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 THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 | ||
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO ________ | ||
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-34295
SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 38-3916511 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or 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) | |
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 | The 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o 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 o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(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 o No þ
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of Sirius XM Radio Inc., the predecessor of the registrant, as of June 30, 2013 was $9,917,422,172. 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 January 31, 2014 was 6,097,317,573.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Information included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on Monday, May 19, 2014 is incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this report.
SIRIUS XM HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
2013 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item No. | Description | ||
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K presents information for Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Holdings”) and also contains the financial results of Sirius XM Radio Inc. (“Sirius XM”) on a combined basis. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” as used herein and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries prior to the corporate reorganization described below and to Sirius XM Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries after such corporate reorganization.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
Effective November 15, 2013, we completed a corporate reorganization. As part of the reorganization, Holdings replaced Sirius XM as our publicly held corporation and Sirius XM became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. Holdings was incorporated in the State of Delaware on May 21, 2013. Holdings has no operations independent of its subsidiary Sirius XM.
Sirius XM Radio Inc.
We broadcast music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through our two proprietary satellite radio systems. Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM, over the Internet, including through applications for mobile devices.
As of December 31, 2013, we had 25,559,310 subscribers. Our subscribers include:
• | subscribers under our regular and discounted pricing plans; |
• | subscribers that have prepaid, including payments made or due from automakers for subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a vehicle; |
• | subscribers to our Internet services who do not also have satellite radio subscriptions; and |
• | certain subscribers to our weather, traffic, data and Backseat TV 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 longer term subscription plans as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions. We also derive revenue from activation and other 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 weather, traffic, data and Backseat TV services.
Our satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers; retail locations nationwide; and through our website. We have agreements with every major automaker to offer satellite radios in their vehicles. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain rental car companies.
We are also a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. On November 4, 2013, we purchased the connected vehicle business of Agero, Inc. Our connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle owners while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers. Subscribers to our connected vehicle services are not included in our subscriber count.
Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty Media") beneficially owns, directly and indirectly, over 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Liberty Media owns interests in a broad range of media, communications and entertainment businesses, including its subsidiaries Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. and TruePosition, Inc., its interests in Charter Communications, Live Nation Entertainment and Barnes & Noble, and minority equity investments in Time Warner Inc., Time Warner Cable, and Viacom.
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Recent Development
On January 3, 2014, Holdings' Board of Directors received a non-binding letter from Liberty Media proposing a transaction pursuant to which all outstanding shares of common stock of Holdings not owned by Liberty Media would be converted into the right to receive 0.0760 of a new share of Liberty Series C common stock, which would have no voting rights. Liberty Media indicated that immediately prior to such conversion, Liberty Media intends to distribute, on a 2 to 1 basis, shares of such Series C common stock to all holders of record of Liberty Media's Series A and B common stock. Upon the completion of the proposed transaction, Liberty Media indicated that it expects that Holdings' public stockholders would own approximately 39% of Liberty Media's then-outstanding common stock.
Holdings' Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee of independent directors to consider Liberty Media’s proposal. The Board of Directors has selected Joan L. Amble, James P. Holden and Eddy W. Hartenstein to serve on the Special Committee. The Special Committee is chaired by Mr. Hartenstein.
The Special Committee has retained Evercore Group L.L.C. to act as its financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to act as its legal counsel to assist and advise it in connection with its evaluation of Liberty Media’s proposal.
Liberty Media’s proposal noted that the transaction will be conditioned on the approval of both the Special Committee and a majority of the public stockholders of Holdings, other than Liberty Media. Liberty Media also noted that the approval by the Liberty Media stockholders of the issuance of the Series C common shares in the proposed transaction would also be required under applicable Nasdaq Stock Market requirements.
The letter provides that no legally binding obligation with respect to any transaction exists unless and until mutually acceptable definitive documentation is executed and delivered with respect thereto. There can be no assurance that the transaction proposed by Liberty Media or any related transaction will be completed or, if completed, will have any specified terms, including with respect to pricing or timing.
Programming
We offer a dynamic programming lineup of commercial-free music plus sports, entertainment, talk, news, traffic and weather, including:
• | an extensive selection of music genres, ranging from rock, pop and hip-hop to country, dance, jazz, Latin and classical; |
• | live play-by-play sports from major leagues and colleges; |
• | a multitude of talk and entertainment channels for a variety of audiences; |
• | a wide range of national, international and financial news; and |
• | continuous, local traffic reports for 22 metropolitan markets throughout the United States. |
Our diverse spectrum of programming, including our lineup of exclusive material, is a significant differentiator from terrestrial radio and other audio entertainment providers. We make changes to our programming lineup from time to time as we strive to attract new subscribers and offer content which appeals to a broad range of audiences and to our existing subscribers. The channel line-ups for our services are available at siriusxm.com.
Internet Radio
We stream select music and non-music channels over the Internet. Our Internet service also includes channels and features that are not available on our satellite radio service. Access to our Internet services is offered to subscribers for a fee. We have available products that provide access to our Internet services without the need for a personal computer. We also offer applications to allow consumers to access our Internet services on smartphones and tablet computers.
We also offer two innovative Internet-based products, SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM. SiriusXM On Demand offers our Internet subscribers listening on our online media player and on smartphones the ability to choose their favorite episodes from a catalog of content to listen to whenever they want. Launched in 2013, MySXM permits listeners to personalize our existing commercial-free music and comedy channels to create a more tailored listening experience. Channel-specific sliders allow users to create over 100 variations of each of more than 50 channels by adjusting characteristics like library depth, familiarity, music style, tempo, region, and multiple other channel-specific attributes. SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM are offered to our Internet subscribers at no extra charge.
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Distribution of Radios
Automakers
We distribute satellite radios through the sale and lease of new vehicles. We have agreements with every major automaker to offer satellite radios in their vehicles. Satellite radios are available as a factory or dealer-installed option in substantially all vehicle makes sold in the United States.
Many automakers include a subscription to our radio service in the sale or lease of their new vehicles. In certain 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 new vehicles, including in certain cases hardware costs, engineering expenses and promotional and advertising expenses.
Previously Owned Vehicles
We also acquire subscribers through the sale and lease of previously owned vehicles with factory-installed satellite radios. We have entered into agreements with many automakers to market subscriptions to purchasers and lessees of vehicles which include satellite radios sold through their certified pre-owned programs. We also work directly with franchise and independent dealers on programs for non-certified vehicles.
We have developed systems and methods to identify purchasers and lessees of previously owned vehicles which include satellite radios and have established marketing plans to promote our services to these potential subscribers.
Retail
We sell satellite and Internet radios directly to consumers through our website. Satellite and Internet radios are also marketed and distributed through major national and regional retailers.
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. We continually monitor our infrastructure and regularly evaluate improvements in technology.
Our satellite radio systems have three principal components:
• | satellites, terrestrial repeaters and other satellite facilities; |
• | studios; and |
• | radios. |
Satellites, Terrestrial Repeaters and Other Satellite Facilities
Satellites. We currently own a fleet of ten orbiting satellites, five in the Sirius system, FM-1, FM-2, FM-3, FM-5 and FM-6, and five in the XM system, XM-1, XM-2, XM-3, XM-4 and XM-5. Four of these satellites are currently used as spares, two of which are expected to be de-orbited in 2014 as they reach the end of their useful lives.
Satellite Insurance. We hold in-orbit insurance for our FM-5, FM-6 and XM-5 satellites which will expire in 2014, 2014 and 2015, respectively. We may not renew these in-orbit insurance policies when they expire, as we may consider the premium costs to be uneconomical relative to the risk of satellite failure. These policies provide coverage for a total, constructive total or partial loss of the satellite that occurs prior to expiration of the applicable policy. The insurance does not cover the full cost of constructing, launching and insuring new satellites, nor will it protect us from the adverse effect on business operations due to the loss of a satellite. The policies contain standard commercial satellite insurance provisions, including coverage exclusions. We do not insure satellites for their full expected useful lives as we consider the premium costs to be uneconomical relative to the risk of satellite failure.
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, we have deployed terrestrial repeaters to supplement satellite coverage. We operate approximately 700 terrestrial repeaters as part of our systems across the United States.
Other Satellite Facilities. We control and communicate with our satellites from facilities in North America and maintain earth stations in Panama and Ecuador to control and communicate with several of our Sirius satellites. Our satellites are monitored, tracked and controlled by a third party satellite operator.
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Studios
Our programming originates principally from studios in New York City and Washington D.C., and, to a lesser extent, from smaller studio facilities in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville and Austin. Our New York City offices house our corporate headquarters. Both our New York City and Washington D.C. offices house facilities for programming origination, programming personnel and facilities to transmit programming.
Radios
Radios are manufactured in three principal configurations - as in-dash radios, Dock & Play radios and home or commercial units.
We do not manufacture radios. We have authorized manufacturers and distributors to produce and distribute radios, and have licensed our technology to various electronics manufacturers to develop, manufacture and distribute radios under certain brands. We do manage various aspects of the production of satellite and Internet radios. To facilitate the sale of radios, we may subsidize a portion of the radio manufacturing costs to reduce the hardware price to consumers.
Connected Vehicle Services
We are a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. Our connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle owners while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers. We offer a portfolio of location-based services through two-way wireless connectivity, including safety, security, convenience, maintenance and data services, remote vehicles diagnostics, stolen or parked vehicle locator services, and monitoring of vehicle emission systems.
We entered the connected vehicle services business in 2012 with an agreement with Nissan North America to become the exclusive provider of a comprehensive suite of premium services for Nissan branded vehicles. On November 4, 2013, we purchased the connected vehicle business of Agero, Inc. As a result of this acquisition, our connected vehicle business provides services to several automakers, including Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota. We expect that this acquisition will enhance our presence in connected vehicle services through our businesses’ existing automaker relationships, subscriber base, full-service product offering and technology platform. We also anticipate that this acquisition will better position us to bring innovative connected vehicle services to the global automotive market.
Subscribers to our connected vehicle services are not included in our subscriber count.
Canada
We own approximately 38% of the equity of Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc., the satellite radio provider in Canada. Subscribers to the services offered by Sirius XM Canada are not included in our subscriber count.
Other Services
Commercial Accounts. Our programming is available for commercial establishments. Commercial subscription accounts are available through providers of in-store entertainment solutions and directly from us. Certain commercial subscribers are included in our subscriber count.
Satellite Television Service. Certain of our music channels are offered as part of certain programming packages on the DISH Network satellite television service. Subscribers to the DISH Network satellite television service 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 radio subscription to our services:
Backseat TV. We offer Backseat TV, a service offering television content designed primarily for children, in the backseat of vehicles.
Travel Link. We offer Travel Link, a suite of data services that includes graphical weather, fuel prices, sports schedules and scores and movie listings.
Real-Time Traffic Services. We offer services that provide graphic information as to road closings, traffic flow and incident data to consumers with compatible in-vehicle navigation systems.
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Real-Time Weather Services. We offer several real-time weather services designed for improving situational awareness in vehicle, marine and/or aviation use.
Competition
Satellite Radio
We face significant competition for both listeners and advertisers in our satellite radio business, including providers of radio or other audio services. Our digital competitors are making in-roads into vehicles, where we are currently the prominent alternative to traditional AM/FM radio.
Traditional AM/FM Radio. Our services 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.
Traditional AM/FM radio has a well-established demand for its services and offers free broadcasts paid for by commercial advertising rather than by subscription fees like satellite radio. Many radio stations offer information programming of a local nature, such as local news and sports. The availability of traditional free AM/FM radio reduces the likelihood that customers would be willing to pay for our subscription services and, by offering free broadcasts, it may 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 broadcast digital signals, which have clarity similar to our signals. These stations do not charge a subscription fee for their digital signals but do generally carry advertising. Traditional AM/FM broadcasters are also complementing their HD Radio efforts by aggressively pursuing Internet radio, wireless Internet-based distribution arrangements and data services.
Internet Radio and Internet-Enabled Smartphones. Internet radio services often have no geographic limitations and provide listeners with radio programming from across the country and around the world. Major media companies and online providers, including Apple, Pandora and Clear Channel, make high fidelity digital streams available through the Internet for free or, in some cases, for a fraction of the cost of a satellite radio subscription. These services compete directly with our services, at home, in the automobile, and wherever audio entertainment is consumed.
Smartphones, most of which have the capability of interfacing with vehicles, can play recorded or cached content and access Internet radio via dedicated applications or browsers. These applications are often free to the user and offer music and talk content as long as the user is subscribed to a sufficiently large mobile data plan. Leading audio smartphone radio applications include Pandora, Spotify, iTunes Radio and iheartradio. Certain of these applications also include advanced functionality, such as personalization, and allow the user to access large libraries of content. These services may become integrated into connected cars in the future.
Mobile networks have enabled a steady increase in the audio quality and reliability of mobile Internet radio streaming, and this is expected to further increase as fourth generation networks become the standard. We expect that improvements from higher bandwidths, wider programming selection, and advancements in functionality are likely to continue making Internet radio and smartphone applications an increasingly significant competitor, particularly in vehicles.
Advanced In-Dash Infotainment Systems. Nearly all automakers have deployed or are planning to deploy integrated multimedia systems in dashboards, such as Ford's SYNC, Toyota's Entune, and BMW/Mini's Connected. These systems can combine control of audio entertainment from a variety of sources, including AM/FM/HD radio broadcasts, satellite radio, Internet radio, smartphone applications and stored audio, with navigation and other advanced applications such as restaurant bookings, movie show times and financial information. Internet radio and other data are typically connected to the system via a bluetooth link to an Internet-enabled smartphone, and the entire system may be controlled by touchscreen or voice recognition. These systems enhance the attractiveness of our Internet-based competition by making such applications more prominent, easier to access, and safer to use in the car. Similar systems are also available in the aftermarket and sold through retailers.
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Direct Broadcast Satellite and Cable Audio. A number of providers offer 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.
Other Digital Media Services. The audio entertainment marketplace continues to evolve rapidly, with a steady emergence of new media platforms and portable devices that compete with our services now or that could compete with those services in the future.
Traffic News Services
A number of providers compete with our traffic news services, including ClearChannel and Radiate Media/Cumulus. In addition, in-dash navigation is also being threatened by increasingly capable smartphones that provide data services through a direct vehicle interface. Most of these smartphones offer GPS mapping, often with turn-by-turn navigation.
Connected Vehicle Services
Our connected vehicle services business operates in a highly competitive environment. Our major competitors include Verizon Telematics and Sprint. OnStar, a division of General Motors, also offers connected vehicle services in GM vehicles. We also compete with wireless devices such as mobile phones, carriers of mobile communications and, to a lesser extent, with systems developed internally by automakers. We compete against other connected vehicle service providers for automaker arrangements on the basis of service quality and reliability, technical capabilities and systems customization, scope of service, industry experience, past performance and price.
Government Regulation
As operators of a privately owned satellite system, 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. The FCC's order approving the merger of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Vernon Merger Corporation, with and into XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. in July 2008 (the “Merger”) requires us to comply with certain voluntary commitments we made as part of the FCC Merger proceeding. We believe we comply with those commitments.
In 1997, we were the winning bidders for FCC licenses to operate a satellite digital audio radio service and provide other ancillary services. Our FCC licenses for our Sirius satellites expire in 2017. Our FCC licenses for our XM satellites expire in 2014, 2018 and 2021. 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.
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 established rules governing terrestrial repeaters and has granted us a license to operate our repeater network.
In many cases, we obtain FCC certifications for satellite radios, including satellite radios that include FM modulators. We believe our radios that are in production comply with all applicable FCC rules.
We are required to obtain export licenses from the United States government to export certain ground control equipment, satellite communications/control services and technical data related to our satellites and their operations. The delivery of such equipment, services and technical data 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 licenses or the manner in which we operate.
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Copyrights to Programming
In connection with our satellite radio music programming, we must negotiate and enter into royalty arrangements with two sets of rights holders: Holders of copyrights in musical works (that is, the music and lyrics) and holders of copyrights in sound recordings (that is, the actual recording of a work).
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.
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. Under the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, we may negotiate royalty arrangements with the sound recording copyright owners, or if negotiation is unsuccessful, the royalty rate is established by the Copyright Royalty Board (the “CRB”) of the Library of Congress.
The CRB has issued its determination regarding the royalty rate payable by us under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings over our satellite digital audio radio service, and the making of ephemeral (server) copies in support of such performances, for the five-year period ending on December 31, 2017. Under the terms of the CRB's decision, we will pay a royalty based on gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, of 9.5% for 2014, 10.0% for 2015, 10.5% for 2016, and 11% for 2017. The rate for 2013 was 9.0%.
The revenue subject to royalty includes subscription revenue from our U.S. satellite digital audio radio subscribers and advertising revenue from channels other than those channels that make only incidental performances of sound recordings. Exclusions from revenue subject to the statutory license fee include, among other things, revenue from channels, programming and products or other services offered for a separate charge where such channels make only incidental performances of sound recordings; revenue from equipment sales; revenue from current and future data services (including video and connected vehicle services) offered for a separate charge; intellectual property royalties received by us; credit card, invoice and fulfillment service fees; and bad debt expense. The regulations also allow us to further reduce our monthly royalty fee in proportion to the percentage of our performances that feature pre-1972 recordings (which are not subject to federal copyright protection) as well as those that are licensed directly from the copyright holder, rather than through the statutory license.
To secure the rights to stream music content over the Internet, including to mobile devices, we also must obtain licenses from, and pay royalties to, copyright owners of musical compositions and, in certain cases, sound recordings. We have arrangements with ASCAP, SESAC and BMI to license the musical compositions we stream over the Internet. The licensing of certain sound recordings for use on the Internet is also subject to the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 on terms established by the CRB. In 2013, we paid a per performance rate for the streaming of certain sound recordings on the Internet of $0.00210 per play, which rate will change to $0.00220 per play in 2014 and $0.00240 in 2015. Proceedings to establish rates for the streaming of certain sound recordings on the Internet after 2015, known as the Webcasting IV proceeding, commenced in January 2014 before the CRB.
Trademarks
We have registered, and intend to maintain, the trademark “Sirius”, “XM”, “SiriusXM” and the “Dog design” logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in connection with the services we offer. We are not aware of any material claims of infringement or other challenges to our right to use the “Sirius”, “XM” or “SiriusXM” trademark or the “Dog design” logo in the United States. We also have registered, and intend to maintain, trademarks for the names of certain of our channels. We have also registered the trademarks “Sirius”, “XM”, and the “Dog design” logo in Canada. We have granted a license to use certain of our trademarks in Canada to Sirius XM Canada.
Personnel
As of December 31, 2013, we had 2,195 full-time employees. In addition, we rely upon a number of part-time employees, consultants, other advisors and outsourced relationships. None of our employees are 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 www.siriusxm.com. Our annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
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1934 may be accessed free of charge through our website after we have electronically filed or furnished such material with the SEC. Siriusxm.com (including any other reference to such address in this Annual Report) is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on or accessible from 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 as of January 31, 2014 is provided below:
Name | Age | Position |
James E. Meyer | 59 | Chief Executive Officer |
Scott A. Greenstein | 54 | President and Chief Content Officer |
Dara F. Altman | 55 | Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer |
Stephen Cook | 58 | Executive Vice President, Sales and Automotive |
Patrick L. Donnelly | 52 | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
David J. Frear | 57 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Enrique Rodriguez | 51 | Executive Vice President, Operations and Products |
Katherine Kohler Thomson | 47 | Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer |
James E. Meyer has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2012. From May 2004 to December 2012, Mr. Meyer was our President, Operations and Sales. 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 a member of the executive committee. From 1992 until 1996, Mr. Meyer served as Thomson's Senior Vice President of Product Management. Mr. Meyer is a director of ROVI Corporation.
Scott A. Greenstein has served as our President and 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.
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. 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.
Stephen Cook has served as our Executive Vice President, Sales and Automotive, since January 2013. Mr. Cook served as our Group Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Division, from July 2008 until January 2013. Mr. Cook served as Executive Vice President, Automotive, of XM from July 2006 to July 2008. He also served as XM's Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, from January 2002 until July 2006, and as XM's Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, from February 1999 until January 2002. Prior to joining XM, Mr. Cook was Chief Operating Officer for Conxus Communications. From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Cook held management positions with GTE's cellular operations. Prior to that time, Mr. Cook worked in brand management for Procter & Gamble.
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 1999 to 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. Mr. Frear also served as a director
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of Savvis. From 1993 to 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 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.
Enrique Rodriguez has served as our Executive Vice President, Operations and Products, since January 2013. He served as our Group Vice President from October 2012 until January 2013. Mr. Rodriguez was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco System Inc.'s Service Provider Video Technology Group from May 2010 until December 2011. Mr. Rodriguez served as Corporate Vice President for the TV Division of Microsoft Corp. from June 2006 until April 2010. Prior to heading Microsoft's TV Division, Mr. Rodriguez served as Vice President of Xbox Partnerships for Microsoft. Before joining Microsoft in 2003, Rodriguez spent over 20 years at Thomson/RCA in a variety of engineering and executive roles.
Katherine Kohler Thomson was appointed as our Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, in December 2013. Ms. Thomson was the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Times Media Group from May 2011 until November 2013. She was also the Chief Operating Officer of Tribune Publishing Company, Inc. from April 2013 until November 2013. Ms. Thomson served as Vice President, Business Operations of FLO TV, a division of Qualcomm Incorporated that delivered live television to mobile devices, from September 2009 until May 2011. From September 2008 through September 2009, she was Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at the Los Angeles Times Media Group. She joined the Los Angeles Times Media Group from Energy Innovations, an affordable solar energy provider, where she was Chief Operating Officer from August 2007 until September 2008. Prior to that time, she spent fourteen years in a variety of positions at DIRECTV, culminating in the role of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Operations.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the information under the caption Item 1. Business “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 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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” following this Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We face substantial competition and that competition is likely to increase over time.
We face substantial competition from other providers of radio and other audio services. Our ability to retain and attract subscribers depends on our success in creating and providing popular or unique music, entertainment, news and sports programming. Our subscribers can obtain certain similar content for free through terrestrial radio stations or Internet radio services. Audio content delivered via the Internet, including through mobile devices, is increasingly competitive with our services. In addition, automakers and aftermarket manufacturers have introduced factory-installed radios capable of accessing Internet-delivered audio entertainment and connecting to Internet-delivered content on smartphones. A summary of various services that compete with us is contained in the section entitled “Item 1. Business-Competition” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Competition could result in lower subscription, advertising or other revenue or increase our marketing, promotion or other expenses and, consequently, lower our earnings and free cash flow. We cannot assure you we will be able to compete successfully with our existing or future competitors or that competition will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our ability to attract and retain subscribers in the future is uncertain.
Our ability to retain our subscribers, or increase the number of subscribers to our service, is uncertain and subject to many factors, including:
• | the price of our service; |
• | the health of the economy; |
• | the production and sale of new vehicles in the United States; |
• | the rate at which existing self-pay subscribers buy and sell new and used vehicles in the United States; |
• | our ability to convince owners and lessees of new and previously owned vehicles that include satellite radios to purchase subscriptions to our service; |
• | the effectiveness of our marketing programs; |
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• | the entertainment value of our programming; and |
• | actions by our competitors, such as terrestrial radio and other audio entertainment and information providers. |
As part of our business, we experience, and expect to experience in the future, subscriber turnover (i.e., churn). Some elements of our business strategy may result in churn increasing. For example, our efforts to increase the penetration of satellite radios in new, lower priced vehicle lines may result in the growth of economy-minded subscribers; our work to acquire subscribers purchasing or leasing pre-owned vehicles may attract subscribers of more limited economic means; and our product and marketing efforts may attract more price sensitive subscribers.
If we are unable to retain current subscribers at expected rates, or the costs of retaining subscribers are higher than expected, 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 prepaid promotional subscription to our satellite radio service. We spend substantial amounts on advertising and marketing and in transactions with automakers, retailers and others to obtain and attract subscribers.
Average monthly revenue per subscriber, which we refer to as ARPU, is another key metric we use to analyze our business. Over the past several years, we have focused substantial attention and efforts on balancing ARPU and subscriber additions. Our ability to increase or maintain ARPU over time is uncertain and depends upon various factors, including:
• | the value consumers perceive in our service; |
• | our ability to add and retain compelling programming; |
• | the increasing competition we experience from terrestrial and Internet radio and other audio entertainment and information providers; |
• | our ability to increase prices; and |
• | discounted offers we may make to attract new subscribers and retain existing subscribers. |
Our profitability could be adversely affected if we are unable to consistently attract new subscribers and retain our current subscribers at prices and margins consistent with our past performance.
Our business depends in large part upon the auto industry.
A substantial portion of our subscription growth has come from purchasers and lessees of new and previously owned automobiles in the United States. The sale and lease of vehicles with satellite radios is an important source of subscribers for our satellite radio service. We have agreements with every major automaker to include satellite radios in new vehicles, although these agreements do not require automakers to install specific or minimum quantities of radios in any given period.
Automotive production and sales 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 decline, or the penetration of factory-installed satellite radios in those vehicles is reduced, subscriber growth for our satellite radio services may be adversely impacted.
Sales of previously owned vehicles represent an increasing source of new subscribers for us. We have agreements with various auto dealers and certain companies operating in the used vehicle market to provide us with data on sales of previously owned satellite radio enabled vehicles. The continuing availability of this information is important to our future growth.
General economic conditions can affect our business.
The purchase of a satellite radio subscription is discretionary, and our business and our financial condition can be negatively affected by general economic conditions. Poor general economic conditions can adversely affect subscriber churn, conversion rates and vehicle sales.
Failure of our satellites would significantly damage our business.
The lives of our 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 satellite consumes; and |
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• | damage or destruction by electrostatic storms, collisions with other objects in space or other events, such as nuclear detonations, occurring in space. |
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 we cannot predict if any of these possible future events will have a material adverse effect on our operations or the life of our existing in-orbit satellites. Any material failure of our satellites could cause us to lose customers and could materially harm our reputation and our operating results.
Three of the Sirius in-orbit satellites have experienced degradation on their solar arrays. The degradation these satellites have experienced does not affect current operations. Additional degradation on three Sirius satellites could reduce the estimated lives of those satellites.
Our XM-1 and XM-2 satellites, launched in 2001, experienced progressive degradation problems common to early Boeing 702 class satellites, reached the end of their depreciable lives in 2013 and are expected to be removed from orbit in 2014. Our FM-5 and XM-5 satellites, launched in 2009 and 2010, respectively, have experienced minor degradation on their solar arrays which do not affect current operations. We estimate that our FM-5 and XM-5 satellites will meet their 15-year estimated depreciable lives. Our XM-3 and XM-4 satellites have experienced circuit failures on their solar arrays which do not affect current operations. Additional circuit failures on the satellites could reduce the estimated lives of those satellites. We estimate that our XM-3 satellite, launched in 2005, and our XM-4 satellite, launched in 2006, will meet their 15-year estimated depreciable lives. We estimate that our FM-6 satellite, launched in 2013, will meet its 15-year estimated depreciable life.
Our XM-5 satellite serves as an in-orbit spare for both of our services. In the event of a failure of XM-3, XM-4 or any of the Sirius satellites, service would be maintained through XM-5.
In addition, our Sirius network of terrestrial repeaters communicates with a single third-party satellite. Our XM network of terrestrial repeaters communicates with a single XM satellite. If the satellites communicating with the applicable repeater network fail unexpectedly, the services would be disrupted for several hours or longer.
Interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could negatively impact our results and our brand.
We operate a complex and growing business. We offer a wide variety of subscription packages at different price points. Our business is dependent on the operation and availability of our information technology and communication systems and those of certain third party service providers. Any degradation in the quality, or any failure, of our systems could reduce our revenues, cause us to lose customers and damage our brand. Although we have implemented practices designed to maintain the availability of our information technology systems and mitigate the harm of any unplanned interruptions, we cannot anticipate all eventualities. We occasionally experience unplanned outages or technical difficulties. We could also experience loss of data or processing capabilities, which could cause us to lose customers and could materially harm our reputation and our operating results.
Our data centers and our information technology and communications systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural disasters, malicious attacks, fire, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses or other attempts to harm our systems.
If hackers were able to circumvent our security measures, we could lose proprietary information or personal information or experience significant disruptions. If our systems become unavailable or suffer a security breach, we may be required to expend significant resources to address these problems, including notification under various federal and state data privacy regulations, and our reputation and operating results could suffer.
We rely on internal systems and external systems maintained by manufacturers, distributors and service providers to take, fulfill and handle customer service requests and host certain online activities. Any interruption or failure of our internal or external systems could prevent us from servicing customers or cause data to be unintentionally disclosed.
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If we fail to protect the security of personal information about our customers, we could be subject to costly government enforcement actions and private litigation and our reputation could suffer.
The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of personal information about our subscribers. If we experience a data security breach, we could be exposed to government enforcement actions and private litigation. In addition, our subscribers and potential customers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their personal information, which could cause them to discontinue usage of our services. Such events could lead to lost future sales and adversely affect our results of operations.
Royalties for music rights have increased and there can be no assurance they will not continue to increase in the future.
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, BMI and SESAC through 2016. There can be no assurance that the royalties we pay to ASCAP, SESAC, BMI and other songwriters and music publishers will not increase upon expiration of these arrangements.
Under the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, we also must pay royalties to copyright owners of sound recordings. Those royalty rates may be established through negotiation or, if negotiation is unsuccessful, by the CRB. Owners of copyrights in sound recordings have created SoundExchange, a collective organization, to collect and distribute royalties. SoundExchange is exempt by statute from certain U.S. antitrust laws and exercises significant market power in the licensing of sound recordings. Under the terms of the CRB's decision governing sound recording royalties for the five-year period ending on December 31, 2017, we will pay a royalty based on gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, of 9.5% for 2014, 10.0% for 2015, 10.5% for 2016, and 11% for 2017.
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, including patent infringement suits, class action lawsuits alleging violations of consumer protection statutes, suits seeking compensation for our use of sound recordings fixed prior to 1972 and actions seeking damages for purported violations of the telephone consumer protection act. We are defending all claims against us. The outcome of these proceedings may not be favorable, and an unfavorable outcome may have a material adverse effect on our business or financial results.
We may not realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Agero’s connected vehicle business.
Our business strategy may include selective acquisitions or other strategic initiatives that allow us to expand our business. The success of any acquisition, including our acquisition of Agero’s connected vehicle business, depends upon effective integration of acquired businesses and assets into our operations, which is subject to risks and uncertainties, including realization of any anticipated synergies and cost savings, the ability to retain and attract personnel, the diversion of management’s attention for other business concerns, and undisclosed or potential legal liabilities of the acquired business or assets.
Rapid technological and industry changes could adversely impact our services.
The audio entertainment industry is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent product innovations, changes in customer requirements and expectations, and evolving standards. If we are unable to keep pace with these changes, our business may not succeed. Products using new technologies, or emerging industry standards, could make our technologies less competitive in the marketplace.
Failure of third parties to perform could adversely affect our business.
Our business depends, in part, on various third parties, including:
• | manufacturers that build and distribute satellite radios; |
• | companies that manufacture and sell integrated circuits for satellite radios; |
• | programming providers and on-air talent; |
• | vendors that operate our call centers; |
• | retailers that market and sell satellite radios and promote subscriptions to our services; and |
• | vendors that have designed or built, and vendors that support or operate, other important elements of our systems. |
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If one or more of these third parties do not perform in a satisfactory or timely manner, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, a number of third parties on which we depend have experienced, and may in the future experience, financial difficulties or file for bankruptcy protection. Such third parties may not be able to perform their obligations to us in a timely manner, if at all, as a result of their financial condition or may be relieved of their obligations to us as part of seeking bankruptcy protection.
We design, establish specifications, source or specify parts and components, 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.
Changes in consumer protection laws and their enforcement could damage our business.
We engage in extensive marketing efforts to attract and retain subscribers to our services. We employ a wide variety of communications tools as part of our marketing campaigns, including telemarketing efforts; print, television, radio and online advertising; and email solicitations.
Consumer protection laws, rules and regulations are extensive and have developed rapidly, particularly at the state level. Consumer protection laws in certain jurisdictions cover nearly all aspects of our marketing efforts, including the content of our advertising, the terms of consumer offers and the manner in which we communicate with subscribers and prospective subscribers. We are engaged in considerable efforts to ensure that all our activities comply with federal and state laws, rules and regulations relating to consumer protection, including laws relating to privacy. Modifications to federal and state laws, rules and regulations concerning consumer protection, including decisions by federal and state courts and agencies interpreting these laws, could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain subscribers to our services. While we monitor the changes in and interpretations of these laws in consumer-related settlements and decisions, and while we believe that we are in material compliance with applicable laws, there can be no assurances that new laws or regulations will not be enacted or adopted, preexisting laws or regulations will not be more strictly enforced or that our varied operations will continue to comply with all applicable laws, which might adversely affect our operations.
A Multistate Working Group of 32 State Attorneys General, led by the Attorney General of the State of Ohio, is investigating certain of our consumer practices. The investigation focuses on practices relating to the cancellation of subscriptions; automatic renewal of subscriptions; charging, billing, collecting, and refunding or crediting of payments from consumers; and soliciting customers. Separate investigations into our consumer practices are being conducted by the Attorneys General of the State of Florida and New York.
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 of 1934 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. Noncompliance 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 Congress will not modify the statutory framework governing our services, or 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 and the order of the FCC approving the Merger requires us to meet certain conditions. Non-compliance with these conditions could result in fines, additional license conditions, license revocation or other detrimental FCC actions.
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Other existing or future government laws and regulations could harm our business.
We are subject to many other federal, state and local laws. These laws and regulations cover issues such as user privacy, behavioral advertising, automatic renewal of agreements, pricing, fraud, electronic waste, mobile and electronic device communications, quality of products and services, taxation, advertising, intellectual property rights and information security. The expansion of these laws, both in terms of their number and their applicability, could harm our business. Similarly, new disclosure and reporting requirements, established under existing or new state or federal laws, such as regulatory rules regarding abusive labor practices in portions of our supply chain, could increase the cost of doing business, adversely affecting our results of operations.
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. These changes in our plans or strategy may include: the acquisition or termination 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 other businesses, including acquisitions that are not directly related to our satellite radio business.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our operations and could limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry.
As of December 31, 2013, we had an aggregate principal amount of approximately $3.6 billion of indebtedness and an additional $790.0 million available under our Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. Our indebtedness has important consequences. For example, it:
• | increases our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
• | requires us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, reducing the availability of cash flow to fund capital expenditures, marketing and other general corporate activities; |
• | 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; and |
• | may place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to other competitors. |
Certain of the instruments governing our indebtedness contain covenants that, among other things, place certain limitations on our ability to incur more debt, exceed a specified leverage ratio, pay dividends, make distributions, make 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 associated with our indebtedness 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.
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 our service and harm our business.
Any damage to the satellites that transmit to our terrestrial repeater networks would likely result in degradation of the affected 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 our services until we could transfer operations to suitable back-up facilities.
Holdings’ principal stockholder has significant influence over our management and over actions requiring general stockholder approval and its interests may differ from the interests of other holders of Holdings’ common stock.
Liberty Media beneficially owns over 50% of Holdings’ common stock. Two Liberty Media executives and one other member of the board of directors of Liberty Media are members of Holdings’ board of directors. Gregory B. Maffei, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Media, is the Chairman of Holdings’ board of directors.
As a result, Liberty Media has the ability to indirectly control our affairs, policies and operations, such as the appointment of management, future issuances of common stock or other securities, the payment of dividends, if any, the incurrence of debt, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the entering into of extraordinary transactions, and their interests may not in all cases be aligned with the interests of other stockholders of Holdings. In addition, Liberty Media will be able to
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determine the outcome of all matters requiring general stockholder approval and will be able to cause or prevent a change of control of Holdings or a change in the composition of Holdings’ or our board of directors and could preclude any unsolicited acquisition of our company. The concentration of ownership could deprive Holdings' stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company and might ultimately affect the market price of Holdings common stock.
The transaction proposed by Liberty Media may not occur, may increase the volatility of the market price of Holdings’ common stock and will result in certain costs and expenses.
On January 3, 2014, Holdings’ Board of Directors received a non-binding letter from Liberty Media proposing a transaction pursuant to which all outstanding shares of common stock of Holdings not owned by Liberty Media would be converted into the right to receive new non-voting shares of Liberty Series C common stock.
The letter provides that no legally binding obligation with respect to any transaction exists unless and until mutually acceptable definitive documentation is executed and delivered with respect thereto. There can be no assurance that the transaction proposed by Liberty Media or any related transaction will be completed or, if completed, will have any specified terms.
The market price of Holdings’ common stock may reflect various assumptions as to whether the proposed transaction with Liberty Media will occur. Variations in the market price of Holdings’ common stock may occur as a result of changing assumptions regarding the proposed transaction, independent of changes in our business, financial condition or prospects or changes in general market or economic conditions. As a result, a definitive agreement regarding a transaction, or a failure to reach a definitive agreement regarding a transaction, could result in a significant change in the market price of Holdings’ common stock.
We expect to incur costs in connection with the consideration of Liberty Media’s proposal, including costs of financial and legal advisors to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Holdings and costs associated with legal actions arising out of Liberty Media’s proposal. It is difficult to estimate the aggregate amount of such costs, although they could be substantial.
Holdings is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing rules and, as a result, qualifies for, and relies on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Holdings is a “controlled company” for the purposes of the NASDAQ Stock Market listing rules. As such, Holdings has elected not to comply with certain NASDAQ corporate governance requirements. A majority of the board of directors of Holdings consists of independent directors. Holdings does not have a compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee that consist entirely of independent directors.
Our business may be impaired by third-party intellectual property rights.
Development of our systems has depended upon the intellectual property that we 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 systems or services without liability. In addition, others may challenge, invalidate, render unenforceable or circumvent our intellectual property rights, patents or existing licenses 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 it 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 substitute technologies of lower quality performance standards, at greater cost or on a delayed basis, which could harm us.
Other parties may have patents or pending patent applications, which will later mature into patents or inventions that may block our ability to operate our system or license technologies. We may have to resort to litigation to 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 and 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.
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Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements
We have made various statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be made in our other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, in our press releases and in other documents. In addition, from time to time, we, through our management, may make oral forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those identified above, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The words “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” “projection,” “outlook” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We caution you that the risk factors described above are not exclusive. There may also be other risks that we are unable to predict at this time that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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 |
New York, NY | Office facilities | Lease |
Washington, DC | Office and studio/production facilities | Own |
Washington, DC | Office facilities and data center | Own |
Lawrenceville, NJ | Office and technical/engineering facilities | Lease |
Deerfield Beach, FL | Office and technical/engineering facilities | Lease |
Farmington Hills, MI | Office and technical/engineering facilities | Lease |
Nashville, TN | Studio/production facilities | Lease |
Vernon, NJ | Technical/engineering facilities | Own |
Ellenwood, GA | Technical/engineering facilities | Lease |
Los Angeles, CA | Studio/production facilities | Lease |
Irving, TX | Office and engineering facilities/call center | Lease |
We also own or lease other small facilities that we use as offices for our advertising sales personnel, studios and warehouse and maintenance 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 satellites.
In addition, we lease or license space at approximately 650 locations for use in connection with the terrestrial repeater networks that support our satellite radio services. In general, these leases and licenses are for space on building rooftops and communications towers. None of these individual arrangements are material to our business or operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant or party to various claims and lawsuits, including those discussed below. These claims are at various stages of arbitration or adjudication.
State Consumer Investigations. A Multistate Working Group of 32 State Attorneys General, led by the Attorney General of the State of Ohio, is investigating certain of our consumer practices. The investigation focuses on practices relating
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to the cancellation of subscriptions; automatic renewal of subscriptions; charging, billing, collecting, and refunding or crediting of payments from consumers; and soliciting customers.
A separate investigation into our consumer practices is being conducted by the Attorneys General of the State of Florida and the State of New York. We are cooperating with these investigations and believe our consumer practices comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Other Matters. In the ordinary course of business, we are a defendant in various other lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, including derivative actions; actions filed by subscribers, both on behalf of themselves and on a class action basis; former employees; parties to contracts or leases; and owners of patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property. None of these other actions are, in our opinion, likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Holdings’ common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIRI.” The following table sets forth the high and low per share sales price for Holdings’ common stock, as reported by NASDAQ, for the periods indicated below:
High | Low | |||
Year Ended December 31, 2012 | ||||
First Quarter | $2.36 | $1.80 | ||
Second Quarter | $2.41 | $1.78 | ||
Third Quarter | $2.64 | $1.84 | ||
Fourth Quarter | $3.01 | $2.55 | ||
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||
First Quarter | $3.25 | $2.95 | ||
Second Quarter | $3.63 | $2.95 | ||
Third Quarter | $3.99 | $3.30 | ||
Fourth Quarter | $4.18 | $3.32 | ||
On January 31, 2014, the closing sales price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $3.58 per share. On January 31, 2014, there were approximately 10,271 record holders of our common stock. We effected our corporate reorganization on November 15, 2013.
Dividends
On December 28, 2012, Sirius XM paid a special cash dividend in the amount of $0.05 per share of common stock. This was the first cash dividend ever paid by us. The holders of Sirius XM’s former Series B-1 Preferred Stock participated in this cash dividend on an as-converted basis in accordance with its terms. The total amount of this dividend was approximately $327 million. Sirius XM’s ability to pay dividends is currently limited by covenants under certain of its debt agreements. Holdings’ board of directors has not made any determination whether similar special cash dividends will be paid in the future.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In December 2012, our board of directors approved a $2.0 billion common stock repurchase program. In October 2013, our board of directors approved an additional $2.0 billion common stock repurchase program. Sirius XM’s board of directors did not establish an end date for this stock repurchase program. In connection with the corporate reorganization, this is now a repurchase program of Holdings. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased 520,257,866 shares of Holdings’ common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1.8 billion, which includes commissions and fees. Shares of Holdings’ common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market and in privately negotiated transactions, including in transactions with Liberty Media and its affiliates. The size and timing of these purchases will be based on a number of factors, including price and business and market conditions.
Pursuant to this approval and as part of the share repurchase programs, on October 9, 2013, Sirius XM entered into an agreement with Liberty Media to repurchase $500 million of Holdings’ common stock from Liberty Media through April 2014. In connection with the corporate reorganization, Holdings assumed Sirius XM's obligations under such agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, we repurchased $160 million of Holdings' common stock from Liberty Media as of December 31, 2013. On January 23, 2014, we entered into an amendment to the agreement with Liberty Media to defer the previously scheduled $240 million repurchase of shares of our common stock from Liberty Media from January 27, 2014 to April 25, 2014, the date of the final purchase installment under the agreement. As a result of this deferral, we expect to repurchase $340 million of our shares of common stock from Liberty Media on April 25, 2014 at a price of $3.66 per share. We entered into this amendment at the request of the Special Committee of our board of directors that has been formed to review and evaluate the Liberty Media proposal.
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The following table provides information about our purchases of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the quarter ended December 31, 2013:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share (1) | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) | ||||||||||
October 1, 2013 - October 31, 2013 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 2,397,639,899 | ||||||||
November 1, 2013 - November 30, 2013 | 43,712,265 | $ | 3.66 | 43,712,265 | $ | 2,237,639,895 | ||||||||
December 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 2,237,639,895 | ||||||||
Total | 43,712,265 | $ | 3.66 | 43,712,265 | $ | 2,237,639,895 | ||||||||
(1) | These amounts include fees and commissions associated with the shares repurchased. |
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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, 2008 to December 31, 2013. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2008 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index. A dividend with respect to our common stock was declared in 2012 only.
Stockholder Return Performance Table
NASDAQ Telecommunications Index | S&P 500 Index | Sirius XM Holdings Inc. | ||||
December 31, 2008 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | |||
December 31, 2009 | $148.24 | $123.45 | $500.00 | |||
December 31, 2010 | $154.06 | $139.23 | $1,358.33 | |||
December 31, 2011 | $134.62 | $139.23 | $1,516.67 | |||
December 31, 2012 | $137.31 | $157.90 | $2,408.33 | |||
December 31, 2013 | $170.29 | $204.63 | $2,908.33 | |||
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
(shares in thousands) | Column (a) Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Column (b) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Column (c) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) | |||||||
Plan Category | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 282,694 | $ | 2.43 | 82,806 | ||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — | — | — | |||||||
Total | 282,694 | $ | 2.43 | 82,806 | ||||||
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The operating and balance sheet data included in the following selected financial data for 2013 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Holdings and Sirius XM. Historical operating and balance sheet data included within the following selected financial data for Holdings and Sirius XM from 2009 through 2012 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Sirius XM. This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Holdings and Sirius XM 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” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||
As of and for the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2013 (1) | 2012 (2) | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 (3) | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Comprehensive Income Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 3,799,095 | $ | 3,402,040 | $ | 3,014,524 | $ | 2,816,992 | $ | 2,472,638 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 377,215 | $ | 3,472,702 | $ | 426,961 | $ | 43,055 | $ | (538,226 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) per share – basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.15 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) per share – diluted | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.15 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic | 6,227,646 | 4,209,073 | 3,744,606 | 3,693,259 | 3,585,864 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted | 6,384,791 | 6,873,786 | 6,500,822 | 6,391,071 | 3,585,864 | ||||||||||||||
Cash dividends per share | $ | — | $ | 0.05 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 134,805 | $ | 520,945 | $ | 773,990 | $ | 586,691 | $ | 383,489 | |||||||||
Restricted investments | $ | 5,718 | $ | 3,999 | $ | 3,973 | $ | 3,396 | $ | 3,400 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 8,844,780 | $ | 9,054,843 | $ | 7,495,996 | $ | 7,383,086 | $ | 7,322,206 | |||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion | $ | 3,093,821 | $ | 2,430,986 | $ | 3,012,351 | $ | 3,021,763 | $ | 3,063,281 | |||||||||
Stockholders' equity | $ | 2,745,742 | $ | 4,039,565 | $ | 704,145 | $ | 207,636 | $ | 95,522 | |||||||||
——————
(1) | The selected financial data for 2013 includes the balances and approximately two months of activity related to the acquisition of the connected vehicle business of Agero, Inc. in November 2013. |
(2) | A special cash dividend was paid during 2012. |
(3) | The 2009 results and balances reflect the adoption of ASU 2009-15, Accounting for Own-Share Lending Arrangements in Contemplation of Convertible Debt Issuance or Other Financing. |
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Sirius XM Radio Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||
As of and for the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2013 (1) (2) | 2012 (3) | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 (4) | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Comprehensive Income Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 3,799,095 | $ | 3,402,040 | $ | 3,014,524 | $ | 2,816,992 | $ | 2,472,638 | |||||||||
Net (loss) income attributable to Sirius XM Radio Inc.'s stockholder | $ | (66,494 | ) | $ | 3,472,702 | $ | 426,961 | $ | 43,055 | $ | (538,226 | ) | |||||||
Cash dividends per share | $ | — | $ | 0.05 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 134,805 | $ | 520,945 | $ | 773,990 | $ | 586,691 | $ | 383,489 | |||||||||
Restricted investments | $ | 5,718 | $ | 3,999 | $ | 3,973 | $ | 3,396 | $ | 3,400 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 8,851,496 | $ | 9,054,843 | $ | 7,495,996 | $ | 7,383,086 | $ | 7,322,206 | |||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion | $ | 3,093,821 | $ | 2,430,986 | $ | 3,012,351 | $ | 3,021,763 | $ | 3,063,281 | |||||||||
Stockholder equity | $ | 2,301,346 | $ | 4,039,565 | $ | 704,145 | $ | 207,636 | $ | 95,522 | |||||||||
——————
(1) | The selected financial data for 2013 includes the balances and approximately two months of activity related to the acquisition of the connected vehicle business of Agero, Inc. in November 2013 and the fair value adjustments for debt and equity related instruments. |
(2) | Net income per share for Sirius XM is not presented since Sirius XM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. |
(3) | A special cash dividend was paid during 2012. |
(4) | The 2009 results and balances reflect the adoption of ASU 2009-15, Accounting for Own-Share Lending Arrangements in Contemplation of Convertible Debt Issuance or Other Financing. |
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 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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)
The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” as used herein and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries prior to our corporate reorganization and to Sirius XM Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries after our corporate reorganization.
Executive Summary
We broadcast music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through our two proprietary satellite radio systems. Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM, over the Internet, including through applications for mobile devices.
We have agreements with every major automaker (“OEMs”) to offer satellite radios in their vehicles from which we acquire a majority of our subscribers. We also acquire subscribers through marketing to owners of factory-installed satellite radios that are not currently subscribing to our services. Additionally, we distribute our satellite radios through retail locations nationwide and through our website. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain daily rental car companies.
As of December 31, 2013, we had 25,559,310 subscribers of which 21,081,817 were self-pay subscribers and 4,477,493 were paid promotional 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 subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a vehicle; subscribers to our Internet services who do not also have satellite radio subscriptions; and certain subscribers to our weather, traffic, data and Backseat TV services.
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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 longer term subscription plans as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions. We also derive revenue from activation and other 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 weather, traffic, data and Backseat TV services.
In certain cases, automakers and dealers include a subscription to our radio services in the sale or lease price of new vehicles or previously owned vehicles. The length of these trial subscriptions varies but is typically three to twelve months. We receive subscription payments for these trials from certain automakers. We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with satellite radios installed in new vehicles.
We are also a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. Our connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle owners while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers. Subscribers to our connected vehicle services are not included in our subscriber count.
Liberty Media Corporation beneficially owns, directly and indirectly, over 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Liberty Media owns interests in a broad range of media, communications and entertainment businesses, including its subsidiaries, Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. and TruePosition, Inc., its interests in Charter Communications, Live Nation Entertainment and Barnes & Noble, and minority equity investments in Time Warner Inc., Time Warner Cable, and Viacom.
We also have a 38% equity interest in Sirius XM Canada which offers satellite radio services in Canada. Subscribers to the Sirius XM Canada service are not included in our subscriber count.
Recent Development
On January 3, 2014, Holdings' Board of Directors received a non-binding letter from Liberty Media proposing a transaction pursuant to which all outstanding shares of common stock of Holdings not owned by Liberty Media would be converted into the right to receive 0.0760 of a new share of Liberty Series C common stock, which would have no voting rights. Liberty Media indicated that immediately prior to such conversion, Liberty Media intends to distribute, on a 2 to1 basis, shares of such Series C common stock to all holders of record of Liberty Media's Series A and B common stock. Upon the completion of the proposed transaction, Liberty Media indicated that it expects that Holdings' public stockholders would own approximately 39% of Liberty Media's then-outstanding common stock.
Holdings' Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee of independent directors to consider Liberty Media’s proposal. The Board of Directors has selected Joan L. Amble, James P. Holden and Eddy W. Hartenstein to serve on the Special Committee. The Special Committee is chaired by Mr. Hartenstein.
The Special Committee has retained Evercore Group L.L.C. to act as its financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to act as its legal counsel to assist and advise it in connection with its evaluation of Liberty Media’s proposal.
Liberty Media’s proposal noted that the transaction will be conditioned on the approval of both the Special Committee and a majority of the public stockholders of Holdings, other than Liberty Media. Liberty Media also noted that the approval by the Liberty Media stockholders of the issuance of the Series C common shares in the proposed transaction would also be required under applicable NASDAQ Stock Market requirements.
The letter provides that no legally binding obligation with respect to any transaction exists unless and until mutually acceptable definitive documentation is executed and delivered with respect thereto. There can be no assurance that the transaction proposed by Liberty Media or any related transaction will be completed or, if completed, will have any specified terms, including with respect to pricing or timing.
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Results of Operations
Set forth below are our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared with the year ended December 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with the year ended December 31, 2011.
For the Years Ended December 31, | 2013 vs 2012 Change | 2012 vs 2011 Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subscriber revenue | $ | 3,284,660 | $ | 2,962,665 | $ | 2,595,414 | $ | 321,995 | 11 | % | $ | 367,251 | 14 | % | |||||||||||
Advertising revenue | 89,288 | 82,320 | 73,672 | 6,968 | 8 | % | 8,648 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Equipment revenue | 80,573 | 73,456 | 71,051 | 7,117 | 10 | % | 2,405 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Other revenue | 344,574 | 283,599 | 274,387 | 60,975 | 22 | % | 9,212 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | 3,799,095 | 3,402,040 | 3,014,524 | 397,055 | 12 | % | 387,516 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue share and royalties | 677,642 | 551,012 | 471,149 | 126,630 | 23 | % | 79,863 | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Programming and content | 290,323 | 278,997 | 281,234 | 11,326 | 4 | % | (2,237 | ) | (1 | )% | |||||||||||||||
Customer service and billing | 320,755 | 294,980 | 259,719 | 25,775 | 9 | % | 35,261 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Satellite and transmission | 79,292 | 72,615 | 75,902 | 6,677 | 9 | % | (3,287 | ) | (4 | )% | |||||||||||||||
Cost of equipment | 26,478 | 31,766 | 33,095 | (5,288 | ) | (17 | )% | (1,329 | ) | (4 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Subscriber acquisition costs | 495,610 | 474,697 | 434,482 | 20,913 | 4 | % | 40,215 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 291,024 | 248,905 | 222,773 | 42,119 | 17 | % | 26,132 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Engineering, design and development | 57,969 | 48,843 | 53,435 | 9,126 | 19 | % | (4,592 | ) | (9 | )% | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 262,135 | 261,905 | 238,738 | 230 | — | % | 23,167 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 253,314 | 266,295 | 267,880 | (12,981 | ) | (5 | )% | (1,585 | ) | (1 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 2,754,542 | 2,530,015 | 2,338,407 | 224,527 | 9 | % | 191,608 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 1,044,553 | 872,025 | 676,117 | 172,528 | 20 | % | 195,908 | 29 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | (204,671 | ) | (265,321 | ) | (304,938 | ) | 60,650 | 23 | % | 39,617 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt and credit facilities, net | (190,577 | ) | (132,726 | ) | (7,206 | ) | (57,851 | ) | (44 | )% | (125,520 | ) | nm | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 6,976 | 716 | 73,970 | 6,260 | 874 | % | (73,254 | ) | (99 | )% | |||||||||||||||
Loss on change in value of derivatives | (20,393 | ) | — | — | (20,393 | ) | nm | — | nm | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | 1,204 | (226 | ) | 3,252 | 1,430 | 633 | % | (3,478 | ) | (107 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total other expense | (407,461 | ) | (397,557 | ) | (234,922 | ) | (9,904 | ) | (2 | )% | (162,635 | ) | (69 | )% | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 637,092 | 474,468 | 441,195 | 162,624 | 34 | % | 33,273 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (259,877 | ) | 2,998,234 | (14,234 | ) | (3,258,111 | ) | (109 | )% | 3,012,468 | nm | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 377,215 | $ | 3,472,702 | $ | 426,961 | $ | (3,095,487 | ) | (89 | )% | $ | 3,045,741 | 713 | % | ||||||||||
nm - not meaningful | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Our results of operations discussed below include Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services Inc. activity from the acquisition date, November 4, 2013, as well as the impact of purchase price accounting adjustments associated with the acquisition and the Merger. The purchase price accounting adjustments include: (i) the elimination of deferred revenue associated with the investment in XM Canada, (ii) recognition of deferred subscriber revenues not recognized in purchase price accounting, and (iii) elimination of the benefit of deferred credits on executory contracts, which are primarily attributable to third party arrangements with an OEM and programming providers. The deferred credits on executory contracts attributable to third party arrangements with an OEM included in revenue share and royalties, subscriber acquisition costs, and sales and marketing concluded with the expiration of the acquired contract during 2013. The impact of these purchase price accounting adjustments is detailed in our Adjusted Revenues and Operating Expenses tables on pages 39 through 45 of our glossary.
Total Revenue
Subscriber Revenue includes subscription, activation and other fees.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, subscriber revenue was $3,284,660 and $2,962,665, respectively, an increase of 11%, or $321,995. The increase was primarily attributable to a 9% increase in the daily weighted average number of subscribers, the impact of the increase in certain of our subscription rates beginning in January 2012 as more subscribers migrated to the higher rates, and an increase in subscriptions to premium services, premier channels and Internet streaming, as well as the inclusion of connected vehicle subscription revenue in 2013. These increases were partially offset by subscription discounts offered through customer acquisition and retention programs, and an increasing number of lifetime subscription plans that have reached full revenue recognition. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, subscriber revenue was $2,962,665 and $2,595,414, respectively, an increase of 14%, or $367,251. The increase was primarily attributable to a 9% increase in daily weighted average number of subscribers, the increase in certain of our subscription rates beginning in January 2012, and an increase in subscriptions to premium services, including premier channels, data services and Internet streaming. The increase was partially offset by subscription discounts offered through customer acquisition and retention programs. |
We expect subscriber revenues to increase based on the growth of our subscriber base, including connected vehicle subscribers, promotions, subscription plan mix, and identification of additional revenue streams from subscribers. We increased certain of our subscription rates beginning January 2014.
Advertising Revenue includes the sale of advertising on certain non-music channels, net of agency fees. Agency fees are based on a contractual percentage of the gross advertising revenue.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, advertising revenue was $89,288 and $82,320, respectively, an increase of 8%, or $6,968. The increase was primarily due to a greater number of advertising spots sold and broadcast, as well as increases in rates charged per spot. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, advertising revenue was $82,320 and $73,672, respectively, an increase of 12%, or $8,648. The increase was primarily due to a greater number of advertising spots sold and broadcast, as well as increases in rates charged per spot. |
We expect our advertising revenue to grow as more advertisers are attracted to our national platform and growing subscriber base and as we launch additional non-music channels.
Equipment Revenue includes revenue and royalties from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, equipment revenue was $80,573 and $73,456, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $7,117. The increase was driven by royalties from higher OEM production, the mix of royalty eligible radios and, to a lesser extent, improved aftermarket subsidies. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, equipment revenue was $73,456 and $71,051, respectively, an increase of 3%, or $2,405. The increase was driven by royalties from higher OEM production, offset by lower direct to consumer sales. |
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We expect equipment revenue to fluctuate based on OEM production for which we receive royalty payments for our technology and, to a lesser extent, on the volume and mix of equipment sales in our aftermarket and direct to consumer business.
Other Revenue includes amounts earned from subscribers for the U.S. Music Royalty Fee, revenue from our Canadian affiliate and ancillary revenues.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, other revenue was $344,574 and $283,599, respectively, an increase of 22%, or $60,975. The increase was driven by revenues from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee as the number of subscribers increased and subscribers on the 12.5% rate increased, and higher royalty revenue from Sirius XM Canada. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, other revenue was $283,599 and $274,387, respectively, an increase of 3%, or $9,212. The increase was driven by revenues from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee as the number of subscribers increased, and higher royalty revenue from Sirius XM Canada. |
We expect other revenue to increase as our subscriber base drives higher U.S. Music Royalty Fees and as the revenue of our Canadian affiliate grows.
Operating Expenses
Revenue Share and Royalties include distribution and content provider revenue share, advertising revenue share, and broadcast and web streaming royalties. Advertising revenue share is recognized in revenue share and royalties in the period in which the advertising is broadcast.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, revenue share and royalties were $677,642 and $551,012, respectively, an increase of 23%, or $126,630, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily attributable to greater revenues subject to royalty and/or revenue sharing arrangements and a 12.5% increase in the statutory royalty rate for the performance of sound recordings as well as a decrease in the benefit to earnings from the amortization of deferred credits on executory contracts initially recognized in purchase price accounting associated with the Merger. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, revenue share and royalties were $551,012 and $471,149, respectively, an increase of 17%, or $79,863, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily attributable to greater revenues subject to royalty and/or revenue sharing arrangements and a 7% increase in the statutory royalty rate for the performance of sound recordings, partially offset by an increase in the benefit to earnings from the amortization of deferred credits on executory contracts initially recognized in purchase price accounting associated with the Merger. |
We expect our revenue share and royalty costs to increase as our revenues grow, our royalty rates increase and as a result of the above noted discontinued deferred credits on executory contracts associated with the Merger. As determined by the Copyright Royalty Board's decision, we paid royalties of 9.0%, 8.0% and 7.5% of gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and will pay 9.5% in 2014.
Programming and Content includes costs to acquire, create, promote and produce content. We have entered into various agreements with third parties for music and non-music programming that require us to pay license fees and other amounts.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, programming and content expenses were $290,323 and $278,997, respectively, an increase of 4%, or $11,326, but decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to reductions in the benefit to earnings from purchase price accounting adjustments associated with the Merger attributable to the amortization of the deferred credit on acquired programming executory contracts and increased personnel costs. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, programming and content expenses were $278,997 and $281,234, respectively, a decrease of 1%, or $2,237, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was primarily due to savings in content agreements, partially offset by increases in personnel costs and reductions in the benefit to earnings from purchase price accounting adjustments associated with the Merger attributable to the amortization of the deferred credit on acquired programming executory contracts. |
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Excluding the impact from purchase accounting adjustments, based on our current programming offerings, we expect our programming and content expenses to fluctuate as we offer additional programming, and renew or replace expiring agreements. The impact of purchase price accounting adjustments associated with the Merger attributable to the amortization of the deferred credit on acquired programming executory contracts will continue to decline, in absolute amount and as a percentage of reported programming and content costs, through 2015. Substantially all of the deferred credits on executory contracts were amortized by the end of 2013.
Customer Service and Billing includes costs associated with the operation and management of internal and third party customer service centers, and our subscriber management systems as well as billing and collection costs, transaction fees and bad debt expense.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, customer service and billing expenses were $320,755 and $294,980, respectively, an increase of 9%, or $25,775, but remained flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to efforts to improve our customer service experience, resulting in higher spend on customer service agents, staffing and training, higher subscriber volume driving increased subscriber contacts, increased bad debt expense and higher technology costs. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, customer service and billing expenses were $294,980 and $259,719, respectively, an increase of 14%, or $35,261, but remained flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to longer average handle time per call and higher subscriber volume driving increased subscriber contacts and higher technology costs. |
We expect our customer service and billing expenses to increase as our subscriber base grows and as we attempt to improve the customer service experience for our subscribers.
Satellite and Transmission consists of costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our satellites; satellite telemetry, tracking and control systems; terrestrial repeater networks; satellite uplink facilities; broadcast studios; and delivery of our Internet streaming service.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, satellite and transmission expenses were $79,292 and $72,615, respectively, an increase of 9%, or $6,677, but remained flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to increased costs associated with our Internet streaming operations. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, satellite and transmission expenses were $72,615 and $75,902, respectively, a decrease of 4%, or $3,287, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of satellite in-orbit insurance expense as we elected not to renew insurance policies on certain satellites. |
We expect overall satellite and transmission expenses to increase as we enhance our Internet-based service and add functionality, expand our terrestrial repeater network, and incur in-orbit insurance costs.
Cost of Equipment includes costs from the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories and provisions for inventory allowance attributable to products purchased for resale in our direct to consumer distribution channels.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, cost of equipment was $26,478 and $31,766, respectively, a decrease of 17%, or $5,288, and decreased as a percentage of equipment revenue. The decrease was primarily due to lower average cost per product sold and lower inventory reserves, partially offset by higher direct to consumer volume compared to prior year periods. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, cost of equipment was $31,766 and $33,095, respectively, a decrease of 4%, or $1,329, and decreased as a percentage of equipment revenue. The decrease was primarily due to lower direct to consumer sales, partially offset by higher inventory reserves. |
We expect cost of equipment to vary with changes in sales, supply chain management and inventory valuations.
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Subscriber Acquisition Costs include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers, including subsidies paid to automakers who include a satellite radio and 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; device royalties for certain radios and chip sets; commissions paid to automakers as incentives to purchase, install and activate satellite radios; product warranty obligations; freight; and provisions for inventory allowances attributable to inventory consumed in our OEM and retail distribution channels. The majority of subscriber acquisition costs are incurred and expensed in advance of, or concurrent with, acquiring a subscriber. Subscriber acquisition costs do not include advertising, marketing, loyalty payments to distributors and dealers of satellite radios or revenue share payments to automakers and retailers of satellite radios.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, subscriber acquisition costs were $495,610 and $474,697, respectively, an increase of 4%, or $20,913, but decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily a result of higher subsidies related to increased OEM installations and lower benefit to earnings from the amortization of the deferred credit for acquired executory contracts recognized in purchase price accounting associated with the Merger, partially offset by improved OEM subsidy rates per vehicle. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, subscriber acquisition costs were $474,697 and $434,482, respectively, an increase of 9%, or $40,215, but decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily a result of higher subsidies related to increased OEM installations occurring in advance of acquiring the subscriber, partially offset by improved OEM subsidy rates per vehicle and increases in the benefit to earnings from the amortization of the deferred credit for acquired executory contracts recognized in purchase price accounting associated with the Merger. |
We expect total subscriber acquisition costs to decrease as a result of the expiration of the acquired executory contracts noted above. The decrease will be partially offset by increases in OEM installations and gross subscriber additions. Changes in contractual OEM subsidy rates and the cost of subsidized radio components will also impact total subscriber acquisition costs. We intend to continue to offer subsidies, commissions and other incentives to acquire subscribers.
Sales and Marketing includes costs for advertising, media and production, including promotional events and sponsorships; cooperative marketing; customer acquisition and retention, and personnel. Cooperative marketing costs include fixed and variable payments to reimburse retailers and automakers for the cost of advertising and other product awareness activities performed on our behalf. Customer acquisition and retention costs include expenses related to direct mail, outbound telemarketing and email communications.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, sales and marketing expenses were $291,024 and $248,905, respectively, an increase of 17%, or $42,119, and increased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to additional subscriber communications and retention programs associated with a greater number of subscribers and promotional trials. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, sales and marketing expenses were $248,905 and $222,773, respectively, an increase of 12%, or $26,132, and remained flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to additional subscriber communications and retention programs associated with a greater number of subscribers and promotional trials, and higher OEM cooperative marketing. |
We anticipate that sales and marketing expenses will increase as changes in certain contractual marketing agreements become effective and as we expand programs to retain our existing subscribers, win back former subscribers, and attract new subscribers. We expect the increase in sales and marketing costs to be partially offset by the impact of the expiration of the acquired executory contracts noted above.
Engineering, Design and Development includes costs to develop chip sets and new products and services, research and development for broadcast information systems and costs associated with the incorporation of our radios into new vehicles manufactured by automakers.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, engineering, design and development expenses were $57,969 and $48,843, respectively, an increase of 19%, or $9,126, but remained flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was driven primarily by higher product development costs, costs related to enhanced subscriber features and functionality for our service, and by the reversal of certain non-recurring engineering charges that were recorded in the second quarter of 2012. |
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• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, engineering, design and development expenses were $48,843 and $53,435, respectively, a decrease of 9%, or $4,592, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was driven primarily by a reversal of certain non-recurring engineering charges, partially offset by higher product development costs, costs related to the development of enhanced subscriber features and functionality for our service and higher personnel costs. |
We expect engineering, design and development expenses to increase in future periods as we continue to develop our products and services.
General and Administrative includes executive management, rent and occupancy, finance, legal, human resources, information technology, and insurance costs.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, general and administrative expenses were $262,135 and $261,905, respectively, an increase of less than 1%, or $230, but decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to higher information technology costs, offset by lower legal costs. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, general and administrative expenses were $261,905 and $238,738, respectively, an increase of 10%, or $23,167, but remained flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs, including share-based payment expenses, office rent expenses and professional fees, partially offset by lower litigation settlement charges. |
We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase in future periods as a result of, among other things, enhanced information technology, on-going legal costs and personnel costs to support the growth of our business.
Depreciation and Amortization represents the recognition in earnings of the acquisition cost of assets used in operations, including our satellite constellations, property, equipment and intangible assets, over their estimated service lives.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, depreciation and amortization expense was $253,314 and $266,295, respectively, a decrease of 5%, or $12,981, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was driven by certain satellites reaching the end of their estimated service lives, partially offset by additional assets placed in-service. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, depreciation and amortization expense was $266,295 and $267,880, respectively, a decrease of 1%, or $1,585, and decreased as a percentage of total revenue. The decrease was driven by reductions in the amortization of subscriber relationships and depreciation recognized on assets placed in-service as certain assets reached the end of their estimated service lives. |
We expect depreciation expense to decrease in future periods due to reduced amortization associated with the stepped-up basis in assets acquired in the Merger (including intangible assets, satellites, property and equipment) through the end of their estimated service lives, principally through 2017. These decreases will be partially offset by increased depreciation resulting from our FM-6 satellite being placed into service.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized, includes interest on outstanding debt, reduced by interest capitalized in connection with the construction of satellites and related launch vehicles.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, interest expense was $204,671 and $265,321, respectively, a decrease of 23%, or $60,650. The decrease was primarily due to lower average interest rates resulting from the redemption or repayment of $2,535,500 of higher interest rate debt throughout 2012 and 2013, which was replaced with $2,650,000 of lower interest rate debt. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, interest expense was $265,321 and $304,938, respectively, a decrease of 13%, or $39,617. The decrease was primarily due to a lower average outstanding debt balance and a mix of outstanding debt with lower interest rates. |
We expect interest expense to increase in future periods as total debt outstanding increases and we cease to capitalize interest associated with satellite construction.
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Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Credit Facilities, Net, includes losses incurred as a result of the conversion and retirement of certain debt.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the year ended December 31, 2013, loss on extinguishment of debt and credit facilities, net, was $190,577. The loss in 2013 was recorded on the repayment and redemption of our 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018 and our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2012, a $132,726 loss was recorded on the repayment of our 13% Senior Notes due 2013 and our 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the year ended December 31, 2012, loss on extinguishment of debt and credit facilities, net, was $132,726. The loss was recorded on the repayment of our 13% Senior Notes due 2013 and our 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2011, a $7,206 loss was recorded on the repayment of our 11.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and our 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2011. |
Interest and Investment Income includes realized gains and losses, interest income, and our share of the income of Sirius XM Canada.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the year ended December 31, 2013, interest and investment income was $6,976 compared to $716 in 2012. The interest and investment income for 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to our share of Sirius XM Canada's net income, partially offset by the amortization expense related to our equity method intangible assets. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the year ended December 31, 2012, interest and investment income was $716 compared to $73,970 in 2011. The interest and investment income for 2012 was primarily due to interest on our investments and our share of Sirius XM Canada's net income, partially offset by the amortization expense related to our equity method intangible assets. The interest and investment income for 2011 was primarily due to income from our interests in Sirius XM Canada due to the realized net gain from the XM Canada and Sirius Canada merger in the second quarter of 2011. |
Loss on change in value of derivatives represents the change in fair value of the commitments under the share repurchase agreement with Liberty Media, which are accounted for as a derivative.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the year ended December 31, 2013, net loss on change in value of derivatives was $20,393 which resulted from the change in value of the shares to be repurchased under the share repurchase agreement with Liberty Media. We expect to repurchase approximately 92,889,000 shares of common stock from Liberty Media on April 25, 2014 at a price of $3.66 per share. The value of the derivative will fluctuate based on the movement of our stock price. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not record any losses on change in value of derivatives. |
Income Taxes
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit includes the change in our deferred tax assets, foreign withholding taxes and current federal and state tax expenses.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the year ended December 31, 2013, income tax expense was $259,877 compared to income tax benefit of $2,998,234 for 2012. Our annual effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2013 was 41% primarily as a result of $9,545 of non-deductible expenses related to the loss on change in value of derivatives. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we released $3,195,651 of valuation allowance due to the cumulative positive evidence that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the year ended December 31, 2012, income tax benefit was $2,998,234 compared to income tax expense of $14,234 for 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we released $3,195,651 of valuation allowance due to the cumulative positive evidence that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized. |
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Subscriber Data
The following table contains subscriber data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Subscribers to our connected vehicle services are not included in our subscriber count:
Unaudited | |||||||||
For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Beginning subscribers | 23,900,336 | 21,892,824 | 20,190,964 | ||||||
Gross subscriber additions | 10,136,381 | 9,617,771 | 8,696,020 | ||||||
Deactivated subscribers | (8,477,407 | ) | (7,610,259 | ) | (6,994,160 | ) | |||
Net additions | 1,658,974 | 2,007,512 | 1,701,860 | ||||||
Ending subscribers | 25,559,310 | 23,900,336 | 21,892,824 | ||||||
Self-pay | 21,081,817 | 19,570,274 | 17,908,742 | ||||||
Paid promotional | 4,477,493 | 4,330,062 | 3,984,082 | ||||||
Ending subscribers | 25,559,310 | 23,900,336 | 21,892,824 | ||||||
Self-pay | 1,511,543 | 1,661,532 | 1,221,943 | ||||||
Paid promotional | 147,431 | 345,980 | 479,917 | ||||||
Net additions | 1,658,974 | 2,007,512 | 1,701,860 | ||||||
Daily weighted average number of subscribers | 24,886,300 | 22,794,170 | 20,903,908 | ||||||
Average self-pay monthly churn | 1.8 | % | 1.9 | % | 1.9 | % | |||
New vehicle consumer conversion rate | 44 | % | 45 | % | 45 | % | |||
Note: See pages 39 through 45 for glossary. | |||||||||
Subscribers. At December 31, 2013, we had 25,559,310 subscribers, an increase of 1,658,974 subscribers, or 7%, from the 23,900,336 subscribers as of December 31, 2012.
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, net additions were 1,658,974 and 2,007,512, respectively, a decrease of 17%, or 348,538. The increase in gross subscriber additions was primarily due to increases in new car sales and new subscriptions in previously owned vehicles. These increases were offset in part by a change from a paid trial to an unpaid trial in the fourth quarter of 2013 pursuant to an agreement with an OEM. The increase in deactivated subscribers was due to an increase in paid promotional trial deactivations driven by the growth of paid trial expirations, along with an increase in self-pay deactivations due to an increase in the subscriber base. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, net additions were 2,007,512 and 1,701,860, respectively, an increase of 18%, or 305,652. The improvement was due to the increase in gross subscriber additions, primarily resulting from higher new vehicle shipments and light vehicle sales, as well as an increase in the number of conversions from unpaid promotional trials and returning subscriber activations, including consumers in previously owned vehicles. This increase in gross additions was partially offset by an increase in deactivations. The increase in deactivations was primarily due to paid promotional trial deactivations stemming from the growth of paid trials and increased self-pay deactivations from our larger subscriber base. |
Average Self-pay Monthly Churn is derived by dividing the monthly average of self-pay deactivations for the period divided by the average number of self-pay subscribers for the period. (See accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details.)
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, our average self-pay monthly churn rate was 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively. The decrease was due to a higher mix of existing subscribers migrating to paid trials in new vehicles which are not included in average self-pay churn. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, our average self-pay monthly churn rate was 1.9%. |
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New Vehicle Consumer Conversion Rate is the percentage of owners and lessees of new vehicles that receive our service and convert to become self-paying subscribers after an initial promotional period. The metric excludes rental and fleet vehicles. (See accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details).
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the new vehicle consumer conversion rate was 44% and 45%, respectively. The decrease in the new vehicle consumer conversion rate for the twelve month period was primarily due to the mix of sales by OEMs. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the new vehicle consumer conversion rate was 45%. |
Adjusted Results of Operations
In this section, we present certain financial performance measures that are not calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“Non-GAAP”). These Non-GAAP financial measures include: average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU; customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber; subscriber acquisition cost, or SAC, per gross subscriber addition; free cash flow; and adjusted EBITDA. These measures exclude the impact of certain purchase price accounting adjustments. We use these Non-GAAP financial measures to manage our business, to set operational goals and as a basis for determining performance-based compensation for our employees.
The purchase price accounting adjustments include the elimination of the earnings benefit of deferred revenue associated with our investment in Sirius XM Canada, the recognition of subscriber revenues not recognized in purchase price accounting and the elimination of the earnings benefit of deferred credits on executory contracts, which are primarily attributable to third party arrangements with an OEM and certain programming providers.
We believe the exclusion of share-based payment expense from functional operating expenses is useful given the significant variation in expense that can result from changes in the fair value as determined by the Black-Scholes-Merton model, which varies based on assumptions used for the expected life, expected stock price volatility and risk-free interest rates, the effect of which is unrelated to the operational conditions that give rise to variations in the components of our operating costs.
Free cash flow is a metric that our management and board of directors use to evaluate the cash generated by our operations, net of capital expenditures and other investment activity. In a capital intensive business, with significant investments in satellites, we look at our operating cash flow, net of these investing cash outflows, to determine cash available for future subscriber acquisition and capital expenditures, to repurchase or retire debt, to acquire other companies and to evaluate our ability to return capital to stockholders. We believe free cash flow is an indicator of the long-term financial stability of our business. Free cash flow, which is reconciled to “Net cash provided by operating activities”, is a Non-GAAP financial measure. This measure can be calculated by deducting amounts under the captions "Additions to property and equipment" and deducting or adding Restricted and other investment activity from "Net cash provided by operating activities" from the audited consolidated statements of cash flows. Free cash flow should be used in conjunction with other GAAP financial performance measures and may not be comparable to free cash flow measures presented by other companies. Free cash flow should be viewed as a supplemental measure rather than an alternative measure of cash flows from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow is limited and does not represent remaining cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt maturities. We believe free cash flow provides useful supplemental information to investors regarding our current and projected cash flow, along with other GAAP measures (such as cash flows from operating and investing activities), to determine our financial condition, and to compare our operating performance to other communications, entertainment and media companies.
We believe these Non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations. We believe investors find these Non-GAAP financial performance measures useful in evaluating our core trends because it provides a direct view of our underlying contractual costs. We believe investors use our current and projected adjusted EBITDA to estimate our current or prospective enterprise value and to make investment decisions. By providing these Non-GAAP financial measures, together with the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, we believe we are enhancing investors' understanding of our business and our results of operations.
These Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for or superior to, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable
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to similarly-titled measures by other companies. Please refer to the glossary (pages 39 through 45) for a further discussion of such Non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
The following table contains our key operating metrics based on our adjusted results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively:
Unaudited Adjusted | |||||||||||
For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(in thousands, except for per subscriber amounts) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||
ARPU | $ | 12.27 | $ | 12.00 | $ | 11.58 | |||||
SAC, per gross subscriber addition | $ | 50 | $ | 54 | $ | 55 | |||||
Customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.03 | |||||
Free cash flow | $ | 927,496 | $ | 709,446 | $ | 415,742 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,166,140 | $ | 920,343 | $ | 731,018 | |||||
Note: See pages 39 through 45 for a reconciliation to GAAP in the accompanying glossary. |
ARPU is derived from total earned subscriber revenue, net advertising revenue and other subscription-related revenue, net of purchase price accounting adjustments, divided by the number of months in the period, divided by the daily weighted average number of subscribers for the period. (For a reconciliation to GAAP see the accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details.)
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, ARPU was $12.27 and $12.00, respectively. The increase was driven primarily by the contribution of the U.S. Music Royalty Fee, the impact of the increase in certain of our subscription rates beginning in January 2012, and an increase in subscriptions to premium services, partially offset by subscription discounts offered through customer acquisition and retention programs, and lifetime subscription plans that have reached full revenue recognition. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, ARPU was $12.00 and $11.58, respectively. The increase was driven primarily by the increase in certain of our subscription rates beginning in January 2012, and an increase in subscriptions to premium services, partially offset by subscription discounts offered through customer acquisition and retention programs and a decrease in the contribution from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee. |
SAC, Per Gross Subscriber Addition, is derived from subscriber acquisition costs and margins from the sale of radios, components and accessories, excluding share-based payment expense and purchase price accounting adjustments, divided by the number of gross subscriber additions for the period. (For a reconciliation to GAAP see the accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details.)
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, SAC, per gross subscriber addition, was $50 and $54, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to lower subsidies per vehicle. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, SAC, per gross subscriber addition, was $54 and $55, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to improved OEM subsidy rates per vehicle, partially offset by higher subsidies related to increased OEM installations occurring in advance of acquiring a subscriber. |
Customer Service and Billing Expenses, 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. (For a reconciliation to GAAP see the accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details.)
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, were $1.07. |
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• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, customer service and billing expenses, per average subscriber, were $1.07 and $1.03, respectively. The increase was primarily due to longer average handle time per call and higher technology costs. |
Free Cash Flow includes the net cash provided by operations, additions to property and equipment, and restricted and other investment activity. (For a reconciliation to GAAP see the accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details.)
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, free cash flow was $927,496 and $709,446, respectively, an increase of $218,050. The increase was primarily driven by higher net cash provided by operating activities from improved operating performance, lower interest payments, and higher collections from subscribers and distributors, partially offset by payments related to the launch of our FM-6 satellite and the purchase of certain long-lead parts for a future satellite. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, free cash flow was $709,446 and $415,742, respectively, an increase of $293,704. The increase was primarily driven by higher net cash provided by operating activities from improved operating performance and higher collections from subscribers and distributors, as well as a decrease in capital expenditures resulting from lower satellite and related launch vehicle construction costs. |
Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as net income before interest and investment income (loss); interest expense, net of amounts capitalized; income tax benefit (expense) and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA removes the impact of other income and expense, losses on extinguishment of debt, loss on change in value of derivatives as well as certain other charges, such as goodwill impairment, certain purchase price accounting adjustments and share-based payment expense. (For a reconciliation to GAAP see the accompanying glossary on pages 39 through 45 for more details.)
• | 2013 vs. 2012: For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, adjusted EBITDA was $1,166,140 and $920,343, respectively, an increase of 27%, or $245,797. The increase was primarily due to increases in adjusted revenues, partially offset by increases in expenses included in adjusted EBITDA. The increase in adjusted revenues was primarily due to the increase in our subscriber base and certain of our subscription rates. The increase in expenses was primarily driven by higher revenue share and royalties expenses associated with growth in revenues, sales and marketing costs related to subscriber communications and retention marketing, customer service and billing costs related to increased agent training and staffing as well as subscriber volume and subscriber acquisition costs. |
• | 2012 vs. 2011: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, adjusted EBITDA was $920,343 and $731,018, respectively, an increase of 26%, or $189,325. The increase was primarily due to increases in adjusted revenues, partially offset by increases in expenses included in adjusted EBITDA. The increase in adjusted revenues was primarily due to the increase in our subscriber base and in certain of our subscription rates. The increase in expenses was primarily driven by higher revenue share and royalties expenses associated with growth in revenues, subscriber acquisition costs related to increased gross subscriber additions and subsidies related to increased OEM installations, customer service and billing costs related to longer average handle times and higher subscriber volume, and sales and marketing costs related to subscriber communications and cooperative marketing, partially offset by lower programming and content costs. |
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2012 and Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2011.
As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $134,805 and $520,945, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents. The following table presents a summary of our cash flow activity for the periods set forth below:
For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2013 vs. 2012 | 2012 vs. 2011 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,102,832 | $ | 806,765 | $ | 543,630 | $ | 296,067 | $ | 263,135 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (700,688 | ) | (97,319 | ) | (127,888 | ) | (603,369 | ) | 30,569 | ||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (788,284 | ) | (962,491 | ) | (228,443 | ) | 174,207 | (734,048 | ) | ||||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (386,140 | ) | (253,045 | ) | 187,299 | (133,095 | ) | (440,344 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 520,945 | 773,990 | 586,691 | (253,045 | ) | 187,299 | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 134,805 | $ | 520,945 | $ | 773,990 | $ | (386,140 | ) | $ | (253,045 | ) | |||||||
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $296,067 to $1,102,832 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $806,765 for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Our largest source of cash provided by operating activities is generated by subscription and subscription-related revenues. We also generate cash from the sale of advertising on certain non-music channels and the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities include revenue share and royalty payments to distributors and content providers, and payments to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers. In addition, uses of cash from operating activities include payments to vendors to service, maintain and acquire subscribers, general corporate expenditures, and compensation and related costs.
Cash provided by operating activities consists of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt, share-based payment expense, deferred income taxes and other non-cash purchase price adjustments.
The adjustments for the non-cash items increased from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013 due to the $3,195,651 non-cash change in deferred tax valuation allowance reversal during 2012.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities consists of capital expenditures for property and equipment, as well as the investment in the connected vehicle business purchased from Agero, Inc. We expect to continue to incur significant costs to improve our terrestrial repeater network and broadcast and administrative infrastructure. Our FM-6 satellite was launched during the fourth quarter of 2013.
The increase in cash flows used in investing activities was primarily due to the investment in Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services Inc., satellite launch-related payments, an increase in spending to enhance our terrestrial repeater network, and the purchase of certain long-lead parts for a future satellite.
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities consists of the issuance and repayment of long-term debt and related party debt, cash flows resulting from the exercise of stock options and the purchase of common stock under our share repurchase program. Proceeds from long-term debt, related party debt and equity issuances have been used to fund our operations, acquire the connected vehicle business of Agero, Inc., construct and launch new satellites and invest in other infrastructure improvements.
Cash flows used in financing activities in 2013 were primarily due to the repurchase of approximately 520,257,866 shares of common stock under our share repurchase program for approximately $1,762,360, and the redemption of $800,000 of
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our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2015 and $700,000 of our 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018. In 2013, we issued $650,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2020, $600,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021, $500,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2020, and $500,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023. Cash flows used in financing activities during 2012 were due to the repayment of the remaining balances of $778,500 of our 13% Senior Notes due 2013 and $257,000 of our 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, partially offset by the issuance $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 and the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options.
Future Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements
Based upon our current business plans, we expect to fund operating expenses, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, interest payments, taxes and scheduled maturities of our debt with existing cash, cash flow from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility. We believe that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents as well as debt capacity to cover our estimated short-term and long-term funding needs, stock repurchases and strategic opportunities.
Our 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 regularly evaluate our business plans and strategy. These evaluations often result in changes to our business plans and strategy, some of which may be material and significantly change our cash requirements. These changes in our business 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, including acquisitions that are not directly related to our satellite radio business.
Stock Repurchase Program
Since December 2012, our board of directors has approved $4,000,000 for repurchases of our common stock. Our board of directors did not establish an end date for this stock repurchase program. Shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market and in privately negotiated transactions, including transactions with Liberty Media and its affiliates.
On October 9, 2013, we entered into an agreement with Liberty Media to repurchase $500 million of our common stock from Liberty Media. Pursuant to the agreement with Liberty Media, we repurchased $160 million of our common stock from Liberty Media as of December 31, 2013. On January 23, 2014, we entered into an amendment to the agreement with Liberty Media to defer the previously scheduled $240 million repurchase of shares of our common stock from Liberty Media from January 27, 2014 to April 25, 2014, the date of the final purchase installment under the agreement. As a result of this deferral, we expect to repurchase $340 million of our shares of common stock from Liberty Media on April 25, 2014 at a price of $3.66 per share. We entered into this amendment at the request of the Special Committee of our board of directors that has been formed to review and evaluate the Liberty Media proposal.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased 520,257,866 shares of our common stock for $1,762,360, including fees and commissions, on the open market and in privately negotiated transactions, including transactions with Liberty Media. All common stock repurchases were settled and retired as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, $2,237,640 remained available under our stock repurchase program. We expect to fund future repurchases through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and future borrowings.
Debt Covenants
Our indentures and the agreement governing our Credit Facility include restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the indentures and the agreement governing our Credit Facility. For a discussion of our “Debt Covenants,” refer to Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements other than those disclosed in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Contractual Cash Commitments
For a discussion of our “Contractual Cash Commitments,” refer to Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Related Party Transactions
For a discussion of “Related Party Transactions,” refer to Note 11 to our 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 GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods. Accounting estimates require the use of significant management assumptions and judgments as to future events, and the effect of those events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates will change as new events occur, more experience is acquired and more information is obtained. We evaluate and update our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and use outside experts to assist in that evaluation when we deem necessary. We have disclosed all significant accounting policies in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Our annual impairment assessment of our single reporting unit is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year. Assessments are performed at other times if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. Step one of the impairment assessment compares the fair value of the entity to its carrying value and if the fair value exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying value of goodwill; an impairment loss will be recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. At the date of our annual assessment for 2013, the fair value of our single reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value and therefore was not at risk of failing step one of ASC 350-20, Goodwill. Subsequent to our annual evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill, there were no events or circumstances that triggered the need for an interim evaluation for impairment. As a result, there were no impairment charges to our goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.
Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets. We carry our long-lived assets at cost less accumulated amortization and depreciation. 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 the 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.
Our annual impairment assessment of indefinite-lived assets, our FCC licenses and XM trademark, is performed as of the fourth quarter of each year and an assessment is made at other times if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, establishes an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset exceeds its carrying value, a company is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. If the qualitative assessment does not support the fair value of the asset, then a quantitative assessment is performed. During the fourth quarter of 2013, a qualitative impairment analysis was performed and we determined that the fair value of our FCC licenses and trademark substantially exceeded the carrying value and therefore was not at risk of impairment. Our qualitative assessment includes the consideration of our long-term financial projections, current and historical weighted average cost of capital and liquidity factors, legal and regulatory issues and industry and market pressures. Subsequent to our annual evaluation of the carrying value of our long-lived assets, there were no events or circumstances that triggered the need for an impairment evaluation.
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There were no changes in the carrying value of our indefinite life intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Useful Life of Broadcast/Transmission System. Our satellite system includes the costs of our satellite construction, launch vehicles, launch insurance, capitalized interest, spare satellites, terrestrial repeater network and satellite uplink facilities. We monitor our satellites for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable.
We operate five in-orbit Sirius satellites, FM-1, FM-2, FM-3, FM-5 and FM-6. Our FM-1 and FM-2 satellites were launched in 2000 and reached the end of their depreciable lives in 2013, but are still in operation. We estimate that our FM-3, FM-5 and FM-6 satellites, launched in 2000, 2009 and 2013, respectively, will operate effectively through the end of their depreciable lives in 2015, 2024 and 2028, respectively. We operate five in-orbit XM satellites, XM-1, XM-2, XM-3, XM-4 and XM-5, three of which function as in-orbit spares. Our XM-1 and XM-2 in-orbit spare satellites launched in 2001 reached the end of their depreciable lives in 2013 and are expected to be removed from orbit in 2014. We estimate that our third in-orbit spare satellite, XM-5, launched in 2010 and our two other XM satellites, XM-3, launched in 2005, and XM-4, launched in 2006, will meet their 15-year estimated depreciable lives.
Certain of 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 depreciable 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 depreciable lives of satellites and spacecraft control facilities during 2013 would have resulted in approximately $24,395 of additional depreciation expense.
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, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. In determining the period in which related tax benefits are realized for book purposes, excess share-based compensation deductions included in net operating losses are realized after regular net operating losses are exhausted; excess tax compensation benefits are recorded off-balance sheet as a memo entry until the period the excess tax benefit is realized through a reduction of taxes payable. A valuation allowance is recognized when, based on the weight of all available evidence, 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.
As of December 31, 2013, we had a valuation allowance of $7,831 relating to deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized due to certain state net operating loss limitations.
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Glossary
Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA is defined as net income before interest and investment income (loss); interest expense, net of amounts capitalized; income tax expense and depreciation and amortization. We adjust EBITDA to remove the impact of other income and expense, loss on extinguishment of debt, loss on change in value of derivatives as well as certain other charges discussed below. This measure is one of the primary Non-GAAP financial measures on which we (i) evaluate the performance of our businesses, (ii) base our internal budgets and (iii) compensate management. Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure that excludes (if applicable): (i) certain adjustments as a result of the purchase price accounting for the Merger, (ii) depreciation and amortization and (iii) share-based payment expense. The purchase price accounting adjustments include: (i) the elimination of deferred revenue associated with the investment in XM Canada, (ii) recognition of deferred subscriber revenues not recognized in purchase price accounting, and (iii) elimination of the benefit of deferred credits on executory contracts, which are primarily attributable to third party arrangements with an OEM and programming providers. We believe adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of the underlying trend of our operating performance, which provides useful information about our business apart from the costs associated with our physical plant, capital structure and purchase price accounting. We believe investors find this Non-GAAP financial measure useful when analyzing our results and comparing our operating performance to the performance of other communications, entertainment and media companies. We believe investors use current and projected adjusted EBITDA to estimate our current and 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 depreciation expense. The exclusion of depreciation and amortization expense is useful given significant variation in depreciation and amortization expense that can result from the potential variations in estimated useful lives, all of which can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. 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 value as determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton model which varies based on assumptions used for the expected life, expected stock price volatility and risk-free interest rates.
Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations in that it does not take into account the impact to our statements of comprehensive income of certain expenses, including share-based payment expense and certain purchase price accounting for the Merger. We endeavor to compensate for the limitations of the Non-GAAP measure presented by also providing the comparable GAAP measure with equal or greater prominence and descriptions of the reconciling items, including quantifying such items, to derive the Non-GAAP measure. Investors that wish to compare and evaluate our operating results after giving effect for these costs, should refer to net income as disclosed in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Since adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure, our calculation of adjusted EBITDA 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 net income to the adjusted EBITDA is calculated as follows (in thousands):
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Unaudited | |||||||||||
For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
Net income (GAAP): | $ | 377,215 | $ | 3,472,702 | $ | 426,961 | |||||
Add back items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA: | |||||||||||
Purchase price accounting adjustments: | |||||||||||
Revenues (see pages 41-43) | 7,251 | 7,479 | 10,910 | ||||||||
Operating expenses (see pages 41-43) | (207,854 | ) | (289,278 | ) | (277,258 | ) | |||||
Share-based payment expense, net of purchase price accounting adjustments | 68,876 | 63,822 | 53,369 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (GAAP) | 253,314 | 266,295 | 267,880 | ||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (GAAP) | 204,671 | 265,321 | 304,938 | ||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt and credit facilities, net (GAAP) | 190,577 | 132,726 | 7,206 | ||||||||
Interest and investment (income) (GAAP) | (6,976 | ) | (716 | ) | (73,970 | ) | |||||
Loss on change in value of derivatives (GAAP) | 20,393 | — | — | ||||||||
Other (income) loss (GAAP) | (1,204 | ) | 226 | (3,252 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) (GAAP) | 259,877 | (2,998,234 | ) | 14,234 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,166,140 | $ | 920,343 | $ | 731,018 | |||||
Adjusted Revenues and Operating Expenses - We define this Non-GAAP financial measure as our actual revenues and operating expenses adjusted to exclude the impact of certain purchase price accounting adjustments and share-based payment expense. We use this Non-GAAP financial measure to manage our business, to set operational goals and as a basis for determining performance-based compensation for our employees. The following tables reconcile our actual revenues and operating expenses to our adjusted revenues and operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
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Unaudited For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | As Reported | Purchase Price Accounting Adjustments | Allocation of Share-based Payment Expense | Adjusted | |||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Subscriber revenue | $ | 3,284,660 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,284,660 | |||||||
Advertising revenue | 89,288 | — | — | 89,288 | |||||||||||
Equipment revenue | 80,573 | — | — | 80,573 | |||||||||||
Other revenue | 344,574 | 7,251 | — | 351,825 | |||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 3,799,095 | $ | 7,251 | $ | — | $ | 3,806,346 | |||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||
Cost of services: | |||||||||||||||
Revenue share and royalties | $ | 677,642 | $ | 122,534 | $ | — | $ | 800,176 | |||||||
Programming and content | 290,323 | 8,033 | (7,584 | ) | 290,772 | ||||||||||
Customer service and billing | 320,755 | — | (2,219 | ) | 318,536 | ||||||||||
Satellite and transmission | 79,292 | — | (3,714 | ) | 75,578 | ||||||||||
Cost of equipment | 26,478 | — | — | 26,478 | |||||||||||
Subscriber acquisition costs | 495,610 | 64,365 | — | 559,975 | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 291,024 | 12,922 | (14,792 | ) | 289,154 | ||||||||||
Engineering, design and development | 57,969 | — | (7,405 | ) | 50,564 | ||||||||||
General and administrative | 262,135 | — | (33,162 | ) | 228,973 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (a) | 253,314 | — | — | 253,314 | |||||||||||
Share-based payment expense | — | — | 68,876 | 68,876 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses | $ | 2,754,542 | $ | 207,854 | $ | — | $ | 2,962,396 | |||||||
(a) Purchase price accounting adjustments included above exclude the incremental depreciation and amortization associated with the $785,000 stepped up basis in property, equipment and intangible assets as a result of the Merger. The increased depreciation and amortization for December 31, 2013 was $47,000. | |||||||||||||||
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Unaudited For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | As Reported | Purchase Price Accounting Adjustments | Allocation of Share-based Payment Expense | Adjusted | |||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Subscriber revenue | $ | 2,962,665 | $ | 228 | $ | — | $ | 2,962,893 | |||||||
Advertising revenue | 82,320 | — | — | 82,320 | |||||||||||
Equipment revenue | 73,456 | — | — | 73,456 | |||||||||||
Other revenue | 283,599 | 7,251 | — | 290,850 | |||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 3,402,040 | $ | 7,479 | $ | — | $ | 3,409,519 | |||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||
Cost of services: | |||||||||||||||
Revenue share and royalties | $ | 551,012 | $ | 146,601 | $ | — | $ | 697,613 | |||||||
Programming and content | 278,997 | 37,346 | (6,120 | ) | 310,223 | ||||||||||
Customer service and billing | 294,980 | — | (1,847 | ) | 293,133 | ||||||||||
Satellite and transmission | 72,615 | — | (3,329 | ) | 69,286 | ||||||||||
Cost of equipment | 31,766 | — | — | 31,766 | |||||||||||
Subscriber acquisition costs | 474,697 | 90,503 | — | 565,200 | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 248,905 | 14,828 | (10,310 | ) | 253,423 | ||||||||||
Engineering, design and development | 48,843 | — | (6,238 | ) | 42,605 | ||||||||||
General and administrative | 261,905 | — | (35,978 | ) | 225,927 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (a) | 266,295 | — | — | 266,295 | |||||||||||
Share-based payment expense | — | — | 63,822 | 63,822 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses | $ | 2,530,015 | $ | 289,278 | $ | — | $ | 2,819,293 | |||||||
(a) Purchase price accounting adjustments included above exclude the incremental depreciation and amortization associated with the $785,000 stepped up basis in property, equipment and intangible assets as a result of the Merger. The increased depreciation and amortization for December 31, 2012 was $53,000. | |||||||||||||||
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Unaudited For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | As Reported | Purchase Price Accounting Adjustments | Allocation of Share-based Payment Expense | Adjusted | |||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Subscriber revenue | $ | 2,595,414 | $ | 3,659 | $ | — | $ | 2,599,073 | |||||||
Advertising revenue | 73,672 | — | — | 73,672 | |||||||||||
Equipment revenue | 71,051 | — | — | 71,051 | |||||||||||
Other revenue | 274,387 | 7,251 | — | 281,638 | |||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 3,014,524 | $ | 10,910 | $ | — | $ | 3,025,434 | |||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||
Cost of services: | |||||||||||||||
Revenue share and royalties | $ | 471,149 | $ | 126,941 | $ | — | $ | 598,090 | |||||||
Programming and content | 281,234 | 49,172 | (6,212 | ) | 324,194 | ||||||||||
Customer service and billing | 259,719 | 18 | (1,502 | ) | 258,235 | ||||||||||
Satellite and transmission | 75,902 | 313 | (2,678 | ) | 73,537 | ||||||||||
Cost of equipment | 33,095 | — | — | 33,095 | |||||||||||
Subscriber acquisition costs | 434,482 | 85,491 | — | 519,973 | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 222,773 | 15,233 | (8,193 | ) | 229,813 | ||||||||||