower the interest rate on borrowings.
The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Company and zulily and each of their respective restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; limiting QVC’s consolidated leverage ratio, which is defined in QVC’s senior secured credit facility as QVC’s consolidated total debt to Adjusted OIBDA ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period; and limiting the borrowers’ combined consolidated leverage ratio, which is defined in QVC’s senior secured credit facility as QVC and zulily’s combined debt to Adjusted OIBDA ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period. The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation).
Other Debt Related Information
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at September 30, 2016.
During the quarter, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
The weighted average rate applicable to all of the outstanding debt (excluding capital leases) prior to amortization of bond discounts and related debt issuance costs was 3.8% as of September 30, 2016.


I-12
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

(7) Leases and Transponder Service Arrangements
Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital transponder leases with initial terms of one year or more and the lease related to the Company's west coast distribution center (build to suit lease) at September 30, 2016 consisted of the following:
(in millions)
Capital transponders

Operating leases

Build to suit lease

Remainder of 2016
$
3

5

—

2017
12

20

5

2018
15

17

6

2019
15

14

6

2020
11

10

6

Thereafter
23

80

73

Total
$
79

146

96

The Company has entered into thirteen separate capital lease agreements with transponder suppliers to transmit its signals in the U.S., Germany and France at an aggregate monthly cost of $1 million. Depreciation expense related to the transponders was $3 million for both three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, depreciation expense related to the transponders was $8 million and $10 million, respectively. Total future minimum capital lease payments of $79 million include $5 million of imputed interest. The transponder service agreements for our U.S. transponders expire between 2019 and 2023. The transponder service agreements for our international transponders expire between 2019 and 2024.
Expenses for operating leases, principally for data processing equipment, facilities, satellite uplink service agreements and the west coast distribution center land, amounted to $6 million and $7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, expenses for operating leases were $18 million and $19 million, respectively.
On July 2, 2015, QVC entered into a lease (the “Lease”) for a west coast distribution center. Pursuant to the Lease, the landlord built an approximately one million square foot rental building in Ontario, California (the “Premises”), and thereafter leased the Premises to QVC as its new west coast distribution center for an initial term of 15 years. Under the Lease, QVC is required to pay an initial base rent of approximately $6 million per year, increasing to approximately $8 million per year by the final year of the initial term, as well as all real estate taxes and other building operating costs. QVC also has an option to extend the term of the Lease for up to two consecutive terms of 10 years each.
QVC has the right to purchase the Premises and related land from the landlord by entering into an amended and restated agreement at any time during the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth months of the Lease's initial term with a $10 million initial payment and annual payments of $12 million over a term of 13 years.
The Company concluded that it was the deemed owner (for accounting purposes only) of the Premises during the construction period under build to suit lease accounting. Building construction began in July of 2015. During the construction period, the Company recorded estimated project construction costs incurred by the landlord as a projects in progress asset and a corresponding long-term liability in “Property and equipment, net” and “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively, on its consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Company paid for normal tenant improvements and certain structural improvements and recorded these amounts as part of the projects in progress asset. Upon completion of construction, the long-term liability was reclassified to debt. As of September 30, 2016 the liability related to the west coast distribution center was approximately $104 million of which $87 million was incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.


I-13
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

On August 29, 2016, the west coast distribution center was officially opened. The Company evaluated whether the Lease met the criteria for "sale-leaseback" treatment under U.S. GAAP and concluded that it did not. Therefore, the Company will treat the Lease as a financing obligation and lease payments will be attributed to: (1) a reduction of the principal financing obligation; (2) imputed interest expense; and (3) land lease expense representing an imputed cost to lease the underlying land of the Premises. In addition, the building asset will be depreciated over its estimated useful life of 20 years. Although the Company will not begin making monthly lease payments pursuant to the Lease until February 2017, the portion of the lease obligations allocated to the land is being treated for accounting purposes as an operating lease that commenced in 2015. If the Company does not exercise its right to purchase the Premises and related land, the Company will derecognize both the net book values of the asset and the financing obligation at the conclusion of the lease term.
(8) Income Taxes
The Company calculates its interim income tax provision by applying its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax or benefit related to significant unusual 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.
The computation of the annual estimated effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and significant judgment including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, projections of the proportion of income earned and taxed in foreign jurisdictions, permanent and temporary differences as a result of differences between amounts measured and recognized in accordance with tax laws and financial accounting standards, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or as the tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on the prior quarters is included in the tax expense for the current quarter.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded a tax provision of $66 million, which represented an effective tax rate of 36.3%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 the Company recorded a tax provision of $244 million, which represented an effective tax rate of 36.8%. These rates differ from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% due primarily to state tax expense.
QVC is party to ongoing discussions with the Internal Revenue Service under the Compliance Assurance Process audit program. The Company files Federal tax returns on a consolidated basis with its parent company, Liberty. The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of September 30, 2016, the Company, or one of its subsidiaries, was under examination in California, New York City, and Pennsylvania as well as in Germany and the U.K. The Company has received assessments related to an examination in Germany. The Company believes that any amounts ultimately paid in connection with the assessments will be creditable against its U.S. federal tax liability.
The Company is a party to a Tax Liability Allocation and Indemnification Agreement (the “Tax Agreement”) with Liberty. The Tax Agreement establishes the methodology for the calculation and payment of income taxes in connection with the consolidation of the Company with Liberty for income tax purposes. Generally, the Tax Agreement provides that the Company will pay Liberty an amount equal to the tax liability, if any, that it would have if it were to file as a consolidated group separate and apart from Liberty, with exceptions for the treatment and timing of certain items, including but not limited to deferred intercompany transactions, credits, and net operating and capital losses. To the extent that the separate company tax expense is different from the payment terms of the Tax Agreement, the difference is recorded as either a dividend or capital contribution.
The amounts of the tax-related balances due to Liberty at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $13 million and $71 million, respectively, and were included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.


I-14
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

(9) Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible the Company may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that the amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Network and information systems, including the Internet and telecommunication systems, third party delivery services and other technologies are critical to our business activities. Substantially all our customer orders, fulfillment and delivery services are dependent upon the use of network and information systems, including the use of third party telecommunication and delivery service providers. If information systems including the Internet or telecommunication services are disrupted, or if the third party delivery services experience a disruption in their transportation delivery services, we could face a significant disruption in fulfilling our customer orders and shipment of our products. We have active disaster recovery programs in place to help mitigate risks associated with these critical business activities.
(10) Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
For assets and liabilities required to be reported or disclosed at fair value, U.S. GAAP provides a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The Company's assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value were as follows:


Fair value measurements at September 30, 2016 using
 
(in millions)
Total

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

Current assets:




Cash equivalents
$
125

125

—

—

Net Investment hedge
1

—

1

—

Long-term liabilities:




Debt (note 6)
5,159

—

5,159

—



Fair value measurements at December 31, 2015 using
 
(in millions)
Total

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

Current assets:




Cash equivalents
$
218

218

—

—

Net investment hedge
3

—

3

—

Long-term liabilities:








Debt (note 6)
5,189

—

5,189

—

The majority of the Company's Level 2 financial liabilities are debt instruments with quoted market prices that are not considered to be traded on "active markets," as defined in U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the financial instruments are reported in the foregoing tables as Level 2 fair value instruments.


I-15
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

QVC entered into a Euro 500 million basis swap as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary during the fourth quarter of 2015 and the underlying derivative matured on March 15, 2016. The purpose of this hedge was to protect QVC's investment in the foreign subsidiary against the variability of the U.S. dollar and Euro exchange rate. The Company entered into a similar hedge of the same net investment in a foreign subsidiary effective March 15, 2016 which subsequently matured on September 15, 2016. Effective September 15, 2016, the Company entered into a foreign exchange forward contract with the same purpose as the previous hedges. The forward contract entails QVC's sale of Euro 500 million at a forward rate which matures on December 19, 2016. The gain or loss is and will be recognized in other comprehensive income and is classified as Level 2 in the table above. No amount of the gain or loss has been reclassified into earnings as of the balance sheet date.
On June 15, 2016, QVC entered into a three-year interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $125 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. The swap arrangement did not qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap are reflected in gain on financial instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2016, the fair value of the swap instrument was in a net asset position of less than $1 million which was included in other noncurrent assets.
(11) Information about QVC's Operating Segments
During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC began reporting its results based on two operating segments: QVC-U.S. and QVC-International, as a result of the One Q Reorganization Plan ("One Q"). The One Q organizational structure is intended to allow the Company to better leverage its global scale and capabilities, to enhance its competitive position and to create operational efficiencies. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, QVC began allocating certain additional corporate costs for management reporting purposes, which were historically included in its QVC-U.S. segment, to the QVC-International segment. These management cost allocations are related to certain functions such as merchandising, commerce platforms, information technology, human resources, legal, finance, brand and communications, corporate development and administration that support all of QVC’s operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, these costs totaled approximately $8 million and $24 million, respectively.
QVC's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is QVC's Chief Executive Officer. QVC's CODM has ultimate responsibility for enterprise decisions. QVC's CODM determines, in particular, resource allocation for, and monitors performance of, the consolidated enterprise, QVC-U.S. and QVC-International. The segment managers have responsibility for operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance within their respective segments. QVC's CODM relies on internal management reporting that analyzes enterprise results and segment results to the Adjusted OIBDA level (see below).
QVC-U.S. and QVC-International are retailers of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs as well as via the Internet and mobile applications in certain markets.
The Company evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as net revenue, Adjusted OIBDA, gross margin, average sales price per unit, number of units shipped and revenue or sales per subscriber equivalent. The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). The Company believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its segments, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking among the Company's businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation, that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


I-16
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

Performance measures
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Net
revenue

Adjusted
OIBDA

Net
revenue

Adjusted
OIBDA

Net
revenue

Adjusted
OIBDA

Net
revenue

Adjusted
OIBDA

QVC-U.S.
$
1,338

308

1,420

333

4,173

997

4,168

988

QVC-International
610

85

587

97

1,851

274

1,775

298

Consolidated QVC
$
1,948

393

2,007

430

6,024

1,271

5,943

1,286

Net revenue amounts by product category are not available from our general purpose financial statements.
Other information
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Depreciation

Amortization

Depreciation

Amortization

Depreciation

Amortization

Depreciation

Amortization

QVC-U.S.
$
22

103

15

97

55

308

47

303

QVC-International
16

13

18

11

48

37

54

38

Consolidated QVC
$
38

116

33

108

103

345

101

341


September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(in millions)
Total
assets

Capital
expenditures

Total
assets

Capital
expenditures

QVC-U.S.
$
9,391

120

9,913

169

QVC-International
2,147

20

2,145

46

Consolidated QVC
$
11,538

140

12,058

215

Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by segment were as follows:
(in millions)
September 30, 2016

December 31, 2015

QVC-U.S.
$
597

501

QVC-International
490

501

Consolidated QVC
$
1,087

1,002

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

2016

2015

Adjusted OIBDA
$
393

430

1,271

1,286

Stock-based compensation
(8
)
(9
)
(24
)
(24
)
Depreciation and amortization
(154
)
(141
)
(448
)
(442
)
Equity in losses of investee
(2
)
(3
)
(4
)
(7
)
Interest expense, net
(52
)
(49
)
(159
)
(158
)
Foreign currency gain
5

12

27

11

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

—

—

(21
)
Income before income taxes
$
182

240

663

645



I-17
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

(12) Other Comprehensive Loss
The change in the component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes ("AOCL"), is summarized as follows:
(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments

AOCL

Balance at January 1, 2016
$
(140
)
(140
)
Other comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
18

18

Balance at September 30, 2016
(122
)
(122
)
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
$
(39
)
(39
)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
(77
)
(77
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
(116
)
(116
)
The component of other comprehensive income is reflected in QVC's condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes. The following table summarizes the tax effects related to the component of other comprehensive income:
(in millions)
Before-tax amount

Tax benefit

Net-of-tax amount

Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(7
)
4

(3
)
Other comprehensive income
(7
)
4

(3
)
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(9
)
12

3

Other comprehensive loss
(9
)
12

3

 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016:



Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
23

13

36

Other comprehensive loss
23

13

36


 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015:



Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(89
)
12

(77
)
Other comprehensive loss
(89
)
12

(77
)


I-18
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

(13) Subsequent Event
Subsequent to September 30, 2016, QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $160 million.
As of October 31, 2016, zulily had $285 million outstanding on the shared tranche within the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
(14) Guarantor/Non-guarantor Subsidiary Financial Information
The following information contains the condensed consolidating financial statements for the Company, the parent on a stand-alone basis (QVC, Inc.), the combined subsidiary guarantors (Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc.; Affiliate Investment, Inc.; AMI 2, Inc.; ER Marks, Inc.; QVC Rocky Mount, Inc.; QVC San Antonio, LLC; Global Holdings I, Inc.; and Global Holdings II, Inc.) and the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
In connection with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (refer to note 6), QVC International Ltd is no longer a guarantor subsidiary, and is reflected with the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries.
These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared from the Company's financial information on the same basis of accounting as the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions, such as management fees, royalty revenue and expense, interest income and expense and gains on intercompany asset transfers. Goodwill and other intangible assets have been allocated to the subsidiaries based on management’s estimates. Certain costs have been partially allocated to all of the subsidiaries of the Company.
With One Q as mentioned in note 11, QVC began allocating certain additional corporate costs for management reporting purposes, which were historically included in its QVC-U.S. segment, to the QVC-International segment.
The subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by the Company. All guarantees are full and unconditional and are joint and several. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company to obtain funds from its U.S. subsidiaries, including the guarantors, by dividend or loan. The Company has not presented separate notes and other disclosures concerning the subsidiary guarantors as the Company has determined that such material information is available in the notes to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-19
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
September 30, 2016
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Assets
Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents
$
2

99

218

—

319

Restricted cash
9

—

2

—

11

Accounts receivable, net
564

—

230

—

794

Inventories
845

—

278

—

1,123

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
25

—

25

—

50

Total current assets
1,445

99

753

—

2,297

Property and equipment, net
318

65

704

—

1,087

Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
—

181

24

—

205

Goodwill
4,190

—

879

—

5,069

Other intangible assets, net
716

2,049

28

—

2,793

Other noncurrent assets
6

—

81

—

87

Investments in subsidiaries
3,492

1,064

—

(4,556
)
—

Total assets
$
10,167

3,458

2,469

(4,556
)
11,538

Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:





Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
3

—

10

—

13

Accounts payable-trade
395

—

242

—

637

Accrued liabilities
8

183

435

—

626

Intercompany accounts payable (receivable)
479

(203
)
(276
)
—

—

Total current liabilities
885

(20
)
411

—

1,276

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
5,105

—

149

—

5,254

Deferred income taxes
90

716

(56
)
—

750

Other long-term liabilities
107

—

46



153

Total liabilities
6,187

696

550

—

7,433

Equity:





QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity
3,980

2,762

1,794

(4,556
)
3,980

Noncontrolling interest
—

—

125

—

125

Total equity
3,980

2,762

1,919

(4,556
)
4,105

Total liabilities and equity
$
10,167

3,458

2,469

(4,556
)
11,538



I-20
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
December 31, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Assets
Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents
$
—

112

215

—

327

Restricted cash
9

—

2

—

11

Accounts receivable, net
1,114

—

256

—

1,370

Inventories
714

—

215

—

929

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
18

—

24

—

42

Total current assets
1,855

112

712

—

2,679

Property and equipment, net
295

67

640

—

1,002

Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
—

297

42

—

339

Goodwill
4,190

—

845

—

5,035

Other intangible assets, net
842

2,050

44

—

2,936

Other noncurrent assets
5

—

62

—

67

Investments in subsidiaries
3,569

2,687

—

(6,256
)
—

Total assets
$
10,756

5,213

2,345

(6,256
)
12,058

Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:





Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
3

—

6

—

9

Accounts payable-trade
396

—

262

—

658

Accrued liabilities
229

207

436

—

872

Intercompany accounts payable (receivable)
562

1,271

(1,833
)
—

—

Total current liabilities
1,190

1,478

(1,129
)
—

1,539

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
5,342

—

51

—

5,393

Deferred income taxes
94

744

(11
)
—

827

Other long-term liabilities
112

—

69

—

181

Total liabilities
6,738

2,222

(1,020
)
—

7,940

Equity:





QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity
4,018

2,991

3,265

(6,256
)
4,018

Noncontrolling interest
—

—

100

—

100

Total equity
4,018

2,991

3,365

(6,256
)
4,118

Total liabilities and equity
$
10,756

5,213

2,345

(6,256
)
12,058



I-21
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net revenue
$
1,369

224

662

(307
)
1,948

Cost of goods sold
847

38

416

(50
)
1,251

Gross profit
522

186

246

(257
)
697

Operating expenses:





Operating
94

61

64

(79
)
140

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
246

—

104

(178
)
172

Depreciation
16

1

21

—

38

Amortization
62

41

13

—

116


418

103

202

(257
)
466

Operating income
104

83

44

—

231

Other (expense) income:





Equity in losses of investee
—

—

(2
)
—

(2
)
Interest expense, net
(52
)
—

—

—

(52
)
Foreign currency gain
3

—

2

—

5

Intercompany interest (expense) income
—

—

—

—

—


(49
)
—

—

—

(49
)
Income before income taxes
55

83

44

—

182

Income tax expense
(13
)
(26
)
(27
)
—

(66
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
74

24

—

(98
)
—

Net income
116

81

17

(98
)
116

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)
—

(9
)
9

(9
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
107

81

8

(89
)
107



I-22
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net revenue
$
1,458

223

641

(315
)
2,007

Cost of goods sold
905

27

385

(51
)
1,266

Gross profit
553

196

256

(264
)
741

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
81

63

72

(72
)
144

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
271

—

97

(192
)
176

Depreciation
11

2

20

—

33

Amortization
56

40

12

—

108


419

105

201

(264
)
461

Operating income
134

91

55

—

280

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in losses of investee
—

—

(3
)
—

(3
)
Interest expense, net
(50
)
—

1

—

(49
)
Foreign currency gain
4

7

1

—

12

Intercompany interest (expense) income
(1
)
(21
)
22

—

—


(47
)
(14
)
21

—

(40
)
Income before income taxes
87

77

76

—

240

Income tax expense
(23
)
(25
)
(38
)
—

(86
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
90

37

—

(127
)
—

Net income
154

89

38

(127
)
154

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(8
)
—

(8
)
8

(8
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
146

89

30

(119
)
146




I-23
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net revenue
$
4,272

688

2,009

(945
)
6,024

Cost of goods sold
2,594

116

1,245

(139
)
3,816

Gross profit
1,678

572

764

(806
)
2,208

Operating expenses:





Operating
296

180

204

(252
)
428

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
773

—

314

(554
)
533

Depreciation
41

5

57

—

103

Amortization
182

125

38

—

345

 
1,292

310

613

(806
)
1,409

Operating income
386

262

151

—

799

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in losses of investee
—

—

(4
)
—

(4
)
Interest expense, net
(159
)
—

—

—

(159
)
Foreign currency gain
12

—

15

—

27

Intercompany interest (expense) income
(1
)
1

—

—

—


(148
)
1

11

—

(136
)
Income before income taxes
238

263

162

—

663

Income tax expense
(75
)
(85
)
(84
)
—

(244
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
256

106

—

(362
)
—

Net income
419

284

78

(362
)
419

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(28
)
—

(28
)
28

(28
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
391

284

50

(334
)
391



I-24
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net revenue
$
4,282

645

1,938

(922
)
5,943

Cost of goods sold
2,632

75

1,153

(139
)
3,721

Gross profit
1,650

570

785

(783
)
2,222

Operating expenses:





Operating
253

181

214

(224
)
424

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
803

—

292

(559
)
536

Depreciation
32

6

63

—

101

Amortization
175

121

45

—

341


1,263

308

614

(783
)
1,402

Operating income
387

262

171

—

820

Other (expense) income:





Equity in losses of investee
—

—

(7
)
—

(7
)
Interest expense, net
(157
)
—

(1
)
—

(158
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
12

(6
)
5

—

11

Loss on extinguishment of debt
(21
)
—

—

—

(21
)
Intercompany interest (expense) income
(7
)
(30
)
37

—

—


(173
)
(36
)
34

—

(175
)
Income before income taxes
214

226

205

—

645

Income tax expense
(63
)
(101
)
(79
)
—

(243
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
251

145

—

(396
)
—

Net income
402

270

126

(396
)
402

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(25
)
—

(25
)
25

(25
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
377

270

101

(371
)
377




I-25
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net income
$
116

81

17

(98
)
116

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(3
)
—

(3
)
3

(3
)
Total comprehensive income
113

81

14

(95
)
113

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(11
)
—

(11
)
11

(11
)
Comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
102

81

3

(84
)
102

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net income
$
154

89

38

(127
)
154

Foreign currency translation adjustments
3

—

3

(3
)
3

Total comprehensive income
157

89

41

(130
)
157

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(11
)
—

(11
)
11

(11
)
Comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
146

89

30

(119
)
146

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net income
$
419

284

78

(362
)
419

Foreign currency translation adjustments
36

—

36

(36
)
36

Total comprehensive income
455

284

114

(398
)
455

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(46
)
—

(46
)
46

(46
)
Comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
409

284

68

(352
)
409








I-26
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net income
$
402

270

126

(396
)
402

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(77
)
—

(77
)
77

(77
)
Total comprehensive income
325

270

49

(319
)
325

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(25
)
—

(25
)
25

(25
)
Comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
300

270

24

(294
)
300



I-27
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Operating activities:










Net cash provided by operating activities
$
586

256

7

—

849

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(113
)
(3
)
(24
)
—

(140
)
Expenditures for cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
—

(8
)
—

—

(8
)
Changes in other noncurrent assets
6

—

(8
)
—

(2
)
Other investing activities
(12
)
—

9

—

(3
)
Intercompany investing activities
432

137

—

(569
)
—

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
313

126

(23
)
(569
)
(153
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations
(1,295
)
—

(5
)
—

(1,300
)
Principal borrowings of debt from senior secured credit facility
1,048

—

—

—

1,048

Payment of debt origination fees
(2
)
—

—

—

(2
)
Dividends paid to Liberty
(427
)
—

—

—

(427
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
—

—

(21
)
—

(21
)
Other financing activities
(9
)
—

—

—

(9
)
Net short-term intercompany debt (repayments) borrowings
(83
)
(1,474
)
1,557

—

—

Other intercompany financing activities
(129
)
1,079

(1,519
)
569

—

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(897
)
(395
)
12

569

(711
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
—

—

7

—

7

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2

(13
)
3

—

(8
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
—

112

215

—

327

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
2

99

218

—

319



I-28
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
359

152

282

—

793

Investing activities:





Capital expenditures
(90
)
(6
)
(36
)
—

(132
)
Expenditures for cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
—

(45
)
(3
)
—

(48
)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
1

—

(1
)
—

—

Other investing activities
2

—

—

—

2

Changes in other noncurrent assets
—

—

(1
)
—

(1
)
Intercompany investing activities
339

382

—

(721
)
—

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
252

331

(41
)
(721
)
(179
)
Financing activities:





Principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations
(1,560
)
—

(5
)
—

(1,565
)
Principal borrowings of debt from senior secured credit facility
1,470

—

—

—

1,470

Payment of debt origination fees
(3
)
—

—

—

(3
)
Payment of bond premium fees
(18
)
—

—

—

(18
)
Dividends paid to Liberty
(444
)
—

—

—

(444
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
—

—

(20
)
—

(20
)
Other financing activities
(14
)
—

—

—

(14
)
Net short-term intercompany debt (repayments) borrowings
(884
)
2,224

(1,340
)
—

—

Other intercompany financing activities
837

(2,695
)
1,137

721

—

Net cash used in financing activities
(616
)
(471
)
(228
)
721

(594
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
—

—

(4
)
—

(4
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(5
)
12

9

—

16

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
2

123

222

—

347

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
(3
)
135

231

—

363




I-29

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, product and marketing strategies; international expansion; new service offerings; revenue growth and subscriber trends; the recoverability of our goodwill and other long-lived assets; our projected sources and uses of cash and the anticipated impact of certain contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:
•
customer demand for our products and services and our ability to adapt to changes in demand;
•
competitor responses to our products and services;
•
increased digital TV penetration and the impact on channel positioning of our programs;
•
the levels of online traffic on our websites and our ability to convert visitors into consumers or contributors;
•
uncertainties inherent in the development and integration of new business lines and business strategies;
•
our future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;
•
our ability to successfully integrate and recognize anticipated efficiencies and benefits from the businesses we acquire;
•
the ability of suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;
•
the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation;
•
availability of qualified personnel;
•
changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;
•
changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, distributors, suppliers and vendors;
•
domestic and international economic and business conditions and industry trends, including the impact of Brexit (as defined below);
•
consumer spending levels, including the availability and amount of individual consumer debt;
•
advertising spending levels;
•
changes in distribution and viewing of television programming, including the expanded deployment of personal video recorders, video on demand and IP television and their impact on home shopping programming;
•
rapid technological changes;
•
failure to protect the security of personal information, subjecting us to potentially costly government enforcement actions and/or private litigation and reputational damage;
•
the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which we operate;
•
threatened terrorist attacks, political unrest in international markets and ongoing military action around the world;
•
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and
•
Liberty Interactive Corporation's ("Liberty") dependence on our cash flow for servicing its debt and for other purposes.


I-30

For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as well as Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Overview
QVC, Inc. (unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, the terms "we," "our," "us," the "Company" and "QVC" refer to QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries) is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications.
In the United States, QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year. Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Italy, Japan, and France.
In Germany, QVC distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. In Japan, QVC distributes live programming 24 hours per day. In the U.K., QVC distributes its program 24 hours per day with 16 hours of live programming. In Italy, QVC distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television. On weekdays, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for eight hours per day, and distributes an additional 14 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming. On weekends, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for 12 hours per day, and distributes an additional 10 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC began reporting its results based on two operating segments: QVC-U.S. and QVC-International, as a result of the One Q Reorganization Plan ("One Q"). The One Q organizational structure is intended to allow the Company to better leverage its global scale and capabilities, to enhance its competitive position and to create operational efficiencies. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, QVC began allocating certain additional corporate costs for management reporting purposes, which were historically included in its QVC-U.S. segment, to the QVC-International segment. These management cost allocations are related to certain functions such as merchandising, commerce platforms, information technology, human resources, legal, finance, brand and communications, corporate development and administration that support all of QVC’s operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, these costs totaled approximately $8 million and $24 million, respectively.
The Company's Japanese operations ("QVC-Japan") are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $21 million and $20 million, respectively.
The Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio (''CNR''). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. Live programming is distributed 15 hours per day and recorded programming is distributed nine hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.


I-31

The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty"), which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. The QVC Group common stock (Nasdaq: QVCA and QVCB), tracks the economic performance, assets and liabilities of the QVC Group. The QVC Group tracks the Company, zulily, llc (as of October 1, 2015) and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc., one of the Company's two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The QVC Group does not represent a separate legal entity; rather, it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that are attributed to that group.
On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily, inc. ("zulily") (now known as zulily, llc) and QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $910 million with funds drawn from the Company’s credit facility to support Liberty’s purchase. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day for a limited time period. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and the Company believes that its business is complementary to the Company. zulily is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC and zulily engaged in multiple transactions relating to sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives and business advisory services. The gross value of these transactions totaled less than $11 million, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
QVC engages with CommerceHub, Inc. ("CommerceHub"), which was an approximately 99% owned subsidiary of Liberty prior to the completion of its spinoff from Liberty in July 2016, to handle communications between QVC and certain of its vendors for drop ship sales and returns. CommerceHub is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements. During each of the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, QVC paid CommerceHub for the related services totaling less than $2 million, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. As of July 22, 2016, Liberty completed the spin-off of CommerceHub. As a result, Liberty and CommerceHub are now separate publicly traded companies.
Strategies and challenges of business units
QVC's goal is to become the preeminent global multimedia shopping community for people who love to shop, and to offer a shopping experience that is as much about entertainment and enrichment as it is about buying. QVC's objective is to provide an integrated shopping experience that utilizes all forms of media including television, the Internet and mobile devices. QVC intends to employ several strategies to achieve these goals and objectives. Among these strategies are to (i) extend the breadth, relevance and exposure of the QVC brand; (ii) source products that represent unique quality and value; (iii) create engaging presentation content in televised programming, mobile and online; (iv) leverage customer loyalty and continue multi-platform expansion; and (v) create a compelling and differentiated customer experience. In addition, QVC expects to expand globally by leveraging its existing systems, infrastructure and skills in other countries around the world.
QVC's future net revenue growth will primarily depend on international expansion, sales growth from e-commerce and mobile platforms, additions of new customers from households already receiving QVC's television programming and increased spending from existing customers. QVC's future net revenue may also be affected by (i) the willingness of cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators to continue carrying QVC's programming service; (ii) QVC's ability to maintain favorable channel positioning, which may become more difficult due to governmental action or from distributors converting analog customers to digital; (iii) changes in television viewing habits because of personal video recorders, video-on-demand and Internet video services; and (iv) general economic conditions.
The prolonged economic uncertainty in various regions of the world in which our subsidiaries and affiliates operate could adversely affect demand for our products and services since a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. Global financial markets continue to experience disruptions, including increased volatility and diminished liquidity and credit availability. If economic and financial market conditions in the U.S. or other key markets, including Japan and Europe, remain uncertain, persist, or deteriorate further, our customers may respond by suspending, delaying, or reducing their discretionary spending. A suspension, delay or reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments remain weak or decline. Such weak economic conditions may also inhibit our expansion into new European and other markets. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.


I-32

On June 23, 2016, the U.K. held a referendum in which British citizens approved an exit from the European Union (the "E.U."), commonly referred to as “Brexit.” As a result of the referendum, the global markets and currencies have been adversely impacted, including a sharp decline in the value of the U.K. Pound Sterling as compared to the U.S. dollar. Volatility in exchange rates is expected to continue in the short term as the U.K. negotiates its exit from the E.U. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on us will depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations. Although it is unknown what the result of those negotiations will be, it is possible that new terms may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
Results of Operations
QVC's operating results were as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

2016

2015

Net revenue
$
1,948

2,007

6,024

5,943

Costs of goods sold
1,251

1,266

3,816

3,721

Gross profit
697

741

2,208

2,222

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Operating
140

144

428

424

Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation
164

167

509

512

Adjusted OIBDA
393

430

1,271

1,286

Stock-based compensation
8

9

24

24

Depreciation
38

33

103

101

Amortization
116

108

345

341

Operating income
231

280

799

820

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
Equity in losses of investee
(2
)
(3
)
(4
)
(7
)
Interest expense, net
(52
)
(49
)
(159
)
(158
)
Foreign currency gain
5

12

27

11

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

—

—

(21
)

(49
)
(40
)
(136
)
(175
)
Income before income taxes
182

240

663

645

Income tax expense
(66
)
(86
)
(244
)
(243
)
Net income
116

154

419

402

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)
(8
)
(28
)
(25
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
107

146

391

377

Net revenue
Net revenue by segment was as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

2016

2015

QVC-U.S.
$
1,338

1,420

4,173

4,168

QVC-International
610

587

1,851

1,775

Consolidated QVC
$
1,948

2,007

6,024

5,943



I-33

QVC's consolidated net revenue decreased 2.9% and increased 1.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The three month decrease in net revenue of $59 million was primarily due to a 4.9% decrease in average selling price per unit ("ASP") attributing $111 million, a $8 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue and a $3 million decrease due to a decrease in units sold. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease of $50 million in estimated product returns and $13 million in favorable foreign currency rates primarily in Japan which was slightly offset by unfavorable foreign currency rates in the U.K. The nine month increase in net revenue of $81 million was primarily comprised of $203 million due to a 3.0% increase in units sold, a $68 million decrease in estimated product returns, $23 million in favorable foreign currency rates in Japan which was slightly offset by unfavorable foreign currency rates in the U.K and a $5 million increase related to product sales with zulily. The increase was partially offset by $207 million due to a 3.0% decrease in ASP and a $14 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the changes in revenue and expenses were affected by changes in the exchange rates for the Japanese Yen, the Euro and the U.K. Pound Sterling. In the event the U.S. Dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies in the future, QVC's revenue and operating cash flow will be negatively affected. Our product margins in the U.K. are under pressure due to the rapid devaluation of the U.K. Pound Sterling which we will try to offset this as much as possible through pricing and vendor negotiations.
In discussing our operating results, the term currency exchange rates refers to the currency exchange rates we use to convert the operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. We calculate the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activity translated using the prior period's currency exchange rates. Throughout our discussion, we refer to the results of this calculation as the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations. When we refer to constant currency operating results, this means operating results without the impact of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to understand better QVC’s underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The percentage change in net revenue for each of QVC's segments in U.S. Dollars and in constant currency was as follows:

Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 

U.S. Dollars

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

Constant currency

U.S. Dollars

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

Constant currency

QVC-U.S.
(5.8
)%
—
%
(5.8
)%
0.1
%
—
%
0.1
%
QVC-International
3.9
 %
2.1
%
1.8
 %
4.3
%
1.3
%
3.0
%
QVC-U.S. net revenue decline for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a 6.7% decrease in ASP, a 1.4% decrease in units shipped and a 6.6% decrease in net shipping and handling revenue. The decline was offset by favorable impact in estimated product returns of $50 million and $3 million of product sales with zulily. QVC-US experienced shipped sales decline in electronics, beauty, jewelry and accessories offset by increases in home and apparel. The decrease in estimated product returns was primarily due to a decrease in sales and an overall lower return rate primarily in accessories, apparel and jewelry. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC-U.S. net revenue growth was primarily due to a 3.0% increase in units shipped and a favorable impact in estimated product returns. The increases were partially offset by a 4.2% decrease in ASP and a 4.5% decrease in net shipping and handling revenue. QVC-US experienced shipped sales growth in apparel, home and accessories offset by decreases in jewelry, electronics and beauty. The decrease in estimated product returns was primarily due to a decrease in the return rate and net adjustments to prior period estimates based on lower actual experience. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, net shipping and handling revenue decreased in the U.S. primarily due to the decrease in shipping and handling rates per unit from promotional offers.
Beginning in early June, QVC-U.S. sales began to experience significant headwinds, which have continued. Since early October, sales declines have moderated into the low to mid single digits, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. We have developed and are implementing a number of strategies and initiatives intended to reverse the negative trends and we are optimistic, although there is no guarantee, that these actions will have a positive effect.


I-34

QVC-International net revenue growth in constant currency for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a 2.1% and 3.0% increase, respectively, in units shipped mainly in the U.K., Germany and Italy, and specifically for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase was slightly offset by Japan. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in beauty, accessories and electronics offset by decreases in apparel and jewelry, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in all categories except jewelry and apparel. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the net revenue increase was partially offset by an increase in estimated product returns primarily in Germany and the U.K. mainly due to an increase in units shipped.
Gross profit
QVC's gross profit percentage was 35.8% and 36.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to 36.9% and 37.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the gross profit percentage decreased primarily due to a decrease in product margins. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was also attributable to higher freight costs. The decrease was partially offset by a favorable inventory obsolescence provision in both periods in the U.S. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the QVC-International decrease in product margins was partially offset by improved product margins in Japan.
Operating expenses
QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees and telecommunications expenses. Operating expenses decreased $4 million or 2.8% and increased $4 million or 0.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, operating expenses decreased primarily due to a $2 million decrease in customer service expenses and a $1 million decrease in both credit card fees and commissions partially offset by $2 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates mainly in Japan offset partially by the U.K. The decrease in customer service expense was mainly due to a decrease in calls handled internationally. The decrease in credit card fees was primarily due to the decrease in sales for the period in the U.S. The decrease in commissions expense was primarily due to the decrease in sales on commission in the U.S. partially offset by increased carriage in Japan and the U.K.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, operating expenses increased primarily due to $3 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates mainly in Japan offset partially by the U.K. and a $3 million increase in commissions. The increase in commissions expense was primarily due to increased carriage in Japan and the U.K.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)
QVC's SG&A expenses include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, production costs, credit card income, marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses decreased $3 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. SG&A expenses increased from 8.3% to 8.4% and decreased from 8.6% to 8.4%, as a percentage of net revenue, as compared to the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, as a result of a variety of reasons.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was primarily due to reduced personnel costs of approximately $12 million and an increase of credit card income of $2 million which was partially offset by increases in software expense of $4 million, marketing expense of $3 million, external services of $3 million and approximately $1 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates mainly in Japan partially offset by the U.K. The decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to a decrease in bonus of $14 million and benefits of $7 million which was partially offset by severance of approximately $9 million mostly in the U.S. Credit card income increased primarily due to more favorable economics of the Q Card portfolio in the U.S. The increase in software expense was mostly due to software licensing and software maintenance. Marketing expense increased primarily due to cancellation costs related to discontinuing the naming rights to the Chiba Marine Stadium in Japan. The increase in external services was primarily due to internal control enhancements and the establishment of a global business service center.


I-35

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was primarily due to reduced personnel costs of $40 million and an increase in credit card income of $4 million which was offset partially by increases in bad debt expense of $20 million, software expense of $7 million, $6 million for both external services and marketing expense and approximately $2 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates mainly in Japan offset partially by the U.K. The decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to a decrease in bonuses of $30 million and wages and benefits of $11 million mostly in the U.S. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily related to an increase in Easy-Pay sales penetration and higher default rates experienced related to the Easy-Pay program in the U.S. The increase in software expense was mainly due to an increase in software licensing and software maintenance. The increase in external services was primarily due to internal control enhancements, outside legal services and the establishment of a global business service center. Marketing expense increased primarily due to cancellation costs related to discontinuing the naming rights to the Chiba Marine Stadium in Japan and France launch marketing expenses.
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options and restricted stock granted for shares of Liberty's tracking stock to certain officers and employees. QVC recorded $8 million and $9 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $24 million of stock-based compensation expense for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in millions)
2016

2015

2016

2015

Affiliate agreements
$
37

36

110

109

Customer relationships
43

43

128

128

Acquisition related amortization
80

79

238

237

Property and equipment
38

33

103

101

Software amortization
26

19

73

72

Channel placement amortization and related expenses
10

10

34

32

Total depreciation and amortization
$
154

141

448

442

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, total depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to expense related to the additions at the west coast distribution center.
Equity in losses of investee
The losses were associated with our joint venture in China that is accounted for as an equity method investment.
Interest expense, net
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, consolidated interest expense, net increased $3 million or 6.1% and increased $1 million or 0.6%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
Foreign currency gain (loss)
Certain loans between QVC and its subsidiaries are deemed to be short-term in nature, and accordingly, the translation of these loans is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the change in foreign currency gain was also due to variances in interest and operating payables balances between QVC and its international subsidiaries denominated in the currency of the subsidiary and the effects of currency exchange rate changes on those balances.


I-36

Loss on extinguishment of debt
On April 15, 2015, QVC completed the redemption of $500 million principal amount of its 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020, whereby holders received consideration of $1,036.88 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. As a result of the redemption, the Company recorded an extinguishment loss in the condensed consolidated statements of operations of $21 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.
Income taxes
Our effective tax rate was 36.3% and 36.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 35.8% and 37.7%, respectively. These rates differ from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% primarily due to state tax expense.
Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted OIBDA)
QVC defines Adjusted OIBDA as net revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). QVC's chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate the businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among the businesses. QVC believes that this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the businesses, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows QVC to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and perform benchmarking among its businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The primary material limitations associated with the use of Adjusted OIBDA as compared to GAAP results are (i) it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in the industry, and (ii) it excludes financial information that some may consider important in evaluating QVC's performance. QVC compensates for these limitations by providing disclosure of the difference between Adjusted OIBDA and GAAP results, including providing a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to GAAP results, to enable investors to perform their own analysis of QVC's operating results. Refer to Note 11 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes.
Seasonality
QVC's business is seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in the fourth calendar quarter related to year-end holiday shopping. In recent years, QVC has earned, on average, between 22% and 23% of its revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year and 32% of its revenue in the fourth quarter of the year.
Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Historically, QVC's primary sources of cash have been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings. In general, QVC uses this cash to fund its operations, make capital purchases, make payments to Liberty, make interest payments and minimize QVC's outstanding senior secured credit facility balance.
As of September 30, 2016, substantially all of QVC's cash and cash equivalents were invested in AAA rated money market funds and time deposits with banks rated equal to or above A.
Senior Secured Notes
All of QVC's senior secured notes are secured by the capital stock of QVC and certain of its subsidiaries and have equal priority to the senior secured credit facility. The interest on all of QVC's senior secured notes is payable semi-annually.


I-37

Senior Secured Credit Facility
On June 23, 2016, QVC entered into a third amended and restated senior secured credit agreement with zulily as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”) which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.65 billion revolving credit facility with a $300 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by the Company or zulily with an additional $50 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit. The remaining $2.25 billion may be borrowed only by the Company. Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.25% and 0.75% depending on the Borrowers’ combined ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (the “Consolidated Leverage Ratio”). Borrowings that are LIBOR loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 1.25% and1.75% depending on the Borrowers’ combined consolidated leverage ratio. Because the calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio was revised to include zulily, the effective interest rate margins, on the date that the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into, decreased from the interest rate margins under the previous bank credit facility. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. No mandatory prepayments will be required other than when borrowings and letter of credit usage exceed availability; provided that, if zulily ceases to be controlled by Liberty Interactive Corporation, all of its loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default. The senior secured credit facility is secured by the capital stock of QVC.
QVC had $1,024.8 million available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at September 30, 2016. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 1.9% at September 30, 2016.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility to June 23, 2021, provide zulily the opportunity to borrow on the senior secured credit facility (see Note 1 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements), and lower the interest rate on borrowings.
The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Company and zulily and each of their respective restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; and limiting the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and the Borrowers’ combined consolidated leverage ratio which is defined in the senior secured credit facility as the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four fiscal quarter period.
Other Debt Related Information
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at September 30, 2016.
During the quarter, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
There are no restrictions under the debt agreements on QVC's ability to pay dividends or make other restricted payments if QVC is not in default on its senior secured notes or credit facility, and as long as both QVC's consolidated leverage ratio, and a combined consolidated leverage ratio for both QVC and zulily, would be no greater than 3.5 to 1.0. As a result, Liberty will, in many instances, be permitted to rely on QVC's cash flow for servicing Liberty's debt and for other purposes, including repurchases of Liberty's common stock, or to fund acquisitions or other operational requirements of Liberty and its subsidiaries. These events may deplete QVC's equity or require QVC to borrow under the senior secured credit facility, increasing QVC's leverage and decreasing liquidity. QVC has made significant distributions to Liberty in the past.


I-38

Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
On June 15, 2016, QVC entered into a three-year interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $125 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. The swap arrangement does not qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap are reflected in gain on financial instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2016, the fair value of the swap instrument was in a net asset position of less than $1 million which was included in other noncurrent assets. A 1% change in the one-month U.S. Libor rate (floating portion of the interest rate swap) will result in a change in the value of the swap instrument less than $1 million.
Additional Cash Flow Information
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC's primary uses of cash were $1,300 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $427 million of dividends to Liberty, $148 million of capital and cable and satellite television distribution rights expenditures and $21 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $1,048 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $849 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of September 30, 2016, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $319 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, QVC's primary uses of cash were $1,565 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $444 million of dividends to Liberty, $180 million of capital and cable and satellite television distribution rights expenditures, $20 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui, and $18 million of bond premium fees. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $1,470 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $793 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of September 30, 2015, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $363 million.
The change in cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the previous year was primarily due to variances in accounts receivable and inventories, offset by variances in accrued liabilities, accounts payable and prepaid expenses. The variance in accounts receivable is primarily due to decreases in the Easy-Pay receivable balance. The variance in inventories is primarily due to the level of increases in inventory balances globally. The variances in accrued liabilities and accounts payable balances are primarily due to the timing of payments to vendors. The variance in prepaid expenses is primarily due to increases in prepaid contracts in the U.S.
As of September 30, 2016, $198 million of the $319 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Cash in foreign subsidiaries is generally accessible, but certain tax consequences may reduce the net amount of cash we are able to utilize for U.S. purposes. QVC accrues taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. QVC-Japan holds more than one-half of the foreign cash balance as of September 30, 2016. QVC owns 60% of QVC-Japan and shares all profits and losses with the 40% minority interest holder, Mitsui. We believe that we currently have appropriate legal structures in place to repatriate foreign cash as tax-efficiently as possible and meet the business needs of QVC.
Other
Capital expenditures in 2016 are expected to be between $185 and $195 million, including $140 million already expended.

Refer to the chart under the "Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations" section below for additional information concerning the amount and timing of expected future payments under QVC's contractual obligations at September 30, 2016.
QVC has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible QVC may incur losses upon the conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, that may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-39

On June 23, 2016, the U.K. held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union ("E.U."), commonly referred to as “Brexit”. As a result of the referendum, it is expected that the British government will begin negotiating the terms of the U.K.’s future relationship with the E.U. Although it is unknown what those terms will be, it is possible that there will be greater restrictions on imports and exports between the U.K. and E.U. countries and increased regulatory complexities. These changes may cause disruptions to and create uncertainty surrounding our business, including affecting our relationships with our existing and future customers, suppliers and employees, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial results and operations.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments, both accrued and off-balance sheet, under our contractual obligations at September 30, 2016 is summarized below:

Payments due by period
 
(in millions)
Remainder of 2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

Long-term debt (1)
$
—

—

—

400

—

4,720

5,120

Interest payments (2)
29

200

200

193

187

1,078

1,887

Capital lease obligations (including imputed interest)
3

12

15

15

11

23

79

Operating lease obligations
5

20

17

14

10

80

146

Build to suit lease
—

5

6

6

6

73

96

(1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations and the issue discounts on the 3.125%, 4.375%, 4.45%, 4.85%, 5.45% and 5.95% Senior Secured Notes.
(2) Amounts (i) are based on the terms of QVC's senior secured credit facility and senior secured notes, (ii) assumes the interest rates on the floating rate debt remain constant at the rates in effect as of September 30, 2016, (iii) assumes that our existing debt is repaid at maturity and (iv) excludes capital lease obligations.
Our purchase obligations did not materially change as of September 30, 2016.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing, and in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 which clarifies assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The updated guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has started a preliminary assessment, but has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides explicit guidance to help companies evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement. The new guidance clarifies that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting for other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The Company has adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its financial reporting.


I-40

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. The new principle is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and applies to entities that measure inventory using a method other than last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has determined there is no significant effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Statements - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires equity investments with readily determinable fair values (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s ongoing financial reporting.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which revises the accounting related to lessee accounting. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. The new lease guidance also simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and should be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined what the effects of adopting this ASU will be on its ongoing financial reporting.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the third quarter of 2016. In accordance with the new guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax benefit or expense rather than as additional paid-in capital. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur rather than continue to estimate expected forfeitures which resulted in an inconsequential effect to the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In addition, pursuant to the new guidance, excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies are applied prospectively from January 1, 2016. The presentation changes for excess tax benefits have been applied retrospectively in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows resulting in $6 million of excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 reclassified from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues to reduce the diversity in practice for appropriate classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption will have a material effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.


I-41

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
QVC is exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations by subsidiaries in different foreign countries. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. QVC has established procedures and internal processes governing the management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks.
Interest rate risk
QVC is exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of borrowing activities. Over the long-term, QVC manages the exposure to interest rates by maintaining what QVC believes is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt.
The table below summarizes the Company’s debt obligations, related interest rates and fair value of debt at September 30, 2016:
(in millions, except percentages)
2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

Fixed rate debt (1)
$
—

—

—

400

—

3,150

3,550

3,589

Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate debt
—
%
—
%
—
%
3.1
%
—
%
4.9
%
4.7
%
N/A

Variable rate debt
$
—

—

—

—

—

1,570

1,570

1,570

Average interest rate on variable rate debt
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
1.9
%
1.9
%
N/A

(1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations and the issue discounts on the 3.125%, 4.375%, 4.45%, 4.85%, 5.45% and 5.95% Senior Secured Notes.
N/A - Not applicable.
On June 15, 2016, QVC entered into a three-year interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $125 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. The swap arrangement does not qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap are reflected in gain on financial instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2016, the fair value of the swap instrument was in a net asset position of less than $1 million which was included in other noncurrent assets. A 1% change in the one-month U.S. Libor rate (floating portion of the interest rate swap) will result in a change in the value of the swap instrument less than $1 million.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
QVC is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to the monetary assets and liabilities and the financial results of its foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. Dollars that result in unrealized gains or losses are referred to as translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses, which are reflected in income as unrealized (based on period-end transactions) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Cash flows from operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the period. Accordingly, QVC may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity with respect to its holdings solely as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. QVC's reported Adjusted OIBDA for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 would have been impacted by approximately $1 million and $3 million, respectively, for every 1% change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.
The credit facility provides QVC with the ability to borrow in multiple currencies. This allows QVC to somewhat mitigate foreign currency exchange rate risks. As of September 30, 2016, no borrowings in foreign currencies were outstanding.


I-42

Effective September 15, 2016, QVC entered into a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary and the value of the hedge is affected by changes in the value of the Euro. A 1% change in the value of the Euro will result in a change in the value of this hedge transaction of approximately $6 million.


I-43

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016 with the consideration of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed in more detail in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 under Part II, Item 9A. Management has continued to monitor the implementation of the remediation plan described in our 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which has been updated below.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the third quarter of 2016, we continued to review the design of our controls, made adjustments and continued implementing controls to alleviate the noted control deficiencies. Other than these items, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Remediation Plan for Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In response to the material weakness identified in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as set forth in Part II, Item 9A in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company developed a plan with oversight from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty to remediate the material weakness. The remediation efforts implemented include the following:
•
A monitoring control was established to identify inappropriate user access and incompatible or conflicting functions. The work of the identified individuals, with such duties, was then reviewed to determine whether they inappropriately utilized the incompatible or conflicting functions to perform any inappropriate activity.
•
Monitoring controls over manual and post-close journal entries were enhanced to ensure that there is adequate oversight over such entries.
•
Additionally, procedures were established to validate the completeness and accuracy of reports used in the financial reporting process to support control activities.
The Company believes the foregoing efforts effectively remediated the material weakness described in “Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” after the assessment date and prior to the filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. However, because the reliability of the internal control process requires repeatable execution, the successful on-going remediation of this material weakness will require on-going review and evidence of effectiveness.
Additionally, the Company intends to continue to monitor the incompatible or conflicting roles and related end user access to determine whether additional adjustments, to reduce or eliminate the occurrences of segregation of duties issues, should be made to such roles. This could further reduce the reliance on the monitoring controls identified.



I-44


Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Quarterly Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
32.1

Section 1350 Certification**
101.INS

XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document*
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.


II-1


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
QVC, Inc.
Date: November 8, 2016
By:/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE
 
Michael A. George
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: November 8, 2016
By:/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI
 
Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


II-2


Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Quarterly Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
32.1

Section 1350 Certification**
101.INS

XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document*
* Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.


II-3

QVC INC Reports