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, 2018

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

QURATE RETAIL, INC.

(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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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 Qurate Retail, Inc.'s common stock as of October 31, 2018 was:

 

 

 

 

 

Series A common stock

 

420,149,728

 

Series B common stock

 

29,258,343

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements. 

 

 

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) 

    

I-3

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (unaudited) 

 

I-5

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (unaudited) 

 

I-7

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (unaudited) 

 

I-8

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity (unaudited) 

 

I-9

QURATE RETAIL, INC. 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-31

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. 

 

I-46

Item 4. Controls and Procedures. 

 

I-47

 

 

 

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

 

I-2


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

532

 

903

 

Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $96 million and $92 million, respectively

 

 

1,186

 

1,726

 

Inventory, net

 

 

1,727

 

1,411

 

Other current assets

 

 

198

 

125

 

Total current assets

 

 

3,643

 

4,165

 

Investments in equity securities (note 4)

 

 

376

 

2,363

 

Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method

 

 

178

 

309

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

1,300

 

1,341

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 8):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

7,009

 

7,082

 

Trademarks

 

 

3,925

 

3,929

 

 

 

 

10,934

 

11,011

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 8)

 

 

1,102

 

1,248

 

Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

140

 

50

 

Assets of discontinued operations (note 4)

 

 

 —

 

3,635

 

Total assets

 

$

17,673

 

24,122

 

 

(continued)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-3


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions,

 

 

 

except share amounts

 

Liabilities and Equity

    

 

    

    

    

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

1,166

 

1,151

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

955

 

1,125

 

Current portion of debt, including $1,054 million and $978 million measured at fair value (note 9)

 

 

1,472

 

996

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

175

 

169

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

3,768

 

3,441

 

Long-term debt, including $372 million and $868 million measured at fair value (note 9)

 

 

5,885

 

7,553

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

2,008

 

2,500

 

Other liabilities

 

 

255

 

242

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations (note 4)

 

 

 —

 

303

 

Total liabilities

 

 

11,916

 

14,039

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 4,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 426,254,718 shares at September 30, 2018 and 449,335,940 shares at December 31, 2017

 

 

 5

 

 5

 

Series B Qurate Retail common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 29,258,343 shares at September 30, 2018 and 29,203,895 shares at December 31, 2017

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series C Qurate Retail common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 400,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series A Liberty Ventures common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 400,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 81,686,659 shares at December 31, 2017

 

 

NA

 

 1

 

Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 15,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,455,311 shares at December 31, 2017

 

 

NA

 

 —

 

Series C Liberty Ventures common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 400,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

 

NA

 

 —

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 —

 

1,043

 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(116)

 

(133)

 

Retained earnings

 

 

5,747

 

9,068

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

5,636

 

9,984

 

Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries

 

 

121

 

99

 

Total equity

 

 

5,757

 

10,083

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

17,673

 

24,122

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-4


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Total revenue, net

 

$

3,231

 

2,381

 

 

9,694

 

7,060

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of retail sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

 

 

2,109

 

1,554

 

 

6,252

 

4,553

 

Operating expense

 

 

241

 

160

 

 

707

 

461

 

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation and transaction related costs (note 5)

 

 

477

 

279

 

 

1,357

 

777

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

167

 

180

 

 

489

 

594

 

 

 

 

2,994

 

2,173

 

 

8,805

 

6,385

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

237

 

208

 

 

889

 

675

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(94)

 

(88)

 

 

(288)

 

(267)

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net

 

 

(29)

 

(86)

 

 

(89)

 

(122)

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 7)

 

 

(27)

 

 4

 

 

92

 

280

 

Other, net

 

 

 1

 

 7

 

 

(8)

 

 1

 

 

 

 

(149)

 

(163)

 

 

(293)

 

(108)

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

88

 

45

 

 

596

 

567

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

 

(6)

 

33

 

 

(60)

 

(127)

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

82

 

78

 

 

536

 

440

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

 

 —

 

230

 

 

141

 

571

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

82

 

308

 

 

677

 

1,011

 

Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

10

 

12

 

 

34

 

33

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders

 

$

72

 

296

 

 

643

 

978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qurate Retail common stock (note 1)

 

$

72

 

119

 

 

401

 

321

 

Liberty Ventures common stock (note 1)

 

 

 —

 

177

 

 

242

 

657

 

 

 

$

72

 

296

 

 

643

 

978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-5


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Continued)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

Basic net earnings (losses) from continuing operations attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 6):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail common stock

 

$

0.16

 

0.27

 

 

0.86

 

0.71

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

NA

 

(0.62)

 

 

1.17

 

1.01

 

Diluted net earnings (losses) from continuing operations attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 6):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail common stock

 

$

0.16

 

0.26

 

 

0.85

 

0.71

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

NA

 

(0.61)

 

 

1.16

 

1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings (losses) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 6):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail common stock

 

$

0.16

 

0.27

 

 

0.86

 

0.71

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

NA

 

2.06

 

 

2.81

 

7.73

 

Diluted net earnings (losses) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 6):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail common stock

 

$

0.16

 

0.26

 

 

0.85

 

0.71

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

NA

 

2.03

 

 

2.78

 

7.64

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

I-6


 

Table of Contents

 

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

82

 

308

 

677

 

1,011

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

(21)

 

28

 

(46)

 

111

 

Recognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on debt, net

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

16

 

 —

 

Share of other comprehensive earnings (losses) of equity affiliates

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 3

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to debt credit risk adjustments

 

 

 4

 

 —

 

(28)

 

 —

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

(17)

 

28

 

(59)

 

114

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

65

 

336

 

618

 

1,125

 

Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

 7

 

12

 

34

 

38

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders

 

$

58

 

324

 

584

 

1,087

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

I-7


 

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

677

 

1,011

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(141)

 

(571)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

489

 

594

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

67

 

59

 

Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net

 

 

89

 

122

 

Cash receipts from returns on equity investments

 

 

 —

 

21

 

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

 

 

(92)

 

(280)

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(84)

 

21

 

Other, net

 

 

29

 

 8

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current and other assets

 

 

444

 

162

 

Payables and other liabilities

 

 

(482)

 

(67)

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

996

 

1,080

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash proceeds from dispositions of investments

 

 

281

 

 —

 

Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees

 

 

(73)

 

(140)

 

Capital expended for property and equipment

 

 

(172)

 

(126)

 

Other investing activities, net

 

 

(120)

 

(36)

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

(84)

 

(302)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings of debt

 

 

3,142

 

1,689

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(3,415)

 

(1,917)

 

GCI Liberty Split-Off

 

 

(475)

 

 —

 

Repurchases of Qurate Retail common stock

 

 

(623)

 

(452)

 

Withholding taxes on net settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

(24)

 

(14)

 

Indemnification payment from GCI Liberty, Inc.

 

 

133

 

 —

 

Other financing activities, net

 

 

(21)

 

(26)

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(1,283)

 

(720)

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(2)

 

13

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(373)

 

71

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

912

 

836

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

539

 

907

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

I-8


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Equity

(unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qurate

 

Liberty

 

Additional

 

other

 

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred

 

Retail

 

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, 2018

 

$

 —

 

 5

 

 —

 

 1

 

 —

 

1,043

 

(133)

 

9,068

 

99

 

10,083

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

643

 

34

 

677

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(59)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(59)

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

67

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

67

 

Series A Qurate Retail stock repurchases

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(623)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(623)

 

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(23)

 

(23)

 

Option exercises

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 2

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 2

 

Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(24)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(24)

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change (note 2)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

76

 

(70)

 

 —

 

 6

 

Reattribution of the Ventures Group to the Qurate Retail

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 1

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

GCI Liberty Split-Off

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(4,360)

 

 —

 

 —

 

11

 

(4,349)

 

Reclassification

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

3,894

 

 —

 

(3,894)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Balance at September 30, 2018

 

$

 —

 

 5

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(116)

 

5,747

 

121

 

5,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(unaudited)

 

(1)   Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Qurate Retail, Inc. (formerly named Liberty Interactive Corporation, prior to the Transactions defined and described below, or “Liberty”) and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, "Qurate Retail," the "Company," “Consolidated Qurate Retail,” “us,” “we,” or “our” unless the context otherwise requires). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Qurate Retail is made up of wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC, Inc. (“QVC”), zulily, llc (“zulily”), and HSN, Inc. (“HSNi” which includes its televised shopping business “HSN” and its catalog retail business “Cornerstone”), and other cost and equity method investments.

Qurate Retail is primarily engaged in the video and online commerce industries in North America, Europe and Asia. The businesses of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, QVC, HSNi and zulily, are seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in the fourth calendar quarter related to year-end holiday shopping.

The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, 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 Qurate Retail's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

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. Qurate Retail 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.   

Prior to the Transactions (described and defined below), the Company utilized tracking stocks in its capital structure. 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. Qurate Retail had two tracking stocks—QVC Group common stock and Liberty Ventures common stock, which were intended to track and reflect the economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the QVC Group and the Ventures Group, respectively.  The QVC Group was comprised of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC, zulily and HSNi (as of December 29, 2017), among other assets and liabilities.  The Ventures Group was comprised of businesses not included in the QVC Group including Evite, Inc. (“Evite”) and our interests in Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”), LendingTree, Inc. (“LendingTree”), FTD Companies, Inc. (“FTD”), investments in Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) and ILG, Inc. (“ILG”), among other assets and liabilities. The Company’s results are attributed to the QVC Group and the Ventures Group through March 9, 2018.

On December 29, 2017, Qurate Retail acquired the approximately 62% of HSNi it did not already own in an all-stock transaction making HSNi a wholly-owned subsidiary. HSNi stockholders (other than Qurate Retail) received fixed consideration of 1.65 shares of Series A QVC Group common stock (“QVCA”) for each share of HSNi common stock. Qurate Retail issued 53.6 million shares QVCA common stock to HSNi stockholders.

On March 9, 2018, Qurate Retail completed the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (as amended, the “Reorganization Agreement,” and the transactions contemplated thereby, the “Transactions”) among General Communication, Inc. (“GCI”), an Alaska corporation, and Liberty Interactive LLC, a

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty (“LI LLC”). Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, GCI amended and restated its articles of incorporation (which resulted in GCI being renamed GCI Liberty, Inc. (“GCI Liberty”)) and effected a reclassification and auto conversion of its common stock. After market close on March 8, 2018, Qurate Retail’s board of directors approved the reattribution of certain assets and liabilities from Qurate Retail’s Ventures Group to its QVC Group, which was effective immediately. The reattributed assets and liabilities included cash, Qurate Retail’s interest in ILG, FTD, certain green energy investments, LI LLC’s exchangeable debentures, and certain tax benefits. 

Following these events, Qurate Retail acquired GCI (renamed “GCI Liberty, Inc.”) through a reorganization in which certain Qurate Retail interests, assets and liabilities attributed to the Ventures Group were contributed (the “contribution”) to GCI Liberty in exchange for a controlling interest in GCI Liberty. Qurate Retail and LI LLC contributed to GCI Liberty their entire equity interest in Liberty Broadband, Charter, and LendingTree, the Evite operating business and other assets and liabilities attributed to Qurate Retail’s Venture Group (following the reattribution), in exchange for (a) the issuance to LI LLC of a number of shares of GCI Liberty Class A Common Stock and a number of shares of GCI Liberty Class B Common Stock equal to the number of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock on March 9, 2018, respectively, (b) cash and (c) the assumption of certain liabilities by GCI Liberty.

Following the contribution, Qurate Retail effected a tax-free separation of its controlling interest in the combined company (the “GCI Liberty Split-Off”), GCI Liberty, to the holders of Liberty Ventures common stock in full redemption of all outstanding shares of such stock, in which each outstanding share of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock was redeemed for one share of GCI Liberty Class A common stock and each outstanding share of Series B Liberty Ventures common stock was redeemed for one share of GCI Liberty Class B common stock.  Simultaneous with the closing of the Transactions, QVC Group common stock became the only outstanding common stock of Qurate Retail, and thus QVC Group common stock ceased to function as a tracking stock. On April 9, 2018, Liberty Interactive Corporation was renamed Qurate Retail, Inc. On May 23, 2018, Qurate Retail amended its charter to eliminate the tracking stock capitalization structure and reclassify each share of QVC Group common stock into one share of the corresponding series of new common stock of Qurate Retail. With respect to events on or after May 23, 2018, we refer to our Series A and Series B common stock as “Qurate Retail common stock.” In July 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its review of the GCI Liberty Split-Off and informed Qurate Retail that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transactions. Qurate Retail received an Issue Resolution Agreement from the IRS documenting this conclusion.

On October 17, 2018, Qurate Retail announced a series of initiatives designed to better position its HSNi and QVC- U.S. businesses (“QRG Initiatives”). As part of the QRG Initiatives, QVC will close its fulfillment center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and has entered into an agreement to lease a new fulfillment center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, commencing in 2019 (see note 10). Qurate Retail recorded transaction related costs of $43 million during the third quarter of 2018, which primarily related to severance as a result of the QRG Initiatives.

As a result of repurchases of Series A Qurate Retail common stock and the GCI Liberty Split-Off, the Company’s additional paid-in capital balance was in a deficit position as of September 30, 2018.  In order to ensure that the additional paid-in capital account is not negative, we reclassified the amount of the deficit ($3.9 billion) at September 30, 2018 to retained earnings.

Qurate Retail holds investments that are accounted for using the equity method. Qurate Retail does not control the decision making process or business management practices of these affiliates. Accordingly, Qurate Retail relies on management of these affiliates to provide it with accurate financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that Qurate Retail uses in the application of the equity method. In addition, Qurate Retail 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 Qurate Retail's condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Qurate Retail has entered into certain agreements with Liberty Media Corporation ("LMC") (for accounting purposes, a related party of the Company), a separate publicly traded company. These agreements include a reorganization agreement,

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

services agreement and facilities sharing agreement. Neither Qurate Retail nor LMC has any stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in the other.

 

The reorganization agreement with LMC provides for, among other things, provisions governing the relationship between Qurate Retail and LMC, including certain cross-indemnities. Pursuant to the services agreement, LMC provides Qurate Retail with certain general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury and investor relations support. Qurate Retail reimburses LMC for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by LMC in providing these services and for Qurate Retail's allocable portion of costs associated with any shared services or personnel based on an estimated percentage of time spent providing services to Qurate Retail. Under the facilities sharing agreement, LMC shares office space and related amenities at its corporate headquarters with Qurate Retail. Under these various agreements, approximately $2 million and $3 million was reimbursable to LMC for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $6 million and $8 million was reimbursable to LMC for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted in December 2017. The Tax Act significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering the U.S. corporate income tax rate, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries.  In the prior year, we recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the one-time transition tax and the revaluation of deferred tax balances and included these estimates in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. We are still in the process of analyzing the impact of the various provisions of the Tax Act. The ultimate impact may materially differ from these provisional amounts due to, among other things, continued analysis of the estimates and further guidance and interpretations on the application of the law. We expect to complete our analysis by December 2018.

 

(2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “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. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the revenue accounting standard using the modified retrospective method. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of the new revenue standard to have a material impact to our net income on an ongoing basis. Refer to the table below for the adoption of this guidance.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

Adjustments

 

Balance at

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

Due to ASU

 

January 1,

 

 

 

2017

 

2014-09

 

2018

 

 

 

in millions

 

Assets: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory, net

$

1,411

 

(27)

 

1,384

 

Other current assets

$

125

 

(11)

 

114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

$

169

 

(46)

 

123

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

$

2,500

 

2

 

2,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

$

9,068

 

6

 

9,074

 

 

In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the following table illustrates the impact on our reported results in the condensed consolidated statements of operations assuming we did not adopt the new revenue standard on January 1, 2018. Other than as previously discussed, upon the adoption of the new revenue standard on January 1, 2018, there were no additional material adjustments to our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

 

Balance without

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

adoption of

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

Impact of ASC 606

 

ASC 606

 

 

 

in millions

 

Net revenue

$

3,231

 

(54)

 

3,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of retail sales

$

2,109

 

(11)

 

2,098

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation and transaction related costs

$

477

 

(31)

 

446

 

Operating expense

$

241

 

(1)

 

240

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

$

(6)

 

3  

 

(3)

 

Net income

$

72

 

(8)

 

64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

 

Balance without

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

adoption of

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

Impact of ASC 606

 

ASC 606

 

 

 

in millions

 

Net revenue

$

9,694

 

(142)

 

9,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of retail sales

$

6,252

 

(23)

 

6,229

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation and transaction related costs

$

1,357

 

(94)

 

1,263

 

Operating expense

$

707

 

(3)

 

704

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

$

(60)

 

5  

 

(55)

 

Net income

$

643

 

(17)

 

626

 

 

The effect of changes of adoption is primarily due to changes in the timing of revenue recognition and the classification of credit card income for the QVC-branded credit card and the HSN-branded credit card. Additionally, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue is recognized at the time of shipment to our customers consistent with when control passes and credit card income is recognized in revenue. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenue was recognized at the time of delivery to the customers and deferred revenue, as well as inventory and related expenses, were recorded to account for the shipments in-transit. In addition, credit card income was recognized as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses.  The Company also recognized a separate $77 

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

million asset (included in other current assets) relating to the expected return of inventory and a $190 million liability (included in other current liabilities) relating to its sales return reserve at September 30, 2018, instead of the net presentation that was used at December 31, 2017.

 

Disaggregated revenue by segment and product category consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

QVC U.S.

 

QVC Int'l

 

HSN

 

zulily

 

Corp and other

 

Total

 

 

in millions

 

Home

$

497

 

235

 

216

 

118

 

170

 

1,236

 

Apparel

 

286

 

113

 

23

 

175

 

37

 

634

 

Beauty

 

228

 

148

 

67

 

11

 

 —

 

454

 

Accessories

 

180

 

64

 

62

 

105

 

 —

 

411

 

Electronics

 

115

 

26

 

92

 

 3

 

 —

 

236

 

Jewelry

 

79

 

51

 

39

 

12

 

 —

 

181

 

Other revenue

 

33

 

 3

 

14

 

 8

 

21

 

79

 

Total Revenue

$

1,418

 

640

 

513

 

432

 

228

 

3,231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

QVC U.S.

 

QVC Int'l

 

HSN

 

zulily

 

Corp and other

 

Total

 

 

in millions

 

Home

$

1,450

 

730

 

640

 

341

 

520

 

3,681

 

Apparel

 

898

 

348

 

74

 

494

 

109

 

1,923

 

Beauty

 

717

 

450

 

200

 

35

 

 —

 

1,402

 

Accessories

 

560

 

203

 

170

 

329

 

 —

 

1,262

 

Electronics

 

290

 

74

 

255

 

11

 

 —

 

630

 

Jewelry

 

250

 

154

 

112

 

35

 

 —

 

551

 

Other revenue

 

97

 

13

 

44

 

21

 

70

 

245

 

Total Revenue

$

4,262

 

1,972

 

1,495

 

1,266

 

699

 

9,694

 

 

Consumer Product Revenue and Other Revenue. Qurate Retail's revenue includes sales of consumer products in the following categories: home, apparel, beauty, accessories, electronics and jewelry, which are primarily sold through live merchandise-focused televised shopping programs and via our websites and other interactive media, including catalogs.

 

Other revenue consists primarily of income generated from our company branded credit cards in which a large consumer financial services company provides revolving credit directly to the Company’s customers for the sole purpose of purchasing merchandise or services with these cards.  In return, the Company receives a portion of the net economics of the credit card program.

 

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when obligations with our customers are satisfied; generally this occurs at the time of shipment to our customers consistent with when control of the shipped product passes. The recognized revenue reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods, net of allowances for returns.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

The Company recognizes revenue related to its company branded credit cards over time as the credit cards are used by Qurate Retail's customers.

 

Sales, value add, use and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

 

The Company has elected to treat shipping and handling activities after the customer obtains control of the goods as a fulfillment cost and not as a promised good or service.  Accordingly, the Company will accrue all fulfillment costs related to the shipping and handling of consumer goods at the time of shipment.

 

The Company generally has payment terms with its customers of one year or less and has elected the practical expedient applicable to such contracts not to consider the time value of money.

 

Significant Judgments. Qurate Retail’s products are generally sold with a right of return for up to 30 days after the date of shipment and we may provide other credits or incentives, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize.  Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available. The Company has determined that it is the principal in vendor arrangements as the Company can establish control over the goods prior to shipment. Accordingly, the Company records revenue for these arrangements on a gross basis.

 

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Instruments. 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 Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018.  As the Company has historically measured its investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values at fair value, the new guidance had no impact on the accounting for these instruments. The Company has elected the measurement alternative for its equity securities without readily determinable fair values and will perform a qualitative assessment of these instruments to identify potential impairments.  In addition, a portion of the unrealized gain (loss) recognized on the Company’s exchangeable debt accounted for at fair value is now presented in other comprehensive income as it relates to instrument specific credit risk, however this impact was not material to the overall financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2018. 

 

Statement of Cash Flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018 and has reclassified prior period balances in cash and cash equivalents within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in order to conform with current period presentation. The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in our condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total amount presented in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31, 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

in millions

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

532

 

903

 

Restricted cash included in other current assets

 

7  

 

9

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

$

539

 

912

 

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which addresses eight specific cash flow issues to reduce the diversity in practice for appropriate classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements. 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Share-based payment modification. In May 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to provide clarity to which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

Intra-entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. 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 Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance which addresses the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate due to the enactment of the Tax Act on items within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Leases.  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 is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt this guidance on January 1, 2019 and expect to elect certain practical expedients under the transition guidance. Additionally, the Company plans to elect the optional transition method that allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption and does not plan to restate prior periods.  The Company is currently working with its consolidated subsidiaries to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements, including identifying the population of leases, evaluating technology solutions and collecting lease data.

 

Internal-Use Software.  In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.  The guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

(3) Acquisitions

On December 29, 2017, Qurate Retail acquired the approximately 62% of HSNi it did not already own in an all-stock transaction making HSNi a wholly-owned subsidiary. HSNi shareholders (other than Qurate Retail) received fixed consideration of 1.65 QVCA shares for each share of HSNi common stock. Qurate Retail issued 53.6 million shares QVCA common stock to HSNi shareholders. In conjunction with application of acquisition accounting, we recorded a full step up in basis of HSNi which resulted in a $409 million gain. The fair market value of our ownership interest previously held in HSNi ($605 million) was determined based on the trading price of QVCA common stock on the date of the acquisition (Level 1) less a control premium. The market value of the shares of QVCA common stock issued to HSNi stockholders ($1.3 billion) was determined based on the trading price of QVCA common stock on the date of the acquisition. The total equity value of the transaction was $1.9 billion.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

The preliminary purchase price allocation for HSNi is as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

22

 

Property and equipment

 

 

220

 

Other assets

 

 

784

 

Goodwill

 

 

926

 

Trademarks

 

 

676

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization

 

 

598

 

Accounts payable & accrued liabilities

 

 

(519)

 

Long-term debt

 

 

(467)

 

Other liabilities assumed

 

 

(13)

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(279)

 

 

 

$

1,948

 

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce, value associated with future customers, continued innovation and noncontractual relationships. Intangible assets acquired during 2017 were comprised of customer relationships of $421 million with a weighted average life of approximately 9 years, capitalized software of $16 million with a weighted average life of approximately 1 year, and technology of $161 million with a weighted average life of approximately 7 years. None of the acquired goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the preliminary purchase price allocation was adjusted, resulting in an increase of $6 million to property and equipment, $32 million to other assets, $4 million to accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $7 million to debt, $1 million to other liabilities assumed, and corresponding decreases of $24 million to goodwill, $2 million to deferred tax liabilities and $4 million to intangible assets subject to amortization. As of September 30, 2018, the valuation related to the purchase is not final and the purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to revision. The primary areas of the purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized are related to certain fixed and intangible assets, liabilities and tax balances.

The pro forma revenue and net earnings from continuing operations of Qurate Retail, prepared utilizing the historical financial statements of HSNi, giving effect to purchase accounting related adjustments made at the time of acquisition, as if the transaction discussed above occurred on January 1, 2016, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2017

 

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

 

$

3,163

 

9,450

 

Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

68

 

433

 

The pro forma information is not representative of Qurate Retail’s future financial position, future results of operations or future cash flows nor does it reflect what Qurate Retail’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been as if the transaction had happened previously and Qurate Retail controlled HSNi during the periods presented.

(4)   Disposals

On March 9, 2018, Qurate Retail completed the GCI Liberty Split-Off. At the time of the GCI Liberty Split-Off, GCI Liberty was comprised of, among other things, GCI Liberty’s legacy business, Qurate Retail’s former interest in Liberty Broadband, Charter and LendingTree, and Qurate Retail’s former wholly-owned subsidiary Evite. Qurate Retail viewed Liberty Broadband, LendingTree and Evite as separate components and evaluated them separately for discontinued operations presentation. As Qurate Retail’s former interest in Charter was accounted for as an available for sale investment it did not meet the definition of a component for discontinued operation presentation. The disposition of Liberty Broadband was considered significant to the overall financials and therefore was considered to be a strategic shift.  Accordingly, the

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Qurate Retail have been prepared to reflect Qurate Retail’s interest in Liberty Broadband as a discontinued operation. The disposition of LendingTree and Evite as part of the GCI Liberty Split-Off does not have a major effect on Qurate Retail’s historical or future results. Therefore, the disposition of LendingTree and Evite was not considered a strategic shift in Qurate Retail’s operations. Accordingly, LendingTree and Evite are not presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Qurate Retail. LendingTree and Evite are included in the Corporate and other segment through March 8, 2018. 

Included in revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is zero dollars and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $3 million and $16 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to Evite. Included in net earnings (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are losses of zero dollars and less than a million dollars for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and losses of $2 million and $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to Evite.  Included in total assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 is $43 million related to Evite. Included in net earnings (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are earnings of zero dollars and $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and less than a million dollars and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to LendingTree. Included in total assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 is $115 million related to LendingTree.

Certain financial information for the Company’s investment in Liberty Broadband, which is included in the discontinued operations line items of the condensed consolidated Qurate Retail balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Investment in Liberty Broadband measured at fair value

 

$

3,635

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

$

303

 

 

Certain financial information for the Company’s investment in Liberty Broadband, which is included in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

$

NA

 

365

 

187

 

906

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

$

NA

 

(135)

 

(46)

 

(335)

 

 

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

The impact from discontinued operations on basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

    

2017

 

Basic earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Qurate Retail shareholders per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail common stock

 

$

NA

 

NA

 

NA

 

NA

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

NA

 

2.68

 

1.64

 

6.71

 

Diluted earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Qurate Retail shareholders per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail common stock

 

$

NA

 

NA

 

NA

 

NA

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock

 

$

NA

 

2.64

 

1.62

 

6.64

 

 

Prior to the GCI Liberty Split-Off, Qurate Retail accounted for the investment in Liberty Broadband at its fair value. Accordingly, Liberty Broadband’s assets, liabilities and results of operations were not included in Qurate Retail’s consolidated financial statements. Summary financial information for Liberty Broadband for the periods prior to the GCI Liberty Split-Off is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Current assets

 

$

84

 

Total assets

 

$

11,932

 

Current liabilities

 

$

11

 

Total liabilities 

 

$

1,445

 

Equity

 

$

10,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2017

 

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Operating income

 

$

(6)

 

(19)

 

Share of earnings (loss) of affiliate

 

$

(5)

 

25

 

Gain (loss) on dilution of investment in affiliate

 

$

(4)

 

(42)

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

$

 7

 

18

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty Broadband shareholders

 

$

(10)

 

(27)

 

 

 

(5)   Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has granted to certain of its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and options to purchase shares of the Company’s 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 (“GDFV”) 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.

In connection with the GCI Liberty Split-Off (see note 1), the Company redeemed each outstanding share of its Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock for shares of the corresponding class of GCI Liberty common stock.

I-19


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are $21 million and $22 million of stock-based compensation during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $67 million and $59 million of stock-based compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table presents the number and weighted average GDFV of options granted by the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended 

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Options Granted (000's)

 

Weighted Average GDFV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, QVC employees (1)

 

2,924

 

$

8.76

 

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, zulily employees (1)

 

336

 

$

8.65

 

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, HSNi employees (1)

 

859

 

$

8.77

 

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, Qurate Retail President and CEO (2)

 

577

 

$

7.09

 

Series B Qurate Retail common stock, Qurate Retail Chairman of the Board (3)

 

175

 

$

8.84

 

Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, Qurate Retail Chairman of the Board (3)

 

143

 

$

16.55

 


(1)

Grants mainly vest semi-annually over four years.

(2)

Grant vests 50% on each of December 15, 2019 and 2020.

(3)

Grants cliff vest on December 31, 2018. Grants were made in connection with his employment agreement.

In addition to the stock option grants to the Qurate Retail Chairman of the Board and in connection with our Chairman’s employment agreement, Qurate Retail granted performance based RSUs to him. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Qurate Retail granted 124 thousand performance-based RSUs of Series B Qurate Retail common stock.  The RSUs had a GDFV of $27.56 per share at the time they were granted.  The performance-based RSUs cliff vest in one year, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives.  Performance objectives, which are subjective, are considered in determining the timing and amount of compensation expense recognized. When the satisfaction of the performance objectives becomes probable, the Company records compensation expense. The value of the grant is remeasured at each reporting period. Qurate Retail also granted approximately 183 thousand performance-based RSUs of Series A Qurate Retail common Stock (“Series A RSUs”) to its current CEO in the third quarter in connection with his appointment to the position.  The Series A RSUs had a GDFV of $22.18 per share at the time they were granted and will cliff vest in December 2020, subject to satisfaction of certain performance objectives.

The Company has calculated the GDFV for all of its equity classified Awards and any subsequent remeasurement of its liability classified Awards 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 Qurate Retail's stock and the implied volatility of publicly traded Qurate Retail 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.

Qurate Retail—Outstanding Awards

The following tables present the number and weighted average exercise price ("WAEP") of the Awards to purchase Qurate Retail common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company, as well as the weighted average remaining life and aggregate intrinsic value of the Awards.

 

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qurate Retail

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series A

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

(000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2018

 

32,361

 

$

23.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

4,697

 

$

26.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(3,640)

 

$

16.66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(1,726)

 

$

26.92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2018

 

31,692

 

$

24.57

 

3.7

years

 

$

41

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2018

 

19,518

 

$

23.99

 

2.7

years

 

$

35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qurate Retail

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series B

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

value

 

 

 

(000's)

 

WAEP

 

life

 

(millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2018

 

1,643

 

$

27.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

175

 

$

27.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2018

 

1,818

 

$

27.22

 

3.7

years

 

$

 —

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2018

 

997

 

$

25.40

 

4.6

years

 

$

 —

 

 

 The grant, exercise and forfeiture/cancellation activity for Liberty Ventures Series A and B shares was immaterial during the period from January 1, 2018 through March 9, 2018, and no Awards were outstanding as of September 30, 2018. All of the outstanding Awards of Liberty Ventures Series A and B common stock were redeemed for GCI Liberty Series A and B common stock as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off on March 9, 2018.

 

 

As of September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Awards was approximately $87 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.

As of September 30, 2018, Qurate Retail reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options approximately 31.7 million shares of Series A Qurate Retail common stock and 1.8 million shares of Series B Qurate Retail common stock.

 

(6)   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 ("WASO") 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.

I-21


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Series A and Series B Qurate Retail Common Stock

Excluded from diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, are 28 million and 16 million potential common shares, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Excluded from diluted EPS, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, are 28 million and 16 million potential common shares, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qurate Retail Common Stock

 

 

    

Three months ended 

    

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

number of shares in millions

 

Basic WASO

 

459

 

448

 

467

 

451

 

Potentially dilutive shares

 

 2

 

 4

 

 4

 

 3

 

Diluted WASO

 

461

 

452

 

471

 

454

 

 

Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures Common Stock

 

Excluded from diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were 2 million potential common shares, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. No potential common shares were excluded from diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, and the three months ended September 30, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Ventures Common Stock

 

 

    

Three months ended 

    

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018 (1)

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

number of shares in millions

 

Basic WASO

 

NA

 

86

 

86

 

85

 

Potentially dilutive shares

 

NA

 

1

 

 1

 

1

 

Diluted WASO

 

NA

 

87

 

87

 

86

 

 


(1)

All of the outstanding shares of Liberty Ventures Series A and B common stock were redeemed for GCI Liberty Series A and B common stock as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off on March 9, 2018.

 

 

(7)   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.

I-22


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at

 

Fair Value Measurements at

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

    

 

 

    

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

 

$

389

 

389

 

 —

 

655

 

655

 

 —

 

Equity securities

 

$

282

 

282

 

 —

 

2,275

 

2,275

 

 —

 

Indemnification asset

 

$

100

 

 —

 

100

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Debt

 

$

1,426

 

 —

 

1,426

 

1,846

 

 —

 

1,846

 

 

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.

 

Pursuant to an indemnification agreement, GCI Liberty has agreed to indemnify LI LLC for certain payments made to a holder of LI LLC’s 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures due 2046 (the “1.75% Exchangeable Debentures”). An indemnity asset in the amount of $281 million was recorded upon completion of the GCI Liberty Split-Off. Within six months of the GCI Liberty Split-Off, Qurate Retail, LI LLC and GCI Liberty agreed to cooperate, and reasonably assist each other, with respect to the commencement and consummation of one or more privately negotiated transactions, a tender offer or other purchase transactions (each, a “Purchase Offer”) whereby LI LLC would offer to purchase the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures on terms and conditions (including maximum offer price) reasonably acceptable to GCI Liberty. GCI Liberty would indemnify LI LLC for each 1.75% Exchangeable Debenture repurchased by LI LLC in a Purchase Offer for an amount by which the purchase price for such debenture exceeds the amount of cash reattributed with respect to such purchased 1.75% Exchangeable Debenture net of certain tax benefits, if any, attributable to such 1.75% Exchangeable Debenture. In June 2018, Qurate Retail repurchased 417,759 of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures for approximately $457 million, including accrued interest, and GCI Liberty made a payment under the indemnification agreement to Qurate Retail in the amount of $133 million.

 

Following the initial six month period, the remaining indemnification to LI LLC for certain payments made to a holder of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures pertains to the holder’s ability to exercise its exchange right according to the terms of the debentures on or before October 5, 2023.  Such amount will equal the difference between the exchange value and par value of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures at the time the exchange occurs.  The indemnification asset recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 represents the fair value of the estimated exchange feature included in the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures primarily based on market observable inputs (Level 2).  As of September 30, 2018, a holder of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures does not have the ability to exchange and, accordingly, such indemnification asset is included as a long-term asset in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, as of September 30, 2018, 332,241 bonds of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures remain outstanding.

 

I-23


 

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(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,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Equity securities

 

$

10

 

130

 

154

 

552

 

Exchangeable senior debentures

 

 

(52)

 

(91)

 

(9)

 

(230)

 

Indemnification asset

 

 

15

 

 —

 

(49)

 

 —

 

Other financial instruments

 

 

 —

 

(35)

 

(4)

 

(42)

 

 

 

$

(27)

 

 4

 

92

 

280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8)   Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

    

QVC

 

HSN

 

zulily

    

Other

    

Total

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

 

$

5,190

 

933

 

917

 

42

 

7,082

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

(24)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(24)

 

Disposition (1)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(25)

 

(25)

 

Other (2)

 

 

 —

 

(21)

 

 —

 

(3)

 

(24)

 

Balance at September 30, 2018

 

$

5,166

 

912

 

917

 

14

 

7,009

 


(1)

As a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off on March 9, 2018, the Company disposed of its wholly-owned subsidiary Evite, resulting in a $25 million decrease to goodwill.

(2)

As discussed in note 3, the preliminary purchase price allocation for the HSNi acquisition was adjusted, resulting in a decrease to goodwill. 

 

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $117 million and $137 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $332 million and $462 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Based on its amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2018, Qurate Retail expects that amortization expense will be as follows for the next five years (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remainder of 2018

    

$

84

 

2019

 

$

279

 

2020

 

$

213

 

2021

 

$

153

 

2022

 

$

77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

(9)   Long-Term Debt

Debt is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

principal at

 

Carrying value

 

 

    

September 30, 2018

    

September 30, 2018

    

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Corporate level debentures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.5% Senior Debentures due 2029

 

$

287

 

 

286

 

285

 

8.25% Senior Debentures due 2030

 

 

504

 

 

502

 

502

 

4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2029

 

 

433

 

 

325

 

316

 

3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030

 

 

434

 

 

315

 

318

 

3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031

 

 

318

 

 

412

 

342

 

0.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043

 

 

 —

 

 

 2

 

 2

 

1.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2046

 

 

332

 

 

372

 

868

 

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 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2067

 

 

225

 

 

225

 

 —

 

QVC Bank Credit Facilities

 

 

825

 

 

825

 

1,763

 

HSNi Bank Credit Facilities

 

 

390

 

 

390

 

460

 

Other subsidiary debt

 

 

189

 

 

189

 

170

 

Deferred loan costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(33)

 

(24)

 

Total consolidated Qurate Retail debt

 

$

7,487

 

 

7,357

 

8,549

 

Less current classification

 

 

 

 

 

(1,472)

 

(996)

 

Total long-term debt

 

 

 

 

$

5,885

 

7,553

 

 

 

QVC Bank Credit Facilities

 

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 co-borrowers with an additional $50 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit.  The remaining $2.25 billion and any incremental loans may be borrowed only by QVC.  Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.25% to 0.75% depending on QVC and zulily’s combined ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four fiscal quarter period (the “Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio”). Borrowings that are LIBOR loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR rate plus a margin that varies between 1.25% and 1.75% depending on QVC and zulily’s Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time 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 Qurate Retail, all of zulily’s loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving facility may be reborrowed.

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

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. Payment of loans 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 (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). 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 the capital stock of QVC.  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 (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), 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 the Third Amended Restated Credit Agreement as QVC’s consolidated total debt to Adjusted OIBDA (as defined in note 11) ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period; and limiting the Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio.

 

The interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was 3.7% at September 30, 2018. Availability under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at September 30, 2018 was $1.8 billion, including the remaining portion of the $400 million tranche available to zulily and outstanding letters of credit. 

 

6.375% Senior Notes due 2067

 

In September 2018, QVC completed a registered debt offering for $225 million of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2067 (the “2067 Notes”). The proceeds were used to partially prepay existing indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for general corporate purposes. The costs to complete the financing were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2067 Notes. Interest on the 2067 Notes will be paid quarterly in March, June, September and December, commencing on December 15, 2018. QVC has the option to call the 2067 Notes after 5 years at par value.

 

HSNi Bank Credit Facility 

   

On January 27, 2015, HSNi entered into a $1.25 billion five-year syndicated credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") which was secured by 100% of the voting equity securities of HSNi's U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of HSNi's first-tier foreign subsidiaries. Certain HSNi subsidiaries had unconditionally guaranteed HSNi's obligations under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement, which included a $750 million revolving credit facility and a $500 million term loan, could be increased up to $1.75 billion subject to certain conditions and was set to expire on January 27, 2020. On December 29, 2017, the Credit Agreement was amended, the outstanding balance on the term loan was repaid, and the revolving credit facility was increased to $1 billion.  The maturity of the revolving credit facility was extended to December 29, 2022.  Loans under the amended Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 1.25% to 1.75% or the Base Rate (as defined in the amended Credit Agreement) plus a predetermined margin that ranges from 0.25% to 0.75%. HSNi pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% (based on the leverage ratio) on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.  

   

The amended Credit Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default customary for similar facilities including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50x (as defined in the amended Credit Agreement). The interest rate on the $390 million outstanding long-term debt balance as of September 30, 2018 was 3.7%.  The amount available to HSNi under the revolving credit facility portion of the amended Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of outstanding letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility, which totaled $8.4 million as of September 30, 2018. The ability to draw funds under the revolving credit facility is dependent upon meeting the aforementioned financial covenants. As of

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

September 30, 2018, the amount that could be borrowed under the revolving credit facility, after consideration of the financial covenants and the outstanding letters of credit, was approximately $602 million. 

 

Exchangeable Senior Debentures

 

The Company has elected to account for its 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, 2018 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 the Company does not own shares to redeem the debentures.  For the remaining exchangeables, the Company 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 due 2043 are classified as current as of September 30, 2018 as they are currently redeemable.

 

Debt Covenants

Qurate Retail, QVC, HSNi and other subsidiaries of Qurate Retail are in compliance with all debt covenants at September 30, 2018.

Other Subsidiary Debt

Other subsidiary debt at September 30, 2018 is comprised primarily of capitalized satellite transponder lease obligations.

Fair Value of Debt

Qurate Retail 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 Qurate Retail for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2). The 2067 Notes are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and the Company considers them to be actively traded. As such, the 2067 Notes are valued based on their trading price (Level 1). The fair value of Qurate Retail's publicly traded debt securities that are not reported at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018 are as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Senior debentures

 

$

850

 

QVC senior secured notes

    

$

3,666

 

 

Due to the variable rate nature, Qurate Retail believes that the carrying amount of its other debt, not discussed above, approximated fair value at September 30, 2018.

 

(10)   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 was 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 had an option to extend the term of the Lease for up to two consecutive terms of 10 years each.

 

In August 2018, QVC exercised the right to purchase the Premises and related land from the landlord by entering into an amended and restated agreement (“New Lease”). QVC made an initial payment of $10 million and will make annual payments of $12 million over a term of 13 years. QVC treats the New Lease within capital lease obligations and lease payments are attributed to: (1) a reduction of the principal obligation and (2) imputed interest expense. In connection with 

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

the New Lease, QVC capitalized the related land at fair market value while the building asset is currently being depreciated over its estimated useful life of 20 years.

 

On October 5, 2018, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2018, QVC entered into a lease (“ECDC Lease”) for an East Coast distribution center as part of the QRG Initiatives. The 1.7 million square foot rental building is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and will be leased to QVC for an initial term of 15 years. QVC expects the ECDC Lease to commence in the third quarter of 2019, at which point the discounted value of the ECDC Lease will be recorded as an asset and a liability in the consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASU 2016-02, which the Company will adopt on January 1, 2019. Under the ECDC Lease, QVC will be required to pay an initial base rent of approximately $10 million per year, increasing to approximately $14 million per year, as well as all real estate taxes and other building operating costs. QVC also has the option to extend the term of the ECDC Lease for up to two consecutive terms of 5 years each and one final term of 4 years.

Litigation

The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible Qurate Retail 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.

 

(11)   Information About Qurate Retail's Operating Segments

Qurate Retail, through its ownership interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the video and online commerce industries. Qurate Retail identifies its reportable segments as (A) those operating segments 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 Qurate Retail's annual pre-tax earnings.

Qurate Retail 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, Qurate Retail reviews nonfinancial measures such as unique website visitors, number of units shipped, conversion rates and active customers, as appropriate.

Qurate Retail defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding all stock-based compensation. Qurate Retail 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, transaction related costs (including restructuring, integration, and advisory fees), 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. Qurate Retail generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.

During the second quarter of 2018 the Company changed its reportable segments to include QVC U.S. and QVC International, and presented prior period information to conform with this change. Previously, QVC was considered one reportable segment.  As a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off, and the related management transitions, a new Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) was identified, and the information that the new CODM reviews is aggregated differently than it was prior to the Transactions. 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Qurate Retail has identified the following operating segments as its

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

reportable segments:

·

QVC U.S. and QVC International – 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.

·

HSN – HSN markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products primarily in the United States by means of its televised shopping programs and via the Internet and mobile transactions through its domestic websites.

·

zulily – zulily markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States and several foreign countries through flash sales events, primarily through its desktop, mobile and app experiences.

Qurate Retail'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, 2017.

Performance Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended  September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

1,418

 

324

 

1,374

 

316

 

QVC International

 

 

640

 

93

 

636

 

99

 

HSN

 

 

513

 

47

 

NA

 

NA

 

zulily

 

 

432

 

18

 

367

 

12

 

Corporate and other

 

 

230

 

(14)

 

 4

 

(14)

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

(2)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

3,231

 

468

 

2,381

 

413

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

4,262

 

1,005

 

4,111

 

1,013

 

QVC International

 

 

1,972

 

300

 

1,843

 

304

 

HSN

 

 

1,495

 

136

 

NA

 

NA

 

zulily

 

 

1,266

 

74

 

1,093

 

53

 

Corporate and other

 

 

701

 

(13)

 

16

 

(39)

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

(2)

 

 —

 

(3)

 

 —

 

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

9,694

 

1,502

 

7,060

 

1,331

 

 

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Total assets

 

Investments in affiliates

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

9,284

 

39

 

83

 

QVC International

 

 

2,136

 

 —

 

42

 

HSN

 

 

2,793

 

 —

 

11

 

zulily

 

 

2,222

 

 —

 

18

 

Corporate and other

 

 

1,238

 

139

 

18

 

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

17,673

 

178

 

172

 

 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of Consolidated segment Adjusted OIBDA to Operating income (loss) and Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Consolidated segment Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

468

 

413

 

1,502

 

1,331

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(21)

 

(22)

 

(67)

 

(59)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(167)

 

(180)

 

(489)

 

(594)

 

Transaction related costs

 

 

(43)

 

(3)

 

(57)

 

(3)

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

237

 

208

 

889

 

675

 

Interest expense

 

 

(94)

 

(88)

 

(288)

 

(267)

 

Share of earnings (loss) of affiliates, net

 

 

(29)

 

(86)

 

(89)

 

(122)

 

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

 

 

(27)

 

 4

 

92

 

280

 

Other, net

 

 

 1

 

 7

 

(8)

 

 1

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

$

88

 

45

 

596

 

567

 

 

 

 

 

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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, strategies; QRG Initiatives (as defined below); revenue growth at QVC, Inc. ("QVC"); our projected sources and uses of cash; and fluctuations in stock prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. 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 Internet protocol 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 II, Item 1A. of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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.

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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, 2017.

See note 2 of 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.

The information herein relates to Qurate Retail, Inc. (formerly named Liberty Interactive Corporation, prior to the Transactions defined and described below, or “Liberty”) and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively “Qurate Retail,” the “Company,” “Consolidated Qurate Retail,” “us,” “we” or “our” unless the context otherwise requires).

Overview

 

We own controlling and non-controlling interests in a broad range of video and online commerce companies. Our largest businesses and reportable segments are QVC U.S. and QVC International. QVC markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States (“U.S.”) and several foreign countries, primarily by means of its televised shopping programs and the Internet through its domestic and international websites and mobile applications. On December 29, 2017, we acquired the approximately 62% of HSN, Inc. (“HSNi”) we did not already own in an all-stock transaction (the “Merger”) making HSNi a wholly-owned subsidiary. HSNi has two main operating segments: its televised shopping business “HSN” and its catalog retail business “Cornerstone.”  HSN is a reportable segment, and Cornerstone is included in the “Corporate and other” reportable segment. On October 1, 2015 we acquired zulily, llc (“zulily”), an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched every day. zulily is a reportable segment.

 

Our “Corporate and other” category includes our consolidated subsidiary Cornerstone, along with various cost and equity method investments. See discussion below for the entities that were included in Corporate and other in prior periods.

 

Prior to the Transactions (described and defined below), the Company utilized tracking stocks in its capital structure. 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. Qurate Retail had two tracking stocks—QVC Group common stock and Liberty Ventures common stock, which were intended to track and reflect the economic performance of the businesses, assets and liabilities attributed to the QVC Group and the Ventures Group, respectively.  The QVC Group was comprised of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC, zulily and HSNi, among other assets and liabilities.  The Ventures Group was comprised of businesses not included in the QVC Group including Evite Inc. (“Evite”) and our interests in Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”), LendingTree, Inc. (“LendingTree”), FTD Companies, Inc. (“FTD”), investments in Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) and ILG, Inc. (“ILG”), among other assets and liabilities (which were all included in the Corporate and other category). The Company’s results are attributed to the QVC Group and the Ventures Group through March 9, 2018.

On March 9, 2018, Qurate Retail completed the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (as amended, the “Reorganization Agreement,” and the transactions contemplated thereby, the “Transactions”) among General Communication, Inc. (“GCI”), an Alaska corporation, and Liberty Interactive LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty (“LI LLC”). Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, GCI amended and restated its articles of incorporation (which resulted in GCI being renamed GCI Liberty, Inc. (“GCI Liberty”)) and effected a reclassification and auto conversion of its common stock. After market close on March 8, 2018, Qurate Retail’s board of directors approved the reattribution of certain assets and liabilities from Qurate Retail’s Ventures Group to its QVC Group, which was effective immediately. The reattributed assets and liabilities included cash, Qurate Retail’s interest in ILG, FTD, certain green energy investments, LI LLC’s exchangeable debentures, and certain tax benefits. 

Following these events, Qurate Retail acquired GCI (renamed “GCI Liberty, Inc.”) through a reorganization in which certain Qurate Retail interests, assets and liabilities attributed to the Ventures Group were contributed (the “contribution”) to GCI Liberty in exchange for a controlling interest in GCI Liberty. Qurate Retail and LI LLC contributed to GCI Liberty their entire equity interest in Liberty Broadband, Charter, and LendingTree, the Evite operating business and other assets and liabilities attributed to Qurate Retail’s Venture Group (following the reattribution), in exchange for (a) the issuance to LI LLC of a number of shares of GCI Liberty Class A Common Stock and a number of shares of GCI Liberty Class B Common Stock equal to the number of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock and Series B Liberty

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Ventures common stock on March 9, 2018, respectively, (b) cash and (c) the assumption of certain liabilities by GCI Liberty.

Following the contribution, Qurate Retail effected a tax-free separation of its controlling interest in the combined company (the “GCI Liberty Split-Off”), GCI Liberty, to the holders of Liberty Ventures common stock in full redemption of all outstanding shares of such stock, in which each outstanding share of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock was redeemed for one share of GCI Liberty Class A common stock and each outstanding share of Series B Liberty Ventures common stock was redeemed for one share of GCI Liberty Class B common stock.  Simultaneous with the closing of the Transactions, QVC Group common stock became the only outstanding common stock of Qurate Retail, and thus QVC Group common stock ceased to function as a tracking stock. On April 9, 2018, Liberty Interactive Corporation was renamed Qurate Retail, Inc. On May 23, 2018, Qurate Retail amended its charter to eliminate the tracking stock capitalization structure and reclassify each share of QVC Group common stock into one share of the corresponding series of new common stock of Qurate Retail. With respect to events on or after May 23, 2018, we refer to our Series A and Series B common stock as “Qurate Retail common stock.” In July 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its review of the GCI Liberty Split-Off and informed Qurate Retail that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transactions. Qurate Retail received an Issue Resolution Agreement from the IRS documenting this conclusion.

 

As discussed in note 4 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, Qurate Retail’s interest in Liberty Broadband has been presented as a discontinued operation as a result of the Transactions.

 

On October 17, 2018, Qurate Retail announced a series of initiatives designed to better position its HSNi and QVC- U.S. businesses (“QRG Initiatives”). As part of the QRG Initiatives, QVC will close its fulfillment center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and has entered into an agreement to lease a new fulfillment center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, commencing in 2019 (see note 10 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements). Qurate Retail recorded transaction related costs of $43 million during the third quarter of 2018, which primarily related to severance as a result of the QRG Initiatives.

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. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of the principal reporting segments, see "Results of Operations—Businesses" below.

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Operating Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

1,418

 

1,374

 

4,262

 

4,111

 

QVC International

 

 

640

 

636

 

1,972

 

1,843

 

HSN

 

 

513

 

NA

 

1,495

 

NA

 

zulily

 

 

432

 

367

 

1,266

 

1,093

 

Inter-segment eliminations

 

 

(2)

 

 —

 

(2)

 

(3)

 

Corporate and other

 

 

230

 

 4

 

701

 

16

 

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

3,231

 

2,381

 

9,694

 

7,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former QVC Group

 

 

(a)

 

2,375

 

(a)

 

7,044

 

Former Ventures Group

 

 

(a)

 

 6

 

(a)

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

224

 

200

 

766

 

627

 

QVC International

 

 

77

 

74

 

248

 

224

 

HSN

 

 

 4

 

NA

 

37

 

NA

 

zulily

 

 

(38)

 

(44)

 

(93)

 

(112)

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(30)

 

(22)

 

(69)

 

(64)

 

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

237

 

208

 

889

 

675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former QVC Group

 

 

(a)

 

218

 

(a)

 

709

 

Former Ventures Group

 

 

(a)

 

(10)

 

(a)

 

(34)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

324

 

316

 

1,005

 

1,013

 

QVC International

 

 

93

 

99

 

300

 

304

 

HSN

 

 

47

 

NA

 

136

 

NA

 

zulily

 

 

18

 

12

 

74

 

53

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(14)

 

(14)

 

(13)

 

(39)

 

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

468

 

413

 

1,502

 

1,331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former QVC Group

 

 

(a)

 

419

 

(a)

 

1,352

 

Former Ventures Group

 

 

(a)

 

(6)

 

(a)

 

(21)

 


(a)

Due to the GCI Liberty Split-Off, including the redemption of outstanding shares of Liberty Ventures common stock, the Ventures Group and the QVC Group tracking stock structure no longer exists as of March 9, 2018, however amounts were attributed to the Ventures Group and the QVC Group from January 1, 2018 through March 9, 2018. Attributed to the Ventures Group was revenue of $3 million, operating loss of $8 million, and an Adjusted OIBDA loss of $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.   No revenue, operating loss or Adjusted OIBDA was attributed to the Ventures Group for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Revenue.    Consolidated Qurate Retail revenue increased 35.7% or $850 million and 37.3% or $2,634 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increases in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were due in part to the acquisition of HSN which had revenue of $513 million and $1,495 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The increase in Corporate and other revenue was primarily due to the acquisition of Cornerstone which had revenue of $230 million and $698 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The increase was also due to increased revenue at QVC U.S. of $44 million and $151 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, increased revenue at QVC International of $4 million and $129 million

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for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and increased revenue at zulily of $65 million and $173 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively.  See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC, HSN and zulily.

Stock-based compensation.    Stock-based compensation includes compensation primarily related to options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units for shares of our common stock that are granted to certain of our officers and employees.

We recorded $21 million and $22 million of stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $67 million and $59 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to a decrease in stock compensation expense related to Liberty Ventures of $4 million as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off, partially offset by an increase in stock compensation expense at QVC of $1 million, HSN of $1 million, and Cornerstone of $1 million.  The increase of $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in stock compensation expense at QVC of $6 million, HSN of $5 million, Corporate of $3 million, and Cornerstone of $2 million, partially offset by a decrease in stock compensation expense related to Liberty Ventures of $8 million as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off. As of September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Qurate Retail equity awards was approximately $87 million. Such amount will be recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years. 

Operating income.    Our consolidated operating income increased 13.9% or $29 million and 31.7% or $214 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase in operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in operating income at QVC U.S. of $24 million, the acquisition of HSN which had operating income of $4 million, and a decrease in operating losses at zulily of $6 million, partially offset by an increase in operating loss in the Corporate and other segment of $8 million. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in operating income at QVC U.S. of $139 million, an increase in operating income at QVC International of $24 million, the acquisition of HSN which had operating income of $37 million, and a decrease in operating losses at zulily of $19 million, partially offset by a $5 million increase in operating loss in the Corporate and other segment. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC, HSN 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 depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, certain purchase accounting adjustments, separately reported litigation settlements, transaction related costs (including restructuring, integration, and advisory fees), and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See note 11 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Operating income and Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes.

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA increased 13.3% or $55 million and 12.8% or $171 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increase in Adjusted OIBDA for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to the acquisition of HSN which had Adjusted OIBDA of $47 million, an increase at zulily of $6 million, and an increase at QVC U.S. of $8 million, partially offset by a decrease at QVC International of $6 million. The increase in Adjusted OIBDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to the acquisition of HSN which had Adjusted OIBDA of $136 million, an increase in Corporate and other Adjusted OIBDA of $26 million primarily related to Cornerstone, an increase at zulily of $21 million, partially offset by a decrease at QVC International of $4 million, and a decrease at QVC U.S. of $8 million.  See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC, HSN and zulily.

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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,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

(94)

 

(88)

 

(288)

 

(267)

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates

 

 

(29)

 

(86)

 

(89)

 

(122)

 

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

 

 

(27)

 

 4

 

92

 

280

 

Other, net

 

 

 1

 

 7

 

(8)

 

 1

 

Other income (expense)

 

$

(149)

 

(163)

 

(293)

 

(108)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former QVC Group

 

 

(a)

 

(56)

 

(a)

 

(196)

 

Former Ventures Group

 

 

(a)

 

(107)

 

(a)

 

88

 


(a)

Due to the GCI Liberty Split-Off, the Ventures Group and the QVC Group tracking stocks no longer exist as of March 9, 2018, however amounts were attributed to the Ventures Group and the QVC Group from January 1, 2018 through March 9, 2018. Attributed to the Ventures Group was other income of $120 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. No other income was attributed to the Ventures Group for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Interest expense.    Interest expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year, primarily due to the HSNi Bank Credit Facilities that were not included at September 30, 2017 as HSNi was not consolidated as of that date, and a higher interest rate and increase in the amount outstanding on the QVC Bank Credit Facilities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same 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,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

HSNi (1)

 

$

NA

 

12

 

NA

 

35

 

FTD (2)

 

 

(11)

 

(81)

 

(52)

 

(86)

 

LendingTree (3)

 

 

NA

 

 2

 

 —

 

 5

 

Other (4)

 

 

(18)

 

(19)

 

(37)

 

(76)

 

 

 

$

(29)

 

(86)

 

(89)

 

(122)

 


(1)

On December 29, 2017, the Company acquired the approximately 62% of HSNi it did not already own in an all-stock transaction making HSNi a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  As HSNi is no longer an equity affiliate as of this date, the Company has not recorded share of earnings (losses) related to HSNi for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

(2)

FTD recorded an impairment during the second quarter of 2018, and Qurate Retail recorded its portion of FTD’s impairment.

(3)

As a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off, LendingTree is no longer an equity affiliate of the Company as of March 9, 2018, and the Company’s share of LendingTree’s losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are recorded through March 9, 2018. 

(4)

The share of losses in the “Other” category 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. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Equity securities

 

$

10

 

130

 

154

 

552

 

Exchangeable senior debentures

 

 

(52)

 

(91)

 

(9)

 

(230)

 

Indemnification asset

 

 

15

 

 —

 

(49)

 

 —

 

Other financial instruments

 

 

 —

 

(35)

 

(4)

 

(42)

 

 

 

$

(27)

 

 4

 

92

 

280

 

 

The changes in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net are due to market activity in the period on the various financial instruments that are marked to market on a periodic basis. The decrease in unrealized gains for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, was primarily driven by a decrease due to the reattribution of Charter to GCI Liberty in the GCI Liberty Split-Off, partially offset by an increase in realized gain on the investment in ILG due to the purchase of ILG by Marriott Vacations Worldwide during the third quarter of 2018, an increase in unrealized gains on exchangeable debt and derivative instruments, and an unrealized gain on the indemnification asset as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off.  The decrease in unrealized gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, was primarily due to a decrease in the unrealized gain on the investment in Charter and the reattribution of Charter to GCI Liberty in the GCI Liberty Split-Off, a decrease in unrealized gains on the investment in ILG, and an unrealized loss on the indemnification asset as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off, partially offset by an increase in unrealized gains on exchangeable debt and derivative instruments.

 

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 accompanying 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 decreased by $6 million and $9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decrease in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to foreign exchange losses. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to a loss on extinguishment related to the exchange of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures due 2046 (the “1.75% Exchangeable Debentures”) in June 2018 (see note 7 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements), partially offset by an increase in foreign exchange gains and interest income.

 

Income taxes. We had income tax expense of $6 million and benefit of $33 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and income tax expense of $60 million and $127 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the three months ended September 30, 2018 due to tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments, a reduction in the Company’s state effective tax rate used to measure deferred taxes resulting from the GCI Liberty Split-Off in March 2018, and a reduction in the Company’s state effective tax rate used to measure deferred taxes resulting from a state law change during the second quarter, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to a federal benefit from tax credits and incentives generated by our alternative energy investments and permanent tax benefits related to foreign currency losses realized for tax purposes, partially offset by state taxes, net of federal benefit.

 

Net earnings. We had net earnings of $82 million and $308 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net earnings of $677 million and $1,011 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The change in net earnings was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses and the impact of presenting Liberty Broadband as a discontinued operation.

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Material Changes in Financial Condition

As of September 30, 2018, 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, equity issuances, dividend and interest receipts, proceeds from asset sales, monetization of our public investment portfolio, debt (including availability under QVC’s Senior Secured Credit Facility, (the “Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility”)) and HSNi’s Bank Credit Facility, as discussed in note 9 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements) and cash generated by the operating activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Cash generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries is only a source of liquidity to the extent such cash exceeds the working capital needs of the subsidiaries and is not otherwise restricted such as, in the case of QVC, zulily and HSNi, due to a requirement that a leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of subsidiaries’ consolidated total debt to Adjusted OIBDA for the most recent four fiscal quarter period) of less than 3.5 to 1.0 must be maintained.

During the three months ended September 30, 2018 there have been no changes to our corporate or subsidiary debt credit ratings.

As of September 30, 2018, Qurate Retail's liquidity position included the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash

 

Equity

 

 

 

equivalents

 

securities

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC

 

$

388

 

 —

 

HSNi

 

 

23

 

 —

 

zulily

 

 

32

 

 —

 

Corporate and other

 

 

89

 

376

 

Total Qurate Retail

 

$

532

 

376

 

 

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 $1.8 billion under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility at September 30, 2018, including the remaining portion of the $400 million tranche that zulily may utilize, and borrowing capacity of $602 million under the HSNi Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2018, QVC had approximately $221 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash held in foreign subsidiaries that is available for domestic purposes with no significant tax consequences upon repatriation to the U.S. QVC accrues foreign taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. Approximately 66% of this foreign cash balance was that of QVC-Japan. QVC owns 60% of QVC-Japan and shares all profits and losses with the 40% minority interest holder, Mitsui & Co., LTD (“Mitsui”).  

 

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,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

$

996

 

1,080

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

$

(84)

 

(302)

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

$

(1,283)

 

(720)

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Qurate Retail's primary uses of cash were the GCI Liberty Split-Off of $475 million, repurchases of Series A Qurate Retail common stock of $623 million, and net repayments of certain debt obligations of approximately $273 million (including the repurchase of a portion of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures), partially offset by proceeds from the sale of certain cost investments of $281 million.

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The projected uses of Qurate Retail cash for the remainder of 2018 are the continued capital improvement spending of approximately $120 million, the repayment of certain debt obligations (including approximately $50 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. 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 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 U.S., QVC’s televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are broadcast across multiple channels nationally on a full-time basis, including QVC, QVC 2 and Beauty iQ. QVC U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com, QVC’s U.S. website; mobile applications via streaming video; over-the-air broadcasters; and over-the-top content platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Facebook, etc.).  

 

QVC believes that its digital platforms complement its televised shopping programs by allowing consumers to purchase a wide assortment of goods offered on its televised programs, as well as other products that are available only on its digital platforms. QVC views e-commerce as a natural extension of its business, allowing QVC to stream live video and offer on-demand video segments of items recently presented live on its televised programs. QVC’s digital platforms allow shoppers to browse, research, compare and perform targeted searches for products, control the order-entry process and conveniently access their QVC account.

 

QVC’s international televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are distributed to households outside of the U.S., primarily in Germany, Austria, Japan, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), the Republic of Ireland, Italy and France. In some of the countries where QVC operates, its televised shopping programs are broadcast across multiple QVC channels: QVC Beauty & Style and QVC2 in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra, and QVC Style in the U.K. The programming created for most of these markets is also available via streaming video on QVC’s digital platforms. QVC’s international business employs product sourcing teams who select products tailored to the interests of each local market.

 

QVC's Japanese operations (“QVC-Japan”) are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui. 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, 2018 and 2017, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $23 million and $22 million, respectively.

 

Additionally, QVC also has a 49% interest in a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio which operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. 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.

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QVC's operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

 

$

2,058

 

2,010

 

6,234

 

5,954

 

Cost of sales

 

 

(1,300)

 

(1,282)

 

(3,906)

 

(3,755)

 

Operating

 

 

(144)

 

(145)

 

(433)

 

(419)

 

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and transaction related costs )

 

 

(197)

 

(168)

 

(590)

 

(463)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

417

 

415

 

1,305

 

1,317

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(10)

 

(9)

 

(30)

 

(23)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(78)

 

(129)

 

(229)

 

(440)

 

Transaction related costs

 

 

(28)

 

(3)

 

(32)

 

(3)

 

Operating income

 

$

301

 

274

 

1,014

 

851

 

 

Net revenue was generated in the following geographical areas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

QVC U.S.

 

$

1,418

 

 

1,374

 

 

4,262

 

 

4,111

 

QVC International

 

 

640

 

 

636

 

 

1,972

 

 

1,843

 

Consolidated QVC

 

$

2,058

 

 

2,010

 

 

6,234

 

 

5,954

 

 

QVC's consolidated net revenue increased 2.4% and 4.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase in net revenue of $48 million for the three month period was primarily comprised of $39 million due to a 1.7% increase in average selling price per unit (“ASP”), $26 million due to the inclusion of QVC-branded credit card income (“Q-Card Income”) in the U.S., due to the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which was previously recorded as an offset to SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and a $9 million increase in shipping and handling revenue. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $16 million due to a 0.7% decrease in units sold, $5 million in unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and an increase in estimated product returns of $3 million.  The increase in net revenue of $280 million for the nine month period was primarily comprised of a $223 million increase due to a 3.3% increase in units sold, $98 million in favorable foreign currency exchange rates, $78 million due to the inclusion of Q-Card Income in the U.S., and a $15 million increase in shipping and handling revenue. The increase was offset by a $93 million decrease due to a 1.3% decrease in ASP and an increase in estimated product returns of $38 million. The changes in units sold, foreign exchange rates, ASP and estimated products returns are partially impacted by the change in the timing of revenue recognition as part of the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers.  The impact of this change was a $12 million and a $30 million increase to net revenue in comparison to net revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, without the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 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. 

 

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

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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, 2018

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

    

U.S. Dollars

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

 

Constant Currency

 

U.S. Dollars

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

 

Constant currency

 

QVC U.S.

 

3.2

%  

 

 —

%  

 

3.2

%  

 

3.7

%  

 

 —

%  

 

3.7

%  

 

QVC International

 

0.6

%  

 

(0.9)

%  

 

1.5

%  

 

7.0

%  

 

5.3

%  

 

1.7

%  

 

 

QVC U.S. net revenue growth for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to the $26 million inclusion of Q-Card Income, which was previously recorded as an offset to SG&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a 0.8% increase in ASP, an $11 million increase in shipping and handling revenue, and a 0.1% increase in units shipped. The increase was offset by a $7 million increase in estimated product returns. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, QVC U.S. experienced shipped sales increases in accessories, beauty and electronics, and decreases in home, jewelry and apparel. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, QVC U.S. net revenue increase was due to a 4.5% increase in units shipped, $78 million due to the inclusion of Q-Card Income, and a $15 million increase in shipping and handling revenue. The increase was offset by a decrease of 2.3% in ASP and a $37 million increase in estimated product returns. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, QVC U.S. experienced shipped sales increases in home, accessories, apparel, and beauty, and decreases in electronics and jewelry.

 

QVC International net revenue growth in constant currency for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to a 3.3% increase in ASP in all markets except France and a $3 million decrease in estimated product returns. This increase was offset by a 2.1% decrease in units shipped, driven by decreases in Germany and Japan. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, QVC International experienced shipped sales growth in constant currency in home, electronics, and beauty, with decreases in accessories, apparel and jewelry. Net revenue growth in constant currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to a 1.3% increase in units shipped, primarily driven by increases in the U.K., and a 0.3% increase in ASP, primarily driven by Germany and Italy, offset by the other markets. This was offset by a $1 million increase in estimated product returns. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, QVC International experienced shipped sales growth in constant currency in electronics, home, and beauty, with decreases in apparel, accessories and jewelry.

 

QVC's future net revenue growth will primarily depend on 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 European Union (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. Although it is unknown what the result of those negotiations will be, it is possible that new terms may adversely affect QVC’s operations and financial results. On March 29, 2017, the U.K. invoked Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which is the first step of the U.K.’s formal exit from the E.U. This started the two-year window in which the U.K. and the European Commission can negotiate future terms for imports, exports, taxes, employment, immigration and other areas, ending in the exit of the U.K. from the E.U.

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QVC's cost of sales as a percentage of net revenue was 63.2% and 62.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 63.8% and 63.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, cost of sales as a percentage of revenue decreased primarily due to the inclusion of Q-Card Income in net revenue, which was previously recorded as an offset to SG&A expenses, offset somewhat by higher warehouse and freight costs.

 

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 $1 million or 0.7% and increased $14 million or 3.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, operating expenses decreased primarily due to a $2 million decrease in commissions primarily in the U.S. This was partially offset by a $1 million increase in credit card fees in the U.S. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 operating expenses increased primarily due to a $8 million increase in credit card processing fees in the U.S., and $7 million from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.

 

QVC's SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and transaction related costs) include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, production costs, marketing, advertising expenses and during 2017, credit card income. Such expenses increased $29 million and $127 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, and as a percentage of net revenue, increased from 8.4% to 9.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, and increased from 7.8% to 9.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the increase was primarily due to the reclassification of Q-Card Income, attributing $26 million as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which was previously recorded as an offset to SG&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Additionally, there was a $11 million increase in outside services primarily in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Italy, a $6 million increase in bad debt expense primarily in the U.S. and to a lesser extent, Japan, and a $5 million increase in marketing expenses primarily in the U.S. The increase in bad debt expense is due to favorability in default rates from prior periods mostly related to the Easy-Pay program in the U.S. during the three months ended September 30, 2017. These increases were partially offset by a $13 million decrease in personnel costs primarily in the U.S., Germany and Japan, and a $1 million decrease due to favorable exchange rates.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the increase was primarily due to the reclassification of Q-Card Income, attributing $78 million as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which was previously recorded as an offset to SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Additionally, there was a $20 million increase in outside services, primarily in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Italy, a $14 million increase due to unfavorable exchange rates, a $10 million increase in bad debt expense, primarily in the U.S. and to a lesser extent, Japan, and an $8 million increase in marketing expense primarily in the U.S. The increase in bad debt expense is due to favorability in default rates from prior periods, mostly related to the Easy-Pay program in the U.S. during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was offset by a $5 million decrease in personnel costs primarily in the U.S. and Germany.

Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Affiliate agreements

 

$

 —

 

25

 

 1

 

98

 

Customer relationships

 

 

 1

 

28

 

 3

 

112

 

Acquisition related amortization

 

 

 1

 

53

 

 4

 

210

 

Property and equipment

 

 

36

 

38

 

110

 

116

 

Software amortization

 

 

23

 

24

 

66

 

70

 

Channel placement amortization and related expenses

 

 

18

 

14

 

49

 

44

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

78

 

129

 

229

 

440

 

 

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, acquisition related amortization expense decreased primarily due to the end of the useful lives of certain affiliate agreements and customer relationships established at the time of the Company’s acquisition of QVC in 2003.

 

Transaction related costs increased by $25 million and $29 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year due to incremental expenses directly related to the severance payments during the third quarter of 2018 related to the planned future closure of QVC’s Lancaster, PA fulfillment center and other initiatives to deliver long term growth. 

 

HSN.  On December 29, 2017, Qurate Retail acquired the approximately 62% of HSNi it did not already own in an all-stock transaction making HSNi a wholly-owned subsidiary. As HSNi’s Cornerstone operating segment was included in the “Corporate and other” reportable segment (see note 11 in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements), the information presented in this section relates to the HSN reportable segment. Although HSN’s results are only included in Qurate Retail’s results since January 1, 2018, we believe a discussion of HSN’s standalone results compared to the prior year period promotes a better understanding of the overall results of its business.

   

HSN is an interactive entertainment and lifestyle retailer offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers primarily through television home shopping programming on the HSN television networks, through its business-to-consumer digital commerce site HSN.com, through mobile applications, through outlet stores and through wholesale distribution of certain proprietary products to other retailers.  HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration and personalities to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. HSN’s live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program seven days a week, 364 days per year.

   

HSN’s stand-alone operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2018

    

2017 (1)

    

2018

    

2017 (1)

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

$

513

 

536

 

1,495

 

1,631

 

Cost of sales

 

(339)

 

(358)

 

(978)

 

(1,079)

 

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and transaction related costs)

 

(127)

 

(136)

 

(381)

 

(411)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

47

 

42

 

136

 

141

 

Stock-based compensation

 

(2)

 

(3)

 

(5)

 

(6)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(29)

 

(7)

 

(76)

 

(23)

 

Transaction related costs

 

(12)

 

(1)

 

(18)

 

(5)

 

Operating income (loss)

$

 4

 

31

 

37

 

107

 


(1)

HSN has reclassified certain costs between financial statement line items to conform with Qurate Retail’s reporting structure for ease of comparability for the periods presented.

 

HSN’s net sales primarily relate to the sale of merchandise, including shipping and handling fees, and are reduced by incentive discounts and actual and estimated sales returns. Sales taxes collected are not included in net sales. Digital sales include sales placed through its websites and its mobile applications, including tablets and smart phones.  Revenue is recorded when delivery to the customer has occurred. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, which is on the date of shipment. HSN’s sales policy allows customers to return virtually all merchandise for a full refund or exchange, subject to pre-established time restrictions.

 

HSN’s net revenue decreased 4.3% and 8.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decrease in net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily attributed to an 8.2% decrease in units shipped, partially offset by a 0.9% improvement in the sales return rate from 14.8% to 13.9% and an increase in shipping revenue. The sales mix shifted from apparel, jewelry and electronics to home, accessories and beauty. The decrease in net revenue for the nine months ended

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September 30, 2018 was primarily attributed to an 11.1% decrease in units shipped, partially offset by a 0.8% improvement in the sales return rate from 15.1% to 14.3% and an increase in shipping revenue. The sales mix shifted from apparel, electronics and jewelry to home, accessories and beauty. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes $3 million and $11 million of revenue, respectively, associated with HSN’s private label credit card program which was reclassified from SG&A to net revenue due to the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. In addition, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 include a $13 million impact on net revenue due to Hurricane Irma.

 

HSN's cost of sales as a percentage of net revenue was 66.1% and 66.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 65.4% and 66.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, was primarily attributed to higher shipping margins partially offset by higher inventory reserves, higher procurement costs and a deleveraging of fixed warehouse costs. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to higher product and shipping margins driven by less promotional and clearance activity, partially offset by higher inventory reserves, higher procurement costs and a deleveraging of fixed warehouse costs. The increase in inventory reserves was due to a growth in inventory levels and due to a $3.3 million change in estimate in the three months ended June 30, 2017 as a result of HSN reducing its inventory reserve estimates for certain product categories.  

   

HSN’s SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and transaction related costs) include personnel, commissions, information technology, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees, credit card income (prior to the change in revenue recognition due to ASC 606), provision for doubtful accounts, productions costs and marketing and advertising expense. These expenses decreased $9 million, and as a percentage of net revenue, decreased from 25.4% to 24.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, SG&A expenses decreased $30 million, and as a percentage of net revenue, increased from 25.2% to 25.5%, as compared to the same period in the prior year.  The prior year period includes $4 million and $12 million of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, associated with HSN’s private label credit card program which was previously classified as an offset to expenses in SG&A prior to the change in revenue recognition due to ASC 606.  If this revenue had been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation, HSN’s SG&A expenses would have decreased $13 million and $43 million, and as a percentage of net revenue, decreased from 26.0% to 24.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in the prior year, and decreased from 25.8% to 25.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in SG&A expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to lower commissions of $6 million, a decrease in personnel costs of $3 million, lower bad debt expense of $2 million related to HSN’s Flexpay program and $2 million of costs incurred in the prior year related to Hurricane Irma.  The decrease in expense as a percentage of net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was driven by lower commissions expense and bad debt expenses, partially offset by the classification of credit card income. The decrease in SG&A expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to lower personnel costs of $18 million, a decrease in bad debt expense of $8 million, a decrease in commissions of $8 million, and lower credit card fees of $4 million. The decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to synergies realized from the QVC integration. The decrease in bad debt expense is due to lower usage and improved loss rates of HSN’s Flexpay program. The decrease in commissions is due to the renegotiation of certain long-term contracts with cable operators which resulted in the capitalization of TV distribution rights as intangible assets. The increase in expense as a percentage of net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was driven by the classification of the credit card income and fixed cable distribution costs, partially offset by the decrease in bad debt expenses.

 

Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units granted to certain employees. Stock-based compensation expense decreased $1 million for both of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year due to the integration-related synergies.

 

HSN’s depreciation and amortization expense increased $22 million and $53 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increase in 2018 is primarily attributed to amortization of intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting and amortization of $5 million related to TV distribution rights.

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Transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $12 million and $18 million, respectively, and included incremental severance and integration expenses related to the acquisition of HSNi by Qurate Retail in December 2017 and the restructuring initiatives announced in October 2018.  Transaction costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $1 million and $5 million and included costs for financial advisory and legal services HSNi incurred in anticipation of the Merger.

 

zulily.  zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day. The zulily website was launched in January 2010 with the goal of revolutionizing the way women shop. Through its desktop, mobile and app experiences, zulily helps its customers discover new products at great values that they would likely not find elsewhere. zulily’s merchandise includes women’s, children’s and men’s apparel and other products such as home, beauty and personalized products. zulily's stand-alone operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

 

$

432

 

367

 

1,266

 

1,093

 

Costs of sales

 

 

(319)

 

(272)

 

(928)

 

(800)

 

Operating

 

 

(12)

 

(11)

 

(35)

 

(33)

 

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)

 

 

(83)

 

(72)

 

(229)

 

(207)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

18

 

12

 

74

 

53

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(5)

 

(5)

 

(13)

 

(13)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(51)

 

(51)

 

(154)

 

(152)

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

(38)

 

(44)

 

(93)

 

(112)

 

 

zulily's consolidated net revenue increased 17.7% and 15.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase in net revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily attributed to a 24.5% increase in active customers year over year, and the impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. An active customer is defined as an individual who has purchased products from zulily at least once in the last twelve months, measured from the last date of a period.

 

zulily's cost of sales as a percentage of revenue was 73.8% and 74.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 73.3% and 73.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the decrease was primarily due to an improvement in product margin on net revenue. 

 

Operating expenses are principally comprised of credit card processing fees and customer service expenses.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, operating expenses increased slightly compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year, driven by higher sales volumes. 

 

zulily’s SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) 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. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, as a percentage of net revenue, these expenses decreased from 19.6% to 19.2%, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as a percentage of net revenue, these expenses decreased from 18.9% to 18.1%.  The decreases are primarily attributable to an increase in net revenue, partially offset by an increase in marketing and technology related expenses.

zulily’s total depreciation and amortization of intangible assets expense remained flat and increased $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increase is primarily attributed to higher amortization of software.

 

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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, 2018, 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

 

$

550

 

3.7

%  

$

4,082

 

4.6

%  

HSNi

 

$

140

 

3.7

%  

$

257

 

2.2

%  

zulily

 

$

150

 

3.7

%  

$

 —

 

 —

%  

Corporate and other

 

$

 —

 

 —

%  

$

2,308

 

5.0

%  

 

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.

 

Qurate Retail 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 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, Qurate Retail 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, 2018 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

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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 on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company acquired HSNi in December 2017. As a result of the acquisition, the Company is reviewing the internal controls of HSNi and is making appropriate changes as deemed necessary. Except for the changes in internal control at HSNi, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

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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 Qurate Retail common stock ceased to be a tracking stock during the period following the LMC Split-Off and prior to the creation of Qurate Retail’s 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 Qurate Retail 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 QVC Group 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. 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. On September 19, 2017, the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $1 billion of Series A QVC Group common stock. In March 2018, the board authorized the repurchase of an additional $693 million of Series A QVC Group common stock. Previous authorizations with respect to QVC Group common stock remain effective and now apply to Qurate Retail common stock.

 

A summary of the repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A Qurate Retail 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, 2018

 

847,803

 

$

21.23

 

847,803

 

 

$
866

million

August 1 - 31, 2018

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

 

$
866

million

September 1 - 30, 2018

 

5,191,900

 

$

21.49

 

5,191,900

 

 

$
755

million

Total

 

6,039,703

 

$

21.45

 

6,039,703

 

 

 

 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2018, no shares of Series A Qurate Retail common stock were surrendered by our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting of their restricted stock and restricted stock units.

 

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):

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Qurate Retail, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan for Michael George.*

10.2

 

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Qurate Retail, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan for Michael George.*

10.3

 

Indenture, dated September 13, 2018, by and among QVC, Inc., Affiliate Investment, Inc., Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc., AMI 2, Inc., ER Marks, Inc., QVC Global Holdings I, Inc., QVC Global Holdings II, Inc., QVC Rocky Mount, Inc., QVC San Antonio, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to QVC, Inc.’s Form 8-A (File No. 001-38654), as filed on September 13, 2018 (the “Form 8-A”)).

10.4

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 13, 2018, by and among QVC, Inc., Affiliate Investment, Inc., Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc., AMI 2, Inc., ER Marks, Inc., QVC Global Holdings I, Inc., QVC Global Holdings II, Inc., QVC Rocky Mount, Inc., QVC San Antonio, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-A).

10.5

 

Form of QVC, Inc. 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2067 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 8-A).

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

 

Reconciliation of Qurate Retail, Inc. 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.

 

 

 

QURATE RETAIL, INC.

Date: November 9, 2018

 

By:

/s/ MICHAEL A.GEORGE

 

 

 

Michael A. George

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 9, 2018

 

By:

/s/ MARK D. CARLETON

 

 

 

Mark D. Carleton

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

II-3