Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

OR

 

 

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

For the transition period from                             to                             

Commission File Number 001-33982

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


incorporation or organization)

 


Identification No.)

 

State of Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

84-1288730

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

12300 Liberty Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado

(Address of principal executive offices)

80112

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (720) 875-5300

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 ☒   No ☐

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 ☒    No ☐

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 ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

(do not check if
smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐    No ☒

The number of outstanding shares of Liberty Interactive Corporation's common stock as of October 31, 2016 was:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A

 

Series B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

437,590,257

 

29,358,638

 

Liberty Ventures

 

135,244,365

 

7,119,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) 

    

I-3

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (unaudited) 

 

I-5

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (unaudited) 

 

I-7

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (unaudited) 

 

I-8

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity (unaudited) 

 

I-9

 

 

 

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 

 

I-10

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

 

I-29

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. 

 

I-43

Item 4. Controls and Procedures. 

 

I-44

 

 

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION 

 

II-1

Item 1. Legal Proceedings 

 

II-1

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 

 

II-1

Item 6. Exhibits 

 

II-2

 

 

 

SIGNATURES 

 

II-3

EXHIBIT INDEX 

 

II-4

 

 

 

I-2


 

Table of Contents

 

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

505

 

2,449

 

Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $92 million and $87 million, respectively

 

 

848

 

1,443

 

Inventory, net

 

 

1,189

 

1,000

 

Short term marketable securities (note 6)

 

 

 —

 

910

 

Other current assets

 

 

154

 

73

 

Total current assets

 

 

2,696

 

5,875

 

Investments in available-for-sale securities and other cost investments (note 7)

 

 

1,819

 

1,353

 

Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method (note 8)

 

 

1,545

 

1,641

 

Investment in Liberty Broadband measured at fair value (note 8)

 

 

3,051

 

 —

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

 

2,309

 

2,124

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(1,098)

 

(984)

 

 

 

 

1,211

 

1,140

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 9):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

6,184

 

6,112

 

Trademarks

 

 

3,322

 

3,373

 

 

 

 

9,506

 

9,485

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 9)

 

 

1,147

 

1,647

 

Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

57

 

39

 

Total assets

 

$

21,032

 

21,180

 

 

(continued)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-3


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions,

 

 

 

except share amounts

 

Liabilities and Equity

    

 

    

    

    

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

732

 

762

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

616

 

784

 

Current portion of debt, including $883 million and $1,193 million measured at fair value (note 10)

 

 

900

 

1,226

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

167

 

328

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

2,415

 

3,100

 

Long-term debt, including $1,140 million and $1,287 million measured at fair value (note 10)

 

 

7,255

 

7,481

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

3,878

 

3,502

 

Other liabilities

 

 

182

 

222

 

Total liabilities

 

 

13,730

 

14,305

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity (note 11):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series A QVC Group common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 4,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 438,342,145 shares at September 30, 2016 and 461,379,963 shares at December 31, 2015

 

 

5

 

5

 

Series B QVC Group common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 29,358,638 shares at September 30, 2016 and 29,218,527 shares at December 31, 2015

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series A Liberty Ventures common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 400,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 135,238,740 shares at September 30, 2016 and 134,961,466 shares at December 31, 2015

 

 

1

 

1

 

Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 15,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 7,119,929 shares at September 30, 2016 and 7,092,111 shares at December 31, 2015

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 —

 

370

 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(198)

 

(215)

 

Retained earnings

 

 

7,381

 

6,626

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

7,189

 

6,787

 

Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries

 

 

113

 

88

 

Total equity

 

 

7,302

 

6,875

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

21,032

 

21,180

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-4


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Total revenue, net

 

$

2,412

 

2,153

 

 

7,485

 

6,619

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

 

 

1,575

 

1,358

 

 

4,822

 

4,182

 

Operating

 

 

165

 

160

 

 

512

 

486

 

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 4)

 

 

290

 

238

 

 

892

 

720

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

225

 

150

 

 

663

 

479

 

 

 

 

2,255

 

1,906

 

 

6,889

 

5,867

 

Operating income

 

 

157

 

247

 

 

596

 

752

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(92)

 

(88)

 

 

(277)

 

(273)

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 8)

 

 

18

 

31

 

 

(3)

 

121

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 6)

 

 

606

 

70

 

 

942

 

98

 

Gains (losses) on dispositions, net (note 3)

 

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 

9

 

110

 

Other, net

 

 

(8)

 

25

 

 

118

 

11

 

 

 

 

524

 

37

 

 

789

 

67

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

681

 

284

 

 

1,385

 

819

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

 

(203)

 

(86)

 

 

(441)

 

(211)

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

478

 

198

 

 

944

 

608

 

Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

9

 

8

 

 

28

 

33

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Interactive Corporation shareholders

 

$

469

 

190

 

 

916

 

575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Interactive Corporation shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group common stock

 

$

61

 

154

 

 

285

 

417

 

Liberty Ventures common stock

 

 

408

 

36

 

 

631

 

158

 

 

 

$

469

 

190

 

 

916

 

575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-5


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

Basic net earnings (losses) attributable to Liberty Interactive Corporation shareholders per common share (note 5):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B QVC Group common stock

 

$

0.13

 

0.33

 

 

0.59

 

0.89

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

2.87

 

0.26

 

 

4.44

 

1.12

 

Diluted net earnings (losses) attributable to Liberty Interactive Corporation shareholders per common share (note 5):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B QVC Group common stock

 

$

0.13

 

0.33

 

 

0.59

 

0.88

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

2.83

 

0.25

 

 

4.38

 

1.10

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

I-6


 

Table of Contents

 

 

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

478

 

198

 

944

 

608

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

(3)

 

5

 

36

 

(76)

 

Share of other comprehensive earnings (losses) of equity affiliates

 

 

(2)

 

(4)

 

(7)

 

(19)

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

6

 

 —

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

(5)

 

1

 

35

 

(95)

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

473

 

199

 

979

 

513

 

Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

11

 

10

 

46

 

33

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Interactive Corporation shareholders

 

$

462

 

189

 

933

 

480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Interactive Corporation shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group common stock

 

$

56

 

157

 

303

 

341

 

Liberty Ventures common stock

 

 

406

 

32

 

630

 

139

 

 

 

$

462

 

189

 

933

 

480

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

I-7


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

944

 

608

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

663

 

479

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

75

 

81

 

Cash payments for stock-based compensation

 

 

(92)

 

(11)

 

Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net

 

 

3

 

(121)

 

Cash receipts from returns on equity investments

 

 

41

 

42

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net

 

 

(942)

 

(98)

 

(Gains) losses on dispositions

 

 

(9)

 

(110)

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

421

 

2

 

Other, net

 

 

(34)

 

15

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current and other assets

 

 

349

 

(35)

 

Payables and other liabilities

 

 

(384)

 

(49)

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

1,035

 

803

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 —

 

(20)

 

Cash proceeds from dispositions of investments

 

 

350

 

271

 

Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees

 

 

(67)

 

(126)

 

Cash receipts from returns of equity investments

 

 

 —

 

250

 

Capital expended for property and equipment

 

 

(177)

 

(164)

 

Purchases of short term and other marketable securities

 

 

(264)

 

(1,194)

 

Sales of short term and other marketable securities

 

 

1,174

 

1,180

 

Investment in Liberty Broadband

 

 

(2,400)

 

 —

 

Other investing activities, net

 

 

(14)

 

(48)

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

(1,398)

 

149

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings of debt

 

 

2,688

 

1,956

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(3,629)

 

(2,100)

 

Repurchases of QVC Group common stock

 

 

(603)

 

(531)

 

Withholding taxes on net settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

(16)

 

(17)

 

Other financing activities, net

 

 

(28)

 

(16)

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(1,588)

 

(708)

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash

 

 

7

 

(4)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(1,944)

 

240

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

2,449

 

2,306

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

505

 

2,546

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

I-8


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity

(unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

Liberty

 

Additional

 

other

 

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred

 

Group

 

Ventures

 

paid-in

 

comprehensive

 

Retained

 

interest in equity

 

Total

 

 

  

stock

  

Series A

  

Series B

  

Series A

  

Series B

  

capital

  

earnings (loss)

  

earnings

  

of subsidiaries

  

equity

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2016

 

$

 —

 

5

 

 —

 

1

 

 —

 

370

 

(215)

 

6,626

 

88

 

6,875

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

916

 

28

 

944

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

17

 

 —

 

18

 

35

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change (note 1)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

5

 

 —

 

5

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

68

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

68

 

Series A QVC Group common stock repurchases

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(603)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(603)

 

Stock issued upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

24

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

24

 

Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(16)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(16)

 

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(21)

 

(21)

 

Reclassification (note 1)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

166

 

 —

 

(166)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(9)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(9)

 

Balance at September 30, 2016

 

$

 —

 

5

 

 —

 

1

 

 —

 

 —

 

(198)

 

7,381

 

113

 

7,302

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

I-9


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

(1)   Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Liberty Interactive Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, "Liberty" or the "Company" unless the context otherwise requires). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Liberty, through its ownership of interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the video and on-line commerce industries in North America, Europe and Asia.

The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by 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. Additionally, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with current period presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Liberty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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. Liberty considers (i) fair value measurement, (ii) accounting for income taxes, (iii) assessments of other-than-temporary declines in fair value of its investments and (iv) estimates of retail-related adjustments and allowances to be its most significant estimates.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers.  The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, and in April 2016, the FASB issued further guidance which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing. The updated guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standards on its ongoing financial reporting.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amends the consolidation guidance in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation.  The new guidance requires an entity to reconsider and re-document the basis for certain previous consolidation conclusions.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2016.  The adoption of this guidance did not change the conclusions reached for any previous consolidation analyses.

In July 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. The new principle is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and applies to entities that measure inventory using a method other than last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after

I-10


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

December 15, 2016. The Company has determined there is no significant effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In September 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts that would have been recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments.  The new guidance requires equity investments with readily determinable fair values (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted under certain circumstances. The Company has not yet determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which revises the accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. The new guidance also simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions. The new standard, to be applied via a modified retrospective transition approach, is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the third quarter of 2016.  In accordance with the new guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax benefit or expense rather than as additional paid-in capital. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur rather than continue to estimate expected forfeitures. In addition, pursuant to the new guidance, excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies are applied prospectively from January 1, 2016. For tax benefits that were not previously recognized and for adjustments to compensation cost based on actual forfeitures, the Company has recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment in retained earnings as of January 1, 2016. The presentation changes for excess tax benefits have been applied retrospectively in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, resulting in $8 million and $22 million of excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 20, 2016 and 2015, respectively, reclassified from cash flows from financing activities to cash flows from operating activities.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires an entity to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted.  We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 

 

As a result of repurchases of Series A QVC Group common stock, the Company’s additional paid-in capital balance was in a deficit position as of September 30, 2016.  In order to maintain a zero balance in the additional paid-in capital account, we reclassified the amount of the deficit ($166 million) at September 30, 2016 to retained earnings.

I-11


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

Liberty holds investments that are accounted for using the equity method. Liberty does not control the decision making process or business management practices of these affiliates. Accordingly, Liberty relies on management of these affiliates to provide it with accurate financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that Liberty uses in the application of the equity method. In addition, Liberty relies on audit reports that are provided by the affiliates' independent auditors on the financial statements of such affiliates. The Company is not aware, however, of any errors in or possible misstatements of the financial information provided by its equity affiliates that would have a material effect on Liberty's condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Liberty has entered into certain agreements with Liberty Media Corporation ("LMC"), a separate publicly traded company, neither of which has any stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in the other, in order to govern relationships between the companies. These agreements include a Reorganization Agreement, Services Agreement, Facilities Sharing Agreement and Tax Sharing Agreement.

 

The Reorganization Agreement provides for, among other things, provisions governing the relationship between Liberty and LMC, including certain cross-indemnities. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, LMC provides Liberty with certain general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury and investor relations support. Liberty reimburses LMC for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by LMC in providing these services and for Liberty's allocable portion of costs associated with any shared services or personnel based on an estimated percentage of time spent providing services to Liberty. Under the Facilities Sharing Agreement, LMC shares office space and related amenities at its corporate headquarters with Liberty. Under these various agreements, approximately $2 million and $3 million was reimbursable to LMC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and approximately $8 million was reimbursable to LMC for the both the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Additionally, the Tax Sharing Agreement provides for the allocation and indemnification of tax liabilities and benefits between Liberty and LMC and other agreements related to tax matters.

 

(2)   Tracking Stocks

A tracking stock is a type of common stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or "track" the economic performance of a particular business or "group," rather than the economic performance of the company as a whole. Liberty has two tracking stocks—QVC Group common stock and Liberty Ventures common stock, which are intended to track and reflect the economic performance of the QVC Group and the Ventures Group, respectively.

While the QVC Group and the Ventures Group have separate collections of businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to them, no group is a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of tracking stock have no direct claim to the group's stock or assets and are not represented by separate boards of directors. Instead, holders of tracking stock are stockholders of the parent corporation, with a single board of directors and subject to all of the risks and liabilities of the parent corporation.

The term "QVC Group" does not represent a separate legal entity, rather it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that have been attributed to that group. The QVC Group is primarily comprised of our merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs, Internet and mobile application businesses and has attributed to it our wholly-owned subsidiaries, QVC, Inc. (“QVC”) and zulily (defined below) (as of October 1, 2015), and our approximate 38% interest in HSN, Inc., along with cash and certain liabilities that reside with QVC and zulily as well as certain liabilities related to our corporate indebtedness (see note 10) and certain deferred tax liabilities. As of September 30, 2016, the QVC Group has cash and cash equivalents of approximately $348 million, which includes subsidiary cash.

The term "Ventures Group" does not represent a separate legal entity, rather it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that have been attributed to that group. The Ventures Group is primarily comprised of our subsidiaries Bodybuilding.com, LLC ("Bodybuilding") (until November 4, 2016), Commerce Technologies, Inc. (d/b/a “CommerceHub”) (until July 22, 2016), Evite, Inc. ("Evite") and Backcountry.com, Inc. (“Backcountry”) (see note 3 for

I-12


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

discussion of a disposed business) and interests in Expedia, Inc. (until November 4, 2016), FTD Companies, Inc. (“FTD”), LendingTree, Inc., and Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”), available-for-sale securities in Charter Communications, Inc., Interval Leisure Group, Inc. and Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”), as well as cash and cash equivalents of approximately $157 million at September 30, 2016. The Ventures Group also has attributed to it certain liabilities related to our Exchangeable Debentures (see note 10) and certain deferred tax liabilities. The Ventures Group is primarily focused on the maximization of the value of these investments and investing in new business opportunities. 

On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily, inc. (“zulily”) (now known as zulily, llc) for consideration of approximately $2.3 billion, comprised of $9.375 of cash and 0.3098 newly issued shares of Series A QVC Group common stock for each zulily share, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares.  Funding for the $1.2 billion cash portion of the consideration came from cash on hand at zulily and a distribution from QVC funded by a drawdown under its revolving credit facility (see note 10).  zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day.  zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and we believe that its business is complementary to QVC’s. Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the preliminary purchase price allocation was adjusted, resulting in decreases of $50 million to trademarks, $40 million to intangible assets subject to amortization and $33 million to deferred tax liabilities and a corresponding increase of $57 million to goodwill. If these adjustments had been recorded as of the acquisition date, amortization expense would have been approximately $3 million lower for the period ended December 31, 2015. There have been no other significant changes to our purchase price allocation since December 31, 2015. Liberty’s purchase price allocation is final as of September 30, 2016.   

On May 18, 2016, Liberty completed a $2.4 billion investment in Liberty Broadband in connection with the merger of Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter") and Time Warner Cable Inc. ("TWC"). The proceeds of this investment were used by Liberty Broadband to fund, in part, its acquisition of $5 billion of stock in the new public parent company (“New Charter”) of the combined enterprises. Liberty, along with third party investors, all of whom invested on the same terms as Liberty, purchased newly issued shares of Liberty Broadband Series C common stock at a per share price of $56.23, which was determined based upon the fair value of Liberty Broadband's net assets on a sum-of-the parts basis at the time the investment agreements were executed. Liberty's investment in Liberty Broadband was funded using cash on hand and is attributed to the Ventures Group. See note 8 for additional information related to this investment.

Liberty also exchanged, in a tax-free transaction, its shares of TWC common stock for shares of New Charter Class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis, and Liberty has granted to Liberty Broadband a proxy and a right of first refusal with respect to the shares of New Charter Class A common stock held by Liberty in the exchange.

On July 22, 2016, Liberty completed its previously announced spin-off (the “Spin-Off”) of its former wholly-owned subsidiary CommerceHub.  The Spin-Off was accomplished by the distribution by Liberty of a dividend of (i) 0.1 of a share of CommerceHub’s Series A common stock for each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series A Liberty Ventures common stock as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 8, 2016 (such date and time, the “Record Date”), (ii) 0.1 of a share of CommerceHub’s Series B common stock for each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series B Liberty Ventures common stock as of the Record Date and (iii) 0.2 of a share of CommerceHub’s Series C common stock for each outstanding share of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock as of the Record Date, in each case, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. This transaction has been recorded at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution. The IRS completed its review of the Spin-Off and notified Liberty that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the Spin-Off.

CommerceHub is included in the Corporate and other segment through July 22, 2016 and is not presented as a discontinued operation as the Spin-Off did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on Liberty’s operations and financial results. Included in revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is $7 million and $20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $51 million and $59 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to CommerceHub.  Included in net earnings (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are earnings of $4 million and losses

I-13


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

of $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and earnings of $4 million and losses of $6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to CommerceHub.  Included in total assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 is $115 million related to CommerceHub.

On November 4, 2016, Liberty completed its previously announced split-off (the “Split-Off”) of its former wholly-owned subsidiary Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. (“Expedia Holdings”). Expedia Holdings is comprised of, among other things, Liberty’s interest in Expedia, Inc. (approximately 16% equity interest and approximately 52% voting interest as of September 30, 2016) and Liberty’s wholly-owned subsidiary Bodybuilding. On November 2, 2016, Expedia Holdings borrowed $350 million under a new margin loan and distributed $300 million to Liberty on November 4, 2016. The Split-Off was accomplished by the redemption of (i) 0.4 of each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series A Liberty Ventures common stock for 0.4 of a share of Expedia Holdings Series A common stock at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 4, 2016 (such date and time, the “Redemption Date”) and (ii) 0.4 of each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series B Liberty Ventures common stock for 0.4 of a share of Expedia Holdings Series B common stock on the Redemption Date.

See Exhibit 99.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for unaudited attributed financial information for Liberty's tracking stock groups.

(3) Disposals

On June 30, 2015, Liberty sold Backcountry for aggregate consideration, including assumption of debt, amounts held in escrow, and a noncontrolling interest, of approximately $350 million.  The sale resulted in a $105 million gain, which is included in “Gains (losses) on dispositions, net” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. Backcountry is included in the Corporate and other segment through June 30, 2015 and is not presented as a discontinued operation as the sale did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on Liberty’s operations and financial results. Included in revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is $227 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, related to Backcountry.  Included in net earnings (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are losses of $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, related to Backcountry. 

(4)   Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has granted to certain of its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries, restricted stock, restricted stock units and options to purchase shares of Liberty common stock (collectively, "Awards"). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity classified Award (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the Award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for a liability classified Award based on the current fair value of the Award, and remeasures the fair value of the Award at each reporting date.

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are $20 million and $37 million of stock-based compensation during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $75 million and $81 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In connection with the Spin-Off of CommerceHub in July 2016, all outstanding Awards with respect to Liberty Ventures common stock as of the Record Date (“Liberty Ventures Award”) were adjusted pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the incentive plans under which the equity awards were granted, such that:

I.

A holder of a Liberty Ventures Award who was a member of the board of directors or an officer of Liberty holding the position of Vice President or above received (i) an adjustment to the exercise price (for an award of options to purchase Liberty Ventures common stock (an “Original Ventures Option”)) and the number of shares subject

I-14


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

to the Liberty Ventures Award (as so adjusted, an “Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award”) and (ii) a corresponding equity award relating to shares of the corresponding series of CommerceHub common stock, as well as Series C CommerceHub common stock (in each case, a “CommerceHub Award”); and

II.

Each other holder of a Liberty Ventures Award received only an adjustment to the exercise price (for an Original Ventures Option) and the number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award (also referred to as an “Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award”).

The exercise prices of Original Ventures Options and number of shares subject to the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Awards and the CommerceHub Awards were determined based on 1) the exercise prices and number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award, 2) the distribution ratios used in the Spin-Off, 3) the pre-Spin-Off trading price of the Liberty Ventures common stock and 4) the post-Spin-Off trading prices of Liberty Ventures common stock and CommerceHub common stock, such that all of the pre-Spin-Off intrinsic value of the  Liberty Ventures Award was allocated between the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award and the CommerceHub Award, or fully to the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award. The adjustment related to the CommerceHub Spin-Off was considered a modification under ASC 718 – Stock Compensation but did not result in incremental compensation expense.

Following the Spin-Off, employees of Liberty may hold Awards in both Liberty Ventures common stock and CommerceHub common stock.  The compensation expense relating to employees of Liberty is recorded at Liberty.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty granted 2.9 million options to QVC employees to purchase shares of Series A QVC Group common stock.  Such options had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $7.84 per share and vest semi-annually over 4 years.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty granted 433 thousand options to zulily employees to purchase shares of Series A QVC Group common stock.  Such options had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $7.57 per share and vest between three to five years.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty granted to Liberty employees 421 thousand options to purchase shares of Series A QVC Group common stock.  Such options had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $8.02 per share and mainly vest 50% each on December 31, 2019 and 2020.

Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty granted to Liberty employees 114 thousand options to purchase shares of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock.  Such options had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $12.25 per share and mainly vest 50% each on December 31, 2019 and 2020.

In connection with our CEO’s employment agreement, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty also granted 730 thousand and 209 thousand options of Series B QVC Group common stock and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, respectively, and 53 thousand and 16 thousand performance-based restricted stock units of Series B QVC Group common stock and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, respectively.  Such options had a grant-date fair value of $7.47 per share and $12.48 per share, respectively. The restricted stock units had a fair value of $25.11 per share and $38.79 per share, respectively, at the time they were granted. The options vest on December 31, 2016 and the restricted stock units cliff vest in one year, subject to satisfaction of certain performance objectives.  Performance objectives, which are subjective, are considered in determining the timing and amount of the compensation expense recognized. As the satisfaction of the performance objectives becomes probable, the Company records compensation expense. The value of the grant is remeasured at each reporting period.

The Company has calculated the grant-date fair value for all of its equity classified Awards and any subsequent remeasurement of its liability classified and certain performance-based awards using the Black-Scholes-Merton Model. The Company estimates the expected term of the Awards based on historical exercise and forfeiture data. The volatility used in the calculation for Awards is based on the historical volatility of Liberty's stock and the implied volatility of publicly

I-15


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

traded Liberty options. The Company uses a zero dividend rate and the risk-free rate for Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options.

Liberty—Outstanding Awards

The following tables present the number and weighted average exercise price ("WAEP") of the Awards to purchase QVC Group and Liberty Ventures common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series A

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

(000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2016

 

31,482

 

$

19.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

3,714

 

$

26.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(3,646)

 

$

14.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(766)

 

$

28.73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2016

 

30,784

 

$

20.78

 

4.6

years

 

$

70

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2016

 

18,407

 

$

18.08

 

3.5

years

 

$

59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series B

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

(000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2016

 

778

 

$

29.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

730

 

$

25.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(19)

 

$

29.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2016

 

1,489

 

$

27.50

 

5.9

years

 

$

 —

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2016

 

112

 

$

29.41

 

5.5

years

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Ventures

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series A

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

(000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2016

 

3,684

 

$

23.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CommerceHub Spin-Off

 

(16)

 

$

24.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

114

 

$

37.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(287)

 

$

19.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(1)

 

$

36.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2016

 

3,494

 

$

21.93

 

3.6

years

 

$

63

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2016

 

2,663

 

$

17.76

 

2.7

years

 

$

59

 

 

 

I-16


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Ventures

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series B

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

(000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2016

 

1,542

 

$

38.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CommerceHub Spin-Off

 

(10)

 

$

35.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

209

 

$

38.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(20)

 

$

42.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2016

 

1,721

 

$

34.75

 

5.4

years

 

$

9

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2016

 

112

 

$

38.63

 

5.5

years

 

$

 —

 

 

As of September 30, 2016, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Awards was approximately $138 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.9 years.

Other

Certain of the Company's other subsidiaries have stock based compensation plans under which employees and non-employees are granted options or similar stock based awards. Awards made under these plans vest and become exercisable over various terms. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, approximately $90 million of cash payments were made to settle CommerceHub stock based awards. The awards and compensation recorded, if any, under other subsidiary compensation plans are not significant to Liberty.

 

(5)   Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during periods in which losses are reported since the result would be antidilutive.

Series A and Series B QVC Group Common Stock

Excluded from diluted EPS, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, are 13 million and 4 million potential common shares, respectively, because their inclusion would be antidilutive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group Common Stock

 

 

    

Three months ended

    

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

number of shares in millions

 

Basic EPS

 

473

 

460

 

479

 

467

 

Potentially dilutive shares

 

5

 

6

 

6

 

7

 

Diluted EPS

 

478

 

466

 

485

 

474

 

 

I-17


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures Common Stock

 

Excluded from diluted EPS, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are less than a million potential common shares because their inclusion would be antidilutive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Ventures Common Stock

 

 

    

Three months ended 

    

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

number of shares in millions

 

Basic EPS

 

142

 

141

 

142

 

141

 

Potentially dilutive shares

 

2

 

2

 

2

 

2

 

Diluted EPS

 

144

 

143

 

144

 

143

 

 

 

(6)   Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

For assets and liabilities required to be reported at fair value, 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 are inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, that 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 at fair value are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at

 

Fair Value Measurements at

 

 

 

September 30, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

 

    

 

 

    

Quoted

    

 

    

 

    

Quoted

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

prices

 

 

 

 

 

prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in active

 

Significant

 

 

 

in active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

markets for

 

other

 

 

 

markets for

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

 

identical

 

observable

 

 

 

identical

 

observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

assets

 

inputs

 

 

 

assets

 

inputs

 

Description

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash equivalents

 

$

295

 

295

 

 —

 

2,225

 

2,225

 

 —

 

Short term marketable securities

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

910

 

331

 

579

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

$

1,742

 

1,735

 

7

 

1,294

 

1,287

 

7

 

Investment in Liberty Broadband

 

$

3,051

 

3,051

 

 —

 

NA

 

NA

 

NA

 

Debt

 

$

2,023

 

 —

 

2,023

 

2,480

 

 —

 

2,480

 

 

The majority of the Company's Level 2 financial assets and liabilities are primarily debt instruments with quoted market prices that are not considered to be traded on "active markets," as defined in GAAP. The fair values for such instruments are derived from a typical model using observable market data as the significant inputs. 

I-18


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Fair Value Option Securities - AFS

 

$

260

 

(78)

 

608

 

70

 

Fair Value Option Securities - Liberty Broadband

 

 

490

 

NA

 

651

 

NA

 

Exchangeable senior debentures

 

 

(138)

 

148

 

(313)

 

28

 

Other financial instruments

 

 

(6)

 

 —

 

(4)

 

 —

 

 

 

$

606

 

70

 

942

 

98

 

 

 

(7)   Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities and Other Cost Investments

 

All marketable equity and debt securities held by the Company are classified as available-for-sale ("AFS") and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. GAAP permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments, such as AFS securities, and certain other items at fair value and to recognize the changes in fair value of such instruments in the entity's statement of operations (the "fair value option"). Liberty has historically entered into economic hedges for certain of its non-strategic AFS securities (although such instruments were not accounted for as fair value hedges by the Company). Changes in the fair value of these economic hedges were reflected in Liberty's statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses). In order to better match the changes in fair value of the subject AFS securities and the changes in fair value of the corresponding economic hedges in the Company's financial statements, Liberty elected the fair value option for those of its AFS securities which it considered to be non-strategic ("Fair Value Option Securities"). Accordingly, changes in the fair value of Fair Value Option Securities, as determined by quoted market prices, are reported in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Investments in AFS securities, the majority of which are considered Fair Value Option Securities, and other cost investments are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

$

4

 

4

 

Total attributed QVC Group

 

 

4

 

4

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charter Communications, Inc. (1)

 

 

1,447

 

NA

 

Interval Leisure Group (2)

 

 

286

 

NA

 

Time Warner Inc. (3)

 

 

2

 

284

 

Time Warner Cable Inc. (1)

 

 

NA

 

994

 

Other investments

 

 

80

 

71

 

Total attributed Ventures Group

 

 

1,815

 

1,349

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

1,819

 

1,353

 


(1)

As discussed in note 2, in connection with the merger of Charter and TWC, Liberty exchanged, in a tax-free transaction, its shares of TWC common stock for shares of New Charter Class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis, and Liberty has granted to Liberty Broadband a proxy and a right of first refusal with respect to the shares of New Charter Class A common stock held by Liberty in the exchange.

I-19


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

(2)

On May 12, 2016, Interval Leisure Group (“Interval”) completed an acquisition which was accomplished, in part, through the issuance of additional Interval shares.  As a result of the share issuance, Liberty’s ownership interest in Interval was reduced from 28.7% to 12.8%. Prior to the transaction, Interval was accounted for as an equity method investment.  As a result of the transaction, Liberty does not have ability to exercise significant influence.  Accordingly, Interval is classified as available-for-sale and is carried at fair value.

(3)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty sold approximately 4 million shares of Time Warner common stock for proceeds of $341 million.

 

(8)   Investments in Affiliates Accounted for Using the Equity Method

 

Liberty has various investments accounted for using the equity method. The following table includes Liberty's carrying amount, fair value, and percentage ownership of the more significant investments in affiliates at September 30, 2016 and the carrying amount at December 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

September 30, 2016

 

2015

 

 

    

Percentage

    

Fair value

    

Carrying

    

Carrying

 

 

 

ownership

 

(Level 1)

 

amount

 

amount

 

 

 

 

 

dollar amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSN, Inc.

 

38

%  

$

797

 

$

184

 

165

 

Other

 

various

 

 

NA

 

 

42

 

43

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

226

 

208

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expedia, Inc.

 

16

%  

$

2,755

 

 

922

 

927

 

FTD Companies, Inc.

 

37

%  

 

210

 

 

251

 

267

 

Other

 

various

 

 

NA

 

 

146

 

239

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,319

 

1,433

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,545

 

1,641

 

 

The following table presents Liberty's share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended  September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSN, Inc.

 

$

9

 

15

 

41

 

52

 

Other

 

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

(3)

 

(6)

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

8

 

13

 

38

 

46

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expedia, Inc.

 

 

40

 

45

 

18

 

125

 

FTD Companies, Inc.

 

 

(7)

 

(14)

 

(8)

 

(9)

 

Other

 

 

(23)

 

(13)

 

(51)

 

(41)

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

10

 

18

 

(41)

 

75

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

18

 

31

 

(3)

 

121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in Liberty Broadband

 

As discussed in note 2, in connection with the merger of Charter and TWC, on May 18, 2016, Liberty invested $2.4 billion in Liberty Broadband Series C nonvoting shares. As of September 30, 2016, Liberty has a 24% economic ownership

I-20


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

interest in Liberty Broadband. Due to overlapping boards of directors and management, Liberty has been deemed to have significant influence over Liberty Broadband even though Liberty does not have any voting rights. Liberty has elected to apply the fair value option for its investment in Liberty Broadband (level 1) as it is believed that the Company’s investors value this investment based on the trading price of Liberty Broadband. Liberty recognizes changes in the fair value of its investment in Liberty Broadband in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

(9)   Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

    

QVC

 

zulily

    

Other

    

Total

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2016

 

$

5,149

 

860

 

103

 

6,112

 

Acquisition  (1)

 

 

 —

 

57

 

 —

 

57

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

35

 

 —

 

 —

 

35

 

Disposition (2)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

(21)

 

(21)

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

1

 

1

 

Balance at September 30, 2016

 

$

5,184

 

917

 

83

 

6,184

 


(1)

As discussed in note 2, subsequent to December 31, 2015, the preliminary purchase price allocation for the zulily acquisition was adjusted, resulting in a $57 million increase to goodwill.

(2)

As discussed in note 2, Liberty completed the Spin-Off of CommerceHub on July 22, 2016, resulting in a $21 million decrease to goodwill.

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $181 million and $115 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $538 million and $367 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Based on its amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2016, Liberty expects that amortization expense will be as follows for the next five years (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remainder of 2016

    

$

154

 

2017

 

$

513

 

2018

 

$

247

 

2019

 

$

98

 

2020

 

$

60

 

 

 

 

I-21


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

(10)   Long-Term Debt

Debt is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

principal at

 

Carrying value

 

 

    

September 30, 2016

    

September 30, 2016

    

December 31, 2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate level debentures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.5% Senior Debentures due 2029

 

$

287

 

 

285

 

285

 

8.25% Senior Debentures due 2030

 

 

504

 

 

501

 

501

 

1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043

 

 

345

 

 

346

 

349

 

Subsidiary level notes and facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019

 

 

400

 

 

399

 

399

 

QVC 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022

 

 

500

 

 

500

 

500

 

QVC 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023

 

 

750

 

 

750

 

750

 

QVC 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024

 

 

600

 

 

600

 

600

 

QVC 4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025

 

 

600

 

 

599

 

599

 

QVC 5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034

 

 

400

 

 

399

 

399

 

QVC 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043

 

 

300

 

 

300

 

300

 

QVC Bank Credit Facilities

 

 

1,625

 

 

1,625

 

1,815

 

Other subsidiary debt

 

 

178

 

 

178

 

72

 

Deferred loan costs

 

 

 

 

 

(30)

 

(34)

 

Total QVC Group debt

 

$

6,489

 

 

6,452

 

6,535

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate level debentures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2029

 

$

436

 

 

291

 

257

 

3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030

 

 

436

 

 

273

 

275

 

3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031

 

 

337

 

 

313

 

312

 

0.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043

 

 

2

 

 

6

 

1,287

 

1.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2046

 

 

750

 

 

794

 

NA

 

Subsidiary level notes and facilities

 

 

26

 

 

26

 

41

 

Total Ventures Group debt

 

$

1,987

 

 

1,703

 

2,172

 

Total consolidated Liberty debt

 

$

8,476

 

 

8,155

 

8,707

 

Less current classification

 

 

 

 

 

(900)

 

(1,226)

 

Total long-term debt

 

 

 

 

$

7,255

 

7,481

 

 

QVC Bank Credit Facilities

 

On March 9, 2015, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) which was a multi-currency facility that provided 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.

 

On June 23, 2016, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the “Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with zulily as co-borrower. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.65 billion revolving credit facility, with a $300 million total sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by QVC and zulily, as

I-22


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

co-borrowers.  The remaining $2.25 billion and any incremental loans may be borrowed only by QVC. The borrowers may elect that the loans extended under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR 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 other than customary breakage costs. No mandatory prepayments are required other than when borrowings and letter of credit usage exceed availability; provided that, if zulily ceases to be controlled by Liberty, all of its loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving facility may be reborrowed. The facility matures on June 23, 2021, except that $140 million of the $2.25 billion commitment available to QVC matures on March 9, 2020. Borrowings under the facility may be accelerated following certain customary events of default.

 

The payment and performance of the borrowers’ obligations (including zulily’s obligations) under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of QVC’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries. Further, the borrowings under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured, pari passu with QVC’s existing notes, by a pledge of all of QVC’s equity interests.  The payment and performance of the borrowers’ obligations with respect to the $400 million tranche available to both QVC and zulily are also guaranteed by each of zulily’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries, if any, and are secured by a pledge of all of zulily’s equity interests.

 

The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on QVC and zulily and each of their restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; limiting QVC’s consolidated leverage ratio, which is defined in QVC’s senior secured credit facility as QVC’s consolidated total debt to Adjusted OIBDA ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period; and limiting the borrowers’ combined consolidated leverage ratio, which is defined in QVC’s senior secured credit facility as QVC and zulily’s combined debt to Adjusted OIBDA ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period. Liberty defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation).

 

The interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the QVC Bank Credit Facilities was 1.9% at September 30, 2016. Availability under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at September 30, 2016 was $1,025 million. 

 

Subsequent to September 30, 2016, QVC and zulily borrowed under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to fund the settlement of substantially all of Liberty’s 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043 (see below).

 

I-23


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

Ventures Margin Loan

 

On May 13, 2016, a wholly owned subsidiary attributed to the Ventures Group entered into a margin loan agreement which provides for $450 million of available borrowings. Pursuant to the margin loan agreement, approximately 5 million shares of Charter Communications, Inc. common stock were pledged as collateral. Interest on the margin loan accrues at a rate of 2.65% plus LIBOR.  The margin loan matures on November 13, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty repaid $450 million of its outstanding borrowings on the margin loan. The repayment was funded with proceeds from the issuance of $750 million principal amount of new senior exchangeable debentures due September 2046 (see below). As of September 30, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings under the margin loan.

 

Expedia Margin Loan

 

On July 7, 2016, a wholly owned subsidiary attributed to the Ventures Group entered into a margin loan agreement which provides for $300 million of available borrowings. Pursuant to the margin loan agreement, Liberty’s shares of Expedia were pledged as collateral. Interest on the margin loan accrues at a rate of 1.60% plus LIBOR.  As of September 30, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings under the margin loan.  The margin loan was terminated on November 1, 2016.

 

Exchangeable Senior Debentures

 

Liberty has elected to account for the exchangeable senior debentures using the fair value option. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized as unrealized gains (losses) in the statements of operations.  As of September 30, 2016 the balance of the 4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2029, the 3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030 and the 3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031 have been classified as current because Liberty does not own shares to redeem the debentures.  For the remaining exchangeables, Liberty reviews the terms of the debentures on a quarterly basis to determine whether a triggering event has occurred to require current classification of the exchangeables upon a call event. The 0.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures are classified as current as of September 30, 2016.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, holders exchanged, under the terms of the debentures, approximately $523 million principal of Liberty’s 0.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043 and Liberty made cash payments of approximately $1,181 million to settle the obligations. In addition, in conjunction with the Liberty Broadband transaction (see note 2), an extraordinary distribution of approximately $325 million was paid to holders of the 0.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043.

 

In August 2016, Liberty issued $750 million principal amount of new senior exchangeable debentures due September 2046 which bear interest at an annual rate of 1.75% (“1.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2046”). Each $1,000 debenture is exchangeable at the holder’s option for the value of 2.9317 shares of Charter Class A common stock. Liberty may, at its election, pay the exchange value in cash, Charter Class A common stock or a combination thereof. The number of shares of Charter Class A common stock attributable to a debenture represents an initial exchange price of approximately $341.10 per share. Liberty, at its option, may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, for cash generally equal to the face amount of the debentures plus accrued interest.

 

In July 2016, Liberty delivered a notice to holders of the 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043 notifying them of their right to surrender their 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures for purchase by Liberty pursuant to their purchase option  under the indenture.  The purchase option entitled each holder to require Liberty to purchase on October 5, 2016 all or any part of such holder’s 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures at a purchase price equal to the adjusted principal amount per $1,000 original principal amount of debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, October 5, 2016, plus any final period distribution. On October 5, 2016, Liberty paid approximately $345 million to holders

I-24


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

that exercised their right to surrender their 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures. Liberty funded the purchase with borrowings under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As the 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures were refinanced on a long-term basis subsequent to September 30, 2016, they are classified as long-term as of September 30, 2016.

Debt Covenants

Liberty, QVC and zulily are in compliance with all debt covenants at September 30, 2016.

Other Subsidiary Debt

Other subsidiary debt at September 30, 2016 is comprised of capitalized satellite transponder lease obligations and bank debt of certain subsidiaries.

Fair Value of Debt

Liberty estimates the fair value of its debt based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rate offered to Liberty for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2). The fair value of Liberty's publicly traded debt securities that are not reported at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016 are as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior debentures

 

$

891

 

QVC senior secured notes

    

$

3,589

 

 

Due to the variable rate nature, Liberty believes that the carrying amount of its other debt, not discussed above, approximated fair value at September 30, 2016.

 

(11)   Stockholders' Equity

As of September 30, 2016, Liberty reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options approximately 30.8 million shares of Series A QVC Group common stock, 1.5 million shares of Series B QVC Group common stock, 3.5 million shares of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock and 1.7 million shares of Series B Liberty Ventures common stock.

In addition to the Series A and Series B QVC Group and Liberty Ventures common stock, there are 4 billion shares of Series C QVC Group and 400 million shares of Series C Liberty Ventures common stock authorized for issuance. As of September 30, 2016, no shares of any Series C QVC Group or Liberty Ventures common stock were issued or outstanding.

 

(12)   Commitments and Contingencies

Distribution Center Lease

 

On July 2, 2015, QVC entered into a lease (the “Lease”) for a west coast distribution center. Pursuant to the Lease, the landlord built an approximately one million square foot rental building in Ontario, California (the “Premises”), and thereafter leased the Premises to QVC as its new west coast distribution center for an initial term of 15 years. Under the Lease, QVC is required to pay an initial base rent of approximately $6 million per year, increasing to approximately $8 million per year by the final year of the initial term, as well as all real estate taxes and other building operating costs. QVC also has an option to extend the term of the Lease for up to two consecutive terms of 10 years each.

 

I-25


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

QVC has the right to purchase the Premises and related land from the landlord by entering into an amended and restated agreement at any time during the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth months of the Lease's initial term with a $10 million initial payment and annual payments of $12 million over a term of 13 years.

 

QVC concluded that it was the deemed owner (for accounting purposes only) of the Premises during the construction period under build to suit lease accounting. Building construction began in July of 2015. During the construction period, QVC recorded estimated project construction costs incurred by the landlord as a projects in progress asset and a corresponding long-term liability in “Property and equipment, net” and “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively. In addition, QVC paid for normal tenant improvements and certain structural improvements and recorded these amounts as part of the projects in progress asset. Upon completion of construction, the long-term liability was reclassified to debt. As of September 30, 2016, the liability related to the west coast distribution center was approximately $104 million.

 

On August 29, 2016, QVC’s west coast distribution center officially opened. QVC concluded that the Lease  does not meet the criteria for “sale-leaseback” treatment under U.S. GAAP. Therefore, QVC will treat the Lease as a financing obligation and lease payments will be attributed to: (1) a reduction of the principal financing obligation; (2) imputed interest expense; and (3) land lease expense representing an imputed cost to lease the underlying land of the Premises. In addition, the building asset will be depreciated over its estimated useful life of 20 years. Although QVC will not begin making monthly lease payments pursuant to the Lease until February 2017, the portion of the lease obligations allocated to the land is being treated for accounting purposes as an operating lease that commenced in 2015. If QVC does not exercise its right to purchase the Premises and related land, QVC will derecognize both the net book values of the asset and the financing obligation at the conclusion of the lease term.

Litigation

Liberty has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible Liberty 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 amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

(13)   Information About Liberty's Operating Segments

Liberty, through its ownership interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the video and on-line commerce industries. Liberty identifies its reportable segments as (A) those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of its consolidated annual revenue, annual Adjusted OIBDA or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings represent 10% or more of Liberty's annual pre-tax earnings.

Liberty evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue, Adjusted OIBDA, gross margin, average sales price per unit and revenue or sales per customer equivalent. In addition, Liberty reviews nonfinancial measures such as unique website visitors, number of units shipped, conversion rates and active customers, as appropriate.

Liberty defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding all stock-based compensation. Liberty believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, including each business's ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, certain purchase accounting adjustments, separately reported litigation settlements and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a

I-26


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Liberty generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty has identified the following consolidated subsidiaries as its reportable segments:

·

QVC – a consolidated subsidiary that markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States and several foreign countries, primarily by means of its televised shopping programs and via the Internet through its domestic and international websites and mobile applications.

·

zulily – a consolidated subsidiary that markets and sells unique products in the United States and several foreign countries through flash sales events, primarily through its desktop and mobile websites and mobile applications.

Liberty's operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, distribution channels and marketing strategies.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company's summary of significant accounting policies in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Performance Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended  September 30,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

1,948

 

393

 

2,007

 

430

 

zulily

 

 

359

 

18

 

NA

 

NA

 

Corporate and other

 

 

 —

 

(5)

 

 —

 

(9)

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

(4)

 

 —

 

NA

 

NA

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

2,303

 

406

 

2,007

 

421

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

109

 

(4)

 

146

 

13

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

109

 

(4)

 

146

 

13

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

2,412

 

402

 

2,153

 

434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

6,024

 

1,271

 

5,943

 

1,286

 

zulily

 

 

1,080

 

72

 

NA

 

NA

 

Corporate and other

 

 

 —

 

(17)

 

 —

 

(19)

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

(10)

 

 —

 

NA

 

NA

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

7,094

 

1,326

 

5,943

 

1,267

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

391

 

8

 

676

 

45

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

391

 

8

 

676

 

45

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

7,485

 

1,334

 

6,619

 

1,312

 

 

I-27


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2016

 

 

 

Total assets

 

Investments In affiliates

 

Investment in Liberty Broadband

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

11,538

 

42

 

 —

 

140

 

zulily

 

 

2,515

 

 —

 

 —

 

18

 

Corporate and other

 

 

389

 

184

 

 —

 

 —

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

14,442

 

226

 

 —

 

158

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

6,590

 

1,319

 

3,051

 

19

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

6,590

 

1,319

 

3,051

 

19

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

21,032

 

1,545

 

3,051

 

177

 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of segment Adjusted OIBDA to earnings (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Consolidated segment Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

402

 

434

 

1,334

 

1,312

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(20)

 

(37)

 

(75)

 

(81)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(225)

 

(150)

 

(663)

 

(479)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(92)

 

(88)

 

(277)

 

(273)

 

Share of earnings (loss) of affiliates, net

 

 

18

 

31

 

(3)

 

121

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

 

 

606

 

70

 

942

 

98

 

Gains (losses) on dispositions, net

 

 

 —

 

(1)

 

9

 

110

 

Other, net

 

 

(8)

 

25

 

118

 

11

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

$

681

 

284

 

1,385

 

819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I-28


 

Table of Contents

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, product and marketing strategies; international expansion; new service offerings; revenue growth at QVC, Inc. ("QVC"); 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 to our businesses' websites and our ability to convert visitors into customers or contributors;

·

uncertainties inherent in the development and integration of new business lines and business strategies;

·

our future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;

·

our ability to successfully integrate and recognize anticipated efficiencies and benefits from the businesses we acquire;

·

the ability of suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;

·

the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation;

·

availability of qualified personnel;

·

changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;

·

changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, distributors, suppliers and vendors;

·

domestic and international economic and business conditions and industry trends, including the impact of Brexit (as defined below);

·

consumer spending levels, including the availability and amount of individual consumer debt;

·

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 and economic unrest in international markets and ongoing military action around the world; and

·

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as well as Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

I-29


 

Table of Contents

The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

See note 1 in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for an overview of new accounting standards that we have adopted or that we plan to adopt that have had or may have an impact on our financial statements.

Overview

 

We own controlling and non-controlling interests in a broad range of video and on-line commerce companies. Our largest business and reportable segment, is QVC. QVC markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States and several foreign countries, primarily by means of its televised shopping programs and via the Internet through its domestic and international websites and mobile applications. On October 1, 2015 we acquired zulily, inc. (“zulily”) (now known as zulily, llc), an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched every day.

 

Our “Corporate and Other” category includes entire or majority interests in consolidated subsidiaries, which operate on-line commerce businesses in a broad range of retail categories, ownership interests in unconsolidated businesses and corporate expenses.  These consolidated subsidiaries include, Bodybuilding.com, LLC ("Bodybuilding") (until November 4, 2016), Evite, Inc. ("Evite"), Commerce Technologies, Inc. (d/b/a “CommerceHub”) (through July 22, 2016, see note 2 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements) and Backcountry.com, Inc. (“Backcountry”) (through June 30, 2015, see note 3 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements).  Bodybuilding manages websites related to sports nutrition, bodybuilding and fitness. Evite is an online invitation and social event planning service on the Web. CommerceHub provides a cloud-based platform for online retailers and their suppliers (manufacturers, and distributors) to sell products to consumers without physically owning inventory, or managing the fulfillment of those products. We also hold ownership interests in Expedia, Inc. (“Expedia”) (until November 4, 2016), FTD Companies, Inc. (“FTD”), HSN, Inc. and LendingTree, which we account for as equity method investments; an ownership interest in Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”), which is accounted for at fair value; and we continue to maintain investments and related financial instruments in public companies such as Charter Communications, Inc., Interval Leisure Group, Inc. and Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”), which are accounted for at their respective fair market values.

 

On June 30, 2015, Liberty sold Backcountry. Backcountry is not presented as a discontinued operation as the sale did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on Liberty’s operations and financial results.

 

The term "Ventures Group" does not represent a separate legal entity, rather it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that have been attributed to that group. As of September 30, 2016, the Ventures Group is comprised primarily of our interests in Bodybuilding, Evite, Expedia, FTD,  LendingTree, Inc. and Liberty Broadband and investments in Charter Communications, Inc., Interval Leisure Group, Inc. and Time Warner Inc., as well as cash and cash equivalents in the amount of approximately $157 million. The Ventures Group also has attributed to it certain liabilities related to our corporate level indebtedness (see note 10 in the accompanying financial statements) and certain deferred tax liabilities. The Ventures Group is primarily focused on the maximization of the value of these investments and investing in new business opportunities. 

 

The term "QVC Group" does not represent a separate legal entity, rather it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that have been attributed to that group.  As of September 30, 2016, the QVC Group is primarily comprised of our merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs, Internet and mobile applications businesses and has attributed to it our wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC and zulily (as of October 1, 2015), as well as our 38% interest in HSN, Inc. and cash and cash equivalents of approximately $348 million, including subsidiary cash. The QVC Group has attributed to it liabilities that reside with QVC and zulily as well certain liabilities related to our corporate level indebtedness (see note 10 in the accompanying financial statements) and certain deferred tax liabilities.

 

On July 22, 2016, Liberty completed its previously announced spin-off (the “Spin-Off”) of its former wholly-owned subsidiary CommerceHub.  The Spin-Off was accomplished by the distribution by Liberty of a dividend of (i) 0.1 of a share of CommerceHub’s Series A common stock for each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series A Liberty Ventures common stock as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 8, 2016 (such date and time, the “Record Date”), (ii) 0.1 of a share of CommerceHub’s Series B common stock for each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series B Liberty Ventures

I-30


 

Table of Contents

common stock as of the Record Date and (iii) 0.2 of a share of CommerceHub’s Series C common stock for each outstanding share of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock as of the Record Date, in each case, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. This transaction has been recorded at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution. The IRS completed its review of the Spin-Off and notified Liberty that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the Spin-Off.

 

On November 4, 2016, Liberty completed its previously announced split-off (the “Split-Off”) of its former wholly-owned subsidiary Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. (“Expedia Holdings”). Expedia Holdings is comprised of, among other things, Liberty’s interest in Expedia, Inc. (approximately 16% equity interest and approximately 52% voting interest as of September 30, 2016) and Liberty’s wholly-owned subsidiary Bodybuilding. On November 2, 2016, Expedia Holdings borrowed $350 million under a new margin loan and distributed $300 million to Liberty on November 4, 2016. The Split-Off was accomplished by the redemption of (i) 0.4 of each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series A Liberty Ventures common stock for 0.4 of a share of Expedia Holdings Series A common stock at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 4, 2016 (such date and time, the “Redemption Date”) and (ii) 0.4 of each outstanding share of Liberty’s Series B Liberty Ventures common stock for 0.4 of a share of Expedia Holdings Series B common stock on the Redemption Date.

I-31


 

Table of Contents

Results of Operations—Consolidated

General.    We provide in the tables below information regarding our Consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our principal reporting segments. The "Corporate and other" category consists of those assets or businesses which we do not disclose separately, including Bodybuilding, Evite, CommerceHub (through July 22, 2016) and Backcountry (through June 30, 2015), which are included in the Ventures Group. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of the principal reporting segments, see "Results of Operations—Businesses" below.

Operating Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

1,948

 

2,007

 

6,024

 

5,943

 

zulily

 

 

359

 

NA

 

1,080

 

NA

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

(4)

 

NA

 

(10)

 

NA

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

2,303

 

2,007

 

7,094

 

5,943

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

109

 

146

 

391

 

676

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

109

 

146

 

391

 

676

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

2,412

 

2,153

 

7,485

 

6,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

231

 

280

 

799

 

820

 

zulily

 

 

(52)

 

NA

 

(138)

 

NA

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(12)

 

(16)

 

(34)

 

(35)

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

167

 

264

 

627

 

785

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(10)

 

(17)

 

(31)

 

(33)

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

(10)

 

(17)

 

(31)

 

(33)

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

157

 

247

 

596

 

752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

393

 

430

 

1,271

 

1,286

 

zulily

 

 

18

 

NA

 

72

 

NA

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(5)

 

(9)

 

(17)

 

(19)

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

406

 

421

 

1,326

 

1,267

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(4)

 

13

 

8

 

45

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

(4)

 

13

 

8

 

45

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

402

 

434

 

1,334

 

1,312

 

 

Revenue.    Our consolidated revenue increased 12.0% or $259 million and increased 13.1% or $866 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was due to the acquisition of zulily ($359 million), partially offset by decreased revenue at QVC ($59 million) and Bodybuilding ($19 million) and the Spin-Off of CommerceHub ($12 million). The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to the acquisition of zulily ($1,080 million) and increased revenue at QVC ($81 million), partially offset by the sale of Backcountry ($227 million), decrease at Bodybuilding ($36 million) and the Spin-Off of CommerceHub ($8 million). Bodybuilding’s results were driven by decreases in the overall number of unique visitors, a decrease in order volume and a decrease in average order value. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and zulily.

I-32


 

Table of Contents

Stock-based compensation.    Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to (1) options, restricted awards and restricted stock units for shares of our common stock that are granted to certain of our officers and employees and (2) phantom stock appreciation rights ("PSARs") granted to officers and employees of certain of our subsidiaries pursuant to private equity plans. 

We recorded $20 million and $37 million of stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We recorded $75 million and $81 million of stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease of $17 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a $20 million decrease at CommerceHub due to a smaller change in company value and the ownership change, partially offset by the acquisition of zulily ($5 million). The decrease of $6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a $21 million decrease at CommerceHub partially offset by the acquisition of zulily ($16 million). As of September 30, 2016, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity awards was approximately $138 million. Such amount will be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.9 years. 

Operating income.    Our consolidated operating income decreased 36.4% or $90 million and 20.7% or $156 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decrease in operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to $52 million of operating losses at zulily, a decrease in operating income at QVC of $49 million and an increase in corporate spending at Liberty Ventures of $6 million, partially offset by a $14 million increase in CommerceHub’s operating results (primarily due to decreases in stock-based compensation). The decrease in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to $138 million of operating losses at zulily (largely due to amortization of intangibles recognized in the acquisition), a decrease in operating income at QVC of $21 million and an increase in corporate spending at Liberty Ventures of $19 million, partially offset by a $16 million increase in CommerceHub’s operating results (primarily due to decreases in stock-based compensation). The corporate spending at Liberty Ventures primarily relates to expenses incurred in conjunction with the Split-Off of Expedia Holdings. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and zulily.

Adjusted OIBDA.    We define Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses excluding all stock-based compensation. Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses, including each business's ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to 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 GAAP. See note 13 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Earnings (loss) before income taxes.

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA decreased 7.4% or $32 million and increased 1.7% or $22 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decrease in Adjusted OIBDA for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a decrease of $37 million at QVC, the Spin-Off of CommerceHub ($7 million), a decrease of $3 million at Bodybuilding and an increase in corporate spending at Liberty Ventures of $7 million, partially offset by the acquisition of zulily ($18 million). The increase in Adjusted OIBDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to the acquisition of zulily ($72 million), partially offset by  a decrease of $15 million at QVC, the Spin-Off of CommerceHub ($9 million), the sale of Backcountry ($8 million), a decrease of $6 million at Bodybuilding and an increase in corporate spending at Liberty Ventures of $15 million. The corporate spending at Liberty Ventures primarily relates to expenses incurred in conjunction with the Split-Off of Expedia Holdings. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and zulily.

I-33


 

Table of Contents

Other Income and Expense

Components of Other income (expense) are presented in the table below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

$

(73)

 

(70)

 

(220)

 

(215)

 

Ventures Group

 

 

(19)

 

(18)

 

(57)

 

(58)

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

(92)

 

(88)

 

(277)

 

(273)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

$

8

 

13

 

38

 

46

 

Ventures Group

 

 

10

 

18

 

(41)

 

75

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

18

 

31

 

(3)

 

121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

$

(6)

 

30

 

(2)

 

28

 

Ventures Group

 

 

612

 

40

 

944

 

70

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

606

 

70

 

942

 

98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses) on dispositions, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 —

 

(1)

 

9

 

110

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

 —

 

(1)

 

9

 

110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group

 

$

6

 

14

 

31

 

(9)

 

Ventures Group

 

 

(14)

 

11

 

87

 

20

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

(8)

 

25

 

118

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Liberty other income (expense)

 

$

524

 

37

 

789

 

67

 

 

Interest expense.    Interest expense remained relatively flat for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates.    The following table presents our share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSN, Inc.

 

$

9

 

15

 

41

 

52

 

Other

 

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

(3)

 

(6)

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

8

 

13

 

38

 

46

 

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expedia, Inc.

 

 

40

 

45

 

18

 

125

 

FTD

 

 

(7)

 

(14)

 

(8)

 

(9)

 

Other

 

 

(23)

 

(13)

 

(51)

 

(41)

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

10

 

18

 

(41)

 

75

 

Consolidated Liberty

 

$

18

 

31

 

(3)

 

121

 

 

I-34


 

Table of Contents

The change in our share of Expedia’s earnings (losses) is primarily due to a one time gain recognized by Expedia related to the sale of eLong Inc. during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The share of losses in the Other category of the Ventures Group, in all periods, is primarily related to our investments in alternative energy solution entities. These entities typically operate at a loss and we record our share of such losses. We note these entities typically have favorable tax attributes and credits which are recorded in our tax accounts.

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments.    Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Fair Value Option Securities - AFS

 

$

260

 

(78)

 

608

 

70

 

Fair Value Option Securities - Liberty Broadband

 

 

490

 

NA

 

651

 

NA

 

Exchangeable senior debentures

 

 

(138)

 

148

 

(313)

 

28

 

Other financial instruments

 

 

(6)

 

 —

 

(4)

 

 —

 

 

 

$

606

 

70

 

942

 

98

 

 

The changes in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments are due to market activity in the period on the various financial instruments that are marked to market on a periodic basis. The increases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were primarily driven by the investment in Liberty Broadband and the change in Liberty’s ownership interest in Interval Leisure Group, which resulted in its classification as an available-for-sale security rather than an equity method investment.

 

Gains (losses) on dispositions, net. Gain on dispositions for the Ventures Group primarily relates to the sale of Backcountry on June 30, 2015, which resulted in a $105 million gain.

 

Other, net. Other, net includes the impact of foreign currency at QVC. 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. Other, net for the Ventures Group includes a $1 million and $74 million gain on dilution of investments in affiliates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and a $18 million and $7 million loss on extinguishment of debt during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

 

Income taxes. We had income tax expense of $203 million and $86 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and income tax expense of $441 million and $211 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to a federal benefit from tax credits and incentives generated by our alternative energy investments, partially offset by state taxes, net of federal benefit. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, due to the receipt of a taxable dividend that under U.S. tax law is subject to a dividends received deduction and to tax credits and incentives generated by our alternative energy investments.

 

Net earnings. We had net earnings of $478 million and $198 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and net earnings of $944 million and $608 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The change in net earnings was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses.

 

Material Changes in Financial Condition

While the QVC Group and the Ventures Group are not separate legal entities and the assets and liabilities attributed to each group remain assets and liabilities of our consolidated company, we manage the liquidity and financial resources of each group separately. Keeping in mind that assets of one group may be used to satisfy liabilities of the other group, the

I-35


 

Table of Contents

following discussion assumes, consistent with management expectations, that future liquidity needs of each group will be funded by the financial resources attributed to each respective group.

As of September 30, 2016, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents are invested in U.S. Treasury securities, other government agencies, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated financial and corporate debt instruments.

The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, cash generated by the operating activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries (to the extent such cash exceeds the working capital needs of the subsidiaries and is not otherwise restricted such that, in the case of QVC, a leverage ratio (defined in QVC’s senior secured credit facility as the ratio of QVC’s consolidated total debt to Adjusted OIBDA for the most recent four fiscal quarter period and the ratio of QVC and zulily’s combined debt to Adjusted OIBDA ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period) of less than 3.5 to 1.0 must be maintained), proceeds from asset sales, monetization of our public investment portfolio, debt (including availability under the QVC Bank Credit Facility) and equity issuances, and dividend and interest receipts.

During the quarter there have been no significant changes to our corporate or subsidiary debt credit ratings.

As of September 30, 2016, Liberty's liquidity position consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

Available-for-Sale

 

 

 

Cash and cash

 

Securities and Other

 

 

 

equivalents

 

Cost Investments

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC

 

$

319

 

 —

 

zulily

 

 

10

 

 —

 

Corporate and other

 

 

19

 

4

 

Total QVC Group

 

 

348

 

4

 

Corporate and other

 

 

157

 

1,815

 

Total Ventures Group

 

 

157

 

1,815

 

Total Liberty

 

$

505

 

1,819

 

 

To the extent that the Company recognizes any taxable gains from the sale of assets we may incur tax expense and be required to make tax payments, thereby reducing any cash proceeds.  Additionally, we have borrowing capacity of approximately $1,025 million under the QVC credit facility at September 30, 2016. As of September 30, 2016, QVC had approximately $198 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign subsidiaries which certain tax consequences could reduce the amount of cash that would be available for domestic purposes.

 

Additionally, our operating businesses have generated, on average, more than $1 billion in annual cash provided by operating activities over the prior three years and we do not anticipate any significant reductions in that amount in future periods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC Group net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

$

893

 

786

 

Ventures Group net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

142

 

17

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

$

1,035

 

803

 

QVC Group net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

(157)

 

22

 

Ventures Group net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

(1,241)

 

127

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

$

(1,398)

 

149

 

QVC Group net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(821)

 

(714)

 

Ventures Group net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(767)

 

6

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

$

(1,588)

 

(708)

 

 

I-36


 

Table of Contents

 

QVC Group

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the QVC Group uses of cash were primarily the net repayment of certain debt obligations of approximately $197 million and the repurchase of Series A QVC Group common stock of $603 million.  Additionally, the QVC Group had approximately $158 million of capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  These uses of cash were funded by cash provided by operating activities.

 

The projected uses of QVC Group cash for the remainder of 2016 are the cost to service outstanding debt, approximately $22 million in interest payments on QVC and corporate level debt, anticipated capital improvement spending of approximately $55 million and the continued buyback of QVC Group common stock under the approved share buyback program. Subsequent to September 30, 2016, QVC and zulily borrowed under QVC’s amended and restated senior secured credit facility (the “Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) to fund $345 million of  Liberty’s purchases of its 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043.

 

Ventures Group

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Ventures Group uses of cash were primarily the $2.4 billion investment in Liberty Broadband (see note 2 in the accompanying financial statements), the net repayment of certain debt obligations of approximately $744 million and the purchase of short term and other marketable securities.  These uses of cash for the Ventures Group were funded by the sale of short term and other marketable securities.

 

The projected uses of Ventures Group cash for the remainder of 2016 are approximately $12 million in interest payments to service outstanding debt, anticipated capital improvement spending of approximately $7 million and further investments in existing or new businesses through continued investment activity. 

 

Consolidated

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Liberty's primary uses of cash were the $2.4 billion investment in Liberty Broadband (see note 2 in the accompanying financial statements), $941 million of net repayments on outstanding debt and repurchases of Series A QVC Group common stock of $603 million. These activities were funded primarily by cash provided by operating activities, net sales of marketable securities and cash on hand.

 

The projected uses of Liberty cash for the remainder of 2016 are the continued capital improvement spending of approximately $62 million, the repayment of certain debt obligations, approximately $34 million for interest payments on outstanding debt, the potential buyback of common stock under the approved share buyback program and additional investments in existing or new businesses. Subsequent to September 30, 2016, QVC and zulily borrowed under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to fund $345 million of Liberty’s purchases of its 1% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043. We also may be required to make net payments of income tax liabilities to settle items under discussion with tax authorities. We expect that cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities and borrowing capacity in future periods will be sufficient to fund projected uses of cash.

 

Results of Operations—Businesses

 

QVC.  QVC, Inc. 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, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Italy, Japan, and France (collectively, "QVC-International").

 

In Germany, QVC distributes its programming 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. In Japan, QVC distributes live programming 24 hours per day. In the U.K., QVC distributes its programming 24 hours per day with 16 hours of live programming. In Italy, QVC distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television. On weekdays, QVC distributes shopping programming in

I-37


 

Table of Contents

France live for eight hours per day, and distributes an additional 14 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming. On weekends, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for 12 hours per day, and distributes an additional 10 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC put into action the One Q Reorganization Plan which reorganized its department reporting structure. The purpose of the plan is to reorganize the reporting structure for a shared services arrangement to support the U.S. and international operations.

 

QVC's Japanese operations are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") in Japan. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by QVC and 40% by Mitsui. QVC and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $21 million and $20 million, respectively.

 

Additionally, QVC 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'').  QVC owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. Live programming is distributed 15 hours per day and recorded programming is distributed nine hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded in share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

QVC's operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

 

$

1,948

 

2,007

 

6,024

 

5,943

 

Costs of sales

 

 

1,251

 

1,266

 

3,816

 

3,721

 

Gross profit

 

 

697

 

741

 

2,208

 

2,222

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

140

 

144

 

428

 

424

 

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)

 

 

164

 

167

 

509

 

512

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

393

 

430

 

1,271

 

1,286

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

8

 

9

 

24

 

24

 

Depreciation

 

 

38

 

33

 

103

 

101

 

Amortization

 

 

116

 

108

 

345

 

341

 

Operating income

 

$

231

 

280

 

799

 

820

 

 

Net revenue was generated in the following geographical areas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC-U.S.

 

$

1,338

 

 

1,420

 

 

4,173

 

 

4,168

 

QVC-International

 

 

610

 

 

587

 

 

1,851

 

 

1,775

 

Consolidated QVC

 

$

1,948

 

 

2,007

 

 

6,024

 

 

5,943

 

 

QVC's consolidated net revenue decreased 2.9% and increased 1.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The three month decrease in net revenue of $59 million was primarily due to a 4.9% decrease in average selling price per unit ("ASP") attributing $111 million, a $8 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue and a $3 million decrease due to a decrease in units sold. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease of $50 million in estimated product returns and $13 million in favorable foreign currency rates primarily in Japan which was slightly offset by unfavorable foreign currency rates in the U.K. The nine month increase in net revenue of $81 million was primarily comprised of $203 million due to a 3.0% increase in units

I-38


 

Table of Contents

sold, a $68 million decrease in estimated product returns, $23 million in favorable foreign currency rates in Japan which was slightly offset by unfavorable foreign currency rates in the U.K and a $5 million increase related to product sales with zulily. The increase was partially offset by $207 million due to a 3.0% decrease in ASP and a $14 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the changes in revenue and expenses were affected by changes in the exchange rates for the Japanese Yen, the Euro and the U.K. Pound Sterling. In the event the U.S. Dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies in the future, QVC's revenue and operating cash flow will be negatively affected. QVC’s product margins in the U.K. are under pressure due to the rapid devaluation of the U.K. Pound Sterling. QVC will try to offset this as much as possible through pricing and vendor negotiations.

 

In describing QVC’s operating results, the term currency exchange rates refers to the currency exchange rates QVC uses to convert the operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. QVC calculates the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activity translated using the prior period's currency exchange rates. QVC refers to the results of this calculation as the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Constant currency operating results refers to operating results without the impact of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to better understand QVC’s underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations.

 

The percentage change in net revenue for each of QVC's geographic areas in U.S. Dollars and in constant currency was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2016

 

September 30, 2016

 

 

    

U.S. Dollars

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

 

Constant currency

 

U.S. Dollars

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

 

Constant currency

 

QVC-U.S.

 

(5.8)

%  

 

 —

%  

 

(5.8)

%  

 

0.1

%  

 

 —

%  

 

0.1

%  

 

QVC-International

 

3.9

%  

 

2.1

%  

 

1.8

%  

 

4.3

%  

 

1.3

%  

 

3.0

%  

 

 

QVC-U.S. net revenue decline for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a 6.7% decrease in ASP, a 1.4% decrease in units shipped and a 6.6% decrease in net shipping and handling revenue. The decline was offset by a favorable impact in estimated product returns of $50 million and $3 million of product sales with zulily. QVC-US experienced shipped sales decline in electronics, beauty, jewelry and  accessories, offset by increases in home and apparel. The decrease in estimated product returns was primarily due to a decrease in sales and an overall lower return rate primarily in accessories, apparel and jewelry. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC-U.S. net revenue growth was primarily due to a 3.0% increase in units shipped and a favorable impact in estimated product returns. The increases were partially offset by a 4.2% decrease in ASP and a 4.5% decrease in net shipping and handling revenue. QVC-US experienced shipped sales growth in apparel, home and accessories, offset by decreases in jewelry, electronics and beauty. The decrease in estimated product returns was primarily due to a decrease in the return rate and net adjustments to prior period estimates based on lower actual experience. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, net shipping and handling revenue decreased in the U.S. primarily due to the decrease in shipping and handling rates per unit from promotional offers.

 

Beginning in early June 2016, QVC-U.S. sales began to experience significant headwinds, which have continued. Since early October, sales declines have moderated into the low to mid single digits, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. QVC has developed and is implementing a number of strategies and initiatives intended to reverse the negative trends and is optimistic, although there is no guarantee, that these actions will have a positive effect.

 

QVC-International net revenue growth in constant currency for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a 2.1% and 3.0% increase, respectively, in units shipped mainly in the U.K., Germany and Italy, and specifically for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase was slightly offset by Japan. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in beauty, accessories and electronics, offset by decreases in apparel and jewelry, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in all categories except jewelry and apparel. For the nine months ended September 30,

I-39


 

Table of Contents

2016, the net revenue increase was partially offset by an increase in estimated product returns, primarily in Germany and the U.K. due to an increase in units shipped.

 

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.

 

On June 23, 2016, the U.K. held a referendum in which British citizens approved an exit from the E.U., commonly referred to as “Brexit.” As a result of the referendum, the global markets and currencies have been adversely impacted, including a sharp decline in the value of the U.K. Pound Sterling as compared to the U.S. dollar. Volatility in exchange rates is expected to continue in the short term as the U.K. negotiates its exit from the E.U.  In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on us will also depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations.

 

QVC's gross profit percentage was 35.8% and 36.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to 36.9% and 37.4% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the gross profit percentage decreased primarily due to a decrease in product margins. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was also attributable to higher freight costs. The decrease was partially offset by a favorable inventory obsolescence provision in both periods in the U.S. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the QVC-International decrease in product margins was partially offset by improved product margins in Japan.

 

QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees and telecommunications expenses. Operating expenses decreased $4 million or 2.8% and increased $4 million or 0.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, operating expenses decreased primarily due to a $2 million decrease in customer service expenses and a $1 million decrease in both credit card fees and commissions, partially offset by $2 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates, mainly in Japan. The decrease in customer service expense was mainly due to a decrease in calls handled internationally.  The decrease in credit card fees was primarily due to the decrease in sales for the period in the U.S. The decrease in commissions expense was primarily due to the decrease in sales on commission in the U.S., partially offset by increased carriage in Japan and the U.K. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, operating expenses increased primarily due to a $3 million increase in commissions and $3 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates, mainly in Japan, partially offset by the U.K. The increase in commissions expense was primarily due to increased carriage in Japan and the U.K.

 

I-40


 

Table of Contents

QVC's SG&A expenses include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, production costs, credit card income, marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses decreased $9 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and as a percentage of net revenue, increased from 8.3% to 8.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the prior year, and decreased from 8.6% to 8.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the prior year.  For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was primarily due to reduced personnel costs of approximately $12 million and an increase of credit card income of $2 million which was partially offset by increases in software expense of $4 million, marketing expense of $3 million, external services of $3 million and approximately $1 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates, mainly in Japan partially offset by the U.K. The decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to a decrease in bonuses of $14 million and benefits of $7 million, which was partially offset by severance of approximately $9 million, mostly in the U.S. Credit card income increased primarily due to more favorable economics of the Q Card portfolio in the U.S. The increase in software expense was mostly due to software licensing and software maintenance. Marketing expense increased primarily due cancellation costs related to discontinuing the naming rights to the Chiba Marine Stadium in Japan. The increase in external services was primarily due to internal control enhancements and the establishment of a global business service center. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was primarily due to reduced personnel costs of $40 million and an increase in credit card income of $4 million which was partially offset by increases in bad debt expense of $20 million, software expense of $7 million, $6 million for both external services and marketing expense and approximately $2 million in unfavorable foreign currency rates mainly in Japan partially offset by the U.K. The decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to a decrease in bonuses of $30 million and wages and benefits of $11 million, mostly in the U.S. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily related to an increase in Easy-Pay sales penetration and higher default rates experienced related to the Easy-Pay program in the U.S. The increase in software expense was mainly due to an increase in software licensing and software maintenance. The increase in external services was primarily due to internal control enhancements, outside legal services and the establishment of a global business service center. Marketing expense increased primarily due to cancellation costs related to discontinuing the naming rights to the Chiba Marine Stadium in Japan and launch marketing expenses in France.

Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Affiliate agreements

 

$

37

 

36

 

110

 

109

 

Customer relationships

 

 

43

 

43

 

128

 

128

 

Acquisition related amortization

 

 

80

 

79

 

238

 

237

 

Property and equipment

 

 

38

 

33

 

103

 

101

 

Software amortization

 

 

26

 

19

 

73

 

72

 

Channel placement amortization and related expenses

 

 

10

 

10

 

34

 

32

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

154

 

141

 

448

 

442

 

 

I-41


 

Table of Contents

zulily. Liberty acquired zulily on October 1, 2015.  Prior to the acquisition, zulily utilized a retail calendar, whereby each fiscal year ended on the Sunday closest to December 31 and each fiscal year consisted of four 13-week quarters, with one extra week added in the fourth quarter every five to six years.  Upon acquisition by Liberty, zulily changed to a calendar year end on a prospective basis. zulily’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not included in Liberty’s condensed consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Although zulily’s results are only included in Liberty’s results since October 1, 2015, we believe a discussion of zulily’s stand alone results promotes a better understanding of the overall results of its business. zulily has reclassified certain costs between financial statement line items to conform with Liberty’s reporting structure for ease of comparability for all reporting periods. zulily's stand-alone operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

 

$

359

 

314

 

1,080

 

918

 

Costs of sales

 

 

257

 

226

 

768

 

660

 

Gross profit

 

 

102

 

88

 

312

 

258

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

12

 

10

 

34

 

30

 

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)

 

 

72

 

63

 

206

 

195

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

18

 

15

 

72

 

33

 

Acquisition related expenses

 

 

 —

 

30

 

 —

 

30

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

5

 

5

 

16

 

14

 

Depreciation

 

 

5

 

5

 

16

 

12

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

60

 

1

 

178

 

2

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

(52)

 

(26)

 

(138)

 

(25)

 

 

zulily's consolidated net revenue increased 14.3% and 17.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase in net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributed to a 15% increase in total orders placed.  The increase in net revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributed to an increase in total orders placed of 15% and 18%, respectively, driven by a 13% and 17% increase in the number of orders placed per active customer for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. An active customer is defined as an individual who had purchased at least once in the last twelve months, measured from the last date of a period.

 

zulily's gross profit percentage was 28.4% and 28.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. zulily's gross profit percentage was 28.9% and 28.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, the increase was primarily attributed to improved operational efficiency partially offset by higher freight costs.

 

zulily’s operating expenses are principally comprised of credit card processing fees and customer service expenses.  For both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, the increase in operating expenses was primarily attributed to an increase in credit card processing fees which are driven by higher sales volume.

 

zulily’s SG&A expenses include personnel related costs for general corporate functions, marketing and advertising expenses, information technology, and the costs associated with the use by these functions of facilities and equipment, including rent. These expenses increased $9 million and $11 million, and as a percentage of net revenue, remained flat at 20.1% and decreased from 21.2% to 19.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, SG&A expenses remained flat as a percentage of net revenue primarily due to an increase in marketing spend, offset by lower growth of zulily’s partially fixed cost base. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, SG&A expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenue due to top-line revenue growth over a partially fixed cost base. 

 

zulily’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 include approximately $30 million in costs associated with the closing of the acquisition of zulily by Liberty.

 

I-42


 

Table of Contents

zulily’s depreciation and amortization expense increased $59 million and $180 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increase is attributed to depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting.

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations by our 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. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.

 

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and investment activities, which include investments in fixed and floating rate debt instruments and borrowings used to maintain liquidity and to fund business operations. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We believe this best protects us from interest rate risk. We have achieved this mix by (i) issuing fixed rate debt that we believe has a low stated interest rate and significant term to maturity, (ii) issuing variable rate debt with appropriate maturities and interest rates and (iii) entering into interest rate swap arrangements when we deem appropriate. As of September 30, 2016, our debt is comprised of the following amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate debt

 

Fixed rate debt

 

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

 

 

    

Weighted

 

 

 

Principal

 

average

 

Principal

 

average

 

 

 

amount

 

interest rate

 

amount

 

interest rate

 

 

 

dollar amounts in millions

 

QVC Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC

 

$

1,570

 

1.6

%  

$

3,728

 

4.6

%  

zulily

 

$

55

 

0.1

%  

$

 —

 

 —

%  

Corporate and other

 

$

 —

 

 —

%  

$

1,136

 

6.1

%  

Ventures Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

 

$

19

 

2.5

%  

$

1,968

 

3.0

%  

 

We are exposed to changes in stock prices primarily as a result of our significant holdings in publicly traded securities. We continually monitor changes in stock markets, in general, and changes in the stock prices of our holdings, specifically. We believe that changes in stock prices can be expected to vary as a result of general market conditions, technological changes, specific industry changes and other factors. We periodically use equity collars and other financial instruments to manage market risk associated with certain investment positions. These instruments are recorded at fair value based on option pricing models.

 

At September 30, 2016, the fair value of our AFS securities was $1,742 million. Had the market price of such securities been 10% lower at September 30, 2016, the aggregate value of such securities would have been $174 million lower.  Our investments in Expedia, Inc., HSN, Inc. and FTD Companies, Inc. are publicly traded securities and are accounted for as equity method affiliates, which are not reflected at fair value in our balance sheet.  The aggregate fair value of such securities was $3,762 million at September 30, 2016 and had the market price of such securities been 10% lower at September 30, 2016, the aggregate value of such securities would have been $376 million lower. Such changes in value are not directly reflected in our statement of operations.  At September 30, 2016, the fair value of our investment in Liberty Broadband was $3,051 million. Had the market price of such security been 10% lower at September 30, 2016, the fair value of such security would have been $305 million lower. Additionally, our exchangeable senior debentures are also subject to market risk. Because we mark these instruments to fair value each reporting date, increases in the stock price of the respective underlying security and decreases in interest rates generally result in higher liabilities and unrealized losses in our statement of operations.

 

Liberty is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations related primarily to the monetary assets and liabilities and the financial results of QVC's foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional

I-43


 

Table of Contents

currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the statements of operations are generally 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 accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) as a separate component of stockholders' 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 translations) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Cash flows from our operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the period. Accordingly, Liberty may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity with respect to our holdings solely as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. QVC's reported Adjusted OIBDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 would have been impacted by approximately $1 million and $3 million, respectively, for every 1% change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.

 

We periodically assess the effectiveness of our derivative financial instruments. With regard to interest rate swaps, we monitor the fair value of interest rate swaps as well as the effective interest rate the interest rate swap yields, in comparison to historical interest rate trends. We believe that any losses incurred with regard to interest rate swaps would be largely offset by the effects of interest rate movements on the underlying debt facilities. These measures allow our management to evaluate the success of our use of derivative instruments and to determine when to enter into or exit from derivative instruments.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016 with the consideration of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed in more detail in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 under Part II, Item 9A. Management has continued to monitor the implementation of the remediation plan described in our 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which has been updated below.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the third quarter of 2016, we continued to review the design of QVC’s controls, made adjustments and continued implementing controls to alleviate the noted control deficiencies. Other than these items, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

Remediation Plan for Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In response to the material weakness identified in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as set forth in Part II, Item 9A in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company and QVC developed a plan with oversight from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to remediate the material weakness.  The remediation efforts identified and implemented include the following:

 

·

A monitoring control was established to identify inappropriate user access and incompatible or conflicting functions. The work of the identified individuals, with such duties, was then reviewed to determine whether they inappropriately utilized the incompatible or conflicting functions to perform any inappropriate activity.

 

·

Monitoring controls over manual and post-close journal entries were enhanced to ensure that there is adequate oversight over such entries.

 

I-44


 

Table of Contents

·

Additionally, procedures were established to validate the completeness and accuracy of reports used in the financial reporting process to support control activities.

 

The Company believes the foregoing efforts effectively remediated the material weakness described in “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” after the assessment date and prior to the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.  However, because the reliability of the internal control process requires repeatable execution, the successful on-going remediation of this material weakness will require on-going review and evidence of effectiveness. Additionally, QVC intends to continue to monitor the incompatible or conflicting roles and related end user access to determine whether additional adjustment to reduce or eliminate the occurrences of segregation of duties issues should be made to such roles. This could further reduce the reliance on the monitoring controls identified.

 

 

I-45


 

Table of Contents

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Share Repurchase Programs

 

On several occasions our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program for our Series A and Series B QVC Group common stock. On each of May 5, 2006, November 3, 2006 and October 30, 2007 our board authorized the repurchase of $1 billion of Series A and Series B Liberty Interactive common stock for a total of $3 billion. These previous authorizations remained effective following the split-off of Liberty Media Corporation from the Company in September 2011 (“the LMC Split-Off”), notwithstanding the fact that the Liberty Interactive common stock ceased to be a tracking stock during the period following the LMC Split-Off and prior to the creation of our Liberty Ventures common stock in August 2012.  On February 22, 2012 the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $700 million of Series A and Series B Liberty Interactive common stock.  Additionally, on each of October 30, 2012 and February 27, 2014, the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $1 billion of Series A and Series B Liberty Interactive common stock. In connection with the spin-off of the Company’s former wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., during August 2014, the board authorized $350 million for the repurchase of either the QVC Group or Liberty Ventures tracking stocks. In October 2014, the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $650 million of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock.   In August 2015, the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $1 billion of Series A or Series B QVC Group common stock. In addition, on October 26, 2016, the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $300 million of either the QVC Group common stock or Liberty Ventures common stock.

A summary of the repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A QVC Group Common Stock

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

(c) Total Number

    

(d) Maximum Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Shares

 

(or Approximate Dollar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased as

 

Value) of Shares that

 

 

 

(a) Total Number

 

(b) Average

 

Part of Publicly

 

May Yet Be Purchased

 

 

 

of Shares

 

Price Paid per

 

Announced Plans or

 

Under the Plans or

 

Period

 

Purchased

 

Share

 

Programs

 

Programs

 

July 1 - 31, 2016

 

567,253

 

$

25.06

 

567,253

 

 

$
518

million

August 1 - 31, 2016

 

3,221,340

 

$

21.59

 

3,221,340

 

 

$
449

million

September 1 - 30, 2016

 

5,187,326

 

$

19.90

 

5,187,326

 

 

$
346

million

Total

 

8,975,919

 

 

 

 

8,975,919

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the shares listed in the table above, 9,333 shares of Series A QVC Group common stock and 1,932 shares of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock were surrendered by certain of our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting of their restricted stock and restricted stock units during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

II-1


 

Table of Contents

 

Item 6.   Exhibits

 

(a)   Exhibits

 

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

 

 

 

 

2.1 

 

Reorganization Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2016, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and CommerceHub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to CommerceHub, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-37840) (the “CommerceHub 8-K”)).

10.1 

 

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2016, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and CommerceHub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the CommerceHub 8-K).

10.2 

 

Liberty Interactive Corporation 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A to Liberty Interactive Corporation’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on July 8, 2016 (File No. 001-33982)).

31.1 

 

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

31.2 

 

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

32 

 

Section 1350 Certification**

99.1 

 

Unaudited Attributed Financial Information for Tracking Stock Groups*

99.2 

 

Reconciliation of Liberty Interactive Corporation Net Assets and Net Earnings to Liberty Interactive LLC Net Assets and Net Earnings**

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-2


 

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

 

 

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE CORPORATION

Date: November 8, 2016

 

By:

/s/ GREGORY B. MAFFEI

 

 

 

Gregory B. Maffei

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 8, 2016

 

By:

/s/ MARK D. CARLETON

 

 

 

Mark D. Carleton

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

II-3


 

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1 

 

Reorganization Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2016, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and CommerceHub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to CommerceHub, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-37840) (the “CommerceHub 8-K”)).

10.1 

 

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2016, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and CommerceHub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the CommerceHub 8-K).

10.2 

 

Liberty Interactive Corporation 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A to Liberty Interactive Corporation’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on July 8, 2016 (File No. 001-33982)).

31.1 

 

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

31.2 

 

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

32 

 

Section 1350 Certification**

99.1 

 

Unaudited Attributed Financial Information for Tracking Stock Groups*

99.2 

 

Reconciliation of Liberty Interactive Corporation Net Assets and Net Earnings to Liberty Interactive LLC Net Assets and Net Earnings**

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-4