e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
2009. |
OR
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o |
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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: 0-26176
DISH Network Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Nevada
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88-0336997 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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9601 South Meridian Boulevard
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Englewood, Colorado
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80112 |
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip code) |
(303) 723-1000
(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 þ 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 o
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.
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Large Accelerated Filer þ
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Accelerated Filer o
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Non-Accelerated Filer o
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Smaller reporting Company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller |
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reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of April 24, 2009, the registrants outstanding common stock consisted of 208,281,590 shares of
Class A common stock and 238,435,208 shares of Class B common stock.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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 with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Weakening economic conditions, including the recent downturn in financial markets
and reduced consumer spending, may adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain our
business. |
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If we do not improve our operational performance and customer satisfaction, our
gross subscriber additions may decrease and our subscriber churn may increase. |
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If declines in DISH Network gross subscriber additions, increases in subscriber
churn and higher subscriber acquisition and retention costs continue, our financial
performance will be further adversely affected. |
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We face intense and increasing competition from satellite television providers,
cable television providers, telecommunications companies, and companies that
provide/facilitate the delivery of video content via the internet. |
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We may be required to make substantial additional investments in order to maintain
competitive high definition, or HD, programming offerings. |
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Technology in our industry changes rapidly and could cause our services and products
to become obsolete. |
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We may need additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at
all, in order to continue investing in our business and to finance acquisitions and
other strategic transactions. |
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A portion of our investment portfolio is invested in securities that have
experienced limited or no liquidity in recent months and may not be immediately
accessible to support our financing needs. |
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The termination of our distribution agreement with AT&T Inc., or AT&T, may reduce
subscriber additions and increase churn if we are not able to develop alternative
distribution channels. |
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As technology changes, and in order to remain competitive, we may have to upgrade or
replace subscriber equipment and make substantial investments in our infrastructure. |
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We rely on EchoStar Corporation, or EchoStar, to design and develop all of our new
set-top boxes and certain related components, and to provide transponder capacity,
digital broadcast operations and other services for us. Our business would be
adversely affected if EchoStar ceases to provide these services to us and we are unable
to obtain suitable replacement services from third parties. |
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We rely on one or a limited number of vendors, and the inability of these key
vendors to meet our needs could have a material adverse effect on our business. |
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Our programming signals are subject to theft, and we are vulnerable to other forms
of fraud that could require us to make significant expenditures to remedy. |
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We depend on third parties to solicit orders for DISH Network services that
represent a significant percentage of our total gross subscriber acquisitions. |
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We depend on others to provide the programming that we offer to our subscribers and,
if we lose access to this programming, our subscriber losses and subscriber churn may
increase. |
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Our competitors may be able to leverage their relationships with programmers so that
they are able to reduce their programming costs and offer exclusive content that will
place them at a competitive advantage to us. |
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We depend on the Cable Act for access to programming from cable-affiliate
programmers at cost-effective rates. |
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We face increasing competition from other distributors of foreign language
programming that may limit our ability to maintain our foreign language programming
subscriber base. |
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Our local programming strategy faces uncertainty because we may not be able to
obtain necessary retransmission consents from local network stations. |
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We are subject to significant regulatory oversight and changes in applicable
regulatory requirements could adversely affect our business. |
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We have made a substantial investment in certain 700 MHz wireless licenses and will
be required to make significant additional investments in order to commercialize these
licenses and recoup our investment. |
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We have substantial debt outstanding and may incur additional debt that could have a
dilutive effect on our outstanding equity capital or future earnings. |
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If we are unsuccessful in defending Tivos litigation against us, we could be
prohibited from offering digital video recorder, or DVR, technology that would in turn
put us at a significant disadvantage to our competitors. |
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We have limited owned and leased satellite capacity and satellite failures could
adversely affect our business. |
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Our owned and leased satellites are subject to risks related to launch that could
limit our ability to utilize these satellites. |
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Our owned and leased satellites are subject to significant operational and
atmospheric risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites. |
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Our owned and leased satellites have minimum design lives of 12 years, but could
fail or suffer reduced capacity before then. |
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We currently have no commercial insurance coverage on the satellites we own and
could face significant impairment charges if one of our satellites fails. |
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We may have potential conflicts of interest with EchoStar due to our common
ownership and management. |
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We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may negatively affect our
businesses. |
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We are controlled by one principal stockholder who is also our Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer. |
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We are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a
significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding
intellectual property. |
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We may pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions to complement or expand
our business that may not be successful and with respect to which we may lose the
entire value of our investment. |
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Our business depends substantially on Federal Communications Commission, or FCC,
licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications for FCC licenses
that may not be granted. |
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We are subject to digital HD carry-one-carry-all requirements that cause capacity
constraints. |
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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. |
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We cannot assure you that there will not be deficiencies leading to material
weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. |
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We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports
we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or 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 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 DISH Network, the Company, we, our and us refer to DISH Network
Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. EchoStar refers to
EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries.
iii
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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As of |
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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Assets |
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Current Assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
263,936 |
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$ |
98,574 |
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Marketable investment securities |
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904,942 |
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460,558 |
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Trade accounts receivable other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of $12,813 and $15,207, respectively |
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775,838 |
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799,139 |
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Trade accounts receivable EchoStar |
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23,508 |
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20,604 |
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Inventories, net |
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414,833 |
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426,671 |
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Deferred tax assets |
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103,920 |
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86,331 |
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Income tax receivable |
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148,747 |
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Other current assets |
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101,162 |
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56,394 |
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Other current assets EchoStar |
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966 |
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966 |
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Total current assets |
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2,589,105 |
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2,097,984 |
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Noncurrent Assets: |
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Restricted cash and marketable investment securities |
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83,369 |
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83,606 |
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Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,488,287 and $2,432,959, respectively |
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2,816,998 |
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2,663,289 |
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FCC authorizations |
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1,391,441 |
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1,391,441 |
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Intangible assets, net |
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4,845 |
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5,135 |
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Marketable and other investment securities |
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119,880 |
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158,296 |
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Other noncurrent assets, net |
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57,773 |
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60,296 |
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Total noncurrent assets |
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4,474,306 |
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4,362,063 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
7,063,411 |
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$ |
6,460,047 |
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Liabilities and Stockholders Equity (Deficit) |
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Current Liabilities: |
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Trade accounts payable other |
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$ |
220,963 |
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$ |
174,216 |
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Trade accounts payable EchoStar |
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315,992 |
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297,629 |
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Deferred revenue and other |
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835,088 |
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830,529 |
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Accrued programming |
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1,032,814 |
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1,020,086 |
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Other accrued expenses |
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558,559 |
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619,210 |
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Current portion of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable |
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23,400 |
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13,333 |
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3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011 |
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25,000 |
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25,000 |
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Total current liabilities |
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3,011,816 |
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2,980,003 |
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Long-term obligations, net of current portion: |
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6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011 |
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1,000,000 |
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1,000,000 |
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6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 |
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1,000,000 |
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1,000,000 |
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7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 |
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1,500,000 |
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1,500,000 |
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7% Senior Notes due 2013 |
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500,000 |
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500,000 |
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7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 |
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750,000 |
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750,000 |
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Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion |
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334,977 |
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219,423 |
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Deferred tax liabilities |
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277,614 |
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235,551 |
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Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities |
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355,931 |
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224,176 |
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Total long-term obligations, net of current portion |
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5,718,522 |
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5,429,150 |
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Total liabilities |
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8,730,338 |
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8,409,153 |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) |
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Stockholders Equity (Deficit): |
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Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 257,265,514
and 257,117,733 shares issued, 207,167,361 and 208,968,052 shares outstanding, respectively |
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2,573 |
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2,571 |
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Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized,
238,435,208 shares issued and outstanding |
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2,384 |
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2,384 |
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Class C common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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2,094,827 |
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2,090,527 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
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|
(124,211 |
) |
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|
(107,998 |
) |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) |
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(2,180,120 |
) |
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(2,492,804 |
) |
Treasury stock, at cost |
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(1,462,380 |
) |
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(1,443,786 |
) |
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Total stockholders equity (deficit) |
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(1,666,927 |
) |
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(1,949,106 |
) |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity (deficit) |
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$ |
7,063,411 |
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$ |
6,460,047 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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For the Three Months |
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Ended March 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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Revenue: |
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Subscriber-related revenue |
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$ |
2,864,939 |
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$ |
2,810,426 |
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Equipment sales and other revenue |
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32,346 |
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|
25,052 |
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Equipment sales EchoStar |
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2,683 |
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|
2,638 |
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Transitional services and other revenue EchoStar |
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5,353 |
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6,278 |
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Total revenue |
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2,905,321 |
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2,844,394 |
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Costs and Expenses: |
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Subscriber-related expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below Note 11) |
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1,550,078 |
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1,444,641 |
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Satellite and transmission expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below Note 11): |
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EchoStar |
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80,757 |
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|
78,253 |
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Other |
|
|
7,021 |
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|
7,664 |
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Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales |
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40,499 |
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31,814 |
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Subscriber acquisition costs: |
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Cost of sales subscriber promotion subsidies EchoStar (exclusive of depreciation shown below Note 11) |
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24,136 |
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30,787 |
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Other subscriber promotion subsidies |
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217,560 |
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280,197 |
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Subscriber acquisition advertising |
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50,507 |
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63,972 |
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Total subscriber acquisition costs |
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292,203 |
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374,956 |
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General and administrative expenses EchoStar |
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11,142 |
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|
13,770 |
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General and administrative expenses |
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125,765 |
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|
115,760 |
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Depreciation and amortization (Note 11) |
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223,293 |
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272,368 |
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Total costs and expenses |
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2,330,758 |
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|
2,339,226 |
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Operating income (loss) |
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574,563 |
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|
505,168 |
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Other Income (Expense): |
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Interest income |
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4,784 |
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|
14,101 |
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Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(83,937 |
) |
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|
(89,812 |
) |
Other, net |
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4,177 |
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|
(7,028 |
) |
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Total other income (expense) |
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|
(74,976 |
) |
|
|
(82,739 |
) |
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
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|
499,587 |
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|
422,429 |
|
Income tax (provision) benefit, net |
|
|
(186,903 |
) |
|
|
(163,846 |
) |
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Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
312,684 |
|
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$ |
258,583 |
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Comprehensive Income (Loss): |
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|
|
|
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Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
(380 |
) |
|
|
(1,664 |
) |
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities |
|
|
(14,348 |
) |
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(48,891 |
) |
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on
available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss) |
|
|
(1,716 |
) |
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|
(4,523 |
) |
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit |
|
|
231 |
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|
21,223 |
|
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|
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Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
296,471 |
|
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$ |
224,728 |
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Denominator for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share Class A and B common stock: |
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Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
|
446,874 |
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|
448,803 |
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Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share weighted-average common shares outstanding |
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448,033 |
|
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|
460,218 |
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Net income (loss) per share Class A and B common stock: |
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|
|
|
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Basic net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
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$ |
0.58 |
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|
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
312,684 |
|
|
$ |
258,583 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
223,293 |
|
|
|
272,368 |
|
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates |
|
|
2,360 |
|
|
|
2,318 |
|
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments |
|
|
(844 |
) |
|
|
2,357 |
|
Non-cash, stock-based compensation |
|
|
3,209 |
|
|
|
3,559 |
|
Deferred tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
24,705 |
|
|
|
14,520 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
1,777 |
|
|
|
1,472 |
|
Change in noncurrent assets |
|
|
1,683 |
|
|
|
1,664 |
|
Change in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities |
|
|
3,407 |
|
|
|
81,446 |
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net |
|
|
328,942 |
|
|
|
267,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
901,216 |
|
|
|
905,737 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of marketable investment securities |
|
|
(725,779 |
) |
|
|
(818,220 |
) |
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities |
|
|
264,507 |
|
|
|
700,289 |
|
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
|
(252,174 |
) |
|
|
(266,771 |
) |
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities |
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
(77 |
) |
Purchase of strategic investments included in noncurrent marketable and other investment securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(115,253 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,569 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
(713,259 |
) |
|
|
(502,601 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution of cash and cash equivalents to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(585,147 |
) |
Repayment of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable |
|
|
(5,093 |
) |
|
|
(1,979 |
) |
Class A common stock repurchases |
|
|
(18,594 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and Class A common stock issued
under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
|
|
1,092 |
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
(22,595 |
) |
|
|
(586,196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
165,362 |
|
|
|
(183,060 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
|
98,574 |
|
|
|
919,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
263,936 |
|
|
$ |
736,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
58,250 |
|
|
$ |
57,221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized interest |
|
$ |
3,942 |
|
|
$ |
3,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash received for interest |
|
$ |
3,366 |
|
|
$ |
12,976 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
7,978 |
|
|
$ |
17,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
19,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations |
|
$ |
130,714 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets contributed in connection with the Spin-off, excluding cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,765,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Organization and Business Activities
Principal Business
DISH Network Corporation is a holding company. Its subsidiaries (which together with DISH Network
Corporation are referred to as DISH Network, the Company, we, us and/or our) operate the
DISH Network® direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscription television service in the United
States which had 13.584 million subscribers as of March 31, 2009. We have deployed substantial
resources to develop the DISH Network DBS System. The DISH Network DBS System consists of our
licensed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized DBS and Fixed Satellite Service
(FSS) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, third-party broadcast
operations, customer service facilities, in-home service and call center operations and certain
other assets utilized in our operations.
Spin-off of Technology and Certain Infrastructure Assets
On January 1, 2008, we completed a tax-free distribution of our technology and set-top box business
and certain infrastructure assets (the Spin-off) into a separate publicly-traded company,
EchoStar Corporation (EchoStar). DISH Network and EchoStar now operate as separate
publicly-traded companies, and neither entity has any ownership interest in the other. However, a
substantial majority of the voting power of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W.
Ergen, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. The two entities consist of the
following:
|
|
|
DISH Network Corporation which retained its DISH Network® subscription television
business and |
|
|
|
|
EchoStar Corporation which sells equipment, including set-top boxes and related
components, to DISH Network and international customers, and provides digital broadcast
operations and satellite services to DISH Network and other customers. |
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 statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete
financial statements prepared under GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating
results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. 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, 2008 (2008 10-K). Certain prior period amounts have been
reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which we have
controlling influence. 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 an investee, the
cost method is used. For entities that are considered variable interest entities we apply the
provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation
of Variable Interest Entities An Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46R). All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
4
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue
and expenses for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things,
allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory allowances, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes
and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of
financial instruments, fair value of options granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair
values of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, capital leases, asset
impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, retailer incentives,
programming expenses, subscriber lives and royalty obligations. Illiquid credit markets and
general downward economic conditions have increased the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and
assumptions indicated above. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such
differences may be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates and
assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in
the period they occur.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-4 (FSP 157-4), which provides
additional guidance on FASB Statement No. 157 (SFAS 157), Fair Value Measurements, when the
volume and level of activity for the asset or liability has significantly decreased. FSP 157-4
will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We are
currently evaluating the impact that adoption of FSP 157-4 will have on our financial position and
our results of operations.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 115-2 (FSP 115-2) and FASB Staff Position
No. 124-2 (FSP 124-2), which amends prior other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt and
equity securities. FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 will be effective for interim and annual reporting
periods ending after June 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact that adoption of FSP
115-2 and FSP 124-2 will have on our financial position and our results of operations.
3. Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share (SFAS 128) requires
entities to present both basic earnings per share (EPS) and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes
dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) 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 and convertible securities were converted to common stock.
The potential dilution from our subordinated notes convertible into common stock was computed using
the if converted method. The potential dilution from stock awards exercisable into common stock
was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A
common stock. The following table reflects the basic and diluted weighted-average shares
outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. Earnings per share amounts for
all periods are presented below in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 128.
5
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator for basic net income (loss) per share Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
312,684 |
|
|
$ |
258,583 |
|
Interest on dilutive subordinated convertible notes, net of related tax effect |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per common share |
|
$ |
312,801 |
|
|
$ |
261,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per common share
weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
|
446,874 |
|
|
|
448,803 |
|
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding |
|
|
677 |
|
|
|
2,634 |
|
Dilutive impact of subordinated notes convertible into common shares |
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
8,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share
weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
|
448,033 |
|
|
|
460,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income (loss) |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income (loss) |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010 (repaid during third quarter 2008) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,299 |
|
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011 |
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
482 |
|
As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, there were stock awards to purchase 11.1 million and 3.4 million
shares of Class A common stock outstanding, respectively, not included in the above denominator as
their effect is antidilutive.
Vesting of options and rights to acquire shares of our Class A common stock (Restricted
performance units) granted pursuant to our long-term incentive plans is contingent upon meeting
certain long-term goals which have not yet been achieved. As a consequence, the following are not
included in the diluted EPS calculation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Performance-based options |
|
|
10,287 |
|
|
|
9,721 |
|
Restricted performance units |
|
|
603 |
|
|
|
590 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
10,890 |
|
|
|
10,311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
4. Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Other Investment Securities
Our marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities consist of
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Marketable investment securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current marketable investment securities VRDNs |
|
$ |
699,847 |
|
|
$ |
239,611 |
|
Current marketable investment securities strategic |
|
|
23,756 |
|
|
|
13,561 |
|
Current marketable investment securities other |
|
|
181,339 |
|
|
|
207,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current marketable investment securities |
|
|
904,942 |
|
|
|
460,558 |
|
Restricted marketable investment securities (1) |
|
|
21,185 |
|
|
|
22,407 |
|
Noncurrent marketable investment securities ARS and MBS (2) |
|
|
78,652 |
|
|
|
113,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total marketable investment securities |
|
|
1,004,779 |
|
|
|
596,359 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) |
|
|
62,184 |
|
|
|
61,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
62,184 |
|
|
|
61,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other investment securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other investment securities cost method |
|
|
15,795 |
|
|
|
15,795 |
|
Other investment securities equity method |
|
|
24,045 |
|
|
|
26,784 |
|
Other investment securities fair value method |
|
|
1,388 |
|
|
|
2,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other investment securities (2) |
|
|
41,228 |
|
|
|
44,902 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities |
|
$ |
1,108,191 |
|
|
$ |
702,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(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. |
|
(2) |
|
Noncurrent marketable investment securities ARS, MBS and other investment securities
are included in Marketable and other investment securities on our Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheets. |
Marketable Investment Securities
Our marketable investment securities portfolio consists of various debt and equity instruments, all
of which are classified as available-for-sale.
Current Marketable Investment Securities VRDNs
Variable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are long-term floating rate municipal 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. While they are classified as marketable
investment securities, the put option allows for VRDNs to be liquidated on a same day or on a five
business day settlement basis.
Current Marketable Investment Securities Strategic
Our strategic marketable investment securities are highly speculative and have experienced and
continue to experience volatility. As of March 31, 2009, a significant portion of our strategic
investment portfolio consisted of securities of a single issuer and the value of that portfolio
therefore depends on that issuer.
7
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Current Marketable Investment Securities other
Our other current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in various debt
instruments including corporate and government bonds.
Restricted Marketable Investment Securities
As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, our restricted marketable investment securities,
together with our restricted cash, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of
credit.
Noncurrent Marketable Investment Securities ARS and MBS
We have investments in auction rate securities (ARS) and mortgage backed securities (MBS) which
are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Recent events in the
credit markets have reduced or eliminated current liquidity for certain of our ARS and MBS
investments. As a result, we classify these investments as noncurrent assets as we intend to hold
these investments until they recover or mature.
The valuation of our ARS and MBS investments portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are
difficult to estimate. The fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a combination
of comparable instruments and liquidity assumptions. These analyses consider, among other items,
the collateral underlying the investments, credit ratings, and liquidity. These securities were
also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics.
For our ARS and MBS investments, due to the lack of observable market quotes for identical assets,
we utilize analyses that rely on Level 2 and/or Level 3 inputs as defined by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). These inputs include
observed prices on similar assets as well as our assumptions and estimates related to the
counterparty credit quality, default risk underlying the security and overall capital market
liquidity.
Other Investment Securities
We have several strategic investments in certain equity securities that are included in noncurrent
Marketable and other investment securities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets accounted
for using the cost, equity or fair value methods 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.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Recorded on the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had accumulated net unrealized losses of $132
million and $116 million, both net of related tax effect, respectively, as a part of Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) within Total stockholders equity (deficit). A full valuation
allowance has been established against the deferred tax assets associated with these unrealized
capital losses. The components of our available-for-sale investments are detailed in the table
below.
8
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009 |
|
|
As of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Marketable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Investment |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Gains |
|
|
Losses |
|
|
Net |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Gains |
|
|
Losses |
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VRDNs |
|
$ |
699,847 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
239,611 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
ARS and MBS |
|
|
78,652 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(135,308 |
) |
|
|
(135,308 |
) |
|
|
113,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(103,943 |
) |
|
|
(103,943 |
) |
Other (including restricted) |
|
|
206,619 |
|
|
|
1,649 |
|
|
|
(11,495 |
) |
|
|
(9,846 |
) |
|
|
231,863 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,442 |
) |
|
|
(12,442 |
) |
Equity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
19,661 |
|
|
|
12,841 |
|
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
12,705 |
|
|
|
11,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total marketable investment securities |
|
$ |
1,004,779 |
|
|
$ |
14,490 |
|
|
$ |
(146,939 |
) |
|
$ |
(132,449 |
) |
|
$ |
596,359 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(116,385 |
) |
|
$ |
(116,385 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities include debt
securities of $872 million with contractual maturities of one year or less and $113 million with
contractual maturities greater than one year. Actual maturities may differ from contractual
maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity.
Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position
In accordance with the guidance of FASB Staff Position No. 115-1 (FSP 115-1) The Meaning of
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments, the following table
reflects the length of time that the individual securities, accounted for as available-for-sale,
have been in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category. As of March 31, 2009,
the unrealized losses on our investments in debt securities primarily represent investments in
auction rate, mortgage and asset-backed securities. We are not aware of any specific factors
indicating that the underlying issuers of these investments 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 marketable investment securities are related to temporary market
fluctuations. In addition, we have the ability and intent to hold our investments in these debt
securities until they recover or mature.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Primary |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Less than Six Months |
|
|
Six to Nine Months |
|
|
Nine Months or More |
|
Investment |
|
Reason for |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
Category |
|
Unrealized Loss |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Debt securities |
|
Temporary market fluctuations |
|
$ |
219,120 |
|
|
$ |
1,532 |
|
|
$ |
(5 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
217,588 |
|
|
$ |
(146,798 |
) |
Equity securities |
|
Temporary market fluctuations |
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
219,240 |
|
|
$ |
1,652 |
|
|
$ |
(141 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
217,588 |
|
|
$ |
(146,798 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
Debt securities |
|
Temporary market fluctuations |
|
$ |
295,676 |
|
|
$ |
2,070 |
|
|
$ |
(540 |
) |
|
$ |
8,114 |
|
|
$ |
(24 |
) |
|
$ |
285,492 |
|
|
$ |
(115,821 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
295,676 |
|
|
$ |
2,070 |
|
|
$ |
(540 |
) |
|
$ |
8,114 |
|
|
$ |
(24 |
) |
|
$ |
285,492 |
|
|
$ |
(115,821 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements
SFAS 157 Fair Value Measurements established a new framework for measuring fair value for all
financial and non-financial instruments and expands related disclosures. Broadly, the SFAS 157
framework requires fair value to be determined 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. SFAS 157
established market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable
inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs.
9
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for
identical assets; |
|
|
|
|
Level 2, defined as observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets; and |
|
|
|
|
Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists,
therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available. |
Our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fair Value As of March 31, 2009 |
|
Assets |
|
Total |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable investment securities |
|
$ |
1,004,779 |
|
|
$ |
24,166 |
|
|
$ |
909,831 |
|
|
$ |
70,782 |
|
Other investment securities |
|
|
1,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets at fair value |
|
$ |
1,006,167 |
|
|
$ |
24,166 |
|
|
$ |
909,831 |
|
|
$ |
72,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Level 3 instruments are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment |
|
|
Investment |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
106,679 |
|
|
$ |
104,356 |
|
|
$ |
2,323 |
|
Transfers in (out) of level 3, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) included in earnings |
|
|
(935 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(935 |
) |
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(30,762 |
) |
|
|
(30,762 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Purchases, issuances and settlements, net |
|
|
(2,812 |
) |
|
|
(2,812 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
72,170 |
|
|
$ |
70,782 |
|
|
$ |
1,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains and Losses on Sales and Changes in Carrying Values of Investments Recorded on the
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Other, net income and expense included on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income (Loss) includes other changes in the carrying amount of our marketable and
non-marketable investments as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
Other Income (Expense): |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Marketable investment securities gains (losses) on sales/exchange |
|
$ |
7,262 |
|
|
$ |
2,275 |
|
Other investment securities unrealized gains (losses) on fair value
investments and other-than-temporary impairments |
|
|
(935 |
) |
|
|
(4,632 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(2,150 |
) |
|
|
(4,671 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
4,177 |
|
|
$ |
(7,028 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Finished goods DBS |
|
$ |
249,272 |
|
|
$ |
238,343 |
|
Raw materials |
|
|
116,038 |
|
|
|
146,353 |
|
Work-in-process used |
|
|
74,539 |
|
|
|
61,663 |
|
Work-in-process new |
|
|
2,552 |
|
|
|
2,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
442,401 |
|
|
|
448,773 |
|
Inventory allowance |
|
|
(27,568 |
) |
|
|
(22,102 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net |
|
$ |
414,833 |
|
|
$ |
426,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. Satellites
We currently utilize twelve satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the
equator, five of which are owned by us. Each of the owned satellites had an original estimated
minimum useful life of at least 12 years. We currently lease capacity on five satellites from
EchoStar with terms of up to two years and we account for these as operating leases. (See Note 12
for further discussion of our satellite leases with EchoStar.) We also lease two satellites from
third parties, which are accounted for as capital leases pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 13, Accounting for Leases (SFAS 13). The capital leases are
depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or the term of the satellite agreement.
Operation of our programming service requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity
for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions require that we continue to
expand our offering of new programming, particularly by expanding local HD coverage and offering
more HD national channels. While we generally have had in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to
transmit our existing channels and some backup capacity to recover the transmission of certain
critical programming, our backup capacity is limited.
In the event of a failure or loss of any of our satellites, we may need to acquire or lease
additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other satellites and use it as a replacement
for the failed or lost satellite. Such a failure could result in a prolonged loss of critical
programming or a significant delay in our plans to expand programming as necessary to remain
competitive and thus may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Prior to 2009, certain satellites in our fleet have experienced anomalies, some of which have had a
significant adverse impact on their commercial operation. There can be no assurance that future
anomalies will not cause further losses, which could further impact the remaining life or
commercial operation of any of these satellites. See Long-Lived Satellite Assets below for
further discussion of evaluation of impairment. 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 do not anticipate carrying insurance for any of the in-orbit satellites that we own, and we will
bear the risk associated with any in-orbit satellite failures. Recent developments with respect to
our satellites are discussed below.
Owned Satellites
EchoStar V. EchoStar V was originally designed with a minimum 12-year design life. Momentum wheel
failures in prior years, together with relocation of the satellite between orbital locations,
resulted in increased fuel consumption, as previously disclosed. Prior to 2009, EchoStar V
experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of 13 solar array strings. During April 2009, EchoStar
V lost an additional solar array string. These issues have not impacted commercial operation of
the satellite. However, during 2005, as a result of the momentum wheel failures
11
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
and the increased
fuel consumption, we reduced the remaining estimated useful life of the satellite. As of October
2008, EchoStar V was fully depreciated.
Leased Satellites
EchoStar XII. EchoStar XII was designed to operate 13 DBS transponders at 270 watts per channel
when providing service to the entire continental United States (CONUS), or 22 spot beams in a
combination of 135 and 65 watts per channel. We currently operate the satellite in spot beam/CONUS
hybrid mode. EchoStar XII has a total of 24 solar array circuits, approximately 22 of which are
required to assure full power for the original minimum 12-year design life of the satellite. Prior
to 2009, eight solar array circuits on EchoStar XII experienced anomalous behavior resulting in
both temporary and permanent solar array circuit failures. During March 2009, EchoStar XII
experienced an additional solar array circuit failure. Although the design life of the satellite
has not been affected, these circuit failures have resulted in a reduction in power to the
satellite which will preclude us from using the full complement of transponders on EchoStar XII for
the 12-year design life of the satellite.
Long-Lived Satellite Assets
We account for impairments of long-lived satellite assets in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144). SFAS 144 requires a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested
for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that its carrying amount may
not be recoverable. Based on the guidance under SFAS 144, we evaluate our satellite fleet for
recoverability as one asset group. While certain of the anomalies discussed above, and previously
disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of
an individual satellite, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite and considering the
asset grouping, these anomalies (none of which caused a loss of service to subscribers for an
extended period) are not considered to be significant events that would require evaluation for
impairment recognition pursuant to the guidance under SFAS 144. Unless and until a specific
satellite is abandoned or otherwise determined to have no service potential, the net carrying
amount related to the satellite would not be written off.
7. Long-Term Debt
Capital Lease Obligations
Ciel II, a Canadian DBS satellite, was launched in December 2008 and commenced commercial operation
at the 129 degree orbital location in February 2009. We have leased 100% of the capacity on the
satellite for an initial term of ten years. Prior to the launch, we pre-paid $131 million to SES
Americom in connection with the lease agreement and we capitalized $16 million of
interest related to this satellite. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 13, Accounting for Leases (SFAS 13), we have accounted for this agreement as a capital
lease asset by recording $277 million as the estimated fair value of the satellite and recording a
capital lease obligation in the amount of $130 million.
As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had $500 million and $223 million capitalized for
satellites acquired under capital leases included in Property and equipment, net, respectively,
with related accumulated depreciation of $34 million and $26 million, respectively. This increase
during the three months ended March 31, 2009 related to the Ciel II satellite discussed above. In
our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), we recognized
$8 million and $4 million in depreciation expense on satellites acquired under capital lease
agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
12
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Future minimum lease payments under our capital lease obligations, together with the present value
of the net minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2009, are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2009 (remaining nine months) |
|
$ |
57,707 |
|
2010 |
|
|
76,525 |
|
2011 |
|
|
75,999 |
|
2012 |
|
|
75,999 |
|
2013 |
|
|
75,999 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
542,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum lease payments |
|
|
904,557 |
|
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily
insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments |
|
|
(416,326 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net minimum lease payments |
|
|
488,231 |
|
Less: Amount representing interest |
|
|
(175,993 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Present value of net minimum lease payments |
|
|
312,238 |
|
Less: Current portion |
|
|
(19,051 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations |
|
$ |
293,187 |
|
|
|
|
|
8. Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock Repurchase Program
Our board of directors previously authorized stock repurchases of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A
common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased 1.9 million shares of
our common stock for $19 million. As of March 31, 2009, we may repurchase up to $981 million under
this plan.
9. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Incentive Plans
In connection with the Spin-off, as permitted by our existing stock incentive plans and consistent
with the Spin-off exchange ratio, each DISH Network stock option was converted into two stock
options as follows:
|
|
|
an adjusted DISH Network stock option for the same number of shares that were
exercisable under the original DISH Network stock option, with an exercise price
equal to the exercise price of the original DISH Network stock option multiplied by
0.831219. |
|
|
|
a new EchoStar stock option for one-fifth of the number of shares that were
exercisable under the original DISH Network stock option, with an exercise price
equal to the exercise price of the original DISH Network stock option multiplied by
0.843907. |
Similarly, each holder of DISH Network restricted stock units retained his or her DISH Network
restricted stock units and received one EchoStar restricted stock unit for every five DISH Network
restricted stock units that they held.
Consequently, the fair value of the DISH Network stock award and the new EchoStar stock award
immediately following the Spin-off was equivalent to the fair value of such stock award immediately
prior to the Spin-off.
We maintain stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees.
Awards under these plans include both performance and non-performance based equity incentives. As
of March 31, 2009, we had outstanding under these plans stock options to acquire 22.2 million
shares of our Class A common stock and 0.9 million restricted stock awards. Stock options granted
through March 31, 2009 were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value
of our Class A common stock at the date of grant and with a maximum term of ten years. While
historically we have issued stock options subject to vesting, typically at the rate of 20% per
13
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
year, some stock options have been granted with immediate vesting and other stock options vest only
upon the achievement of certain company-wide objectives. As of March 31, 2009, we had 57.6 million
shares of our Class A common stock available for future grant under our stock incentive plans.
As of March 31, 2009, the following stock incentive awards were outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
DISH Network Awards |
|
|
EchoStar Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
Stock Incentive Awards Outstanding |
|
Options |
|
|
Units |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Units |
|
Held by DISH Network employees |
|
|
18,629,714 |
|
|
|
487,735 |
|
|
|
1,622,315 |
|
|
|
81,366 |
|
Held by EchoStar employees |
|
|
3,603,669 |
|
|
|
427,249 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
22,233,383 |
|
|
|
914,984 |
|
|
|
1,622,315 |
|
|
|
81,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are responsible for fulfilling all stock incentive awards related to DISH Network common stock
and EchoStar is responsible for fulfilling all stock incentive awards related to EchoStar common
stock, regardless of whether such stock incentive awards are held by our or EchoStars employees.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, based on the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123R, Share Based Payments (SFAS 123R), our stock-based compensation expense,
resulting from awards outstanding at the Spin-off date, is based on the stock incentive awards held
by our employees regardless of whether such awards were issued by DISH Network or EchoStar.
Accordingly, stock-based compensation that we expense with respect to EchoStar stock incentive
awards is included in Additional paid-in capital on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Stock Award Activity
Our stock option activity (including performance and non-performance based stock options) for the
three months ended March 31, 2009 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
Total options outstanding, beginning of period |
|
|
21,835,687 |
|
|
$ |
22.50 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1,105,500 |
|
|
|
11.11 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(98,597 |
) |
|
|
6.25 |
|
Forfeited and cancelled |
|
|
(609,207 |
) |
|
|
23.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total options outstanding, end of period |
|
|
22,233,383 |
|
|
|
21.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance based options outstanding, end of period (1) |
|
|
10,286,750 |
|
|
|
16.94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at end of period |
|
|
6,946,731 |
|
|
|
29.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) These stock options, which are included in the caption Total options outstanding, end of
period, were issued pursuant to two separate long-term, performance-based stock incentive plans.
Vesting of these stock options is contingent upon meeting certain long-term company goals. See
discussion of the 2005 LTIP and 2008 LTIP below.
We did not realize a tax benefit from stock options exercised during the three months ended March
31, 2009. The tax benefit from stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31,
2008 was less than $1 million. Based on the closing market price of our Class A common stock on
March 31, 2009, the aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding stock options was $1 million. Of
that amount, stock options with an aggregate intrinsic value of $1 million were exercisable at the
end of the period.
14
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Our restricted stock award activity (including performance and non-performance based stock awards)
for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Total restricted stock awards outstanding, beginning of period |
|
|
1,452,734 |
|
|
$ |
27.87 |
|
Granted |
|
|
6,666 |
|
|
|
11.11 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited and cancelled |
|
|
(544,416 |
) |
|
|
30.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total restricted stock awards outstanding, end of period |
|
|
914,984 |
|
|
|
26.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted performance units outstanding, end of period (1) |
|
|
602,734 |
|
|
|
24.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) These restricted performance units, which are included in the caption Total restricted stock
awards outstanding, end of period, were issued pursuant to two separate long-term,
performance-based stock incentive plans. Vesting of these restricted performance units is
contingent upon meeting certain long-term company goals. See discussion of the 2005 LTIP and 2008
LTIP below.
Long-Term Performance-Based Plans
2005 LTIP. In 2005, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the 2005
LTIP) within the terms of our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2005 LTIP provides stock options and
restricted performance units, either alone or in combination, which vest over seven years at the
rate of 10% per year during the first four years, and at the rate of 20% per year thereafter.
Exercise of the stock options is subject to a performance condition that a company-specific
subscriber goal is achieved prior to March 31, 2015.
Contingent compensation related to the 2005 LTIP will not be recorded in our financial statements
unless and until management concludes achievement of the performance condition is probable. Given
the competitive nature of our business, small variations in subscriber churn, gross subscriber
addition rates and certain other factors can significantly impact subscriber growth. Consequently,
while it was determined that achievement of the goal was not probable as of March 31, 2009, that
assessment could change at any time.
In accordance with SFAS 123R, if all of the awards under the 2005 LTIP were vested and the goal had
been met or if we had determined that achievement of the goal was probable during the three months
ended March 31, 2009, we would have recorded total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for
our employees as indicated in the table below. If the goal is met and there are unvested stock
options at that time, the vested amounts would be expensed immediately on our Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), with the unvested portion
recognized ratably over the remaining vesting period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 LTIP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Portion |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
DISH Network awards held by DISH Network employees |
|
$ |
47,171 |
|
|
$ |
14,360 |
|
EchoStar awards held by DISH Network employees |
|
|
9,578 |
|
|
|
2,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
56,749 |
|
|
$ |
17,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 LTIP. In December 2008, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the
2008 LTIP) within the terms of our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2008 LTIP provides stock
options and restricted performance units, either alone or in combination, which vest based on
company-specific subscriber and financial goals. Exercise of the awards is contingent on achieving
these goals prior to December 31, 2015. Management has determined it is
15
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
probable that a portion of
the 2008 LTIP awards will vest and as a result, we recorded less than $1 million in non-cash,
stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2009. During the
remainder of 2009, we expect to record an additional $1 million in non-cash, stock-based
compensation expense related to this portion which management has determined to be probable.
Additional compensation related to the 2008 LTIP will be recorded based on managements assessment
of the probability of meeting the remaining performance conditions. If the remaining goals are
achieved and the remaining 2008 LTIP awards vest, we will recognize an additional $23 million in
non-cash, stock-based compensation expense over the term of this stock incentive plan.
Of the 22.2 million stock options and 0.9 million restricted stock awards outstanding under our
stock incentive plans as of March 31, 2009, the following awards were outstanding pursuant to the
2005 LTIP and the 2008 LTIP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Average |
|
Stock Options |
|
Awards |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
|
|
2005 LTIP |
|
|
4,279,250 |
|
|
$ |
25.16 |
|
2008 LTIP |
|
|
6,007,500 |
|
|
$ |
11.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
10,286,750 |
|
|
$ |
16.94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Performance Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 LTIP |
|
|
521,912 |
|
|
|
|
|
2008 LTIP |
|
|
80,822 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
602,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No awards were granted under the 2005 LTIP during the three months ended March 31, 2009.
Stock-Based Compensation
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all of our employees is shown in the following
table for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 and was allocated to the same expense
categories as the base compensation for such employees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Subscriber-related |
|
$ |
259 |
|
|
$ |
271 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
2,950 |
|
|
|
3,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation |
|
$ |
3,209 |
|
|
$ |
3,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009, our total unrecognized compensation cost related to our non-performance based
unvested stock options was $30 million and includes compensation expense that we will recognize for
EchoStar stock options held by our employees as a result of the Spin-off. This cost is based on an
estimated future forfeiture rate of approximately 4.3% per year and will be recognized over a
weighted-average period of approximately three years. Share-based compensation expense is
recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures.
SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in
subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Changes in the estimated
forfeiture rate can have a significant effect on share-based compensation expense since the effect
of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.
16
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
The fair value of each award for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was estimated at
the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
Ended March 31, |
Stock Options |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
1.97% - 2.51% |
|
|
2.74 |
% |
Volatility factor |
|
29.72% - 32.04% |
|
|
19.98 |
% |
Expected term of options in years |
|
6.0 - 7.3 |
|
|
6.1 |
|
Weighted-average fair value of options
granted |
|
$3.86 - $4.17 |
|
$ |
7.64 |
|
We do not currently plan to pay additional dividends on our common stock, and therefore the
dividend yield percentage is set at zero for all periods presented. The Black-Scholes option
valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded stock options which
have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Consequently, our estimate of fair value
may differ from other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes model requires the input of
highly subjective assumptions. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect
the fair value estimate. Therefore, we do not believe the existing models provide as reliable a
single measure of the fair value of stock-based compensation awards as a market-based model would.
We will continue to evaluate the assumptions used to derive the estimated fair value of our stock
options as new events or changes in circumstances become known.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Guarantees
In connection with the Spin-off, we distributed certain satellite lease agreements to EchoStar. We
remain the guarantor under those capital leases for payments totaling approximately $486 million
over the next eight years.
In addition, during the first quarter of 2008, EchoStar entered into a satellite transponder
service agreement for Nimiq 5 for a total of $535 million in payments through 2024. We sublease
this capacity from EchoStar and have also guaranteed its obligation under this agreement. As of
March 31, 2009, the remaining obligation under this agreement was $532 million.
As of March 31, 2009, we have not recorded a liability on the balance sheet for any of these
guarantees.
Contingencies
In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar, which
provides for, among other things, the division of liability resulting from litigation. Under the
terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed liability for any acts or omissions that
relate to its business whether such acts or omissions occurred before or after the Spin-off.
Certain exceptions are provided, including for intellectual property related claims generally,
whereby EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions that occurred following the
Spin-off and we have indemnified EchoStar for any potential liability or damages resulting
from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the effective date of the
Spin-off.
Acacia
During 2004, Acacia Media Technologies (Acacia) filed a lawsuit against us and EchoStar in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV,
Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an
intellectual property holding company that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio. The suit
alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992, 5,253,275, 5,550,863, 6,002,720 and
6,144,702, which relate to certain systems and methods for transmission of
17
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
digital data. In March 2008, the Court issued an order outlining a schedule for filing dispositive
invalidity motions based on its claim constructions. Acacia has agreed to stipulate to invalidity
based on the Courts claim constructions in order to proceed immediately to the Federal Circuit on
appeal. The Court, however, has permitted us to file additional invalidity motions.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we
infringe any of the 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 user-friendly
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.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
In 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. (Broadcast Innovation) filed a lawsuit against us,
EchoStar, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in United States District Court in
Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the 094
patent) and 4,992,066 (the 066 patent). The 094 patent relates to certain methods and devices
for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The
066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay
television system on removable cards. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast
Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.
During 2004, the judge issued an order finding the 066 patent invalid. Also in 2004, the Court
found the 094 patent invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and
Comcast. In 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned the 094
patent finding of invalidity and remanded the Charter case back to the District Court. During June
2006, Charter filed a reexamination request with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The Court has stayed the Charter case pending reexamination, and our case has been stayed pending
resolution of the Charter case.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we
infringe any of the 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 user-friendly
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.
Channel Bundling Class Action
On September 21, 2007, a purported class of cable and satellite subscribers filed an antitrust
action against us in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The
suit also names as defendants DirecTV, Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Inc., Time
Warner Cable, NBC Universal, Viacom, Fox Entertainment Group, and Walt Disney Company. The suit
alleges, among other things, that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to provide customers with
access only to bundled channel offerings as opposed to giving customers the ability to purchase
channels on an a la carte basis. We filed a motion to dismiss, which the Court denied in July
2008. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty
the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Enron Commercial Paper Investment
During October 2001, we received approximately $40 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper
to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November
2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of
New York against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enrons commercial
paper. The complaint alleges that Enrons October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a
fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations.
We typically invest in commercial paper and notes that are rated in one of the four highest rating
categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of
our
18
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and low risk. On April
7, 2009, we settled the litigation for an immaterial amount.
ESPN
On January 30, 2008, we filed a lawsuit against ESPN, Inc., ESPN Classic, Inc., ABC Cable Networks
Group, Soapnet L.L.C., and International Family Entertainment (collectively ESPN) for breach of
contract in New York State Supreme Court. Our complaint alleges that ESPN failed to provide us
with certain high-definition feeds of the Disney Channel, ESPN News, Toon, and ABC Family. ESPN
asserted a counterclaim, and then filed a motion for summary judgment, alleging that we owed
approximately $35 million under the applicable affiliation agreements. We brought a motion
to amend our complaint to assert that ESPN
was in breach of certain most-favored-nation provisions under the affiliation agreements. On April
15, 2009, the trial court granted our motion to amend the complaint, and granted, in part, ESPNs
motion on the counterclaim, finding that we are liable for some of the amount alleged to be
owing but that the actual amount owing is disputed and will have to be determined at a later date. We will
appeal the partial grant of ESPNs motion. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot
predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any
potential liability or damages.
Finisar Corporation
Finisar Corporation (Finisar) obtained a $100 million verdict in the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Texas against DirecTV for patent infringement. Finisar alleged that
DirecTVs electronic program guide and other elements of its system infringe United States Patent
No. 5,404,505 (the 505 patent).
In July 2006, we and EchoStar, together with NagraStar LLC, filed a Complaint for Declaratory
Judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Finisar that asks
the Court to declare that we do not infringe, and have not infringed, any valid claim of the 505
patent. During April 2008, the Federal Circuit reversed the judgment against DirecTV and ordered a
new trial. Our case is stayed until the DirecTV action is resolved.
We intend to vigorously prosecute this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that
we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble
damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to modify our system architecture. We cannot
predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any
potential liability or damages.
Global Communications
On April 19, 2007, Global Communications, Inc. (Global) filed a patent infringement action
against us and EchoStar in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The
suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,947,702 (the 702 patent), which relates to
satellite reception. On October 24, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted
our request for reexamination of the 702 patent and issued an Office Action finding that all of
the claims of the 702 patent were invalid. At the request of the parties, the District Court
stayed the litigation until the reexamination proceeding is concluded and/or other Global patent
applications issue.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we
infringe the 702 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 user-friendly
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.
19
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Guardian Media
On December 22, 2008, Guardian Media Technologies LTD (Guardian) filed suit against us, EchoStar,
EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., DirecTV and several other defendants in the United States District
Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos.
4,930,158 and 4,930,160. Both patents are expired and relate to certain parental lock features.
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. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or
determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Katz Communications
On June 21, 2007, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. (Katz) filed a patent infringement
action against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The
suit alleges infringement of 19 patents owned by Katz. The patents relate to interactive voice
response, or IVR, technology.
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
user-friendly 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.
Multimedia Patent Trust
On February 13, 2009, Multimedia Patent Trust (MPT) filed suit against us, EchoStar, DirecTV and
several other defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,958,226, 5,227,878, 5,136,377,
5,500,678 and 5,563,593, which relate to video encoding, decoding and compression technology.
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.
Personalized Media Communications
In February 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. filed suit against us, EchoStar and
Motorola, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging
infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,694,490, 5,109,414, 4,965,825, 5,233,654, 5,335,277,
and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing.
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
user-friendly 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.
20
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
Retailer Class Actions
During 2000, lawsuits were filed by retailers in Colorado state and federal courts attempting to
certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting
the Courts declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the
retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge
backs, and other compensation. We have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The federal court
action has been stayed during the pendency of the state court action. We filed a motion for
summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for
additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The state court
granted limited discovery which ended during 2004. The plaintiffs claimed we did not provide
adequate disclosure during the discovery process. The state court agreed, and denied our motion
for summary judgment as a result. In April 2008, the state court granted plaintiffs class
certification motion and in January 2009, the state court entered an order excluding certain
evidence that we can present at trial based on the prior discovery issues. The state court also
denied plaintiffs request to dismiss our counterclaims. The final impact of the courts
evidentiary ruling cannot be fully assessed at this time. We intend to vigorously defend this
case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the lawsuit or determine the
extent of any potential liability or damages.
Technology Development Licensing
On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing LLC (TechDev) filed suit against us and
EchoStar in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging
infringement of United States Patent No. 35, 952, which relates to certain favorite channel
features.
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
user-friendly 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.
Tivo Inc.
On January 31, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and
reversed in part the April 2006 jury verdict concluding that certain of our digital video
recorders, or DVRs, infringed a patent held by Tivo. In accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (SFAS 5), we previously recorded a
total reserve of $132 million on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the April
2006 jury verdict, supplemental damages and pre-judgment interest awarded by the Texas court. This
amount also includes the estimated cost of any software infringement prior to implementation of our
alternative technology, discussed below, plus interest subsequent to the jury verdict. In its
January 2008 decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed the jurys verdict of infringement on Tivos
software claims, upheld the award of damages from the District Court, and ordered that the stay
of the District Courts injunction against us, which was issued pending appeal, be dissolved when
the appeal becomes final. The Federal Circuit, however, found that we did not literally infringe
Tivos hardware claims, and remanded such claims back to the District Court for further
proceedings. On October 6, 2008, the Supreme Court denied our petition for certiorari. As a
result, approximately $105 million of the total $132 million reserve was released from an escrow
account to Tivo.
We have developed and deployed next-generation DVR software to our customers DVRs. This
improved software is fully operational and has been automatically downloaded to current customers
(our alternative technology). We have written legal opinions from outside counsel that conclude
that our alternative technology does not infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents,
either the hardware or software claims of Tivos patent. Tivo has filed a motion for contempt
alleging that we are in violation of the Courts injunction. We have vigorously opposed the motion
arguing that the Courts injunction does not apply to DVRs that have received our
21
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
alternative technology, that our alternative technology does not infringe Tivos patent, and that
we are in compliance with the injunction. An evidentiary hearing on Tivos motion for contempt was
held mid-February 2009, the parties have submitted their post-trial briefs and we are now
awaiting a ruling from the Court. In January 2009, the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) granted
our Petition for Re-Examination of the software claims of Tivos 389 patent, which are the subject
of Tivos current motion for contempt. The PTO found that there is a substantial new question of
patentability as to the software claims in light of prior patents that appear to render Tivos 389
patent invalid as obvious.
If we are unsuccessful in defending against Tivos motion for contempt or any subsequent claim that
our alternative technology infringes Tivos patent, we could be prohibited from distributing DVRs,
or could be required to modify or eliminate certain user-friendly DVR features that we currently
offer to consumers. In that event we would be at a significant disadvantage to our competitors who
could offer this functionality and, while we would attempt to provide that functionality through
other manufacturers, the adverse affect on our business could be material. We could also have to
pay substantial additional damages.
Voom
On May 28, 2008, Voom HD Holdings (Voom) filed a complaint against us in New York Supreme Court.
The suit alleges breach of contract arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement we
had with Voom for the carriage of certain Voom HD channels on the DISH Network satellite television
service. In January 2008, Voom sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the
agreement. The Court denied Vooms motion, finding, among other things, that Voom was not likely
to prevail on the merits of its case. Voom is claiming over $1.0 billion in damages. We intend to
vigorously defend this case. 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 business, including among other things, disputes with
programmers regarding fees. 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.
11. Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Equipment leased to customers |
|
$ |
192,568 |
|
|
$ |
212,279 |
|
Satellites |
|
|
19,882 |
|
|
|
26,451 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other |
|
|
9,297 |
|
|
|
28,237 |
|
Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization |
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
4,331 |
|
Buildings and improvements |
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
223,293 |
|
|
$ |
272,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) do not include depreciation expense
related to satellites or equipment leased to customers.
22
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
12. Related Party Transactions with EchoStar
Following the Spin-off, EchoStar has operated as a separate public company and we have no continued
ownership interest in EchoStar. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares
of both companies is owned beneficially by our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Charles W. Ergen.
EchoStar is our primary supplier of set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations and our key
supplier of transponder leasing. Generally the prices charged for products and services provided
under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off are based on pricing equal to
EchoStars cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which will vary depending on
the nature of the products and services provided. Prior to the Spin-off, these products were
provided and services were performed internally at cost.
In connection with the Spin-off, we and EchoStar also entered into certain transitional services
agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain services and rights from EchoStar, EchoStar obtains
certain services and rights from us, and we and EchoStar have indemnified each other against
certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. Subsequent to the Spin-off, we also
entered into certain agreements with EchoStar and may enter into additional agreements with
EchoStar in the future. The following is a summary of the terms of the principal agreements that
we have entered into with EchoStar that may have an impact on our results of operations.
Equipment sales EchoStar
Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. We entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with
EchoStar under which EchoStar has the right to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories
from us for a two-year period ending, January 1, 2010. Under the remanufactured receiver
agreement, EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and
accessories from us at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the
equipment purchased. EchoStar may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason
upon sixty days written notice to us. We may also terminate this agreement if certain entities
acquire us.
Transitional services and other revenue EchoStar
Transition Services Agreement. We entered into a transition services agreement with EchoStar
pursuant to which EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services
from us: finance, information technology, benefits administration, travel and event coordination,
human resources, human resources development (training), program management, internal audit and
corporate quality, legal, accounting and tax, and other support services. The fees for the
services provided under the transition services agreement are cost plus a fixed margin, which
varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The transition services agreement has a
term of two years ending on January 1, 2010. EchoStar may terminate the transition services
agreement with respect to a particular service for any reason upon thirty days prior written
notice.
Management Services Agreement. We entered into a management services agreement with EchoStar
pursuant to which we make certain of our officers available to provide services (which are
primarily legal and accounting services) to EchoStar. Specifically, Bernard L. Han, R. Stanton
Dodge and Paul W. Orban remain employed by us, but also serve as EchoStars Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Senior
Vice President and Controller, respectively. EchoStar makes payments to us based upon an allocable
portion of the personnel costs and expenses incurred by us with respect to such officers (taking
into account wages and fringe benefits). These allocations are based upon the estimated
percentages of time to be spent by our executive officers performing services for EchoStar under
the management services agreement. EchoStar also reimburses us for direct out-of-pocket costs
incurred by us for management services provided to EchoStar. We and EchoStar evaluate all charges
for reasonableness at least annually and make any adjustments to these charges as we and EchoStar
mutually agree upon.
The management services agreement is for a one year period commencing on January 1, 2008, and will
be renewed automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier (i)
by EchoStar at any time upon
23
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
at least 30 days prior written notice, (ii) by us at the end of any renewal term, upon at least
180 days prior notice; or (iii) by us upon written notice to EchoStar, following certain changes
in control.
Real Estate Lease Agreement. During 2008, we subleased space at 185 Varick Street, New York, New
York to EchoStar for a period of approximately seven years. The rent on a per square foot basis
for this sublease was comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in
the same geographic area at the time of the sublease, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion
of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises.
Packout Services Agreement. We entered into a packout services agreement with EchoStar, whereby
EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to engage us to package and ship satellite
receivers to customers that are not associated with us. The fees charged by us for the services
provided under the packout services agreement are equal to our cost plus a fixed margin, which
varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided. The original one year term
of the packout services agreement was extended for an additional one year term and expires on
December 31, 2009. EchoStar may terminate this agreement for any reason upon sixty days prior
written notice to us. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, EchoStar will be
entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to us for the services.
Satellite and transmission expenses EchoStar
Broadcast Agreement. We entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which EchoStar provides us
broadcast services, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel
origination, and channel management services for a two year period ending on January 1, 2010. We
have the right, but not the obligation, to extend the broadcast agreement annually for up to two
years. We have exercised our right to renew this agreement for an additional year. We may
terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without
any liability upon sixty days written notice to EchoStar. If we terminate teleport services for a
reason other than EchoStars breach, we must pay EchoStar the aggregate amount of the remainder of
the expected cost of providing the teleport services.
Satellite Capacity Agreements. We entered into satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we
lease satellite capacity on satellites owned or leased by EchoStar. The fees for the services to
be provided under the satellite capacity agreements are based on spot market prices for similar
satellite capacity and depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the satellite and
the frequency on which the satellite provides services. Generally, each satellite capacity
agreement will terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life or replacement of the satellite;
(ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date that the transponder on which service is being
provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) January 1, 2010.
Nimiq 5 Lease Agreement. During March 2008, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service
agreement with Bell TV, to receive service on 16 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the
72.7 degree orbital location. The Nimiq 5 satellite is expected to be launched in the second half
of 2009. Bell TV currently has the right to receive service on the entire communications capacity
of the Nimiq 5 satellite pursuant to an agreement with Telesat Canada. During March 2008, EchoStar
also entered into a transponder service agreement (Nimiq 5 Transponder Agreement) with us,
pursuant to which we will receive service from EchoStar on all of the DBS transponders covered by
EchoStars satellite service agreement with Bell TV. We have guaranteed certain obligations of
EchoStar under the Nimiq 5 Transponder Agreement.
Under the terms of the Nimiq 5 Transponder Agreement, we will make certain monthly payments to
EchoStar commencing when the Nimiq 5 satellite is placed into service and continuing through the
service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the Nimiq 5 Transponder
Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date it is placed in service. Upon
expiration of the initial term we have the option to renew the Nimiq 5 Transponder Agreement on a
year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon a launch failure,
in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we
have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.
24
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. During November 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite
service agreement with SES, which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to
EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite expected to be placed in
service at the 77 degree orbital location. During November 2008, EchoStar also entered into a
transponder service agreement (QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement) with us pursuant to which we
will receive service from EchoStar on 24 of the DBS transponders.
Under the terms of the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, we will make certain monthly payments to
EchoStar commencing when the QuetzSat-1 satellite is placed into service and continuing through the
service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the QuetzSat-1
Transponder Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the actual service
commencement date. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the QuetzSat-1
Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite.
Upon a launch failure, in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain
other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement
satellite.
TT&C Agreement. We entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) agreement pursuant to
which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for a two year period ending on January 1, 2010. DISH
Network has the right, but not the obligation, to extend the agreement annually for up to two
years. We have exercised our right to renew this agreement for an additional year. The fees for
the services provided under the TT&C agreement are cost plus a fixed margin. We may terminate the
TT&C agreement for any reason upon sixty days prior written notice.
Satellite Procurement Agreement. We entered into a satellite procurement agreement pursuant to
which we have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of
procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network. The satellite procurement agreement has a two
year term expiring on January 1, 2010. The fees for the services to be provided under the
satellite procurement agreement are cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature
of the services provided. We may terminate the satellite procurement agreement for any reason upon
sixty days prior written notice.
Cost of sales subscriber promotion subsidies EchoStar
Receiver Agreement. EchoStar is currently our sole supplier of set-top box receivers. During the
three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we purchased set-top box and other equipment from
EchoStar totaling $320 million and $372 million,
respectively. Of these amounts, $24 million and
$31 million are included in Cost of sales subscriber promotion subsidies EchoStar on our
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three
months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The remaining amount is included in
Inventories, net and Property and equipment, net on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Under our receiver agreement with EchoStar, we have the right but not the obligation to purchase
digital set-top boxes and related accessories, and other equipment from EchoStar for a two year
period ending on January 1, 2010. We also have the right, but
not the obligation, to extend the receiver agreement annually for up to two years. We have exercised our right to renew this agreement for an
additional year. The receiver agreement allows us to purchase receivers and accessories from
EchoStar at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment
purchased. Additionally, EchoStar provides us with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods
sold under the receiver agreement. We may terminate the receiver agreement for any reason upon
sixty days written notice to EchoStar. EchoStar may terminate the receiver agreement if certain
entities were to acquire us. The receiver agreement also includes an indemnification provision,
whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters.
General and administrative EchoStar
Product Support Agreement. We entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which we have
the right, but not the obligation to receive product support from EchoStar (including certain
engineering and technical support services) for all digital set-top boxes and related accessories
that EchoStar has previously sold and in the future sells to us. The fees for the services
provided under the product support agreement are 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 receivers and related accessories, unless terminated earlier. We may terminate the
product support
25
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Continued
(Unaudited)
agreement for any reason upon sixty days prior written notice. In the event of an early
termination of this agreement, we are entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to EchoStar
for the services.
Real Estate Lease Agreements. We entered into certain lease agreements with EchoStar. 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, and EchoStar 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 of two years ending on January 1, 2010.
Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood,
Colorado, is for a period of two years ending on January 1, 2010 with annual renewal options
for up to three additional years.
Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado,
is for a period of two years ending on January 1, 2010 with annual renewal options for up to
three additional years.
Gilbert Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert,
Arizona, is for a period of two years ending on January 1, 2010 with annual renewal options
for up to three additional years.
EDN Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta,
Georgia, is for a period of three years, ending on April 30, 2011.
Services Agreement. We entered into a services agreement pursuant to which we have the right, but
not the obligation, to receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar.
The fees for the services provided under this services agreement are cost plus a fixed margin,
which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. This agreement has a term of two
years ending on January 1, 2010. We may terminate the services agreement with respect to a
particular service for any reason upon sixty days prior written notice.
Other Agreements EchoStar
Tax Sharing Agreement. We entered into a tax sharing agreement with EchoStar 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, will be borne by us, and we will indemnify EchoStar for such taxes. However, we will not
be liable for and will not indemnify EchoStar 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 Code because of (i) a direct or indirect
acquisition of any of EchoStars stock, stock options or assets, (ii) any action that EchoStar
takes or fails to take or (iii) any action that EchoStar takes that is inconsistent with the
information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private
letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect
to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, EchoStar will be solely liable for,
and will indemnify us for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The
tax sharing agreement terminates after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of
limitations including extensions or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or
performed.
26
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations together with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the financial
statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report. This managements discussion and analysis
is intended to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial
condition and results of our operations and contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based
on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and
future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated
by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, under the caption Item 1A. Risk
Factors.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overview
DISH Networks subscriber base decreased by 94,000 subscribers during the three months ended March
31, 2009. Factors common to the pay-TV industry, as well as factors that were specific to DISH
Network, each continued to contribute to this decline.
The current overall economic environment has negatively impacted many industries including
ours. In addition, the overall growth rate in the pay-TV industry has slowed in recent years as
the penetration of pay-TV households approaches 90%. Within this maturing industry, competition
has intensified with the rapid growth of fiber-based pay-TV services offered by telecommunications
companies. Furthermore, new internet protocol television (IPTV) products/services have begun to
impact the pay-TV industry and such products/services will become more viable competition over time
as their quality improves. In spite of these factors that have impacted the entire pay-TV
industry, certain of our competitors have been able to achieve relatively strong results in the
current environment.
While economic factors have impacted the entire pay-TV industry, our relative performance has been
mostly driven by issues specific to DISH Network. In recent years, DISH Networks position as the
low cost provider in the pay-TV industry has been eroded by increasingly aggressive promotional
pricing used by our competitors to attract new subscribers and similarly aggressive promotions and
tactics used to retain existing subscribers. Some competitors have been especially aggressive and
effective in marketing the value and quality of their service. Furthermore, our subscriber growth
has been adversely affected by signal theft and other forms of fraud and by operational
inefficiencies at DISH Network. We have not always met our own standards for performing high
quality installations, effectively resolving customer issues when they arise, answering customer
calls in an acceptable timeframe, effectively communicating with our subscriber base, reducing
calls driven by the complexity of our business, improving the reliability of certain systems and
subscriber equipment, and aligning the interests of certain third party retailers and installers to
provide high quality service.
Our distribution relationship with AT&T was a substantial contributor to our gross and net
subscriber additions over the past several years, accounting for approximately 17% of our gross
subscriber additions for the year ended December 31, 2008. This distribution relationship ended on
January 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, AT&T contributed 5% of our gross
subscriber additions. AT&T has entered into a new distribution relationship with DirecTV. It may
be difficult for us to develop alternative distribution channels that will fully replace AT&T and
if we are unable to do so, our gross and net subscriber additions may be further impacted, our
subscriber churn may increase, and our results of operations may be adversely affected. In
addition, approximately one million of our current subscribers were acquired through our
distribution relationship with AT&T and subscribers acquired through this channel have historically
churned at a higher rate than our overall subscriber base. Although AT&T is not permitted to
target these subscribers for transition to another pay-TV service and we and AT&T are required to
maintain bundled billing and cooperative customer service for these subscribers, these subscribers
may still churn at higher than historical rates following termination of the AT&T distribution
relationship.
We have been investing more in advanced technology equipment as part of our subscriber acquisition
and retention efforts. Recent initiatives to transmit certain programming only in MPEG-4 and to
activate certain new subscribers only with MPEG-4 receivers have accelerated our deployment of
MPEG-4 receivers. To meet current demand, we have increased the rate at which we upgrade existing
subscribers to HD and DVR receivers. While these efforts
27
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|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
may increase our subscriber acquisition and retention costs, we believe that they will help reduce
subscriber churn and costs over the long run.
We have also been changing equipment for certain subscribers to free up satellite bandwidth in
support of HD and other initiatives. We expect to implement these initiatives at least through the
first half of 2009. We believe that the benefit from the increase in available satellite bandwidth
outweighs the short-term cost of these equipment changes.
To combat signal theft and improve the security of our broadcast system, we are in the process of
replacing our security access devices and expect this initiative to last through the first half of
2009. To combat other forms of fraud, we have taken a wide range of actions including terminating
retailers that we believe were in violation of DISH Networks business rules. While these
initiatives may inconvenience our subscribers and disrupt our distribution channels in the
short-term, we believe that the long-term benefits will outweigh the costs.
To address our operational inefficiency, we continue to make significant investments in staffing,
training, information systems, and other initiatives, primarily in our call center and in-home
service businesses. These investments are intended to help combat inefficiencies introduced by the
increasing complexity of our business, improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, increase
productivity, and allow us to scale better over the long run. We cannot, however, be certain that
our increased spending will ultimately be successful in yielding such returns. In the meantime, we
may continue to incur higher costs as a result of both our operational inefficiencies and increased
spending.
Over the long run, we will use Slingbox placeshifting technology and other technologies to
maintain and enhance our competitiveness. We may also partner with or acquire companies whose
lines of business are complementary to ours should attractive opportunities arise.
The adoption of the above measures has contributed to higher expenses and lower margins. While we
believe that the increased costs will be outweighed by longer-term benefits, there can be no
assurance when or if we will realize these benefits at all. Programming costs represent a large
percentage of our Subscriber-related expenses. As a result, our margins may face further
downward pressure from price escalations in current contracts and the renewal of long-term
programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms.
Liquidity Drivers
Like many companies, we make general investments in property such as satellites, information
technology, and facilities that support our overall business. As a subscriber-based company,
however, we also make customer-specific investments to acquire new subscribers and retain existing subscribers.
While the general investments may be deferred without impacting the business in the short-term, the
customer-specific investments are less discretionary. Our overall objective is to generate sufficient cash flow over the
life of each subscriber in order to provide an adequate return against the upfront investment.
Once the upfront investment has been made for each subscriber, the subsequent cash flow is
generally positive.
From a company standpoint, there are a number of factors that impact our future cash flow compared
to the cash flow we generate at a given point in time. The first factor is how successful we are
at retaining our current subscribers. As we lose subscribers from our existing base, the positive
cash flow from that base is correspondingly reduced. The second factor is how successful we are at
maintaining our subscriber-related margins. To the extent our Subscriber-related expenses
grow faster than our Subscriber-related revenue, the amount of cash flow that is generated per
existing subscriber is reduced. The third factor is the rate at which we acquire new subscribers.
The faster we acquire new subscribers, the more our positive ongoing cash flow from existing
subscribers is offset by the negative upfront cash flow associated with new subscribers. Finally,
our future cash flow is impacted by the rate at which we make general investments and any cash flow
from financing activities.
28
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|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
As our business has slowed due to the external and internal factors previously discussed, the
biggest impact to our cash flow has been a reduction in customer-specific investments to acquire
new subscribers. While fewer subscribers might translate into lower ongoing cash flow in the
long-term, cash flow is actually aided in the short-term by the reduction in customer-specific
investment spending. As a result, a slow down in our business due to external or internal factors
does not introduce the same level of short-term liquidity risk as it might in other industries.
Availability of Credit and Effect on Liquidity
While the ability to raise capital has generally existed for DISH Network even during the recent
market turmoil, the cost of such capital has not been as attractive as in prior periods. Because
of the cash flow situation of our company and the absence of any material debt payments over the
next two years, the higher cost of capital will not impact our
current operations. However, we might be
less likely than we would otherwise be to pursue initiatives which could increase shareholder value
over the long run, such as making strategic investments, prepaying debt, or buying back our own
stock. Alternatively, if we decided to still pursue such initiatives, the cost of doing so would
be greater. Currently, we have no existing lines of credit, nor have we historically.
Future Liquidity
The most material trends that we experienced in 2008, being the net loss of subscribers and the
reduction in subscriber-related margins, have continued into the first quarter of 2009. We lost
102,000 net subscribers in 2008 and an additional 94,000 net subscribers in the first quarter of
2009. Our AT&T agreement expired on February 1, 2009 but we continued to activate new subscribers
that had ordered DISH Network service through AT&T prior to February 1st through the end
of February. Our Subscriber-related expenses as a percentage of Subscriber-related revenue
grew from 51.4% to 52.2% in 2008 and reached 54.1% in the first quarter of 2009. Our
Subscriber-related expenses continued to be negatively impacted by initiatives to retain
subscribers, free up transponder capacity, and improve customer service. Uncertainties about these
trends may impact our cash flow and results of operations but, as discussed above, are unlikely to
impact current operations.
The Spin-off
On January 1, 2008, we completed the separation of the assets and businesses we historically owned
and operated into two companies (the Spin-off):
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DISH Network Corporation which retained its DISH Network® subscription television
business, and |
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|
EchoStar Corporation (EchoStar) which sells equipment, including set-top boxes and
related components, to DISH Network and international customers, and provides digital
broadcast operations and satellite services to DISH Network and other customers. |
DISH Network and EchoStar now operate as separate publicly traded companies, and neither entity has
any ownership interest in the other. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of both
companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into certain agreements with
EchoStar to define responsibility for obligations relating to, among other things, set-top box
sales, transition services, taxes, employees and intellectual property, which impact several of our
key operating metrics. Subsequent to the Spin-off, we have entered into certain other agreements with
EchoStar and may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future.
29
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Item 2. |
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS
Subscriber-related revenue. Subscriber-related revenue consists principally of revenue from
basic, movie, local, pay-per-view, Latino and international subscription television services,
equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs and additional
outlet fees from subscribers with multiple receivers, advertising services, fees earned from our
DishHOME Protection Plan, equipment upgrade fees, HD programming and other subscriber revenue.
Certain of the amounts included in Subscriber-related revenue are not recurring on a monthly
basis.
Equipment sales and other revenue. Equipment sales and other revenue principally includes the
unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other third-party distributors of our
equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers.
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue EchoStar. Equipment sales,
transitional services and other revenue EchoStar includes revenue related to equipment sales,
and transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar associated with the Spin-off.
Subscriber-related expenses. Subscriber-related expenses principally include programming
expenses, costs incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, billing
costs, refurbishment and repair costs related to receiver systems, subscriber retention and other
variable subscriber expenses.
Satellite and transmission expenses EchoStar. Satellite and transmission expenses EchoStar
includes the cost of digital broadcast operations provided to us by EchoStar, including satellite
uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and
control and other professional services. In addition, this category includes the cost of leasing
satellite and transponder capacity on satellites from EchoStar.
Satellite and transmission expenses other. Satellite and transmission expenses other
includes executory costs associated with capital leases and costs associated with transponder
leases and other related services.
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales. Equipment, transitional services and
other cost of sales principally includes the cost of unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to
retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers. In
addition, this category includes costs related to equipment sales, transitional services and other
agreements with EchoStar associated with the Spin-off.
Subscriber acquisition costs. In addition to leasing receivers, we generally subsidize
installation and all or a portion of the cost of our receiver systems in order to attract new DISH
Network subscribers. Our Subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of these receiver systems
sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment, the cost of these receiver systems sold
directly by us to subscribers, net costs related to our promotional incentives, and costs related
to installation and acquisition advertising. We exclude the value of equipment capitalized under
our lease program for new subscribers from Subscriber acquisition costs.
SAC. Management believes subscriber acquisition cost measures are commonly used by those
evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry. We are not aware of any uniform standards for
calculating the average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation, or SAC, and
we believe presentations of SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the
same or similar businesses. Our SAC is calculated as Subscriber acquisition costs, plus the
value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers, divided by gross
subscriber additions. We include all the costs of acquiring subscribers (e.g., subsidized and
capitalized equipment) as our management believes it is a more comprehensive measure of how much we
are spending to acquire subscribers. We also include all new DISH Network subscribers in our
calculation, including DISH Network subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition
costs.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consists primarily of
employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems,
accounting and finance, including non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. It also includes
outside professional fees (e.g., legal, information systems and accounting services) and other
items associated with facilities and administration.
30
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Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
primarily includes interest expense, prepayment premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs
associated with our senior debt and convertible subordinated debt securities (net of capitalized
interest) and interest expense associated with our capital lease obligations.
Other, net. The main components of Other, net are unrealized gains and losses from changes in
fair value of non-marketable strategic investments accounted for at fair value, equity in earnings
and losses of our affiliates, gains and losses realized on the sale of investments, and impairment
of marketable and non-marketable investment securities.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). EBITDA is defined as
Net income (loss) plus Interest expense net of Interest income, Taxes and Depreciation and
amortization. This non-GAAP measure is reconciled to net income (loss) in our discussion of
Results of Operations below.
DISH Network subscribers. We include customers obtained through direct sales, and third-party
retailers and other distribution relationships in our DISH Network subscriber count. We also
provide DISH Network service to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts. For certain of these
commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by an amount
approximately equal to the retail price of our Classic Bronze 100 programming package (but taking
into account, periodically, price changes and other factors), and include the resulting number,
which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our DISH
Network subscriber count. Previously, our end of period DISH Network subscriber count was rounded
down to the nearest five thousand. However, beginning December 31, 2008, we round to the nearest
one thousand.
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU). We are not aware of any uniform standards for
calculating ARPU and believe presentations of ARPU may not be calculated consistently by other
companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate average monthly revenue per subscriber,
or ARPU, by dividing average monthly Subscriber-related revenue for the period (total
Subscriber-related revenue during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by
our average DISH Network subscribers for the period. Average DISH Network subscribers are
calculated for the period by adding the average DISH Network subscribers for each month and
dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers for each month
are calculated by adding the beginning and ending DISH Network subscribers for the month and
dividing by two.
Subscriber churn rate. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriber churn
rate and believe presentations of subscriber churn rates may not be calculated consistently by
different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate subscriber churn rate for any
period by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminated service during the period
by the average monthly DISH Network subscribers during the period, and further dividing by the
number of months in the period. When calculating subscriber churn, as is the case when calculating
ARPU, the number of subscribers in a given month is based on the average of the beginning-of-month
and the end-of-month subscriber counts.
Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as Net cash flows from operating activities less
Purchases of property and equipment, as shown on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows.
31
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Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
Variance |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
% |
|
Statements of Operations Data |
|
(In thousands) |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber-related revenue |
|
$ |
2,864,939 |
|
|
$ |
2,810,426 |
|
|
$ |
54,513 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
Equipment sales and other revenue |
|
|
32,346 |
|
|
|
25,052 |
|
|
|
7,294 |
|
|
|
29.1 |
|
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue
EchoStar |
|
|
8,036 |
|
|
|
8,916 |
|
|
|
(880 |
) |
|
|
(9.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
2,905,321 |
|
|
|
2,844,394 |
|
|
|
60,927 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber-related expenses |
|
|
1,550,078 |
|
|
|
1,444,641 |
|
|
|
105,437 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
|
54.1 |
% |
|
|
51.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Satellite and transmission expenses EchoStar |
|
|
80,757 |
|
|
|
78,253 |
|
|
|
2,504 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Satellite and transmission expenses Other |
|
|
7,021 |
|
|
|
7,664 |
|
|
|
(643 |
) |
|
|
(8.4 |
) |
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
|
0.2 |
% |
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales |
|
|
40,499 |
|
|
|
31,814 |
|
|
|
8,685 |
|
|
|
27.3 |
|
Subscriber acquisition costs |
|
|
292,203 |
|
|
|
374,956 |
|
|
|
(82,753 |
) |
|
|
(22.1 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
136,907 |
|
|
|
129,530 |
|
|
|
7,377 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
% of Total revenue |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
223,293 |
|
|
|
272,368 |
|
|
|
(49,075 |
) |
|
|
(18.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
2,330,758 |
|
|
|
2,339,226 |
|
|
|
(8,468 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
574,563 |
|
|
|
505,168 |
|
|
|
69,395 |
|
|
|
13.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
4,784 |
|
|
|
14,101 |
|
|
|
(9,317 |
) |
|
|
(66.1 |
) |
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
|
(83,937 |
) |
|
|
(89,812 |
) |
|
|
5,875 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
4,177 |
|
|
|
(7,028 |
) |
|
|
11,205 |
|
|
|
159.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense) |
|
|
(74,976 |
) |
|
|
(82,739 |
) |
|
|
7,763 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
499,587 |
|
|
|
422,429 |
|
|
|
77,158 |
|
|
|
18.3 |
|
Income tax (provision) benefit, net |
|
|
(186,903 |
) |
|
|
(163,846 |
) |
|
|
(23,057 |
) |
|
|
(14.1 |
) |
Effective tax rate |
|
|
37.4 |
% |
|
|
38.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
312,684 |
|
|
$ |
258,583 |
|
|
$ |
54,101 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions) |
|
|
13.584 |
|
|
|
13.815 |
|
|
|
(0.231 |
) |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions) |
|
|
0.653 |
|
|
|
0.730 |
|
|
|
(0.077 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions) |
|
|
(0.094 |
) |
|
|
0.035 |
|
|
|
(0.129 |
) |
|
NM |
Average monthly subscriber churn rate |
|
|
1.83 |
% |
|
|
1.68 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
8.9 |
|
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU) |
|
$ |
70.03 |
|
|
$ |
67.93 |
|
|
$ |
2.10 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Average subscriber acquisition cost per subscriber (SAC) |
|
$ |
659 |
|
|
$ |
709 |
|
|
$ |
(50 |
) |
|
|
(7.1 |
) |
EBITDA |
|
$ |
802,033 |
|
|
$ |
770,508 |
|
|
$ |
31,525 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
32
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|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
Overview. Revenue totaled $2.905 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of
$61 million or 2.1% compared to the same period in 2008. Net income totaled $313 million, an
increase of $54 million or 20.9%.
DISH Networks net new subscribers continued to decline during the quarter and Subscriber-related
expenses have continued to increase, negatively impacting our subscriber-related margins. Factors
common to the pay-TV industry, as well as factors that were specific to DISH Network, each
continued to contribute to this decline. Our Subscriber-related expenses continued to be
negatively impacted by initiatives to retain subscribers, free up transponder capacity, and improve
customer service.
DISH Network subscribers. As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately 13.584 million DISH Network
subscribers compared to approximately 13.815 million subscribers at March 31, 2008, a decrease of
1.7%. DISH Network added approximately 653,000 gross new subscribers for the three months ended
March 31, 2009, compared to approximately 730,000 gross new subscribers during the same period in
2008.
DISH Network lost approximately 94,000 net new subscribers for the three months ended March 31,
2009, compared to adding approximately 35,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2008.
This decrease primarily resulted from the decrease in gross new subscribers discussed above and an
increase in our subscriber churn rate. Our percentage monthly subscriber churn for the three
months ended March 31, 2009 was 1.83%, compared to 1.68% for the same period in 2008. Given the
increasingly competitive nature of our industry and the current weaker economic conditions,
especially the downturn in the financial and consumer markets, we may not be able to reduce churn
without significantly increasing our spending on customer retention incentives, which would have a
negative effect on our results of operations and free cash flow.
We believe our gross and net subscriber additions as well as our subscriber churn have been
negatively impacted by weaker economic conditions, aggressive promotional and retention offerings
by our competition, the loss of our distribution relationship with AT&T discussed below, the heavy
marketing of HD service by our competition, the growth of fiber-based and Internet-based pay TV
providers, signal theft and other forms of fraud, and operational inefficiencies at DISH Network.
We have not always met our own standards for performing high quality installations, effectively
resolving customer issues when they arise, answering customer calls in an acceptable timeframe,
effectively communicating with our customer base, reducing calls driven by the complexity of our
business, improving the reliability of certain systems and customer equipment, and aligning the
interests of certain third party retailers and installers to provide high quality service.
Most of these factors have affected both gross new subscriber additions as well as existing
subscriber churn. Our future gross subscriber additions and subscriber churn may continue to be
negatively impacted by these factors, which could in turn adversely affect our revenue growth.
Our distribution relationship with AT&T was a substantial contributor to our gross and net
subscriber additions over the past several years, accounting for approximately 17% of our gross
subscriber additions for the year ended December 31, 2008. This distribution relationship ended on
January 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, AT&T contributed 5% of our gross
subscriber additions. AT&T has entered into a new distribution relationship with DirecTV. It may
be difficult for us to develop alternative distribution channels that will fully replace AT&T and
if we are unable to do so, our gross and net subscriber additions may be further impacted, our
subscriber churn may increase, and our results of operations may be adversely affected. In
addition, approximately one million of our current subscribers were acquired through our
distribution relationship with AT&T and subscribers acquired through this channel have historically
churned at a higher rate than our overall subscriber base. Although AT&T is not permitted to
target these subscribers for transition to another pay-TV service and we and AT&T are required to
maintain bundled billing and cooperative customer service for these subscribers, these subscribers
may still churn at higher than historical rates following termination of the AT&T distribution
relationship.
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Network Subscriber-related revenue totaled $2.865 billion for
the three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $55 million or 1.9% compared to the same
period in 2008. This increase was primarily related to the increase in ARPU discussed below.
33
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|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
ARPU. Monthly average revenue per subscriber was $70.03 during the three months ended March 31,
2009 versus $67.93 during the same period in 2008. ARPU is driven by a number of factors
including, among other things, price increases and penetration rates of our programming and
hardware offerings. The $2.10 or 3.1% increase in ARPU was primarily attributable to price
increases in February 2009 and 2008 on some of our most popular programming packages and changes in
the sales mix toward HD programming packages and advanced hardware offerings. As a result of our
current promotions, which provide an incentive for subscribers to select HD programming packages and advanced
hardware offerings, we continue to see increased penetration in our HD programming and hardware
related fees, which include fees for DVRs, rental fees and fees earned from our DishHOME Protection
Plan. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in pay-per-view buys and premium movie
revenue.
Equipment sales and other revenue. Equipment sales and other revenue totaled $32 million during
the three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $7 million or 29.1% compared to the same
period during 2008. The increase in Equipment sales and other revenue primarily resulted from
the sales of digital converter boxes, which is a product line developed to support the digital
conversion scheduled for June 2009.
Subscriber-related expenses. Subscriber-related expenses totaled $1.550 billion during the three
months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $105 million or 7.3% compared to the same period 2008.
The increase in Subscriber-related expenses was primarily attributable to higher costs for: (i)
customer retention, (ii) call center and in-home service operations, and (iii) programming content,
partially offset by a non-recurring programming expense adjustment of approximately $27 million.
The increase in customer retention expense was primarily driven by more upgrading of existing
customers to HD and DVR receivers and the changing of equipment for certain subscribers to free up
satellite bandwidth in support of HD and other initiatives. We expect to implement the satellite
bandwidth initiatives at least through the first half of 2009. We believe that the benefit from
the increase in available satellite bandwidth outweighs the short-term cost of these equipment
changes. The increases related to call center and in-home service operations were driven in part
by our investments in staffing, training, information systems, and other initiatives. These
investments are intended to help combat inefficiencies introduced by the increasing complexity of
our business and technology, improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, increase productivity,
and allow us to better scale our business over the long run. We cannot, however, be certain that
our increased spending will ultimately yield these benefits. In the meantime, we may continue to
incur higher costs as a result of both our operational inefficiencies and increased spending. The
increase in programming content costs was primarily related to annual price escalation clauses in
certain of our programming contracts and the renewal of certain contracts at higher rates.
Subscriber-related expenses represented 54.1% and 51.4% of Subscriber-related revenue during
the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase in this expense to
revenue ratio primarily resulted from the increase in Subscriber-related expenses, partially
offset by an increase in ARPU.
In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts to purchase programming content in which
our payment obligations are fully contingent on the number of subscribers to whom we provide the
respective content. Our programming expenses will continue to increase to the extent we are
successful growing our subscriber base. In addition, our Subscriber-related expenses may face
further upward pressure from price escalations in current contracts and the renewal of long-term
programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms.
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales. Equipment, transitional services and
other cost of sales totaled $40 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase
of $9 million or 27.3% compared to the same period in 2008. The increase primarily resulted from
costs associated with the sales of digital converter boxes discussed above, and in charges for
defective, slow moving and obsolete inventory.
Subscriber acquisition costs. Subscriber acquisition costs totaled $292 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $83 million or 22.1% compared to the same period in
2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in gross new subscribers and the
decrease in SAC discussed below.
SAC. SAC was $659 during the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $709 during the same
period in 2008, a decrease of $50, or 7.1%. This decrease was primarily attributable to a shift in
the mix of sales from independent retailers to direct sales which resulted in lower incentives paid.
In addition, we spent less in advertising costs per subscriber acquisition during the period. The increase in
deployment of more advanced set-top boxes, such as HD receivers and HD DVRs, was in large part
offset by lower hardware costs for the same receiver model.
34
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|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the amount of equipment capitalized under
our lease program for new subscribers totaled $138 million and $143 million, respectively. This
decrease in capital expenditures under our lease program for new subscribers resulted primarily
from lower subscriber growth.
Capital expenditures resulting from our equipment lease program for new subscribers have been, and
are expected to continue to be, partially mitigated by, among other things, the redeployment of
equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers. However, to remain competitive we
upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the costs
associated with these upgrades may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render a
portion of our existing equipment obsolete, we would be unable to redeploy all returned equipment
and consequently would realize less benefit from the SAC reduction associated with redeployment of
that returned lease equipment.
Our SAC calculation does not reflect any benefit from payments we received in connection with
equipment not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers and returned equipment that is
made available for sale rather than being redeployed through our lease program. During the three
months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, these amounts totaled $38 million and $31 million,
respectively.
Several years ago, we began deploying receivers that utilize 8PSK modulation technology and
receivers that utilize MPEG-4 compression technology. These technologies, when fully deployed,
will allow more programming channels to be carried over our existing satellites. A majority of our
customers today, however, do not have receivers that use MPEG-4 compression and a smaller but still
significant percentage do not have receivers that use 8PSK modulation. We may choose to invest
significant capital to accelerate the conversion of customers to MPEG-4 and/or 8PSK in order to
realize the bandwidth benefits sooner. In addition, given that all of our HD content is broadcast
in MPEG-4, any growth in HD penetration will naturally accelerate our transition to these newer
technologies and may increase our subscriber acquisition and retention costs. All new receivers
that we purchase from EchoStar now have MPEG-4 technology. Although we continue to refurbish and
redeploy MPEG-2 receivers, as a result of our HD initiatives and current promotions, most new
customers in certain markets will be required to activate higher priced MPEG-4 technology. This
limits our ability to redeploy MPEG-2 receivers and, to the extent that our new promotion in
certain markets are successful, will accelerate the transition to MPEG-4 technology, resulting in
an adverse effect on our SAC.
Our Subscriber acquisition costs and SAC may materially increase in the future to the extent
that we transition to newer technologies, introduce more aggressive promotions, or provide greater
equipment subsidies. See further discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources Subscriber
Acquisition and Retention Costs.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses totaled $137 million
during the three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $7 million or 5.7% compared to the
same period in 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in personnel costs
and professional fees to support the DISH Network. General and administrative expenses
represented 4.7% and 4.6% of Total revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively. The increase in the ratio of the expenses to Total revenue was primarily
attributable to the changes in expenses discussed above.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $223 million during
the three months ended March 31, 2009, a $49 million or 18.0% decrease compared to the same period
in 2008. The decrease in Depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the decline
in depreciation expense related to set-top boxes used in our lease programs and the abandonment of
a software development project designed to support our IT systems during the three months ended
March 31, 2008. The decrease in expense related to set-top boxes resulted from an increase in the
number of fully-depreciated set-top boxes still in service and in the capitalization of new
advanced equipment which has a longer estimated useful life.
Interest income. Interest income totaled $5 million during the three months ended March 31,
2009, a decrease of $9 million compared to the same period in 2008. This decrease principally
resulted from lower cash and marketable
investment securities balances and total percentage returns earned on our cash and marketable
investment securities during the first quarter of 2009.
35
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA was $802 million during the
three months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $32 million or 4.1% compared to the same period
in 2008. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
802,033 |
|
|
$ |
770,508 |
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
79,153 |
|
|
|
75,711 |
|
Income tax provision (benefit), net |
|
|
186,903 |
|
|
|
163,846 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
223,293 |
|
|
|
272,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
312,684 |
|
|
$ |
258,583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States, or GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net
income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of
operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure
for those evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of
income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital
expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of
performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Income tax (provision) benefit, net. Our income tax provision was $187 million during the three
months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $23 million compared to the same period in 2008. The
increase in the provision was primarily related to the increase in Income (loss) before income
taxes partially offset by a decrease in the effective state tax rate due to changes in state
apportionment percentages.
Net income (loss). Net income was $313 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, an
increase of $54 million compared to $259 million for the same period in 2008. The increase was
primarily attributable to the changes in revenue and expenses discussed above.
36
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities
We consider all liquid investments purchased within 90 days of their maturity to be cash
equivalents. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for
further discussion regarding our marketable investment securities. As of March 31, 2009, our cash,
cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities totaled $1.169 billion compared to
$559 million as of December 31, 2008, an increase of $610 million. This increase in cash, cash
equivalents and current marketable investment securities was primarily related to an increase in
cash generated from operations, partially offset by capital expenditures, the repurchase of our
common stock and the repayment of debt.
The following discussion highlights our cash flow activities during the three months ended March
31, 2009.
Cash Flow
Cash flows from operating activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we reported net cash flows from operating activities of
$901 million. This amount includes net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization of $536
million and timing differences between book expense and cash payments related to income taxes of
$179 million, interest expense of $26 million and other differences related to operating expenses.
Cash flows from investing activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we reported net cash outflows from investing activities
of $713 million primarily related to net purchases of marketable investment securities of $461
million and for capital expenditures totaling $252 million, of which $239 million is associated
with our subscriber acquisition and retention lease programs. The remaining $13 million includes
$4 million of non-discretionary spending for satellite capital expenditures and $9 million of other
corporate capital expenditures.
Cash flows from financing activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we reported net cash outflows from financing activities
of $23 million resulting from common stock repurchases of $19 million and repayments of debt of $5
million.
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow as Net cash flows from operating activities less Purchases of property
and equipment, as shown on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We believe free
cash flow is an important liquidity metric because it measures, during a given period, the amount
of cash generated that is available to repay debt obligations, make investments, fund acquisitions
and for certain other activities. Free cash flow is not a measure determined in accordance with
GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for Operating income, Net income, Net cash
flows from operating activities or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Since
free cash flow includes investments in operating assets, we believe this non-GAAP liquidity measure
is useful in addition to the most directly comparable GAAP measure Net cash flows from operating
activities.
During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, free cash flow was significantly impacted by
changes in operating assets and liabilities as shown in the Net cash flows from operating
activities section of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included herein.
Operating asset and liability balances can fluctuate significantly from period to period and there
can be no assurance that free cash flow will not be negatively impacted by material changes in
operating assets and liabilities in future periods, since these changes depend upon, among other
things, managements timing of payments and control of inventory levels, and cash receipts. In
addition to fluctuations resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, free cash flow
can vary significantly from period to period depending upon, among other things, subscriber growth,
subscriber revenue, subscriber churn, subscriber acquisition
37
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
costs including amounts capitalized under our equipment lease programs, operating efficiencies,
increases or decreases in purchases of property and equipment and other factors.
The following table reconciles free cash flow to Net cash flows from operating activities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Free cash flow |
|
$ |
649,042 |
|
|
$ |
638,966 |
|
Add back: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
|
252,174 |
|
|
|
266,771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
$ |
901,216 |
|
|
$ |
905,737 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber Churn
DISH Network lost approximately 94,000 net subscribers for the three months ended March 31, 2009,
compared to adding approximately 35,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2008. This
decrease primarily resulted from the decrease in gross new subscribers and an increase in our
subscriber churn rate of 1.83% compared to 1.68% for the same period in 2008. See Results of
Operations above for further discussion.
Our distribution relationship with AT&T was a substantial contributor to our gross and net
subscriber additions over the past several years, accounting for approximately 17% of our gross
subscriber additions for the year ended December 31, 2008. This distribution relationship ended on
January 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, AT&T contributed 5% of our gross
subscriber additions. AT&T has entered into a new distribution relationship with DirecTV. It may
be difficult for us to develop alternative distribution channels that will fully replace AT&T and
if we are unable to do so, our gross and net subscriber additions may be further impacted, our
subscriber churn may increase, and our results of operations may be adversely affected. In
addition, approximately one million of our current subscribers were acquired through our
distribution relationship with AT&T and subscribers acquired through this channel have historically
churned at a higher rate than our overall subscriber base. Although AT&T is not permitted to
target these subscribers for transition to another pay-TV service and we and AT&T are required to
maintain bundled billing and cooperative customer service for these subscribers, these subscribers
may still churn at higher than historical rates following termination of the AT&T distribution
relationship.
Subscriber Acquisition and Retention Costs
We incur significant up-front costs to acquire subscribers, including advertising, retailer
incentives, equipment, installation, and new customer promotions. While we attempt to recoup these
up-front costs over the lives of their subscription, there can be no assurance that we will. We
deploy business rules such as higher credit requirements and contractual commitments, and we strive
to provide outstanding customer service, to increase the likelihood of customers keeping their DISH
Network service over longer periods of time. Our subscriber acquisition costs may vary
significantly from period to period.
We incur significant costs to retain our existing customers, mostly by upgrading their equipment to
HD and DVR receivers. As with our subscriber acquisition costs, our retention spending includes
the cost of equipment and installation. We also offer free programming and/or promotional pricing
for limited periods for existing customers in exchange for a commitment. A major component of our
retention efforts includes the installation of equipment for customers who move. Our subscriber
retention costs may vary significantly from period to period.
Satellites
Operation of our subscription television service requires that we have adequate satellite
transmission capacity for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions
require that we continue to expand our offering of new programming, particularly by expanding local
HD coverage and offering more HD national channels. While we generally have had in-orbit satellite
capacity sufficient to transmit our existing channels and some backup
38
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
capacity to recover the transmission of certain critical programming, our backup capacity is
limited. In the event of a failure or loss of any of our satellites, we may need to acquire or
lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other satellites and use it as a
replacement for the failed or lost satellite. Such a failure could result in a prolonged loss of
critical programming or a significant delay in our plans to expand programming as necessary to
remain competitive and cause us to expend a significant portion of our cash to acquire or lease
additional satellite capacity.
Security Systems
Increases in theft of our signal, or our competitors signals, could in addition to reducing new
subscriber activations, also cause subscriber churn to increase. We use microchips embedded in
credit card-sized access cards, called smart cards, or security chips in our receiver systems to
control access to authorized programming content (Security Access Devices). Our signal
encryption has been compromised in the past and may be compromised in the future even though we
continue to respond with significant investment in security measures, such as Security Access
Device replacement programs and updates in security software, that are intended to make signal
theft more difficult. It has been our prior experience that security measures may be only
effective for short periods of time or not at all and that we remain susceptible to additional
signal theft. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in reducing or controlling theft of
our programming content. During the third quarter of 2008, we began implementing a plan to replace
our existing Security Access Devices to re-secure our system, which is expected to take
approximately nine to twelve months to complete. We cannot assure you that we will be successful
in reducing or controlling theft of our programming content and we may incur additional costs in
the future if our Security Access Device replacement plan is not effective.
Stock Repurchases
Our board of directors previously authorized stock repurchases of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A
common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased 1.9 million shares of
our common stock for $19 million. As of March 31, 2009, we may repurchase up to $981 million under
this plan.
Other
We are also vulnerable to fraud, particularly in the acquisition of new subscribers. While we are
addressing the impact of subscriber fraud through a number of actions, including eliminating
certain payment options for subscribers, there can be no assurance that we will not continue to
experience fraud which could impact our subscriber growth and churn. The current economic downturn
may create greater incentive for signal theft and subscriber fraud, which could lead to higher
subscriber churn and reduced revenue.
Obligations and Future Capital Requirements
We expect to fund our future working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements
from cash generated from operations, existing cash and marketable investment securities balances,
and cash generated through new additional capital. The amount of capital required to fund our
future working capital and capital expenditure needs varies, depending on, among other things, the
rate at which we acquire new subscribers and the cost of subscriber acquisition and retention,
including capitalized costs associated with our new and existing subscriber equipment lease
programs. The amount of capital required will also depend on the levels of investment necessary to
support potential strategic initiatives, including our plans to expand our national and local HD
offerings and other strategic opportunities that may arise from time to time. Our capital
expenditures vary depending on the number of satellites leased or under construction at any point
in time, and could increase materially as a result of increased competition, significant satellite
failures, or continued general economic downturn. These factors could require that we raise
additional capital in the future.
From time to time we evaluate opportunities for strategic investments or acquisitions that may
complement our current services and products, enhance our technical capabilities, improve or
sustain our competitive position, or otherwise offer growth opportunities. We may make investments in or partner with others to expand
our business into mobile and portable video, data and voice services. Future material investments
or acquisitions may require that we obtain additional capital, assume third party debt or incur
other long-term obligations.
39
|
|
|
Item 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued |
We paid $712 million to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses, which were granted to us by the
FCC in February 2009. In order to commercialize these licenses and satisfy FCC build-out
requirements, we may be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others.
Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization and build-out, our investment could vary significantly.
Part or all of our licenses may be terminated for failure to satisfy FCC build-out requirements.
We currently plan to perform a market test to evaluate different technologies and consumer
acceptance over the next year.
Recent developments in the financial markets have made it more difficult for issuers of high yield
indebtedness, such as us, to access capital markets at acceptable terms. These developments may
have a significant effect on our cost of financing and our liquidity position.
A portion of our investment portfolio is invested in asset backed securities, auction rate
securities, mortgage backed securities, special investment vehicles and strategic investments and
as a result a portion of our portfolio has restricted liquidity. Liquidity in the markets for
these investments has been impacted in the past year and these market conditions have adversely
affected our liquidity. In addition, certain of these securities have defaulted or have been
materially downgraded, causing us to record impairment charges. If the credit ratings of these
securities further deteriorate or the lack of liquidity in the marketplace becomes prolonged, we
may be required to record further impairment charges. Moreover, the current significant volatility
of domestic and global financial markets has greatly affected the volatility and value of our
marketable investment securities. To the extent we require access to funds, we may need to sell
these securities under unfavorable market conditions, record further impairment charges and fall
short of our financing needs.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In general, we do not engage in off-balance sheet financing activities.
40
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments
Our investments and debt are exposed to market risks, discussed below.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities. As of March 31, 2009, our
restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and current and noncurrent marketable investment
securities had a fair value of $1.331 billion. Of that amount, a total of $1.227 billion was
invested in: (a) cash; (b) debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies; (c)
commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and
rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized
statistical rating organizations; and (d) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit
quality characteristics to the commercial paper described above. The primary purpose of these
investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to, among other
things, fund operations, make strategic investments and expand the business. Consequently, the
size of this portfolio fluctuates significantly as cash is received and used in our business. As
of March 31, 2009, all of the $1.227 billion was invested in fixed or variable rate instruments.
The value of these investments can be impacted by interest rate fluctuations, but while an increase
in interest rates would ordinarily adversely impact the fair value of fixed rate investments, we
normally hold these investments to maturity. Further, the value could be lowered by credit losses
should economic conditions worsen.
Auction Rate and Mortgage Backed Securities. As of March 31, 2009, we held investments in auction
rate securities (ARS) and mortgage backed securities (MBS) of $79 million, which are reported
at fair value. Recent events in the credit markets have reduced or eliminated current liquidity
for certain of our ARS and MBS investments. As a result, we classify these investments as
noncurrent assets as we intend to hold these investments until they recover or mature. A
hypothetical 10% adverse change in the price of these investments would result in an approximate $8
million decrease in the fair value of these investments.
Strategic Marketable Investment Securities. In general, our marketable investment securities
portfolio includes debt and equity of public companies we hold for strategic and financial
purposes. As of March 31, 2009, we held strategic and financial debt and equity investments of
public companies with a fair value of $24 million. These investments, which are concentrated in a
small number of companies, are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience
volatility. The fair value of our strategic and financial debt and equity investments can be
significantly impacted by the risk of adverse changes in securities markets generally, as well as
risks related to the performance of the companies whose securities we have invested in, risks
associated with specific industries, and other factors. These investments are subject to
significant fluctuations in fair value due to the volatility of the securities markets and of the
underlying businesses. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in the price of our public strategic debt
and equity investments would result in approximately a $2 million decrease in the fair value of
these investments.
Other Investment Securities. We are exposed to risk as it relates to changes in the market value
of our other investments which totaled $41 million as of March 31, 2009. We invest in equity
instruments of public and private companies for operational and strategic business purposes. These
securities are subject to significant fluctuations in fair value due to volatility of the stock
market and the industry in which the companies operate. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in the
price of these equity instruments would result in an approximate $4 million decrease in the value
of these investments.
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.
Interest Rate Risk. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities had an average
annual return for the three months ended March 31, 2009 of 1.7%. A decrease in interest rates does
have the effect of reducing our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds
would be re-invested at lower rates as the instruments
41
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Continued
mature. A hypothetical 10% decrease in average interest rates during 2009 would result in a
decrease of approximately $2 million in annual interest income.
Fixed Rate Debt, Mortgages and Other Notes Payable. At March 31, 2009, we had fixed-rate debt,
mortgages and other notes payable of $4.821 billion on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We estimated the fair value of this debt to be approximately $4.431 billion using quoted market
prices for our publicly traded debt, which constitutes approximately 99% of our debt, and an
analysis based on certain assumptions discussed below for our private debt. In completing our
analysis for our private debt, we evaluate market conditions, related securities, various public
and private offerings, and other publicly available information. In performing this analysis, we
make various assumptions regarding credit spreads, volatility, and the impact of these factors on
the value of the notes. The fair value of our debt is affected by fluctuations in interest rates.
A hypothetical 10% decrease in assumed interest rates would increase the fair value of our debt by
approximately $175 million. To the extent interest rates increase, our costs of financing would
increase at such time as we are required to refinance our debt. As of March 31, 2009, a
hypothetical 10% increase in assumed interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by
approximately $33 million.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In general, we do not use derivative financial instruments for hedging or speculative purposes, but
we may do so in the future.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end
of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of
the end of the period covered by this report.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule
13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our most recent fiscal quarter that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
42
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar, which
provides for, among other things, the division of liability resulting from litigation. Under the
terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed liability for any acts or omissions that
relate to its business whether such acts or omissions occurred before or after the Spin-off.
Certain exceptions are provided, including for intellectual property related claims generally,
whereby EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions that occurred following the
Spin-off and we have indemnified EchoStar for any potential liability or damages resulting
from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the effective date of the
Spin-off.
Acacia
During 2004, Acacia Media Technologies (Acacia) filed a lawsuit against us and EchoStar in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV,
Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an
intellectual property holding company that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio. The suit
alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992, 5,253,275, 5,550,863, 6,002,720 and
6,144,702, which relate to certain systems and methods for transmission of digital data. In March
2008, the Court issued an order outlining a schedule for filing dispositive invalidity motions
based on its claim constructions. Acacia has agreed to stipulate to invalidity based on the
Courts claim constructions in order to proceed immediately to the Federal Circuit on appeal. The
Court, however, has permitted us to file additional invalidity motions.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we
infringe any of the 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 user-friendly
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.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
In 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. (Broadcast Innovation) filed a lawsuit against us,
EchoStar, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in United States District Court in
Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the 094
patent) and 4,992,066 (the 066 patent). The 094 patent relates to certain methods and devices
for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The
066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay
television system on removable cards. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast
Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.
During 2004, the judge issued an order finding the 066 patent invalid. Also in 2004, the Court
found the 094 patent invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and
Comcast. In 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned the 094
patent finding of invalidity and remanded the Charter case back to the District Court. During June
2006, Charter filed a reexamination request with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The Court has stayed the Charter case pending reexamination, and our case has been stayed pending
resolution of the Charter case.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we
infringe any of the 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 user-friendly
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.
43
PART II OTHER INFORMATION Continued
Channel Bundling Class Action
On September 21, 2007, a purported class of cable and satellite subscribers filed an antitrust
action against us in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The
suit also names as defendants DirecTV, Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Inc., Time
Warner Cable, NBC Universal, Viacom, Fox Entertainment Group, and Walt Disney Company. The suit
alleges, among other things, that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to provide customers with
access only to bundled channel offerings as opposed to giving customers the ability to purchase
channels on an a la carte basis. We filed a motion to dismiss, which the Court denied in July
2008. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty
the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Enron Commercial Paper Investment
During October 2001, we received approximately $40 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper
to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November
2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of
New York against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enrons commercial
paper. The complaint alleges that Enrons October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a
fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations.
We typically invest in commercial paper and notes that are rated in one of the four highest rating
categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of
our investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and low risk. On
April 7, 2009, we settled the litigation for an immaterial amount.
ESPN
On January 30, 2008, we filed a lawsuit against ESPN, Inc., ESPN Classic, Inc., ABC Cable Networks
Group, Soapnet L.L.C., and International Family Entertainment (collectively ESPN) for breach of
contract in New York State Supreme Court. Our complaint alleges that ESPN failed to provide us
with certain high-definition feeds of the Disney Channel, ESPN News, Toon, and ABC Family. ESPN
asserted a counterclaim, and then filed a motion for summary judgment, alleging that we owed
approximately $35 million under the applicable affiliation
agreements. We brought a motion to
amend our complaint to assert that ESPN
was in breach of certain most-favored-nation provisions under the affiliation agreements. On April
15, 2009, the trial court granted our motion to amend the complaint, and granted, in part, ESPNs
motion on the counterclaim, finding that we are liable for some of the amount alleged to be
owing but that the actual amount owing is disputed and will have to be determined at a later date. We will
appeal the partial grant of ESPNs motion. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot
predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any
potential liability or damages.
Finisar Corporation
Finisar Corporation (Finisar) obtained a $100 million verdict in the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Texas against DirecTV for patent infringement. Finisar alleged that
DirecTVs electronic program guide and other elements of its system infringe United States Patent
No. 5,404,505 (the 505 patent).
In July 2006, we and EchoStar, together with NagraStar LLC, filed a Complaint for Declaratory
Judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Finisar that asks
the Court to declare that we do not infringe, and have not infringed, any valid claim of the 505
patent. During April 2008, the Federal Circuit reversed the judgment against DirecTV and ordered a
new trial. Our case is stayed until the DirecTV action is resolved.
We intend to vigorously prosecute this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that
we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble
damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to modify our system architecture. We cannot
predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any
potential liability or damages.
44
PART II OTHER INFORMATION Continued
Global Communications
On April 19, 2007, Global Communications, Inc. (Global) filed a patent infringement action
against us and EchoStar in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The
suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,947,702 (the 702 patent), which relates to
satellite reception. On October 24, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted
our request for reexamination of the 702 patent and issued an Office Action finding that all of
the claims of the 702 patent were invalid. At the request of the parties, the District Court
stayed the litigation until the reexamination proceeding is concluded and/or other Global patent
applications issue.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we
infringe the 702 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 user-friendly
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.
Guardian Media
On December 22, 2008, Guardian Media Technologies LTD (Guardian) filed suit against us, EchoStar,
EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., DirecTV and several other defendants in the United States District
Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos.
4,930,158 and 4,930,160. Both patents are expired and relate to certain parental lock features.
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. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or
determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Katz Communications
On June 21, 2007, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. (Katz) filed a patent infringement
action against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The
suit alleges infringement of 19 patents owned by Katz. The patents relate to interactive voice
response, or IVR, technology.
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
user-friendly 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.
Multimedia Patent Trust
On February 13, 2009, Multimedia Patent Trust (MPT) filed suit against us, EchoStar, DirecTV and
several other defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,958,226, 5,227,878, 5,136,377,
5,500,678 and 5,563,593, which relate to video encoding, decoding and compression technology.
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.
45
PART II OTHER INFORMATION Continued
Personalized Media Communications
In February 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. filed suit against us, EchoStar and
Motorola, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging
infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,694,490, 5,109,414, 4,965,825, 5,233,654, 5,335,277,
and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing.
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
user-friendly 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.
Retailer Class Actions
During 2000, lawsuits were filed by retailers in Colorado state and federal courts attempting to
certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting
the Courts declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the
retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge
backs, and other compensation. We have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The federal court
action has been stayed during the pendency of the state court action. We filed a motion for
summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for
additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The state court
granted limited discovery which ended during 2004. The plaintiffs claimed we did not provide
adequate disclosure during the discovery process. The state court agreed, and denied our motion
for summary judgment as a result. In April 2008, the state court granted plaintiffs class
certification motion and in January 2009, the state court entered an order excluding certain
evidence that we can present at trial based on the prior discovery issues. The state court also
denied plaintiffs request to dismiss our counterclaims. The final impact of the courts
evidentiary ruling cannot be fully assessed at this time. We intend to vigorously defend this
case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the lawsuit or determine the
extent of any potential liability or damages.
Technology Development Licensing
On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing LLC (TechDev) filed suit against us and
EchoStar in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging
infringement of United States Patent No. 35, 952, which relates to certain favorite channel
features.
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
user-friendly 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.
Tivo Inc.
On January 31, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and
reversed in part the April 2006 jury verdict concluding that certain of our digital video
recorders, or DVRs, infringed a patent held by Tivo. In accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (SFAS 5), we previously recorded a
total reserve of $132 million on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the April
2006 jury verdict, supplemental damages and pre-judgment interest awarded by the Texas court. This
amount also includes the estimated cost of any software infringement prior to implementation of our
alternative technology, discussed below, plus interest subsequent to the jury verdict. In its
January 2008 decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed the jurys verdict of infringement on Tivos
software claims, upheld the award of damages from the District Court, and ordered that the stay
of the District Courts injunction against us, which was issued pending
appeal, be dissolved when the appeal becomes final. The Federal Circuit, however, found that we
did not literally infringe Tivos hardware claims, and remanded such claims back to the District
Court for further proceedings. On
46
PART II OTHER INFORMATION Continued
October 6, 2008, the Supreme Court denied our petition for certiorari. As a result, approximately
$105 million of the total $132 million reserve was released from an escrow account to Tivo.
We have developed and deployed next-generation DVR software to our customers DVRs. This
improved software is fully operational and has been automatically downloaded to current customers
(our alternative technology). We have written legal opinions from outside counsel that conclude
that our alternative technology does not infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents,
either the hardware or software claims of Tivos patent. Tivo has filed a motion for contempt
alleging that we are in violation of the Courts injunction. We have vigorously opposed the motion
arguing that the Courts injunction does not apply to DVRs that have received our alternative
technology, that our alternative technology does not infringe Tivos patent, and that we are in
compliance with the injunction. An evidentiary hearing on Tivos motion for contempt was held mid-
February 2009, the parties have submitted their post-trial briefs and we are now awaiting a ruling
from the Court. In January 2009, the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) granted our Petition for
Re-Examination of the software claims of Tivos 389 patent, which are the subject of Tivos
current motion for contempt. The PTO found that there is a substantial new question of
patentability as to the software claims in light of prior patents that appear to render Tivos 389
patent invalid as obvious.
If we are unsuccessful in defending against Tivos motion for contempt or any subsequent claim that
our alternative technology infringes Tivos patent, we could be prohibited from distributing DVRs,
or could be required to modify or eliminate certain user-friendly DVR features that we currently
offer to consumers. In that event we would be at a significant disadvantage to our competitors who
could offer this functionality and, while we would attempt to provide that functionality through
other manufacturers, the adverse affect on our business could be material. We could also have to
pay substantial additional damages.
Voom
On May 28, 2008, Voom HD Holdings (Voom) filed a complaint against us in New York Supreme Court.
The suit alleges breach of contract arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement we
had with Voom for the carriage of certain Voom HD channels on the DISH Network satellite television
service. In January 2008, Voom sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the
agreement. The Court denied Vooms motion, finding, among other things, that Voom was not likely
to prevail on the merits of its case. Voom is claiming over $1.0 billion in damages. We intend to
vigorously defend this case. 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 business, including among other things, disputes with
programmers regarding fees. 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.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008
includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors. During the three months ended March 31, 2009,
there were no material changes in risk factors as previously disclosed.
47
PART II OTHER INFORMATION Continued
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information regarding repurchases of our Class A common stock from
January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of |
|
|
Maximum Approximate |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Purchased as |
|
|
Dollar Value of Shares |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Part of Publicly |
|
|
that May Yet be |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Price Paid |
|
|
Announced Plans or |
|
|
Purchased Under the |
|
Period |
|
Purchased |
|
|
per Share |
|
|
Programs |
|
|
Plans or Programs (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
January 1 - January 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
999,173 |
|
February 1 - February 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
999,173 |
|
March 1 - March 31, 2009 |
|
|
1,948,462 |
|
|
$ |
9.54 |
|
|
|
1,948,462 |
|
|
$ |
980,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,948,462 |
|
|
$ |
9.54 |
|
|
|
1,948,462 |
|
|
$ |
980,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Our board of directors previously authorized stock repurchases of up to $1.0 billion of our
Class A common stock. In November 2008, our board of directors extended the plan and
authorized an increase in the maximum dollar value of shares that may be repurchased under the
plan, such that we are authorized to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of our outstanding shares
through and including December 31, 2009, subject to a limitation to purchase no more than 20%
of our outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2009, we may repurchase up to $981 million
under this plan. Purchases under our repurchase program may be made through open market
purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, subject to market
conditions and other factors. We may elect not to purchase the maximum amount of shares
allowable under this program and we may also enter into additional share repurchase programs
authorized by our Board of Directors. |
Item 6. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits.
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31.1o
|
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Section 302 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. |
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31.2o
|
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Section 302 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. |
|
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32.1o
|
|
Section 906 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
32.2o
|
|
Section 906 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. |
48
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
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By: |
/s/ Charles W. Ergen
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Charles W. Ergen |
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer) |
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By: |
/s/ Robert E. Olson
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Robert E. Olson |
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|
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
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By: |
/s/ Bernard L. Han
|
|
|
|
Bernard L. Han |
|
|
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Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
(Principal Financial Officer During the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009) |
|
|
Date: May 11, 2009
49