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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 333-184501
QVC, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
23-2414041
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)
19380
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (484) 701-1000
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
(do not check if
smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
None of the voting stock of the registrant is held by a non-affiliate of the registrant. There is no publicly traded market for any class of voting stock of the registrant. There is one holder of record of our equity, Liberty QVC Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation.
 




QVC, Inc.
2015 QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q


Table of Contents


 
Part I
Page
 
 
 
Item 1.
I-1
 
I-1
 
I-2
 
I-3
 
I-4
 
I-5
 
I-6
Item 2.
I-23
Item 3.
I-32
Item 4.
I-33
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
Item 6.
II-1
 
II-2
 
II-3




Item 1. Financial Statements
QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
March 31,

December 31,

(in millions)
2015

2014

Assets
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
400

347

Restricted cash
12

12

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $88 at March 31, 2015 and $91 at December 31, 2014
836

1,196

Inventories
965

882

Deferred income taxes
212

210

Prepaid expenses
51

50

Total current assets
2,476

2,697

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $878 at March 31, 2015 and $884 at December 31, 2014
972

1,026

Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
452

461

Goodwill
5,033

5,091

Other intangible assets, net
3,085

3,143

Other noncurrent assets
63

58

Total assets
$
12,081

12,476

Liabilities and equity


Current liabilities:


Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
8

9

Accounts payable-trade
554

629

Accrued liabilities
737

885

Total current liabilities
1,299

1,523

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
4,554

4,620

Deferred compensation
13

17

Deferred income taxes
1,069

1,121

Other long-term liabilities
153

149

Total liabilities
7,088

7,430

Equity:


QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity:


Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1 authorized share


Additional paid-in capital
6,799

6,787

Accumulated deficit
(1,757
)
(1,805
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(140
)
(39
)
Total QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity
4,902

4,943

Noncontrolling interest
91

103

Total equity
4,993

5,046

Total liabilities and equity
$
12,081

12,476


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-1


QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

Net revenue
$
1,938

1,986

Cost of goods sold
1,221

1,256

Gross profit
717

730

Operating expenses:



Operating
168

178

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
150

148

Depreciation
33

33

Amortization
120

111


471

470

Operating income
246

260

Other (expense) income:



Equity in losses of investee
(1
)
(1
)
Interest expense, net
(59
)
(62
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
10

(1
)

(50
)
(64
)
Income before income taxes
196

196

Income tax expense
(72
)
(74
)
Net income
124

122

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)
(9
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
115

113


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-2


QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

Net income
$
124

122

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(102
)
16

Total comprehensive income
22

138

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(8
)
(12
)
Comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
14

126


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-3


QVC, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

Operating activities:
 
 
Net income
$
124

122

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




Equity in losses of investee
1

1

Deferred income taxes
(27
)
(57
)
Foreign currency (gain) loss
(10
)
1

Depreciation
33

33

Amortization
120

111

Noncash interest
2

2

Stock-based compensation
8

8

Change in other long-term liabilities
1

34

Effects of changes in working capital items
33

6

Net cash provided by operating activities
285

261

Investing activities:

 
Capital expenditures, net
(31
)
(29
)
Expenditures for cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
(44
)
(8
)
Changes in other noncurrent assets
(3
)
(2
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(78
)
(39
)
Financing activities:
 
 
Principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations
(412
)
(1,188
)
Principal borrowings of debt from senior secured credit facility
351

384

Proceeds from issuance of senior secured notes, net of original issue discount

999

Payment of debt origination fees
(3
)
(12
)
Other financing activities
(1
)
7

Dividends paid to Liberty
(59
)
(286
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(20
)
(25
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(144
)
(121
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(10
)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
53

101

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
347

457

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
400

558

Effects of changes in working capital items:
 
 
Decrease in accounts receivable
$
350

256

Increase in inventories
(103
)
(86
)
Increase in prepaid expenses
(5
)
(6
)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable-trade
(67
)
49

Decrease in accrued liabilities and other
(142
)
(207
)
Effects of changes in working capital items
$
33

6


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-4


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

Accumulated deficit

Accumulated other
comprehensive loss

Noncontrolling interest

Total equity

(in millions, except share data)
Shares

Amount

Balance, December 31, 2014
1

$

6,787

(1,805
)
(39
)
103

5,046

Net income



115


9

124

Foreign currency translation adjustments




(101
)
(1
)
(102
)
Dividends paid to Liberty and noncontrolling interest and other



(66
)

(20
)
(86
)
Impact of tax liability allocation and indemnification agreement with Liberty



(1
)


(1
)
Minimum withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation


(4
)



(4
)
Excess tax benefit resulting from stock-based compensation


8




8

Stock-based compensation


8




8

Balance, March 31, 2015
1

$

6,799

(1,757
)
(140
)
91

4,993


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-5


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


(1) Basis of Presentation
QVC, Inc. (unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, the terms "we," "our," "us," the "Company" and "QVC" refer to QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries) is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications. In the United States, QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year ("QVC-U.S."). Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany ("QVC-Germany"), Japan ("QVC-Japan"), the United Kingdom ("QVC-U.K.") and Italy ("QVC-Italy"). QVC-Germany distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming, QVC-Japan distributes live programming 24 hours per day, and QVC-U.K. generally distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. However, as of March 9, 2015, QVC-U.K. has reduced its total live programming from 17 hours to 16 hours during the 1am to 2am hour on a trial basis. QVC-Italy distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television.
The Company's Japanese operations are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $20 million and $25 million, respectively.
Additionally, the Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio (''CNR''). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. Live programming is distributed for 17 hours per day and recorded programming for seven hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
On April 16, 2014, QVC announced plans to expand its global presence into France. Similar to its other markets, QVC plans to offer a highly immersive digital shopping experience, with strong integration across e-commerce, TV, mobile and social platforms, with the launch expected in the summer of 2015.
We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty"), which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. On August 9, 2012, Liberty completed the recapitalization of its common stock into shares of the corresponding series of two new tracking stocks, Liberty Interactive (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB), which we were a part of, and Liberty Ventures (Nasdaq: LVNTA, LVNTB). On October 3, 2014, we declared and paid a dividend in cash to Liberty in the amount of $1 billion with funds drawn from the Company's credit facility. Additionally, Liberty reattributed from the Interactive Group to the Ventures Group $970 million in cash and certain of its digital commerce companies, including Backcountry.com, Inc., Bodybuilding.com, LLC, CommerceHub, Provide Commerce, Inc., Evite, Inc. and LMC Right Start, Inc. As a result of these transactions, the Interactive Group is now referred to as the QVC Group, which tracks our Company and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc. ("HSN"), one of our two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The Liberty Interactive tracking stock trading symbol LINTA was changed to "QVCA" and the "LINTB" trading symbol was changed to "QVCB," effective October 7, 2014.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.


I-6


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

The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in QVC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates include, but are not limited to, sales returns, uncollectible receivables, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of fixed assets, internally-developed software, valuation of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes and stock‑based compensation.
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 but a proposal has been issued to extend the effective date to those fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability. This ASU intends to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. This standard will more closely align the presentation of debt issuance costs under U.S. GAAP with the presentation under comparable International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The standard requires the use of the retrospective transition method. The Company has determined there is no significant effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
(2) Cable and Satellite Television Distribution Rights, Net
Cable and satellite television distribution rights consisted of the following:
(in millions)
March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Cable and satellite television distribution rights
$
2,245

2,308

Less accumulated amortization
(1,793
)
(1,847
)
Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net
$
452

461

The Company recorded amortization expense of $47 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 related to cable and satellite television distribution rights.


I-7


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

As of March 31, 2015, related amortization expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Remainder of 2015
$
131

2016
171

2017
116

2018
12

2019
9

The decrease in future amortization expense in 2018 is primarily due to the end of affiliation agreement terms for contracts in place at the time of Liberty's acquisition of QVC in 2003.
(3) Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
(in millions)
QVC-U.S.

QVC-Germany

QVC-Japan

QVC-U.K.

QVC-Italy

Total

Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
4,190

308

253

203

137

5,091

Exchange rate fluctuations

(33
)
(1
)
(9
)
(15
)
(58
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
4,190

275

252

194

122

5,033

(4) Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(in millions)
Gross
cost

Accumulated
amortization

Other intangible assets, net

Gross
cost

Accumulated
amortization

Other intangible assets, net

Purchased and internally developed software
$
555

(368
)
187

568

(369
)
199

Affiliate and customer relationships
2,408

(1,986
)
422

2,428

(1,958
)
470

Debt origination fees
60

(12
)
48

60

(14
)
46

Trademarks (indefinite life)
2,428


2,428

2,428


2,428


$
5,451

(2,366
)
3,085

5,484

(2,341
)
3,143

The Company recorded amortization expense of $73 million and $64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to other intangible assets.
As of March 31, 2015, the related amortization and interest expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Remainder of 2015
$
204

2016
252

2017
160

2018
14

2019
9

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


I-8


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

(5) Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
(in millions)
March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Accounts payable non-trade
$
167

200

Income taxes
123

137

Accrued compensation and benefits
96

110

Deferred revenue
90

85

Allowance for sales returns
73

109

Accrued interest
66

79

Sales and other taxes
45

83

Other
77

82

 
$
737

885

(6) Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
(in millions)
March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

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

399

7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020
500

500

5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
500

500

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

750

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

600

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

599

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

399

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

300

Senior secured credit facility
450

508

Capital lease obligations
65

74

Total debt
4,562

4,629

Less current portion
(8
)
(9
)
Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
4,554

4,620

Senior Secured Notes
All of QVC's senior secured notes are secured by the capital stock of QVC and certain of its subsidiaries and have equal priority to the senior secured credit facility. The interest on all of QVC's senior secured notes is payable semi-annually.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On March 9, 2015, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the "Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"), which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.25 billion revolving credit facility with a $250 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. QVC may elect that the loans extended under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR Rate or LIBOR, as each is defined in the senior secured credit facility agreement, plus a margin of 0.25% to 1.75% depending on various factors. Each loan may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty at any time other than customary breakage costs. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving credit facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default. The senior secured credit facility is secured by the capital stock of QVC.


I-9


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

The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility to March 9, 2020 and lower the interest rate on borrowings.
QVC had $1.8 billion available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at March 31, 2015. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 1.6% at March 31, 2015.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Company and each of its restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; and limiting the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.
Other Debt Related Information
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at March 31, 2015.
During the quarter, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
The weighted average rate applicable to all of the outstanding debt (excluding capital leases) was 4.7% as of March 31, 2015.
(7) Leases and Transponder Service Arrangements
Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital transponder leases with initial terms of one year or more at March 31, 2015 consisted of the following:
(in millions)
Capital transponders

Operating leases

Remainder of 2015
$
7

14

2016
9

18

2017
10

17

2018
11

15

2019
10

13

Thereafter
23

94

Total
$
70

171

The Company has entered into twelve separate agreements with transponder suppliers to transmit its signals in the U.S., Germany and the U.K. at an aggregate monthly cost of $1 million. Depreciation expense related to the transponders was $3 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Total future minimum capital lease payments of $70 million include $5 million of imputed interest. The transponder service agreements for our U.S. transponders expire between 2019 and 2023. The transponder service agreements for our international transponders expire between 2015 and 2024.
Expenses for operating leases, principally for data processing equipment and facilities and for satellite uplink service agreements, amounted to $6 million and $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.





I-10


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

(8) Income Taxes
The Company calculates its interim income tax provision by applying its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax or benefit related to significant, unusual or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur.
The computation of the annual estimated effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and significant judgment including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, projections of the proportion of income earned and taxed in foreign jurisdictions, permanent and temporary differences as a result of differences between amounts measured and recognized in accordance with tax laws and financial accounting standards, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or as the tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on the prior quarters is included in the tax expense for the current quarter.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a tax provision of $72 million, which represented an effective tax rate of 36.7%. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded a tax provision of $74 million, which represented an effective tax rate of 37.8%. These rates differ from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% due primarily to state tax expense.
QVC is party to ongoing discussions with the Internal Revenue Service under the Compliance Assurance Process audit program. The Company files Federal tax returns on a consolidated basis with its parent company, Liberty. The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2015, the Company, or one of its subsidiaries, was under examination in California, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia as well as in Germany, the U.K, and Italy.
The amounts of the tax-related balances due to Liberty at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $63 million and $55 million, respectively, and were included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The Company is a party to a Tax Liability Allocation and Indemnification Agreement (the “Tax Agreement”) with Liberty. The Tax Agreement establishes the methodology for the calculation and payment of income taxes in connection with the consolidation of the Company with Liberty for income tax purposes. Generally, the Tax Agreement provides that the Company will pay Liberty an amount equal to the tax liability, if any, that it would have if it were to file as a consolidated group separate and apart from Liberty, with exceptions for the treatment and timing of certain items, including but not limited to deferred intercompany transactions, credits, and net operating and capital losses. To the extent that the separate company tax expense is different from the payment terms of the Tax Agreement, the difference is recorded as either a dividend or capital contribution.
(9) Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible the Company may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that the amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Network and information systems, including the Internet and telecommunication systems, third party delivery services and other technologies are critical to our business activities. Substantially all our customer orders, fulfillment and delivery services are dependent upon the use of network and information systems, including the use of third party telecommunication and delivery service providers. If information systems including the Internet or telecommunication services are disrupted, or if the third party delivery services experience a disruption in their transportation delivery services, we could face a significant disruption in fulfilling our customer orders and shipment of our products. We have active disaster recovery programs in place to help mitigate risks associated with these critical business activities.



I-11


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

(10) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
For assets and liabilities required to be reported or disclosed at fair value, U.S. GAAP provides a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The Company's assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value were as follows:


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

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

Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

Current assets:




Cash equivalents
$
325

325



Long-term liabilities:




Debt (note 6)
4,601


4,601




Fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 using
 
(in millions)
Total

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

Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

Current assets:




Cash equivalents
$
245

245



Long-term liabilities:








Debt (note 6)
4,626


4,626


The majority of the Company's Level 2 financial liabilities are debt instruments with quoted market prices that are not considered to be traded on "active markets," as defined in U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the financial instruments are reported in the foregoing tables as Level 2 fair value instruments.
(11) Information about QVC's Operating Segments
Each of the Company's operating segments are retailers of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs as well as via the Internet and mobile applications in certain markets. The Company has identified six reportable operating segments: the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and France.
The Company evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as net revenue, Adjusted OIBDA, gross margin, average sales price per unit, number of units shipped and revenue or sales per subscriber equivalent. The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). The Company believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its segments, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking among our businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation, that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


I-12


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

Performance measures
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Net
revenue

Adjusted
OIBDA

Net
revenue

Adjusted
OIBDA

QVC-U.S.
$
1,342

306

1,305

301

QVC-Germany
212

39

250

39

QVC-Japan
199

39

234

47

QVC-U.K.
156

28

165

27

QVC-Italy
29

(2
)
32

(2
)
QVC-France

(3
)


Consolidated QVC
$
1,938

407

1,986

412

Net revenue amounts by product category are not available from our general purpose financial statements.
Other information
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Depreciation

Amortization

Depreciation

Amortization

QVC-U.S.
$
16

106

13

94

QVC-Germany
7

8

8

11

QVC-Japan
5

2

5

2

QVC-U.K.
3

3

4

3

QVC-Italy
2

1

3

1

Consolidated QVC
$
33

120

33

111

 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(in millions)
Total
assets

Capital
expenditures, net

Total
assets

Capital
expenditures, net

QVC-U.S.
$
9,982

23

10,133

141

QVC-Germany
811

2

915

10

QVC-Japan
589


644

2

QVC-U.K.
477

1

537

16

QVC-Italy
214

1

245

12

QVC-France
8

4

2

1

Consolidated QVC
$
12,081

31

12,476

182



I-13


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

Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic area were as follows:
(in millions)
March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

QVC-U.S.
$
455

463

QVC-Germany
181

209

QVC-Japan
171

176

QVC-U.K.
111

120

QVC-Italy
50

57

QVC-France
4

1

Consolidated QVC
$
972

1,026

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

Adjusted OIBDA
$
407

412

Stock-based compensation
(8
)
(8
)
Depreciation and amortization
(153
)
(144
)
Equity in losses of investee
(1
)
(1
)
Interest expense, net
(59
)
(62
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
10

(1
)
Income before income taxes
$
196

196

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

AOCI

Balance at January 1, 2015
$
(39
)
(39
)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
(101
)
(101
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
(140
)
(140
)
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
$
139

139

Other comprehensive income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
13

13

Balance at March 31, 2014
152

152



I-14


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

The component of other comprehensive income is reflected in QVC's condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes. The following table summarizes the tax effects related to the component of other comprehensive income:
(in millions)
Before-tax amount

Tax benefit (expense)

Net-of-tax amount

Three months ended March 31, 2015:



Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(128
)
26

(102
)
Other comprehensive loss
(128
)
26

(102
)
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014:



Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
19

(3
)
16

Other comprehensive income
19

(3
)
16

(13) Subsequent Event
On April 15, 2015, QVC completed the redemption of $500 million principal amount of its 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020, whereby holders received consideration of $1,036.88 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. As a result of the redemption, the Company will record an extinguishment loss of approximately $21 million during the three months ending June 30, 2015.
(14) Guarantor/Non-guarantor Subsidiary Financial Information
The following information contains the condensed consolidating financial statements for the Company, the parent on a stand-alone basis (QVC, Inc.), the combined subsidiary guarantors (Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc.; Affiliate Investment, Inc.; AMI 2, Inc.; ER Marks, Inc.; QVC International LLC; QVC Rocky Mount, Inc. and QVC San Antonio, LLC) and the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. Certain non-guarantor subsidiaries are majority-owned by QVC International LLC, which is a guarantor subsidiary.
These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared from the Company's financial information on the same basis of accounting as the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions, such as management fees, royalty revenue and expense, interest income and expense and gains on intercompany asset transfers. In the fourth quarter of 2014 the Company revised the presentation of intercompany management expense (income) and prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. Goodwill and other intangible assets have been allocated to the subsidiaries based on management’s estimates. Certain costs have been partially allocated to all of the subsidiaries of the Company.
The subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by the Company. All guarantees are full and unconditional and are joint and several. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company to obtain funds from its U.S. subsidiaries, including the guarantors, by dividend or loan. The Company has not presented separate notes and other disclosures concerning the subsidiary guarantors as the Company has determined that such material information is available in the notes to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.


I-15


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


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

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Assets
Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents
$
51

219

130


400

Restricted cash
10


2


12

Accounts receivable, net
605


231


836

Inventories
734


231


965

Deferred income taxes
195


17


212

Prepaid expenses
26


25


51

Total current assets
1,621

219

636


2,476

Property and equipment, net
268

66

638


972

Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net

392

60


452

Goodwill
4,184


849


5,033

Other intangible assets, net
981

2,051

53


3,085

Other noncurrent assets
7


56


63

Investments in subsidiaries
4,531

1,245


(5,776
)

Total assets
$
11,592

3,973

2,292

(5,776
)
12,081

Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:





Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
2


6


8

Accounts payable-trade
313


241


554

Accrued liabilities
200

156

381


737

Intercompany accounts payable (receivable)
1,321

(777
)
(544
)


Total current liabilities
1,836

(621
)
84


1,299

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
4,506


48


4,554

Deferred compensation
13




13

Deferred income taxes
234

864

(29
)

1,069

Other long-term liabilities
101


52


153

Total liabilities
6,690

243

155


7,088

Equity:





QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity
4,902

3,730

2,046

(5,776
)
4,902

Noncontrolling interest


91


91

Total equity
4,902

3,730

2,137

(5,776
)
4,993

Total liabilities and equity
$
11,592

3,973

2,292

(5,776
)
12,081



I-16


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


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
December 31, 2014
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Assets
Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents
$
2

123

222


347

Restricted cash
10


2


12

Accounts receivable, net
909


287


1,196

Inventories
680


202


882

Deferred income taxes
192


18


210

Prepaid expenses
25


25


50

Total current assets
1,818

123

756


2,697

Property and equipment, net
273

68

685


1,026

Cable and satellite television distribution rights, net

388

73


461

Goodwill
4,184


907


5,091

Other intangible assets, net
1,023

2,051

69


3,143

Other noncurrent assets
1


57


58

Investments in subsidiaries
4,681

1,386


(6,067
)

Total assets
$
11,980

4,016

2,547

(6,067
)
12,476

Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:





Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations
$
2


7


9

Accounts payable-trade
420


209


629

Accrued liabilities
282

143

460


885

Intercompany accounts payable (receivable)
1,384

(921
)
(463
)


Total current liabilities
2,088

(778
)
213


1,523

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
4,565


55


4,620

Deferred compensation
16


1


17

Deferred income taxes
269

877

(25
)

1,121

Other long-term liabilities
99


50


149

Total liabilities
7,037

99

294


7,430

Equity:





QVC, Inc. stockholder's equity
4,943

3,917

2,150

(6,067
)
4,943

Noncontrolling interest


103


103

Total equity
4,943

3,917

2,253

(6,067
)
5,046

Total liabilities and equity
$
11,980

4,016

2,547

(6,067
)
12,476



I-17


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


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net revenue
$
1,380

202

657

(301
)
1,938

Cost of goods sold
859

25

386

(49
)
1,221

Gross profit
521

177

271

(252
)
717

Operating expenses:





Operating
101

57

89

(79
)
168

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
242


81

(173
)
150

Depreciation
10

3

20


33

Amortization
59

40

21


120


412

100

211

(252
)
471

Operating income
109

77

60


246

Other (expense) income:





Equity in losses of investee


(1
)

(1
)
Interest expense, net
(58
)

(1
)

(59
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
12


(2
)

10

Intercompany interest (expense) income
(6
)
11

(5
)



(52
)
11

(9
)

(50
)
Income before income taxes
57

88

51


196

Income tax expense
(26
)
(25
)
(21
)

(72
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
93

9


(102
)

Net income
124

72

30

(102
)
124

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)

(9
)
9

(9
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
115

72

21

(93
)
115



I-18


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


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net revenue
$
1,343

191

732

(280
)
1,986

Cost of goods sold
842

24

447

(57
)
1,256

Gross profit
501

167

285

(223
)
730

Operating expenses:





Operating
79

56

101

(58
)
178

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
223

1

89

(165
)
148

Depreciation
9

1

23


33

Amortization
52

39

20


111


363

97

233

(223
)
470

Operating income
138

70

52


260

Other (expense) income:





Equity in losses of investee


(1
)

(1
)
Interest expense, net
(53
)

(9
)

(62
)
Foreign currency (loss) gain
(2
)

1


(1
)
Intercompany interest (expense) income
(5
)
13

(8
)



(60
)
13

(17
)

(64
)
Income before income taxes
78

83

35


196

Income tax benefit (expense)
20

(24
)
(70
)

(74
)
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax
24

(48
)

24


Net income (loss)
122

11

(35
)
24

122

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)

(9
)
9

(9
)
Net income (loss) attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
113

11

(44
)
33

113



I-19


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


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net income
$
124

72

30

(102
)
124

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(102
)

(102
)
102

(102
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
22

72

(72
)

22

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(8
)

(8
)
8

(8
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
14

72

(80
)
8

14

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
(in millions)
Subsidiary
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Net income (loss)
$
122

11

(35
)
24

122

Foreign currency translation adjustments
16


16

(16
)
16

Total comprehensive income (loss)
138

11

(19
)
8

138

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(12
)

(12
)
12

(12
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
126

11

(31
)
20

126



I-20


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


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Operating activities:










Net cash provided by operating activities
$
118

106

61


285

Investing activities:










Capital expenditures, net
(21
)
(1
)
(9
)

(31
)
Expenditures for cable and satellite television distribution rights, net

(44
)


(44
)
Changes in other noncurrent assets
(4
)

1


(3
)
Intercompany investing activities
243

150


(393
)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
218

105

(8
)
(393
)
(78
)
Financing activities:










Principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations
(410
)

(2
)

(412
)
Principal borrowings of debt from senior secured credit facility
351




351

Payment of debt origination fees
(3
)



(3
)
Other financing activities
(1
)



(1
)
Dividends paid to Liberty
(59
)



(59
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest


(20
)

(20
)
Net short-term intercompany debt (repayments) borrowings
(63
)
144

(81
)


Other intercompany financing activities
(102
)
(259
)
(32
)
393


Net cash used in financing activities
(287
)
(115
)
(135
)
393

(144
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


(10
)

(10
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
49

96

(92
)

53

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
2

123

222


347

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
51

219

130


400



I-21


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


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
(in millions)
Parent
issuer-
QVC, Inc.

Combined
subsidiary
guarantors

Combined
non-guarantor
subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated-
QVC, Inc. and
subsidiaries

Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
107

98

56


261

Investing activities:





Capital expenditures, net
(12
)

(17
)

(29
)
Expenditures for cable and satellite television distribution rights, net

(8
)


(8
)
Changes in other noncurrent assets
(2
)



(2
)
Intercompany investing activities
65

54


(119
)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
51

46

(17
)
(119
)
(39
)
Financing activities:





Principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations
(1,186
)

(2
)

(1,188
)
Principal borrowings of debt from senior secured credit facility
384




384

Proceeds from issuance of senior secured notes, net of original issue discount
999




999

Payment of debt origination fees
(12
)



(12
)
Other financing activities
7




7

Dividends paid to Liberty
(286
)



(286
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest


(25
)

(25
)
Net short-term intercompany debt (repayments) borrowings
(84
)
73

11



Other intercompany financing activities
(11
)
(132
)
24

119


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(189
)
(59
)
8

119

(121
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents





Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(31
)
85

47


101

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
78

133

246


457

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
47

218

293


558




I-22


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


I-23


For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Overview
QVC, Inc. (unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, the terms "we," "our," "us," the "Company" and "QVC" refer to QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries) is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications. In the United States, QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year ("QVC-U.S."). Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany ("QVC-Germany"), Japan ("QVC-Japan"), the United Kingdom ("QVC-U.K.") and Italy ("QVC-Italy"). QVC-Germany distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming, QVC-Japan distributes live programming 24 hours per day, and QVC-U.K. distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. However, as of March 9, 2015, QVC-U.K. has reduced its total live programming from 17 hours to 16 hours during the 1am to 2am hour on a trial basis. QVC-Italy distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television.
The Company's Japanese operations are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $20 million and $25 million, respectively.
Additionally, the Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio (''CNR''). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. Live programming is distributed for 17 hours per day and recorded programming for seven hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
On April 16, 2014, QVC announced plans to expand its global presence into France. Similar to its other markets, QVC plans to offer a highly immersive digital shopping experience, with strong integration across e-commerce, TV, mobile and social platforms, with the launch expected in the summer of 2015.
We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. On August 9, 2012, Liberty completed the recapitalization of its common stock into shares of the corresponding series of two new tracking stocks, Liberty Interactive (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB), which we were a part of, and Liberty Ventures (Nasdaq: LVNTA, LVNTB). On October 3, 2014, we declared and paid a dividend in cash to Liberty in the amount of $1 billion with funds drawn from the Company's credit facility. Additionally, Liberty reattributed from the Interactive Group to the Ventures Group $970 million in cash and certain of its digital commerce companies, including Backcountry.com, Inc., Bodybuilding.com, LLC, CommerceHub, Provide Commerce, Inc., Evite, Inc. and LMC Right Start, Inc. As a result of these transactions, the Interactive Group is now referred to as the QVC Group, which tracks our Company and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc. ("HSN"), one of our two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The Liberty Interactive tracking stock trading symbol LINTA was changed to "QVCA" and the "LINTB" trading symbol was changed to "QVCB," effective October 7, 2014.


I-24


Strategies and challenges of business units
QVC's goal is to become the preeminent global multimedia shopping community for people who love to shop, and to offer a shopping experience that is as much about entertainment and enrichment as it is about buying. QVC's objective is to provide an integrated shopping experience that utilizes all forms of media including television, the Internet and mobile devices. In 2015, QVC intends to employ several strategies to achieve these goals and objectives. Among these strategies are to (i) extend the breadth, relevance and exposure of the QVC brand; (ii) source products that represent unique quality and value; (iii) create engaging presentation content in televised programming, mobile and online; (iv) leverage customer loyalty and continue multi-platform expansion; and (v) create a compelling and differentiated customer experience. In addition, QVC expects to expand globally by leveraging its existing systems, infrastructure and skills in other countries around the world.
QVC's future net revenue growth will primarily depend on international expansion, sales growth from e-commerce and mobile platforms, additions of new customers from households already receiving QVC's television programming and increased spending from existing customers. QVC's future net revenue may also be affected by (i) the willingness of cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators to continue carrying QVC's programming service; (ii) QVC's ability to maintain favorable channel positioning, which may become more difficult due to governmental action or from distributors converting analog customers to digital; (iii) changes in television viewing habits because of personal video recorders, video-on-demand and Internet video services; and (iv) general economic conditions.
The prolonged economic uncertainty in various regions of the world in which our subsidiaries and affiliates operate could adversely affect demand for our products and services since a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. Global financial markets continue to experience disruptions, including increased volatility and diminished liquidity and credit availability. If economic and financial market conditions in the U.S. or other key markets, including Japan and Europe, remain uncertain, persist, or deteriorate further, our customers may respond by suspending, delaying, or reducing their discretionary spending. A suspension, delay or reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments remain weak or decline. Such weak economic conditions may also inhibit our expansion into new European and other markets. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.


I-25


Results of Operations
QVC's operating results were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

Net revenue
$
1,938

1,986

Costs of goods sold
1,221

1,256

Gross profit
717

730

Operating expenses:



Operating
168

178

Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation
142

140

Adjusted OIBDA
407

412

Stock-based compensation
8

8

Depreciation
33

33

Amortization
120

111

Operating income
246

260

Other (expense) income:



Equity in losses of investee
(1
)
(1
)
Interest expense, net
(59
)
(62
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
10

(1
)

(50
)
(64
)
Income before income taxes
196

196

Income tax expense
(72
)
(74
)
Net income
124

122

Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(9
)
(9
)
Net income attributable to QVC, Inc. stockholder
$
115

113

Net revenue
Net revenue was generated in the following geographical areas:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

QVC-U.S.
$
1,342

1,305

QVC-Germany
212

250

QVC-Japan
199

234

QVC-U.K.
156

165

QVC-Italy
29

32

Consolidated QVC
$
1,938

1,986



I-26


QVC's consolidated net revenue decreased 2.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The decrease in net revenue of $48 million was primarily comprised of $97 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates in all countries, an increase in estimated product returns of $26 million primarily in the U.S. and Germany and a decrease in shipping and handling revenue of $9 million. These amounts were partially offset by $66 million due to a 2.9% increase in units sold and $22 million due to a 0.9% increase in the consolidated average selling price per unit ("ASP"). The increase in estimated product returns in the U.S. and Germany was primarily due to the sales increases including a shift in the product mix to apparel which typically returns at a higher rate and changes in prior period estimates based on actual experience. Germany also experienced higher return rates in the apparel category due to the introduction of new brands. As expected, shipping and handling revenue decreased in the U.S. as a result of the Company's new shipping and handling pricing which became effective February 2, 2015 that provides for changes in standard shipping rates and a change in QVC’s shipping and handling refund policy.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the changes in revenue and expenses were affected by changes in the exchange rates for the Japanese Yen, the Euro and the U.K. Pound Sterling. In the event the U.S. Dollar continues to strengthen against these foreign currencies in the future, QVC's revenue and operating cash flow will be negatively affected.
The percentage increase (decrease) in net revenue for each of QVC's geographic areas in U.S. Dollars and in local currency was as follows:

Three months ended March 31, 2015
 

U.S. Dollars

Local currency

QVC-U.S.
2.8
 %
2.8
 %
QVC-Germany
(15.2
)%
3.1
 %
QVC-Japan
(15.0
)%
(1.7
)%
QVC-U.K.
(5.5
)%
3.6
 %
QVC-Italy
(9.4
)%
9.1
 %
QVC-U.S. net revenue growth was primarily due to a 3.1% increase in units shipped and a 1.4% increase in ASP, offset by the increase in estimated product returns and lower shipping and handling revenue as discussed in the above paragraph. QVC-U.S. experienced shipped sales growth in all categories except electronics. QVC-Germany's shipped sales in local currency increased primarily in home, apparel and accessories partially offset by a decline in electronics and the increase in estimated product returns as discussed in the above paragraph. QVC-Japan's shipped sales in local currency declined in apparel, accessories and jewelry, offset to a lesser extent by increases in electronics, home and beauty. The declines in QVC-Japan's shipped sales in local currency were primarily due to the impact of the local consumption tax increase that became effective April 1, 2014. QVC-U.K.'s shipped sales growth in local currency increased primarily in beauty and jewelry partially offset by a decline in electronics. QVC-Italy's shipped sales growth in local currency increased primarily in the beauty and apparel categories.
Gross profit
QVC's gross profit percentage was 37.0% and 36.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in gross profit percentage was primarily due to improved product margins in the U.S., Germany and the UK.
Operating expenses
QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees, telecommunications expenses and production costs. Operating expenses decreased $10 million or 5.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, operating expenses decreased due to foreign currency exchange rate impacts of $11 million and a $1 million decrease in programming and production costs, partially offset by a $2 million increase in credit card processing fees. The decrease in programming and production costs was primarily due to fewer promotional events compared to the prior year. The increase in credit card processing fees was primarily due to the U.S. sales increase.


I-27


Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)
QVC's SG&A expenses include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, credit card income and marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses increased $2 million, and as a percent of net revenue, from 7.0% to 7.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 as a result of a variety of factors.
The increase was primarily due to $15 million in personnel costs for severance, merit and benefits primarily in the U.S., and staffing for the France start-up. Additionally, there was a $1 million increase in outside consultancy services and a $1 million increase in software expense. These amounts were partially offset by the impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $10 million and a $5 million increase in credit card income due to favorable economics of the Q Card portfolio in the U.S.
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options and restricted stock granted to certain officers and employees. QVC recorded $8 million of stock-based compensation expense for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions)
2015

2014

Affiliate agreements
$
37

38

Customer relationships
43

43

Acquisition related amortization
80

81

Property and equipment
33

33

Software amortization
29

21

Channel placement amortization and related expenses
11

9

Total depreciation and amortization
$
153

144

The increases in software amortization in 2015 was primarily due to solutions to enhance customer service and productivity in the U.S., Germany and Italy.
Equity in losses of investee
The losses were associated with our joint venture in China that is accounted for as an equity method investment.
Interest expense, net
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, consolidated net interest expense decreased $3 million or 4.8% as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
Foreign currency gain (loss)
The foreign currency gain for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was driven by a large U.K. royalty prepayment to the U.S. in December 2014 which was denominated in the local currency of the U.K. Additionally, certain loans between QVC and its subsidiaries are deemed to be short-term in nature, and accordingly, the translation of these loans is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The change in foreign currency gain (loss) was also due to variances in interest and operating payables balances between QVC and its international subsidiaries denominated in the currency of the subsidiary and the effects of currency exchange rate changes on those balances.
Income taxes
Our effective tax rate was 36.7%, and 37.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These rates differ from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% primarily due to state tax expense. We do not expect our effective tax rates to differ significantly in future periods.


I-28


Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted OIBDA)
QVC defines Adjusted OIBDA as net revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). QVC's chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate the businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among the businesses. QVC believes that this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the businesses, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows QVC to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and perform benchmarking among its businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The primary material limitations associated with the use of Adjusted OIBDA as compared to GAAP results are (i) it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in the industry, and (ii) it excludes financial information that some may consider important in evaluating QVC's performance. QVC compensates for these limitations by providing disclosure of the difference between Adjusted OIBDA and GAAP results, including providing a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to GAAP results, to enable investors to perform their own analysis of QVC's operating results. Refer to note 11 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes.
Seasonality
QVC's business is seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in the fourth calendar quarter related to year-end holiday shopping. In recent years, QVC has earned, on average, between 22% and 23% of its revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year and 32% of its revenue in the fourth quarter of the year.
Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Historically, QVC's primary sources of cash have been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings. In general, QVC uses this cash to fund its operations, make capital purchases, make payments to Liberty, make interest payments and minimize QVC's outstanding senior secured credit facility balance.
As of March 31, 2015, substantially all of QVC's cash and cash equivalents were invested in AAA rated money market funds and time deposits with banks rated equal to or above A.
Senior Secured Notes
All of QVC's senior secured notes are secured by the capital stock of QVC and certain of its subsidiaries and have equal priority to the senior secured credit facility. The interest on all of QVC's senior secured notes is payable semi-annually.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On March 9, 2015, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the "Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"), which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.25 billion revolving credit facility with a $250 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. QVC may elect that the loans extended under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR Rate or LIBOR, as each is defined in the senior secured credit facility agreement, plus a margin of 0.25% to 1.75% depending on various factors. Each loan may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty at any time other than customary breakage costs. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving credit facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default. The senior secured credit facility is secured by the capital stock of QVC.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility to March 9, 2020 and lower the interest rate on borrowings.


I-29


QVC had $1.8 billion available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at March 31, 2015. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 1.6% at March 31, 2015.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Company and each of its restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; and limiting the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.
Other Debt Related Information
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at March 31, 2015.
During the quarter, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
There are no restrictions under the debt agreements on QVC's ability to pay dividends or make other restricted payments if QVC is not in default on its senior secured notes or credit facility, and QVC's consolidated leverage ratio would be no greater than 3.5 to 1.0. As a result, Liberty will, in many instances, be permitted to rely on QVC's cash flow for servicing Liberty's debt and for other purposes, including repurchases of Liberty's common stock, or to fund acquisitions or other operational requirements of Liberty and its subsidiaries. These events may deplete QVC's equity or require QVC to borrow under the senior secured credit facility, increasing QVC's leverage and decreasing liquidity. QVC has made significant distributions to Liberty in the past.
Additional Cash Flow Information
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, QVC's primary uses of cash were $412 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $59 million of dividends to Liberty, $75 million of capital and cable and satellite television distribution rights expenditures and $20 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $351 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $285 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of March 31, 2015, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $400 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, our primary uses of cash were $1,188 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $286 million of dividends to Liberty, $29 million of capital expenditures and a $25 million dividend payment from QVC-Japan to Mitsui. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $999 million of net proceeds from the issuance of the 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, $384 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $261 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of March 31, 2014, our cash balance (excluding restricted cash) was $558 million.
The change in cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the previous period was primarily due to variances in accounts receivable, accrued liabilities and accounts payable balances. The variance in accounts receivable is primarily due to the change in Easy Pay receivable balances. The variance in accrued liabilities and accounts payable is primarily due to timing of payments to vendors.
As of March 31, 2015, $115 million of the $400 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Cash in foreign subsidiaries is generally accessible, but certain tax consequences may reduce the net amount of cash we are able to utilize for U.S. purposes. QVC accrues taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. Approximately one-half of this foreign cash balance was that of QVC-Japan. QVC owns 60% of QVC-Japan and shares all profits and losses with the 40% minority interest holder, Mitsui. We believe that we currently have appropriate legal structures in place to repatriate foreign cash as tax efficiently as possible and meet the business needs of QVC.





I-30


Other
Capital expenditures spending in 2015 is expected to be between $195 to $205 million, including $31 million already expended.
Refer to the chart under the "Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations" section below for additional information concerning the amount and timing of expected future payments under QVC's contractual obligations at March 31, 2015.
QVC has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible QVC may incur losses upon the conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, that may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments, both accrued and off-balance sheet, under our contractual obligations at March 31, 2015 is summarized below:

Payments due by period
 
(in millions)
Remainder of 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total

Long-term debt (1)
$




400

4,100

4,500

Interest payments (2)
149

215

215

215

209

1,225

2,228

Capital lease obligations (including imputed interest)
7

9

10

11

10

23

70

Operating lease obligations
14

18

17

15

13

94

171

(1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations and the issue discounts on the 3.125%, 4.375%, 4.85%, 4.45%, 5.45% and 5.95% Senior Secured Notes.
(2) Amounts (i) are based on the terms of QVC's senior secured credit facility and senior secured notes, (ii) assumes the interest rates on the floating rate debt remain constant at the rates in effect as of March 31, 2015, (iii) assumes that our existing debt is repaid at maturity and (iv) excludes capital lease obligations.
Our purchase obligations did not materially change as of March 31, 2015.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016 but a proposal has been issued to extend the effective date to those fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability. This ASU intends to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. This standard will more closely align the presentation of debt issuance costs under U.S. GAAP with the presentation under comparable International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The standard requires the use of the retrospective transition method. The Company has determined there is no significant effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.


I-31


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
QVC is exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations by subsidiaries in different foreign countries. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. QVC has established procedures and internal processes governing the management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks.
Interest rate risk
QVC is exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of borrowing activities. Over the long-term, QVC manages the exposure to interest rates by maintaining what QVC believes is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. QVC believes this best protects itself from interest rate risk.
The table below summarizes the Company’s debt obligations, related interest rates and fair value of debt at March 31, 2015:
(in millions, except percentages)
2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

Fixed rate debt (1)
$




400

3,650

4,050

4,151

Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate debt
%
%
%
%
3.1
%
5.2
%
5.0
%
N/A

Variable rate debt
$





450

450

450

Average interest rate on variable rate debt
%
%
%
%
%
1.6
%
1.6
%
N/A

(1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations and the issue discounts on the 3.125%, 4.375%, 4.85%, 4.45%, 5.45% and 5.95% Senior Secured Notes.
N/A - Not applicable.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
QVC is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to the monetary assets and liabilities and the financial results of its foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. Dollars that result in unrealized gains or losses are referred to as translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses, which are reflected in income as unrealized (based on period-end transactions) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Cash flows from operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the period. Accordingly, QVC may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity with respect to its holdings solely as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. QVC's reported Adjusted OIBDA for the three months ended March 31, 2015 would have been impacted by approximately $1 million for every 1% change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.
The credit facility provides QVC with the ability to borrow in multiple currencies. This allows QVC to somewhat mitigate foreign currency exchange rate risks. As of March 31, 2015, no borrowings in foreign currencies were outstanding.


I-32


Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2015 because of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed in more detail in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 under Part II, Item 9A. Management has begun implementation of the remediation plan described in our 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and updated below to address this material weakness and is monitoring that implementation.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the first quarter of 2015, we have reviewed the design of our controls, made adjustments and are in the process of implementing manual controls to initially alleviate the control deficiencies. In addition, we are working on implementing a new suite of products to automate and better control user access. Other than these items, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Remediation Plan for Material Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In response to the material weakness identified in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting as set forth in Part II, Item 9A in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company has developed a plan with oversight from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty to remediate the material weakness. The remediation efforts expected to be implemented include the following:
Establish a more comprehensive review and approval process for authorizing user access to information technology systems and monitoring user access to ensure that all information technology controls designed to restrict access to operating systems, applications and data, and the ability to make program changes, are operating in a manner that provides the Company with assurance that such access is properly restricted to the appropriate personnel.
Evaluate staffing levels and responsibilities to provide for appropriate segregation of duties among the personnel.
Develop and implement adequate training for the Company's personnel to reinforce pre-established and new information technology controls and their financial reporting objectives enabling a better understanding of the internal control environment to improve our ability to detect and prevent potential deficiencies.
Engage external experts to assess and improve financial application access rights to optimize appropriate segregation of duties and to perform a code review of relevant software applications.
Throughout the process, the Company has been closely monitoring the implementation of these initiatives and has been making necessary changes to the overall design to ensure operational effectiveness. As described above, we are currently in the process of implementing a new suite of products to automate and better control user access and testing manual controls we have put into place. These initiatives are critical to the successful execution of management's remediation initiatives. Under the direction of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty, the Company’s management will continue to review and make necessary changes to the overall design of the Company's internal control environment to improve the overall effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Once fully implemented, the Company believes the foregoing efforts will effectively remediate the material weakness. Because the reliability of the internal control process requires repeatable execution, the successful remediation of this material weakness will require review and evidence of effectiveness prior to concluding that the controls are effective and there is no assurance that additional remediation steps will not be necessary.
Although no assurance can be given as to when the remediation plan will be completed, the Company believes the remediation efforts will be completed during the third quarter of 2015 and will test and re-evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's information technology general controls thereafter.


I-33


PART II


Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
4.1

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2015, among QVC, Inc., as Borrower, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as Lead Arranger and Lead Bookrunner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and BNP Paribas, as Syndication Agents, and the parties named therein as Lenders, Issuing Banks, Documentation Agents and Co-Lead Arrangers and Co-Bookrunners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 333-184501) as filed on March 13, 2015).
31.1

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

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

Section 1350 Certification**
101.INS

XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF

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


II-1


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
QVC, Inc.
Date: May 11, 2015
By:/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE
 
Michael A. George
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: May 11, 2015
By:/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI
 
Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


II-2


EXHIBIT INDEX



Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
4.1

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2015, among QVC, Inc., as Borrower, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as Lead Arranger and Lead Bookrunner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and BNP Paribas, as Syndication Agents, and the parties named therein as Lenders, Issuing Banks, Documentation Agents and Co-Lead Arrangers and Co-Bookrunners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 333-184501) as filed on March 13, 2015).
31.1

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

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

Section 1350 Certification**
101.INS

XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF

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


II-3