Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

  FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

OR

 

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

  FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-24710

 

 

SIRIUS XM RADIO INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   52-1700207
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation of organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

1221 Avenue of the Americas, 36th Floor

New York, New York

  10020
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 584-5100

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class:

 

Name of each exchange on which registered:

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of class)

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

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  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  þ    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2008 was $2,882,173,089. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 6, 2009 was 3,855,397,393.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Information included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2009 annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 is incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this report.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SIRIUS XM RADIO INC.

2008 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item No

  

Description

   Page
   PART I   

Item 1

  

Business

   4

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   18

Item 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

   26

Item 2.

  

Properties

   27

Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   27

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   29
   PART II   

Item 5.

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   30

Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   32

Item 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   33

Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

   70

Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   70

Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   70

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   70

Item 9B.

  

Other Information

   70
   PART III   

Item 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

   71

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   71

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   71

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

   71

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   71
   PART IV   

Item 15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

   72
  

Signatures

   73


Table of Contents

Sirius XM Radio Inc. has two principal wholly-owned subsidiaries, XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Satellite CD Radio Inc. XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. owns XM Satellite Radio Inc., the operating company for the XM satellite radio service. Satellite CD Radio Inc. owns the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) license associated with the SIRIUS satellite radio service. XM Satellite Radio Inc. owns XM Radio Inc., the holder of the FCC license associated with the XM satellite radio service.

Unless otherwise indicated,

 

   

“we,” “us,” “our,” the “company,” the “companies” and similar terms refer to Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries;

 

   

“SIRIUS” refers to Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, excluding XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries;

 

   

“XM Holdings” refers to XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including XM Satellite Radio Inc.; and

 

   

“XM” refers to XM Satellite Radio Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The SIRIUS satellite radio business is conducted by SIRIUS; and the XM satellite radio business is conducted principally by XM. XM Holdings is primarily a holding company, although XM Holdings owns the former corporate headquarters and data center of XM and leases these buildings to XM; owns portions of the XM-3 and XM-4 satellites; holds the investment in XM Canada; and holds certain cash accounts.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The following cautionary statements identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and documents published by us from time to time. Any statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions, future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection” and “outlook.” Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and documents published by us from time to time, particularly the risk factors described under “Business-Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Among the significant factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are:

 

   

the substantial indebtedness of SIRIUS, XM Holdings and XM, and the need to refinance substantial portions of the SIRIUS, XM Holdings and XM debt in the near term, which, in the current economic environment, may not be available on favorable terms, or at all;

 

   

the possibility that the benefits of the July 2008 merger with XM Holdings may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize; and the risks associated with the undertakings made to the FCC and the effects of those undertakings on the business of XM and SIRIUS in the future;

 

   

the useful life of our satellites, which have experienced component failures including, with respect to a number of satellites, failures on their solar arrays, and, in certain cases, are not insured;

 

   

our dependence upon automakers, many of which have experienced a dramatic drop in sales and are in financial distress, and other third parties, such as manufacturers and distributors of satellite radios, retailers and programming providers; and

 

   

the competitive position of SIRIUS and XM versus other forms of audio and video entertainment including terrestrial radio, HD radio, internet radio, mobile phones, iPods and other MP3 devices, and emerging next-generation networks and technologies.

 

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Because the risk factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. In addition, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made, to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise or to assess with any precision the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

We broadcast in the United States our music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather channels for a subscription fee through our proprietary satellite radio systems — the SIRIUS system and the XM system. On July 28, 2008, our wholly owned subsidiary, Vernon Merger Corporation, merged (the “Merger”) with and into XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and, as a result, XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. is now our wholly owned subsidiary. The SIRIUS system consists of three in-orbit satellites, approximately 120 terrestrial repeaters that receive and retransmit signals, satellite uplink facilities and studios. The XM system consists of four in-orbit satellites, over 700 terrestrial repeaters that receive and retransmit signals, satellite uplink facilities and studios. Subscribers can also receive certain of our music and other channels over the Internet.

Our satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers (“OEMs”); at more than 19,000 retail locations; and through our websites. We have agreements with every major automaker to offer SIRIUS or XM satellite radios as factory or dealer-installed equipment in their vehicles. SIRIUS and XM radios are also offered to customers of rental car companies, including Hertz and Avis.

As of December 31, 2008, we had 19,003,856 subscribers. Our subscriber totals include subscribers under our regular pricing plans; discounted pricing plans; subscribers that have prepaid, including payments either made or due from automakers for prepaid subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a new vehicle; active SIRIUS radios under our agreement with Hertz; active XM radios under our agreement with Avis; subscribers to SIRIUS Internet Radio and XM Internet Radio, our Internet services; and certain subscribers to our weather, traffic, data and video services.

Our primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of our customers subscribing on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. We offer discounts for prepaid and long-term subscriptions as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions on each platform. In 2009, we increased the discounted price for additional subscriptions from $6.99 per month to $8.99 per month. We also derive revenue from activation fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as our Backseat TV, data and weather services.

Since October 1, 2008, we have entered into a series of transactions to improve our liquidity and strengthen our balance sheet, including:

 

 

 

the issuance of an aggregate of 539,611,513 shares of our common stock for $128,412,000 aggregate principal amount of our 2 1/2% Convertible Notes due 2009;

 

   

the exchange of $172,485,000 aggregate principal amount of outstanding 10% Convertible Senior Notes due 2009 of XM Holdings for a like principal amount of XM Holdings’ Senior PIK Secured Notes due June 2011; and

 

   

the execution of agreements with Liberty Media Corporation and its affiliate, Liberty Radio LLC, pursuant to which they have invested an aggregate of $350,000,000 in the form of loans to us, are committed to invest an additional $180,000,000 in loans to us, and have received a significant equity interest in us.

See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on certain of these transactions.

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware as Satellite CD Radio, Inc. on May 17, 1990. On December 7, 1992, Satellite CD Radio, Inc. changed its name to CD Radio Inc., and Satellite CD Radio, Inc. was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary. On November 18, 1999, CD Radio Inc. changed its name to Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. On August 5, 2008, we changed our name from Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. to Sirius XM Radio Inc. XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is operated as an unrestricted subsidiary under the agreements governing our existing indebtedness. As an unrestricted subsidiary, transactions between the companies are required to comply with various covenants in our respective debt instruments.

 

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Programming

We offer a dynamic programming lineup of approximately 135 channels on each of the SIRIUS platform and the XM platform: 117 channels are available to subscribers on both platforms — 63 channels of commercial-free music and 54 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, and traffic and weather. The channel line-ups for the SIRIUS service and the XM service vary in certain respects. The channel line-up for the services can be found at sirius.com and xmradio.com.

Our subscription packages allow most listeners to customize and enhance our standard programming lineup. Our “Best of SIRIUS” package offers to XM subscribers the Howard Stern channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, SIRIUS NFL Radio, SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, Playboy Radio and play-by-play college sports programming. Our “Best of XM” package offers to SIRIUS subscribers Oprah Radio, The Virus, XM Public Radio, MLB Home Plate, NHL Home Ice, The PGA Tour Network, and select play-by-play of NBA and NHL games and college sports programming.

Subscribers with a la carte-capable radios may customize the programming they receive through our a la carte subscription packages. We also offer family friendly, “mostly music” and “mostly sports, news and talk” packages.

Our programming lineup changes from time to time as we strive to attract new subscribers and create content that appeals to a broad range of audiences and to our existing subscribers.

Music Programming

Our music channels offer an extensive selection of music genres, ranging from rock, pop and hip-hop to country, dance, jazz, Latin and classical. Within each genre we offer a range of formats, styles and recordings.

All of our original music channels are broadcast commercial free. Certain of our music channels are programmed by third parties and air commercials. Our channels are produced, programmed and hosted by a team of experts in their fields, and each channel is operated as an individual radio station, with a distinct format and branding. We also from time to time provide special features, such as our Artist Confidential series which provides interviews and performances from some of the biggest names in music, and “pop up” channels hosted by and/or featuring the music of a diverse array of artists.

Sports Programming

Live play-by-play sports is an important part of our programming strategy. We are the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the National Football League (“NFL”), Major League Baseball (“MLB”), NASCAR, Formula One, NBA, NHL, and the PGA Tour, and broadcast most major college sports, including NCAA Division I football and basketball games. Soccer coverage includes matches from the Barclays English Premier League and UEFA Champions League. We also air FIS Alpine Skiing and World Cup events, National Lacrosse League and horse racing.

We offer many exclusive talk programs such as MLB’s “Home Plate,” SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, SIRIUS NFL Radio and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s Mad Dog Unleashed on Mad Dog Radio, as well as simulcasts of select ESPN television shows, including SportsCenter.

Talk and Entertainment Programming

We offer a multitude of talk and entertainment channels for a variety of audiences. Our diverse spectrum of talk programming is a significant differentiator from terrestrial radio and other audio entertainment providers.

In January 2006, Howard Stern moved his radio show to SIRIUS from terrestrial radio as part of two channels programmed by Howard Stern. Our agreement with Stern expires on December 31, 2010. Our talk radio offerings also feature dozens of popular talk personalities, most creating radio shows that air exclusively on SIRIUS and/or XM, including POTUS, Senator Bill Bradley, Deepak Chopra, doctors from the NYU Langone Medical Center, Martha Stewart, Mark Thompson, Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey.

Our comedy channels present a range of humor such as Jamie Foxx’s The Foxxhole, Laugh Break, Blue Collar Comedy and Raw Dog Comedy. Other talk and entertainment channels include SIRIUS XM Book Radio, Kids Place Live, as well as OutQ, Road Dog Trucking, Playboy Radio and Radio Disney.

Our religious programming includes The Catholic Channel, which is programmed with the Archdiocese of New York; EWTN, a Global Catholic Radio Network; Family Talk and Family Net Radio, programmed by Family Net, the official broadcast voice of the Southern Baptist Convention.

 

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News and Information Programming

We offer a wide range of national, international and financial news, including news from BBC World Service News, Bloomberg Radio, CNBC, CNN, FOX News, NPR and the World Radio Network.

We also offer continuous, local traffic reports for 22 metropolitan markets throughout the United States on the XM service, and 20 metropolitan markets throughout the United States on the SIRIUS service. We broadcast these reports, together with local weather reports from The Weather Channel.

Distribution of Radios

Automakers

Our primary means of distributing satellite radios is through the sale and lease of new vehicles. We have agreements with every major automaker — Acura/Honda, Aston Martin, Audi, Automobili Lamborghini, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti/Nissan, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Lexus/ Toyota/Scion, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, MINI, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Volvo and Volkswagen — to offer either SIRIUS or XM satellite radios as factory or dealer-installed equipment in their vehicles. As of December 31, 2008, satellite radios were available as a factory or dealer-installed option in substantially all vehicle models sold in the United States.

Many automakers include a subscription to our radio service in the sale or lease price of their vehicles. In many cases, we receive subscription payments from automakers in advance of the activation of our service. We share with certain automakers a portion of the revenues we derive from subscribers using vehicles equipped to receive our service. We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with the satellite radios installed in their vehicles, including in certain cases hardware costs, tooling expenses and promotional and advertising expenses.

Retail

We sell satellite radios directly to consumers through our website. Satellite radios are also marketed and distributed through major national and regional retailers. We develop in-store merchandising materials and provide sales force training for several retailers. Satellite radios are also sold nationwide at various truck stops.

Our Satellite Radio Systems

Our satellite radio systems are designed to provide clear reception in most areas despite variations in terrain, buildings and other obstructions. Subscribers can receive our transmissions in all outdoor locations where the satellite radio receiver has an unobstructed line-of-sight with one of our satellites or is within range of one of our terrestrial repeaters. We continually monitor our infrastructure and regularly evaluate improvements in technology.

The FCC has allocated the portion of the S-band located between 2320 MHz and 2345 MHz exclusively for satellite radio. Each of SIRIUS and XM uses 12.5 MHz of this bandwidth to transmit its respective signals. Uplink transmissions (from the ground to our satellites) use 12.5 MHz of bandwidth in the 7060-7072.5 MHz band.

Our satellite radio systems have three principal components:

 

   

satellites, terrestrial repeaters and other satellite facilities;

 

   

studios; and

 

   

satellite radios.

Satellites, Terrestrial Repeaters and Other Satellite Facilities

SIRIUS Satellites.    SIRIUS owns and operates three orbiting satellites, and owns a spare satellite that is in storage. Space Systems/Loral delivered SIRIUS’ three operating satellites in 2000 and delivered its fourth, spare satellite to ground storage in April 2002. Space Systems/Loral is now constructing a fifth and sixth satellite for use in the SIRIUS system. SIRIUS expects to launch its fifth satellite during the second quarter of 2009 and its sixth satellite in the fourth quarter of 2011. The SIRIUS satellites are of the Loral FS-1300 model series. SIRIUS does not maintain in-orbit insurance for its satellites.

 

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Each of SIRIUS’ three orbiting satellites travels in a figure eight pattern extending above and below the equator, and spends approximately 16 hours per day north of the equator. At any time, two of our three orbiting satellites operate north of the equator while the third satellite does not transmit as it traverses the portion of the orbit south of the equator. This orbital configuration yields high signal elevation angles, reducing service interruptions from signal blockage. SIRIUS’ fifth satellite will complement its existing in-orbit satellites and will be launched into a geostationary orbit. The redundancy of the resulting constellation configuration is expected to provide enhanced coverage and performance.

SIRIUS expects to replace the SIRIUS satellite constellation in the ordinary course of business. SIRIUS may elect to begin the process of replacing its constellation of operating satellites with its spare satellite, the SIRIUS satellites presently being manufactured or with new satellites that it may purchase to meet its business needs. SIRIUS has entered into an agreement with International Launch Services to secure two satellite launches on Proton rockets. This agreement provides the flexibility to defer the second of these launch dates and to cancel either launch upon the payment of a cancellation fee if SIRIUS chooses. Decisions regarding the SIRIUS satellite constellation may affect the estimated useful life of its existing satellites, and we may modify the depreciable life accordingly. The cost of replacing SIRIUS’ satellites will be substantial.

XM Satellites.    XM owns four orbiting satellites; two of which, XM-3 and XM-4, currently transmit the XM signal and two of which, XM-1 and XM-2, serve as in-orbit spares. Each of these satellites was manufactured by Boeing Satellite Systems International. The XM satellites were launched in March 2001, May 2001, February 2005 and October 2006, respectively. Unlike the existing SIRIUS satellites, which are in inclined elliptical orbits, the XM satellites are deployed in geostationary orbits at 85° West Longitude and 115° West Longitude.

XM also expects to expand or replace the XM satellite constellation to meet its business needs. Space Systems/Loral is constructing a fifth satellite, XM-5, for use in the XM system. XM-5 is a Loral FS-1300 model satellite. XM has entered into an agreement with Sea Launch to secure a launch for XM-5. XM expects to launch XM-5 during late 2009 or early 2010.

XM currently has in-orbit insurance on XM-3 and XM-4, its primary operating satellites, but does not carry insurance coverage for XM-1 and XM-2, its in-orbit spare satellites. These policies provide coverage for a total, constructive total or partial loss of the satellites that occurs during annual (or multi-year) in-orbit periods. The XM insurance does not cover the full cost of constructing, launching and insuring new satellites, nor will it protect XM from the adverse effect on its business operations due to the loss of a satellite. The policies contain standard commercial satellite insurance provisions, including coverage exclusions.

Terrestrial Repeaters.    In some areas with high concentrations of tall buildings, such as urban centers, signals from our satellites may be blocked and reception of satellite signals can be adversely affected. In many of these areas, XM and SIRIUS have deployed terrestrial repeaters to supplement satellite coverage. SIRIUS operates approximately 120 terrestrial repeaters; XM currently operates over 700 terrestrial repeaters.

Other Satellite Facilities.    SIRIUS controls and communicates with its satellites from an uplink facility in New Jersey. These activities include routine satellite orbital maneuvers and monitoring of the satellites. SIRIUS also maintains earth stations in Panama and Ecuador to control and communicate with its satellites. XM’s satellites are monitored by telemetry, and tracked and controlled by Telesat Canada, a satellite operator. In addition, XM and SIRIUS operate backup stations in the United States.

Studios

The programming on the SIRIUS and XM systems originates from studios in New York City, Washington D.C., Nashville and Chicago. The New York City broadcast studio houses our corporate headquarters and, together with our Washington D.C. studio, houses facilities for programming origination, programming personnel and facilities to transmit programming.

Satellite Radios

We design, establish specifications for, source or specify parts and components for, and manage various aspects of the logistics and production of SIRIUS and XM radios. We generally do not manufacture, import or distribute radios, except for products distributed through our websites. We have authorized manufacturers to produce and distribute SIRIUS and XM brand radios, and have licensed our technology to various electronics manufacturers to develop, manufacture and distribute radios under various consumer brands. Due to differences in technology, SIRIUS and XM radios require distinct chip sets to receive and output the respective satellite radio services. To facilitate the sale of SIRIUS and XM radios, we may subsidize a portion of the radio manufacturing costs to reduce the hardware price to consumers.

 

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SIRIUS and XM radios are manufactured in three principal configurations — as in-dash radios, Dock & Play radios and portable or wearable radios.

 

   

In-dash radios are integrated into vehicles and allow the user to listen to AM, FM or satellite radio with the push of a button. Aftermarket in-dash radios are available at retailers nationally, and to automakers for factory or dealer installation.

 

   

Dock & Play radios enable subscribers to transport their SIRIUS or XM radios easily to and from their cars, trucks, homes, offices, boats or other locations with available adapter kits. Dock & Play radios adapt to existing audio systems through FM modulation or direct audio connection and can be easily installed. Audio systems and boom boxes, which enable subscribers to use their SIRIUS and XM radios virtually anywhere, are available for various models of Dock & Play radios. The Starmate 5, the latest generation Dock & Play radio, supports a la carte channel selection.

 

   

Portable or wearable radios offer live satellite radio “on the go” and recorded satellite, MP3 and WMA content. The Pioneer XMp3, introduced in October 2008, allows consumers to record up to one hundred hours of XM and “Best of Sirius” programming, and is capable of recording up to five channels simultaneously. The Stiletto 2 allows consumers to record up to 100 hours of SIRIUS and “Best of XM” programming and can connect to the SIRIUS Internet Radio service through an accessible Wi-Fi network.

SIRIUS and XM home units that provide our satellite services to home and commercial audio systems are also available. Products that provide access to our internet radio services in the home without the need for a personal computer are also available to consumers.

We have introduced an interoperable radio, called MiRGE, containing both SIRIUS and XM chip sets. This radio has a unified control interface allowing for easy switching between the two satellite radio networks.

International

Canada.    We have an interest in the satellite radio services offered in Canada. SIRIUS Canada, a Canadian corporation that we jointly own with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Slaight Communications Inc., offers a satellite radio service in Canada. SIRIUS Canada offers 120 channels of commercial-free music and news, sports, talk and entertainment programming, including 11 channels offering Canadian content. XM Canada, a Canadian corporation in which we have an ownership interest, also offers satellite radio service in Canada. XM Canada offers 130 channels of music and news, sports, talk and entertainment programming. Subscribers to the SIRIUS Canada service and the XM Canada service are not included in our subscriber count.

Other regions.    We are in discussions with various parties regarding possible joint ventures in other countries.

Other Services

Commercial Accounts.    The SIRIUS and XM music services are also available for commercial establishments. Commercial accounts are available through providers of in-store entertainment solutions. Commercial subscribers are included in our subscriber count.

Satellite Television Services.    We offer music channels as part of certain programming packages of the DISH Network satellite television service and the DirecTV satellite television service. Subscribers to these networks are not included in our subscriber count.

SIRIUS and XM Content Through Mobile Phone Carriers.    SIRIUS and XM offer between 20 and 25 music and comedy channels to mobile phone users through relationships with AT&T, Alltel, Sprint and RIM. Subscribers to these services are not included in our subscriber count.

Subscribers to the following services are not included in our subscriber count, unless the applicable service is purchased by the subscriber separately and not as part of a subscription to the SIRIUS or XM satellite radio service:

Internet Radio.    Both SIRIUS and XM simulcast music channels and select non-music channels over the Internet. We are transitioning SIRIUS Internet Radio and XM online from services offered for no additional charge as part of our base subscription price to services that we offer to subscribers for a fee.

 

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SIRIUS Backseat TV.    SIRIUS offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, a television service offering content designed primarily for children in the backseat of vehicles. SIRIUS Backseat TV is available as a factory-installed option in select Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models, and at retail for aftermarket installation.

SIRIUS Travel Link.    In 2008, SIRIUS launched SIRIUS Travel Link, a suite of data services that includes real-time traffic, tabular and graphical weather, fuel prices, sports schedules and scores, and movie listings.

Real-Time Traffic Services.    Both XM and SIRIUS offer services that provide graphic information as to road closings, traffic flow and incident data to consumers with compatible in-vehicle navigation systems.

Real-Time Weather Services.    XM and SIRIUS offer several real-time weather services designed for in-vehicle, marine and/or aviation use.

FCC Conditions

In order to demonstrate to the FCC that the Merger was in the public interest, we agreed to implement a number of voluntary commitments. These programming, public interest and qualified entity channels, equipment, subscription rates, and other service commitments are summarized as follows:

Programming

A La Carte Programming:    We have committed to offer the a la carte programming options described below to consumers with eligible radios:

 

   

50 channels are available for $6.99 a month. Additional channels can be added for 25 cents each, with premium programming priced at additional cost. However, in no event will a customer subscribing to this a la carte option pay more than $12.95 per month for this programming.

 

   

100 channels, including channels from both services, are available on an a la carte basis for $14.99 a month.

Our a la carte packages allow subscribers to pick, through interactive menus available on the Internet, the specific channels they would like to receive. We have introduced these packages, including channels from both services, and a radio capable of receiving them.

“Best of Both” Programming:    We offer customers the ability to receive the best of both SIRIUS and XM programming at a monthly cost of $16.99.

Mostly Music or News, Sports and Talk Programming:    We offer customers an option of “mostly music” programming or “mostly news, sports and talk” programming at a cost of $9.99 per month.

Discounted Family-Friendly Programming:    We offer consumers a “family-friendly” version of existing SIRIUS or XM programming at a cost of $11.95 a month, representing a discount of $1.00 per month. We also offer SIRIUS and XM customers a family-friendly version of the “best of both” programming. This programming costs $14.99 per month, representing a discount of $2.00 per month from the cost of the “best of” programming.

Public Interest and Qualified Entity Channels

We have agreed to set aside four percent of the full-time audio channels on the SIRIUS platform and on the XM platform for non-commercial, educational and informational programming within the meaning of the FCC rules that govern similar obligations of direct broadcast satellite providers. We have agreed not to select a programmer to fill more than one non-commercial, educational or informational channel on each of the SIRIUS and XM platforms as long as demand by programming providers for such channels exceeds available supply.

In addition, we have agreed to enter into long-term leases or other agreements to provide to a Qualified Entity or Entities, defined as an entity or entities that are majority-owned by persons who are African American, not of Hispanic origin; Asian or Pacific Islanders; American Indians or Alaskan Natives; or Hispanics, rights to four percent of the full-time audio channels on the SIRIUS platform and on the XM platform. As digital compression technology enables us to broadcast additional full-time audio channels, we will ensure that four percent of full-time audio channels on the SIRIUS platform and the XM platform are reserved for a Qualified Entity or Entities.

 

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The Qualified Entity or Entities will not be required to make any lease payments for such channels. We will have no editorial control over these channels. We expect the FCC to inform us how it plans to select these Qualified Entities in the future. In February 2009, the FCC commenced a proceeding to determine the method to select these Qualified Entities.

Equipment

We are required to provide, on commercially reasonable terms, our intellectual property necessary to permit any device manufacturer to develop equipment that can deliver our satellite radio services. Chip sets for satellite radios, which include the encryption, conditional access and security technology necessary to access our satellite radio services, may be purchased by licensees from manufacturers in negotiated transactions with such manufacturers. We will not enter into any agreement that grants, or that would have the effect of granting, a device manufacturer an exclusive right to manufacture, market and sell equipment that can deliver our satellite radio services.

We will also not execute any agreement or take any other action that would bar, or have the effect of barring, a car manufacturer or other third party from including non-interfering HD radio chips, iPod compatibility, or other audio technology in an automobile or audio device.

Subscription Rates

We have agreed not to raise the retail price for, or reduce the number of channels in, our basic $12.95 per month subscription package, the a la carte programming packages or the new programming packages described above until July 28, 2011. After July 29, 2009 we may pass through cost increases incurred since the filing of our FCC merger application as a result of statutorily or contractually required payments to the music, recording and publishing industries for the performance of musical works and sound recordings or for device recording fees. We will provide customers, either on individual bills or on our website, a summary of the costs passed through to consumers pursuant to the preceding sentence.

Service to Puerto Rico

We have filed an application with the FCC to provide the SIRIUS satellite radio service to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico using terrestrial repeaters and will, upon grant of the necessary permanent authorizations, promptly introduce the SIRIUS satellite radio service to the Commonwealth.

Interoperable Radios

We have agreed to offer for sale an interoperable receiver, and recently began offering such receiver.

Local Programming and Advertising

We have committed not to originate local programming or advertising through our repeater networks.

Transactions between SIRIUS, XM Holdings and XM

SIRIUS and XM have begun to integrate their operations, and have agreed to share the costs of certain day-to-day functions. For example, XM transferred its employees to SIRIUS, and SIRIUS, in turn, has agreed to provide various services to both companies necessary to support their business, such as product development, sales, marketing, finance, accounting, information technology, programming, human resources, public relations, investor relations, legal and other general management services. XM and SIRIUS will share equally the costs of these employees. SIRIUS and XM have also agreed to share programming and rationalize their channel line-ups, and to share equally the costs of certain programming that appears on both platforms. In addition, SIRIUS and XM have agreed to jointly market radios and coordinate rebate, warranty and customer support programs to subscribers who purchase radios at retail or via their websites. In general, SIRIUS and XM share equally the costs of this marketing and sales coordination.

SIRIUS and XM have also begun to seek opportunities to jointly increase revenues. SIRIUS and XM have agreed to offer their respective subscribers programming packages that include “best of” programming from the other service. Each of SIRIUS and XM retain all the respective revenue generated from their respective “best of” programming packages.

XM Holdings and XM are operated as unrestricted subsidiaries under the agreements governing SIRIUS’ existing debt. As unrestricted subsidiaries, transactions among the companies are required to comply with various contractual provisions in our respective debt instruments. The agreements between XM and SIRIUS are intended to permit both companies to share in

 

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the benefits of the inter-company arrangements in approximately equal proportion. The terms of the agreements between XM and SIRIUS are intended to be no more favorable to one company or the other than those that could be obtained at the time in an arm’s-length dealing with a firm or person that was not affiliated.

Certain operations, such as our call centers, have not yet been integrated in any significant respect. SIRIUS and XM expect to enter into additional arrangements as they continue to integrate their operations and pursue opportunities to realize cost savings and increase revenues.

Competition

We face significant competition for both listeners and advertisers. In addition to pre-recorded entertainment purchased or playing in cars, homes and using portable players, the companies compete with the following providers of radio or other audio services:

Traditional AM/FM Radio

SIRIUS and XM compete with traditional AM/FM radio. Many traditional radio companies are substantial entities owning large numbers of radio stations or other media properties. The radio broadcasting industry is highly competitive.

Unlike satellite radio, traditional AM/FM radio has had a well established demand for its services and generally offers free broadcasts paid for by commercial advertising rather than by a subscription fee. Many radio stations offer information programming of a local nature, such as local news and sports. By attracting listeners to their stations, traditional AM/FM radio reduces the likelihood that customers would be willing to pay for our subscription services and by offering free broadcasts they impose limits on what we can charge for our services. Some AM/FM radio stations have reduced the number of commercials per hour, expanded the range of music played on the air and experimented with new formats in order to lure customers away from satellite radio.

HD Radio

Many radio stations have begun broadcasting digital signals, which have a clarity similar to our signals. A group of major broadcast radio networks have created a coalition to jointly market digital radio services. According to this coalition, more than 1,750 radio stations are currently broadcasting primary signals with HD Radio technology, and manufacturers are marketing and distributing digital receivers. To the extent that traditional AM/FM radio stations adopt digital transmission technology, any competitive advantage that we enjoy over traditional radio because of our clearer digital signal would be lessened. Traditional AM/FM broadcasters are also aggressively entering Internet radio and wireless internet-based distribution arrangements.

Internet Radio

Internet radio broadcasts have no geographic limitations and can provide listeners with radio programming from around the country and the world. Major media companies including Clear Channel, CBS, America Online and Yahoo! make near CD-quality digital streams available through the Internet for free or, in some cases, for a fraction of the cost of a satellite radio subscription. In addition, an Internet based radio product was recently announced for vehicles. The past few years have seen a steady increase in the audio quality of Internet radio streams and in the amount of audio content available via the Web, resulting in a steady increase in Internet radio audience metrics. We expect that improvements from higher bandwidths, faster modems and wider programming selection are likely to continue making Internet radio an increasingly significant competitor in the near future. These services already compete directly with SIRIUS’ and XM’s Internet offerings and, through the use of home stereo media adapters or media-centric PCs, with the companies’ home line of products.

Downloading Devices

The Apple iPod® is a portable digital music player that allows users to download and purchase music through Apple’s iTunes® Music Store, as well as convert music on compact disc to digital files. Apple has sold over 170 million iPods®. iPods® are compatible with certain car stereos and various home speaker systems, and certain automakers have entered into arrangements with manufacturers of portable media players that are expected to enhance this compatibility. Availability of music in the public MP3 audio standard has been growing in recent years with sound files available on the websites of online music retailers, artists and record labels and through numerous file sharing software programs. These MP3 files can be played instantly, burned to a compact disc or stored in various portable players available to consumers. Internet-based audio formats are becoming increasingly competitive as quality improves and costs are reduced.

 

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Direct Broadcast Satellite and Cable Audio

A number of companies provide specialized audio services through either direct broadcast satellite or cable audio systems. These services are targeted to fixed locations, mostly in-home. The radio service offered by direct broadcast satellite and cable audio is often included as part of a package of digital services with video service, and video customers generally do not pay an additional monthly charge for the audio service.

Digital Media Services

We face increased competition from businesses that deliver or plan to deliver media content through mobile phones and other wireless devices. The audio entertainment marketplace continues to evolve rapidly, with a steady emergence of new media platforms and portable devices that compete with the XM and SIRIUS services now or that could compete with those services in the future.

Traffic News Services

A number of providers also compete with the XM and SIRIUS traffic services. Clear Channel and Tele Atlas deliver nationwide traffic information for the top 50 markets to in-vehicle navigation systems using RDS/TMC, the radio broadcast standard technology for delivering traffic and travel information to drivers. There are also services that provide real-time traffic information to Internet-enabled cell phones or other hand held devices, but these are available only in limited markets and the associated data plan costs in addition to normal cell phone rates may make the offering undesirable to many users.

Government Regulation

As operators of a privately owned satellite systems, we are regulated by the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, principally with respect to:

 

   

the licensing of our satellite systems;

 

   

preventing interference with or to other users of radio frequencies; and

 

   

compliance with FCC rules established specifically for U.S. satellites and satellite radio services.

Any assignment or transfer of control of our FCC licenses must be approved by the FCC.

In 1997, XM and SIRIUS was each a winning bidder for an FCC license to operate a satellite digital audio radio service and provide other ancillary services. SIRIUS’ FCC license for most of its satellites expires in 2010 and the licenses for one of its new satellites expires eight years after SIRIUS certifies the satellite is operating; XM’s FCC licenses for its satellites expire on various dates from 2009 to 2014. Prior to the expirations, the companies will be required to apply for a renewal of our FCC licenses. XM currently has two such applications on file for licenses expiring on March 31, 2009 and May 31, 2009. We anticipate that, absent significant misconduct on our part, the FCC will renew our licenses to permit operation of our satellites for their useful lives, and grant a license for any replacement satellites.

SIRIUS has entered into an agreement with Space Systems/Loral to design and construct a sixth satellite. In September 2008, the FCC granted SIRIUS’ application to amend its license to add this satellite to the existing SIRIUS satellite constellation.

In some areas with high concentrations of tall buildings, such as urban centers, signals from our satellites may be blocked and reception can be adversely affected. In many of these areas, we have installed terrestrial repeaters to supplement our satellite signal coverage. The FCC has not yet established rules governing terrestrial repeaters. Rulemaking on the subject has been initiated by the FCC and is still pending. Many comments have been filed as part of these rulemakings. The comments cover many topics relating to the operation of our terrestrial repeaters, but principally seek to protect adjoining wireless services from interference. We cannot predict the outcome or timing of these FCC proceedings and the final rules adopted by the FCC may limit our ability to deploy additional terrestrial repeaters, require us to reduce the power of our existing terrestrial repeaters or fail to protect us from interference by adjoining spectrum holders. In the interim, the FCC has granted XM and SIRIUS special temporary authority (“STA”) to operate their terrestrial repeaters and offer service on a non-harmful interference basis to other wireless services. Following the FCC’s review of whether certain repeaters had been operating at variance to the specifications in their STAs, both XM and SIRIUS entered into consent decrees requiring both remedial action and a voluntary contribution to the federal government. We believe the repeaters operated by SIRIUS and XM comply with the consent decrees, the STAs and applicable FCC rules.

 

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We design, establish specifications for, source or specify parts and components for, manage various aspects of the logistics and production of, and, in many cases, obtain FCC certifications for, satellite radios, including satellite radios that include FM modulators. Part 15 of the FCC’s rules establish a number of requirements relating to FM modulators, including emissions and frequency rules. Following the FCC’s review of whether the FM transmitters in certain XM and SIRIUS radios comply with the Commission’s emissions and frequency rules, we entered into consent decrees requiring both remedial action and a voluntary contribution to the federal government. We believe our radios that are currently in production comply with the consent decree and applicable FCC rules.

We are required to obtain export licenses from the United States government to deliver components of our satellite radio systems and technical data related thereto. In addition, the delivery of satellites and the supply of related ground control equipment, technical data, and satellite communication/control services to destinations outside the United States and to foreign persons is subject to strict export control and prior approval requirements from the United States government (including prohibitions on the sharing of certain satellite-related goods and services with China).

Changes in law or regulations relating to communications policy or to matters affecting our services could adversely affect our ability to retain our FCC license or the manner in which we operate.

Copyrights to Programming

In connection with our music programming, we must negotiate and enter into royalty arrangements with two sets of rights holders: holders of copyrights in musical works, or songs, and holders of copyrights in sound recordings — records, cassettes, compact discs and audio files.

Musical works rights holders, generally songwriters and music publishers, are represented by performing rights organizations such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”), Broadcast Music, Inc (“BMI”), and SESAC, Inc (“SESAC”). These organizations negotiate fees with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to the rights holders. We have arrangements with all of these organizations.

Under the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, we also have to negotiate royalty arrangements with the copyright owners of the sound recordings, or if negotiation is unsuccessful, the royalty rate is established by the Copyright Royalty Board (the “CRB”) of the Library of Congress. Sound recording rights holders, typically large record companies, are primarily represented by SoundExchange, an organization which negotiates licenses, and collects and distributes royalties on behalf of record companies and performing artists. In January 2008, the CRB issued a decision regarding the royalty rate payable by SIRIUS and XM under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings over their satellite radio services for the six-year period starting January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2012. Under the terms of the CRB’s decision, SIRIUS and XM paid a royalty of 6.0% of gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, for 2007 and 2008, and will pay a royalty of 6.5% of gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, for 2009, 7.0% for 2010, 7.5% for 2011 and 8.0% for 2012. SoundExchange has appealed the decision of the CRB to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Final briefs in this matter were submitted to the court in February 2009 and oral argument is scheduled for March 2009.

In August 2006, XM was sued in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in three separate lawsuits by various record labels and music publishers in actions seeking monetary damages and equitable relief alleging that certain XM radios that have advanced recording functionality infringe upon plaintiffs’ copyrighted sound recordings. We believe these allegations are without merit and these products comply with applicable copyright law, including the Audio Home Recording Act. We are vigorously defending these matters.

Trademarks

SIRIUS has registered, and intends to maintain, the trademark “SIRIUS” and the “Dog design” logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “PTO”) in connection with the transmission services offered by it. SIRIUS is not aware of any material claims of infringement or other challenges to its right to use the “SIRIUS” trademark or the “Dog design” logo in the United States. SIRIUS also has registered, and intends to maintain, trademarks for the names of certain of its channels. SIRIUS has also registered the trademark, “SIRIUS”, and the “Dog design” logo, in Canada. SIRIUS has granted a license to use its trademark in Canada to SIRIUS Canada.

XM has registered, and intends to maintain, the trademark “XM” with the PTO in connection with the transmission services offered by it. XM is not aware of any material claims of infringement or other challenges to its right to use the

 

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“XM” trademark in the United States. XM also has registered, and intends to maintain, trademarks for the names of certain of its channels. XM has also registered the trademark, “XM”, and the logo, in Canada. XM has granted a license to use its trademark in Canada to XM Canada.

Personnel

As of December 31, 2008, we had 1,640 full-time employees. In addition, we rely upon a number of part-time employees, consultants, other advisors and outsourced relationships. None of our employees is represented by a labor union, and we believe that our employee relations are good.

Corporate Information

Our executive offices are located at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 36th floor, New York, New York 10020 and our telephone number is (212) 584-5100. Our internet address is sirius.com. Our annual, quarterly and current reports, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 14(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 may be accessed free of charge through our website after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. Sirius.com is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated in this report by reference.

XM Holdings and XM also file and furnish annual, quarterly and current reports, and amendments to those reports, pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and those reports may be accessed free of charge through xmradio.com after XM Holdings and XM have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. Xmradio.com is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated in this report by reference.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Certain information regarding our executive officers is provided below:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Mel Karmazin

   65    Chief Executive Officer

Scott A. Greenstein

   49    President, Chief Content Officer

James E. Meyer

   54    President, Sales and Operations

Dara F. Altman

   50    Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Patrick L. Donnelly

   47    Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

David J. Frear

   52    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mel Karmazin has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors since November 2004. Prior to joining us, Mr. Karmazin was President and Chief Operating Officer and a member of the board of directors of Viacom Inc. from May 2000 until June 2004. Prior to joining Viacom, Mr. Karmazin was President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation from January 1999 and a director of CBS Corporation from 1997 until its merger with Viacom in May 2000. He was President and Chief Operating Officer of CBS Corporation from April 1998 through December 1998. Mr. Karmazin joined CBS Corporation in December 1996 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Radio and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CBS Station Group (Radio and Television) from May 1997 to April 1998. Prior to joining CBS Corporation, Mr. Karmazin served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation from 1981 until its acquisition by CBS Corporation in December 1996. Mr. Karmazin served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Infinity from December 1998 until the merger of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation with Viacom in February 2001.

Scott A. Greenstein has served as our President, Chief Content Officer, since May 2004. Prior to May 2004, Mr. Greenstein was Chief Executive Officer of The Greenstein Group, a media and entertainment consulting firm. From 1999 until 2002, he was Chairman of USA Films, a motion picture production, marketing and distribution company. From 1997 until 1999, Mr. Greenstein was Co-President of October Films, a motion picture production, marketing and distribution company. Prior to joining October Films, Mr. Greenstein was Senior Vice President of Motion Pictures, Music, New Media and Publishing at Miramax Films, and held senior positions at Viacom Inc.

 

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James E. Meyer has served as our President, Sales and Operations, since May 2004. Prior to May 2004, Mr. Meyer was President of Aegis Ventures Incorporated, a consulting firm that provides general management services. From December 2001 until 2002, Mr. Meyer served as special advisor to the Chairman of Thomson S.A., a leading consumer electronics company. From January 1997 until December 2001, Mr. Meyer served as the Senior Executive Vice President for Thomson as well as the Chief Operating Officer for Thomson Consumer Electronics. From 1992 until 1996, Mr. Meyer served as Thomson’s Senior Vice President of Product Management. Mr. Meyer is a director of Macrovision Solutions Corporation.

Dara F. Altman has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since September 2008. From January 2006 until September 2008, Ms. Altman served as Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, of XM. Previously, Ms. Altman was Executive Vice President of Business Affairs for Discovery Communications from 1997 to 2005. From 1993 to 1997, Ms. Altman served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Reiss Media Enterprises, which owned Request TV, a national pay-per-view service. Before Request TV, Ms. Altman served as counsel for Home Box Office. Ms. Altman started her career as an attorney at the law firm of Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Patrick L. Donnelly has served as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since May 1998. From June 1997 to May 1998, he was Vice President and deputy general counsel of ITT Corporation, a hotel, gaming and entertainment company that was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in February 1998. From October 1995 to June 1997, he was assistant general counsel of ITT Corporation. Prior to October 1995, Mr. Donnelly was an attorney at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

David J. Frear has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2003. From July 1999 through February 2003, Mr. Frear was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Savvis Communications Corporation, a global managed service provider, delivering internet protocol applications for business customers. From October 1999 through February 2003, Mr. Frear also served as a director of Savvis. Mr. Frear was an independent consultant in the telecommunications industry from August 1998 until June 1999. From October 1993 to July 1998, Mr. Frear was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orion Network Systems Inc., an international satellite communications company that was acquired by Loral Space & Communications Ltd. in March 1998. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Frear was Chief Financial Officer of Millicom Incorporated, a cellular, paging and cable television company. Prior to joining Millicom, he was an investment banker at Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. and Credit Suisse.

Employment Agreements

Mel Karmazin

In November 2004, we entered into a five-year agreement with Mel Karmazin to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. We pay Mr. Karmazin an annual salary of $1,250,000, and annual bonuses in an amount determined each year by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors.

Pursuant to our agreement with Mr. Karmazin, his stock options and shares of restricted stock will vest upon his termination of employment for good reason, upon his death or disability and in the event of a change in control. In the event Mr. Karmazin’s employment is terminated by us without cause, his unvested stock options and shares of restricted stock will vest and become exercisable, and he will receive his current base salary for the remainder of the term and any earned but unpaid annual bonus.

In the event that any payment we make, or benefit we provide, to Mr. Karmazin would require him to pay an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, we have agreed to pay Mr. Karmazin the amount of such tax and such additional amount as may be necessary to place him in the exact same financial position that he would have been in if the excise tax was not imposed.

Scott A. Greenstein

Mr. Greenstein has agreed to serve as our President, Chief Content Officer, through July 2009. We pay Mr. Greenstein an annual salary of $850,000, and annual bonuses in an amount determined each year by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors.

If Mr. Greenstein’s employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, he is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (1) his base salary in effect from the termination date through July 2009 and (2) any annual bonuses, at a level equal to 60% of his base salary, that would have been customarily paid

 

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during the period from the termination date through July 2009. In the event Mr. Greenstein’s employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, we are also obligated to continue his medical, dental and life insurance benefits for 18 months following his termination.

If, following the occurrence of a change in control, Mr. Greenstein is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, we are obligated to pay Mr. Greenstein the lesser of (1) four times his base salary and (2) 80% of the multiple of base salary, if any, that our Chief Executive Officer would be entitled to receive under his or her employment agreement if he or she was terminated without cause or terminated for good reason following such change in control. We are also obligated to continue Mr. Greenstein’s medical, dental and life insurance benefits, or pay him an amount sufficient to replace these benefits, until the third anniversary of his termination date.

In the event that any payment we make, or benefit we provide, to Mr. Greenstein would require him to pay an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, we have agreed to pay Mr. Greenstein the amount of such tax and such additional amount as may be necessary to place him in the exact same financial position that he would have been in if the excise tax was not imposed.

James E. Meyer

Mr. Meyer has agreed to serve as our President, Sales and Operations, until April 2010. We pay Mr. Meyer an annual salary of $950,000, and annual bonuses in an amount determined each year by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors.

In the event Mr. Meyer’s employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason after July 28, 2009, we will pay him a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (1) his annual base salary in effect on the termination date and (2) the greater of (x) a bonus equal to 60% of his annual base salary or (y) the prior year’s annual bonus actually paid to him (the “Designated Amount”). Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Meyer may elect to retire in April 2010. In the event he elects to retire, we have agreed to pay him a lump sum payment equal to the Designated Amount. In the event Mr. Meyer’s employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, we are also obligated to continue his medical and dental insurance benefits for 18 months following his termination and to continue his life insurance benefits for twelve months following his termination. If Mr. Meyer’s employment is terminated due to a scheduled retirement, we are obligated to continue his medical, dental and life insurance benefits for 12 months following his termination.

If Mr. Meyer is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason prior to July 28, 2009, we will pay him a lump sum payment equal to two times the Designated Amount. In such event, we are also obligated to continue his medical, dental and life insurance benefits for 24 months following his termination.

Upon the expiration of Mr. Meyer’s employment agreement in April 2010 or following his retirement, we have agreed to offer Mr. Meyer a one-year consulting agreement. We expect to reimburse Mr. Meyer for all of his reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with the performance of his obligations under this consulting agreement, but do not expect to pay him any cash compensation. Mr. Meyer’s stock options will continue to vest and will be exercisable during the term of this consulting agreement.

In the event that any payment we make, or benefit we provide, to Mr. Meyer would require him to pay an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, we have agreed to pay Mr. Meyer the amount of such tax and such additional amount as may be necessary to place him in the exact same financial position that he would have been in if the excise tax were not imposed.

Dara F. Altman

On September 26, 2008, we entered into a three year employment agreement with Dara F. Altman to serve as our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. We pay Ms. Altman an annual salary of $446,332, and annual bonuses in an amount determined each year by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors.

If Ms. Altman’s employment is terminated without cause or she terminates her employment for good reason, she is entitled to receive a lump sum severance payment, in cash equal to two times the sum of (1) her base salary as in effect immediately prior to the termination date or, if higher, in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or

 

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circumstance constituting good reason, and (2) the higher of (a) the last annual bonus actually paid to her and (b) 55% of her base salary as in effect immediately prior to the termination date or, if higher, in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting good reason. In the event Ms. Altman’s employment is terminated without cause or she terminates her employment for good reason, all options to purchase our common stock, restricted stock units or restricted shares of common stock issued by us to her during the term that are held her on the termination date shall immediately vest. Any such vested stock options shall expire 90 days following the termination. In addition, in the event Ms. Altman’s employment is terminated without cause or she terminates her employment for good reason, we are also obligated to continue her medical, dental and life insurance benefits for 24 months following her termination.

In the event that any payment we make, or benefit we provide, to Ms. Altman would require her to pay an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, we have agreed to pay Ms. Altman the amount of such tax and any additional amount as may be necessary to place her in the exact same financial position that she would have been in if the excise tax was not imposed.

Patrick L. Donnelly

Mr. Donnelly has agreed to serve as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, through April 2010. We pay Mr. Donnelly an annual base salary of $525,000, and annual bonuses in an amount determined each year by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors.

If Mr. Donnelly’s employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, we are obligated to pay him a lump sum payment equal to the sum of his annual salary and the annual bonus last paid to him and to continue his medical and life insurance benefits for one year.

In the event that any payment we make, or benefit we provide, to Mr. Donnelly would require him to pay an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, we have agreed to pay Mr. Donnelly the amount of such tax and such additional amount as may be necessary to place him in the exact same financial position that he would have been in if the excise tax was not imposed.

David J. Frear

Mr. Frear has agreed to serve as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer through July 2011. We pay Mr. Frear an annual salary of $750,000, and annual bonuses in an amount determined each year by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors.

If Mr. Frear’s employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, we are obligated to pay him a lump sum payment equal to the sum of his annual salary and the annual bonus last paid to him and to continue his medical and life insurance benefits for one year.

In the event that any payment we make, or benefit we provide, to Mr. Frear would require him to pay an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, we have agreed to pay Mr. Frear the amount of such tax and such additional amount as may be necessary to place him in the exact same financial position that he would have been in if the excise tax was not imposed.

Additional information regarding the compensation for Messrs. Karmazin, Greenstein, Meyer, Donnelly and Frear and Ms. Altman will be included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2009 annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely upon a review of Forms 4 furnished to us during our most recent fiscal year, we know of no director, executive officer or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of our common stock who failed to file on a timely basis reports of beneficial ownership of our common stock as required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other than a late filing by Ms. Dara Altman and Mr. James Rhyu, our former Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, in connection with the sale of certain common stock to pay federal and state taxes associated with the vesting of restricted stock in December 2008.

 

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the information under the caption “Competition,” the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating us and our business. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Our business and our financial condition is being affected by general economic conditions.

We believe that our business and our financial condition is being adversely affected by general economic conditions in a variety of ways. For example:

 

   

As a result of the conditions in the capital markets, we may not be able to access funding. An inability to access replacement or additional sources of liquidity to fund our cash needs or to refinance or otherwise fund the repayment of our maturing debt, could adversely affect our growth, our financial condition, our results of operations, and our ability to make payments on our debt, and could force us to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws.

 

   

Tightening credit policies could adversely affect our liquidity by making it more difficult or costly for our customers to access credit, and may result in changes to our payment arrangements by credit card companies and other credit providers.

 

   

The purchase of a satellite radio subscription is discretionary. The weakening economy affected our net subscriber additions in 2008 and will likely affect the growth of our business and results of operations in 2009.

 

   

The sale and lease of vehicles with satellite radios is an important source of subscribers for us. The dramatic slowdown in auto sales negatively impacted our subscriber growth in 2008 and will likely significantly impact subscriber growth in 2009. A bankruptcy filing by one or more of the major automakers could also seriously affect our business.

We need to refinance portions of our debt in the next two years, which refinancing may not be available.

We have approximately $537 million of debt maturing in 2009 and 2010, including;

 

 

 

at SIRIUS, $1.744 million of 8 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes that mature on September 29, 2009;

 

   

at XM Holdings, approximately $227.5 million of 10% Convertible Senior Notes that mature on December 1, 2009;

 

   

at XM Holdings and XM (as co-obligors), $33.2 million of 10% Senior Secured Discount Convertible Notes that mature on December 31, 2009; and

 

   

at XM, a $350 million credit facility, which is fully drawn and $100 million of which is due in 2009, $175 million is due by May 5, 2010 and $75 million is due in May 2011.

As a result of the May 2010 maturities, our existing cash balances and our cash flows from operating activities may not be sufficient to fund our projected cash needs at that time. We may not be able to access additional sources of refinancing on similar terms or pricing as those that are currently in place, or at all, or otherwise obtain other sources of funding. An inability to access replacement or additional sources of liquidity to fund our cash needs or to refinance or otherwise fund the repayment of our maturing debt could adversely affect our growth, our financial condition, our results of operations, and our ability to make payments on our debt, and could force us to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws. It will be more difficult to obtain additional financing if prevailing instability in the credit and financial markets continues.

SIRIUS is the sole stockholder of XM Holdings and its subsidiaries and its business is operated as an unrestricted subsidiary under the agreements governing SIRIUS’ indebtedness. Under certain circumstances, SIRIUS may be unwilling or unable to contribute or loan XM capital to support its operations. Similarly, XM may be unwilling or unable to contribute or loan SIRIUS capital to support its operations. To the extent XM’s funds are insufficient to support its business, XM may be required to seek additional financing, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. If XM is unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws.

 

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Our operations will also be affected by the FCC order approving the Merger. In addition, our future liquidity may be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in our operations or business plans, or by the nature and extent of the benefits, if any, achieved by operating XM as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Our substantial indebtedness is adversely affecting us.

As of December 31, 2008, we had an aggregate principal amount of approximately $3.3 billion of indebtedness.

Our substantial indebtedness has important consequences. For example, it:

 

   

limits our ability to borrow additional funds;

 

   

limits our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the audio entertainment industry;

 

   

increases our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate activities; and

 

   

places us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt.

Interest costs related to our debt are substantial and, as a result, the demands on our cash resources are significant.

Our indebtedness contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur more debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale lease-back transactions, merge or consolidate, and transfer or sell assets. Failure to comply with the covenants contained in the indentures and agreements governing this debt could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could cause us to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, discontinue operations or seek a purchaser for our business or assets.

XM is required to maintain a minimum cash balance of $75 million under its credit facilities, and SIRIUS is required to maintain a minimum cash balance of $35 million under those credit facilities. If XM’s or SIRIUS’ cash balance falls below these amounts, the companies would need to obtain a waiver from the lenders to avoid a default. No assurance can be given that XM and SIRIUS would be able to obtain such a waiver or otherwise avoid a default under its credit facilities.

Our business depends in large part upon automakers, a number of whom have experienced a sharp decline in sales, reduced production and are experiencing extreme financial difficulties.

The sale and lease of vehicles with satellite radios is an important source of subscribers for the XM and SIRIUS satellite radio services. We have agreements with every major automaker to include satellite radios in new vehicles, although these agreements do not require automakers to install specific quantities of radios.

Current economic conditions, particularly the dramatic slowdown in auto sales, negatively impacted subscriber growth for both the SIRIUS and XM services in 2008 and is expected to significantly impact subscriber growth in 2009. In addition, some of the major automakers are experiencing extreme financial difficulties and are seeking government assistance.

Subscription growth is dependent, in large part, on sales and vehicle production by automakers. Automotive sales and production are dependent on many factors, including the availability of consumer credit, general economic conditions, consumer confidence and fuel costs. To the extent vehicle sales by automakers continue to decline, or the penetration of factory-installed satellite radios in those vehicles is reduced, and there is no offsetting growth in vehicle sales or increased penetration by other automakers, subscriber growth for the SIRIUS and XM services will be adversely impacted.

Failure of other third parties to perform could also adversely affect our business.

Our business depends in part on the efforts of various other third parties, including:

 

   

manufacturers that build and distribute satellite radios;

 

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companies that manufacture and sell integrated circuits for satellite radios;

 

   

programming providers and on-air talent, including Howard Stern;

 

   

retailers that market and sell satellite radios and promote subscriptions to our services; and

 

   

vendors that have designed, built, support or operate important elements of our systems, such as satellites and customer service facilities.

If one or more of these third parties does not perform in a sufficient or timely manner, our business will be adversely affected.

In October 2005, Delphi Corporation and 38 of its domestic U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Delphi manufactures, in factories outside the United States, satellite radios for installation in various brands of vehicles. Delphi also distributes to retailers certain models of XM radios. It is unclear whether Delphi will ever emerge from bankruptcy or will be liquidated.

In November 2008, Circuit City and its wholly-owned United States and Puerto Rican subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In January 2009, Circuit City liquidated all of its assets as part of its Chapter 11 proceeding and ceased doing business. In 2008, Circuit City marketed and sold a substantial number of satellite radios and promoted subscriptions to our service. The liquidation of Circuit City reduced our retail points-of-presence and contributed, in part, to the decline we experienced in sales through retailers in 2008.

We do not manufacture satellite radios or accessories, and we depend on manufacturers and others for the production of radios and their component parts. If one or more manufacturers does not produce radios in a sufficient quantity to meet demand, or if such radios do not perform as advertised or are defective, sales of our services and our reputation could be adversely affected.

We design, establish specifications for, source or specify parts and components for, and manage various aspects of the logistics and production of radios. As a result of these activities, we may be exposed to liabilities associated with the design, manufacture and distribution of radios that the providers of an entertainment service would not customarily be subject to, such as liabilities for design defects, patent infringement and compliance with applicable laws, as well as the costs of returned product.

Failure of our satellites would significantly damage our business.

We operate seven in-orbit satellites, three supporting the SIRIUS service and four supporting the XM service. The useful lives of these satellites will vary and depend on a number of factors, including:

 

   

degradation and durability of solar panels;

 

   

quality of construction;

 

   

random failure of satellite components, which could result in significant damage to or loss of a satellite;

 

   

amount of fuel the satellites consume; and

 

   

damage or destruction by electrostatic storms or collisions with other objects in space.

The three orbiting SIRIUS satellites were launched in 2000. We estimate that two of the SIRIUS in-orbit satellites will have a 13 year useful life and the third in-orbit satellite will have a 15 year useful life from the time of launch. SIRIUS’ operating results would be materially adversely affected if the useful life of its satellites is significantly shorter than expected, whether as a result of a satellite failure or technical obsolescence, and SIRIUS fails to launch replacement satellites in a timely manner.

The SIRIUS in-orbit satellites have experienced circuit failures on their solar arrays. The circuit failures these satellites have experienced do not affect current operations. Additional circuit failures could reduce the estimated useful life of the existing SIRIUS in-orbit satellites.

If one of SIRIUS’ three satellites fails in orbit, the SIRIUS service would be impaired until such time as it successfully launches and commissions its spare satellite, which would take six months or more. If two or more of the SIRIUS satellites

 

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fail in orbit in close proximity in time, the SIRIUS service could be suspended until replacement satellites are launched and placed into service. In such event, SIRIUS’ business would be materially impacted and it could default on its commitments.

SIRIUS has entered into an agreement with Space Systems/Loral to design and construct two new satellites. The first of these new satellites is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2009. The second of these new satellites is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2011. Satellite launches have significant risks, including launch failure, damage or destruction of the satellite during launch and failure to achieve a proper orbit or operate as planned. SIRIUS’ agreement with Space Systems/Loral does not protect it against the risks inherent in a satellite launch or in-orbit operations.

XM placed its XM-3 and XM-4 satellites into service during the second quarter of 2005 and during the fourth quarter of 2006, respectively. XM’s XM-1 and XM-2 satellites experienced progressive degradation problems common to early Boeing 702 class satellites and now serve as in-orbit spares. We estimate that the XM-3 and XM-4 satellites will exceed their fifteen year predicted useful lives, and that XM-1 and XM-2 satellites’ useful lives will end in 2011. An operational failure or loss of XM-3 or XM-4 would, at least temporarily, affect the quality of XM’s service, and could interrupt the continuation of its service and harm its business. XM likely would not be able to complete and launch its XM-5 satellite before late 2009 or early 2010. In the event of any satellite failure prior to that time, XM would need to rely on its back-up satellites, XM-1 and XM-2. There can be no assurance that restoring service through XM-1 and XM-2 would allow XM to maintain adequate broadcast signal strength through the in-service date of XM-5, particularly if XM-1 or XM-2 were to suffer unanticipated additional performance degradation or experience an operational failure.

In addition, SIRIUS’ network of terrestrial repeaters communicates with one third party satellite and XM’s network of terrestrial repeaters communicates with one XM satellite. If the satellites communicating with the SIRIUS or XM repeater network fail unexpectedly, the services would be disrupted for several hours or longer.

In the ordinary course of operation, satellites experience failures of component parts and operational and performance anomalies. Components on our in-orbit satellites have failed and from time to time we have experienced anomalies in the operation and performance of these satellites. These failures and anomalies are expected to continue in the ordinary course, and it is impossible to predict if any of these future events will have a material adverse effect on our operations or the useful life of our existing in-orbit satellites.

Potential satellite losses may not be covered by insurance.

We do not maintain in-orbit insurance policies covering our satellites broadcasting the SIRIUS service. We maintain in-orbit insurance covering our primary satellites broadcasting the XM service, but not on the XM back-up satellites. Any insurance proceeds will not fully cover XM’s losses. For example, the insurance covering the XM satellites does not cover the full cost of constructing, launching and insuring new satellites or XM’s in-orbit spare satellites, nor will it cover and XM does not have protection against; business interruption, loss of business or similar losses. XM’s insurance contains customary exclusions, material change and other conditions that could limit recovery under those policies. Further, any insurance proceeds may not be received on a timely basis in order to launch a spare satellite or construct and launch a replacement satellite or take other remedial measures. In addition, XM’s policies are subject to limitations involving uninsured losses, large satellite performance deductibles and policy limits that may not be sufficient to cover losses. If XM experiences a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, this may impair its ability to make timely payments on its outstanding debt and other financial obligations.

We may not be able to attract and/or retain our employees, and this may have an adverse effect on our ability to operate our business and achieve our business plan.

We compensate employees through a combination of base salary, annual bonuses and stock based compensation, such as stock options and restricted stock units. For many employees, any annual bonus has been paid one-half in shares of our common stock. We also have made matching contributions under the Sirius 401(k) savings plan in the form of shares of our common stock. As a result, the value of our common stock represents a large portion of an employees’ annual and long-term compensation.

The precipitous decline in the value of our common stock has resulted in a large number of our employees losing nearly all of the value of their prior annual bonuses, stock options, restricted stock units and employer matching contributions under

 

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the Sirius 401(k) savings plan. In addition, we have not paid our employees, in either cash or shares of our common stock, any annual bonuses for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The basic tenets of our compensation program may make it more difficult to motivate employees to integrate the two companies and to perform at levels necessary to operate our business and achieve our business plan. As a result, we also may experience a significant turnover or loss of employees and may have difficulty attracting new employees.

Failure to comply with FCC requirements could damage our business.

We hold FCC licenses and authorizations to operate commercial satellite radio services in the United States, including authorizations for satellites and terrestrial repeaters, and related authorizations. The FCC generally grants licenses and authorizations for a fixed term. Although we expect our licenses and authorizations to be renewed in the ordinary course upon their expiration, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Any assignment or transfer of control of any of our FCC licenses or authorizations must be approved in advance by the FCC.

The operation of our satellite radio systems is subject to significant regulation by the FCC under authority granted through the Communications Act and related federal law. We are required, among other things, to operate only within specified frequencies; to meet certain conditions regarding the interoperability of our satellite radios with those of other licensed satellite radio systems; to coordinate our satellite radio services with radio systems operating in the same range of frequencies in neighboring countries; and to coordinate our communications links to our satellites with other systems that operate in the same frequency band. Non-compliance by us with these requirements or other conditions or with other applicable FCC rules and regulations could result in fines, additional license conditions, license revocation or other detrimental FCC actions. There is no guarantee that the FCC will not modify its rules and regulations in a manner that would have a material impact on our operations.

The terms of our licenses, the order of the FCC approving the Merger, and the consent decrees we entered into with the FCC require us to meet certain conditions. We have agreed to implement a number of voluntary commitments, including programming, a la carte, minority and public interest, equipment, subscription rates, and other service commitments. Non-compliance with these conditions could result in fines, additional license conditions, license revocation or other detrimental FCC actions.

The FCC has not yet issued final rules permitting us to operate and deploy terrestrial repeaters to fill gaps in our satellite coverage. We are operating the SIRIUS and XM terrestrial repeaters on a “non-interference” basis pursuant to grants of special temporary authority from the FCC. The FCC’s final terrestrial repeater rules may require us to reduce the power of our terrestrial repeaters or limit our ability to deploy additional repeaters. If the FCC requires us to reduce significantly the number or power of our terrestrial repeaters, this would have an adverse effect on the quality of our service in certain markets and/or cause us to alter our terrestrial repeater infrastructure at a substantial cost. If the FCC limits our ability to deploy additional terrestrial repeaters, our ability to improve any deficiencies in our service quality that may be identified in the future would be adversely affected.

The anticipated benefits of the Merger may not be realized fully or may take longer to realize than expected.

The Merger involved the integration of two companies that have previously operated independently with principal offices in two distinct locations and technologically different satellite radio platforms. We are devoting significant management attention and resources to integrating the companies. Delays in this process could adversely affect our business, financial results and financial condition. Even if we are able to integrate the business operations of SIRIUS and XM successfully, there can be no assurance that this integration will result in the realization of the full benefits of synergies, cost savings, innovation and operational efficiencies that may be possible from this integration. In addition, the indentures and credit agreements governing SIRIUS’ indebtedness and the indebtedness of XM contain covenants that restrict the integration of these two operating companies, which may in certain instances impede the realization of cost savings.

Our stockholders have approved a reverse stock split, and a reverse stock split could have certain adverse affects.

In December 2008, our stockholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split at a ratio of not less than one-for-ten and not more than one-for-fifty. Our board of directors has authority to select an

 

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exchange ratio within the approved range at any time prior to December 31, 2009. Our board of directors intends to effect the reverse stock split only if it determines the reverse split to be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders.

A reverse stock split could have certain adverse consequences, including:

 

   

if the reverse stock split is effected and the market price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split.

 

   

there can be no assurance that the reverse stock split will result in any particular price for our common stock. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.

 

   

the total market capitalization of our common stock after the reverse stock split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split. Moreover, in the future, the market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split may not exceed or remain higher than the market price prior to the reverse stock split.

 

   

because the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock would decrease as result of the reverse stock split, the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock may increase on a relative basis. If we issue additional shares of common stock, the ownership interest of our current stockholders would be diluted, possibly substantially.

 

   

the proportion of unissued authorized shares to issued shares could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect. For example, the issuance of a large block of common stock could dilute the stock ownership of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of the board of directors or contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for the combination of the company with another company.

 

   

the reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of common stock. Odd lot shares may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally somewhat higher than the costs of transactions in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares.

 

   

holders of common stock otherwise entitled to a fractional share as a result of the reverse stock split will receive a cash payment in lieu of such fractional share. As a result, the ownership interest in the company of certain small stockholders could be terminated.

We may from time to time modify our business plan, and these changes could adversely affect us and our financial condition.

We regularly evaluate our plans and strategy. These evaluations often result in changes to our plans and strategy, some of which may be material and significantly change our cash requirements. These changes in our plans or strategy may include: the acquisition of unique or compelling programming; the introduction of new features or services; significant new or enhanced distribution arrangements; investments in infrastructure, such as satellites, equipment or radio spectrum; and acquisitions of third parties that own programming, distribution, infrastructure, assets, or any combination of the foregoing.

Our business might never become profitable.

As of December 31, 2008, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $9.7 billion.

We expect our cumulative net losses to grow as we make payments under various contracts, incur marketing and subscriber acquisition costs and make interest payments on existing debt. If we are unable ultimately to generate sufficient revenues to become profitable and generate positive cash flow, either or both of the companies could default on their commitments and there is a risk that SIRIUS, XM, or both, would be unable to make the required payments on their respective indebtedness.

Demand for our services may be insufficient for them to become profitable.

We cannot estimate with any certainty whether consumer demand for the SIRIUS and XM service will be sufficient for us to continue to increase the number of subscribers to the services. Our satellite radio services have experienced a significant decrease in new subscriptions from retail subscribers and most new subscription growth has come from automakers, many of which have experienced recent and dramatic decreases in sales.

 

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Among other things, continuing and increased consumer acceptance of the SIRIUS and XM service will depend upon:

 

   

the willingness of consumers, on a mass-market basis, to pay subscription fees for radio;

 

   

the cost, features and availability of radios; and

 

   

the marketing and pricing strategies we employ and those employed by our competitors.

If demand for our products and service does not continue to increase, we may not be able to generate enough revenues to generate positive cash flow or to become profitable.

Programming is an important part of our services, and the costs to renew our programming arrangements may be more than anticipated.

Third-party content is an important part of our satellite radio services, and we compete with many entities for content. We have entered into a number of important content arrangements, including agreements with Major League Baseball, the National Football League, Howard Stern and NASCAR, which require us to pay substantial sums. XM’s agreement with MLB expires at the end of the 2012 baseball season. SIRIUS’ agreement with the NFL expires at the end of the 2010-2011 NFL season; its agreement with Howard Stern expires in December 2010; and its agreement with NASCAR expires in 2011. As these agreements expire, we may not be able to negotiate renewals of one or more of these agreements, or renew such agreements at costs we believe are attractive.

In addition, we may not be able to obtain additional third-party content within the costs contemplated by our business plans.

We must maintain and pay license fees for music rights.

We must maintain music programming royalty arrangements with, and pay license fees to, BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. These organizations negotiate with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to songwriters and music publishers. We have agreements with ASCAP and SESAC through December 2011. We do not have a definitive agreement with BMI, and we continue to operate under an interim agreement with BMI. There can be no assurance that the BMI royalty fee will remain at the current level when the pending agreement is finalized.

Under the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, we pay royalties to copyright owners of sound recordings. Those royalty rates may be established through negotiation or, if negotiation is unsuccessful, by the CRB. We participated in a CRB proceeding in order to set the royalty rate payable by our satellite radio services under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings for the six-year period starting in January 2007. SoundExchange has appealed the decision of the CRB to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Final briefs in this matter were submitted to the court in February 2009 and oral argument is scheduled for March 2009.

Higher than expected costs of attracting new subscribers, higher subscriber turnover or weaker than expected advertising revenue could each adversely affect our financial performance and operating results.

We are spending substantial funds on advertising and marketing and in transactions with automakers, radio manufacturers, retailers and others to obtain and attract subscribers. If the costs of attracting new subscribers are greater than expected, our financial performance and operating results could be adversely affected.

We are experiencing, and expect to continue to experience, subscriber turnover, or churn. If we are unable to retain our current subscribers, or the costs of retaining subscribers are higher than we expect, our financial performance and operating results could be adversely affected. We cannot predict how successful we will be at retaining customers who purchase or lease vehicles that include a subscription to their satellite radio services. Over the past several quarters, XM has retained approximately 47% to 50% of the customers who received a promotional subscription as part of the purchase or lease of a new vehicle. Over a similar period, SIRIUS has retained approximately 41% to 43% of the customers who received a prepaid subscription in connection with the purchase or lease of a new vehicle.

We cannot predict the amount of churn we will experience over the longer term. XM’s and SIRIUS’ inability to retain customers who either purchase or lease new vehicles with its service beyond the promotional period, or who purchase or lease a new vehicle that includes a prepaid subscription to its service, and subscriber churn could adversely affect our financial performance and results of operations.

 

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Our ability to generate advertising revenues is directly affected by general economic conditions, the number of subscribers to our services and the amount of time subscribers spend listening to the talk and entertainment channels or the traffic and weather services. General economic conditions are affecting our ad revenues. Our ability to generate advertising revenues also depends on several factors, including the level and type of penetration of our services, competition for advertising dollars from other media, and changes in the advertising industry and the economy generally. The companies directly compete for audiences and advertising revenues with traditional AM/FM radio stations and other media, some of which maintain longstanding relationships with advertisers and possess greater resources.

Rapid technological and industry changes could make our services obsolete.

The audio entertainment industry is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product innovations, changes in customer requirements and expectations, and evolving standards. If we are unable to keep pace with these changes, our business may be unsuccessful. Products using new technologies, or emerging industry standards, could make our technologies obsolete or less competitive in the marketplace.

Our broadcast studios, terrestrial repeater networks, satellite uplink facilities or other ground facilities could be damaged by natural catastrophes or terrorist activities.

An earthquake, tornado, flood, terrorist attack or other catastrophic event could damage our broadcast studios, terrestrial repeater networks or satellite uplink facilities, interrupt the SIRIUS or XM service and harm our business. The companies do not have replacement or redundant facilities that can be used to assume the functions of their terrestrial repeater networks. The companies do have redundant facilities that can be used to assume immediately many of the functions of the broadcast studios and satellite uplink facilities in the event of a catastrophic event.

Any damage to the satellites that transmit to the SIRIUS or XM terrestrial repeater network would likely result in degradation of the affected company’s service for some subscribers and could result in complete loss of service in certain or all areas. Damage to our satellite uplink facilities could result in a complete loss of either the XM or SIRIUS service until the affected company could transfer its operations to its respective back-up facilities.

Consumers could pirate our services.

Individuals who engage in piracy may be able to obtain or rebroadcast the SIRIUS and XM satellite radio service or access the internet transmission of the services without paying the subscription fee. Although the companies use encryption technologies to mitigate the risk of signal theft, such technologies may not be adequate to prevent theft of the signals. If signal theft becomes widespread, it could harm our businesses.

The unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation could have a material adverse effect.

We are parties to several legal proceedings arising out of various aspects of our business. The companies are defending all claims against them. There can be no assurance regarding a favorable outcome of any of these proceedings, or that an unfavorable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial results.

Our business may be impaired by third-party intellectual property rights.

Development of the XM and SIRIUS systems has depended largely upon the intellectual property that the two companies have developed, as well as intellectual property licensed from third parties. If the intellectual property that we have developed or use is not adequately protected, others will be permitted to and may duplicate portions of our satellite radio systems or services without liability. In addition, others may challenge, invalidate, render unenforceable or circumvent the companies’ intellectual property rights, patents or existing sublicenses or we may face significant legal costs in connection with defending and enforcing those intellectual property rights. Some of the know-how and technology we have developed, and plan to develop, is not now, nor will be, covered by U.S. patents or trade secret protections. Trade secret protection and contractual agreements may not provide adequate protection if there is any unauthorized use or disclosure. The loss of necessary technologies could require us to obtain substitute technology of lower quality performance standards, at greater cost or on a delayed basis, which could harm the businesses.

Other parties may have patents or pending patent applications, which will later mature into patents or inventions that may block our ability to operate the SIRIUS or XM system or license technologies. We may have to resort to litigation to

 

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enforce our rights under license agreements or to determine the scope and validity of other parties’ proprietary rights in the subject matter of those licenses. This may be expensive. Also, we may not succeed in any such litigation.

Third parties may assert claims or bring suit against us for patent, trademark, or copyright infringement, or for other infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights. Any such litigation could result in substantial cost, and diversion of effort and adverse findings in any proceeding could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties; require us to seek licenses from third parties; block our ability to operate our systems or license our technology; or otherwise adversely affect our ability to successfully develop and market our satellite radio systems.

Electromagnetic interference from others could damage our business.

The SIRIUS satellite radio service and the XM satellite radio service may be subject to interference caused by other users of radio frequencies, such as RF lighting and ultra-wideband (“UWB”) technology and Wireless Communications Service (“WCS”) users. The FCC is seeking comment on proposals by certain WCS licensees for modification of rules regarding their operations in spectrum adjacent to satellite radio, including rule changes to facilitate mobile broadband services in the WCS frequencies. We are participating actively in this proceeding and have opposed the changes requested by WCS licensees out of a concern for their impact on the reception of satellite radio service. We cannot predict the outcome of the FCC proceeding, or the impact on satellite radio reception.

Liberty Media Corporation has significant influence over our business and affairs and its interests may differ from ours.

Liberty Media Corporation holds preferred stock that is convertible into 40% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the preferred stock held by Liberty Media we cannot take certain actions, such as issue equity or debt securities, without the consent of Liberty Media. Additionally, upon expiration of the waiting period under Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, Liberty Media has the right to designate six members of our fifteen-member Board of Directors. We expect Liberty Media to designate these directors shortly. As a result, Liberty Media has significant influence over business and affairs. The interests of Liberty Media may differ from the interests of other holders of our common stock. The extent of Liberty Media’s stock ownership in us also may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire control of us and may preclude holders of our common stock from receiving any premium above market price for their shares that may be offered in connection with any attempt to acquire control of us.

We depend on certain on-air talent with special skills. If we cannot retain these people, our business could suffer.

We employ, or independently contract with, on-air talent who maintain significant loyal audiences in or across various demographic groups. There can be no assurance that this on-air talent will remain with us or that the companies will be able to retain their respective audiences. If we lose the services of one or more of them, or fail to attract qualified replacement personnel, it could harm our business and future prospects.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

Below is a list of the principal properties that we own or lease:

 

Location

  

Purpose

  

Own/Lease

New York, NY

  

Corporate headquarters and studio/production facilities

   Lease

Washington, DC

  

Office and studio/production facilities

   Own

Washington, DC

  

Data center

   Own

Lawrenceville, NJ

  

Office and technical/engineering facilities

   Lease

Deerfield Beach, FL

  

Office and technical/engineering facilities

   Lease

New York, NY

  

Studio/production facilities @ Jazz at Lincoln Center

   Lease

Farmington Hills, MI

  

Office and support facilities

   Lease

Nashville, TN

  

Studio/production facilities @ the Country Music Hall of Fame

   Lease

Chicago, IL

  

Studio/production facility

   Lease

Vernon, NJ

  

Technical/engineering facilities

   Own

Ellenwood, GA

  

Technical/engineering facilities

   Lease

We also own or lease other small facilities that we use as offices for our advertising sales personnel, studios and warehouse space. These facilities are not material to our business or operations. We also lease properties in Panama and Ecuador that we use as earth stations to command and control the SIRIUS satellites.

In addition, we lease space at approximately 1,000 locations for use in connection with the terrestrial repeater networks that support the XM and SIRIUS services. In general, these leases are for space on building rooftops and communications towers. None of these individual leases is material to our business or operations.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

FCC Merger Order.    On July 25, 2008, the FCC adopted an order approving the Merger. The order became effective immediately upon adoption. This order was published in the Federal Register on September 8, 2008. On September 4, 2008, Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters, Inc. filed a Petition for Reconsideration of the FCC’s merger order. This Petition for Reconsideration remains pending.

Appellate Review of FCC Merger and Consent Decree Orders.    Two different parties, U.S. Electronics and Michael Hartleib, sought appellate review of the FCC’s decision regarding the Merger. Each party also challenged the FCC’s decision to enter into the consent decrees resolving the investigations by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau regarding certain non-compliant terrestrial repeaters and FM modulators contained in certain satellite radios. These matters were both filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and have been consolidated by the court. Subsequent to filing its initial request for appellate review, U.S. Electronics moved to both amend its original filing and submit an additional notice of appeal in order to comply with the statutory requirements for review of agency decisions. The FCC moved to dismiss both the Hartleib and the U.S. Electronics requests for review on the grounds that neither party has standing to challenge the merger order or the consent decrees, and further argued that the agency’s decision to enter into a consent decree is not reviewable by the court in these circumstances. Separately, the court issued a show cause order on its own motion that requires U.S. Electronics to demonstrate why its additional notice of appeal should not be dismissed as untimely. In January 2009, the court dismissed the appeals of both U.S. Electronics and Michael Hartleib.

Copyright Royalty Board Proceeding.    In January 2008, the Copyright Royalty Board, or CRB, of the Library of Congress issued its decision regarding the royalty rate payable by XM and SIRIUS under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings over their satellite digital audio radio services for the six-year period starting January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2012. Under the terms of the CRB’s decision, we paid a royalty of 6.0% of gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, for 2007 and 2008, we will pay 6.5% for 2009, 7.0% for 2010, 7.5% for 2011 and 8.0% for 2012. SoundExchange has appealed the decision of the CRB to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Final briefs in this matter were submitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in February 2009 and oral argument is scheduled for March 2009.

 

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U.S. Electronics Arbitration.    In May 2006, U.S. Electronics Inc., a former licensed distributor and manufacturer of SIRIUS radios, commenced an arbitration proceeding against SIRIUS. U.S. Electronics alleged that SIRIUS breached its contract; failed to pay monies owed under the contract; tortiously interfered with U.S. Electronics’ relationships with retailers and manufacturers; and otherwise acted in bad faith. U.S. Electronics sought up to $133 million in damages. In August 2008, following a 20-day arbitration hearing, a panel of three arbitrators unanimously issued a 149-page Final Award dismissing with prejudice all of U.S. Electronics’ claims, including its claims for lost profits. U.S. Electronics has filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking to vacate the decision of the arbitrators.

Atlantic Recording Corporation, BMG Music, Capital Records, Inc., Elektra Entertainment Group Inc., Interscope Records, Motown Record Company, L.P., Sony BMG Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Virgin Records, Inc. and Warner Bros. Records Inc. v. XM Satellite Radio Inc.    In May 2006, the plaintiffs filed this action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint seeks monetary damages and equitable relief, and alleges that XM radios that include advanced recording functionality infringe upon plaintiffs’ copyrighted sound recordings. XM filed a motion to dismiss this matter, and that motion was denied in January 2007. XM has resolved the lawsuit with respect to Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment and EMI Group, and each of these parties has withdrawn as a party to the lawsuit and this lawsuit has been dismissed with respect to such parties.

Music publishing companies and certain other record companies also have filed lawsuits, purportedly on a class basis, with similar allegations. We believe these allegations are without merit and that our products comply with applicable copyright law, including the Audio Home Recording Act. We intend to vigorously defend this matter. There can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these matters, or the significance, if any, to our business, consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Matthew Enderlin v. XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Inc.    In January 2006, the plaintiff filed this action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas on behalf of a purported nationwide class of all XM subscribers. The complaint alleges that XM engaged in a deceptive trade practices under Arkansas and other state laws by representing that its music channels are commercial-free. The court stayed the litigation and directed the parties to arbitration. XM instituted arbitration with the American Arbitration Association pursuant to the compulsory arbitration clause in its customer service agreement. The plaintiff has filed a counterclaim in the arbitration on behalf of the class that he seeks to represent. We believe this matter is without merit and intend to vigorously defend the ongoing arbitration. There can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this matter, or the significance, if any, to our business, consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Other Matters.    In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant in various lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, including actions filed by former employees, parties to contracts or leases and owners of patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property. None of these actions are, in our opinion, likely to have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial position or results of operations.

 

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ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

At our annual meeting of stockholders held on December 18, 2008, our stockholders voted to approve the four proposals described below.

1. The persons below were elected as directors. The relevant voting information for each person is set forth opposite such person’s name:

 

     Votes Cast
     For    Against

Joan L. Amble

   2,677,297,164    143,136,915

Leon D. Black

   2,072,456,456    748,607,623

Lawrence F. Gilberti

   2,669,741,298    151,322,781

Eddy W. Hartenstein

   2,677,789,644    143,274,435

James P. Holden

   2,675,520,504    145,543,575

Chester A. Huber, Jr.

   2,676,394,592    144,669,487

Mel Karmazin

   2,668,323,864    152,740,215

John W. Mendel

   2,677,187,748    143,876,331

James F. Mooney

   2,673,460,965    147,603,114

Gary Parsons

   2,678,408,452    142,655,628

Jack Shaw

   2,682,345,716    138,718,364

Jeffrey D. Zients

   2,681,335,235    139,728,844

2. An amendment to our certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 4,500,000,000 to 8,000,000,000 shares was approved by a vote of 2,271,110,403 shares in favor, 530,216,379 shares against and 19,737,294 shares abstaining.

3. An amendment to our certificate of incorporation to (i) effect a reverse stock split of our common stock by a ratio of not less than one-for-ten and not more than one-for-fifty at any time prior to December 31, 2009, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range to be determined by our board of directors in its discretion, and (ii) reduce the number of authorized shares of our common stock as set forth in the proxy statement was approved by a vote of 2,418,481,007 shares in favor, 352,211,438 shares against and 50,371,632 shares abstaining.

4. The appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 was ratified by a vote of 2,703,178,043 shares in favor, 72,726,035 shares against and 45,176,858 shares abstaining.

Shortly following the annual meeting of stockholders, we filed an amendment to our certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock to 8,000,000,000 shares.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “SIRI.” The following table sets forth the high and low sales price for our common stock, as reported by Nasdaq, for the periods indicated below:

 

     High    Low

Year ended December 31, 2007

     

First Quarter

   $ 4.26    $ 3.18

Second Quarter

     3.25      2.66

Third Quarter

     3.59      2.71

Fourth Quarter

     3.94      2.76

Year ended December 31, 2008

     

First Quarter

   $ 3.89    $ 2.51

Second Quarter

     2.92      1.80

Third Quarter

     2.75      0.57

Fourth Quarter

     0.69      0.08

On March 6, 2009, the closing sales price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $0.14 per share. On March 6, 2009, there were approximately 850,000 beneficial holders of our common stock.

We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, for use in our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

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COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS

Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative performance of our common stock with the Standard & Poor’s Composite-500 Stock Index, or the S&P 500, and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2008. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2003 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index and that all dividends were reinvested.

LOGO

Stockholder Return Performance Table

 

     Nasdaq
Telecommunications
Index
   S&P 500 Index    Sirius XM Radio Inc.

December 31, 2003

   $ 100.00    $ 100.00    $ 100.00

December 31, 2004

   $ 108.00    $ 108.99    $ 241.14

December 31, 2005

   $ 100.21    $ 112.26    $ 212.03

December 31, 2006

   $ 128.03    $ 127.55    $ 112.03

December 31, 2007

   $ 139.77    $ 132.06    $ 95.89

December 31, 2008

   $ 79.69    $ 81.23    $ 3.80

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

(shares in thousands)

Plan category

   Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

(a)
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

(b)
   Number of
securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   165,436    $ 4.42    160,223

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  
                

Total

   165,436    $ 4.42    160,223
                

 

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ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Our selected financial data set forth below with respect to the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and with respect to the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item. 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our selected financial data set forth below with respect to the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, and with respect to the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this Annual Report. This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
(in thousands, except share and per share data)    2008 (1)     2007     2006     2005     2004  

Statements of Operations Data:

          

Total revenue

   $ 1,663,992     $ 922,066     $ 637,235     $ 242,245     $ 66,854  

Net loss

     (5,313,288 )     (565,252 )     (1,104,867 )     (862,997 )     (712,162 )

Net loss per share (basic and diluted)

   $ (2.45 )   $ (0.39 )   $ (0.79 )   $ (0.65 )   $ (0.57 )

Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)

     2,169,489       1,462,967       1,402,619       1,325,739       1,238,585  

Balance Sheet Data:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 380,446     $ 438,820     $ 393,421     $ 762,007     $ 753,891  

Restricted investments

     141,250       53,000       77,850       107,615       97,321  

Total assets

     7,490,695       1,694,149       1,658,528       2,085,362       1,957,613  

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     2,851,740       1,278,617       1,068,249       1,084,437       656,274  

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity (2)

     8,537       (792,737 )     (389,071 )     324,968       1,000,633  

 

(1) The 2008 results and balances reflect the results and balances of XM Holdings from the date of the Merger and a $4,766,190 goodwill impairment charge.
(2) No cash dividends were declared or paid in any of the periods presented.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under “Item 1A — Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

(All dollar amounts referenced in this Item 7 are in thousands, unless otherwise stated)

Executive Summary

We broadcast in the United States our music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather channels for a subscription fee through our proprietary satellite radio systems — the SIRIUS system and the XM system. On July 28, 2008, our wholly owned subsidiary, Vernon Merger Corporation, merged (the “Merger”) with and into XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and, as a result, XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. is now our wholly owned subsidiary. The SIRIUS system consists of three in-orbit satellites, approximately 120 terrestrial repeaters that receive and retransmit signals, satellite uplink facilities and studios. The XM system consists of four in-orbit satellites, over 700 terrestrial repeaters that receive and retransmit signals, satellite uplink facilities and studios. Subscribers can also receive certain of our music and other channels over the Internet.

Our satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers (“OEMs”); through more than 19,000 retail locations; and through our websites. We have agreements with every major automaker to offer SIRIUS or XM satellite radios as factory or dealer-installed equipment in their vehicles. SIRIUS and XM radios are also offered to customers of rental car companies, including Hertz and Avis.

As of December 31, 2008, we had 19,003,856 subscribers. Our subscriber totals include subscribers under our regular pricing plans; discounted pricing plans; subscribers that have prepaid, including payments either made or due from automakers for prepaid subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a new vehicle; active SIRIUS radios under our agreement with Hertz; active XM radios under our agreement with Avis; subscribers to SIRIUS Internet Radio and XM Internet Radio, our Internet services; and certain subscribers to our weather, traffic, data and video services.

Our primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of our customers subscribing on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. We offer discounts for pre-paid and long-term subscriptions as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions on each platform. In 2009, we increased the discounted price for additional subscriptions from $6.99 per month to $8.99 per month. We also derive revenue from activation fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as our Backseat TV, data and weather services.

In certain cases, automakers include a subscription to our radio services in the sale or lease price of vehicles. The length of these prepaid subscriptions varies, but is typically three to twelve months. In many cases, we receive subscription payments from automakers in advance of the activation of our service. We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with satellite radios installed in their vehicles.

We also have an interest in the satellite radio services offered in Canada. Subscribers to the SIRIUS Canada service and the XM Canada service are not included in our subscriber count.

On August 5, 2008, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. changed its name to Sirius XM Radio Inc. XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is operated as an unrestricted subsidiary under the agreements governing our existing indebtedness. As an unrestricted subsidiary, transactions between the companies are required to comply with various contractual provisions in our respective debt instruments.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The following discussion of our pro forma information includes non-GAAP financial results and measures that assume the Merger occurred on January 1, 2006. These financial results exclude the impact of purchase price accounting adjustments and refinancing transactions. We believe this non-GAAP financial information provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our operating performance and is used for internal management purposes, when publicly providing the

 

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business outlook, and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Please refer to the footnotes (pages 55 to 69) following our discussion of results of operations for the definitions and further discussion of usefulness of such non-GAAP financial measures.

Subscriber and Key Operating Metrics.    The following tables contain our pro forma subscribers and key operating metrics for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

Unaudited Pro Forma Annual Subscribers and Metrics:

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Beginning subscribers

     17,348,622       13,653,107       9,249,517  

Gross subscriber additions

     7,710,306       8,077,674       7,629,645  

Deactivated subscribers

     (6,055,072 )     (4,382,159 )     (3,226,055 )
                        

Net additions

     1,655,234       3,695,515       4,403,590  
                        

Ending subscribers

     19,003,856       17,348,622       13,653,107  
                        

Retail

     8,905,087       9,238,715       8,454,581  

OEM

     9,995,953       8,033,268       5,169,372  

Rental

     102,816       76,639       29,154  
                        

Ending subscribers

     19,003,856       17,348,622       13,653,107  
                        

Retail

     (333,628 )     784,135       2,388,124  

OEM

     1,962,685       2,863,895       2,057,744  

Rental

     26,177       47,485       (42,278 )
                        

Net additions

     1,655,234       3,695,515       4,403,590  
                        
     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Average self-pay monthly churn (1)(7)

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.7 %

Conversion rate (2)(7)

     47.5 %     50.9 %     51.9 %

ARPU (3)(7)

   $ 10.51     $ 10.61     $ 10.82  

SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition (4)(7)

   $ 74     $ 86     $ 89  

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber (5)(7)

   $ 1.11     $ 1.18     $ 1.31  

Total revenue

   $ 2,436,740     $ 2,058,608     $ 1,570,652  

Free cash flow (6)(7)

   $ (551,771 )   $ (504,869 )   $ (1,234,435 )

Adjusted income (loss) from operations (8)

   $ (136,298 )   $ (565,452 )   $ (679,312 )

Net loss

   $ (902,335 )   $ (1,247,633 )   $ (1,823,739 )

Subscribers.    We ended 2008 with 19,003,856 subscribers, an increase of 10% from the 17,348,622 subscribers as of December 31, 2007. Gross subscriber additions decreased approximately 5% during 2008 from 2007. Domestic auto sales fell 18% to 13.2 million in 2008 from 16.1 million in 2007. The growth in OEM gross additions was offset by declines in retail gross additions. Deactivation rates for self-pay subscriptions were 1.8%; deactivations due to non-conversions of subscribers in paid promotional trial periods increased as production penetration rates increased.

 

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ARPU.    Total ARPU for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $10.51 compared to $10.61 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was driven by an increase in the mix of discounted OEM promotional subscriptions, subscriber winback programs, second subscribers and a decline in net advertising revenue per average subscriber.

SAC, As Adjusted, Per Gross Subscriber Addition.    SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition improved by 14% to $74 from $86 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by lower retail and OEM subsidies due to better product economics and improved equipment margin.

Customer Service and Billing Expenses, As Adjusted, Per Average Subscriber.    Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber improved 6% to $1.11 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with $1.18 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decline was primarily due to efficiencies across a larger subscriber base.

Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations.    Set forth below are certain pro forma items that give effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2006. The pro forma information below does not give effect to any adjustments as a result of the purchase price accounting for the Merger, nor the goodwill impairment charge taken during 2008. See footnote 8 for a reconciliation of net loss to adjusted income (loss) from operations.

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Total revenue

   $ 2,436,740     $ 2,058,608     $ 1,570,652  

Operating expenses:

      

Satellite and transmission

     99,185       101,721       105,768  

Programming and content

     446,638       401,461       352,968  

Revenue share and royalties

     477,962       403,059       218,928  

Customer service and billing

     244,195       217,402       179,183  

Cost of equipment

     66,104       97,820       84,182  

Sales and marketing

     342,296       413,084       414,984  

Subscriber acquisition costs

     577,126       654,775       644,578  

General and administrative

     267,032       271,831       172,785  

Engineering, design and development

     52,500       62,907       87,505  

Depreciation and amortization

     245,571       293,976       274,629  

Share-based payment expense

     124,619       165,099       505,964  

Restructuring and related costs

     10,434       —         —    
                        

Total operating expenses

     2,953,662       3,083,135       3,041,474  
                        

Loss from operations

     (516,922 )     (1,024,527 )     (1,470,822 )

Other expense

     (381,425 )     (221,610 )     (350,866 )
                        

Loss before income taxes

     (898,347 )     (1,246,137 )     (1,821,688 )

Income tax expense

     (3,988 )     (1,496 )     (2,051 )
                        

Net loss

   $ (902,335 )   $ (1,247,633 )   $ (1,823,739 )
                        

Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2008.    Our revenue grew 18%, or by $378,132, in the year ended December 31, 2008. This revenue growth was driven by our 17% growth in average subscribers. This increase, combined with lower fixed costs, particularly in the fourth quarter, resulted in improved adjusted loss from operations of ($136,298) in 2008 versus ($565,452) in 2007, as increases in our variable costs were more than offset by decreases in other operating expenses. Total operating expenses, excluding restructuring, depreciation and share-based payment expense and a $27,500 one-time Merger related payment to a programming provider, decreased by 3%, or $78,522, during 2008.

 

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Programming and content costs for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased 11%, or $45,177, including a one-time payment to a programming provider of $27,500 due upon completion of the Merger. Excluding this one-time payment, programming costs increased by 4% or $17,677.

Revenue share and royalties increased by 19%, or $74,903, over the prior year, maintaining a flat percentage of revenue of approximately 20% in 2008 and 2007. Customer service and billing costs increased 12%, or $26,793, from the prior year due to a larger subscriber base, mitigated by scale efficiencies. Cost of equipment declined by 32%, or $31,716, as compared to the prior year as a result of lower product costs. Sales and marketing costs declined 17%, or $70,788, due to reduced advertising and cooperative marketing spend, offset in part by higher customer retention spending. As a percentage of revenue, sales and marketing costs improved from 20% in 2007 to 14% in 2008.

Subscriber acquisition costs declined nearly 12%, or $77,649, and as a percentage of revenue improved from 32% to 24%. This improvement was primarily driven by a 14% improvement in SAC, as adjusted, per gross addition due to improved product economics and lower retail and OEM subsidies. Subscriber acquisition costs also declined as a result of the 5% decline in gross additions during 2008.

General and administrative costs decreased 2%, or $4,799, and declined as a percent of revenue, reflecting lower one time costs in connection with the Merger in the prior year and early integration savings in 2008. Engineering, design and development costs decreased 17%, or $10,407, due to fewer OEM platform launches and lower product development costs.

Other expenses increased by $159,815 or 72% as compared to 2007 as a result of higher interest expense and loss from redemption of debt during 2008.

Unaudited Pro Forma Fourth Quarter Subscribers and Metrics:

The following tables contain our pro forma subscribers and key operating metrics for the three months ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008      2007      2006  

Beginning subscribers

   18,920,911      16,234,070      12,305,181  

Gross subscriber additions

   1,713,210      2,336,640      2,292,172  

Deactivated subscribers

   (1,630,265 )    (1,222,088 )    (944,246 )
                    

Net additions

   82,945      1,114,552      1,347,926  
                    

Ending subscribers

   19,003,856      17,348,622      13,653,107  
                    

Retail

   8,905,087      9,238,715      8,454,581  

OEM

   9,995,953      8,033,268      5,169,372  

Rental

   102,816      76,639      29,154  
                    

Ending subscribers

   19,003,856      17,348,622      13,653,107  
                    

Retail

   (131,333 )    314,908      830,153  

OEM

   218,249      791,356      535,854  

Rental

   (3,971 )    8,288      (18,081 )
                    

Net additions

   82,945      1,114,552      1,347,926  
                    

 

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     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Average self-pay monthly churn (1)(7)

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.7 %

Conversion rate (2)(7)

     44.2 %     51.4 %     49.8 %

ARPU (7)(10)

   $ 10.60     $ 10.42     $ 10.82  

SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition (7)(11)

   $ 70     $ 83     $ 90  

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber (7)(12)

   $ 1.18     $ 1.30     $ 1.42  

Total revenue

   $ 644,108     $ 557,515     $ 450,502  

Free cash flow (7)(13)

   $ 25,877     $ 5,405     $ (33,788 )

Adjusted income (loss) from operations (14)

   $ 31,797     $ (224,143 )   $ (236,628 )

Net loss

   $ (248,468 )   $ (405,041 )   $ (502,321 )

Subscribers.    We ended the fourth quarter 2008 with 19,003,856 subscribers, an increase of 10% from the 17,348,622 subscribers as of December 31, 2007. Gross subscriber additions decreased about 27% in the fourth quarter of 2008 from the fourth quarter of 2007. Gross additions in our OEM channel were approximately 13% lower in the fourth quarter versus the prior year period, with higher production penetration failing to offset declines in auto sales. Auto sales fell 35% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 2.5 million from 3.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The decline in OEM gross additions was also accompanied by declines in retail gross additions. Deactivations for self-pay subscriptions remained relatively consistent at 1.8% per month; deactivations due to non-conversions of subscribers in paid promotional trial periods increased as production penetration rates increased.

ARPU.    Total ARPU for the three months ended December 31, 2008 was $10.60, compared to $10.42 for the three months ended December 31, 2007. The increase was driven by the start of our “Best of” package sales, most of which were at the $16.99 price point, and by lower OEM inventories. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the mix of discounted OEM promotional trials, subscriber winback programs, second subscribers and a decline in net advertising revenue per average subscriber.

SAC, As Adjusted, Per Gross Subscriber Addition.    SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition was $70 and $83 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by lower retail and OEM subsidies due to better product economics and improved equipment margin.

Customer Service and Billing Expenses, As Adjusted, Per Average Subscriber.    Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber declined 9% to $1.18 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared with $1.30 for the three months ended December 31, 2007. The decline was primarily due to efficiencies across a larger subscriber base.

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations.    Set forth below are certain pro forma items that give effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2006. The pro forma information below does not give effect to any adjustments as a result the purchase price accounting for the Merger, nor the goodwill impairment charge taken during 2008. See footnote 14 for a reconciliation of net loss to adjusted income (loss) from operations.

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
             2008                     2007                     2006          

Total revenue

   $ 644,108     $ 557,515     $ 450,502  

Operating expenses:

      

Satellite and transmission

     22,851       23,697       23,609  

Programming and content

     105,215       109,076       97,990  

Revenue share and royalties

     122,711       163,541       64,467  

Customer service and billing

     67,036       65,006       53,980  

Cost of equipment

     18,084       37,334       42,630  

Sales and marketing

     81,712       123,711       146,650  

Subscriber acquisition costs

     132,731       180,767       189,868  

General and administrative

     51,591       64,223       49,326  

Engineering, design and development

     10,380       14,303       18,610  

Depreciation and amortization

     49,519       75,045       71,538  

Share-based payment expense

     24,945       52,897       68,649  

Restructuring and related costs

     2,977       —         —    
                        

Total operating expenses

     689,752       909,600       827,317  
                        

Loss from operations

     (45,644 )     (352,085 )     (376,815 )

Other expense

     (202,649 )     (52,055 )     (124,113 )
                        

Loss before income taxes

     (248,293 )     (404,140 )     (500,928 )

Income tax expense

     (175 )     (901 )     (1,393 )
                        

Net loss

   $ (248,468 )   $ (405,041 )   $ (502,321 )
                        

Highlights for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2008.    Our revenue grew 16%, or by $86,593, in the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2007. This revenue growth was driven primarily by our 13% growth in average subscribers. Advertising revenue in the fourth quarter fell by approximately 23% due to advertisers reduced spending while other revenue decreased by 5%. This increased revenue was accompanied by lower operating costs, as described below, resulting in a significantly improved adjusted loss from operations of $31,797 compared to ($224,143) in the fourth quarter of 2007. Total operating expenses, excluding goodwill impairment, restructuring, depreciation and share-based payment expense, decreased by 22%, or $169,347, in the quarter.

Programming and content costs decreased by 4%, or $3,861, from the prior year’s quarter as a result of Merger related savings.

Revenue share and royalties, respectively representing approximately 19% and 29% of revenue during 2008 and 2007, decreased by 25%, or $40,830, over the prior year’s quarter. The prior period included a charge of $52,440 resulting from the decision in January 2008 of the Copyright Royalty Board to increase royalties to the music industry commencing January 1, 2007. Adjusting for the royalty accrual in the fourth quarter of 2007, Revenue share and royalties increased 10%, or $11,610, from the fourth quarter of 2007. Customer service and billing costs increased 3%, or $2,030, from the prior year’s quarter, reflecting higher subscriber totals and improved scale efficiencies. Cost of equipment declined by 52% or $19,250 as compared to the prior year’s quarter as a result of lower product costs.

Sales and marketing cost declined 34%, or $41,999, over the prior year’s quarter due to reduced advertising and cooperative marketing spend and Merger related savings, offset in part by higher customer retention spending. Sales and marketing costs were 13% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to 22% of revenue in the fourth quarter 2007.

 

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Subscriber acquisition costs declined 27%, or $48,036, and as a percent of revenue improved from 32% to 21% over the prior year’s quarter. This improvement was driven by 27% lower gross additions in the fourth quarter.

General and administrative costs decreased 20%, or $12,632, and declined as a percent of revenue from 12% to 8% over the prior year’s quarter, reflecting lower Merger costs and savings from the integration of administrative functions. Engineering, design and development costs decreased 27%, or $3,923, due to lower product development costs and Merger savings.

Other expenses increased by $150,594 or 289% as compared to prior year’s quarter as a result of higher interest expense and loss from redemption of debt during 2008.

Actual Results of Operations

Our discussion of our results of operations, along with the selected financial information in the tables that follow, includes the following non-GAAP financial measures: average monthly self-pay churn; conversion rate; average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU; SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition; customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber; free cash flow; and adjusted income (loss) from operations. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our operating performance and are used for internal management purposes, when publicly providing the business outlook, and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Please refer to the footnotes following our discussion of results of operations for the definitions and further discussion of usefulness of such non-GAAP financial measures.

The discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 includes the financial results of XM from the date of the Merger. The inclusion of these results may render direct comparisons with results for prior periods less meaningful. Accordingly, the discussion below addresses trends we believe are significant.

 

     Unaudited Actual
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008      2007      2006  

Beginning subscribers

   8,321,785      6,024,555      3,316,560  

Gross subscriber additions

   14,954,112      4,183,901      3,758,159  

Deactivated subscribers

   (4,272,041 )    (1,886,671 )    (1,050,164 )
                    

Net additions

   10,682,071      2,297,230      2,707,995  
                    

Ending subscribers

   19,003,856      8,321,785      6,024,555  
                    

Retail

   8,905,087      4,640,710      4,041,826  

OEM

   9,995,953      3,665,631      1,959,009  

Rental

   102,816      15,444      23,720  
                    

Ending subscribers

   19,003,856      8,321,785      6,024,555  
                    

Retail

   4,264,378      598,884      1,576,463  

OEM

   6,330,321      1,706,622      1,135,316  

Rental

   87,372      (8,276 )    (3,784 )
                    

Net additions

   10,682,071      2,297,230      2,707,995  
                    

 

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     Unaudited Actual
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Average self-pay monthly churn (1)(7)

     1.8 %     1.6 %     1.6 %

Conversion rate (2)(7)

     47.5 %     47.5 %     44.1 %

ARPU (7)(16)

   $ 9.91     $ 10.46     $ 11.01  

SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition (7)(17)

   $ 69     $ 98     $ 114  

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber (7)(18)

   $ 1.02     $ 1.10     $ 1.37  

Total revenue

   $ 1,663,992     $ 922,066     $ 637,235  

Free cash flow (7)(19)

   $ (244,467 )   $ (218,624 )   $ (500,715 )

Adjusted income (loss) from operations (20)

   $ 31,032     $ (327,410 )   $ (513,140 )

Net loss

   $ (5,313,288 )   $ (565,252 )   $ (1,104,867 )

Subscribers.    We ended 2008 with 19,003,856 subscribers, an increase of 128% from the 8,321,785 subscribers as of December 31, 2007. The increase was a result of the 9,716,070 subscribers acquired in the Merger, and a 25% increase in gross subscriber additions due to the inclusion of XM in our operating results as a result of the Merger. Gross additions in our OEM channel continued to grow as automakers continued to increase the portion of their production which incorporates satellite radio. The growth in OEM gross additions was offset by declines in retail gross additions. Deactivations include the results of XM from the date of the Merger. The deactivation rate for self-pay subscriptions increased slightly while the conversion rate for subscribers in paid promotional trial periods stayed constant.

ARPU.    Total ARPU for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $9.91, compared to $10.46 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was driven by an increase in the mix of discounted OEM promotional trials, subscriber winback programs, second subscribers, the effect of purchase price accounting adjustments and a decline in net advertising revenue per average subscriber as subscriber growth exceeded the growth in ad revenues.

We expect ARPU to fluctuate based on the growth of our subscriber base, promotions, rebates offered to subscribers and corresponding take-rates, plan mix, subscription prices, advertising sales and the identification of additional revenue from subscribers.

SAC, As Adjusted, Per Gross Subscriber Addition.    SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition was $69 and $98 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by lower retail and OEM subsidies due to better product economics, the effect of purchase price accounting adjustments and improved equipment margins.

We expect SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition to decline as the costs of subsidized components of SIRIUS and XM radios decrease in the future. Our SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition will continue to be impacted by our increasing mix of OEM additions.

Customer Service and Billing Expenses, As Adjusted, Per Average Subscriber.    Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber declined 7% to $1.02 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with $1.10 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decline was primarily due to efficiencies across a larger subscriber base.

We expect customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber to decrease on an annual basis as our subscriber base grows due to scale efficiencies in our call centers and other customer care and billing operations.

Adjusted Income (Loss) from Operations.    Our adjusted income (loss) from operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $31,032 compared to ($327,410) for the year ended December 31, 2007. Adjusted income (loss) from operations was favorably impacted by the $741,926 increase in revenues, partially offset by the $383,484 increase in expenses included in adjusted income (loss) from operations, both of which were favorably impacted by the inclusion of the operating results of XM in the amount of $82,863.

Subscriber and Key Operating Metrics.    The following tables contain our subscribers and key operating metrics for the three months ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

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Fourth Quarter Subscribers and Metrics:

 

     Unaudited Actual
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Beginning subscribers

     18,920,911       7,667,476       5,119,308  

Gross subscriber additions

     1,713,210       1,194,014       1,234,574  

Deactivated subscribers

     (1,630,265 )     (539,705 )     (329,327 )
                        

Net additions

     82,945       654,309       905,247  
                        

Ending subscribers

     19,003,856       8,321,785       6,024,555  
                        

Retail

     8,905,087       4,640,710       4,041,826  

OEM

     9,995,953       3,665,631       1,959,009  

Rental

     102,816       15,444       23,720  
                        

Ending subscribers

     19,003,856       8,321,785       6,024,555  
                        

Retail

     (131,333 )     211,962       559,312  

OEM

     218,249       444,244       348,935  

Rental

     (3,971 )     (1,897 )     (3,000 )
                        

Net additions

     82,945       654,309       905,247  
                        
     Unaudited Actual
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Average self-pay monthly churn (1)(7)

     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.7 %

Conversion rate (2)(7)

     44.2 %     47.4 %     42.6 %

ARPU (7)(21)

   $ 10.24     $ 10.05     $ 10.92  

SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition (7)(22)

   $ 59     $ 87     $ 103  

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber (7)(23)

   $ 1.18     $ 1.23     $ 1.60  

Total revenue

   $ 622,183     $ 249,816     $ 193,380  

Free cash flow (7)(24)

   $ 25,877     $ 75,921     $ 30,409  

Adjusted income (loss) from operations (25)

   $ 72,155     $ (107,220 )   $ (166,809 )

Net loss

   $ (245,844 )   $ (166,223 )   $ (245,597 )

Subscribers.    We ended the fourth quarter 2008 with 19,003,856 subscribers, an increase of 128% from the 8,321,785 subscribers as of December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily a result of the additional subscribers acquired in the Merger. Gross subscriber additions increased approximately 43% in the fourth quarter of 2008 from the fourth quarter of 2007 due to the inclusion of the XM business in our operating results in the current period; offset by a decline in gross additions of SIRIUS subscriptions in the quarter versus the prior year. Deactivations include the results of the XM business in the current quarter. Deactivations for self-pay subscriptions remained relatively consistent at 1.8% per month; non-conversions of subscribers in paid promotional trial periods increased as production penetration rates increased.

ARPU.    Total ARPU for the three months ended December 31, 2008 was $10.24, compared to $10.05 for the three months ended December 31, 2007. The increase was driven by the start of our “Best of” package sales, most of which were at the $16.99 price point, and by a lower mix of prepaid subscriptions from automakers in vehicles which have not sold through to end customers. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the mix of discounted OEM promotional trials, subscriber winback programs, second subscribers, the effect of purchase price accounting adjustments and a decline in net advertising revenue per average subscriber as subscriber growth exceeded the growth in ad revenues.

We expect ARPU to fluctuate based on the growth of our subscriber base, promotions, rebates offered to subscribers and corresponding take-rates, plan mix, subscription prices, advertising sales and the identification of additional revenue from subscribers.

 

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SAC, As Adjusted, Per Gross Subscriber Addition.    SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition was $59 and $87 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by lower retail and OEM subsidies due to better product economics, the effect of purchase price accounting adjustments and improved equipment margins.

We expect SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition to decline as the costs of subsidized components of SIRIUS and XM radios decrease in the future. Our SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition will continue to be impacted by our increasing mix of OEM gross subscriber additions.

Customer Service and Billing Expenses, As Adjusted, Per Average Subscriber.    Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber declined 4% to $1.18 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared with $1.23 for the three months ended December 31, 2007. The decline was primarily due to efficiencies across a larger subscriber base.

We expect customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber to decrease on an annual basis as our subscriber base grows due to scale efficiencies in our call centers and other customer care and billing operations.

Adjusted Income (Loss) from Operations.    Our adjusted income (loss) from operations for the three months ended December 31, 2008 was $72,155 compared to ($107,220) for the three months ended December 31, 2007. Adjusted income (loss) from operations was favorably impacted by the $372,367 increase in revenues, partially offset by the $192,992 increase in expenses included in adjusted income (loss) from operations, both of which were favorably impacted by the inclusion of the operating results of XM in the amount of $60,371.

 

     Unaudited Actual
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
             2008                     2007                     2006          

Total revenue

   $ 622,183     $ 249,816     $ 193,380  

Operating expenses:

      

Satellite and transmission

     24,481       5,175       7,518  

Programming and content

     89,214       62,735       80,414  

Revenue share and royalties

     103,217       56,762       21,062  

Customer service and billing

     67,818       29,288       25,912  

Cost of equipment

     18,084       15,886       22,105  

Sales and marketing

     80,699       56,866       77,780  

Subscriber acquisition costs

     113,512       100,062       122,196  

General and administrative

     64,586       37,212       32,379  

Engineering, design and development

     12,404       7,946       13,448  

Impairment of goodwill

     15,331       —         —    

Depreciation and amortization

     82,958       27,638       27,495  

Restructuring and related costs

     2,977       —         —    
                        

Total operating expenses

     675,281       399,570       430,309  
                        

Loss from operations

     (53,098 )     (149,754 )     (236,929 )

Other expense

     (192,571 )     (15,699 )     (8,512 )
                        

Loss before income taxes

     (245,669 )     (165,453 )     (245,441 )

Income tax expense

     (175 )     (770 )     (156 )
                        

Net loss

   $ (245,844 )   $ (166,223 )   $ (245,597 )
                        

Highlights for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2008.    Our revenue grew 149%, or by $372,367, in the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2007. $316,623 of the increase was attributable to the inclusion of XM’s results for the fourth quarter of 2008. Adjusted income (loss) from operations was

 

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$72,155 in the fourth quarter of 2008 quarter compared to ($107,220) in the fourth quarter of 2007. Total operating expenses, excluding goodwill impairment, restructuring, depreciation and share-based payment expense, increased by 54%, or $192,992, in the quarter. $262,908 of the increase was attributable to the Merger.

Programming and content costs increased by 42%, or $26,479, over the prior year’s quarter, as a result of the inclusion of XM’s programming costs for the fourth quarter of 2008.

Revenue share and royalties increased by 82%, or $46,455, over the prior year’s quarter. $52,564 of the increase was attributable to the Merger. Customer service and billing costs increased 132%, or $38,530, from the prior year’s quarter. $36,002 of the increase was attributable to the Merger.

Sales and marketing cost increased 42%, or $23,833, over the prior year’s quarter due to reduced advertising and cooperative marketing spend, offset in part by higher customer retention spending. $32,012 of the increase was attributable to the Merger.

Subscriber acquisition costs increased 13%, or $13,450, over the prior year’s quarter. $37,343 of the increase was attributable to the Merger. The offsetting decrease in subscriber acquisition costs of $23,893 was driven by improved product economics and lower retail and OEM subsidies.

General and administrative costs increased 74%, or $27,374, over the prior year’s quarter. $24,006 of the increase was attributable to the Merger. Engineering, design and development costs increased 56%, or $4,458. $6,467 of the increase was attributable to the Merger. The offsetting decrease was due lower product development costs and savings at SIRIUS as result of the Merger.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007 and Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006 — Actual

Total Revenue

Subscriber Revenue.    Subscriber revenue includes subscription fees, activation fees and the effects of rebates.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, subscriber revenue was $1,543,951 and $854,933, respectively, an increase of 81% or $689,018. The Merger was responsible for approximately $467,489 of the increase and the remaining increase was primarily attributable to the growth of subscribers to our services.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, subscriber revenue was $854,933 and $575,404, respectively, an increase of 49% or $279,529. The increase was primarily attributable to the 38% growth of subscribers to our service.

The following table contains a breakdown of our subscriber revenue for the periods presented:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Subscription fees

   $ 1,524,758     $ 853,832     $ 572,386  

Activation fees

     23,025       20,878       15,612  

Effect of rebates

     (3,832 )     (19,777 )     (12,594 )
                        

Total subscriber revenue

   $ 1,543,951     $ 854,933     $ 575,404  
                        

Future subscriber revenue will be dependent upon, among other things, the growth of our subscriber base, promotions, rebates offered to subscribers and corresponding take-rates, plan mix, subscription prices and the identification of additional revenue streams from subscribers. Overall, we expect subscription revenue to increase due to the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

 

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Advertising Revenue.    Advertising revenue includes the sale of advertising on our non-music channels, net of agency fees. Agency fees are based on a stated percentage per the advertising agreements applied to gross billing revenue.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, net advertising revenue was $47,190 and $34,192, respectively, which represents an increase of $12,998. The Merger was responsible for approximately $9,745 of the increase and the remaining increase was primarily attributable to an increase in advertisers compared to the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, net advertising revenue was $34,192 and $31,044, respectively, an increase of $3,148.

We expect advertising revenue to grow as our subscribers increase, as we continue to improve brand awareness and content, and as we increase the size and effectiveness of our advertising sales force. Additionally, advertising revenue will increase as a result of the inclusion of the full period results of XM. Advertising revenue is subject to fluctuation based on the national advertising environment.

Equipment Revenue.    Equipment revenue includes revenue and royalties from the sale of SIRIUS and XM radios, components and accessories.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, equipment revenue was $56,001 and $29,281, respectively, which represents an increase of $26,720. The Merger was responsible for approximately $18,991 of the increase and the remaining increase was primarily attributable to higher unit sales at higher average prices.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, equipment revenue was $29,281 and $26,798, respectively, an increase of $2,483. The increase was the result of higher sales through our direct to consumer distribution channel, offset by the effects of promotional discounts and rebates.

We expect equipment revenue to increase as we introduce new products, integrate XM products and as sales grow through our direct to consumer distribution channel as well as the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Operating Expenses

Satellite and Transmission.    Satellite and transmission expenses consist of costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our satellites; satellite telemetry, tracking and control system; terrestrial repeater network; satellite uplink facility; and broadcast studios.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, satellite and transmission expenses were $59,279 and $27,907, respectively, which represents an increase of $31,372 primarily due to the impact of the Merger. XM satellite and transmission expense accounted for $29,852 during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, satellite and transmission expenses were $27,907 and $41,797, respectively, a decrease of $13,890. This decrease was a result of sales of certain satellite parts and lower maintenance and utility expense in 2007; and 2006 included an impairment charge associated with certain satellite long-lead time parts we purchased in 1999 that we no longer need.

We expect satellite and transmission expenses to decrease as we consolidate terrestrial repeater sites and realize other cost savings as a result of the Merger, however such expenses are expected to increase in the aggregate due to the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Programming and Content.    Programming and content expenses include costs to acquire, create and produce content and on-air talent costs. We have entered into various agreements with third parties for music and non-music programming that require us to pay license fees, share advertising revenue, purchase advertising on media properties owned or controlled by the licensor and pay other guaranteed amounts. Purchased advertising is recorded as a sales and marketing expense and the cost of sharing advertising revenue is recorded as Revenue share and royalties in the period the advertising is broadcast.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, programming and content expenses were $312,189 and $236,059, respectively, which represents an increase of $76,130 primarily due to the Merger.

 

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2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, programming and content expenses were $236,059 and $520,424, respectively, a decrease of $284,365. Excluding share-based payment expense of $9,643 and $321,774 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, programming and content expenses increased $27,766 from $198,650 to $226,416, which was primarily attributable to talent and license fees associated with new programming agreements, including NASCAR, and compensation related costs for additions to headcount. Share-based payment expense decreased $312,131 primarily due to expense associated with shares of our common stock delivered to Howard Stern and his agent in 2006 upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets.

Our programming and content expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, is expected to decrease as we reduce duplicate programming and content costs, however such expenses are expected to increase in the aggregate due to the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Revenue Share and Royalties.    Revenue share and royalties include distribution and content provider revenue share, residuals and broadcast and web streaming royalties. Residuals are monthly fees paid based upon the number of subscribers using SIRIUS and XM radios purchased from retailers. Advertising revenue share is recorded to revenue share and royalties in the period the advertising is broadcast.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, revenue share and royalties were $280,852 and $146,715, respectively, which represents an increase of $134,137. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in our revenues, the $91,103 effect of including XM’s revenue share and royalty expense as a result of the Merger and an increase in the statutory royalty rate due for the performance of sound recordings.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, revenue share and royalties were $146,715 and $69,918, respectively, an increase of $76,797, or 110%. This increase was primarily attributable to the determination by the Copyright Royalty Board of the royalty rate under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings. The 2007 royalty rate of 6% of gross revenue resulted in royalty expense of approximately $48,100, of which approximately $25,900 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007. The growth in revenues and increase in our OEM subscriber base also contributed to the increase in revenue share and royalties.

We expect these costs to increase as we continue to experience revenue growth and expand our distribution of SIRIUS and XM radios through automakers, as a result of statutory increases in the royalty rate for sound recording performances and as a result of the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Customer Service and Billing.    Customer service and billing expenses include costs associated with the operation of our customer service centers and subscriber management systems as well as bad debt expense.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, customer service and billing expenses were $165,036 and $93,817, respectively, which represents an increase of $71,219 primarily due to the Merger. XM’s customer services and billing expense accounted for $59,821 during the year ended December 31, 2008. The remaining increase was primarily attributed to higher call center operating costs necessary to accommodate the increase in our subscriber base and higher total transaction fees on the larger customer base.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, customer service and billing expenses were $93,817 and $76,462, respectively, an increase of $17,355. This increase was primarily due to call center operating costs necessary to accommodate our subscriber base, transaction fees due to the addition of new subscribers, and an increase in bad debt expense. Customer service and billing expenses, increased 23% compared with an increase in our subscribers of 38% year over year.

We expect our customer care and billing expenses to decrease on a per subscriber basis, but increase overall as our subscriber base grows due to increased call center operating costs, transaction fees and bad debt expense associated with a larger subscriber base as well as the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Cost of Equipment.    Cost of equipment includes costs from the sale of SIRIUS and XM radios, components and accessories.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, cost of equipment was $46,091 and $35,817, respectively, which represents an increase of $10,274. The Merger related increase of approximately $12,299 was offset partially by lower costs.

 

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2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, cost of equipment was $35,817 and $35,233, respectively, an increase of $584.

We expect cost of equipment to vary in the future with changes in sales through our direct to consumer distribution channel; however, such expenses are expected to increase as a result of the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Sales and Marketing.    Sales and marketing expenses include costs for advertising, media and production, including promotional events and sponsorships; cooperative marketing; customer retention and compensation. Cooperative marketing costs include fixed and variable payments to reimburse retailers and automakers for the cost of advertising and other product awareness activities.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, sales and marketing expenses were $231,937 and $183,213, respectively, which represents an increase of $48,724. The Merger increased sales and marketing expense by $60,964 of the increase, which was offset partially by a reduction in consumer advertising.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, sales and marketing expenses were $183,213 and $203,682, respectively, a decrease of $20,469. Excluding share-based payment expense of $15,607 and $19,543 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, sales and marketing expense decreased $16,533 from $184,139 to $167,606. This decrease of $16,533 was primarily due to lower consumer marketing and advertising and reduced cooperative marketing spend with our distributors offset by higher compensation related costs. Sales and marketing expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, decreased 9% compared with a 45% increase in total revenue from $637,235 for the year ended December 31, 2006 to $922,066 for the year ended December 31, 2007.

We expect sales and marketing expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, to decrease as we consolidate our advertising and promotional activities, gain efficiencies in marketing management and eliminate overlapping distribution support costs, however such expenses are expected to increase in the aggregate due to the inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Subscriber Acquisition Costs.    Subscriber acquisition costs include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers, including subsidies paid to automakers who include a SIRIUS or XM radio and a prepaid subscription to our service in the sale or lease price of a new vehicle; subsidies paid for chip sets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; commissions paid to retailers and automakers as incentives to purchase, install and activate SIRIUS and XM radios; product warranty obligations; provisions for inventory allowance; and compensation costs associated with stock-based awards granted in connection with certain distribution agreements. The majority of subscriber acquisition costs are incurred and expensed in advance or concurrent with acquiring a subscriber. Subscriber acquisition costs do not include advertising, loyalty payments to distributors and dealers of SIRIUS and XM radios and revenue share payments to automakers and retailers of SIRIUS and XM radios.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, subscriber acquisition costs were $371,343 and $407,642, respectively, which represents a decrease of $36,299. This decrease was primarily due to lower retail and OEM subsidies due to better product economics, offset partially by the impact of the Merger. XM’s subscriber acquisition costs accounted for $64,825 during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, subscriber acquisition costs were $407,642 and $451,614, respectively, a decrease of 10% or $43,972. Excluding share-based payment expense of $2,843 and $31,898 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, subscriber acquisition costs decreased $14,917, from $419,716 to $404,799. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower chipset subsidies and commission costs offset by higher OEM hardware subsidies. Share-based payment expense decreased $29,055 primarily due to the timing of third parties achieving milestones and changes in the fair market value of such awards.

We expect total subscriber acquisition costs to fluctuate as increases or decreases in our gross subscriber additions are accompanied by continuing declines in the costs of subsidized components of SIRIUS and XM radios, but increase overall as a result of the inclusion of the full period results of XM. We intend to continue to offer subsidies, commissions and other incentives to acquire subscribers.

 

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General and Administrative.    General and administrative expenses include rent and occupancy, finance, legal, human resources, information technology and investor relations costs.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, general and administrative expenses were $213,142 and $155,863, respectively, which represents an increase of $57,279. Excluding share-based payment expense of $49,354 and $44,317 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, general and administrative expenses increased $52,242 from $111,546 to $163,788, primarily due to the impact of the Merger. XM’s general and administrative expense accounted for $43,222 during the year ended December 31, 2008. The remaining increase was primarily attributable to higher compensation-related costs to support the growth of our business.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, general and administrative expenses were $155,863 and $129,953, respectively, an increase of $25,910. Excluding share-based payment expense of $44,317 and $49,928 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, general and administrative expenses increased $31,521 from $80,025 to $111,546. This increase of $31,521 was primarily a result of legal fees associated with increased litigation, including the CRB proceeding, and employment-related costs to support the growth of our business.

We expect our general and administrative expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, to decrease in future periods as we integrate XM. General and administrative expenses may fluctuate in certain periods as a result of litigation costs, however such expenses are expected to increase in the aggregate due to inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Engineering, Design and Development.    Engineering, design and development expenses include costs to develop our future generation of chip sets and new products, research and development for broadcast information, and costs associated with the incorporation of our radios into vehicles manufactured by automakers.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, engineering, design and development expenses were $40,496 and $41,343, respectively, which represents a decrease of $847. Excluding share-based payment expense of $6,192 and $3,584 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, engineering, design and development expenses decreased $3,455 from $37,759 to $34,304. This decrease was primarily due to reduced OEM and product development costs, offset partially by the impact of the Merger.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, engineering, design and development expenses were $41,343 and $70,127, respectively, a decrease of $28,784. Excluding share-based payment expense of $3,584 and $11,395 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, engineering, design and development expenses decreased $20,973 from $58,732 to $37,759. This decrease of $20,973 was primarily attributable to reduced OEM tooling and manufacturing upgrades associated with the factory installation of SIRIUS radios in additional vehicle models offset by higher employment related costs. Share-based payment expense decreased $7,811 primarily due to the timing of third parties achieving certain production milestones.

We expect engineering, design and development expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, to decrease in future periods as we complete the integration of SIRIUS and XM and gain efficiencies in engineering, design and development activities, however such expenses are expected to increase in the aggregate due to inclusion of the full period results of XM.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest and Investment Income.    Interest and investment income includes realized gains and losses, dividends and interest income, including amortization of the premium and discount arising at purchase.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, interest and investment income was $9,079 and $20,570, respectively. The decrease of $11,491 was primarily attributable to lower interest rates in 2008 and a lower cash balance.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, interest and investment income was $20,570 and $33,320, respectively. The decrease of $12,750 was primarily attributable to a lower cash balance in 2007 than 2006 and higher interest rates in 2006.

 

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Interest Expense.    Interest expense includes interest on outstanding debt, reduced by interest capitalized in connection with the construction of our satellites and launch vehicles.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, interest expense was $144,833 and $70,328, respectively, which represents an increase of $74,505. Interest expense increased significantly as a result of the Merger, due to $2,576,512 of additional debt and higher interest rates. Increases in interest expense were partially offset by the capitalized interest associated with satellite construction and related launch vehicle.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, interest expense was $70,328 and $64,032, respectively, an increase of $6,296. The increase was primarily the result of the interest expense associated with the SIRIUS term loan, offset by interest capitalized in 2007 associated with satellite construction and a related launch vehicle.

Loss from redemption of debt.    Loss from redemption of debt includes losses incurred as a result of the conversion of our 2 1/2% Convertible Notes due 2009.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, loss from redemption of debt was $98,203 and $0, respectively.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we did not incur any losses from the redemption of our debt.

Loss on investments.    Loss on investments includes our share of SIRIUS Canada’s and XM Canada’s net losses, and losses recorded from our investment in XM Canada when the fair value was determined to be other than temporary.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: For the year ended December 31, 2008, loss on investment was $30,507 and $0, respectively.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: For the years ended December 31, 2006, loss on investment was $0 and $4,445, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense.    Income tax expense represents the recognition of a deferred tax liability related to the difference in accounting for our FCC licenses, which is amortized over 15 years for tax purposes but not amortized for book purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: We recorded income tax expense of $2,476 and $2,435 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: We recorded income tax expense of $2,435 and $2,065 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007 and for the Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had $380,446 and $438,820, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flow activity for the periods set forth below. All numbers in this subsection are stated in thousands:

 

     2008     2007     2006     2008 vs. 2007     2007 vs. 2006  

Cash flows used in operating activities

   $ (152,797 )   $ (148,766 )   $ (421,702 )   $ (4,031 )   $ 272,936  

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

     728,425       (54,186 )     27,329       782,611       (81,515 )

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities

     (634,002 )     248,351       25,787       (882,353 )     222,564  
                                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (58,374 )     45,399       (368,586 )     (103,773 )     413,985  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     438,820       393,421       762,007       45,399       (368,586 )
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 380,446     $ 438,820     $ 393,421     $ (58,374 )   $ 45,399  
                                        

 

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Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: Net cash used in operating activities increased $4,031 to $152,797 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $148,766 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily the result of a decreased net loss, net of non-cash operating activities of $190,345, offset partially by a decrease in cash provided by working capital of $194,376. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to decreases in cash provided by deferred revenue and accounts payable and accrued expenses.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: Net cash used in operating activities decreased $272,936 to $148,766 for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $421,702 for the year ended December 31, 2006. Such decrease in the net outflows of cash was attributable to the improvement in adjusted income (loss) from operations of $185,730; higher purchase of inventory in 2006 and timing of payments related to programming and distribution arrangements in 2006.

Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: Net cash provided by investing activities was $728,425 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with net cash used in investing activities of $54,186 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The $782,611 increase was primarily due to the inclusion of $819,521 in net cash acquired from XM in the Merger offset partially by increased capital expenditures of $65,287 associated with our satellite construction and launch vehicle.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: Net cash used in investing activities was $54,186 for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared with net cash provided by investing activities of $27,329 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The $81,515 decrease in cash provided was primarily a result of sales of auction rate securities in 2006; $29,444 of Merger related costs incurred in 2007; offset by a decrease in capital expenditures in 2007 of $27,410 associated with our satellite construction and launch vehicle.

We will incur significant capital expenditures to construct and launch our new satellites and to improve our terrestrial repeater network and broadcast and administrative infrastructure. These capital expenditures will support our growth and the resiliency of our operations, and will also support the delivery of future new revenue streams.

Cash (Used In) Provided by Financing Activities

 

   

2008 vs. 2007: Net cash used in financing activities increased $882,353 to $634,002 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from net cash provided by financing activities of $248,351 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Significant financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 included $550,000 in cash proceeds from the issuance of 7% exchangeable senior subordinated notes; $613,400 in cash used to extinguish 99% of the principal and accrued interest on XM’s 9.75% Notes; $203,500 in cash used to extinguish 100% of the principal, accrued interest and prepayment premiums on XM’s Floating Rate Notes; and $309,400 for transponder repurchase obligation, from both debt and equity holders of a consolidated variable interest entity, including a prepayment premium and interest accrued through the date of extinguishment.

 

   

2007 vs. 2006: Net cash provided by financing activities increased $222,564 to $248,351 for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $25,787 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase was a result of additional proceeds, net of related costs and principal repayments, from the SIRIUS term loan entered into in June 2007.

Financings and Capital Requirements

We have historically financed our operations through the sale of debt and equity securities. It will be more difficult to obtain additional financing if prevailing instability in the credit and financial markets continues.

Future Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements

Debt Maturing in 2009 and 2010.    We have approximately $537,000 of debt maturing in 2009 and 2010, including:

 

 

 

at SIRIUS, $1,744 of 8 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes that mature on September 29, 2009;

 

   

at XM Holdings, approximately $227,500 of 10% Convertible Senior Notes that mature on December 1, 2009;

 

   

at XM Holdings and XM (as co-obligors), $33,200 of 10% Senior Secured Discount Convertible Notes that mature on December 31, 2009; and

 

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at XM, a $350,000 credit facility, which is fully drawn and $100,000 of which is due in 2009, $175,000 is due by May 5, 2010 and $75,000 is due in May 2011.

As a result of the May 2010 maturities, our existing cash balances and our cash flows from operating activities may not be sufficient to fund our projected cash needs at that time. We may not be able to access additional sources of refinancing on similar terms or pricing as those that are currently in place, or at all, or otherwise obtain other sources of funding. An inability to access replacement or additional sources of liquidity to fund our cash needs or to refinance or otherwise fund the repayment of our maturing debt could adversely affect our growth, our financial condition, or results of operations, and our ability to make payments on our debt, and could force use to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws. It will be more difficult to obtain additional financing if prevailing instability in credit and financial markets continues.

Since October 1, 2008, we have entered into a series of transactions to improve our liquidity and strengthen our balance sheet, including:

 

 

 

the issuance of an aggregate of 539,611,513 shares of our common stock for $128,412 aggregate principal amount of our 2 1/2% Convertible Notes due 2009;

 

   

the exchange of $172,485 aggregate principal amount of outstanding 10% Convertible Senior Notes due 2009 of XM Holdings for a like principal amount of XM Holdings’ Senior PIK Secured Notes due June 2011; and

 

   

the execution of agreements with Liberty Media Corporation and its affiliate, Liberty Radio LLC, pursuant to which they have invested an aggregate of $350,000 in the form of loans to us, are committed to invest an additional $180,000 in loans to us, and have received a significant equity interest in us.

See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on certain of these transactions.

Credit Agreement with Space Systems/Loral.    In July 2007, SIRIUS amended and restated its Credit Agreement with Space Systems/Loral (the “Loral Credit Agreement”). Under the Loral Credit Agreement, Space Systems/Loral agreed to make loans to SIRIUS in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000 to finance the purchase of SIRIUS’ fifth and sixth satellites. After April 6, 2009, Loral’s commitment will be limited to 80% of amounts due with respect to the construction of our sixth satellite. Loans made under the Loral Credit Agreement will be secured by SIRIUS’ rights under the Satellite Purchase Agreement with Space Systems/Loral, including SIRIUS’ rights to the new satellites. The loans are also entitled to the benefits of a subsidiary guarantee from Satellite CD Radio, Inc., the subsidiary that holds SIRIUS’ FCC license, and any future material subsidiary that may be formed by SIRIUS. The maturity date of the loans is the earliest to occur of (i) June 10, 2010, (ii) 90 days after our sixth satellite becomes available for shipment, and (iii) 30 days prior to the scheduled launch of the sixth satellite. Any loans made under the Loral Credit Agreement generally will bear interest at a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 4.75%. The Loral Credit Agreement permits SIRIUS to prepay all or a portion of the loans outstanding without penalty.

SIRIUS has not requested any loans under the Loral Credit Agreement with Space Systems/Loral. The Loral Credit Agreement contains certain drawing conditions, including the requirement that SIRIUS have a market capitalization of at least $1 billion. As a result of these borrowing conditions, we currently cannot borrow under this facility and in the future we may be limited in our ability to borrow under this facility. We are in discussions with Space Systems/Loral regarding ways in which SIRIUS can realize the financial benefits it expected to receive under the Loral Credit Agreement, including through deferred payments on SIRIUS’ satellite purchase agreements and other concessions, perhaps without drawing under the Loral Credit Agreement.

Operating Liquidity.    Based upon our current plans, and other than our need to refinance our debt maturing in 2010, we believe that both SIRIUS and XM have sufficient cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities to cover the estimated funding needs through cash flow breakeven, the point at which revenues are sufficient to fund expected operating expenses, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, interest payments and taxes. The ability to meet our debt and other obligations depends on our future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive and other factors. We continually review our operations for opportunities to adjust the timing of expenditures to ensure that sufficient resources are maintained. We have the ability and intend to manage the timing and related expenditures of certain of activities, including the launch of satellites, the deferral or payment of bonuses with equity, the deferral of capital projects, as well as the deferral of other discretionary expenses. Our financial projections are based on assumptions, which we believe are reasonable but contain significant uncertainties. There can be no assurance that our plan will be successful.

 

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We are the sole stockholder of XM Holdings and its subsidiaries and its business is operated as an unrestricted subsidiary under the agreements governing our existing indebtedness. Under certain circumstances, SIRIUS may be unwilling or unable to contribute or loan XM capital to support its operations. Similarly, under certain circumstances, XM may be unwilling or unable to contribute or loan SIRIUS capital to support its operations. To the extent XM’s funds are insufficient to support its business, XM may be required to seek additional financing, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. If XM is unable to secure additional financing, its business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Tightening credit policies could also adversely impact our operational liquidity by making it more difficult or costly for our subscribers to access credit, and could have an adverse impact on our operational liquidity as a result of possible changes to our payment arrangements that credit card companies and other credit providers could unilaterally make.

We regularly evaluate our plans and strategy. These evaluations often result in changes to our plans and strategy, some of which may be material and significantly change our cash requirements or cause us to achieve cash flow breakeven at a later date. These changes in our plans or strategy may include: the acquisition of unique or compelling programming; the introduction of new features or services; significant new or enhanced distribution arrangements; investments in infrastructure, such as satellites, equipment or radio spectrum; and acquisitions of third parties that own programming, distribution, infrastructure, assets, or any combination of the foregoing. In addition, our operations will also be affected by the FCC order approving the Merger which imposed certain conditions upon, among other things, our program offerings and our ability to increase prices. Our future liquidity also may be adversely affected by, among other things, the nature and extent of the benefits achieved by operating XM as a wholly-owned unrestricted subsidiary under our existing indebtedness.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are required under the terms of certain agreements to provide letters of credit and deposit monies in escrow, which place restrictions on cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, $141,250 and $53,000, respectively, was classified as restricted investments as a result of obligations under these letters of credit and escrow deposits. In 2009, we released to Major League Baseball and NASCAR an aggregate of $140,000 held in escrow in satisfaction of future obligations under our agreements with them.

We have not entered into any other material off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions.

2003 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan

SIRIUS maintains the Sirius Satellite Radio 2003 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”). Employees, consultants and members of our board of directors are eligible to receive awards under the 2003 Plan. The 2003 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards that the compensation committee of our board of directors may deem appropriate. Vesting and other terms of stock-based awards are set forth in the agreements with the individuals receiving the awards. Stock-based awards granted under the 2003 Plan are generally subject to a vesting requirement. Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive one share of our common stock upon vesting.

As of December 31, 2008, approximately 96,557,000 shares of our common stock were available for grant under the 2003 Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2008, employees exercised 117,442 stock options at exercise prices ranging from $1.45 to $3.36 per share, resulting in proceeds to us of $208.

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

XM Holdings maintains a 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) under which officers, other employees and other key individuals of XM may be granted various types of equity awards, including restricted stock, stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights and other stock awards. Stock option awards under the 2007 Plan generally vest ratably over three years based on continuous service; while restricted stock generally vests ratably over one or three years based on continuous service. Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Grants of equity awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights reduce the number of shares available for future grant by 1.5 times the number of shares granted under such equity awards. In connection with the Merger, the shares available for future grant under the 2007 Plan were adjusted using a conversion factor of 4.6 SIRIUS shares for 1 XM Holdings share. Since the Merger, there

 

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have been no grants of awards from the 2007 Plan. As of December 31, 2008, there were 62,102,063 shares available for future grant under the 2007 Plan.

1998 Shares Award Plan

XM Holdings maintains a 1998 Shares Award Plan (the “1998 Plan”) under which employees, consultants and non-employee directors of XM were granted stock options and restricted stock awards. Stock option awards and restricted stock awards under the 1998 Plan generally vest ratably over three years based on continuous service. Stock option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. The 1998 Plan terminated in June 2008 and shares are no longer available for future grant.

XM Talent Option Plan

XM Holdings maintains a Talent Option Plan (the “Talent Plan”) under which non-employee programming consultants to XM may be granted stock options awards. Stock option awards under the Talent Plan generally vest ratably over three years based on continuous service. Stock option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. In connection with the Merger, the shares available for future grant under the Talent Plan were adjusted using a conversion factor of 4.6 SIRIUS shares for 1 XM share. Since the Merger, there have been no grants of awards from the Talent Plan. As of December 31, 2008, there were 1,564,000 options available under the Talent Plan for future grant.

As of December 31, 2008, approximately 185,368,000 stock options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were outstanding under all of our plans.

Contractual Cash Commitments

For a discussion of our “Contractual Cash Commitments” refer to Note 16 of to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Related Party Transactions

For a discussion of related party transactions, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require 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 revenues and expenses during the periods. We have disclosed all significant accounting policies in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have identified the following policies, which were discussed with the audit committee of our board of directors, as critical to our business and understanding our results of operations.

Fair Value of XM Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed.    On July 28, 2008, our wholly owned subsidiary Vernon Merger Corporation merged (the “Merger”) with and into XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., with XM Holdings becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary. The application of purchase accounting under SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, resulted in the transaction being valued at $5,836,363 and our recording of goodwill acquired totaling $6,601,046.

Long-Lived Assets.    We carry our long-lived assets at cost less accumulated depreciation. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable. At the time an impairment in value of a long-lived asset is identified, the impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. To determine fair value, we employ an expected present value technique, which utilizes multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect the range of possible outcomes and an appropriate discount rate.

In June 2006 we wrote-off $10,917 for the net book value of certain satellite long-lead time parts purchased in 1999 that we will no longer need.

 

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We evaluate our indefinite life intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis in accordance with FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded $4,766,190 of goodwill impairment. At December 31, 2008, our intangible assets with indefinite lives total $2,333,654, and remaining unamortized total basis of our intangible assets with definite lives was $438,671.

Useful Life of Broadcast/Transmission System.    Our satellite system includes the costs of our satellite construction, launch vehicles, launch insurance, capitalized interest, spare satellite, terrestrial repeater network and satellite uplink facility. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, we monitor our satellites for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. The expected useful lives of our three in-orbit SIRIUS satellites were originally 15 years from the date they were placed into orbit. In June 2006, we adjusted the useful lives of two of our in-orbit SIRIUS satellites to 13 years to reflect the unanticipated loss of power from the solar array and the way we intend to operate the constellation. We continue to expect our spare SIRIUS satellite to operate effectively for 15 years from the date of launch. XM Holdings operates four in-orbit satellites, two of which function as in-orbit spares. The two in-orbit spare satellites were launched in 2001 while the other two satellites were launched one in each of 2005 and 2006. We estimate that the XM-3 and XM-4 satellites will meet their fifteen year predicted useful lives, and that XM-1 and XM-2 satellite’s useful lives will end in 2010. XM Holdings is constructing an additional XM satellite which is in storage awaiting its launch.

Our in-orbit satellites have experienced circuit failures on their solar arrays. We continue to monitor the operating condition of our in-orbit satellites. If events or circumstances indicate that the useful lives of our in-orbit satellites have changed, we will modify the depreciable life accordingly. If we were to revise our estimates, our depreciation expense would change, for example, a 10% decrease in the expected useful lives of satellites and spacecraft control facilities during 2008 would result in approximately $12,662 of additional depreciation expense.

Revenue Recognition.    Revenue from subscribers consists of subscription fees; revenue derived from our agreement with Hertz and Avis; non-refundable activation fees; and the effects of rebates.

We recognize subscription fees as our service is provided to a subscriber. We record deferred revenue for prepaid subscription fees and amortize these prepayments to revenue ratably over the term of the respective subscription plan.

At the time of sale, vehicle owners purchasing or leasing a vehicle typically receive a three to twelve month prepaid subscription. We receive payment from certain automakers for these subscriptions in advance of our service being activated. Such prepayments are recorded to deferred revenue and amortized ratably over the service period upon activation and sale to a customer. We also reimburse certain automakers for certain costs associated with the installation of certain satellite radios at the time the vehicle is manufactured. The associated payments to the automakers are included in subscriber acquisition costs. We believe this is the appropriate characterization of our relationship since we are responsible for providing service to our customers including being obligated to the customer if there was interruption of service.

Activation fees are recognized ratably over the estimated term of a subscriber relationship, currently estimated to be 3.5 years. The estimated term of a subscriber relationship is based on market research and management’s judgment and, if necessary, will be refined in the future. If we were to revise our estimate our recognition of activation fees would change, for example, a 10% decrease to the estimated term of a subscriber relationship during 2008 would result in approximately $7,675 of additional activation fees.

As required by Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products), an estimate of rebates that are paid to subscribers is recorded as a reduction to revenue in the period the subscriber activates our service. For certain rebate promotions, a subscriber must remain active for a specified period of time to be considered eligible. In those instances, such estimate is recorded as a reduction to revenue over the required activation period. We estimate the effects of rebates based on actual take-rates for rebate incentives offered in prior periods, adjusted as deemed necessary based on currently available take-rate data. In subsequent periods, estimates are adjusted when necessary. For certain instant rebate promotions, we have recorded the consideration paid by us to the consumer as a reduction to revenue in the period the customer participated in the promotion.

In September 2006, the FASB issued EITF No. 06-01, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Service Provider to Manufacturers or Resellers of Equipment Necessary for an End-Customer to Receive Service from the Service Provider. The Task Force concluded that if consideration given by a service provider to a third-party manufacturer or reseller that is not the service provider’s customer can be linked contractually to the benefit received by the service provider’s customer, a service provider should account for the consideration in accordance with EITF No. 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given by a

 

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Vendor to a Customer. EITF No. 06-01 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2007. We adopted EITF No. 06-01 for the year ended December 31, 2007, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

We recognize revenues from the sale of advertising on some of our non-music channels as the advertising is broadcast. Agency fees are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue. We pay certain third parties a percentage of advertising revenue. Advertising revenue is recorded gross of such revenue share payments in accordance with EITF No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, as we are the primary obligor in the transaction. Advertising revenue share payments are recorded to programming and content expense during the period in which the advertising is broadcast.

Equipment revenue from the direct sale of SIRIUS and XM radios and accessories is recognized upon shipment, net of discounts and rebates. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with shipping goods to customers are recorded to cost of equipment.

EITF No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, provides guidance on how and when to recognize revenues for arrangements that may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are required to be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the arrangement meet certain criteria. Arrangement consideration must be allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values.

We determined that the sale of our service through our direct to consumer channel with accompanying equipment constitutes a revenue arrangement with multiple deliverables. In these types of arrangements, amounts received for equipment are recognized as equipment revenue; amounts received for service are recognized as subscription revenue; and amounts received for the non-refundable, up-front activation fee that are not contingent on the delivery of the service are allocated to equipment revenue. Activation fees are recorded to equipment revenue only to the extent that the aggregate equipment and activation fee proceeds do not exceed the fair value of the equipment. Any activation fees not allocated to the equipment are deferred upon activation and recognized as subscriber revenue on a straight-line basis over the estimated term of a subscriber relationship.

Share-based Payment.    Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method. Our 2005 consolidated results of operations and financial position were not restated under this transition method. The share-based payment expense recognized beginning January 1, 2006 includes compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted to employees and members of our board of directors (i) prior to, but not vested as of, January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value originally estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (ii) subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. Compensation cost under SFAS No. 123R is recognized ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period. SFAS No. 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated on the grant date and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Effective January 1, 2006, we account for such awards at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 123R and SEC guidance contained in Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107. The fair value of equity instruments granted to non-employees is measured in accordance with EITF No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services. The final measurement date of equity instruments with performance criteria is the date that each performance commitment for such equity instrument is satisfied or there is a significant disincentive for non-performance.

Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we continued to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model (“Black-Scholes-Merton”). Black-Scholes-Merton was developed to estimate the fair market value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because our stock-based awards have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the fair market value estimate, the existing option valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our stock-based awards.

Fair value determined using Black-Scholes-Merton varies based on assumptions used for the expected life, expected stock price volatility and risk-free interest rates. We estimated the fair value of awards granted during the years ended

 

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December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 using the implied volatility of actively traded options on our stock. We believe that implied volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility. The expected life assumption represents the weighted-average period stock-based awards are expected to remain outstanding. These expected life assumptions are established through a review of historical exercise behavior of stock-based award grants with similar vesting periods. Where historical patterns do not exist, contractual terms are used. The risk-free interest rate represents the daily treasury yield curve rate at the reporting date based on the closing market bid yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities in the over-the-counter market for the expected term. Our assumptions may change in future periods.

Income Taxes.    We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences related to temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes at each year-end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is established when necessary based on the weight of available evidence, if it is considered more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Income tax expense is the sum of current income tax plus the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

FIN No. 48 requires a company to first determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (defined as a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date, assuming that taxing authorities will examine the position and have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets this more-likely-than-not threshold is then measured and recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority.

Footnotes

 

(1) Average self-pay monthly churn represents the monthly average of self-pay deactivations by the quarter divided by the average self-pay subscriber balance for the quarter.
(2) We measure the percentage of subscribers that receive our service and convert to self-paying after the initial promotion period. We refer to this as the “conversion rate.” At the time of sale, vehicle owners generally receive between three and twelve month prepaid trial subscriptions and we receive a subscription fee from the OEM. Promotional periods generally include the period of trial service plus 30 days to handle the receipt and processing of payments. We measure conversion rate three months after the period in which the trial service ends. Based on our experience it may take up to 90 days after the trial service ends for subscribers to respond to our marketing communications and become self-paying subscribers.
(3) ARPU is derived from total earned subscriber revenue and net advertising revenue, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. ARPU is calculated as follows (in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006

Subscriber revenue

   $ 2,247,334    $ 1,879,766    $ 1,417,222

Net advertising revenue

     69,933      73,340      66,374
                    

Total subscriber and net advertising revenue

   $ 2,317,267    $ 1,953,106    $ 1,483,596
                    

Daily weighted average number of subscribers

     18,373,274      15,342,041      11,428,642

ARPU

   $ 10.51    $ 10.61    $ 10.82

 

(4) SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition is derived from subscriber acquisition costs and margins from the direct sale of radios and accessories, excluding share-based payment expense divided by the number of gross subscriber additions for the period. SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition is calculated as follows (in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Subscriber acquisition cost

   $ 577,140     $ 666,785     $ 676,476  

Less: share-based payment expense granted to third parties and employees

     (14 )     (12,010 )     (31,898 )

Less/Add: margin from direct sales of radios and accessories

     (3,294 )     40,206       35,664  
                        

SAC, as adjusted

   $ 573,832     $ 694,981     $ 680,242  
                        

Gross subscriber additions

     7,710,306       8,077,674       7,629,645  

SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition

   $ 74     $ 86     $ 89  

 

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(5) Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber is derived from total customer service and billing expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber is calculated as follows (in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Customer service and billing expenses

   $ 248,176     $ 220,593     $ 181,333  

Less: share-based payment expense

     (3,981 )     (3,191 )     (2,150 )
                        

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted

   $ 244,195     $ 217,402     $ 179,183  
                        

Daily weighted average number of subscribers

     18,373,274       15,342,041       11,428,642  

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber

   $ 1.11     $ 1.18     $ 1.31  

 

(6) Free cash flow is calculated as follows:

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Net cash used in operating activities

   $ (403,883 )   $ (303,496 )   $ (883,793 )

Additions to property and equipment

     (161,394 )     (198,602 )     (367,693 )

Merger related costs

     (23,519 )     (29,444 )     —    

Restricted and other investment activity

     37,025       26,673       17,051  
                        

Free cash flow

   $ (551,771 )   $ (504,869 )   $ (1,234,435 )
                        

 

(7) Average self-pay monthly churn; conversion rate; ARPU; SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition; customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber; and free cash flow are not measures of financial performance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our operating performance and are used by us for budgetary and planning purposes; when publicly providing our business outlook; as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons; and to compare our performance to that of our competitors. We also believe that investors also use our current and projected metrics to monitor the performance of our business and to make investment decisions.

 

  We believe the exclusion of share-based payment expense in our calculations of SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition and customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber is useful given the significant variation in expense that can result from changes in the fair market value of our common stock, the effect of which is unrelated to the operational conditions that give rise to variations in the components of our subscriber acquisition costs and customer service and billing expenses. Specifically, the exclusion of share-based payment expense in our calculation of SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition is critical in being able to understand the economic impact of the direct costs incurred to acquire a subscriber and the effect over time as economies of scale are reached.

 

  These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may be susceptible to varying calculations; may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies; and should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

(8) We refer to net loss before taxes; other income (expense)-including interest and investment income, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, restructuring and related costs and impairment of goodwill; and share-based payment expense as adjusted income (loss) from operations. Adjusted income (loss) from operations is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP. We believe adjusted income (loss) from operations is a useful measure of our operating performance. We use adjusted income (loss) from operations for budgetary and planning purposes; to assess the relative profitability and on-going performance of our consolidated operations; to compare our performance from period–to-period; and to compare our performance to that of our competitors. We also believe adjusted income (loss) from operations is useful to investors to compare our operating performance to the performance of other communications, entertainment and media companies. We believe that investors use current and projected adjusted income (loss) from operations to estimate our current or prospective enterprise value and to make investment decisions.

 

  Because we fund and build-out our satellite radio system through the periodic raising and expenditure of large amounts of capital, our results of operations reflect significant charges for interest and depreciation expense. We believe adjusted income (loss) from operations provides useful information about the operating performance of our business apart from the costs associated with our capital structure and physical plant. The exclusion of interest and depreciation and amortization expense is useful given fluctuations in interest rates and significant variation in depreciation and amortization expense that can result from the amount and timing of capital expenditures and potential variations in estimated useful lives, all of which can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. We believe the exclusion of taxes is appropriate for comparability purposes as the tax positions of companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. We believe the exclusion of restructuring and related costs and impairment of goodwill is useful given the non-recurring nature of these transactions. We also believe the exclusion of share-based payment expense is useful given the significant variation in expense that can result from changes in the fair market value of our common stock. To compensate for the exclusion of taxes, other income (expense), depreciation and amortization and share-based payment expense, we separately measure and budget for these items.

 

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  There are material limitations associated with the use of adjusted income (loss) from operations in evaluating our company compared with net loss, which reflects overall financial performance, including the effects of taxes, other income (expense), depreciation and amortization, restructuring and related costs, impairment of goodwill and share-based payment expense. We use adjusted income (loss) from operations to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. Investors that wish to compare and evaluate our operating results after giving effect for these costs, should refer to net loss as disclosed in our audited consolidated statements of operations. Since adjusted income (loss) from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, our calculation of adjusted income (loss) from operations may be susceptible to varying calculations; may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies; and should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

  The reconciliation of the pro forma unadjusted net loss to the pro forma adjusted income (loss) from operations is calculated as follows (see footnotes for reconciliation of the pro forma amounts to their respective GAAP amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Reconciliation of net loss to adjusted income (loss) from operations:

      

Net loss

   $ (902,335 )   $ (1,247,633 )   $ (1,823,739 )

Add back net loss items excluded from adjusted income (loss) from operations:

      

Interest and investment income

     (12,092 )     (34,654 )     (54,984 )

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     235,655       186,933       185,336  

Income tax expense

     3,988       1,496       2,051  

Loss from redemption of debt

     98,203       3,693       122,189  

Loss on investments

     43,517       56,156       104,246  

Other expense (income)

     16,142       9,482       (5,921 )
                        

Loss from operations

     (516,922 )     (1,024,527 )     (1,470,822 )

Impairment of parts

     —         —         10,917  

Restructuring and related costs

     10,434       —         —    

Depreciation and amortization

     245,571       293,976       274,629  

Share-based payment expense

     124,619       165,099       505,964  
                        

Adjusted income (loss) from operations

   $ (136,298 )   $ (565,452 )   $ (679,312 )
                        

 

  There are material limitations associated with the use of a pro forma unadjusted results of operations in evaluating our company compared with our GAAP Results of operations, which reflects overall financial performance. We use pro forma unadjusted results of operations to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. Investors that wish to compare and evaluate our operating results after giving effect for these costs, should refer to Results of operations as disclosed in our audited consolidated statements of operations. Since pro forma unadjusted results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, our calculations may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies; and should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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(9) The following tables reconcile our GAAP Results of operations to our non-GAAP pro forma unadjusted results of operations:

 

    Unaudited For the Years Ended December 31, 2008  
    As Reported     Predecessor
Financial
Information
    Purchase Price
Accounting
Adjustments (a)
    Allocation of
Share-based
Payment
Expense
    Pro Forma  

Revenue:

         

Subscriber revenue, including effects of rebates

  $ 1,543,951     $ 664,850     $ 38,533     $ —       $ 2,247,334  

Advertising revenue, net of agency fees

    47,190       22,743       —         —         69,933  

Equipment revenue

    56,001       13,397       —         —         69,398  

Other revenue

    16,850       30,204       3,021       —         50,075  
                                       

Total revenue

    1,663,992       731,194       41,554       —         2,436,740  

Operating expenses (depreciation and amortization shown separately below) (1)

         

Cost of services:

         

Satellite and transmission

    59,279       46,566       424       (7,084 )     99,185  

Programming and content

    312,189       117,156       34,667       (17,374 )     446,638  

Revenue share and royalties

    280,852       166,606       30,504       —         477,962  

Customer service and billing

    165,036       82,947       193       (3,981 )     244,195  

Cost of equipment

    46,091       20,013       —         —         66,104  

Sales and marketing

    231,937       126,054       5,393       (21,088 )     342,296  

Subscriber acquisition costs

    371,343       174,083       31,714       (14 )     577,126  

General and administrative

    213,142       116,444       1,083       (63,637 )     267,032  

Engineering, design and development

    40,496       23,045       400       (11,441 )     52,500  

Impairment of goodwill

    4,766,190       —         (4,766,190 )     —         —    

Depreciation and amortization

    203,752       88,749       (46,930 )     —         245,571  

Share-based payment expense

    —         —         —         124,619       124,619  

Restructuring and related costs

    10,434       —         —         —         10,434  
                                       

Total operating expenses

    6,700,741       961,663       (4,708,742 )     —         2,953,662  
                                       

Loss from operations

    (5,036,749 )     (230,469 )     4,750,296       —         (516,922 )

Other income (expense)

         

Interest and investment income

    9,079       3,013       —         —         12,092  

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

    (144,833 )     (73,937 )     (16,885 )     —         (235,655 )

Loss from redemption of debt

    (98,203 )     —         —         —         (98,203 )

Loss on investments

    (30,507 )     (13,010 )     —         —         (43,517 )

Other (expense) income

    (9,599 )     (6,543 )     —         —         (16,142 )
                                       

Total other expense

    (274,063 )     (90,477 )     (16,885 )     —         (381,425 )
                                       

Loss before income taxes

    (5,310,812 )     (320,946 )     4,733,411       —         (898,347 )

Income tax expense

    (2,476 )     (1,512 )     —         —         (3,988 )
                                       

Net loss

  $ (5,313,288 )   $ (322,458 )   $ 4,733,411     $ —       $ (902,335 )
                                       

 

(1)    Amounts related to share-based payment expense included in operating expenses were as follows:

      

Satellite and transmission

  $ 4,236     $ 2,745     $ 103     $ —       $ 7,084  

Programming and content

    12,148       4,949       277       —         17,374  

Customer service and billing

    1,920       1,869       192       —         3,981  

Sales and marketing

    13,541       7,047       500       —         21,088  

Subscriber acquisition costs

    14       —         —         —         14  

General and administrative

    49,354       13,200       1,083       —         63,637  

Engineering, design and development

    6,192       4,675       574       —         11,441  
                                       

Total share-based payment expense

  $ 87,405     $ 34,485     $ 2,729     $ —       $ 124,619  
                                       

 

(a)    Includes impairment of goodwill.

      

 

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    Unaudited For the Years Ended December 31, 2007  
    As
Reported
    Predecessor
Financial
Information
    Allocation of
Share-based
Payment
Expense
    Pro Forma  

Revenue:

       

Subscriber revenue, including effects of rebates

  $ 854,933     $ 1,024,833     $ —       $ 1,879,766  

Advertising revenue, net of agency fees

    34,192       39,148       —         73,340  

Equipment revenue

    29,281       28,333       —         57,614  

Other revenue

    3,660       44,228       —         47,888  
                               

Total revenue

    922,066       1,136,542       —         2,058,608  

Operating expenses (depreciation and amortization shown separately below) (1)

       

Cost of services:

       

Satellite and transmission

    27,907       81,036       (7,222 )     101,721  

Programming and content

    236,059       183,900       (18,498 )     401,461  

Revenue share and royalties

    146,715       256,344       —         403,059  

Customer service and billing

    93,817       126,776       (3,191 )     217,402  

Cost of equipment

    35,817       62,003       —         97,820  

Sales and marketing

    183,213       269,930       (40,059 )     413,084  

Subscriber acquisition costs

    407,642       259,143       (12,010 )     654,775  

General and administrative

    155,863       188,574       (72,606 )     271,831  

Engineering, design and development

    41,343       33,077       (11,513 )     62,907  

Depreciation and amortization

    106,780       187,196       —         293,976  

Share-based payment expense

    —         —         165,099       165,099  
                               

Total operating expenses

    1,435,156       1,647,979       —         3,083,135  
                               

Loss from operations

    (513,090 )     (511,437 )     —         (1,024,527 )

Other income (expense)

       

Interest and investment income

    20,570       14,084       —         34,654  

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

    (70,328 )     (116,605 )     —         (186,933 )

Loss from redemption of debt

    —         (3,693 )     —         (3,693 )

Loss on investments

    —         (56,156 )     —         (56,156 )

Other (expense) income

    31       (9,513 )     —         (9,482 )
                               

Total other expense

    (49,727 )     (171,883 )     —         (221,610 )
                               

Loss before income taxes

    (562,817 )     (683,320 )     —         (1,246,137 )

Income tax expense

    (2,435 )     939       —         (1,496 )
                               

Net loss

  $ (565,252 )   $ (682,381 )   $ —       $ (1,247,633 )
                               

 

(1) Amounts related to share-based payment expense included in operating expenses were as follows:

 

Satellite and transmission

  $ 2,198     $ 5,024     $ —       $ 7,222  

Programming and content

    9,643       8,855       —         18,498  

Customer service and billing

    708       2,483       —         3,191  

Sales and marketing

    15,607       24,452       —         40,059  

Subscriber acquisition costs

    2,843       9,167       —         12,010  

General and administrative

    44,317       28,289       —         72,606  

Engineering, design and development

    3,584       7,929       —         11,513  
                               

Total share-based payment expense

  $ 78,900     $ 86,199     $ —       $ 165,099  
                               

 

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    Unaudited For the Years Ended December 31, 2006  
    As Reported     Predecessor
Financial
Information
    Allocation of
Share-based
Payment
Expense
    Pro Forma  

Revenue:

       

Subscriber revenue, including effects of rebates

  $ 575,404     $ 841,818     $ —       $ 1,417,222  

Advertising revenue, net of agency fees

    31,044       35,330       —         66,374  

Equipment revenue

    26,798       21,720       —         48,518  

Other revenue

    3,989       34,549       —         38,538  
                               

Total revenue

    637,235       933,417       —         1,570,652  

Operating expenses (depreciation and amortization shown separately below) (1)

       

Cost of services:

       

Satellite and transmission

    41,797       72,068       (8,097 )     105,768  

Programming and content

    520,424       165,196       (332,652 )     352,968  

Revenue share and royalties

    69,918       149,010       —         218,928  

Customer service and billing

    76,462       104,871       (2,150 )     179,183  

Cost of equipment

    35,233       48,949       —         84,182  

Sales and marketing

    203,682       241,942       (30,640 )     414,984  

Subscriber acquisition costs

    451,614       224,862       (31,898 )     644,578  

General and administrative

    129,953       123,309       (80,477 )     172,785  

Engineering, design and development

    70,127       37,428       (20,050 )     87,505  

Depreciation and amortization

    105,749       168,880       —         274,629  

Share-based payment expense

    —         —         505,964       505,964  
                               

Total operating expenses

    1,704,959       1,336,515       —         3,041,474  
                               

Loss from operations

    (1,067,724 )     (403,098 )     —         (1,470,822 )

Other income (expense)

       

Interest and investment income

    33,320       21,664       —         54,984  

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

    (64,032 )     (121,304 )     —         (185,336 )

Loss from redemption of debt

    —         (122,189 )     —         (122,189 )

Loss on investments

    (4,445 )     (99,801 )     —         (104,246 )

Other (expense) income

    79       5,842       —         5,921  
                               

Total other expense

    (35,078 )     (315,788 )     —         (350,866 )
                               

Loss before income taxes

    (1,102,802 )     (718,886 )     —         (1,821,688 )

Income tax expense

    (2,065 )     14       —         (2,051 )
                               

Net loss

  $ (1,104,867 )   $ (718,872 )   $ —       $ (1,823,739 )
                               

(1)    Amounts related to share-based payment expense included in operating expenses were as follows:

      

Satellite and transmission

  $ 2,568     $ 5,529     $ —       $ 8,097  

Programming and content

    321,774       10,878       —         332,652  

Customer service and billing

    812       1,338       —         2,150  

Sales and marketing

    19,543       11,097       —         30,640  

Subscriber acquisition costs

    31,898       —         —         31,898  

General and administrative

    49,928       30,549       —         80,477  

Engineering, design and development

    11,395       8,655       —         20,050  
                               

Total share-based payment expense

  $ 437,918     $ 68,046     $ —       $ 505,964  
                               

 

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(10) ARPU is derived from total earned subscriber revenue and net advertising revenue, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. ARPU is calculated as follows (in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
     For the Three Months Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006

Subscriber revenue

   $ 585,534    $ 499,109    $ 392,211

Net advertising revenue

     15,776      20,571      19,496
                    

Total subscriber and net advertising revenue

   $ 601,310    $ 519,680    $ 411,707
                    

Daily weighted average number of subscribers

     18,910,689      16,629,079      12,679,925

ARPU

   $ 10.60    $ 10.42    $ 10.82

 

(11) SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition is derived from subscriber acquisition costs and margins from the direct sale of radios and accessories, excluding share-based payment expense divided by the number of gross subscriber additions for the period. SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition is calculated as follows (in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Subscriber acquisition cost

   $ 132,731     $ 190,090     $ 191,018  

Less: share-based payment expense granted to third parties and employees

     —         (9,323 )     (1,150 )

Less/Add: margin from direct sales of radios and accessories

     (12,628 )     12,201       16,123  
                        

SAC, as adjusted

   $ 120,103     $ 192,968     $ 205,991  
                        

Gross subscriber additions

     1,713,210       2,336,640       2,292,172  

SAC, as adjusted, per gross subscriber addition

   $ 70     $ 83     $ 90  

 

(12) Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber is derived from total customer service and billing expenses, excluding share-based payment expense, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber is calculated as follows (in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Customer service and billing expenses

   $ 67,906     $ 65,991     $ 54,762  

Less: share-based payment expense

     (870 )     (985 )     (782 )
                        

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted

   $ 67,036     $ 65,006     $ 53,980  
                        

Daily weighted average number of subscribers

     18,910,689       16,629,079       12,679,925  

Customer service and billing expenses, as adjusted, per average subscriber

   $ 1.18     $ 1.30     $ 1.42  

 

(13) Free cash flow is calculated as follows:

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
             2008                     2007                     2006          

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 64,195     $ 30,957     $ 77,908  

Additions to property and equipment

     (27,846 )     (18,954 )     (113,271 )

Merger related costs

     (10,472 )     (6,680 )     —    

Restricted and other investment activity

     —         82       1,575  
                        

Free cash flow

   $ 25,877     $ 5,405     $ (33,788 )
                        

 

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(14) We refer to net loss before taxes; other income (expense)-including interest and investment income, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, restructuring and related costs and impairment of goodwill; and share-based payment expense as adjusted income (loss) from operations. Adjusted income (loss) from operations is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP. We believe adjusted income (loss) from operations is a useful measure of our operating performance. We use adjusted income (loss) from operations for budgetary and planning purposes; to assess the relative profitability and on-going performance of our consolidated operations; to compare our performance from period–to-period; and to compare our performance to that of our competitors. We also believe adjusted income (loss) from operations is useful to investors to compare our operating performance to the performance of other communications, entertainment and media companies. We believe that investors use current and projected adjusted income (loss) from operations to estimate our current or prospective enterprise value and to make investment decisions.

 

  Because we fund and build-out our satellite radio system through the periodic raising and expenditure of large amounts of capital, our results of operations reflect significant charges for interest and depreciation expense. We believe adjusted income (loss) from operations provides useful information about the operating performance of our business apart from the costs associated with our capital structure and physical plant. The exclusion of interest and depreciation and amortization expense is useful given fluctuations in interest rates and significant variation in depreciation and amortization expense that can result from the amount and timing of capital expenditures and potential variations in estimated useful lives, all of which can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. We believe the exclusion of taxes is appropriate for comparability purposes as the tax positions of companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. We believe the exclusion of restructuring and related costs and impairment of goodwill is useful given the non-recurring nature of these transactions. We also believe the exclusion of share-based payment expense is useful given the significant variation in expense that can result from changes in the fair market value of our common stock. To compensate for the exclusion of taxes, other income (expense), depreciation and amortization and share-based payment expense, we separately measure and budget for these items.

 

  There are material limitations associated with the use of adjusted income (loss) from operations in evaluating our company compared with net loss, which reflects overall financial performance, including the effects of taxes, other income (expense), depreciation and amortization, restructuring and related costs, impairment of goodwill and share-based payment expense. We use adjusted income (loss) from operations to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. Investors that wish to compare and evaluate our operating results after giving effect for these costs, should refer to net loss as disclosed in our audited consolidated statements of operations. Since adjusted income (loss) from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, our calculation of adjusted income (loss) from operations may be susceptible to varying calculations; may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies; and should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The reconciliation of the pro forma unadjusted net loss to the pro forma adjusted income (loss) from operations is calculated as follows (See footnotes for reconciliation of the pro forma amounts to their respective GAAP amounts):

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Reconciliation of net loss to adjusted income (loss) from operations:

      

Net loss

   $ (248,468 )   $ (405,041 )   $ (502,321 )

Add back net loss items excluded from adjusted income (loss) from operations:

      

Interest and investment expense (income)

     90       (6,978 )     (10,259 )

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     71,274       48,703       50,285  

Income tax expense

     175       901       1,393  

Loss from redemption of debt

     98,203       728       21,443  

Loss on investments

     27,418       3,768       62,932  

Other expense (income)

     5,664       5,834       (288 )
                        

Loss from operations

     (45,644 )     (352,085 )     (376,815 )

Restructuring and related costs

     2,977       —         —    

Depreciation and amortization

     49,519       75,045       71,538  

Share-based payment expense

     24,945       52,897       68,649  
                        

Adjusted income (loss) from operations

   $ 31,797     $ (224,143 )   $ (236,628 )
                        

There are material limitations associated with the use of a pro forma unadjusted results of operations in evaluating our company compared with our GAAP Results of operations, which reflects overall financial performance. We use pro forma unadjusted results of operations to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. Investors that wish to compare and evaluate our operating results after giving effect for these costs, should refer to results of operations as disclosed in our audited consolidated statements of operations. Since pro forma unadjusted results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, our calculations may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies; and should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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(15) The following tables reconcile our GAAP Results of operations to our non-GAAP pro forma unadjusted results of operations:

 

     Unaudited For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2008  
     As Reported      Purchase Price
Accounting
Adjustments (a)
     Allocation of
Share-based
Payment
Expense
     Pro Forma  

Revenue:

           

Subscriber revenue, including effects of rebates

   $ 565,435      $ 20,099      $ —        $ 585,534  

Advertising revenue, net of agency fees

     15,776        —          —          15,776  

Equipment revenue

     30,712        —          —          30,712  

Other revenue

     10,260        1,826        —          12,086  
                                   

Total revenue

     622,183        21,925        —          644,108  

Operating expenses (depreciation and amortization shown separately below) (1)

           

Cost of services:

           

Satellite and transmission

     24,481        (214 )      (1,416 )      22,851  

Programming and content

     89,214        20,755        (4,754 )      105,215  

Revenue share and royalties

     103,217        19,494        —          122,711  

Customer service and billing

     67,818        88        (870 )      67,036  

Cost of equipment

     18,084        —          —          18,084  

Sales and marketing

     80,699        3,312        (2,299 )      81,712  

Subscriber acquisition costs

     113,512        19,219        —          132,731  

General and administrative

     64,586        306        (13,301 )      51,591  

Engineering, design and development

     12,404        281        (2,305 )      10,380  

Impairment of goodwill

     15,331        (15,331 )      —          —    

Depreciation and amortization

     82,958        (33,439 )      —          49,519  

Share-based payment expense

     —          —          24,945        24,945  

Restructuring and related costs

     2,977        —          —          2,977  
                                   

Total operating expenses

     675,281        14,471        —          689,752  
                                   

Loss from operations

     (53,098 )      7,454        —          (45,644 )

Other income (expense)

           

Interest and investment (expense)

     (90 )      —          —          (90 )

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (61,196 )      (10,078 )      —          (71,274 )

Loss from redemption of debt

     (98,203 )      —          —          (98,203 )

Loss on investments

     (27,418 )      —          —          (27,418 )

Other (expense) income

     (5,664 )      —          —          (5,664 )
                                   

Total other expense

     (192,571 )      (10,078 )      —          (202,649 )
                                   

Loss before income taxes

     (245,669 )      (2,624 )      —          (248,293 )

Income tax expense

     (175 )      —          —          (175 )
                                   

Net loss

   $ (245,844 )    $ (2,624 )    $ —        $ (248,468 )
                                   

 

(1)    Amounts related to share-based payment expense included in operating expenses were as follows:

      

Satellite and transmission

   $ 1,349      $ 67      $ —        $ 1,416  

Programming and content

     4,672        82        —          4,754  

Customer service and billing

     783        87        —          870  

Sales and marketing

     2,165        134        —          2,299  

General and administrative

     12,995        306        —          13,301  

Engineering, design and development

     2,023        282        —          2,305  
                                   

Total share-based payment expense

   $ 23,987      $ 958      $ —        $ 24,945  
                                   

 

(a)    Includes impairment of goodwill.

      

 

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Table of Contents
     Unaudited For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2007  
     As Reported     Predecessor
Financial
Information
    Allocation of
Share-based
Payment
Expense
    Pro Forma  

Revenue:

        

Subscriber revenue, including effects of rebates

   $ 227,658     $ 271,451     $ —       $ 499,109  

Advertising revenue, net of agency fees

     9,770       10,801       —         20,571  

Equipment revenue

     12,065       13,068       —         25,133  

Other revenue

     323       12,379       —         12,702  
                                

Total revenue

     249,816       307,699       —         557,515  

Operating expenses (depreciation and amortization shown separately below) (1)

        

Cost of services:

        

Satellite and transmission

     5,175       20,304       (1,782 )     23,697  

Programming and content

     62,735       51,297       (4,956 )     109,076  

Revenue share and royalties

     56,762       106,779       —         163,541  

Customer service and billing

     29,288       36,703       (985 )     65,006  

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