UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013.
OR
o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO .
Commission File Number: 001-33807
EchoStar Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Nevada |
|
26-1232727 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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|
|
100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado |
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80112-5308 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
(303) 706-4000
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x |
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Accelerated filer o |
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Non-accelerated filer o |
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Smaller reporting |
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(Do not check if a smaller |
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company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of November 6, 2013, the Registrants outstanding common stock consisted of 42,460,766 shares of Class A common stock and 47,687,039 shares of Class B common stock.
i | ||
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| |
| ||
| ||
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012 |
1 |
|
2 | |
|
3 | |
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
4 |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
34 | |
58 | ||
60 | ||
|
|
|
| ||
61 | ||
66 | ||
66 | ||
Item 3. |
Defaults upon Senior Securities |
None |
Item 4. |
Mine Safety Disclosures |
None |
Item 5. |
Other Information |
None |
67 | ||
68 |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this report. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we believe, intend, plan, estimate, expect or anticipate will occur and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not be achieved, even though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that any future transactions or events described herein will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You should read this report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Whether actual events or results will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.
For further discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
General Risks Affecting Our Business
· We currently derive a significant portion of our revenue from our primary customer, DISH Network Corporation (DISH Network). The loss of, or a significant reduction in, orders from, or a decrease in selling prices of digital set-top boxes, transponder leasing, provision of digital broadcast services, and/or other products or services to DISH Network would significantly reduce our revenue and adversely impact our results of operations.
· Economic weakness, including high unemployment and reduced consumer spending, may adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain our business.
· Our future financial performance depends in part on our ability to penetrate new international markets for digital set-top boxes.
· The digital set-top box industry is extremely competitive. We expect to continue to face competition from new market entrants.
· We currently face competition from established competitors in the satellite service business and may face competition from others in the future.
· The network communications market is highly competitive. We may be unsuccessful in competing effectively against other terrestrial and satellite broadband and network providers.
· The average selling price and gross margins of our digital set-top boxes have been decreasing and may decrease even further, which could negatively impact our financial position and results of operations.
· If significant numbers of television viewers are unwilling to pay for pay-TV services that utilize digital set-top boxes, we may not be able to sustain our current revenue level.
· We may have unused satellite capacity in our EchoStar Satellite Services segment, and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if we are not able to lease this capacity to third parties.
· The failure to adequately anticipate the need for satellite capacity or the inability to obtain satellite capacity for our Hughes segment could harm our results of operations.
· We are dependent upon third-party providers for components, manufacturing, installation services, and customer support services, and our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if any of these third-party providers fail to appropriately deliver the contracted goods or services.
· Our foreign operations expose us to regulatory risks and restrictions not present in our domestic operations.
· We may experience significant financial losses on our existing investments.
· We may pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions to complement or expand our business, which may not be successful and we may lose up to the entire value of our investment in these acquisitions and transactions.
· We may not be able to generate cash to meet our debt service needs or fund our operations.
· Covenants in Hughes Satellite Systems Corporations (HSS) indentures restrict its business in many ways.
· We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may negatively affect our businesses.
Risks Related to Our Satellites
· Our owned and leased satellites in orbit are subject to significant operational and environmental risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.
· Our satellites have minimum design lives ranging from 12 to 15 years, but could fail or suffer reduced capacity before then.
· Our satellites under construction are subject to risks related to construction and launch that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.
· We generally do not have commercial insurance coverage on the satellites we use and could face significant impairment charges if one of our uninsured satellites fails.
· Our use of certain satellites is often dependent on satellite coordination agreements, which may be difficult to obtain.
· Our dependence on outside contractors could result in delays related to the design, manufacture and launch of our new satellites, which could in turn adversely affect our operating results.
Risks Related to Our Products and Technology
· If we are unable to properly respond to technological changes, our business could be significantly harmed.
· Our future growth depends on growing demand for advanced technologies.
· Our business depends on certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others. The loss of our intellectual property rights or our infringement of the intellectual property rights of others could have a significant adverse impact on our business.
· We are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding intellectual property.
· If the encryption and related security technology used in our digital set-top boxes is compromised, sales of our digital set-top boxes may decline.
· We rely on network and information systems and other technologies and a disruption, cyber attack, failure or destruction of such networks, systems or technologies may disrupt or harm our business.
· If our products contain defects, we could be subject to significant costs to correct such defects and our product and network service contracts could be delayed or cancelled, which could adversely affect our revenues.
Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business
· Our business is subject to risks of adverse government regulation.
· Our business depends on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications for FCC and other licenses that may not be granted.
· Our ability to sell our digital set-top boxes to other operators depends on our ability to obtain licenses to use the conditional access systems utilized by these other operators.
· We may not be aware of certain foreign government laws or regulations or changes to them which could have a significant adverse impact on our business.
· Our international sales and operations are subject to applicable laws relating to trade, export controls and foreign corrupt practices, the violation of which could adversely affect our operations.
· We may face difficulties in accurately assessing and collecting contributions towards the Universal Service Fund.
Other Risks
· We are controlled by one principal stockholder who is our Chairman.
· We have potential conflicts of interest with DISH Network due to our common ownership and management.
· It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our shareholders, because of our capital structure.
· We cannot assure you that there will not be deficiencies leading to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
· We have not been an independent company for a significant amount of time and we may be unable to make, on a timely or cost-effective basis, the changes necessary to operate as an independent company.
· Although we expect that the acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries will benefit us, those expected benefits may not occur because of the complexity of integration and other challenges.
· We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. Investors should consider the risks and uncertainties described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in other reports we file with the SEC.
In this report, the words EchoStar, the Company, we, our and us refer to EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. DISH Network refers to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
As of |
| ||||
|
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
| ||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
821,356 |
|
$ |
731,614 |
|
Marketable investment securities |
|
887,628 |
|
815,951 |
| ||
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,806 and $16,894, respectively |
|
165,255 |
|
211,373 |
| ||
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero |
|
336,164 |
|
281,845 |
| ||
Inventory |
|
73,567 |
|
84,348 |
| ||
Deferred tax assets |
|
20,583 |
|
23,317 |
| ||
Other current assets |
|
70,552 |
|
66,201 |
| ||
Total current assets |
|
2,375,105 |
|
2,214,649 |
| ||
Noncurrent Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities |
|
14,951 |
|
29,045 |
| ||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,410,412 and $2,261,699, respectively |
|
2,529,575 |
|
2,612,284 |
| ||
Regulatory authorizations |
|
536,770 |
|
562,712 |
| ||
Goodwill |
|
507,924 |
|
507,924 |
| ||
Other intangible assets, net |
|
283,403 |
|
347,496 |
| ||
Other investments |
|
168,894 |
|
183,211 |
| ||
Other noncurrent assets, net |
|
247,837 |
|
142,912 |
| ||
Total noncurrent assets |
|
4,289,354 |
|
4,385,584 |
| ||
Total assets |
|
$ |
6,664,459 |
|
$ |
6,600,233 |
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Trade accounts payable |
|
$ |
242,022 |
|
$ |
284,728 |
|
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network |
|
32,907 |
|
26,960 |
| ||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations |
|
68,662 |
|
67,706 |
| ||
Deferred revenue and other |
|
47,279 |
|
47,652 |
| ||
Accrued interest |
|
42,500 |
|
6,775 |
| ||
Accrued compensation |
|
31,409 |
|
29,008 |
| ||
Accrued royalties |
|
20,389 |
|
18,034 |
| ||
Accrued expenses and other |
|
93,294 |
|
106,462 |
| ||
Total current liabilities |
|
578,462 |
|
587,325 |
| ||
Noncurrent Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion |
|
2,364,121 |
|
2,420,793 |
| ||
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
440,388 |
|
373,447 |
| ||
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities |
|
89,697 |
|
68,441 |
| ||
Total noncurrent liabilities |
|
2,894,206 |
|
2,862,681 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
3,472,668 |
|
3,450,006 |
| ||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13) |
|
|
|
|
| ||
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|
|
|
|
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Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Class A common stock, $.001 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 47,918,385 and 45,449,362 shares issued, and 42,386,067 and 39,917,044 shares outstanding, respectively |
|
48 |
|
45 |
| ||
Class B common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 47,687,039 shares issued and outstanding |
|
48 |
|
48 |
| ||
Class C common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Class D common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
3,473,099 |
|
3,394,646 |
| ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) |
|
(15,248 |
) |
18,752 |
| ||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(176,420 |
) |
(174,439 |
) | ||
Treasury stock, at cost |
|
(98,162 |
) |
(98,162 |
) | ||
Total EchoStar stockholders equity |
|
3,183,365 |
|
3,140,890 |
| ||
Noncontrolling interests |
|
8,426 |
|
9,337 |
| ||
Total stockholders equity |
|
3,191,791 |
|
3,150,227 |
| ||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
6,664,459 |
|
$ |
6,600,233 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
| ||||||||
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||||
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Equipment revenue - DISH Network |
|
$ |
360,744 |
|
$ |
256,935 |
|
$ |
1,003,612 |
|
$ |
748,650 |
|
Equipment revenue - other |
|
77,084 |
|
143,764 |
|
270,049 |
|
487,097 |
| ||||
Services and other revenue - DISH Network |
|
163,067 |
|
129,842 |
|
457,055 |
|
387,479 |
| ||||
Services and other revenue - other |
|
248,013 |
|
234,180 |
|
743,649 |
|
712,279 |
| ||||
Total revenue |
|
848,908 |
|
764,721 |
|
2,474,365 |
|
2,335,505 |
| ||||
Costs and Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost of sales - equipment |
|
378,665 |
|
342,230 |
|
1,097,557 |
|
1,046,423 |
| ||||
Cost of sales - services and other |
|
203,268 |
|
175,346 |
|
571,892 |
|
513,208 |
| ||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
84,071 |
|
93,871 |
|
268,088 |
|
282,357 |
| ||||
General and administrative expenses - DISH Network |
|
228 |
|
1,168 |
|
773 |
|
4,406 |
| ||||
Research and development expenses |
|
17,030 |
|
17,448 |
|
50,878 |
|
50,416 |
| ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
124,742 |
|
110,778 |
|
379,585 |
|
339,472 |
| ||||
Impairment of long-lived asset |
|
|
|
|
|
34,664 |
|
|
| ||||
Total costs and expenses |
|
808,004 |
|
740,841 |
|
2,403,437 |
|
2,236,282 |
| ||||
Operating income |
|
40,904 |
|
23,880 |
|
70,928 |
|
99,223 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Other Income (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Interest income |
|
2,982 |
|
2,697 |
|
6,941 |
|
8,864 |
| ||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
(47,713 |
) |
(33,840 |
) |
(145,485 |
) |
(109,258 |
) | ||||
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments (includes reclassification of realized gains on available-for-sale (AFS) securities out of AOCI of $1,754, $19,088, $36,252, and $147,093, respectively), net |
|
1,754 |
|
21,216 |
|
39,184 |
|
149,443 |
| ||||
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net |
|
726 |
|
(1,003 |
) |
(5,656 |
) |
5,029 |
| ||||
Other, net |
|
295 |
|
8,910 |
|
5,423 |
|
30,215 |
| ||||
Total other income (expense), net |
|
(41,956 |
) |
(2,020 |
) |
(99,593 |
) |
84,293 |
| ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
(1,052 |
) |
21,860 |
|
(28,665 |
) |
183,516 |
| ||||
Income tax benefit, net |
|
5,689 |
|
409 |
|
27,217 |
|
704 |
| ||||
Net income (loss) |
|
4,637 |
|
22,269 |
|
(1,448 |
) |
184,220 |
| ||||
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
317 |
|
(285 |
) |
533 |
|
(604 |
) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar |
|
$ |
4,320 |
|
$ |
22,554 |
|
$ |
(1,981 |
) |
$ |
184,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Basic |
|
89,868 |
|
87,279 |
|
89,081 |
|
87,031 |
| ||||
Diluted |
|
91,266 |
|
87,998 |
|
89,081 |
|
87,752 |
| ||||
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Basic |
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
$ |
2.12 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
$ |
2.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
4,637 |
|
$ |
22,269 |
|
$ |
(1,448 |
) |
$ |
184,220 |
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
(1,232 |
) |
2,868 |
|
(12,541 |
) |
(667 |
) | ||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities and other |
|
(848 |
) |
6,536 |
|
13,816 |
|
42,318 |
| ||||
Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities in net income (loss) |
|
(1,754 |
) |
(19,088 |
) |
(36,252 |
) |
(147,093 |
) | ||||
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
|
(3,834 |
) |
(9,684 |
) |
(34,977 |
) |
(105,442 |
) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
803 |
|
12,585 |
|
(36,425 |
) |
78,778 |
| ||||
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
(36 |
) |
192 |
|
(444 |
) |
(235 |
) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar |
|
$ |
839 |
|
$ |
12,393 |
|
$ |
(35,981 |
) |
$ |
79,013 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
For the Nine Months |
| ||||
|
|
Ended September 30, |
| ||||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(1,448 |
) |
$ |
184,220 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
379,585 |
|
339,472 |
| ||
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net |
|
(39,184 |
) |
(149,443 |
) | ||
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net |
|
5,656 |
|
(5,029 |
) | ||
Impairment of long-lived asset |
|
34,664 |
|
|
| ||
Stock-based compensation |
|
13,988 |
|
14,361 |
| ||
Deferred tax benefit |
|
(32,823 |
) |
(3,153 |
) | ||
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net |
|
19,972 |
|
(32,948 |
) | ||
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net |
|
(11,866 |
) |
(7,079 |
) | ||
Other, net |
|
22,800 |
|
9,940 |
| ||
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
391,344 |
|
350,341 |
| ||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Purchases of marketable investment securities |
|
(745,822 |
) |
(698,738 |
) | ||
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities |
|
680,789 |
|
929,179 |
| ||
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
(264,843 |
) |
(371,385 |
) | ||
Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities |
|
14,094 |
|
(2,582 |
) | ||
Acquisition of regulatory authorizations |
|
|
|
(82,477 |
) | ||
Transfer of regulatory authorization to DISH Network |
|
23,148 |
|
|
| ||
Purchase of strategic investments included in other investment securities |
|
(7,357 |
) |
(954 |
) | ||
Other, net |
|
(9,245 |
) |
(3,215 |
) | ||
Net cash flows from investing activities |
|
(309,236 |
) |
(230,172 |
) | ||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
|
59,375 |
|
10,022 |
| ||
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations |
|
(56,413 |
) |
(49,654 |
) | ||
Other |
|
1,339 |
|
(545 |
) | ||
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
4,301 |
|
(40,177 |
) | ||
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
|
3,333 |
|
437 |
| ||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
89,742 |
|
80,429 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
731,614 |
|
614,035 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
821,356 |
|
$ |
694,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) |
|
$ |
110,456 |
|
$ |
110,131 |
|
Capitalized interest |
|
$ |
1,727 |
|
$ |
39,637 |
|
Cash received for interest |
|
$ |
20,922 |
|
$ |
22,551 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
9,747 |
|
$ |
12,602 |
|
Cash received for income taxes |
|
$ |
24,108 |
|
$ |
3,848 |
|
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock |
|
$ |
4,761 |
|
$ |
4,282 |
|
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations |
|
$ |
5,219 |
|
$ |
30,263 |
|
Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations |
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
$ |
24,950 |
|
Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-16 |
|
$ |
6,694 |
|
$ |
12,599 |
|
Changes in capital expenditures included in accounts payable |
|
$ |
10,947 |
|
$ |
(30,767 |
) |
Regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
16,000 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Organization and Business Activities
Principal Business
EchoStar Corporation (together with its subsidiaries is referred to as EchoStar, the Company, we, us and/or our) is a holding company that was organized in October 2007 as a corporation under the laws of the State of Nevada. In 2008, DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries (DISH Network) contributed their digital set-top box business and certain infrastructure and other assets, including certain of their satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, real estate, and other assets and related liabilities to us (the Spin-off). Since the Spin-off, EchoStar and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies, and neither entity has any ownership interest in the other. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family. Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol SATS. We are a global provider of satellite operations, video delivery solutions, and broadband satellite technologies and services for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for enterprises and governments.
We currently operate in three business segments.
· EchoStar Technologies which designs, develops and distributes digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers, telecommunication and international cable companies. In addition, we provide our Slingboxes directly to consumers via retail outlets and we are in discussions with original equipment manufacturers to provide our Sling technology licensing to cable and telco operators worldwide. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network.
· Hughes which provides satellite broadband Internet access to North American consumers and broadband network services and systems to the domestic and international enterprise markets. The Hughes segment also provides managed services to large enterprises and networking systems solutions to customers for mobile satellite and wireless backhaul systems.
· EchoStar Satellite Services which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to lease capacity on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network and secondarily to Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Dish Mexico), a joint venture we entered into in 2008, United States government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Our results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Principles of Consolidation
We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries, investments in entities in which we have controlling interest and variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. Non-majority owned investments are accounted for using the equity method when we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee, the cost method is used. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, amortization periods of deferred revenue and deferred subscriber acquisition costs, percentage-of-completion related to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, allowances for sales returns and rebates, warranty obligations, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of our stock-based compensation, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, lease classifications, asset impairments, useful lives and amortization methods of property, equipment and intangible assets, and royalty obligations. Weakened economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.
Fair Value Measurements
We determine fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Market or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. We utilize the highest level of inputs available according to the following hierarchy in determining fair value:
· Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
· Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
· Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other participants, therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available.
Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are considered to occur at the beginning of the quarterly accounting period. There were no transfers between levels for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.
As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and accrued liabilities were equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Fair values of our current marketable investment securities are based on a variety of observable market inputs. For our investments in publicly traded equity securities, fair value ordinarily is determined based on a Level 1 measurement that reflects quoted prices for identical securities in active markets. Fair values of our investments in marketable debt securities generally are based on Level 2 measurements as the markets for debt securities are less active. Trades of identical debt securities on or near the measurement date are considered a strong indication of fair value. Matrix pricing techniques that consider par value, coupon rate, credit quality, maturity and other relevant features also may be used to determine fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities.
Fair values for our publicly traded long-term debt are based on quoted market prices in less active markets and are categorized as Level 2 measurements. The fair values of our privately held debt are Level 2 measurements and are estimated to approximate their carrying amounts based on the proximity of their interest rates to current market rates. See Note 10 for the fair value of our long-term debt. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair values of our orbital incentive obligations, based on measurements categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, approximated their carrying amounts of $47.8 million and $30.0 million, respectively. We use fair value measurements from time-to-time in connection with impairment testing and the assignment of purchase consideration to assets and liabilities of acquired companies. Those fair value measurements typically include significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-02 amending the presentation guidance on the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). ASU No. 2013-02 requires entities to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the respective line items either on the face of the statements of operations or in the notes to the financial statements. ASU No. 2013-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The presentation of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) reflects the disclosure required by ASU No. 2013-02.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 amending requirements for the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires entities to present in the financial statements an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except to the extent such items are not available or not intended to be used at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. In such instances, the unrecognized tax benefit is required to be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Note 3. Earnings per Share
We present both basic earnings per share (EPS) and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes potential dilution and is computed by dividing Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock awards were exercised. The potential dilution from stock awards was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A common stock during the period. The calculation of our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding excluded (i) underlying options to purchase shares of our Class A common stock as their effect is anti-dilutive of 1.9 million and 4.5 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 4.0 thousand and 5.0 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and (ii) our Class A common stock that are contingently issuable based upon meeting a company-specific goal by March 31, 2015 pursuant to our performance based stock incentive plan, which was not probable of being achieved as of September 30, 2013 of 0.7 million and 0.7 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
The following table presents basic and diluted EPS amounts for all periods and the corresponding weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculations.
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
| ||||||||
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
| ||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar |
|
$ |
4,320 |
|
$ |
22,554 |
|
$ |
(1,981 |
) |
$ |
184,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Basic |
|
89,868 |
|
87,279 |
|
89,081 |
|
87,031 |
| ||||
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding |
|
1,398 |
|
719 |
|
|
|
721 |
| ||||
Diluted |
|
91,266 |
|
87,998 |
|
89,081 |
|
87,752 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Basic |
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
$ |
2.12 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
$ |
2.11 |
|
Note 4. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects
We have not recognized any tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments because they are not expected to result in future taxable income or deductions. We have not recognized any tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities because such gains or losses would affect the amount of existing capital loss carryforwards for which the related deferred tax asset has been fully offset by a valuation allowance.
Note 5. Investment Securities
Our marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments consisted of the following:
|
|
As of |
| ||||
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||
Marketable investment securitiescurrent: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Corporate bonds |
|
$ |
765,006 |
|
$ |
654,096 |
|
VRDNs |
|
50,770 |
|
66,145 |
| ||
Strategic |
|
28,435 |
|
56,288 |
| ||
Other |
|
43,417 |
|
39,422 |
| ||
Total marketable investment securitiescurrent |
|
887,628 |
|
815,951 |
| ||
Restricted marketable investment securities (1) |
|
5,951 |
|
7,529 |
| ||
Total |
|
893,579 |
|
823,480 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) |
|
9,000 |
|
21,516 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other investmentsnoncurrent: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cost method |
|
25,977 |
|
27,711 |
| ||
Equity method |
|
142,917 |
|
155,500 |
| ||
Total other investmentsnoncurrent |
|
168,894 |
|
183,211 |
| ||
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments |
|
$ |
1,071,473 |
|
$ |
1,028,207 |
|
(1) Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in Restricted cash and marketable investment securities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Marketable Investment Securities
Our marketable investment securities portfolio consists of various debt and equity instruments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale.
Corporate bonds
Our corporate bond portfolio includes debt instruments issued by individual corporations, primarily in the industrial and financial services industries.
Variable rate demand notes (VRDNs)
VRDNs are long-term floating rate bonds with embedded put options that allow the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest. All of the put options are secured by a pledged liquidity source. Our VRDN portfolio is comprised of investments in municipalities and corporations, which are backed by financial institutions or other highly rated companies that serve as the pledged liquidity source. While they are classified as marketable investment securities, the put option allows VRDNs to be liquidated generally on a same day or on a five business day settlement basis.
Strategic
Our strategic investment portfolio consists of investments in shares of common stock of public companies, which are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. The value of our investment portfolio depends on the value of such shares of common stock.
Other
Our other current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in various debt instruments, including government bonds.
Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities
As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit or surety bonds.
Other Investments - Noncurrent
We have several strategic investments in certain equity securities that are accounted for using either the equity or the cost method of accounting. Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly traded depends on the success of those companies businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain fair value for them.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
The components of our available-for-sale investments are summarized in the table below.
|
|
Amortized |
|
Unrealized |
|
Estimated |
| ||||||
|
|
Cost |
|
Gains |
|
Losses |
|
Fair Value |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||
As of September 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Corporate bonds |
|
$ |
764,896 |
|
$ |
327 |
|
$ |
(217 |
) |
$ |
765,006 |
|
VRDNs |
|
50,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
50,770 |
| ||||
Other (including restricted) |
|
49,375 |
|
4 |
|
(11 |
) |
49,368 |
| ||||
Equity securities - strategic |
|
15,272 |
|
13,500 |
|
(337 |
) |
28,435 |
| ||||
Total marketable investment securities |
|
$ |
880,313 |
|
$ |
13,831 |
|
$ |
(565 |
) |
$ |
893,579 |
|
As of December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Corporate bonds |
|
$ |
653,812 |
|
$ |
591 |
|
$ |
(307 |
) |
$ |
654,096 |
|
VRDNs |
|
66,145 |
|
|
|
|
|
66,145 |
| ||||
Other (including restricted) |
|
46,946 |
|
5 |
|
|
|
46,951 |
| ||||
Equity securities - strategic |
|
21,214 |
|
35,074 |
|
|
|
56,288 |
| ||||
Total marketable investment securities |
|
$ |
788,117 |
|
$ |
35,670 |
|
$ |
(307 |
) |
$ |
823,480 |
|
As of September 30, 2013, our restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $731.7 million with contractual maturities of one year or less and $133.4 million with contractual maturities greater than one year. We may realize proceeds from certain investments prior to their contractual maturity as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to their contractual maturity.
Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position
The following table reflects the length of time that our available-for-sale securities have been in an unrealized loss position. We do not intend to sell these securities before they recover or mature, and it is more likely than not that we will hold these securities until they recover or mature. In addition, we are not aware of any specific factors indicating that the underlying issuers of these securities would not be able to pay interest as it becomes due or repay the principal at maturity. Therefore, we believe that these changes in the estimated fair values of these securities are primarily related to temporary market fluctuations.
|
|
As of |
| ||||||||||
|
|
September 30, 2013 |
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||||
|
|
Fair |
|
Unrealized |
|
Fair |
|
Unrealized |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||
Less than 12 months |
|
$ |
256,380 |
|
$ |
(517 |
) |
$ |
275,587 |
|
$ |
(288 |
) |
12 months or more |
|
54,907 |
|
(48 |
) |
12,963 |
|
(19 |
) | ||||
Total |
|
$ |
311,287 |
|
$ |
(565 |
) |
$ |
288,550 |
|
$ |
(307 |
) |
Realized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
We recognized gains from the sales of our marketable investment securities of $1.8 million and $19.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $36.3 million and $147.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We recognized minimal losses from the sales of our marketable investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Proceeds from sales of our marketable investment securities totaled $47.4 million and $49.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $142.7 million and $499.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements
Our current marketable investment securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as summarized in the table below. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have investments that were categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
|
|
As of |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
|
September 30, 2013 |
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
Total |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Total |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
| ||||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||||||||
Cash equivalents (including restricted) |
|
$ |
680,320 |
|
$ |
48,234 |
|
$ |
632,086 |
|
$ |
533,943 |
|
$ |
23,621 |
|
$ |
510,322 |
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Corporate bonds |
|
$ |
765,006 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
765,006 |
|
$ |
654,096 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
654,096 |
|
VRDNs |
|
50,770 |
|
|
|
50,770 |
|
66,145 |
|
|
|
66,145 |
| ||||||
Other (including restricted) |
|
49,368 |
|
|
|
49,368 |
|
46,951 |
|
|
|
46,951 |
| ||||||
Equity securities - strategic |
|
28,435 |
|
28,435 |
|
|
|
56,288 |
|
56,288 |
|
|
| ||||||
Total marketable investment securities |
|
$ |
893,579 |
|
$ |
28,435 |
|
$ |
865,144 |
|
$ |
823,480 |
|
$ |
56,288 |
|
$ |
767,192 |
|
Investments in TerreStar
In February 2008, we completed several transactions under a Master Investment Agreement between us, TerreStar Corporation and TerreStar Networks Inc. (TerreStar). Under the Master Investment Agreement, we acquired, among other things, $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of TerreStars 6 1/2% Senior Exchangeable Paid-in-Kind Notes due June 15, 2014 (Exchangeable Notes). TerreStar and certain of its affiliates filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on October 19, 2010. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York confirmed TerreStars Chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the TerreStar Plan) on February 15, 2012. Effective March 29, 2012, the Exchangeable Notes were cancelled pursuant to the TerreStar Plan. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no investment in TerreStar.
Note 6. Trade Accounts Receivable
Our trade accounts receivable consisted of the following:
|
|
As of |
| ||||
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||
Trade accounts receivable |
|
$ |
167,626 |
|
$ |
188,463 |
|
Contracts in process, net |
|
12,435 |
|
39,804 |
| ||
Total trade accounts receivable |
|
180,061 |
|
228,267 |
| ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
(14,806 |
) |
(16,894 |
) | ||
Total trade accounts receivable, net |
|
$ |
165,255 |
|
$ |
211,373 |
|
As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, progress billings offset against contracts in process amounted to $6.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Note 7. Inventory
Our inventory consisted of the following:
|
|
As of |
| ||||
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||
Finished goods |
|
$ |
51,835 |
|
$ |
57,540 |
|
Raw materials |
|
13,782 |
|
19,041 |
| ||
Work-in-process |
|
7,950 |
|
7,767 |
| ||
Total inventory |
|
$ |
73,567 |
|
$ |
84,348 |
|
Note 8. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
|
|
Depreciable |
|
As of |
| ||||
|
|
Life |
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
|
|
(In Years) |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||
Land |
|
|
|
$ |
42,849 |
|
$ |
42,312 |
|
Buildings and improvements |
|
1-40 |
|
375,322 |
|
363,338 |
| ||
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other |
|
1-12 |
|
1,146,020 |
|
1,064,071 |
| ||
Customer rental equipment |
|
1-5 |
|
338,181 |
|
251,708 |
| ||
Satellites - owned (1) |
|
10-15 |
|
1,949,040 |
|
1,762,264 |
| ||
Satellites acquired under capital leases |
|
10-15 |
|
935,104 |
|
935,104 |
| ||
Construction in progress |
|
|
|
153,471 |
|
455,186 |
| ||
Total property and equipment |
|
|
|
4,939,987 |
|
4,873,983 |
| ||
Accumulated depreciation (1) |
|
|
|
(2,410,412 |
) |
(2,261,699 |
) | ||
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
|
$ |
2,529,575 |
|
$ |
2,612,284 |
|
(1) Balances previously reported as of December 31, 2012 have been reduced to exclude a fully-depreciated satellite that was retired from commercial service prior to December 31, 2012.
Construction in progress consisted of the following:
|
|
As of |
| ||||
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||
Progress amounts for satellite construction, including certain amounts prepaid under satellite service agreements and launch costs: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
EchoStar XIX |
|
$ |
65,101 |
|
$ |
9,325 |
|
TerreStar-2 |
|
10,317 |
|
|
| ||
EchoStar XVI |
|
|
|
345,090 |
| ||
Other |
|
28,153 |
|
25,710 |
| ||
Uplinking equipment |
|
22,366 |
|
37,264 |
| ||
Other |
|
27,534 |
|
37,797 |
| ||
Construction in progress |
|
$ |
153,471 |
|
$ |
455,186 |
|
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Depreciation expense associated with our property and equipment consisted of the following:
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
| ||||||||
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||
Satellites |
|
$ |
43,722 |
|
$ |
35,443 |
|
$ |
136,795 |
|
$ |
109,561 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other |
|
31,323 |
|
28,638 |
|
96,094 |
|
90,877 |
| ||||
Customer rental equipment |
|
24,611 |
|
20,123 |
|
71,691 |
|
58,414 |
| ||||
Buildings and improvements |
|
3,343 |
|
3,195 |
|
10,024 |
|
9,595 |
| ||||
Total depreciation expense |
|
$ |
102,999 |
|
$ |
87,399 |
|
$ |
314,604 |
|
$ |
268,447 |
|
Satellites
As of September 30, 2013, we utilized 12 of our owned and leased satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. Four of our satellites are accounted for as capital leases and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the terms of the satellite service agreements. We depreciate our owned satellites on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each satellite.
Recent Developments
EchoStar VI and VIII. DISH Network leases satellite capacity from us on certain of our satellites. The leases for the EchoStar VI and VIII satellites expired in accordance with their terms in the first quarter of 2013. DISH Network no longer leases capacity from us on the EchoStar VI satellite; however, in May 2013 DISH Network began leasing capacity from us on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Subject to certain terms and conditions, this lease expires on February 1, 2014. EchoStar VI was fully depreciated in August 2012.
EchoStar XVI. In November 2012, we launched the EchoStar XVI satellite, a direct broadcast satellite (DBS). EchoStar XVI is leased to DISH Network for the delivery of direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services to DISH Network customers in the United States. We began to lease capacity on EchoStar XVI to DISH Network in January 2013.
EchoStar XIX. In March 2013, we entered into a contract for the design and construction of the EchoStar XIX satellite, which is expected to be launched in mid-2016. EchoStar XIX is our next-generation, high throughput geostationary satellite that will employ a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture and will provide additional capacity for our broadband services to the consumer market in North America.
TerreStar-2. In August 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a development agreement (T2 Development Agreement) with respect to the TerreStar-2 (T2) satellite under which we will reimburse DISH Network for amounts it pays pursuant to an authorization to proceed with Space Systems/Loral, LLC in connection with the construction of the T2 satellite. In exchange, DISH Network granted us a right of first refusal and right of first offer to purchase the T2 satellite during the term of the T2 Development Agreement. In addition, under certain circumstances, we have a right to receive a portion of the sale proceeds in the event T2 is sold to a third party during or following the term of the T2 Development Agreement.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Satellite Anomalies
Certain of our satellites have experienced anomalies, some of which have had a significant adverse impact on their remaining useful lives and/or commercial operations. There can be no assurance that future anomalies will not further impact the remaining useful life and commercial operation of any of the satellites in our fleet. In addition, there can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail. We generally do not carry in-orbit insurance on our satellites; therefore, we generally bear the risk of any uninsured in-orbit failures. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing certain portions of our indebtedness, we are required, subject to certain limitations on coverage, to maintain launch and in-orbit insurance for SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVI, and EchoStar XVII. The recent satellite anomalies that affected certain of our satellites are discussed below.
Owned Satellites
EchoStar III. EchoStar III was originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 DBS transponders in a mode that provides service to the entire continental United States (CONUS). As a result of the failure of traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) in previous years, including the most recent failures in February 2013 and April 2013, only six transponders are currently available for use. It is likely that additional TWTA failures will occur from time to time in the future and such failures could further impact commercial operation of the satellite. EchoStar III was fully depreciated in 2009.
Leased Satellites
Pursuant to our satellite lease agreements, we are entitled to a reduction in our monthly recurring lease payments in the event of a partial loss of satellite capacity, which ordinarily results in a corresponding reduction in the related capital lease obligation and the carrying amount of the respective satellite.
AMC-16. As a result of prior period depreciation and adjustments associated with satellite anomalies, the net carrying amount of AMC-16 was reduced to zero as of December 31, 2010. Therefore, subsequent reductions in our recurring lease payments are recognized as gains in Other, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). In each of February 2012, April 2012, and November 2012, AMC-16 experienced a solar-power anomaly, which caused a partial loss of satellite capacity. Accordingly, we reduced our capital lease obligation for AMC-16 and recognized corresponding gains of $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2012, $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2012, and $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2013. There can be no assurance that the existing anomalies or any future anomalies will not reduce AMC-16s useful life or further impact its commercial operations.
Satellite Impairments
We evaluate our satellites for impairment and test for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Certain of the anomalies discussed above, and previously disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of a particular satellite. However, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite, these anomalies are not necessarily considered to be significant events that would require a test of recoverability.
EchoStar XII. Prior to 2012, EchoStar XII experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of electrical power available from its solar arrays, which reduced the number of transponders that could be operated. In September 2012, November 2012, and January 2013, EchoStar XII experienced additional solar array anomalies, which further reduced electrical power available. Our ongoing engineering analysis, completed in consultation with the satellite manufacturer, has indicated that further loss of available electrical power and resulting capacity loss is likely. The satellite is currently leased to DISH Network pursuant to an agreement that entitles DISH Network to a reduction in
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
its monthly recurring lease payments in the event of a partial loss of satellite capacity or complete failure of the satellite. In the second quarter of 2013, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows from DISH Network were not likely to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the satellite. Consequently, in the second quarter of 2013, we recognized a $34.7 million impairment loss within our EchoStar Satellite Services segment to reduce the carrying amount of the satellite to its estimated fair value of $11.3 million as of June 30, 2013. Our fair value estimate was determined using probability weighted discounted cash flow techniques and is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Our estimate included significant unobservable inputs related to predicted electrical power levels and the number of billable transponders that can be supported by predicted available power. In connection with our impairment analysis, we revised our estimate of the useful life of the satellite. Effective July 2013, the $11.3 million adjusted carrying amount of EchoStar XII is depreciated on a straight-line basis over its then remaining estimated useful life of 18 months.
Note 9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is assigned to reporting units of our operating segments and is subject to impairment testing annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount. As of September 30, 2013, approximately $504.2 million of our goodwill is assigned to the Hughes segment. We applied a qualitative assessment in our annual impairment testing of goodwill assigned to reporting units of the Hughes segment as of April 1, 2013. Based on our assessment as of that date, we determined that no further testing of goodwill for impairment was necessary as it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the Hughes segment reporting units were less than the corresponding carrying amounts.
Regulatory Authorizations
In June 2013 we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we conveyed to DISH Network certain of our rights under a Canadian regulatory authorization to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree west longitude orbital location, which we acquired in 2012. In the third quarter of 2013, we received $23.1 million from DISH Network in exchange for these rights. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we did not recognize any gain on this transaction. Rather, we increased our additional paid-in capital to reflect the excess of the cash payment over the carrying amount of the derecognized intangible asset, net of related income taxes.
Other Intangible Assets
Our other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, consisted of the following:
|
|
Weighted |
|
As of |
| ||||||||||||||||
|
|
Average |
|
September 30, 2013 |
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
Useful life |
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Carrying |
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Carrying |
| ||||||
|
|
(in Years) |
|
Cost |
|
Amortization |
|
Amount |
|
Cost |
|
Amortization |
|
Amount |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||||||||
Customer relationships |
|
8 |
|
$ |
293,932 |
|
$ |
(142,962 |
) |
$ |
150,970 |
|
$ |
293,932 |
|
$ |
(113,906 |
) |
$ |
180,026 |
|
Contract-based |
|
10 |
|
255,366 |
|
(198,161 |
) |
57,205 |
|
255,366 |
|
(178,138 |
) |
77,228 |
| ||||||
Technology-based |
|
7 |
|
126,272 |
|
(79,240 |
) |
47,032 |
|
126,387 |
|
(66,338 |
) |
60,049 |
| ||||||
Trademark portfolio |
|
20 |
|
29,700 |
|
(3,465 |
) |
26,235 |
|
29,700 |
|
(2,351 |
) |
27,349 |
| ||||||
Favorable leases |
|
4 |
|
4,707 |
|
(2,746 |
) |
1,961 |
|
4,707 |
|
(1,863 |
) |
2,844 |
| ||||||
Total other intangible assets |
|
|
|
$ |
709,977 |
|
$ |
(426,574 |
) |
$ |
283,403 |
|
$ |
710,092 |
|
$ |
(362,596 |
) |
$ |
347,496 |
|
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Customer relationships are amortized predominantly in relation to the estimated cash flows over the life of the intangible asset. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods the assets are expected to contribute to our cash flows. Our total amortization expense was $21.7 million and $23.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $65.0 million and $71.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Note 10. Debt
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of our debt:
|
|
As of |
| ||||||||||
|
|
September 30, 2013 |
|
December 31, 2012 |
| ||||||||
|
|
Carrying |
|
Fair |
|
Carrying |
|
Fair |
| ||||
|
|
Amount |
|
Value |
|
Amount |
|
Value |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 |
|
$ |
1,100,000 |
|
$ |
1,168,750 |
|
$ |
1,100,000 |
|
$ |
1,210,000 |
|
7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 |
|
900,000 |
|
972,000 |
|
900,000 |
|
1,026,450 |
| ||||
Other |
|
1,452 |
|
1,452 |
|
2,041 |
|
2,041 |
| ||||
Subtotal |
|
2,001,452 |
|
$ |
2,142,202 |
|
2,002,041 |
|
$ |
2,238,491 |
| ||
Capital lease obligations (1) |
|
431,331 |
|
|
|
486,458 |
|
|
| ||||
Total debt and capital lease obligations |
|
2,432,783 |
|
|
|
2,488,499 |
|
|
| ||||
Less: Current portion |
|
(68,662 |
) |
|
|
(67,706 |
) |
|
| ||||
Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations |
|
$ |
2,364,121 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,420,793 |
|
|
|
(1) Disclosure regarding the fair value of capital lease obligations is not required.
We estimated the fair value of our publicly traded long-term debt using market prices in less active markets (Level 2).
Note 11. Income Taxes
Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if our estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment.
Our quarterly tax provision, and our quarterly estimate of our annual effective tax rate, is subject to significant volatility due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our pre-tax and taxable income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, income and losses from investments, changes in laws and relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income. For example, the impact of discrete items and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower.
Income tax benefit totaled approximately $27.2 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our effective income tax rate was 94.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to (0.4%) for the same period in 2012. The variation in our current year effective tax rate from a U.S. federal statutory rate for the current period was primarily due to the release of our valuation allowance associated with capital loss carryforwards in conjunction with the sale of certain of our capital investments, higher state effective tax rates due to geographic distribution of income, current year research and experimentation credits, and reinstatement of the research and experimentation tax credit for 2012, as provided by the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 2, 2013. For the same period in 2012, the variation from a U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to the release of our valuation allowance associated with the sale of certain of our capital investments. In addition, significant fluctuation in the effective tax rate from a U.S. federal statutory rate resulted from our pre-tax losses in the current year.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
The IRS has completed its audit of the Companys federal income tax return for calendar year 2008. We may be subject to examination by the IRS for all years thereafter. The completion of the audit did not have a material effect on our income tax benefit or our estimated effective tax rate for calendar year 2013.
Note 12. Stock-Based Compensation
We maintain stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. Stock awards under these plans include both performance based and non-performance based stock incentives. We granted 450,000 and 1.2 million stock options to our employees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively and 55,000 and 356,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
Our stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as follows:
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
| ||||||||
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
|
$ |
798 |
|
$ |
697 |
|
$ |
2,647 |
|
$ |
2,564 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
3,138 |
|
3,051 |
|
11,341 |
|
11,797 |
| ||||
Total stock-based compensation |
|
$ |
3,936 |
|
$ |
3,748 |
|
$ |
13,988 |
|
$ |
14,361 |
|
As of September 30, 2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeiture, related to our non-performance based unvested stock awards was $37.7 million, which included stock-based compensation expense related to DISH Network stock awards granted to our employees prior to the Spin-off.
Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As of September 30, 2013, our satellite-related obligations were approximately $955.1 million. Our satellite-related obligations include, among other things, costs relating to our capital lease satellites, transponder service agreements, launch contracts, in-orbit incentives, the design and construction of EchoStar XIX, the construction of T2, and the lease of EchoStar XV.
In November 2012, we entered into a launch services agreement with Arianespace, SA (Ariane). On September 30, 2013, we designated DISH Network to receive certain launch services from Ariane under this agreement. During the fourth quarter 2013, DISH Network reimbursed us for costs previously incurred under the agreement with Ariane prior to the designation of DISH Network. As a result of this arrangement, our satellite related obligations were reduced by approximately $100.0 million as of September 30, 2013.
Contingencies
Separation Agreement
In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a separation agreement with DISH Network that provides, among other things, for the division of certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, we have assumed certain liabilities that relate to our business including certain designated liabilities for acts or omissions that occurred prior to the Spin-off. Certain specific provisions govern intellectual property related claims under which, generally, we will only be liable for our acts or omissions following the Spin-off and DISH Network will indemnify us for any liabilities or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the Spin-off as well as DISH Networks acts or omissions following the Spin-off.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Litigation
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings (including those described below) concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our business activities. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages, and many of these proceedings seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We regularly evaluate the status of the legal proceedings in which we are involved to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss can be made.
For certain cases described below, management is unable to provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss because, among other reasons, (i) the proceedings are in various stages; (ii) damages have not been sought; (iii) damages are unsupported and/or exaggerated; (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties (as with many patent-related cases). For these cases, however, management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.
California Institute of Technology
On October 1, 2013, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) filed suit against two of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, as well as against DISH Network Corporation, DISH Network L.L.C., and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781; and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes. Caltech appears to assert that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard used by our Hughes segment, infringes each of the asserted patents.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to our consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
CreateAds, LLC
On February 7, 2013, CreateAds, LLC (CreateAds) filed suit against Hughes Network Systems, LLC, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,535,320, which is entitled Method of Generating a Visual Design. CreateAds appears to assert that some portion of HughesNet web design services infringes its patent.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to our consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
E-Contact Technologies, LLC
On February 22, 2012, E-Contact Technologies, LLC (E-Contact) filed suit against two of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,347,579, which is entitled Personal Computer Diary. E-Contact appeared to assert that some portion of HughesNet email services infringed that patent. On April 17, 2013, the Court ordered E-Contact to show cause as to why the case should not be dismissed in light of a number of E-Contacts patent claims being invalidated in an associated case, E-Contact Technologies, Inc. v. Apple, Inc. et al., 1:11-cv-432 (E.D. Tex.). On April 22, 2013, the Court granted a stipulated motion that dismissed with prejudice E-Contacts claims against us.
Harbinger Capital Partners, LLC, et al.
On August 6, 2013, Harbinger Capital Partners, LLC, HGW US Holdings Company LP, Blue Line DZM Corp., and Harbinger Capital Partners SP, Inc. (collectively Harbinger), the majority and controlling shareholders of LightSquared, Inc. and its subsidiaries (LightSquared), filed an adversary proceeding against EchoStar Corporation, as well as against Charles W. Ergen, DISH Network Corporation, L-Band Acquisition, LLC (LBAC), SP Special Opportunities LLC (SPSO), SP Special Opportunities Holdings LLC, Sound Point Capital Management LP, and Stephen Ketchum. The adversary proceeding was filed in the LightSquared bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, which cases are jointly administered under the caption In re LightSquared Inc., et al., Case No. 12-12080 (SCC). Harbinger filed an amended complaint on August 30, 2013. Harbinger has alleged, among other things, claims based on fraud, unfair competition, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage related to certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt by SPSO, an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen. LightSquared has intervened to join in certain claims alleged against certain defendants other than us, LBAC and DISH Network Corporation. Harbinger has alleged damages in excess of $4.0 billion.
On October 29, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed all of Harbingers claims in the action in their entirety. The Bankruptcy Court Judge granted leave for LightSquared to file an amended pleading solely related to certain contract and other related claims under the credit agreement pursuant to which SPSO made certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt and dismissed all other claims alleged by LightSquared in the action.
We intend to vigorously defend this proceeding and cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this proceeding or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
The Hopper Litigation
On May 24, 2012, DISH Network L.L.C., filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC), CBS Corporation (CBS), Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., Fox Television Holdings, Inc., Fox Cable Network Services, L.L.C. (collectively, Fox) and NBCUniversal Media, LLC (NBC). The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that DISH Network L.L.C is not infringing any defendants copyright, or breaching any defendants retransmission consent agreement, by virtue of the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features in the Hopper set-top boxes we design and sell to DISH Network. A consumer can use the PrimeTime Anytime feature at his or her option, to record certain primetime programs airing on ABC, CBS, Fox, and/or NBC up to every night, and to store those recordings for up to eight days. A consumer can use the AutoHop feature at his or her option, to watch certain recordings the subscriber made with our PrimeTime Anytime feature, commercial-free, if played back the next day after the shows original airing.
Later on May 24, 2012, (i) Fox Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DISH Network Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (collectively, DISH) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature, the AutoHop feature, as well as DISHs use of Sling placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their retransmission consent agreements, (ii) NBC Studios LLC, Universal Network Television, LLC, Open 4 Business Productions LLC and NBCUniversal Media, LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
infringe their copyrights, and (iii) CBS Broadcasting Inc., CBS Studios Inc. and Survivor Productions LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights. The Central District of California matters have been assigned to a single judge, but remain separate cases.
As a result of certain parties competing counterclaims and venue-related motions brought in both the New York and California actions, and certain networks filing various amended complaints, the claims are presently pending in the following venues: (1) the copyright and contract claims regarding the ABC parties are pending in New York; (2) the copyright and contract claims regarding the CBS parties are pending in New York; (3) the copyright and contract claims regarding the Fox parties are pending in California; and (4) the copyright and contract claims regarding the NBC parties are pending in California.
On September 21, 2012, the United States District Court for the Central District of California heard the Fox plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top boxs PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features and, on November 7, 2012, entered an order denying the motion. The Fox plaintiffs appealed and on July 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction as to the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On August 7, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc. On March 27, 2013, at the request of the parties, the United States District Court for the Central District of California granted a stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending resolution of the appeal by the Fox plaintiffs.
On August 17, 2012, the NBC plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint in their California action adding us and our wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. to the NBC litigation, alleging various claims of copyright infringement. We and our subsidiary answered on September 18, 2012. On October 9, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed copyright counterclaims in the New York action against EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C., with the CBS plaintiffs filing similar copyright counterclaims in the New York action against EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. on October 12, 2012. Additionally, the CBS plaintiffs have filed a counterclaim alleging that DISH fraudulently concealed the AutoHop feature when negotiating renewal of its CBS retransmission consent agreement. On November 23, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed a motion in the New York action for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top boxs PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features, and on September 18, 2013, the New York court denied that motion. The ABC plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal. On February 21, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a second motion for preliminary injunction against: (i) DISH, seeking to enjoin the Hopper Transfers feature in the second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging breach of a retransmission consent agreement; and (ii) EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH, seeking to enjoin the Sling placeshifting functionality in the second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging copyright infringement by both defendants, and breach of the earlier-mentioned retransmission consent agreement by DISH. A hearing on that motion was held on April 19, 2013 and on September 23, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs motion was denied.
We intend to vigorously prosecute and defend our position in these cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted copyrights, we may be subject to substantial damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to DISH Network. An adverse decision against DISH Network could decrease the number of Sling enabled set-top boxes we sell to DISH Network, which could have an adverse impact on the business operations of our EchoStar Technologies segment. In addition, to the extent that DISH Network experiences fewer gross new subscriber additions, sales of our digital set-top boxes and related components to DISH Network may further decline, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Nazomi Communications, Inc.
On February 10, 2010, Nazomi Communications, Inc. (Nazomi) filed suit against Sling Media, Inc. (Sling), our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, as well as Nokia Corp, Nokia Inc., Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc., Western Digital Corp., Western Digital Technologies, Inc., Garmin Ltd., Garmin Corp., Garmin International, Inc., Garmin USA, Inc., Vizio Inc. and iOmega Corp in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,080,362 (the 362 patent) and United States Patent No.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
7,225,436 (the 436 patent). The 362 patent and the 436 patent relate to Java hardware acceleration. On August 14, 2012, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, to which the case had earlier been transferred, granted Slings motion for summary judgment of non-infringement. Nazomis appeal is pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Network Acceleration Technologies, LLC
On November 30, 2012, Network Acceleration Technologies, LLC (NAT) filed suit against Hughes Network Systems, LLC, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,091,710 (the 710 patent), which is entitled System and Method for Preventing Data Slow Down Over Asymmetric Data Transmission Links. NAT re-filed its case on July 19, 2013. NAT is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, as well as an ongoing royalty obligation. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Personalized Media Communications, Inc.
During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (PMC) filed suit against EchoStar Corporation, DISH Network and Motorola Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414, 4,965,825, 5,233,654, 5,335,277, and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. PMC is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Subsequently, Motorola Inc. settled with PMC, leaving DISH Network and us as defendants. On July 18, 2012, pursuant to a Court order, PMC filed a Second Amended Complaint that added Rovi Guides, Inc. (f/k/a/ Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.) and TVG-PMC, Inc. (collectively, Gemstar) as a party, and added a new claim against all defendants seeking a declaratory judgment as to the scope of Gemstars license to the patents in suit, under which DISH Network and we are sub licensees. A new trial date has not yet been set.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We are being indemnified by DISH Network for any potential liability or damages resulting from this suit relating to the period prior to the effective date of the Spin-off. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Premier International Associates, LLC
On August 3, 2012, Premier International Associates, LLC (Premier International Associates) filed suit against EchoStar Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH Network and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, DISH DBS and DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,243,725 (the 725 patent), which is entitled List Building System. The 725 patent relates to a system for building an inventory of audio/visual works. Premier International Associates is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On March 27, 2013, Premier International Associates dismissed the action against us and the DISH Network defendants with prejudice, pursuant to a settlement under which we and the DISH Network defendants made an immaterial payment in exchange for a license to certain patents and patent applications.
Shareholder Derivative Litigation
On December 5, 2012, Greg Jacobi, derivatively on behalf of EchoStar Corporation, filed suit (the Jacobi Litigation) against Charles W. Ergen, Michael T. Dugan, R. Stanton Dodge, Tom A. Ortolf, C. Michael Schroeder, Joseph P. Clayton, David K. Moskowitz, and EchoStar Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. The complaint alleges that a March 2011 attempted grant of 1.5 million stock options to Charles Ergen breached defendants fiduciary duties, resulted in unjust enrichment, and constituted a waste of corporate assets.
On December 18, 2012, Chester County Employees Retirement Fund, derivatively on behalf of EchoStar Corporation, filed a suit (the Chester County Litigation) against Charles W. Ergen, Michael T. Dugan, R. Stanton Dodge, Tom A. Ortolf, C. Michael Schroeder, Anthony M. Federico, Pradman P. Kaul, Joseph P. Clayton, and EchoStar Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint similarly alleges that the March 2011 attempted grant of 1.5 million stock options to Charles Ergen breached defendants fiduciary duties, resulted in unjust enrichment, and constituted a waste of corporate assets.
On February 22, 2013, the Chester County Litigation was transferred to the District of Nevada, and on April 3, 2013, the Chester County Litigation was consolidated into the Jacobi Litigation.
Of the attempted grant of 1.5 million options to Mr. Ergen in 2011, only 800,000 were validly granted and remain outstanding. We intend to vigorously defend these cases. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability.
Technology Development and Licensing, LLC
On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing, LLC (TDL) filed suit against EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952, which relates to certain favorite channel features. TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. In July 2009, the Court granted our motion to stay the case pending two reexamination petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We are being indemnified by DISH Network for any potential liability or damages resulting from this suit relating to the period prior to the effective date of the Spin-off. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
TQP Development, LLC
On October 11, 2012, TQP Development, LLC (TQP) filed suit against our indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary, Sling Media, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,412,730, which is entitled Encrypted Data Transmission System Employing Means for Randomly Altering the Encryption Keys. On November 14, 2012, TQP filed suit in the same venue against Hughes Network Systems, LLC, our indirectly wholly owned subsidiary, alleging infringement of the same patent. TQP is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On July 8, 2013, the Court granted a joint motion to dismiss the claims against Sling without prejudice.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Other
In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of our business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.
Note 14. Segment Reporting
Operating segments are business components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) (CODM) of an enterprise. Under this definition, we operate three primary business segments.
· EchoStar Technologies which designs, develops and distributes digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers, telecommunication and international cable companies. In addition, we provide our Slingboxes directly to consumers via retail outlets and we are in discussions with original equipment manufacturers to provide our Sling technology licensing to cable and telco operators worldwide. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services primarily to DISH Network.
· Hughes which provides satellite broadband Internet access to North American consumers and broadband network services and systems to the domestic and international enterprise markets. The Hughes segment also provides managed services to large enterprises and networking systems solutions to customers for mobile satellite and wireless backhaul systems.
· EchoStar Satellite Services which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to lease capacity on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, and secondarily to Dish Mexico, United States government service providers, state agencies, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers.
The primary measure of segment profitability that is reported regularly to our CODM is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Our segment operating results do not include certain minor business activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury operations, including income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt. Total assets by segment have not been reported herein because the information is not provided to our CODM on a regular basis. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, transactions between segments were not significant.
The following tables present revenue, capital expenditures, and EBITDA for each of our operating segments and reconciles total consolidated EBITDA to reported Income (loss) before income taxes in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss):
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
EchoStar |
|
All |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
EchoStar |
|
|
|
Satellite |
|
Other and |
|
Consolidated |
| |||||
|
|
Technologies |
|
Hughes |
|
Services |
|
Eliminations |
|
Total |
| |||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| |||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total revenue |
|
$ |
456,129 |
|
$ |
302,217 |
|
$ |
85,945 |
|
$ |
4,617 |
|
$ |
848,908 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
16,246 |
|
$ |
49,443 |
|
$ |
71 |
|
$ |
40,811 |
|
$ |
106,571 |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
42,975 |
|
$ |
65,620 |
|
$ |
68,808 |
|
$ |
(9,299 |
) |
$ |
168,104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total revenue |
|
$ |
416,120 |
|
$ |
285,974 |
|
$ |
65,682 |
|
$ |
(3,055 |
) |
$ |
764,721 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
22,161 |
|
$ |
53,955 |
|
$ |
12,806 |
|
$ |
4,740 |
|
$ |
93,662 |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
25,211 |
|
$ |
75,634 |
|
$ |
57,065 |
|
$ |
6,156 |
|
$ |
164,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total revenue |
|
$ |
1,308,670 |
|
$ |
906,564 |
|
$ |
245,019 |
|
$ |
14,112 |
|
$ |
2,474,365 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
43,898 |
|
$ |
139,276 |
|
$ |
12,403 |
|
$ |
69,266 |
|
$ |
264,843 |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
104,947 |
|
$ |
202,995 |
|
$ |
167,281 |
|
$ |
13,708 |
|
$ |
488,931 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total revenue |
|
$ |
1,270,415 |
|
$ |
843,017 |
|
$ |
210,703 |
|
$ |
11,370 |
|
$ |
2,335,505 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
51,946 |
|
$ |
230,350 |
|
$ |
70,758 |
|
$ |
18,331 |
|
$ |
371,385 |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
88,648 |
|
$ |
215,060 |
|
$ |
162,737 |
|
$ |
157,541 |
|
$ |
623,986 |
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
| ||||||||
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
| ||||
|
|
(In thousands) |
| ||||||||||
EBITDA |
|
$ |
168,104 |
|
$ |
164,066 |
|
$ |
488,931 |
|
$ |
623,986 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
(44,731 |
) |
(31,143 |
) |
(138,544 |
) |
(100,394 |
) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
(124,742 |
) |
(110,778 |
) |
(379,585 |
) |
(339,472 |
) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
317 |
|
(285 |
) |
533 |
|
(604 |
) | ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
$ |
(1,052 |
) |
$ |
21,860 |
|
$ |
(28,665 |
) |
$ |
183,516 |
|
Note 15. Related Party Transactions
DISH Network
Following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have operated as separate public companies and DISH Network has no ownership interest in us. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.
In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from DISH Network; DISH Network obtains certain products, services and rights from us; and we and DISH Network have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with DISH Network in the future.
Generally, the amounts DISH Network pays for products and services provided under the agreements are based on our cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided.
The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial position and results of operations.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Equipment revenue DISH Network
Receiver Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a receiver agreement (the 2012 Receiver Agreement), pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014. The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows DISH Network to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us either: (i) at cost (decreasing as we reduce costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on our mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased. Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, our margins will be increased if we are able to reduce the costs of our digital set-top boxes and our margins will be reduced if these costs increase. We provide DISH Network with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us. We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire DISH Network. DISH Network has an option, but not the obligation, to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term.
Services and other revenue DISH Network
Broadcast Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement (the 2012 Broadcast Agreement) pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. The fees for the services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either: (a) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network has the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to us. If DISH Network terminates the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate.
Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming. During May 2010, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network in connection with its carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is for ten years. If DISH Network terminates this agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.
Satellite Capacity Leased to DISH Network. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases satellite capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. The term of each lease is set forth below:
EchoStar VI, VIII and XII. The leases for EchoStar VI, VIII and XII generally terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life or replacement of the satellite (unless DISH Network determines to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponders on which service is being provided fail; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service, and the exercise of certain renewal options. DISH Network generally has the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellites life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
agreements will be exercised. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, the leases for the EchoStar VI and VIII satellites expired in accordance with their terms. DISH Network no longer leases capacity from us on the EchoStar VI satellite; however, in May 2013 DISH Network began leasing capacity from us on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Subject to certain conditions, this lease expires on February 1, 2014.
EchoStar IX. DISH Network leases certain satellite capacity from us on EchoStar IX. Subject to availability, DISH Network generally has the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from us on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis.
EchoStar XVI. During December 2009, we entered into an initial ten-year transponder service agreement with DISH Network to lease from us all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite. EchoStar XVI was launched in November 2012 and placed at the 61.5 degree orbital location. Under the original transponder service agreement, the initial term generally expired upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite failed; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement failed; or (iv) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Effective December 21, 2012, we and DISH Network amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we, upon certain conditions, and DISH Network have the option to renew for an additional six-year period. If either we or DISH Network exercise our respective six-year renewal options, DISH Network has the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term. There can be no assurance that any option to renew this agreement will be exercised. We began to lease capacity on EchoStar XVI to DISH Network in January 2013.
Nimiq 5 Agreement. During 2009, we entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (Telesat) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree west longitude orbital location (the Telesat Transponder Agreement). During 2009, we also entered into a satellite service agreement (the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement) with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network leases from us all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.
Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date it was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
QuetzSat-1 Agreement. During 2008, we entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES, which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to us of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Concurrently, in 2008, we entered into a transponder service agreement with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network leases 24 of the DBS transponders on QuetzSat-1. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter of 2011 at the 67.1 degree west longitude orbital location. In the interim, we provided DISH Network with alternate capacity at the 77 degree west longitude orbital location. During the third quarter of 2012, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease back from DISH Network five of the 24 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite leased to DISH Network. In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree west longitude orbital location and DISH Network commenced commercial operations at such location in February 2013.
ECHOSTAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Under the terms of our contractual arrangements with DISH Network, we began to provide service to DISH Network on the QuetzSat-1 satellite in February 2013 and will continue to provide service through the remainder of the service term. Unless extended or earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of our agreement with DISH Network for the QuetzSat-1 satellite, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial service term, DISH Network has the option to renew the agreement for the QuetzSat-1 satellite on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Upon an in-orbit failure or end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3. During May 2012, we entered into a spectrum development agreement (the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (Ciel) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree west longitude orbital location (the 103 Spectrum Rights). During June 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a spectrum development agreement (the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement) pursuant to which DISH Network may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights. During the third quarter 2013, DISH Network made a payment to us in exchange for these rights. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights Agreement.
In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, during May 2012, we also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the 103 Service Agreement). During June 2013, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain satellite capacity from us on the SES-3 satellite (the DISH 103 Service Agreement). Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
TT&C Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) agreement pursuant to which we provide TT&C services to DISH Network and its subsidiaries for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the 2012 TT&C Agreement). The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice.
Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain real estate from us. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area at the time of the lease, and DISH Network is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:
Inverness Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016. This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice.
Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016 with a renewal option for one additional year.
EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016.
Gilbert Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona is a month to month lease and can be terminated by either party upon 30 days prior notice.
Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.
Product Support Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from us (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related components that our subsidiaries have previously sold and in the future may sell to DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such set-top boxes and related components, unless terminated earlier. DISH Network may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, DISH Network is entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to us for the services.
DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Effective January 1, 2010, DISH Network entered into a two-year agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. DISH Network has the option to renew this agreement for three successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us. In November 2013, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending on December 31, 2014.
DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives, among other things, certain remote digital video recorder (DVR) management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms and may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us.
SlingService Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services related to placeshifting. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms and may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us.
Blockbuster. On April 26, 2011, DISH Network acquired substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. (the Blockbuster Acquisition). On June 8, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Hughes Acquisition). Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc., provided certain broadband products and services to Blockbuster pursuant to an agreement that was entered into prior to the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition. Subsequent to both the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition, Blockbuster entered into a new agreement with HNS pursuant to which Blockbuster may continue to purchase broadband products and services from our Hughes segment. The term of the agreement is through October 31, 2014 and Blockbuster has the option to renew the agreement for an additional one year period.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
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Radio Access Network Agreement. On November 29, 2012, HNS entered into an agreement with DISH Network L.L.C. pursuant to which HNS will construct for DISH Network a ground-based satellite radio access network (RAN) for a fixed fee. The completion of the RAN under this agreement is expected to occur on or before November 29, 2014. This agreement generally may be terminated by DISH Network at any time for convenience.
RUS Implementation Agreement. In September 2010, DISH Broadband L.L.C. (DISH Broadband), DISH Networks wholly owned subsidiary, was selected by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the United States Department of Agriculture to receive up to approximately $14.1 million in broadband stimulus grant funds (the Grant Funds). Effective November 2011, HNS and DISH Broadband entered into a RUS Implementation Agreement (the RUS Agreement) pursuant to which HNS provides certain portions of the equipment and broadband service used to implement DISH Broadbands RUS program. The initial term of the RUS Agreement continues until the earlier of: (i) September 24, 2013; or (ii) the date that the Grant Funds have been exhausted. In addition, DISH Broadband may terminate the RUS Agreement for convenience upon 45 days prior written notice to HNS. The RUS Agreement expired in June 2013 when the Grant Funds were exhausted.
TerreStar Agreement. On March 9, 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar. Prior to DISH Networks acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for TerreStars satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. These agreements generally may be terminated by DISH Network at any time for convenience.
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. Effective October 1, 2012, HNS and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (dishNET), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, entered into a distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement) pursuant to which dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the Hughes satellite Internet service (the Hughes service). dishNET pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Hughes service based upon a subscribers service level, and, beginning January 1, 2014, based upon certain volume subscription thresholds. The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from us to support the sale of the Hughes service. The Distribution Agreement has a five year term with automatic renewal for successive one year terms unless terminated by either party with a written notice at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term. Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Hughes service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement.
Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the Application Development Agreement) pursuant to which we provide DISH Network with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for the period ending on February 1, 2015. The Application Development Agreement renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or DISH Network at any time upon at least 90 days notice. The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.
XiP Encryption Agreement. During the third quarter of 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with DISH Network for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the XiP Encryption Agreement) pursuant to which we provide certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes. The term of the XiP Encryption Agreement is until December 31, 2014. DISH Network has an option, but not the obligation to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term. We and DISH Network each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 180 days notice and 30 days notice, respectively. The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
General and administrative expenses DISH Network
Management Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a Management Services Agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network made certain of its officers available to provide services (which were primarily accounting services) to us. The Management Services Agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2013 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2014. Effective June 15, 2013, we terminated the Management Services Agreement. We made payments to DISH Network based upon an allocable portion of the personnel costs and expenses incurred by DISH Network with respect to such DISH Network officers (taking into account wages and fringe benefits). These allocations were based upon the estimated percentages of time to be spent by the DISH Network executive officers performing services for us under the Management Services Agreement. We also reimbursed DISH Network for direct out-of-pocket costs incurred by DISH Network for management services provided to us. We and DISH Network evaluated all charges for reasonableness at least annually and made any adjustments to these charges as we and DISH Network mutually agreed upon.
Professional Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with DISH Network including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. During 2009, we and DISH Network agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from DISH Network, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement: information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services. Additionally, we and DISH Network agreed that DISH Network shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage us to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement), receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from us (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. The Professional Services Agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2013 for an additional one-year period and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days notice.
Real Estate Lease Agreements. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from DISH Network. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic areas at the time of the lease, and we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:
Varick Sublease Agreement. During 2008, we subleased certain space at 185 Varick Street, New York, New York from DISH Network for a period of approximately seven years.
El Paso Lease Agreement. During 2012, we leased certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd. El Paso, Texas from DISH Network for a period ending on August 1, 2015, which also provides us with renewal options for four consecutive three year terms.
American Fork Occupancy License Agreement. The license for certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive in American Fork, Utah is for a period ending on July 31, 2017, subject to the terms of the underlying lease agreement.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Other Agreements DISH Network
Satellite Capacity Leased from DISH Network. Since the Spin-off, we entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we acquire certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on certain satellites owned or leased by DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. The term of each satellite capacity agreement is set forth below:
EchoStar I. During 2009, we entered into a satellite capacity agreement pursuant to which we leased certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on EchoStar I. Effective July 1, 2012, we and DISH Network mutually agreed to terminate this satellite capacity agreement.
D-1. In November 2012, HNS entered into a satellite capacity agreement pursuant to which HNS leases certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on the D-1 satellite for research and development. This service agreement terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the spectrum capacity on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) December 31, 2013.
EchoStar XV. In May 2013, we began leasing satellite capacity from DISH Network on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite to the 45 degree west longitude orbital location for testing pursuant to our Brazilian authorization. Subject to certain conditions, the capacity agreement expires on February 1, 2014. Additionally, subject to certain conditions, we have certain rights to extend the service term of the satellite capacity agreement for three years. Subject to certain conditions, DISH Network has the right to terminate the capacity agreement prior to the date of expiration and have the satellite relocated from the 45 degree west longitude orbital location.
Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and related components from DISH Network at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. In November 2013, we and DISH Network extended this agreement until December 31, 2014. We may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to DISH Network. DISH Network may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire it. Our purchase of remanufactured receivers and related components from DISH Network was minimal and $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and minimal and $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with DISH Network which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by DISH Network, and DISH Network will indemnify us for such taxes. However, DISH Network is not liable for and will not indemnify us for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of our stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that we take or fail to take; or (iii) any action that we take that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter r