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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

OR

 

 

For the transition period from                to

Commission File Number 001-35707

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (720) 875-5400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ☐  No ☒

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 each shorter period that the Registrant has required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

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.

 

 

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non affiliates of Liberty Media Corporation computed by reference to the last sales price of such stock, as of the closing of trading on the last trading day prior to June 30, 2014, was approximately $13.7 billion.  

The number of outstanding shares of Liberty Media Corporation's common stock as of January 31, 2015 was:

 

 

 

 

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

 

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LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION

2014 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10‑K

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

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PART I.

 

Item 1.  Business.

 

(a)     General Development of Business

 

Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our”) owns interests in subsidiaries and other companies which are engaged in the media, communications and entertainment industries.  Through our subsidiaries and affiliates, we principally operate in North America.  Our principal businesses and assets include our consolidated subsidiaries SIRIUS XM (defined below) and the Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., and our equity affiliate Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

 

In September 2011, Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty Interactive” and formerly named Liberty Media Corporation) completed the split-off of its former wholly-owned subsidiary (then known as Liberty Media Corporation) from its Liberty Interactive tracking stock group (the “Split-Off”).

 

During August 2012, the Board of Directors of Starz (formerly known as Liberty Media Corporation) authorized a plan to distribute to the stockholders of Starz shares of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Liberty (formerly known as Liberty Spinco, Inc.), that held, as of January 11, 2013, all of the businesses, assets and liabilities of Starz not associated with Starz, LLC (with the exception of the Starz, LLC office building) (the "Starz Spin-Off"). The transaction was effected as a pro-rata dividend of shares of Liberty to the stockholders of Starz. The businesses, assets and liabilities not included in Liberty are part of a separate public company which was renamed Starz.

 

Due to the relative significance of Liberty to Starz (the legal spinnor) and senior management's continued involvement with Liberty following the Starz Spin-Off, Liberty was treated as the "accounting successor" to Starz for financial reporting purposes, notwithstanding the legal form of the Starz Spin-Off previously described. Therefore, the historical financial statements of Starz continue to be the historical financial statements of Liberty and Starz, LLC has been treated as discontinued operations upon completion of the Starz Spin-Off in the first quarter of 2013.  For purposes of this Form 10-K, Liberty is treated as the spinnor for purposes of discussion and as a practical matter for describing all the historical information contained herein.

 

On January 18, 2013, Liberty, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 50,000,000 shares of the common stock (“SIRIUS XM Common Stock”), par value $0.001 per share, of SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc. (now known as Sirius XM Holdings Inc., “SIRIUS XM”) for $3.1556 per share in a block purchase from a financial institution (the “Block Transaction”). The Company used available cash on hand to acquire the shares of SIRIUS XM Common Stock in the Block Transaction.  Additionally, on January 18, 2013 a subsidiary of the Company converted all of its remaining shares of SIRIUS XM's Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B-1, par value $0.001 per share, into 1,293,509,076 shares of SIRIUS XM Common Stock.  As a result of these transactions, along with shares of SIRIUS XM Common Stock acquired by the Company and its subsidiaries in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Company and its subsidiaries hold more than 50% of the capital stock of SIRIUS XM entitled to vote on any matter, including the election of directors.  Therefore, Liberty began consolidating SIRIUS XM in the first quarter of 2013.

 

On October 9, 2013, Liberty entered into a share repurchase agreement with SIRIUS XM pursuant to which SIRIUS XM agreed to acquire 136,600,826 SIRIUS XM shares for $500 million, in three separate tranches between the fourth quarter of 2013 and second quarter of 2014, at a price of $3.6603 per share (which was based on a 1.5% discount to the average of the daily volume weighted average price ("VWAP") per share of SIRIUS XM common stock over a period of ten days beginning on the third trading day following the date of the public release of SIRIUS XM's third quarter 2013 earnings subject to a cap on the average VWAP of $4.18 and a floor on the average VWAP of $3.64). The repurchase of shares approximated 2% of the outstanding shares of SIRIUS XM on an as adjusted basis as the shares were retired at the SIRIUS XM level.  The first tranche of shares in the amount of 43,712,265 was repurchased on November 14, 2013. The second tranche was delayed and the final two tranches were settled on April 25, 2014 for total proceeds of $340 million. The retirement of SIRIUS XM shares on a consolidated basis did not significantly impact the consolidated results as it only required an adjustment to noncontrolling interest as the shares were repurchased and retired. Liberty still retains a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM following the completion of the share repurchases.

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SIRIUS XM, since the date of our investment, has repurchased approximately 1.3 billion SIRIUS XM shares for approximately $4.3 billion (including the shares repurchased from Liberty discussed above).  As of December 31, 2014 our economic ownership interest in SIRIUS XM is 56%.

During 2014, Liberty’s board approved the issuance of shares of its Series C common stock to holders of its Series A and Series B common stock, effected by means of a dividend. On July 23, 2014, holders of Series A and Series B common stock as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 7, 2014, the record date for the dividend, received a dividend of two shares of Series C common stock for each share of Series A or Series B common stock held by them as of the record date. The impact of the Series C common stock issuance has been reflected retroactively due to the treatment of the dividend as a stock split for accounting purposes.  Additionally, in connection with the Series C common stock issuance and the Broadband Spin-Off (defined below), outstanding Series A common stock warrants were adjusted.  There were 21,085,900 warrants with a strike price of $64.46 outstanding at December 31, 2014.

On November 4, 2014, Liberty completed the spin-off to its stockholders of common stock of a newly formed company called Liberty Broadband Corporation ("Liberty Broadband") (the “Broadband Spin-Off”). Shares of Liberty Broadband were distributed to the shareholders of Liberty as of a record date of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 29, 2014. Liberty Broadband is comprised of, among other things, (i) Liberty’s former interest in Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), (ii) Liberty’s former subsidiary TruePosition, Inc. (“TruePosition”), (iii) Liberty’s former minority equity investment in Time Warner Cable, Inc. ("Time Warner Cable"), (iv) certain deferred tax liabilities, as well as liabilities related to Time Warner Cable call options and (v) initial indebtedness, pursuant to margin loans entered into prior to the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off.  Prior to the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off, Liberty Broadband borrowed funds under margin loans and made a final distribution to Liberty of approximately $300 million in cash. The Broadband Spin-Off was intended to be tax-free to stockholders of Liberty.  In the Broadband Spin-Off, record holders of Liberty Series A, Series B and Series C common stock received one share of the corresponding series of Liberty Broadband common stock for every four shares of Liberty common stock held by them as of the record date for the Broadband Spin-Off, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.

 

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Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, product and marketing strategies; new service offerings; the recoverability of our goodwill and other long-lived assets; our projected sources and uses of cash; and the anticipated impact of certain contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  In particular, statements under Item 1. "Business," Item 1A. "Risk-Factors," Item 2. "Properties," Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" contain forward-looking statements.  Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished.  The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:

 

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These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Annual Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.  When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and other cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report.  Such risk factors and statements describe circumstances which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

 

This Annual Report includes information concerning public companies in which we have controlling and non-controlling interests that file reports and other information with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Information in this Annual Report concerning those companies has been derived from the reports and other information filed by them with the SEC.  If you would like further information about these companies, the reports and other information they file with the SEC can be accessed on the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.  Those reports and other information are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.

 

(b)     Financial Information About Operating Segments

 

Through our ownership of interests in subsidiaries and other companies, we are primarily engaged in the media, communications and entertainment industries.  Each of these businesses is separately managed.

 

We identify our reportable segments as (A) those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of our  annual consolidated revenue, pre-tax earnings or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings represent 10% or more of our annual pre-tax earnings.  Financial information related to our operating segments can be found in note 18 to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II of this report.

 

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(c)     Narrative Description of Business

 

The following table identifies our more significant subsidiaries and minority investments.

 

Consolidated Subsidiaries

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:SIRI)

Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc.

 

Equity Method Investments

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV)

 

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

 

SIRIUS XM broadcasts music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through its two proprietary satellite radio systems. Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as Sirius XM On Demand and MySXM, over its Internet radio service, including through applications for mobile devices. As of December 31, 2014, SIRIUS XM had over 27 million subscribers. Its subscribers include:

 

 

SIRIUS XM's primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of its customers subscribing on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. SIRIUS XM offers discounts for prepaid and longer-term subscription plans as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions. SIRIUS XM also derives revenue from activation and other fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as weather, traffic, data and Backseat TV services.

 

SIRIUS XM's satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers (“OEMs”); retail stores nationwide; and through its website. SIRIUS XM has agreements with every major automaker to offer satellite radios in their vehicles. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain rental car companies.

 

SIRIUS XM is also a leader in providing connected vehicle applications and services. SIRIUS XM's connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle operators while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers. Subscribers to SIRIUS XM's connected vehicle services are not included in the subscriber count above or subscriber-based metrics.

 

Programming

 

SIRIUS XM offers a dynamic programming lineup of commercial-free music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather, including:

 

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SIRIUS XM's diverse spectrum of programming, including its lineup of exclusive material, is a significant differentiator from terrestrial radio and other audio entertainment providers. SIRIUS XM makes changes to its programming lineup from time to time in order to attract new subscribers and offer content which appeals to a broad range of audiences and to existing subscribers. The channel line-ups for its services are available at siriusxm.com.

 

Internet Radio Service

 

SIRIUS XM streams select music and non-music channels over the Internet. Its Internet radio service also includes channels and features that are not available on its satellite radio service. Access to its Internet radio service is offered to subscribers for a fee. SIRIUS XM also offers applications to allow consumers to access its Internet radio service on smartphones and tablet computers.

 

SIRIUS XM also offers two innovative Internet-based products, SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM. SiriusXM On Demand offers SIRIUS XM's Internet radio subscribers listening on its online media player and on smartphones the ability to choose their favorite episodes from a catalog of content to listen to whenever they want. MySXM permits subscribers listening on SIRIUS XM’s Internet radio service to personalize SIRIUS XM's existing commercial-free music and comedy channels to create a more tailored listening experience.  Channel-specific sliders allow users to create over 100 variations of each of more than 50 channels by adjusting characteristics like library depth, familiarity, music style, tempo, region, and multiple other channel-specific attributes.  SiriusXM On Demand and MySXM are offered to SIRIUS XM Internet radio subscribers at no extra charge.

 

SIRIUS XM is re-engineering and redesigning its Internet radio streaming platform.  The new SIRIUS XM Internet Radio will offer listeners enhanced programming discovery and the ability to connect with content currently playing across its commercial-free music, sports, comedy, news, talk and entertainment channels or available through SiriusXM On Demand. The new platform is expected to be progressively rolled out starting in the first quarter of 2015.

Distribution of Radios

 

Automakers.   SIRIUS XM's primary means of distributing satellite radios is through the sale and lease of new vehicles. SIRIUS XM has agreements with every major automaker to offer satellite radios in their vehicles and satellite radios are available as a factory or dealer-installed option in substantially all vehicle makes sold in the United States. Most automakers include a subscription to SIRIUS XM's radio service in the sale or lease of their vehicles. In certain cases, SIRIUS XM receives subscription payments from automakers in advance of the activation of its service. SIRIUS XM shares with certain automakers a portion of the revenues it derives from subscribers using vehicles equipped to receive its service. SIRIUS XM also reimburses various automakers for certain costs associated with the satellite radios installed in their vehicles, including in certain cases hardware costs, engineering expenses and promotional and advertising expenses.

 

Previously Owned Vehicles.  SIRIUS XM also acquires subscribers through the sale and lease of previously owned vehicles with factory-installed satellite radios. SIRIUS XM has entered into agreements with many automakers to market subscriptions to purchasers and lessees of vehicles which include satellite radios sold through their certified pre-owned programs. In addition, SIRIUS XM works directly with many franchise and independent dealers on programs for non-certified vehicles. SIRIUS XM has developed systems and methods to identify purchasers and lessees of previously owned vehicles which include satellite radios and have established marketing plans to promote its services to these potential subscribers.

 

Retail.  SIRIUS XM sells satellite and Internet radios directly to consumers through its website. Satellite and Internet radios are also marketed and distributed through national and regional retailers.

 

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SIRIUS XM's  Satellite Radio Systems

 

SIRIUS XM's satellite radio systems are designed to provide clear reception in most areas despite variations in terrain, buildings and other obstructions. SIRIUS XM continually monitors its infrastructure and regularly evaluates improvements in technology.

 

SIRIUS XM's satellite radio systems have three principal components: satellites, terrestrial repeaters and other satellite facilities; studios; and radios.

 

Satellites, Terrestrial Repeaters and Other Satellite Facilities

 

Satellites.    SIRIUS XM currently owns a fleet of nine orbiting satellites, five in the Sirius system, FM-1, FM-2, FM-3, FM-5 and FM-6, and four in the XM system, XM-1, XM-3, XM-4 and XM-5. Two of these satellites are currently used as spares. In 2014, SIRIUS XM de-orbited a satellite that reached the end of its operational life. In 2015, SIRIUS XM will de-orbit another satellite that has also reached the end of its operational life.

 

Satellite Insurance.    SIRIUS XM holds in-orbit insurance for one of its satellites which will expire in 2015. SIRIUS XM does not intend to renew this in-orbit insurance policy when it expires, as SIRIUS XM considers the premium costs to be uneconomical relative to the risk of satellite failure. The policy provides coverage for a total, constructive total or partial loss of the satellite that occurs prior to its expiration in October 2015.  The insurance does not cover the full cost of constructing, launching and insuring a new satellite, nor will it protect SIRIUS XM from the adverse effect on business operations due to the loss of a satellite.  The policy contains standard commercial satellite insurance provisions, including coverage exclusions.  In-orbit insurance for two of SIRIUS XM’s satellites expired in 2014.

 

Terrestrial Repeaters.    In some areas with high concentrations of tall buildings, such as urban centers, signals from SIRIUS XM's satellites may be blocked and reception of satellite signals can be adversely affected. In many of these areas, SIRIUS XM has deployed terrestrial repeaters to supplement satellite coverage. SIRIUS XM operates over 700 terrestrial repeaters as part of its systems across the United States.

 

Other Satellite Facilities.    SIRIUS XM controls and communicates with its satellites from facilities in North America and maintains earth stations in Panama and Ecuador to control and communicate with several of its Sirius system satellites. Its satellites are monitored, tracked and controlled by a third party satellite operator.

 

Studios

 

SIRIUS XM's programming originates principally from studios in New York City and Washington, D.C., and, to a lesser extent, from smaller studios in Los Angeles, Nashville and a variety of smaller venues across the country. Its New York City office houses its corporate headquarters. Both its New York City and Washington D.C. offices house facilities for programming origination, programming personnel and facilities to transmit programming.

 

Radios

 

Radios are manufactured in three principal configurations: in-dash radios, dock & play radios and commercial units.

 

SIRIUS XM does not manufacture radios.  SIRIUS XM has authorized manufacturers and distributors to produce and distribute radios, and has licensed its technology to various electronics manufacturers to develop, manufacture and distribute radios under certain brands.  SIRIUS XM manages various aspects of the production of satellite and Internet radios.  To facilitate the sale of radios, SIRIUS XM may subsidize a portion of the radio manufacturing costs to reduce the hardware price to consumers.

 

Connected Vehicle Services

 

SIRIUS XM also provides connected vehicle services.  SIRIUS XM's connected vehicle services are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle operators while providing marketing and operational

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benefits to automakers and their dealers.  SIRIUS XM offers a portfolio of location-based services through two-way wireless connectivity, including safety, security, convenience, maintenance and data services, remote vehicles diagnostics, stolen or parked vehicle locator services, and monitoring of vehicle emission systems. SIRIUS XM’s connected vehicle business provides services to several automakers, including Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota.

 

Canada

 

SIRIUS XM also has an equity interest in the satellite radio services offered in Canada through its investment in Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc. (“SIRIUS XM Canada”).  SIRIUS XM owns approximately 37% of the equity of SIRIUS XM Canada. Subscribers to the services offered by SIRIUS XM Canada are not included in the subscriber count above or subscriber-based metrics.

 

Other Services

 

Commercial Accounts. SIRIUS XM's programming is also available for commercial establishments. Commercial subscription accounts are available through providers of in-store entertainment solutions and directly from SIRIUS XM. Certain commercial subscribers are included in its subscriber count.

 

Satellite Television Service. Certain of SIRIUS XM's music channels are offered as part of certain programming packages on the DISH Network satellite television service. Subscribers to the DISH Network satellite television service are not included in SIRIUS XM's subscriber count.

 

Subscribers to the following services are not included in SIRIUS XM's subscriber count, unless the applicable service is purchased by the subscriber separately and not as part of a radio subscription to SIRIUS XM services:

 

Travel Link.  SIRIUS XM offers Travel Link, a suite of data services that includes graphical weather, fuel prices, sports schedules and scores, and movie listings.

 

Real Time Traffic Services.  SIRIUS XM also offers services that provide graphic information as to road closings, traffic flow and incident data to consumers with compatible in-vehicle navigation systems.

 

Real Time Weather Services.  SIRIUS XM offer several real-time weather services designed for improving situational awareness in vehicle, marine and/or aviation use.

 

Backseat TV.  SIRIUS XM offers Backseat TV, a service offering television content designed primarily for children, in the backseat of vehicles. SIRIUS XM intends to discontinue this service by the end of 2015.

 

Copyrights to Programming

 

In connection with its satellite radio music programming, SIRIUS XM must negotiate and enter into royalty arrangements with two sets of rights holders: Holders of copyrights in musical works (that is, the music and lyrics) and holders of copyrights in sound recordings (that is, the actual recording of a work).

 

Musical works rights holders, generally songwriters and music publishers, are traditionally represented by performing rights organizations, such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”), Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), and SESAC, Inc. (“SESAC”). These organizations negotiate fees with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to the rights holders. SIRIUS XM has arrangements with all of these organizations.

 

Sound recording rights holders, typically large record companies, are primarily represented by SoundExchange, an organization which negotiates licenses, and collects and distributes royalties on behalf of record companies and performing artists. Under the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, SIRIUS XM may negotiate royalty arrangements with the owners of sound recordings fixed after February 15,

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1972, or if negotiation is unsuccessful, the royalty rate is established by the Copyright Royalty Board (the “CRB”) of the Library of Congress.

 

The CRB has issued its determination regarding the royalty rate payable by SIRIUS XM under the statutory license covering the performance of sound recordings fixed after February 15, 1972 over its satellite digital audio radio service, and the making of ephemeral (server) copies in support of such performances, for the five-year period ending on December 31, 2017. Under the terms of the CRB's decision, SIRIUS XM will pay a royalty based on gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, of 10.0% for 2015, 10.5% for 2016, and 11% for 2017. The rate for 2014 was 9.5%.

 

The revenue subject to royalty includes subscription revenue from SIRIUS XM's U.S. satellite digital audio radio subscribers and advertising revenue from channels other than those channels that make only incidental performances of sound recordings. Exclusions from revenue subject to the statutory license fee include, among other things, revenue from channels, programming and products or other services offered for a separate charge where such channels make only incidental performances of sound recordings; revenue from equipment sales; revenue from current and future data services (including video and connected vehicle services) offered for a separate charge; intellectual property royalties received by SIRIUS XM; credit card, invoice and fulfillment service fees; and bad debt expense. The regulations also allow SIRIUS XM to further reduce its monthly royalty fee in proportion to the percentage of its performances that feature pre-1972 recordings (which are not subject to federal copyright protection) as well as those that are licensed directly from the copyright holder, rather than through the statutory license.

 

To secure the rights to stream music content over the Internet, including to mobile devices, SIRIUS XM also must obtain licenses from, and pay royalties to, copyright owners of musical compositions and, in certain cases, sound recordings.  SIRIUS XM has arrangements with ASCAP, SESAC and BMI to license the musical compositions SIRIUS XM streams over the Internet.  The licensing of certain sound recordings fixed after February 15, 1972 for use on the Internet is also subject to the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 on terms established by the CRB.  In 2014, SIRIUS XM paid a per performance rate for the streaming of certain sound recordings on the internet of $0.00220 per play, which rate changed to $0.00240 per play in 2015. SIRIUS XM is participating in proceedings to establish rates for the streaming of certain sound recordings fixed after February 15, 1972 on the Internet after 2015, known as the Webcasting IV proceeding.

 

SIRIUS XM’s rights to perform certain copyrighted sound recordings (that is, the actual recording of a work) that were fixed after February 15, 1972 are governed by United States federal law, the Copyright Act. In contrast, SIRIUS XM’s rights to perform certain copyrighted sound recordings that were fixed before February 15, 1972 are governed by various state statutes and common law principles and are subject to litigation in three states.

 

Trademarks

 

SIRIUS XM registered, and intends to maintain, the trademarks “Sirius”, “XM”, “SiriusXM” and “SXM” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in connection with the services they offer. SIRIUS XM is not aware of any material claims of infringement or other challenges to its right to use the “Sirius”, “XM”, “SiriusXM” or "SXM” trademarks in the United States. SIRIUS XM also has registered, and intends to maintain, trademarks for the names of certain of its channels. SIRIUS XM has also registered the trademarks “Sirius”, “XM” and "SiriusXM" in Canada. SIRIUS XM has granted a license to use certain of its trademarks in Canada to Sirius XM Canada.

 

Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc.

 

Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., or ANLBC, a wholly owned subsidiary, owns and operates the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball (“MLB”) franchise and five minor league baseball clubs (the Gwinnett Braves, the Mississippi Braves, the Rome Braves, the Danville Braves and the GCL Braves). ANLBC also operates a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic and leases a baseball facility from a third party in connection with its academy. Turner Field, which is leased from the City of Atlanta and Fulton County Recreation Authority until December 31, 2016, is the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves.  Turner Field is located just outside the downtown area of Atlanta and offers a range of activities and eateries for fans, from interactive gaming and family-themed areas to social gathering places such as the Braves Chop House. Effective for the 2017 season, ANLBC is expected to relocate into a new ballpark located in Cobb

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County, a suburb of Atlanta.  The facility will be leased from Cobb County and Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority.

 

With respect to the Braves MLB franchise, ANLBC derives revenue from both local and national sources. Locally, ANLBC receives revenue from the sale of tickets for games played at Turner Field, as well as from in-stadium advertising, game-day sales of concessions and other goods and services in and around Turner Field. ANLBC also derives substantial revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to the Atlanta Braves baseball games. ANLBC has long-term local broadcasting agreements with Sportsouth Network II, LLC. Nationally, ANLBC participates in the revenue generated from the national broadcasting and radio arrangements negotiated by MLB on behalf of the 30 baseball clubs with ESPN, Turner Broadcasting, Inc., Fox Sports and SIRIUS XM (the “National Broadcast Rights”).

 

Under the MLB rules, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball (the “Commissioner”) has the authority, acting as the agent on behalf of all of the MLB franchises, to enter into and administer all contracts for the sale of National Broadcast Rights.

 

As the owner of a MLB franchise, ANLBC must comply with rules promulgated by the MLB Commissioner and MLB's constitution and bylaws. Each franchise is required to share locally derived revenue with the other MLB franchises and their owners through MLB's revenue sharing plan. Under the MLB rules, each MLB franchise participates in the MLB Central Fund, which acts as a conduit of centrally derived revenue (primarily from National Broadcast Rights, national sponsorships and licensing deals, and the MLB All Star Game) to the clubs, and funds certain expenses (such as contributions to the MLB Players Benefit Plan, administrative and operational expenses of the Commissioner's office, a reserve fund for the Commissioner's office, and administrative expenses of the Central Fund) on behalf of the MLB franchises. Each MLB franchise's share of the Central Fund, following certain adjustments which are made under the MLB revenue share arrangements, is paid to each MLB franchise by the end of each year, unless otherwise determined by the Commissioner. Also under the MLB rules, each MLB franchise is required to participate in and contribute to certain profit sharing initiatives, such as MLB Advanced Media L.P., MLB's interactive media and internet company which runs MLB's official website and all of the MLB teams' websites.

 

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. 

 

Live Nation is considered the largest live entertainment company in the world and seeks to innovate and enhance the live entertainment experience for artists and fans before, during and after the show. Live Nation has four business segments: Concerts, Ticketing, Artist Nation and Sponsorship & Advertising.

 

Live Nation's Business Segments 

 

Concerts. Live Nation's Concerts segment principally involves the global promotion of live music events in their owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the operation and management of music venues and the production of music festivals across the world. During 2014, Live Nation's Concerts business generated approximately $4.7 billion, or 69%, of Live Nation's total revenue. Live Nation promoted 22,800 live music events in 2014, including artists such as One Direction, Jay-Z & Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Lady Gaga and through festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival, Rock Werchter, Reading and T in the Park. While its Concerts segment operates year-round, Live Nation generally experiences higher revenue during the second and third quarters due to the seasonal nature of shows at its outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, which primarily occur from May through September. Revenue is generally impacted by the number of events, volume of ticket sales and ticket prices. Event costs such as artist fees and production service expenses are included in direct operating expenses and are typically substantial in relation to the revenue.

 

Ticketing. Live Nation's Ticketing segment is primarily an agency business that sells tickets for events on behalf of its clients and retains a fixed fee or a percentage of the total convenience charge and order processing fee for its services. Live Nation sells tickets for its events and also for third-party clients across multiple live event categories, providing ticketing services for leading arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, music clubs, concert promoters, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, performing arts venues, museums and theaters. Live Nation sells tickets through a websites, mobile apps, ticket outlets and telephone call centers. During the year ended December 31, 2014, Live Nation sold 69%,

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18%, 9% and 4% of primary tickets through these channels, respectively. Live Nation's Ticketing segment also manages its online activities including enhancements to its websites and bundled product offerings. During 2014, the Ticketing business generated approximately $1.6 billion, or 22% of Live Nation's total revenue, which excludes the face value of tickets sold. Through all of its ticketing services, Live Nation sold over 154 million tickets in 2014 on which Live Nation was paid fees for its services. In addition, Live Nation sold approximately 300 million tickets in total using its Ticketmaster system, through season seat packages and its venue clients' box offices, for which Live Nation did not receive a fee. Live Nation's ticketing sales are impacted by fluctuations in the availability of events for sale to the public, which may vary depending upon event scheduling by its clients.

 

Artist Nation. Live Nation's Artist Nation segment primarily provides management services to music artists in exchange for a commission on the earnings of these artists. The Artist Nation segment also creates and sells merchandise for music artists at live performances, to retailers and directly to consumers via the Internet. During 2014, the Artist Nation business generated approximately $389 million, or 5%, of Live Nation's total revenue. Revenue earned from the Artist Nation segment is impacted to a large degree by the touring schedules of the artists Live Nation represents and generally experiences higher revenue during the second and third quarters as the period from May through September tends to be a popular time for touring events.

 

Sponsorship & Advertising. Live Nation's Sponsorship & Advertising segment employs a sales force that creates and maintains relationships with sponsors, through a combination of strategic, international, national and local opportunities that allow businesses to reach customers through its concert, venue, artist relationship and ticketing assets, including advertising on Live Nation websites. Live Nation works with its corporate clients to help create marketing programs that drive their business goals and connect their brands directly with fans and artists. Live Nation also develops, books and produces custom events or programs for its clients’ specific brands which are typically experienced exclusively by the clients’ customers. These custom events can involve live music events with talent and media, using both online and traditional outlets. During 2014, the Sponsorship & Advertising business generated approximately $300 million, or 4%, of Live Nation's total revenue.

 

Terms of Live Nation Investment

 

At December 31, 2014, we beneficially owned approximately 53.7 million shares of Live Nation common stock, which represented approximately 27% of the issued and outstanding shares as of December 31, 2014.

 

Under our stockholders agreement with Live Nation, we have the right to nominate two directors (one of whom must qualify as an independent director) to the Live Nation board of directors, currently comprised of 12 directors, for so long as our ownership interest provides us with not less than 5% of the total voting power of Live Nation's equity securities. We also have the right to cause one of our nominees to serve on the audit committee and the compensation committee of the board, provided they meet the independence and other qualifications for membership on those committees.

 

We have agreed under the stockholders agreement not to acquire beneficial ownership of Live Nation equity securities that would result in our having in excess of 35% of the voting power of Live Nation's equity securities. That percentage is subject to decrease for specified transfers of our Live Nation stock. We have been exempted from the restrictions on business combinations set forth in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and Live Nation has agreed in the stockholders agreement not to take certain actions that would materially and adversely affect our ability to acquire Live Nation securities up to the voting percentage referred to above.

 

Other Minority Investments

 

We also own a portfolio of minority equity investments in publicly traded media companies, including Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) and Viacom Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAB). These are assets that were acquired mostly in tax-efficient transactions and are currently held as non-core assets. In the past we have entered into swaps, exchangeable debentures, and other derivatives to monetize these investments and mitigate balance sheet risk. We intend to continue to monetize these investments, which may include further derivative and structured transactions as well as public and private sales.

 

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Regulatory Matters

 

Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services

 

As an operator of a privately owned satellite system, SIRIUS XM is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) under the Communications Act of 1934, principally with respect to:

 

 

Any assignment or transfer of control of SIRIUS XM's FCC licenses must be approved by the FCC. The FCC's order approving the merger of SIRIUS XM's wholly-owned subsidiary, Vernon Merger Corporation, with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary, XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., in July 2008 requires SIRIUS XM to comply with certain voluntary commitments it made as part of the FCC merger proceeding. SIRIUS XM believes it complies with those commitments.

 

In 1997, SIRIUS XM was the winning bidder for FCC licenses to operate a satellite digital audio radio service and provide other ancillary services. SIRIUS XM's FCC licenses for its Sirius system satellites expire in 2017 and 2022. SIRIUS XM's FCC licenses for its XM satellites expire in 2018, 2021 and 2022. One of SIRIUS XM’s XM satellites is operating under special temporary authority from the FCC and SIRIUS XM plans to de-orbit the satellite in 2015. SIRIUS XM anticipates that, absent significant misconduct on its part, the FCC will renew its licenses to permit operation of its satellites for their useful lives, and grant a license for any replacement satellites.

 

In some areas with high concentrations of tall buildings, such as urban centers, signals from SIRIUS XM's satellites may be blocked and reception can be adversely affected. In many of these areas, SIRIUS XM has installed terrestrial repeaters to supplement its satellite signal coverage. The FCC has established rules governing terrestrial repeaters and has granted SIRIUS XM a license through 2027 to operate its repeater network.

 

In many cases, SIRIUS XM obtains FCC certifications for satellite radios, including satellite radios that include FM modulators. SIRIUS XM believes its radios that are in production comply with all applicable FCC rules.

 

SIRIUS XM is required to obtain export licenses from the United States government to export certain ground control equipment, satellite communications/control services and technical data related to its satellites and their operations. The delivery of such equipment, services and technical data to destinations outside the United States and to foreign persons is subject to strict export control and prior approval requirements from the United States government (including prohibitions on the sharing of certain satellite-related goods and services with China). Changes in law or regulations relating to communications policy or to matters affecting SIRIUS XM's services could adversely affect its ability to retain its FCC licenses or the manner in which SIRIUS XM operates.

 

Internet Services

 

To the extent that the businesses in which we have interests engage in the provision of goods and services over the Internet, they must comply with federal and state laws and regulations applicable to online communications and commerce.  Our businesses are subject to laws governing the collection, use, retention, security and transfer of personally identifiable information about their users.  In particular, the collection and use of personal information by companies have received increased regulatory scrutiny on a global basis. For example, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") prohibits web sites from collecting personally identifiable information online from children under age 13 without parental consent and imposes a number of operational requirements.  In 2012, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") adopted revised COPPA regulations amending certain definitions and modifying certain operational requirements regarding notice and parental consent, among other matters.  Certain email activities are subject to the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003, commonly known as the CAN-SPAM Act.  The CAN-SPAM Act regulates the sending of unsolicited commercial email by requiring the email sender, among other things, to comply with specific disclosure requirements and to provide an "opt-out" mechanism for recipients.  Both of these laws include statutory penalties for non-compliance.  Various states also have adopted laws regulating certain aspects of Internet communications. 

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Congress has extended the moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access and commerce until October 1, 2015. Legislative proposals that would further extend the moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access and commerce are pending in Congress.

 

In the ordinary course of business, our businesses collect and store the personal information of our customers and employees. The secure processing and continued availability of this information is critical to the operation or our businesses and our businesses are subject to many (often conflicting) laws governing the collection, use, retention, security and transfer of personally-identifiable information. In particular, the collection, disclosure and use of personal information by companies has received increased regulatory scrutiny on a global basis. The enactment, interpretation and application of user data protection laws are in a state of flux, and the interpretation and application of such laws may vary from country to country. Complying with different national and state privacy requirements may cause our businesses to incur substantial costs. In addition, any unauthorized use or disclosure of personal information collected by our businesses, which may be unavoidable, may subject our businesses to risk of substantial government fines or liability to our customers, financial institutions or other third parties. Data collection, privacy and security are growing public concerns. If consumers were to decrease their use of our businesses' websites to purchase products and services, or if new regulations limited the ability of our businesses to market their products or services, such businesses could be harmed.

 

Other Internet-related laws and regulations enacted in the future may cover issues such as defamatory speech, copyright infringement, pricing and characteristics and quality of products and services.  The future adoption of such laws or regulations may slow the growth of commercial online services and the Internet, which could in turn cause a decline in the demand for the services and products of the Internet companies in which we have interests and increase such companies' costs of doing business or otherwise have an adverse effect on their businesses, operating results and financial conditions.  Moreover, the applicability to commercial online services and the Internet of existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, libel, personal privacy and taxation is uncertain and could expose these companies to substantial liability.

 

 

Proposed Changes in Regulation 

 

The regulation of Internet and satellite-based services is subject to the political process and has been in constant flux over the past decade. Further material changes in the law and regulatory requirements must be anticipated and there can be no assurance that our business will not be adversely affected by future legislation, new regulation or deregulation.

 

Competition

 

SIRIUS XM faces significant competition for both listeners and advertisers. Traditional AM/FM radio has had a well-established demand for its services and generally offers free broadcasts paid for by commercial advertising rather than by a subscription fee. In addition, many radio stations have begun broadcasting high definition (“HD”) digital signals, which have sound quality similar to SIRIUS XM signals, offer information programming of a local nature, such as local news and sports. The availability of traditional free AM/FM radio reduces the likelihood that customers would be willing to pay for SIRIUS XM’s subscription services and, by offering free broadcasts, it may impose limits on what SIRIUS XM can charge for its services. Traditional AM/FM broadcasters are also complementing their HD radio efforts by aggressively pursuing Internet radio, wireless Internet-based distribution arrangements and data services. SIRIUS XM also faces competition from Internet radio and Internet-enabled smartphones, which often have no geographic limitations and provide listeners with radio programming from across the country and around the world. Major media companies and online-only providers, including Beats Music, Google Play, Pandora and iHeartRadio, also make high fidelity digital streams available through the Internet for free or, in some cases, for a fraction of the cost of a satellite radio subscription. Internet-enabled smartphones, most of which have the capability of interfacing with vehicles, can play recorded or cached content and access Internet radio via dedicated applications (such as Pandora, Spotify, iTunes Radio and iHeartRadio) or browsers, often for free, and offer music and talk content.  Certain of these applications also include advanced functionality, such as personalization, and allow the user to access large libraries of content on demand. In addition, SIRIUS XM faces competition as a result of the deployment or planned deployment by nearly all automakers of integrated multimedia systems in dashboards, such as Ford's SYNC, Toyota's Entune, and BMW/Mini's Connected. These systems can combine control of audio entertainment from a variety of sources, including AM/FM/HD radio broadcasts, satellite radio, Internet

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radio, smartphone applications and stored audio, with navigation and other advanced applications such as restaurant bookings, movie show times and financial information. These systems enhance the attractiveness of Internet-based competitors by making such applications more prominent, easier to access, and safer to use in the car. SIRIUS XM also faces competition from a number of providers that offer specialized audio services through either direct broadcast satellite or cable audio systems and that are targeted to fixed locations, mostly in-home. The radio service offered by direct broadcast satellite and cable audio is often included as part of a package of digital services with video service, and video customers generally do not pay an additional monthly fee for the audio service. In addition, the audio entertainment marketplace continues to evolve rapidly, with a steady emergence of new media platforms and portable devices that compete with SIRIUS XM's services now or that could compete with its services in the future.   The in dash navigation market is also being threatened by increasingly capable smartphones that provide advanced navigation functionality, including live traffic.

 

ANLBC faces competition from many alternative forms of leisure entertainment.  During the baseball season, ANLBC competes with other sporting and live events for game day attendance, which is integral to ANLBC's ticket, concession and souvenir sales revenue.  The broadcasting of ANLBC's games, which is another significant source of revenue for ANLBC, competes against a multitude of other media options for viewers, including premium programming, home video, pay-per-view services, online activities, movies and other forms of news and information.  In addition, ANLBC competes with the other Major League Baseball teams for a limited pool of player, coaching and managerial talent.  This talent contributes to ANLBC's winning record and league standings, which are critical components of ANLBC's competitiveness.

 

Live Nation faces competition in the live music industry, in attracting touring artists to the venues it owns and operates, from ticketing services primarily through online channels but also through phone, outlet and box office channels, and in its artist management and sponsorships businesses. Competition in the live entertainment industry is intense. Live Nation believes that it competes primarily on the basis of its ability to deliver quality music products, sell tickets and provide enhanced fan and artist experiences. It believes that its primary strengths include the quality of service delivered to its artists, fans and corporate sponsors, its track record in promoting and producing live music events and tours both domestically and internationally, artist relationships, ticketing software and services, distribution platform (venues), the scope and effectiveness in its expertise of marketing and sponsorship programs and its financial stability.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had 78 corporate employees, and our consolidated subsidiaries had an aggregate of approximately 3,612 full and part-time employees.  We believe that our employee relations are good.

 

(d)     Financial Information About Geographic Areas

 

Our consolidated subsidiaries do principally all their business domestically, so a discussion regarding financial information about geographic areas is not considered necessary.

 

(e)     Available Information

 

All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, as well as amendments to such filings are available on our Internet website free of charge generally within 24 hours after we file such material with the SEC.  Our website address is www.libertymedia.com.

 

Our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and audit committee charter are available on our website.  In addition, we will provide a copy of any of these documents, free of charge, to any shareholder who calls or submits a request in writing to Investor Relations, Liberty Media Corporation, 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Tel. No. (877) 772-1518.

 

The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

The risks described below and elsewhere in this annual report are not the only ones that relate to our businesses or our capitalization. The risks described below are considered to be the most material. However, there may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that also could have material adverse effects on our businesses. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of the events described below were to occur, our businesses, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

 

Risk Factors Relating to our Businesses

 

Our historical consolidated financial information is not necessarily representative of our future financial position, future results of operations or future cash flows nor does it reflect what our financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been as a stand-alone company during the periods presented.     On January 11, 2013, we were spun-off (the “Starz Spin-Off”) from Starz (prior to the Starz Spin-Off, “Old LMC”).  Prior to that time, we were a wholly owned subsidiary of Old LMC along with Starz, LLC and its subsidiaries.  As a result of the Starz Spin-Off, our assets and those of Starz, LLC were separated, we were renamed Liberty Media Corporation and Old LMC (the spinnor) was renamed Starz.  Notwithstanding the legal form of the Starz Spin-Off, in accordance with GAAP we are considered the divesting entity and treated as the "accounting successor" to Old LMC for financial reporting purposes. This is due, among other reasons, to the relative significance of our company to Old LMC (the legal spinnor) and the continued involvement of Old LMC's senior management with our company (rather than Starz) following the Starz Spin-Off. Therefore, the historical financial statements of Old LMC (renamed Starz) continue to be our historical financial statements, and reflect Starz, LLC and its subsidiaries as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements. Prior to the Starz Spin-Off, a significant percentage of the revenue of Old LMC, and a majority of its available cash flow, was generated by Starz, LLC and its subsidiaries.

 

On January 18, 2013, we acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM. Thus, beginning in the first quarter of 2013, our consolidated financial statements reflect SIRIUS XM as a consolidated subsidiary. Previously, we reflected our investment in SIRIUS XM as an equity method affiliate. In May 2013, we completed a transaction with certain investment funds to acquire approximately 26.9 million shares of common stock and approximately 1.1 million warrants in Charter Communication, Inc. (“Charter”), which represented an approximate 27% beneficial ownership in Charter at the time of purchase. Subsequent to this transaction, our consolidated financial statements reflected Charter as an equity method affiliate. On November 4, 2014, we completed the spin-off (the “Broadband Spin-Off”) of our wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”), which held, and currently holds, our former interest in Charter, our former subsidiary TruePosition, minority interests in Time Warner Cable, certain deferred tax liabilities, liabilities related to Time Warner Cable call options and corporate level net debt.

 

As a result of the foregoing transactions, our historical financial information as presented may not necessarily reflect what our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows would have been had we existed as a separate, stand-alone entity pursuing independent strategies during the periods presented.

 

We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.     For the year ended December 31, 2012, a significant portion of Liberty's reported total revenue had been generated by the businesses of Starz, LLC. Prior to the Split-Off, Starz, LLC was the second-largest generator of cash flow for Liberty's former parent company, Liberty Interactive (the largest generator being QVC, Inc., which is currently a subsidiary of Liberty Interactive).  In connection with the Starz Spin-Off, Starz, LLC distributed approximately $1.8 billion in cash to Liberty, of which $600 million was distributed in the third and fourth quarters of 2012. As a result of the Starz Spin-Off in January 2013, Liberty ceased to have access to the cash flow generated by Starz, LLC. At December 31, 2014, our only wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary is ANLBC, which, due to its size and nature, together with its assets and operating cash flow, would be insufficient to support any significant financing in the future. Although we received a distribution of approximately $300 million in cash from Liberty Broadband in connection with the Broadband Spin-Off, this was a one-time distribution and no further cash will be accessible from Liberty Broadband. In addition, although we began consolidating SIRIUS XM in the first quarter of 2013, we do not have ready access to the cash flow of SIRIUS XM due to SIRIUS XM being a separate public company and the significant noncontrolling interest. Hence, our ability to obtain

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significant financing in the future, on favorable terms or at all, may be limited. If debt financing is not available to us in the future, we may obtain liquidity through the sale or monetization of our available for sale securities, or we may issue equity securities. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity in the future, we may be unable to develop our businesses properly, complete acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may be subject to significant tax liabilities related to the Broadband Spin-Off.     In connection with the Broadband Spin-Off, we received an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that the Broadband Spin-Off will qualify as a tax-free transaction to our company and our stockholders under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D) and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares.  An opinion of tax counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or the courts, and the conclusions expressed in such opinion could be challenged by the IRS, and a court could sustain such challenge. In December 2014, the IRS completed its review of the Broadband Spin-Off and notified Liberty that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. If it is determined, for whatever reason, that the Broadband Spin-Off does not qualify for tax-free treatment, our company and/or our stockholders could incur significant tax liabilities. 

 

Prior to the Broadband Spin-Off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with Liberty Broadband.  Under this agreement, our company is generally responsible for any taxes and losses resulting from the failure of the Broadband Spin-Off to qualify as a tax-free transaction; however, Liberty Broadband is required to indemnify our company for any taxes and losses which (i) result primarily from, individually or in the aggregate, the breach of certain covenants made by Liberty Broadband (applicable to actions or failures to act by Liberty Broadband and its subsidiaries following the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off), or (ii) result from the application of Section 355(e) of the Code to the Broadband Spin-Off as a result of the treatment of the Broadband Spin-Off as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a 50-percent or greater interest (measured by either vote or value) in the stock of Liberty Broadband or any successor corporation.  As the taxpaying entity, however, we are subject to the risk of non-payment by Liberty Broadband of its indemnification obligations under the tax sharing agreement.

 

To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Broadband Spin-Off, we may determine to forego certain transactions that might have otherwise been advantageous to our company, including certain asset dispositions or other strategic transactions for some period of time following the Broadband Spin-Off.  In addition, our potential tax liabilities related to the Broadband Spin-Off might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control transaction for some period of time following the Broadband Spin-Off.

 

Rapid technological advances could render the products and services offered by our businesses obsolete or non-competitive.     Our businesses, including, for example, SIRIUS XM and Live Nation must stay abreast of rapidly evolving technological developments and offerings to remain competitive and increase the utility of their products and services. These businesses must be able to incorporate new technologies into their products and services in order to address the needs of their customers. There can be no assurance that they will be able to compete with advancing technology, and any failure to do so could result in customers seeking alternative service providers thereby adversely impacting our revenue, operating income and net income.

 

The business of SIRIUS XM depends in significant part on the operation of its satellites.     As a satellite radio broadcaster, SIRIUS XM's business depends on the lives and proper operation of its satellites. The lives of SIRIUS XM's satellites will vary and depend on a number of factors, including degradation and durability of solar panels, quality of construction, random failure of satellite components (which could result in significant damage to or loss of a satellite), the amount of fuel the satellite consumes and damage or destruction by electrostatic storms, collisions with other objects in space or other events (such as nuclear detonations) occurring in space.  In the ordinary course of operation, satellites experience failures of component parts and operational and performance anomalies.  Components on SIRIUS XM's in-orbit satellites have failed, and from time to time SIRIUS XM has experienced anomalies in the operation and performance of these satellites.  These failures and anomalies are expected to continue in the ordinary course, and SIRIUS XM cannot predict if any of these possible future events will have a material adverse effect on its operations or the life of its existing in-orbit satellites. Any material failure of its satellites could cause SIRIUS XM to lose customers and could materially

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harm SIRIUS XM's reputation and operating results. SIRIUS XM maintains no in-orbit insurance for its satellites other than for one of its satellites (its XM-5 satellite), which will expire in 2015.

 

In addition, SIRIUS XM’s network of terrestrial repeaters communicates with a single third-party satellite.  Its XM network of terrestrial repeaters communicates with a single XM satellite.  If the satellites communicating with the applicable repeater network fail unexpectedly, the services would be disrupted for several hours or longer.

 

Interruption or failure of SIRIUS XM's information technology and communications systems could negatively impact its results and brand, and therefore the value of our investment in SIRIUS XM.     SIRIUS XM's business is dependent on the operation and availability of its information technology and communication systems and those of certain third party service providers.  Any degradation in the quality, or any failure, of SIRIUS XM's systems (due to events such as unplanned outages, natural disasters, terrorist activities, technical difficulties or loss of data or processing capabilities) could reduce its revenues, cause it to lose customers and damage its brand.  SIRIUS XM could also experience loss of data or processing capabilities, which could cause SIRIUS XM to lose customers and could materially harm SIRIUS XM’s reputation and operating results. Although SIRIUS XM has implemented practices designed to maintain the availability of its information technology systems and mitigate the harm of any unplanned interruptions, SIRIUS XM cannot anticipate all eventualities and unplanned outages and technical difficulties are occasionally experienced. In addition, SIRIUS XM relies on internal systems and external systems maintained by manufacturers, distributors and service providers to take, fulfill and handle customer service requests and host certain online activities.  Any interruption or failure of SIRIUS XM's internal or external systems could prevent SIRIUS XM from serving customers or cause data to be unintentionally disclosed.

 

Our businesses are subject to risks of adverse government regulation.     Providers of satellite service are subject to varying degrees of regulation in the United States by the FCC and other entities and in foreign countries by similar regulators. Such regulation and legislation are subject to the political process and have been in constant flux over the past decade.  For example, SIRIUS XM holds various FCC licenses and authorizations to operate commercial satellite radio services in the United States, which are generally granted for a fixed term, and although SIRIUS XM expects that such licenses and authorizations will be renewed in the ordinary course upon their expiration, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.  Non-compliance by SIRIUS XM with the FCC's requirements or other conditions or with other applicable FCC rules and regulations could result in fines, additional license conditions, license revocation or other detrimental FCC actions. SIRIUS XM also relies on the FCC to assist it in preventing harmful interference to its service. The development of new applications and services in spectrum adjacent to the frequencies licensed to SIRIUS XM for satellite radio and ancillary services, as well as the possible distortion caused by the combination of signals in other frequencies, could cause harmful interference to its satellite radio service. Certain operations or combination of operations permitted by the FCC in spectrum, other than SIRIUS XM’s licensed frequencies, could result in distortion to its service and the reception of its satellite radio service could be adversely affected in certain areas.    

 

In addition, SIRIUS XM is subject to various consumer protection laws, rules and regulations, which are extensive and have developed rapidly, particularly at the state level, and, in certain jurisdictions, cover nearly all aspects of SIRIUS XM's marketing efforts, including the content of its advertising, the terms of consumer offers and the manner in which it communicates with existing and prospective subscribers. From time to time, SIRIUS XM is subject to certain claims under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act relating to telephone calls its vendors make to subscribers and trial subscribers, including calls to consumer’s mobile phones. Material changes in the law and regulatory requirements must be anticipated, and there can be no assurance that the businesses and assets of our subsidiaries and business affiliates will not become subject to increased expenses or more stringent restrictions as a result of any future legislation, new regulation or deregulation.

 

The success of SIRIUS XM and Live Nation, in part, depends on audience acceptance of their programs and services, which is difficult to predict.     Entertainment content production, satellite radio services and live entertainment events are inherently risky businesses because the revenue derived from these businesses depends primarily upon the public's acceptance of these programs and services, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of a satellite radio program or live entertainment production depends upon the quality and acceptance of competing programs, the availability of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors, many of which are difficult to predict. In the case of ad-supported programming and satellite radio

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service, audience size is an important factor when advertising rates are negotiated. Audience size is also an important factor when determining ticket pricing for live entertainment productions. Consequently, low public acceptance of the programs and services offered by SIRIUS XM and Live Nation could hurt the ability of these companies to maintain rates charged to customers, subscribers and, as applicable, advertisers.

 

Certain of our businesses depend on the performance of, and their relationships, with various third parties.     An important component of the success of our businesses, including in particular our consolidated subsidiary SIRIUS XM, is the ability to maintain existing, as well as build new, relationships with third parties, such as:

 

 

If one or more of these third parties do not perform in a satisfactory or timely manner, our businesses could be adversely affected. In addition, a number of third parties on which these businesses depend have experienced, and may in the future experience, financial difficulties or file for bankruptcy protection. Such third parties may not be able to perform their obligations in a timely manner, if at all, as a result of their financial condition or may be relieved of their obligations to us as part of seeking bankruptcy protection.  In addition, SIRIUS XM, in particular, designs, establishes specifications for and manages various aspects of the logistics of the production of satellite radios. As a result of these activities, SIRIUS XM may be exposed to liabilities associated with the design, manufacture and distribution of radios that the providers of an entertainment service would not customarily be subject to, such as liabilities for design defects, patent infringement and compliance with applicable laws, as well as the costs of returned product.

 

Our businesses may be impaired by third-party intellectual property rights.     Development of our business systems has depended upon the intellectual property developed by them, as well as intellectual property licensed from third parties. If the intellectual property developed or used by them is not adequately protected, others will be permitted to and may duplicate portions of these systems or services without liability. In addition, others may challenge, invalidate, render unenforceable or circumvent the intellectual property rights, patents or existing licenses of our businesses or they may face significant legal costs in connection with defending and enforcing those intellectual property rights. Some of the know-how and technology so developed, and to be developed, is not now, nor will it be, covered by U.S. patents or trade secret protections. Trade secret protection and contractual agreements may not provide adequate protection if there is any unauthorized use or disclosure. The loss of necessary technologies could require our subsidiaries and business affiliates to substitute technologies of lower quality performance standards, at greater cost or on a delayed basis, which could harm their businesses.

 

Other parties may have patents or pending patent applications, which will later mature into patents or inventions that may block the ability of our businesses to operate their systems or license technologies. They may have to resort to litigation to enforce rights under license agreements or to determine the scope and validity of other parties' proprietary rights in the subject matter of those licenses. This may be expensive and they may not succeed in any such litigation.

 

Third parties may assert claims or bring suit against our businesses for patent, trademark or copyright infringement, or for other infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights. Any such litigation could result in substantial cost, and diversion of effort and adverse findings in any proceeding could subject businesses to significant liabilities to third parties; require them to seek licenses from third parties; block their ability to operate their systems or license their technology; or otherwise adversely affect their ability to successfully develop and market their products and services.

 

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The ability of SIRIUS XM to attract and retain subscribers at a profitable level in the future is uncertain.    SIRIUS XM’s ability to retain subscribers, or increase the number of subscribers to its service, in any given period is subject to many factors, including the price of SIRIUS XM's service, the health of the economy, the production and sale or lease of new vehicles in the United States, the rate at which existing self-pay customers buy and sell new and used vehicles in the United States, including the extent to which existing self-pay subscribers buy and sell new and used vehicles which include an unpaid trial, SIRIUS XM's ability to convince owners and lessees of new and previously owned vehicles that include satellite radios to purchase subscriptions to its service, the effectiveness of its marketing programs, the entertainment value of its programming, and actions by its competitors, such as terrestrial and Internet radio and other audio entertainment and information providers. As part of SIRIUS XM's business, SIRIUS XM experiences, and expects to experience in the future, subscriber turnover (i.e., churn). Some elements of SIRIUS XM’s business strategy may result in churn increasing.  For example, its efforts to increase the penetration of satellite radios in new, lower priced vehicle lines may result in the growth of economy-minded subscribers; its work to acquire subscribers purchasing or leasing pre-owned vehicles may attract subscribers of more limited economic means; and its product and marketing efforts may attract more price sensitive subscribers. If SIRIUS XM is unable to retain current subscribers at expected rates, or the costs of retaining subscribers are higher than expected, its financial performance and operating results could be adversely affected. SIRIUS XM cannot predict how successful it will be at retaining customers who purchase or lease vehicles that include a promotional subscription to its satellite radio service. SIRIUS XM spends substantial amounts on advertising and marketing and in transactions with automakers, retailers and others to obtain and attract subscribers. Average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, is another key metric used by SIRIUS XM to analyze its business. Over the past several years, SIRIUS XM has focused substantial attention and efforts on balancing ARPU and subscriber additions. Its ability to increase or maintain ARPU over time is uncertain and depends upon various factors, including the value customers perceive in SIRIUS XM's service, SIRIUS XM's ability to add and retain compelling programming, the increasing competition SIRIUS XM experiences from terrestrial radio and other audio entertainment and information providers, and pricing and other offers SIRIUS XM may make to attract new subscribers and retain existing subscribers.  If SIRIUS XM is unable to consistently attract new subscribers, and retain its current subscribers, at a sufficient level of revenues to be profitable, the value of its common stock could decline, and without sufficient cash flow it may not be able to make the required payments on its indebtedness and could ultimately default on its commitments.

 

The unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation against SIRIUS XM could have a material adverse effect.    SIRIUS XM is a party to several legal proceedings arising out of various aspects of SIRIUS XM’s business, including patent infringement suits, class action and individual lawsuits seeking compensation for its use of sound recordings fixed prior to February 15, 1972 and class actions seeking damages for purported violations of the telephone consumer protection act. SIRIUS XM is defending all claims against itself. The outcome of these proceedings may not be favorable, and an unfavorable outcome may have a material adverse effect on SIRIUS XM’s business or financial results.

 

Our businesses, such as SIRIUS XM and Live Nation, may not realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic initiatives.    Our business strategy, including that of SIRIUS XM and Live Nation, may include selective acquisitions or other strategic initiatives focused on business expansion. The success of any acquisitions depends on effective integration of acquired businesses and assets into the acquirer’s operations, which is subject to risks and uncertainties, including realization of any anticipated synergies and cost savings, the ability to retain and attract personnel, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, and undisclosed or potential legal liabilities of acquired businesses or assets.

 

Continuingly weak economic conditions may reduce consumer demand for our products and services.   A weak economy in the United States could adversely affect demand for our products and services. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. A reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue through potential downgrades by satellite radio subscribers, affecting SIRIUS XM, reduced live-entertainment expenditures, affecting Live Nation and ANLBC, and a slowdown in auto sales (which is an important source of satellite radio subscribers), affecting SIRIUS XM. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments remain weak or decline further. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.

 

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The business of SIRIUS XM depends in large part upon the auto industry.     A substantial portion of SIRIUS XM's subscription growth has come from purchasers and lessees of new and previously owned automobiles in the United States. The sale and lease of vehicles with satellite radios is an important source of subscribers for its satellite radio service. SIRIUS XM has agreements with every major automaker to include satellite radios in new vehicles, although these agreements do not require automakers to install specific or minimum quantities of radios in any given period. Automotive production and sales are dependent on many factors, including the availability of consumer credit, general economic conditions, consumer confidence and fuel costs. To the extent vehicles sales by automakers decline or the penetration of factory-installed satellite radios in those vehicles is reduced, subscriber growth for SIRIUS XM's satellite radio services may be adversely impacted. Sales of previously owned vehicles represent a significant source of new subscribers for SIRIUS XM.  SIRIUS XM has agreements with various auto dealers and certain companies operating in the used vehicle market to provide it with data on sales of previously owned satellite radio enabled vehicles.  The continuing availability of this information is important to SIRIUS XM’s future growth.

 

The indebtedness of our subsidiary, SIRIUS XM, could adversely affect its operations and could limit its ability to react to changes in the economy or its industry.   Our subsidiary SIRIUS XM has significant indebtedness. As of December 31, 2014, SIRIUS XM had outstanding an aggregate principal amount of approximately $4.5 billion of indebtedness, $380 million of which was outstanding under a $1.25 billion senior secured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions which contains certain covenants. This debt level has important consequences. Carrying significant debt loads can increase a company’s vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, require it to dedicate a portion of its cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, reduce the availability of cash flow to fund capital expenditures, marketing and other general corporate activities, limit its ability to borrow additional funds or make capital expenditures, limit its flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and its industry, and may place it at a competitive disadvantage compared to other competitors. In addition, the instruments governing such indebtedness, including SIRIUS XM's indebtedness, often contain covenants that, among other things, place certain limitations on the ability to incur more debt, exceed a specified leverage ratio, pay dividends, make distributions, make investments, repurchase stock, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale lease-back transactions, merge or consolidate, and transfer or sell assets. Failure to comply with such covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could cause the applicable subsidiaries or business affiliates to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, discontinue operations or seek a purchaser for its business or assets.

 

We have substantial debt held above the operating subsidiary level, and we could be unable in the future to obtain cash in amounts sufficient to service that debt and our other financial obligations.    As of December 31, 2014, we had $1.2 billion principal amount of corporate-level debt outstanding. Our ability to meet our financial obligations will depend on our ability to access cash. Our primary sources of cash include our available cash balances, dividends and interest from our investments, monetization of our public investment portfolio and proceeds from asset sales. Further, our ability to receive dividends or payments or advances from our businesses depends on their individual operating results, any statutory, regulatory or contractual restrictions to which they may be or may become subject and the terms of their own indebtedness, including SIRIUS XM's senior notes and credit facility. The agreements governing such indebtedness restrict sales of assets and prohibit or limit the payment of dividends or the making of distributions, loans or advances to stockholders, non-wholly owned subsidiaries or our partners. We generally do not receive cash, in the form of dividends, loans, advances or otherwise, from our business affiliates.

 

Royalties for music rights, which are paid by SIRIUS XM, have increased and there can be no assurance that they will not continue to increase, and the market for music rights is changing and is subject to significant uncertainties.    SIRIUS XM must maintain music programming royalty arrangements with, and pay license fees to BMI, ASCAP and SESAC.  These organizations negotiate with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to songwriters and music publishers.  SIRIUS XM has agreements with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC through 2016.  There can be no assurance that the royalties SIRIUS XM pays to ASCAP, SESAC, BMI and other songwriters and music publishers will not increase upon expiration of these arrangements. The market for acquiring rights from songwriters and music publishers is changing. BMI and ASCAP are subject to Consent Decrees with the United States. The Unites States Department of Justice is reviewing these Consent Decrees and may agree to changes to those arrangements. In addition, certain songwriters and music publishers have purportedly withdrawn from two of the traditional performing rights organizations, ASCAP and BMI, and third parties have contacted SIRIUS XM regarding the need to separately license works. The change to, and fragmentation of, the traditional market for licensing musical works could increase SIRIUS XM’s licensing costs and/or cause it in certain

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cases to reduce the number of works performed. Under the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, SIRIUS XM also must pay royalties to copyright owners of sound recordings fixed after February 15, 1972.  Those royalty rates may by established through negotiation or, if negotiation is unsuccessful, by the Copyright Royalty Board ("CRB").  Owners of copyrights in sound recordings have created SoundExchange, a collective organization to collect and distribute royalties.  SoundExchange is exempt by statute from certain U.S. antitrust laws and exercises significant market power in the licensing of sound recordings. Under the terms of the CRB's decision governing sound recording royalties for the five-year period ending on December 31, 2017, SIRIUS XM will pay a royalty based on gross revenues, subject to certain exclusions, of 10.0% for 2015, 10.5% for 2016, and 11% for 2017. The right to perform certain copyrighted sound recordings that were fixed before February 15, 1972 is governed by state common law principles and, in certain instances, may be subject to state statutes. SIRIUS XM is a defendant in litigation in three States regarding the alleged distribution, duplication and performance of certain copyrighted sound recordings that were fixed before February 15, 1972. If courts ultimately hold that a performance right exists under state copyright laws, SIRIUS XM may be required to pay additional royalties to perform copyrighted sound recordings that were fixed before February 15, 1972 or remove those works from its service. For additional information about these matters, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

Our subsidiary, SIRIUS XM, and our other businesses, face substantial competition, which may increase over time.     SIRIUS XM faces substantial competition from other providers of music and talk radio and other audio services and its ability to retain and attract customers is based on its successful programming. SIRIUS XM's subscribers can obtain similar content through terrestrial radio or Internet radio services, and a number of automakers and aftermarket manufacturers have introduced factory-installed radios capable of accessing internet-delivered auto entertainment and connecting to Internet-delivered content on smartphones. Such competition could lower subscription, advertising or other revenue or increase expenses related to marketing, promotion or other expenses, which would lower SIRIUS XM's earnings and free cash flow. For additional information regarding the competitive factors faced by our businesses, see “Part I. Business -- Competition” above.

 

The success of SIRIUS XM and Live Nation, in part, depends on the integrity of their systems and infrastructures and the protection of consumer data.    The businesses of SIRIUS XM and Live Nation involve the receipt and storage of personal information about consumers. While the receipt and storage of such information is subject to regulation by international, federal and state law, and although SIRIUS XM  and Live Nation may take steps to protect personal information, these companies could experience a data security breach, which could result in a disruption of operations and potential violations of applicable privacy laws and other laws or standards which could result in government enforcement actions and private litigation and/or the loss of consumer trust.

 

The success of ANLBC, in part, depends on its ability to recruit and retain key persons.    The financial success of ANLBC is influenced by the record of the Atlanta Braves Major League baseball team during each season, which is directly impacted by their ability to employ and retain top performing players, coaches and managers. We cannot assure you that if the Atlanta Braves Major League baseball team experiences turnover of these key persons, they will be able to recruit and retain acceptable replacements, in part, because the market for such employees is very competitive and limited.

 

We do not have the right to manage our business affiliate, Live Nation, which means we are not able to cause it to operate in a manner that is favorable to us.  We do not have the right to manage the businesses or affairs of our business affiliate Live Nation. Rather, our rights take the form of representation on the board of directors and board committees. Although our board representation rights may enable us to exercise influence over the management or policies of Live Nation, they will not enable us to cause Live Nation to take any actions we believe are favorable to us (such as paying dividends or distributions).

 

Our equity method investment in Live Nation may have a material impact on our net earnings.     We have a significant investment in Live Nation, which we account for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, we report our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of our equity affiliates in our statement of operations under "share of earnings (losses) of affiliates," which contributes to our earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes. If the earnings or losses of Live Nation are material in any year, those earnings or losses may have a material effect on our net earnings. Notwithstanding the impact on our net earnings, we do not have the ability to cause Live Nation to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to its stockholders, including us. In addition, our investment in Live

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Nation is in publicly traded securities which are not reflected at fair value on our balance sheet and is also subject to market risk that is not directly reflected in our statement of operations.

 

The liquidity and value of our public investments may be affected by market conditions beyond our control that could cause us to record losses for declines in their market value.   Included among our assets are equity interests in one or more publicly-traded companies that are not consolidated subsidiaries or equity affiliates, such as Barnes & Noble Inc., Time Warner Inc. and Viacom, Inc.  As of December 31, 2014, the market value of these investments totaled $718 million. The value of these interests may be affected by economic and market conditions that are beyond our control and changes in the value of these investments may affect our financial results. In addition, our ability to liquidate these interests without adversely affecting their aggregate value may be limited.

 

No assurance can be made that we will be successful in integrating any acquired businesses.     Our businesses may grow through acquisitions in selected markets. Integration of new businesses may present significant challenges, including: realizing economies of scale; eliminating duplicative overhead; and integrating networks, financial systems and operational systems. No assurance can be made that, with respect to any acquisition, we will realize anticipated benefits or successfully integrate any acquired business with our existing operations. In addition, while we intend to implement appropriate controls and procedures as we integrate acquired companies, we may not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of these companies' disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting (as required by U.S. federal securities laws and regulations) until we have fully integrated them.

 

Risk Factors Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

Transactions in our common stock by our insiders could depress the market price of our common stock.     Sales of or hedging transactions, such as collars, in our shares by our Chairman of the Board or any of our other directors or executive officers could cause a perception in the marketplace that our stock price has peaked or that adverse events or trends have occurred or may be occurring at our company. This perception could result notwithstanding any personal financial motivation for these insider transactions. As a result, insider transactions could depress the market price for shares of one or more series of our common stock.

 

Our company has overlapping directors and management with Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“Liberty TripAdvisor”), which may lead to conflicting interests.     As a result of the Starz Spin-Off, the Split-Off, the Broadband Spin-Off and Liberty Interactive’s spin-off of Liberty TripAdvisor in August 2014, most of the executive officers of Liberty also serve as executive officers of Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor, and there are overlapping directors. None of these companies has any ownership interest in any of the others. Our executive officers and members of our company's board of directors have fiduciary duties to our stockholders. Likewise, any such persons who serve in similar capacities at Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband or Liberty TripAdvisor have fiduciary duties to that company's stockholders. For example, there may be the potential for a conflict of interest when our company, Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband or Liberty TripAdvisor pursues acquisitions and other business opportunities that may be suitable for each of them. Therefore, such persons may have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting more than one of the companies to which they owe fiduciary duties. Moreover, most of our company's directors and officers continue to own Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor stock and options to purchase stock in those companies. These ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when the applicable individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our company, Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband and/or Liberty TripAdvisor. Any potential conflict that qualifies as a "related party transaction" (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) is subject to review by an independent committee of the applicable issuer's board of directors in accordance with its corporate governance guidelines. Each of Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor has renounced its rights to certain business opportunities and each company’s restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions deeming directors and officers not in breach of their fiduciary duties in certain cases for directing a corporate opportunity to another person or entity (including Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor) instead of such company. Any other potential conflicts that arise will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind the applicable fiduciary duties owed by the executive officers and directors of each issuer. From time to time, we may enter into transactions with Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband or Liberty TripAdvisor and/or their subsidiaries or other affiliates. There can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable

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to our company, Liberty Interactive, Liberty Broadband, Liberty TripAdvisor or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates as would be the case where there is no overlapping officer or director.

 

Holders of a single series of our common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that series of our common stock.     Principles of Delaware law and the provisions of our certificate of incorporation may protect decisions of our board of directors that have a disparate impact upon holders of any single series of our common stock. Under Delaware law, the board of directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our stockholders, including the holders of all series of our common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes or series of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common stockholders regardless of class or series and does not have separate or additional duties to any group of stockholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our directors may be required to make a decision that is viewed as adverse to the holders of one series of our common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule, holders may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the holders of one series of our stock if our board of directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interest of all of our stockholders.

 

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders.     Certain provisions of our restated charter and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company that a stockholder may consider favorable. These provisions include:

 

 

In addition, our chairman, John C. Malone, beneficially owns shares representing the power to direct approximately 47% of the aggregate voting power in our company, due to his beneficial ownership of approximately 96% of the outstanding shares of Liberty Series B common stock as of January 31, 2015.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

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Item 2.  Properties.

 

We own our corporate headquarters in Englewood, Colorado.

 

SIRIUS XM owns office, production, data center, and engineering facilities in Washington D.C. and New Jersey. Additionally, SIRIUS XM leases property for its headquarters in New York and leases additional properties in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, California and Texas for its office, production, technical, studio and engineering facilities and call center. SIRIUS XM also leases properties in Panama and Ecuador that are used as earth stations to command and control satellites. In addition, SIRIUS XM leases or licenses space at approximately 640 locations for use in connection with the terrestrial repeater networks that support its satellite radio services. In general, these leases and licenses are for space on building rooftops and communications towers, none of which are individually material to the business or its operations.

 

Our other subsidiaries and business affiliates own or lease the fixed assets necessary for the operation of their respective businesses, including office space and entertainment venues.  Our management believes that our current facilities are suitable and adequate for our business operations for the foreseeable future.

 

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

 

Litigation Relating to Proposed Acquisition of SIRIUS XM Stock

 

In early to mid-January 2014, a series of stockholder class actions were filed in Delaware and New York state courts against SIRIUS XM, Liberty, Liberty Radio LLC, and certain present and former SIRIUS XM board members (Joan L. Amble, Anthony J. Bates, George W. Bodenheimer, David J.A. Flowers, Eddy W. Hartenstein, James P. Holden, Gregory B. Maffei, Evan D. Malone, John C. Malone, James E. Meyer, James F. Mooney, Carl E. Vogel, Vanessa A. Wittman and David Zaslav). In Delaware, the cases are captioned: Roy v. Meyer, et al., Case No. 9248-VCN (Del. Ch.); Ebenau v. Meyer, et al., Case No. 9249-VCN (Del. Ch.); Ricciardi v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Case No. 9253-VCN (Del. Ch.); Western Washington Laborers-Employers Pension Trust v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Case No. 9269-VCN (Del. Ch.); and Varvolis v. Malone, et al., Case No. 9283-VCN (Del. Ch.). In New York, the cases are captioned: Freedman v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Index No. 650038/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); Adoni v. Amble, et al., Index No. 650085/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); Goodman v. Amble, et al., Index No. 650141/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); Hartleib v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Index No. 650158/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); Shenk v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Index No. 650188/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); The Booth Family Trust v. Meyer, et al., Index No. 650235/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); Corso v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Index No. 650253/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.); and Sciortino v. Sirius XM Holdings Inc., et al., Index No. 650268/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.). 

 

The cases involved Liberty’s former proposal (the "Proposal") to acquire the remaining shares of SIRIUS XM that it does not already own (which was subsequently withdrawn).  The plaintiffs alleged that in pursuing this Proposal, Liberty and the individual director defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the SIRIUS XM shareholders.

 

On January 13, 2014, a notice of voluntary discontinuance was filed in the Adoni case.  On January 27, 2014, a motion for consolidation (of all of the New York cases) and appointment of lead counsel was filed in the Shenk case.  On January 31, 2014, defendants filed a cross-motion to dismiss the New York actions, or in the alternative to stay the New York actions, in favor of the substantially similar actions pending in Delaware.

 

On March 13, 2014, before the New York Supreme Court heard oral argument on the pending motion and cross-motion, Liberty issued a press release stating that it had withdrawn the Proposal.  In light of this withdrawal, plaintiffs’ cases became moot.  On April 1, 2014, notices of voluntary discontinuances were filed in the Freedman, Goodman, Hartleib, The Booth Family Trust, Corso, and Sciortino cases.  In the Shenk case, a stipulation of voluntary discontinuance was faxed to the court on April 2, 2014, and on April 10, 2014, Judge Lawrence Marks “So Ordered” the stipulation. All of the New York cases were voluntarily dismissed on or before April 10, 2014. Similarly, each of the Delaware cases was dismissed on or before July 21, 2014.

 

Pre-1972 Sound Recording Matters

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SIRIUS XM is a defendant in three class action suits and one additional suit, which were commenced in August and September 2013 and challenge SIRIUS XM’s use and public performance via satellite radio and the Internet of sound recordings fixed prior to February 15, 1972 under California, New York and/or Florida law. The plaintiffs in each of these cases seek compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief.

 

In September 2014, the United States District Court for the Central District of California ruled that the grant of “exclusive ownership” to the owner of a sound recording under California’s copyright statute included the exclusive right to control public performances of the sound recording. The court further determined that the unauthorized public performance of sound recordings violated California laws on unfair competition, misappropriation and conversion. In October 2014, the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles adopted the Central District Court's interpretation of "exclusive ownership" under California's copyright statute. However, the Superior Court did not find that the unauthorized public performance of sound recordings violated California laws on unfair competition, misappropriation and conversion. In November 2014, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York denied SIRIUS XM’s motion for summary judgment and held that sound recordings fixed before February 15, 1972 were entitled to the benefits of a public performance right under New York law.  The court subsequently denied reconsideration of that decision.  SIRIUS XM intends to appeal these decisions.

 

These cases are titled Flo & Eddie Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio Inc. et al., No. 2:13-cv-5693-PSG-RZ (C.D. Cal.), Flo & Eddie, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio Inc., et al., No. 1:13-cv-23182-DPG (S.D. Fla.), Flo & Eddie, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio Inc. et al., No. 1:13-cv-5784-CM (S.D.N.Y.), and Capitol Records LLC et al. v. Sirius XM Radio Inc., No. BC-520981 (Super. Ct. L.A. County). Additional information concerning each of these actions is publicly available in court filings under their docket numbers.

 

In addition, in August 2013, SoundExchange, Inc. filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia alleging that SIRIUS XM underpaid royalties for statutory licenses during the 2007-2012 rate period in violation of the regulations established by the CRB for that period. SoundExchange principally alleges that SIRIUS XM improperly reduced its calculation of gross revenues, on which the royalty payments are based, by deducting non-recognized revenue attributable to pre-1972 recordings and Premier package revenue that is not “separately charged” as required by the regulations. SoundExchange is seeking compensatory damages, payment of late fees and interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

In August 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia granted SIRIUS XM’s motion to dismiss the complaint without prejudice on the grounds that the case properly should be pursued before the CRB rather than the district court. In December 2014, SoundExchange filed a petition with the CRB requesting an order interpreting the applicable regulations. The CRB has requested that the parties submit briefs regarding whether the agency properly has jurisdiction to interpret the regulations and adjudicate this matter under the applicable statute.

 

This matter is titled SoundExchange, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc., No.13-cv-1290-RJL (D.D.C.), and Determination of Rates and Terms for Preexisting Subscription Services and Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services, United States Copyright Royalty Board, No. 2006-1 CRB DSTRA. Additional information concerning each of these actions is publicly available in filings under their docket numbers.

 

Telephone Consumer Protection Act Suits

 

SIRIUS XM is a defendant in three purported class action suits, which were commenced in February 2012, January 2013 and January 2015, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Newport News Division,

and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California that allege that SIRIUS XM, or certain call center vendors acting on their behalf, made numerous calls which violate provisions of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (the “TCPA”). The plaintiffs in these actions allege, among other things, that SIRIUS XM called mobile phones using an automatic telephone dialing system without the consumer’s prior consent or, alternatively, after the consumer revoked their prior consent and, in one of the actions, that SIRIUS XM violated the TCPA’s call time restrictions. The plaintiffs in these suits are seeking various forms of relief, including statutory damages of $500 for each violation of the TCPA or, in the alternative, treble damages of up to $1,500 for each knowing and willful violation of the TCPA, as

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well as payment of interest, attorneys’ fees and costs, and certain injunctive relief prohibiting violations of the TCPA in the future. SIRIUS XM believes it has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in these actions and intends to defend them vigorously.

 

SIRIUS XM has notified certain of its call center vendors of these actions and requested that they defend and indemnify SIRIUS XM against these claims pursuant to the provisions of their existing or former agreements with SIRIUS XM. SIRIUS XM believes it has valid contractual claims against certain call center vendors in connection with these claims and intends to preserve and pursue its rights to recover from these entities.

 

These cases are titled Erik Knutson v. Sirius XM Radio Inc. , No. 12-cv-0418-AJB-NLS (S.D. Cal.), Francis W. Hooker v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc. , No. 4:13-cv-3 (E.D. Va.) and Brian Trenz v. Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. , No. 15-cv-0044LBLM (S.D. Cal). Additional information concerning each of these actions is publicly available in court filings under their docket numbers.

 

With respect to the matters described above under the captions “Pre-1972 Sound Recording Matters” and “Telephone Consumer Protection Act Suits,” SIRIUS XM has determined, based on its current knowledge, that the amount of loss or range of loss, that is reasonably possible is not reasonably estimable. However, these matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond SIRIUS XM’s control. As such, there can be no assurance that the final outcome of these matters will not materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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PART II.

 

Item 5.Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Market Information

 

On January 11, 2013, we completed the Starz Spin-Off, which was effected as a pro-rata dividend of shares of Liberty to the stockholders of Starz. Due to the relative significance of Liberty to Starz (the legal spinnor) and senior management's continued involvement with Liberty following the Starz Spin-Off, Liberty was treated as the "accounting successor" to Starz. Therefore, the historical financial statements of Starz continue to be the historical financial statements of Liberty, and Starz has been treated as discontinued operations in Liberty's financial statements upon completion of the Starz Spin-Off in the first quarter of 2013.

 

Prior to January 11, 2013, the Liberty Series A and B shares were traded under the LMCA and LMCB ticker symbols (which are now reflected under the STRZA and STRZB ticker symbols, respectively, for the respective time period). Subsequent to January 11, 2013, Starz and Liberty are separate publicly traded companies. Shares of Starz Series A and Series B common stock (ticker symbols STRZA and STRZB, respectively) are traded separately from Liberty's Series A and B common stock, which are traded under the LMCA and LMCB ticker symbols, respectively.

 

On July 23, 2014, holders of Liberty’s Series A and Series B common stock as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 7, 2014, the record date for the dividend, received a dividend of two shares of Liberty Series C common stock (ticker symbol LMCK) for each share of Liberty Series A or Series B common stock held by them as of the record date. The impact of the Liberty Series C common issuance has been reflected retroactively due to the treatment of the dividend as a stock split for accounting purposes.

On November 4, 2014, Liberty completed the spin-off to its stockholders of common stock of a newly formed company called Liberty Broadband Corporation ("Liberty Broadband") (the “Broadband Spin-Off”). Shares of Liberty Broadband were distributed to the shareholders of Liberty as of a record date of October 29, 2014. Liberty Broadband is comprised of, among other things, (i) Liberty’s former interest in Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), (ii) Liberty’s former subsidiary TruePosition, Inc. (“TruePosition”), (iii) Liberty’s former minority equity investment in Time Warner Cable, Inc. ("Time Warner Cable"), (iv) certain deferred tax liabilities, as well as liabilities related to Time Warner Cable call options and (v) initial indebtedness, pursuant to margin loans entered into prior to the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off. In the Broadband Spin-Off, record holders of Liberty Series A, Series B and Series C common stock received one share of the corresponding series of Liberty Broadband common stock for every four shares of Liberty common stock held by them as of the record date for the Broadband Spin-Off, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Each series of our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices of shares of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as adjusted for the Series C common stock dividend, as discussed above and in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Part II of this report.

 

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Holders

 

As of January 31, 2015, there were approximately 1,500, 100 and 1,500 record holders of our Series A, Series B and Series C common stock, respectively.  The foregoing numbers of record holders do not include the number of stockholders whose shares are held nominally by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but include each such institution as one shareholder.

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we have no present intention of so doing.  Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be determined by our board of directors in light of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant considerations.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of stockholders that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2015.

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

 

Share Repurchase Programs

 

On January 11, 2013 (ratified February 26, 2013) Liberty Media Corporation announced that its board of directors authorized $450 million of repurchases of Liberty common stock from that day forward. Additionally, in connection with the Broadband Spin-Off, an additional authorization of $300 million in Liberty share repurchases was approved by the Liberty board of directors on October 9, 2014. There were no repurchases of Liberty common stock made pursuant to the repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2014, $627 million is available for repurchases under the Company’s share repurchase program.

 

 

Item 6.Selected Financial Data.

 

The following tables present selected historical financial statement information relating to our financial condition and results of operations for the past five years.  The following data should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

 

Explanatory Note

 

On January 11, 2013 Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty" or "the Company") was spun-off, through the distribution of shares of Liberty by means of a pro-rata dividend from Starz (previously Liberty Media Corporation, formerly known as Liberty Spinco, Inc.) (the "Starz Spin-Off"), which was previously an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty Interactive," formerly known as Liberty Media Corporation). Liberty Interactive's capital structure previously utilized three tracking stocks:  Liberty Interactive common stock, Liberty Starz common stock and Liberty Capital common stock. During September 2011, Liberty Interactive completed the separation of its Liberty Capital and Liberty Starz tracking stock groups from its Liberty Interactive tracking stock group (the "Split-Off"). The Split-Off was effected by means of a redemption of all of the Liberty Capital common stock and the Liberty Starz common stock in exchange for all of the common stock of Liberty, which at the time of the Split-Off held all of the assets, liabilities and businesses attributed to Liberty Interactive's Liberty Capital and Liberty Starz tracking stock groups. Liberty eliminated its tracking stock structure in November 2011 through the conversion of Liberty Starz common stock into Liberty Capital common stock (the “Conversion”). As a result of the Conversion there are no longer outstanding shares of the Liberty Starz tracking stock as of the Conversion date. 

 

Due to the relative significance of Liberty to Starz (the legal spinnor) and senior management's continued involvement with Liberty following the Starz Spin-Off, Liberty was treated as the "accounting successor" to Starz for financial reporting purposes, notwithstanding the legal form of the Starz Spin-Off previously described. Therefore, the historical financial statements of Starz will continue to be the historical financial statements of Liberty and now present the results of Starz, LLC as discontinued operations in all periods prior to the Starz Spin-Off. Therefore, for purposes of this Form 10-K Liberty is treated as the spinnor for purposes of discussion and as a practical matter of describing all the historical information contained herein. 

On November 4, 2014, Liberty completed the Broadband Spin-Off. Shares of Liberty Broadband were distributed to the shareholders of Liberty as of a record date of October 29, 2014. Liberty Broadband is comprised of, among other things, (i) Liberty’s former interest in Charter, (ii) Liberty’s former subsidiary TruePosition, (iii) Liberty’s former minority equity investment in Time Warner Cable, (iv) certain deferred tax liabilities, as well as liabilities related to Time Warner Cable call options and (v) initial indebtedness, pursuant to margin loans entered into prior to the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off. Prior to the transaction, Liberty Broadband borrowed funds under margin loans and made a final distribution to Liberty of approximately $300 million in cash. The Broadband Spin-Off was intended to be tax-free to stockholders of Liberty.  In the Broadband Spin-Off, record holders of Series A, Series B and Series C common stock received one share of the corresponding series of Liberty Broadband common stock for each four shares of common stock held by them as of the record date for the Broadband Spin-Off, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. The Company’s former investments in and results of Charter and Time Warner Cable are no longer included in the results of Liberty from the date of the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off forward. Based on the relative significance of TruePosition to Liberty, the Company concluded that discontinued operations presentation of TruePosition is not necessary. 

 

Overview

 

We own controlling and non-controlling interests in a broad range of media, communications and entertainment companies. Our most significant operating subsidiary, which is our reportable segment, is SIRIUS XM. SIRIUS XM broadcasts its music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through its two proprietary satellite radio systems. Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as Sirius XM On Demand and MySXM, over the Internet, including through applications for mobile devices.

 

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Our "Corporate and Other" category includes our consolidated subsidiary, the Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. ("ANLBC"), corporate expenses and prior to the Broadband Spin-Off, TruePosition.

 

In addition to the foregoing businesses, we hold an ownership interest in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. ("Live Nation"), which we account for as an equity method investment at December 31, 2014.  We also maintain minority positions in other public companies such as Barnes & Noble, Inc., Time Warner Inc. and Viacom Corporation, which are accounted for at their respective fair market values and are included in corporate and other.

 

Strategies and Challenges of Business Units

 

SIRIUS XM. SIRIUS XM is focused on several initiatives to increase its revenue. SIRIUS XM regularly evaluates its business plans and strategy. Currently, its strategies include:

 

 

SIRIUS XM faces certain key challenges in its attempt to meet these goals, including:

 

 

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Results of Operations—Consolidated

 

General.    We provide in the tables below information regarding our Consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our reportable segments.  The "corporate and other" category consists of those assets or businesses which do not qualify as a separate reportable segment. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of our principal reportable segment, see "Results of Operations‑Businesses" below.

 

Consolidated Operating Results

 

 

Revenue.    Our consolidated revenue increased $448 million and $3,634 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The current year increase was primarily due to revenue growth at SIRIUS XM (approximately $382 million) and a full year of consolidated SIRIUS XM revenue ($166 million), which was partially offset by reduced revenue at ANLBC and TruePosition and no revenue earned during the year ended December 31, 2014 related to a contractual arrangement with CNBC that was held by a subsidiary exchanged in the fourth quarter of 2013 with Comcast. TruePosition revenue decreased $20 million in 2014 as compared to the prior year due primarily to a decrease in international and domestic hardware and software sales offset slightly by revenue from an acquisition during the year and the timing of the Broadband Spin-Off. ANLBC revenue decreased $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a one-time recognition of revenue from a settlement of historical broadcast rights issues during the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in 2013 was primarily due to the treatment of SIRIUS XM as a consolidated subsidiary beginning on January 18, 2013 and increased revenue at ANLBC. For the year ended December 31, 2013, ANLBC revenue increased by $36 million or 16% as compared to the prior year, due to a one time recognition of revenue from a settlement of outstanding broadcast rights issues, slightly greater fan attendance and slightly higher average prices per ticket and concession spend per turnstile. See Results of Operations—Businesses below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of SIRIUS XM.

 

Adjusted OIBDA.    We define Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less operating expenses and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses (excluding stock compensation). Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses, including each business's ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See note 18 to the

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accompanying consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes.

 

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA increased $95 million and $1,314 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The increase in the current year was primarily driven by the result of a full year of consolidated results for SIRIUS XM and increased operating efficiencies at SIRIUS XM offset by reduced Adjusted OIBDA results at ANLBC, TruePosition and the impacts of a transaction in the fourth quarter of 2013 related to the revenue sharing agreement with CNBC discussed above. The Adjusted OIBDA decrease for ANLBC was primarily the result of increased player payroll due to season ending injuries at key positions which required additional players to be added to the roster. Additionally, other players were released from the roster and full recognition of guaranteed portions of their contracts were recognized during the current period. The increase in 2013 was primarily driven by the treatment of SIRIUS XM as a consolidated subsidiary beginning on January 18, 2013 and an improvement in Adjusted OIBDA for ANLBC. ANLBC's adjusted OIBDA increased $20 million during 2013 due to an increase in revenue (discussed above),  slightly offset by an increase in player salaries during the current year. See Results of Operations—Businesses below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of SIRIUS XM.

 

Stock-based compensation.    Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to (1) options and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") for shares of our common stock that are granted to certain of our officers and employees, (2) phantom stock appreciation rights ("PSARs") granted to officers and employees of certain of our subsidiaries pursuant to private equity plans and (3) amortization of restricted stock grants.

 

We recorded $217 million, $193 million and $46 million of stock compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in stock compensation expense during 2014 primarily relates to additional stock-based compensation from SIRIUS XM. The increase in stock compensation expense in 2013 relates to two items: the recognition of additional stock-based compensation from SIRIUS XM ($133 million) resulting from our consolidation of SIRIUS XM during the year, and an increase in the recognition of incremental compensation expense due to the option exchange program that occurred in December 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Liberty equity awards was approximately $58 million. Such amount will be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.3 years. As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested SIRIUS XM stock options was $236 million. The SIRIUS XM unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 years.

 

Operating income.    Our consolidated operating income increased $27 million and $894 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The increase in 2014 is primarily the result of increased operating results at SIRIUS XM, offset by increased stock compensation expense and the other subsidiary activity discussed above in the Adjusted OIBDA section.  The increase in 2013 is primarily the result of the treatment of SIRIUS XM as a consolidated subsidiary beginning on January 18, 2013.

 

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Other Income and Expense

 

Components of Other Income (Expense) are presented in the table below.

 

 

Interest expense.    Interest expense increased $123 million and $125 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 as compared to the corresponding prior year periods, respectively. The overall increase in interest expense in the current year was primarily due to an overall increase in the average debt balance outstanding during the period and a reduction in premium amortization as a result of debt refinancing by SIRIUS XM in the prior period. The overall increase in interest expense in 2013 was primarily due to the treatment of SIRIUS XM as a consolidated subsidiary beginning on January 18, 2013 and the interest expense related to the debt that was acquired.

 

Dividend and interest income.  Consolidated dividend and interest income decreased $21 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 as compared to the prior year periods, respectively.  The decrease from the prior year is primarily due to a  decrease in interest earned from our investment in Barnes and Noble, Inc. due to the sale of the majority of our interest in the second quarter of 2014.  The decrease in 2013 was primarily due to the reduction in interest income recognized on certain debt instruments in SIRIUS XM that were considered effectively settled upon consolidation.

 

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

 

In May 2013, we acquired approximately 26.9 million shares of common stock and approximately 1.1 million warrants in Charter for approximately $2.6 billion, which represented an approximate 27% beneficial ownership in Charter at the time of purchase. Our share of losses related to Charter included $60 million and $51 million of losses due to the amortization of the excess basis of our investment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During May 2014, Liberty purchased approximately 897,000 additional shares of Charter common stock for $124 million resulting in an economic ownership of 26% of Charter. Charter's results declined slightly period over period, primarily due to increased revenue, offset by higher operating costs and interest expense on outstanding debt. As discussed above, on November 4, 2014, Liberty completed the spin-off to its stockholders of common stock of a newly formed company called Liberty Broadband, which was comprised of, among other things, Liberty’s interest in Charter. As of the date of the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off, the Company’s former investment in and results of Charter are no longer included in the results of Liberty.

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We acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM on January 18, 2013 resulting in share of earnings for only the first seventeen days of January 2013. SIRIUS XM recognized approximately $3.0 billion of tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2012.  SIRIUS XM recorded the tax benefit as the result of significant positive evidence that a valuation allowance was no longer necessary for its recorded deferred tax assets.  The Company recognized our portion of this benefit ($1,229 million) based on our ownership percentage at the time of the recognition of the deferred tax benefit by SIRIUS XM.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired an additional 1.7 million shares of Live Nation common stock for approximately $39 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired an additional 1.7 million shares of Live Nation common stock for approximately $19 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012 we made additional investments in Live Nation common stock, obtaining approximately 11 million shares for $107 million. Live Nation's share of losses increased during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to an impairment taken at Live Nation in the fourth quarter of approximately $135 million (Liberty’s portion of this loss was approximately $36 million). Exclusive of the impairment, the core businesses were slightly improved year over year. Live Nation's share of earnings improved during the year ended December 31, 2013 due to a $38 million gain on the sale of an operating asset, improvements in EBITDA due to favorable concert activity and reduced corporate expenses, partially offset by a $36 million loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

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

 

 

The decrease in gains on Fair Value Option Securities is primarily due to a general decrease in market valuation adjustments for Liberty's public portfolio during 2014.

 

Liberty issued $1 billion of cash convertible notes in October 2013 which are accounted for at fair value, as elected by Liberty at the time of issuance of the notes. At the same time, Liberty entered into a bond hedge transaction on the same amount of underlying shares. These derivatives are marked to fair value on a recurring basis. The primary driver of the change in the current period is the change in the fair value of the underlying stock.

 

As previously discussed, Liberty obtained Charter warrants in the second quarter of 2013. These warrants were marked to fair value based on the trading price of Charter and other observable market data. The change in fair value is included in other derivatives in the table above and primarily driven by the change in the trading price of the Charter common stock. As discussed above, on November 4, 2014, Liberty completed the spin-off to its stockholders of common stock of a newly formed company called Liberty Broadband, which was comprised of, among other things, Liberty’s interest in Charter. The Company’s former investment in and results of Charter, including the Charter warrants, are no longer included in the results of Liberty from the date of the completion of the Broadband Spin-Off forward.

 

Gains (losses) on transactions, net. During January 2013, we acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM which resulted in the application of purchase accounting and the consolidation of SIRIUS XM in the first quarter of 2013. Liberty recorded a gain of approximately $7.5 billion associated with application of purchase accounting based on the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the ownership interest Liberty had in SIRIUS XM prior to the acquisition of the controlling interest. The gain in 2012 relates to gains associated with the repayment of certain SIRIUS XM debt securities.

 

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Other, net. The decreases in 2014 and 2013 are primarily due to warrant and stock option exercises at Charter at a price below Liberty's book basis per share.  Additionally, in 2013, losses on the early extinguishment of SIRIUS XM debt during the period contributed to the total losses recognized in the other, net line item. The other category increased for the year ended December 31, 2012 as a result of a reversal of a contingent liability as discussed in more detail in note 17 in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Income taxes.    Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was an expense of 14%, a benefit of 2% and an expense of 29%, respectively. Our effective tax rate for all three years was impacted for the following reasons:

 

 

Net earnings.    We had net earnings of $395 million, $8,991 million and $1,412 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The change in net earnings was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of December 31, 2014, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents are invested in U.S. Treasury securities, other government securities or government guaranteed funds, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated financial and corporate debt instruments.

 

The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, cash generated by the operating activities of our privately-owned subsidiaries (to the extent such cash exceeds the working capital needs of the subsidiaries and is not otherwise restricted), proceeds from net asset sales, monetization of our public investment portfolio, debt and equity issuances, available borrowing capacity under margin loans, and dividend and interest receipts.

 

Liberty currently does not have a debt rating subsequent to the Split-Off and the Starz Spin-Off.

 

As of December 31, 2014, Liberty's liquidity position consisted of the following:

 

 

 

To the extent the Company recognizes any taxable gains from the sale of assets we may incur tax expense and be required to make tax payments, thereby reducing any cash proceeds. Additionally, on January 18, 2013 the Company obtained a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM which has significant cash flows provided by operating activities, although due to SIRIUS XM being a separate public company and the significant noncontrolling interest, we do not have ready access to its cash.

 

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The cash provided (used) by our continuing operations for the prior three years is as follows:

 

 

Liberty's primary uses of cash during the year ended December 31, 2014 (excluding SIRIUS XM’s uses of cash) were $920 million debt repayments, $360 million investments in short-term and other marketable securities, $183 million additional investments in cost and equity method investees and $68 million capital expenditures. These uses of cash were funded by cash provided by operating activities, debt borrowings, net cash provided by the Broadband Spin-Off, SIRIUS XM’s repurchase of shares from Liberty, proceeds from the sale of the majority of our interest in Barnes & Noble, sales of short term investments and cash on hand.

 

The projected uses of Liberty cash (excluding SIRIUS XM’s uses of cash) are primarily the investment in new or existing businesses, debt service, capital expenditures (including new ANLBC baseball facility see discussion below) and the potential buyback of common stock under the approved share buyback program as well as further repayment of the margin loans. Liberty expects to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand, cash from operations and borrowing capacity under margin loans. We may be required to make net payments of income tax liabilities to settle items under discussion with tax authorities.

 

In 2014, ANLBC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 82 acres of land for the purpose of constructing a Major League Baseball facility and developing a mixed-use complex adjacent to the facility.  The new facility is expected to cost approximately $672 million.  Funding for the ballpark will be shared among ANLBC, Cobb County and Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority (the “Authority”).  The Authority and Cobb County will be responsible for funding $392 million of ballpark related construction and ANLBC will be responsible for remainder of cost, including cost overruns.  ANLBC agreed to advance funds to cover project related costs to maintain a 2017 opening date. The Authority will issue $368 million in bonds that are expected to close and fund in second half of 2015.  At which time ANLBC expects to receive reimbursement of the advances that have been made through that date.  At the completion of construction the facility is expected to be leased from the Authority and Cobb County.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, SIRIUS XM repurchased $2.5 billion of its common stock, including $340 million of shares repurchased pursuant to the repurchase agreement with Liberty, and repaid approximately $1.0 billion of long-term debt. SIRIUS XM's uses of cash were funded by cash provided by operating activities, SIRIUS XM's additional borrowing of approximately $2.4 billion of long-term debt and cash on hand. In addition to normal operating expenses (including tax payments), SIRIUS XM's uses of cash are expected to be the repayment of certain outstanding debt, the repurchases of its common stock in accordance with its approved share buyback program and strategic opportunities. Liberty expects SIRIUS XM to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand, cash provided by operations and borrowings under the existing credit facility.

 

We believe that the available sources of liquidity are sufficient to cover our projected future uses of cash.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

 

SIRIUS XM has entered into various programming agreements. Under the terms of these agreements, SIRIUS XM's obligations include fixed payments, advertising commitments and revenue sharing arrangements. SIRIUS XM's future revenue sharing costs are dependent upon many factors and are difficult to estimate; therefore, they are not included in the schedule of contractual obligations below.

 

The Atlanta Braves have entered into long-term employment contracts with certain of their players and coaches whereby such individuals' compensation is guaranteed. Amounts due under guaranteed contracts as of December 31, 2014 aggregated $398 million. See the table below for more detail. In addition to the foregoing amounts, certain players and coaches may earn incentive compensation under the terms of their employment contracts.

 

Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments, both accrued and off-balance sheet, under our contractual obligations, excluding uncertain tax positions as it is indeterminable when payments will be made, is summarized below.

 

 

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Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Listed below are the accounting estimates that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported. All of these accounting estimates and assumptions, as well as the resulting impact to our financial statements, have been discussed with our audit committee.

 

Non-Financial Instruments.     Our non-financial instrument valuations are primarily comprised of our determination of the estimated fair value allocation of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations, our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill and other nonamortizable intangibles, such as trademarks, and our evaluation of the recoverability of our other long-lived assets upon certain triggering events. If the carrying value of our long-lived assets exceeds their estimated fair value, we are required to write the carrying value down to fair value. Any such writedown is included in impairment of long-lived assets in our consolidated statement of operations. A high degree of judgment is required to estimate the fair value of our long-lived assets. We may use quoted market prices, prices for similar assets, present value techniques and other valuation techniques to prepare these estimates. We may need to make estimates of future cash flows and discount rates as well as other assumptions in order to implement these valuation techniques. Due to the high degree of judgment involved in our estimation techniques, any value ultimately derived from our long-lived assets may differ from our estimate of fair value. As each of our operating segments has long-lived assets, this critical accounting policy affects the financial position and results of operations of each segment.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the intangible assets not subject to amortization for each of our significant reporting units were as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

We perform our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill and other nonamortizable intangible assets in the fourth quarter each year.  The Company utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary.  The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.  In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, the Company reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of our reporting units. The Company considers whether there are any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges, the legal environments and how these factors might impact company specific performance in future periods. As part of the analysis, the Company also considers fair value determinations for certain reporting units that have been made at various points throughout the current and prior year for other purposes. 

 

Carrying Value of Investments.     We periodically evaluate our investments to determine if decreases in fair value below our cost bases are other than temporary. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, we are required to reflect such decline in our consolidated statement of operations. Other than temporary declines in fair value of our cost investments are recognized on a separate line in our consolidated statement of operations, and other than temporary declines in fair value of our equity method investments are included in share of earnings (losses) of affiliates in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

The primary factors we consider in our determination of whether declines in fair value are other than temporary are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below our carrying value; the severity of the decline; and the financial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of the investee. In addition, we consider the reason for the decline in fair value, be it general market conditions, industry specific or investee specific; analysts' ratings and

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estimates of 12 month share price targets for the investee; changes in stock price or valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date; and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. Fair value of our publicly traded cost and equity investments is based on the market prices of the investments at the balance sheet date. We estimate the fair value of our non-public cost and equity investments using a variety of methodologies, including cash flow multiples, discounted cash flow, per subscriber values, or values of comparable public or private businesses. Impairments are calculated as the difference between our carrying value and our estimate of fair value. As our assessment of the fair value of our investments and any resulting impairment losses and the timing of when to recognize such charges requires a high degree of judgment and includes significant estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ materially from our estimates and assumptions.

 

Our evaluation of the fair value of our investments and any resulting impairment charges are made as of the most recent balance sheet date. Changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date due to the factors described above are possible. Subsequent decreases in fair value will be recognized in our consolidated statement of operations in the period in which they occur to the extent such decreases are deemed to be other than temporary. Subsequent increases in fair value will be recognized in our consolidated statement of operations only upon our ultimate disposition of the investment.

 

Useful Life of Broadcast/Transmission System. SIRIUS XM's satellite system includes the costs of satellite construction, launch vehicles, launch insurance, capitalized interest, spare satellites, terrestrial repeater network and satellite uplink facilities. SIRIUS XM monitors its satellites for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable.

 

SIRIUS XM operates five in-orbit Sirius satellites, FM-1, FM-2, FM-3, FM-5 and FM-6. The FM-1 and FM-2 satellites were launched in 2000 and reached the end of their depreciable lives in 2013, but are still in operation. SIRIUS XM estimates that its FM-3 and FM-5 satellites, launched in 2000 and 2009, respectively, will operate effectively through the end of their depreciable lives in 2015 and 2024, respectively. SIRIUS XM’s FM-6 satellite that was launched in 2013 is currently used as an in-orbit spare that is planned to start full-time operation in 2015 and is expected to operate effectively through the end of its depreciable life in 2028. SIRIUS XM operates four in-orbit XM satellites, XM-1, XM-3, XM-4 and XM-5. SIRIUS XM’s XM-1 satellite reached the end of its depreciable life in 2013 and will be de-orbited in 2015.  SIRIUS XM estimates that its XM-3 and XM-4 satellites launched in 2005 and 2006, respectively, will reach the end of their depreciable lives in 2020 and 2021, respectively.  The XM-5 satellite that was launched in 2010 is used as an in-orbit spare and is expected to reach the end of its depreciable life in 2025.

 

SIRIUS XM's in-orbit satellites may experience component failures which could adversely affect their useful life. SIRIUS XM continues to monitor the operating condition of its in-orbit satellites. If events or circumstances indicate that the depreciable lives of its in-orbit satellites have changed, the depreciable life will be modified accordingly. If SIRIUS XM were to revise its estimates, depreciation expense would change. For example, a 10% decrease in the expected depreciable lives of satellites and spacecraft control facilities during 2014 would have resulted in approximately $28 million of additional depreciation expense.

 

Income Taxes.     We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate. This process requires our management to make judgments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various agreements and transactions that we enter into. Based on these judgments we may record tax reserves or adjustments to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected realizability of future tax benefits. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which we operate, our inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year's liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on our financial position.

 

Results of Operations - Businesses

 

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.     SIRIUS XM broadcasts its music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services, in the United States on a subscription fee basis through its two proprietary satellite radio systems. Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus features such as Sirius XM

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On Demand and MySXM, over the Internet, including through applications for mobile devices. SIRIUS XM also provides connected vehicle services which are designed to enhance the safety, security and driving experience for vehicle operators while providing marketing and operational benefits to automakers and their dealers. Subscribers to SIRIUS XM’s connected vehicle services are not included in SIRIUS XM’s subscriber count or subscriber-based operating metrics.

 

SIRIUS XM has agreements with every major automaker ("OEMs") to offer satellite radios in their vehicles from which it acquires the majority of their subscribers. SIRIUS XM also acquires subscribers through marketing to owners and lessees of vehicles that include factory-installed satellite radios that are not currently subscribing to SIRIUS XM’s services. Additionally, SIRIUS XM distributes its radios through retail locations nationwide and through its website. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain daily rental car companies. SIRIUS XM's primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of its customers subscribing on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. SIRIUS XM also derives revenue from other subscription related fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios, accessories, and other ancillary services, such as its Backseat TV, data, traffic, and weather services. SIRIUS XM is a separate publicly traded company and additional information about SIRIUS XM can be obtained through its website and its public filings.

 

As of December 31, 2014, SIRIUS XM had approximately 27.3 million subscribers of which 22.5 million were self-pay subscribers and 4.8 million were paid promotional subscribers. These subscriber totals include subscribers under regular pricing plans; discounted pricing plans; subscribers that have prepaid, including payments either made or due from automakers for subscriptions included in the sale or lease price of a vehicle; subscribers to SIRIUS XM Internet services who do not also have satellite radio subscriptions; and certain subscribers to SIRIUS XM's other ancillary services.

 

We acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM on January 18, 2013 and applied purchase accounting and consolidated the results of SIRIUS XM from that date. See additional discussion about the application of purchase accounting in note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Previous to the acquisition of our controlling interest we maintained an investment in SIRIUS XM accounted for using the equity method. For comparison purposes we are presenting the stand alone results of SIRIUS XM prior to any purchase accounting adjustments in the current year for a discussion of the operations of SIRIUS XM. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, see the reconciliation of the results reported by SIRIUS XM to the results reported by Liberty included below. For the year ended December 31, 2012, SIRIUS XM was treated as an equity method affiliate so the results reported by SIRIUS XM were not consolidated. Additionally, as of December 31, 2014, there is an approximate 44% noncontrolling interest in SIRIUS XM, and the net earnings of SIRIUS XM attributable to such noncontrolling interest is eliminated through the noncontrolling interest line item in the consolidated statement of operations.

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SIRIUS XM's stand alone operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

Subscriber revenue includes subscription, activation and other fees. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, subscriber revenue increased 8% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The current year increase was primarily attributable to a 6% increase in the daily weighted average number of subscribers, the inclusion of a full year of subscription revenue generated by SIRIUS XM’s connected vehicle business and the increase in certain subscription rates beginning in January 2014. These increases were partially offset by subscription discounts and limited channel line-up plans offered through customer acquisition and retention programs, a change in an agreement with an automaker and a rental car company and an increasing number of lifetime subscription plans that have reached full revenue recognition. The prior year increase was primarily attributable to a 9% increase in the daily weighted average number of subscribers, the impact of the increase in certain subscription rates beginning in January 2012 as more subscribers migrated to the higher rate, and an increase in subscriptions to premium services, premier channels and Internet streaming, as well as the inclusion of connected vehicle subscription revenue in 2013. These increases were partially offset by subscription discounts offered through customer acquisition and retention programs and an increasing number of lifetime subscription plans that have reached full revenue recognition.

 

Other revenue includes advertising revenue, equipment revenue, royalty revenue fees and other ancillary revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, other revenue increased 22% and 17%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The most significant change in other revenue during both years was the result of an increase in the rate charged to SIRIUS XM and passed through to subscribers for the U.S. Music Royalty Fee, which increased to 12.5% in 2013, which was compounded by an increase in the number of subscribers.

 

Cost of subscriber services includes revenue share and royalties, programming and content costs, customer service and billing expenses and other ancillary costs associated with providing the satellite radio service. The cost of subscriber services increased 15% and 13% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods and slightly increased as a percentage of total revenue during 2014. The increases were primarily due to increases in the revenue share and royalties of 20% and 23% in 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The increase in both years was attributable to increased revenues subject to royalty and/or revenue sharing arrangements, and a 5.6% increase and a 12.5% increase in the statutory royalty rate for the performance of sound recordings during 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, customer service and billing expense increased 15% and 9% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The current year increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of costs associated with SIRIUS XM’s connected vehicle services business, higher subscriber volume driving increased subscriber contacts and increased bad debt expense. The increase in the prior year was primarily due to investment in customer service experience which resulted in higher spend on customer service agents, staffing and training. Additionally, higher subscriber volume drove increased subscriber contacts, increased bad debt expense and higher technology costs.

 

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Subscriber acquisition costs include hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers; subsidies paid for chip sets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; device royalties for certain radios and chip sets; commissions paid to automakers and retailers; product warranty obligations; freight; and provisions for inventory allowances attributable to inventory consumed in OEM and retail distribution channels. The majority of subscriber acquisition costs are incurred and expensed in advance of, or concurrent with, acquiring a subscriber. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 subscriber acquisition costs decreased less than 1% and increased 4%, respectively, and slightly decreased as a percentage of total revenue, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decrease in the current year was primarily due to improved OEM subsidy rates per vehicle and a change in a contract with an automaker which decreased subscriber acquisition costs. The decrease was partially offset by increased subsidy costs related to a larger number of satellite radio installations in new vehicles.  The increase in 2013 was primarily a result of higher subsidies from increased OEM installations occurring in advance of acquiring the subscriber.

 

Other operating expense includes engineering, design and development costs. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, other operating expense increased 6% and 21%, respectively, but remained relatively flat as a percentage of total revenue. The increase in the current year was driven primarily by the inclusion of a full year of costs associated with SIRIUS XM’s connected vehicle services business and higher personnel costs. The increase during the prior year was driven primarily by higher product development costs, costs related to enhanced subscriber features and service functionality.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense includes costs of advertising, media and production, including promotional events and sponsorship, finance, legal, human resources and information technology. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, selling, general and administrative expense increased 14% and 9%, respectively, but slightly increased and decreased a percentage of total revenue, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. For both periods, the increase was primarily due to additional subscriber communications and retention programs associated with a greater number of subscribers and promotional trials and higher information technology costs.

 

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The following tables reconcile the results reported by SIRIUS XM, used for comparison purposes above to understand their operations, to the results reported by Liberty for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013: