Liberty Interactive Corporation Reports First Quarter 2014 Financial Results

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty”) (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB, LVNTA, LVNTB) today reported first quarter 2014 results. Highlights include(1):

Attributed to Liberty Interactive Group

  • Grew QVC US revenue by 1% and adjusted OIBDA(2) by 3% in the first quarter
    • QVC US operating income increased by 3%
    • QVC.com revenue as a percent of total US revenue increased to 45%, a 327 bps increase
    • QVC US mobile penetration was 37% of QVC.com orders
  • Repurchased $224 million LINTA shares from February 1 to April 30, 2014

Attributed to Liberty Ventures Group

  • Reported strong first quarter results at TripAdvisor
    • Increased 2014 revenue guidance to high 20%/low 30% range
    • EBITDA expected to grow at same percentage as total revenue
  • Completed two-for-one stock split of the Liberty Ventures stock on April 11, 2014
  • Filed S-1 related to proposed spin-off of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings with the SEC on May 6, 2014

“QVC expanded adjusted OIBDA margins in the US. On the international front, QVC posted very strong results in the UK, experienced rapid growth in its China joint venture, adding over 10 million homes in the quarter, and announced QVC France, with an expected launch in the summer of 2015. We continue to progress with the creation of the Liberty Digital Commerce Group tracking stock and expect to file the S-4 with the SEC shortly," stated Greg Maffei, Liberty President and CEO. “And at Liberty Ventures, we filed the S-1 related to the Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings spin-off with the SEC on May 6th.”

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE GROUP - Liberty Interactive Group's revenue increased 1% to $2.4 billion in the first quarter, adjusted OIBDA declined 1% to $431 million and operating income decreased 6% to $244 million. The increase in revenue was due to favorable results at QVC. The decline in adjusted OIBDA was primarily due to unfavorable results at the eCommerce companies.

QVC

QVC's consolidated revenue increased 1% in the first quarter to $2.0 billion. During the same period, adjusted OIBDA increased 2% to $412 million and operating income remained flat at $260 million.

“We achieved solid first quarter results, with the U.S. market expanding profitability in the midst of a difficult retail environment,” said Mike George, President and CEO of QVC. “We attribute part of this to QVC’s high-quality, differentiated product offering and our ability to know what customers want, when they want it. We look forward to bringing this expertise, as well as our engaging multi platform shopping experience, to the French market."

QVC's US revenue increased 1% to $1.3 billion in the first quarter primarily as a result of strength in all categories except electronics. Average selling price per unit (“ASP”) increased 1% from $60.51 to $60.89 and units sold increased 1% compared to the prior year first quarter. Returns as a percent of gross product revenue increased by 106 basis points due to higher rates in electronics, home and accessories. In the same period, eCommerce revenue increased 8% to $590 million and grew to 45% from 42% as a percentage of total US revenue. Adjusted OIBDA increased 3% to $301 million and adjusted OIBDA margin(2) increased 63 basis points in the first quarter. Adjusted OIBDA margin increased primarily due to higher product margins.

QVC's international revenue in US Dollars increased 1% in the first quarter to $681 million. The first quarter results included the negative impact of the strengthening of the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen, which was somewhat offset by the weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro and the UK Pound Sterling. Adjusted OIBDA decreased 2% to $111 million and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 39 basis points in the first quarter.

QVC Japan's revenue grew 2% in local currency in the first quarter due primarily to growth in the jewelry, home and beauty categories, partially offset by declines in accessories. QVC Japan’s ASP in local currency increased 1% and units sold increased 1% in the first quarter. QVC Japan’s first quarter returns as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency improved by 57 basis points due primarily to lower return rates in jewelry, beauty and accessories. QVC Japan’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency decreased 2% and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 100 basis points in the first quarter. The decrease in adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily applicable to higher programming distribution expenses and lower product margins.

QVC Germany's revenue decreased 4% in local currency in the first quarter due to sales declines in all categories. QVC Germany's ASP in local currency decreased 3% and units sold decreased 3% in the first quarter. QVC Germany's first quarter return rate as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency improved by 208 basis points from the prior year due primarily to changes in prior period estimates based on actual experience, and to a lesser extent, lower rates in all categories except electronics. QVC Germany’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency decreased 12% and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 160 basis points for the first quarter. Adjusted OIBDA margin decreased primarily due to lower product margins and higher temporary operational services expenses associated with the implementation of a new customer relations management system, offset by a decrease in fixed costs as a result of a prior year personnel tax accrual.

QVC UK's revenue grew 10% in local currency in the first quarter primarily due to sales in the home, beauty and accessories categories. QVC UK's ASP in local currency increased 12% and units sold decreased 3% in the first quarter. QVC UK's first quarter return rate as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency improved by 165 basis points from the prior year due primarily to changes in prior period estimates based on actual experience and lower rates in electronics and beauty. QVC UK’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency increased 32% and adjusted OIBDA margin increased 279 basis points in the first quarter. The increase in adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily due to higher product margins and warehouse efficiencies.

QVC Italy's revenue increased 2% in local currency in the first quarter primarily due to sales in the beauty and accessories categories, partially offset by declines in home. QVC Italy's ASP in local currency increased 3% and units sold remained flat in the first quarter. QVC Italy's first quarter return rate as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency increased by 30 basis points from the prior year. QVC Italy’s adjusted OIBDA deficit in local currency improved by 21% and adjusted OIBDA margin improved by 343 basis points in the first quarter. The increase in adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily due to lower freight costs associated with the new third-party logistics center and lower rent as a result of the purchase of its existing headquarters in the first quarter.

CNRS, QVC’s joint venture in China, experienced a revenue increase of 27% in local currency in the first quarter. In the same period, CNRS’ adjusted OIBDA deficit was flat primarily due to higher programming distribution and fixed costs. This joint venture is being accounted for as an equity method investment, and as a result, QVC reported a $1 million reduction in net income for the first quarter.

QVC's outstanding bank and bond debt was $3.9 billion at March 31, 2014, an increase of $0.2 billion since December 31, 2013. On March 18, 2014, QVC issued $400 million principal amount of 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at 99.828% and $600 million principal amount of 4.850% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 at 99.927%. The net proceeds from the offerings were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

eCommerce Businesses

In the aggregate, Liberty Interactive Group's eCommerce businesses' revenue was flat at $461 million for the first quarter. Winter storm Pax, which occurred around Valentine's Day, negatively affected operations at Provide Commerce's businesses, including causing delivery issues. This contributed to the revenue weakness in the quarter. Additionally, Backcountry.com and Bodybuilding.com experienced low first quarter demand for their products. Adjusted OIBDA decreased 41% to $23 million. The decrease in adjusted OIBDA was due to increased technology and personnel costs at the subsidiaries to support anticipated revenue growth which did not materialize in the first quarter, slightly lower product margins during the period, somewhat due to increased packaging costs, and increased marketing spend in the first quarter that did not yield anticipated sales. Operating income decreased $20 million to a loss of $1 million. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to the items discussed above as well as higher stock-based compensation during the quarter and slightly higher amortization and depreciation.

On October 10, 2013, Liberty announced that its board had authorized management to pursue a plan to recapitalize its Liberty Interactive Group tracking stock into two new tracking stocks, one (currently the Liberty Interactive common stock) to be renamed the QVC Group common stock and the other to be designated as the Liberty Digital Commerce common stock. The Liberty Digital Commerce Group would have attributed to it Liberty's subsidiaries Provide Commerce, Backcountry.com, Bodybuilding.com, CommerceHub, Right Start, and Evite, which is currently a part of Liberty's subsidiary Celebrate Interactive, along with cash and certain liabilities. The QVC Group, which is currently known as the Liberty Interactive Group, would have attributed to it Liberty’s subsidiary QVC, Inc. and its approximate 38% interest in HSN, Inc., along with cash and certain liabilities. Management continues to review the proposed recapitalization and no assurance can be given as to when or if it will be completed.

Share Repurchases

From February 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014, Liberty repurchased approximately 7.9 million Series A Liberty Interactive shares (Nasdaq: LINTA) at an average cost per share of $28.54 for total cash consideration of $224.1 million. Since the creation of the Liberty Interactive stock in May 2006, Liberty has repurchased approximately 237.9 million shares at an average cost per share of $20.29 for aggregate cash consideration of $4.8 billion. These repurchases represent approximately 33.9% of the shares outstanding at the time of creation of the Liberty Interactive stock. All repurchases up to August 9, 2012, the date on which the Liberty Interactive stock was recapitalized to create the Liberty Ventures stock, were comprised of shares of the combined stocks. The total remaining repurchase authorization for Liberty Interactive Group stock is approximately $873 million.

Liberty Interactive Group holds controlling interests in companies that are engaged in digital commerce, including QVC, Provide Commerce, Backcountry.com, Bodybuilding.com, Celebrate Interactive, CommerceHub, and also owns an interest in HSN.

LIBERTY VENTURES GROUP - As of March 31, 2014, the fair value of the public equity method securities and other public holdings attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group was $2.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. When compared to December 31, 2013, the fair value of Liberty Ventures Group's public equity method securities decreased 1%. The Liberty Ventures Group's other public holdings balance decreased 3% primarily due to changes in market prices of certain securities during the third quarter.

On October 10, 2013, Liberty announced that its board had also authorized management to pursue a plan to spin-off to holders of its Liberty Ventures common stock shares of a newly formed company to be called Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings (“Trip Holdings”). Trip Holdings would be comprised of, among other things, Liberty’s 22% economic and 57% voting interest in TripAdvisor, as well as the retail business BuySeasons which is currently a part of Celebrate Interactive, and an anticipated initial corporate level net debt balance of $350 million. On May 6, 2014, Trip Holdings filed a registration statement with the SEC for this spin-off. For TripAdvisor's stand-alone operating results as reported by TripAdvisor, see TripAdvisor's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

On February 27, 2014, Liberty's board approved a two-for-one stock split of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, effected by means of a dividend. The stock split was done in order to bring Liberty into compliance with a Nasdaq listing requirement regarding the minimum number of publicly held shares of the Series B Liberty Ventures common stock. In the stock split, a dividend was paid on April 11, 2014 of one share of Series A or Series B Liberty Ventures common stock to holders of each share of Series A or Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, respectively, held by them as of 5:00 p.m., E.D.T. time, on April 4, 2014. Due to the Liberty Ventures common stock split being completed prior to the issuance of our first quarter financial statements the stock split was recorded retroactively for all periods presented.

Share Repurchases

There were no repurchases of Liberty Ventures Group common stock (Nasdaq: LVNTA) from February 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014. The Liberty Ventures Group does not have an outstanding stock repurchase authorization at this time.

The businesses and assets attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group are all of Liberty's businesses and assets other than those attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group and include its subsidiary TripAdvisor, its interest in Expedia, and minority interests in Time Warner and Time Warner Cable. TripAdvisor is a separate publicly-traded company and additional information about TripAdvisor can be obtained through its website and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FOOTNOTES

  1)   Liberty's President and CEO, Greg Maffei, will discuss these highlights and other matters in Liberty's earnings conference call which will begin at 12:15 p.m. (E.D.T) on May 8, 2014. For information regarding how to access the call, please see “Important Notice” later in this document.
2) For a definition of adjusted OIBDA and applicable reconciliations and a definition of adjusted OIBDA margin, see the accompanying schedules.
 
 

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE GROUP FINANCIAL METRICS - QUARTER

           
(amounts in millions) 1Q13 1Q14 % Change
Revenue
QVC
US $ 1,297 $ 1,305 1 %
International 677   681   1 %
Total QVC Revenue 1,974   $ 1,986   1 %
eCommerce businesses 460   461   %
Total Liberty Interactive Group Revenue $ 2,434   $ 2,447   1 %
 
Adjusted OIBDA
QVC
US $ 291 $ 301 3 %
International 113   111   (2 )%
Total QVC Adjusted OIBDA 404   412   2 %
eCommerce businesses 39 23 (41 )%
Corporate and other (6 ) (4 ) 33 %
Total Liberty Interactive Group Adjusted OIBDA $ 437   $ 431   (1 )%
 
Operating Income
QVC
US $ 180 $ 186 3 %
International 80   74   (8 )%
Total QVC Operating Income 260   260   %
eCommerce businesses 19 (1 ) (105 )%
Corporate and other (19 ) (15 ) 21 %
Total Liberty Interactive Group Operating Income $ 260   $ 244   (6 )%
 
 
(amounts in millions)
LINT Shares Outstanding

4/30/2013

4/30/2014

Outstanding A and B shares 530 491
 
 
(amounts in millions)
LINTA and LINTB Basic and Diluted Shares

Quarter ended
3/31/2013

Quarter ended
3/31/2014

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (“WASO”) 535 494
Potentially dilutive Shares 7   10  
Diluted WASO 542   504  
 
 

QVC OPERATING METRICS - QUARTER

               
(amounts in millions except average sale price amounts) 1Q13 1Q14 % Change
QVC - Consolidated(1)
Revenue $ 1,974 $ 1,986 1 %
Adjusted OIBDA $ 404 $ 412 2 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin 20.47 % 20.75 % 28 bps
Operating Income $ 260 $ 260 %
 

eCommerce and Mobile Metrics

eCommerce $ of total revenue $ 715 $ 773 8 %
eCommerce % of total revenue 36.22 % 38.92 % 270 bps
 
Mobile % of total eCommerce(2)         27.73 %     38.47 %     1,074 bps
QVC - US(1)
Revenue $ 1,297 $ 1,305 1 %
Adjusted OIBDA $ 291 $ 301 3 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin 22.44 % 23.07 % 63 bps
Operating Income $ 180 $ 186 3 %
Average sale price (ASP) $ 60.51 60.89 1 %
Units sold 23.53 23.81 1 %
Return rate 18.83 % 19.89 % 106 bps
 

eCommerce and Mobile Metrics

eCommerce $ of US revenue $ 544 $ 590 8 %
eCommerce % of US revenue 41.94 % 45.21 % 327 bps
 
Mobile % of US eCommerce(2) 26.99 % 36.53 % 954 bps
 
 

QVC OPERATING METRICS - QUARTER (CONT'D)

               
(amounts in millions except average sale price amounts) 1Q13 1Q14 % Change
QVC - Japan(1)
Revenue $ 256 $ 234 (9 )%
Adjusted OIBDA $ 54 $ 47 (13 )%
Adjusted OIBDA margin 21.09 % 20.09 % (100) bps
Operating Income $ 49 $ 41 (16 )%
Average sale price (ASP) ¥ 6,568.51 6,606.35 1 %
Units sold           4.03         4.06       1 %
QVC - Germany(1)
Revenue $ 250 $ 250 %
Adjusted OIBDA $ 43 $ 39 (9 )%
Adjusted OIBDA margin 17.20 % 15.60 % (160) bps
Operating Income $ 27 $ 20 (26 )%
Average sale price (ASP) € 36.79 35.58 (3 )%
Units sold           6.70         6.49       (3 )%
QVC - UK(1)
Revenue $ 140 $ 165 18 %
Adjusted OIBDA $ 19 $ 27 42 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin 13.57 % 16.36 % 279 bps
Operating Income $ 11 $ 19 73 %
Average sale price (ASP) £ 29.46 33.14 12 %
Units sold           3.35         3.26       (3 )%
QVC - Italy(1)
Revenue $ 31 $ 32 3 %
Adjusted OIBDA $ (3 ) $ (2 ) 33 %
Adjusted OIBDA margin (9.68 )% (6.25 )% 343 bps
Operating Income $ (7 ) $ (6 ) 14 %
Average sale price (ASP) € 32.80 33.80 3 %
Units sold           0.73         0.73       %
China JV(1)(3)
Revenue $ 27 $ 35 30 %
Adjusted OIBDA $ (1 ) $ (1 ) %
Adjusted OIBDA margin (3.70 )% (2.86 )% 84 bps
  (1)   Revenue change, adjusted OIBDA change and eCommerce and Mobile Metrics calculated in US Dollars, not local currency.
(2) Based on gross US Dollar orders.
(3) This joint venture is being accounted for as an equity method investment.
 

NOTES

Unless otherwise noted, the foregoing discussion compares financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to the same period in 2013.

The following financial information with respect to Liberty's equity affiliates and available for sale securities is intended to supplement Liberty's condensed consolidated statements of operations which are included in its Form 10-Q.

Fair Value of Public Holdings

               
(amounts in millions) 12/31/2013 3/31/2014
HSN(1) $ 1,247   $ 1,196
Total Attributed Liberty Interactive Group $ 1,247   $ 1,196
 
Expedia(2) $ 1,608 $ 1,673
Interval Leisure Group and Tree.com(3) 606 521
Other Public Holdings(4) 1,095   1,059
Total Attributed Liberty Ventures Group $ 3,309   $ 3,253
(1)   Represents fair value of Liberty Interactive Group's investment in HSN. In accordance with GAAP, Liberty Interactive Group accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting and includes this investment in its attributed balance sheet at its historical carrying value which aggregated $293 million and $311 million at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
(2) Represents fair value of Liberty Ventures Group's investment in Expedia. In accordance with GAAP, Liberty Ventures Group accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting and includes this investment in its attributed balance sheet at its historical carrying value which aggregated $477 million and $467 million at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
(3) Represents fair value of Liberty Ventures Group's investments. In accordance with GAAP, Liberty Ventures Group accounts for these investments using the equity method of accounting and includes these investments in its attributed balance sheet at their historical carrying values which aggregated $101 million and $105 million at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
(4) Represents Liberty Ventures Group's other public holdings which are accounted for at fair value. Excludes $402 million and $407 million of long-term marketable securities as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
 

Cash and Debt

The following presentation is provided to separately identify cash and liquid investments and debt information.

(amounts in millions)         12/31/2013         3/31/2014
Cash and Liquid Investments Attributable to:
Liberty Interactive Group $ 598 $ 682
Liberty Ventures Group(1)(2)(3) 1,603   1,891  
Total Liberty Consolidated Cash and Liquid Investments $ 2,201   $ 2,573  
 
Less:
Short-term marketable securities - Liberty Ventures Group $ 543 $ 682
Long-term marketable securities - Liberty Ventures Group 402   407  
Total Liberty Consolidated Cash (GAAP) $ 1,256   $ 1,484  
 
Debt:
Senior notes and debentures(4) $ 791 $ 791
Senior exchangeable debentures(5) 400 400
QVC senior notes(4) 2,819 3,819
QVC bank credit facility 922 124
Other 141   145  
Total Attributed Liberty Interactive Group Debt $ 5,073 $ 5,279
Unamortized discount and fair market value adjustment 10   8  
Total Attributed Liberty Interactive Group Debt (GAAP) $ 5,083   $ 5,287  
 
Senior exchangeable debentures(5) $ 2,091 $ 2,086
TripAdvisor debt facilities 369   361  
Total Attributed Liberty Ventures Group Debt $ 2,460 $ 2,447
Fair market value adjustment (159 ) (143 )
Total Attributed Liberty Ventures Group Debt (GAAP) $ 2,301   $ 2,304  
       
Total Liberty Interactive Corporation Debt (GAAP) $ 7,384   $ 7,591  
(1)   Includes $543 million and $682 million of short-term marketable securities with an original maturity greater than 90 days as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
(2) Includes $402 million and $407 million of marketable securities with an original maturity greater than one year as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively, which are reflected in investments in available-for-sale securities in Liberty Ventures Group's condensed attributed balance sheet.
(3) Includes $670 million and $745 million of cash and liquid investments held at TripAdvisor as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
(4) Face amount of Senior Notes and Debentures with no reduction for the unamortized discount.
(5) Face amount of Senior Exchangeable Debentures with no reduction for the fair market value adjustment.
 

Total cash and liquid investments attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group increased by approximately $84 million during the first quarter. Cash flows from operations and borrowing of debt in excess of repayments were partially offset by capital expenditures and stock repurchases. Total debt attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group increased by $206 million, primarily due to the issuance of new senior notes at QVC during the quarter, partially offset by payments made on the QVC bank credit facility.

Total cash and liquid investments attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group increased $288 million, primarily due to cash flow from operations, partially offset by capital expenditures. Included in the first quarter total cash and liquid investments attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group is $745 million held at TripAdvisor, which is comprised of $319 million of cash, $142 million of short-term marketable securities and $284 million of long-term marketable securities. Although TripAdvisor is a consolidated subsidiary, it is a separate public company with a significant noncontrolling interest, therefore Liberty does not have ready access to TripAdvisor's cash and liquid investments. Total debt outstanding attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group decreased by $13 million in the first quarter, primarily due to repayments made on senior exchangeable debentures and the TripAdvisor debt facilities.

Important Notice: Liberty (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB, LVNTA, LVNTB) President and CEO, Greg Maffei will discuss Liberty's earnings release in a conference call which will begin at 12:15 p.m. (E.D.T) on May 8, 2014. The call can be accessed by dialing (800) 768-6570 or (785) 830-1942 plus the passcode 8678907 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Replays of the conference call can be accessed until 12:15 p.m. (E.D.T) on May 15, 2014, by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 plus the passcode 8768907. The call will also be broadcast live across the Internet and archived on our website. To access the webcast go to http://www.libertyinteractive.com/events. Links to this press release will also be available on Liberty's website.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about business strategies, market potential, the proposed spin-off of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, the proposed recapitalization of the Liberty Interactive Group tracking stock into the QVC Group tracking stock and a new Liberty Digital Commerce tracking stock, future financial prospects, international expansion, including the launch of QVC France and the expected expenditures in connection therewith, new service and product offerings, the monetization of our non-core assets, the continuation of our stock repurchase program, the estimated liabilities under exchangeable debentures and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, possible changes in market acceptance of new products or services, competitive issues, regulatory matters affecting our businesses, continued access to capital on terms acceptable to Liberty Interactive, changes in law and government regulations that may impact the derivative instruments that hedge certain of our financial risks, our ability to satisfy the conditions to the proposed recapitalization and spin-off and market conditions conducive to stock repurchases. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this presentation, and Liberty Interactive expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Interactive's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Liberty Interactive, including the most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q, for additional information about Liberty Interactive and about the risks and uncertainties related to Liberty Interactive's business which may affect the statements made in this presentation.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

As a supplement to Liberty's consolidated statements of operations, which are included in its Form 10-Q, the following is a presentation of quarterly information and operating metrics on a stand-alone basis for the largest business owned by Liberty (QVC) at March 31, 2014, which Liberty has identified as a reportable segment.

Please see below for the definition of adjusted OIBDA and a discussion of why management believes the presentation of adjusted OIBDA for QVC provides useful information for investors. Schedule 2 to this press release provides a reconciliation of adjusted OIBDA for each identified reportable segment to that segment's operating income for the same period, as determined under GAAP.

QUARTERLY SUMMARY

 
(amounts in millions)     1Q13     2Q13     3Q13     4Q13     1Q14
Liberty Interactive Group
QVC
Revenue - US $ 1,297 $ 1,312 $ 1,303 $ 1,932 $ 1,305
Revenue - International 677   649   644   809   681  
Revenue - Total $ 1,974   $ 1,961   $ 1,947   $ 2,741   $ 1,986  
Adjusted OIBDA - US 291 320 304 437 301
Adjusted OIBDA - International 113   114   104   158   111  
Adjusted OIBDA - Total $ 404   $ 434   $ 408   $ 595   $ 412  
Operating income - US 180 207 191 323 186
Operating income - International 80   78   68   118   74  
Operating income - Total $ 260   $ 285   $ 259   $ 441   $ 260  
Gross margin - US 36.1 % 37.3 % 37.1 % 34.7 % 36.4 %
Gross margin - International 37.5 % 37.8 % 37.4 % 37.8 % 37.4 %
 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release includes a presentation of adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, for Liberty, QVC (and certain of its subsidiaries), and the eCommerce businesses together with a reconciliation to that entity's operating income, as determined under GAAP. Liberty defines adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding all stock based compensation, and excludes from that definition depreciation and amortization and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Further, this press release includes adjusted OIBDA margin which is also a non-GAAP financial measure. Liberty defines adjusted OIBDA margin as adjusted OIBDA divided by revenue.

Liberty believes adjusted OIBDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, including each business' ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Because adjusted OIBDA is used as a measure of operating performance, Liberty views operating income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted OIBDA is not meant to replace or supersede operating income or any other GAAP measure, but rather to supplement such GAAP measures in order to present investors with the same information that Liberty's management considers in assessing the results of operations and performance of its assets. Please see the attached schedules for applicable reconciliations.

SCHEDULE 1

The following table provides a reconciliation of Liberty Interactive Group's adjusted OIBDA to its operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP for the three months ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, September 31, 2013, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

QUARTERLY SUMMARY

                   
(amounts in millions) 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14
Liberty Interactive Group
Adjusted OIBDA $ 437 $ 455 $ 396 $ 618 431
Depreciation and amortization (153 ) (158 ) (156 ) (165 ) (163 )
Stock compensation expense (24 ) (29 ) (22 ) (35 ) (24 )
Impairment of intangible assets     (19 ) (14 )  
Operating Income $ 260   $ 268   $ 199   $ 404   $ 244  
 

SCHEDULE 2

The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted OIBDA for QVC (and certain of its subsidiaries) and the eCommerce businesses to that entity or such businesses' operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP for the three months ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, September 31, 2013, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

QUARTERLY SUMMARY

 
(amounts in millions)     1Q13     2Q13     3Q13     4Q13     1Q14

Liberty Interactive Group

QVC Adjusted OIBDA
QVC US $ 291 $ 320 $ 304 $ 437 $ 301
 
QVC Japan 54 57 46 55 47
QVC Germany 43 35 37 58 39
QVC UK 19 26 26 47 27
QVC Italy (3 ) (4 ) (5 ) (2 ) (2 )
QVC International adjusted OIBDA $ 113   $ 114   $ 104   $ 158   $ 111  
 
Consolidated QVC adjusted OIBDA 404 434 408 595 412
Depreciation and amortization (134 ) (140 ) (139 ) (145 ) (144 )
Stock compensation (10 ) (9 ) (10 ) (9 ) (8 )
Operating Income $ 260   $ 285   $ 259   $ 441   $ 260  
 
eCommerce Businesses
Adjusted OIBDA 39 26 (5 ) 25 23
Depreciation and amortization (18 ) (18 ) (19 ) (18 ) (19 )
Stock compensation (2 ) (10 ) (3 ) (14 ) (5 )
Impairment of intangible assets     (19 ) (14 )  
Operating Income (Loss) $ 19   $ (2 ) $ (46 ) $ (21 ) $ (1 )
 
 
LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
March 31, 2014 - (unaudited)
 
    Attributed        

Interactive
Group

   

Ventures
Group

Inter-group
Eliminations

Consolidated
Liberty

amounts in millions
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 682 802 1,484
Trade and other receivables, net 885 155 1,040
Inventory, net 1,213 1,213
Short-term marketable securities 682 682
Other current assets 248   21   (159 ) 110
Total current assets 3,028   1,660   (159 ) 4,529
Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments 4 1,466 1,470
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method 362 882 1,244
Property and equipment, net 1,203 69 1,272
Intangible assets not subject to amortization 8,393 5,290 13,683
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 1,498 854 2,352
Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization 92   20     112
Total assets $ 14,580   10,241   (159 ) 24,662
 
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Intergroup Payable (receivable) $ 50 (50 )
Accounts payable 650 74 724
Accrued liabilities 651 95 746
Current portion of debt 36 947 983
Current deferred tax liabilities 1,056 (159 ) 897
Other current liabilities 176   60     236
Total current liabilities 1,563   2,182   (159 ) 3,586
Long-term debt 5,251 1,357 6,608
Deferred income tax liabilities 1,151 1,680 2,831
Other liabilities 197   74     271
Total liabilities 8,162   5,293   (159 ) 13,296
Equity/Attributed net assets (liabilities) 6,306 527 6,833
Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries 112   4,421     4,533
Total liabilities and equity $ 14,580   10,241   (159 ) 24,662
 
 
LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
Three months ended March 31, 2014 - (unaudited)
       
Attributed

Interactive
Group

   

Ventures
Group

Consolidated
Liberty

amounts in millions
Revenue:
Net retail sales $ 2,447 2,447
Other revenue   281   281  
Total revenue 2,447   281   2,728  
 
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 1,566 1,566
Operating, including stock-based compensation 217 48 265
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation 257 132 389
Depreciation and amortization 163   69   232  
2,203   249   2,452  
Operating income 244 32 276
 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (77 ) (22 ) (99 )
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net 21 (23 ) (2 )
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net 1 (26 ) (25 )
Other, net 1   7   8  
(54 ) (64 ) (118 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 190 (32 ) 158
Income tax benefit (expense) (70 ) 22   (48 )
Net earnings (loss) 120 (10 ) 110
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 10   18   28  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders $ 110   (28 ) 82  
 
 

LINT Shares Outstanding

Outstanding A and B shares as of April 30, 2014 (in millions)

491

 
 

LINTA and LINTB Basic and Diluted Shares (in millions)

Quarter ended
3/31/2014

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (“WASO”)

494

Potentially dilutive shares

 

10

 

Diluted WASO

 

504

 
 
 
LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
Three months ended March 31, 2013 - (unaudited)
 
    Attributed    

Interactive
Group

   

Ventures
Group

Consolidated
Liberty

amounts in millions
Revenue:
Net retail sales $ 2,434 2,434
Other revenue   230   230  
Total revenue 2,434   230   2,664  
 
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 1,553 1,553
Operating, including stock-based compensation 208 36 244
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation 260 106 366
Depreciation and amortization 153   77   230  
2,174   219   2,393  
Operating income 260 11 271
 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (84 ) (27 ) (111 )
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net 16 (27 ) (11 )
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net 13 (86 ) (73 )
Other, net (40 ) 2   (38 )
(95 ) (138 ) (233 )
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 165 (127 ) 38
Income tax benefit (expense) (58 ) 73   15  
Net earnings (loss) 107 (54 ) 53
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 12   14   26  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty stockholders $ 95   (68 ) 27  
 
 

LINT Shares Outstanding

Outstanding A and B shares as of April 30, 2013 (in millions) 530
 
 

LINTA and LINTB Basic and Diluted Shares (in millions)

Quarter ended
3/31/2013

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (“WASO”) 535
Potentially dilutive shares 7  
Diluted WASO 542  
 
 
LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
Three months ended March 31, 2014 - (unaudited)
 
    Attributed    

Interactive
Group

   

Ventures
Group

Consolidated
Liberty

amounts in millions
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings (loss) $ 120 (10 ) 110
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 163 69 232
Stock-based compensation 24 18 42
Cash payments for stock based compensation (3 ) (1 ) (4 )
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation (8 ) (11 ) (19 )
Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net (21 ) 23 2
Cash receipts from return on equity investments 5 5 10
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (1 ) 26 25
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (49 ) 2 (47 )
Other, net 1 1
Intergroup tax allocation 50 (50 )
Intergroup tax payments (225 ) 225
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Current and other assets 178 (33 ) 145
Payables and other current liabilities (59 ) 88   29  
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 175   351   526  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash proceeds from dispositions 25 25
Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees (18 ) (18 )
Capital expended for property and equipment (41 ) (47 ) (88 )
Purchases of short term and other marketable securities (310 ) (310 )
Sales of short term and other marketable securities 165 165
Other investing activities, net (10 ) 2   (8 )
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (51 ) (183 ) (234 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of debt 1,551 2 1,553
Repayments of debt (1,347 ) (15 ) (1,362 )
Intergroup receipts (payments), net 2 (2 )
Repurchases of Liberty common stock (213 ) (213 )
Minimum withholding taxes on net settlements of stock-based compensation (6 ) (20 ) (26 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 8 11 19
Other financing activities, net (35 )   (35 )
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (40 ) (24 ) (64 )
 
Effect of foreign currency rates on cash      
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 84 144 228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 598   658   1,256  
Cash and cash equivalents at end period $ 682   802   1,484  
 
 
LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
Three months ended March 31, 2013 - (unaudited)
       
Attributed

Interactive
Group

   

Ventures
Group

Consolidated
Liberty

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: amounts in millions
Net earnings (loss) $ 107 (54 ) 53
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 153 77 230
Stock-based compensation 24 18 42
Cash payments for stock based compensation (2 ) (1 ) (3 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (3 ) (3 )
Share of losses (earnings) of affiliates, net (16 ) 27 11
Cash receipts from return on equity investments 4 3 7
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (13 ) 86 73
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (27 ) (192 ) (219 )
Other, net 11 11
Intergroup tax allocation 41 (41 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Current and other assets 259 (53 ) 206
Payables and other current liabilities (390 )   82     (308 )
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 148     (48 )   100  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash proceeds from dispositions 37 37
Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees (38 ) (38 )
Capital expended for property and equipment (50 ) (9 ) (59 )
Purchases of short term and other marketable securities (707 ) (707 )
Sales of short term and other marketable securities 49 49
Other investing activities, net (30 )   (6 )   (36 )
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (80 )   (674 )   (754 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of debt 1,383 4 1,387
Repayments of debt (1,251 ) (452 ) (1,703 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 3 3
Minimum withholding taxes on net settlements of stock-based compensation (5 ) (6 ) (11 )
Intergroup receipts (payments), net 2 (2 )
Repurchases of Liberty common stock (252 ) (252 )
Other financing activities, net (37 )       (37 )
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (157 )   (456 )   (613 )
 
Effect of foreign currency rates on cash (23 )       (23 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (112 ) (1,178 ) (1,290 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 699     1,961     2,660  
Cash and cash equivalents at end period $ 587     783     1,370  
 

Additional Information

Nothing in this press release shall constitute a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell shares of the proposed QVC Group tracking stock, the proposed Liberty Digital Commerce tracking stock or Liberty's existing common stock. The offer and sale of shares of the proposed new tracking stocks will only be made pursuant to an effective registration statement. Liberty stockholders and other investors are urged to read the registration statement to be filed with the SEC, including the proxy statement/prospectus to be contained therein, because they will contain important information about the issuance of shares of the proposed tracking stocks. Copies of Liberty's SEC filings are available free of charge at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the filings together with the materials incorporated by reference therein will also be available, without charge, by directing a request to Liberty Interactive Corporation, 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Attention: Investor Relations, Telephone: (720) 875-5408.

Participants in a Solicitation

The directors and executive officers of Liberty and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of proposals relating to the approval of the issuance of the new tracking stocks. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Liberty and other participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their respective direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be available in the proxy materials to be filed with the SEC.

Liberty Interactive Corporation
Courtnee Ulrich, 720-875-5420

Source: Liberty Interactive Corporation