UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
|
x |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 |
OR
|
o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO . |
Commission file number: 333-31929
DISH DBS Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
Colorado |
|
84-1328967 |
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
9601 South Meridian Boulevard |
|
|
|
Englewood, Colorado |
|
80112 |
|
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (303) 723-1000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
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 o No x
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 o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark 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 registrants 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. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
|
Large accelerated filer o |
|
Accelerated filer o |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-accelerated filer x |
|
Smaller reporting company o |
|
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
|
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of the Registrants voting interests held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2011 was $0.
As of March 8, 2012, the Registrants outstanding common stock consisted of 1,015 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference: None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
i |
|
|
|
|
1 |
||
|
|
|
2 |
||
|
|
|
19 |
||
|
|
|
19 |
||
|
|
|
20 |
||
|
|
|
26 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
||
|
Item 6. |
|
Selected Financial Data |
|
* |
|
|
|
28 |
||
|
|
|
42 |
||
|
|
|
43 |
||
|
|
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
43 |
||
|
|
|
43 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART III |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item 10. |
|
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
|
* |
|
Item 11. |
|
Executive Compensation |
|
* |
|
Item 12. |
|
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
|
* |
|
Item 13. |
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
|
* |
|
|
|
44 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-1 |
|
*This item has been omitted pursuant to the reduced disclosure format as set forth in General Instructions (I) (2) (a) and (c) of Form 10-K.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this report. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we believe, intend, plan, estimate, expect or anticipate will occur and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not be achieved, even though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that any future transactions or events described herein will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You should read this report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Whether actual events or results will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For further discussion see Item 1A. Risk Factors. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Competition and Economic Risks Affecting our Business
· We face intense and increasing competition from satellite television providers, cable companies and telecommunications companies, especially as the pay-TV industry matures, which may require us to increase subscriber acquisition and retention spending or accept lower subscriber activations and higher subscriber churn.
· Competition from digital media companies that provide or facilitate the delivery of video content via the Internet may reduce our gross new subscriber activations and may cause our subscribers to purchase less services from us or to cancel our services altogether, resulting in less revenue to us.
· Economic weakness, including higher unemployment and reduced consumer spending, may adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain our business.
· Our competitors may be able to leverage their relationships with programmers so that they are able to reduce their programming costs and offer exclusive content that will place them at a competitive advantage to us.
· We face increasing competition from other distributors of foreign language programming that may limit our ability to maintain our foreign language programming subscriber base.
Operational and Service Delivery Risks Affecting our Business
· If we do not continue improving our operational performance and customer satisfaction, our gross new subscriber activations may decrease and our subscriber churn may increase.
· If our gross new subscriber activations decrease, or if subscriber churn, subscriber acquisition costs or retention costs increase, our financial performance will be adversely affected.
· Programming expenses are increasing and could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.
· We depend on others to provide the programming that we offer to our subscribers and, if we lose access to this programming, our gross new subscriber activations may decline and subscriber churn may increase.
· We may be required to make substantial additional investments to maintain competitive programming offerings.
· Any failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure could harm our business.
· We rely on EchoStar Corporation, or EchoStar, to design and develop all of our new set-top boxes and certain related components, and to provide transponder capacity, digital broadcast operations and other services to us. Our business would be adversely affected if EchoStar ceases to provide these products and services to us and we are unable to obtain suitable replacement products and services from third parties.
· We operate in an extremely competitive environment and our success may depend in part on our timely introduction and implementation of, and effective investment in, new competitive products and services, the failure of which could negatively impact our business.
· Technology in our industry changes rapidly and our inability to offer new subscribers and upgrade existing subscribers with more advanced equipment could cause our products and services to become obsolete.
· We rely on a single vendor or a limited number of vendors to provide certain key products or services to us such as information technology support, billing systems, and security access devices, and the inability of these key vendors to meet our needs could have a material adverse effect on our business.
· Our sole supplier of new set-top boxes, EchoStar, relies on a few suppliers and in some cases a single supplier, for many components of our new set-top boxes, and any reduction or interruption in supplies or significant increase in the price of supplies could have a negative impact on our business.
· Our programming signals are subject to theft, and we are vulnerable to other forms of fraud that could require us to make significant expenditures to remedy.
· We depend on third parties to solicit orders for DISH services that represent a significant percentage of our total gross new subscriber activations.
· Our local programming strategy faces uncertainty because we may not be able to obtain necessary retransmission consent agreements at acceptable rates from local network stations.
· We have limited owned and leased satellite capacity and failures or reduced capacity could adversely affect our business.
· Our owned and leased satellites are subject to construction, launch, operational and environmental risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.
· We generally do not have commercial insurance coverage on the satellites we use and could face significant impairment charges if one of our satellites fails.
· We may have potential conflicts of interest with EchoStar due to DISH Networks common ownership and management.
· We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may negatively affect our businesses.
Acquisition and Capital Structure Risks Affecting our Business
· Our parent, DISH Network, has acquired certain spectrum and other assets from DBSD North America and TerreStar. DISH Network will be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others to commercialize these assets.
· Our parent, DISH Network, has made a substantial investment in certain 700 MHz wireless licenses and will be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others to commercialize these licenses.
· We may pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions to complement or expand our business that may not be successful and we may lose up to the entire value of our investment in these acquisitions and transactions.
· We may need additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to continue investing in our business and to finance acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
· We have substantial debt outstanding and may incur additional debt.
· Our parent, DISH Network, is controlled by one principal stockholder who is also our Chairman.
Legal and Regulatory Risks Affecting our Business
· If Voom prevails in its breach of contract suit against us, we could be required to pay substantial damages, which would have a material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations.
· Our business depends on certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others.
· We are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding intellectual property.
· Increased distribution of video content via the Internet could expose us to regulatory risk.
· We depend on the Cable Act for access to programming from cable-affiliate programmers at non-discriminatory rates.
· The injunction against our retransmission of distant networks, which is currently waived, may be reinstated.
· We are subject to significant regulatory oversight, and changes in applicable regulatory requirements, including any adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the Internet, could adversely affect our business.
· Our business depends on Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications for FCC licenses that may not be granted.
· We are subject to digital high-definition (HD) carry-one, carry-all requirements that cause capacity constraints.
· There can be no assurance that there will not be deficiencies leading to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
· We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.
All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. Investors should consider the risks described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in other reports we file with the SEC.
In this report, the words DDBS, the Company, we, our and us refer to DISH DBS Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. DISH Network refers to DISH Network Corporation, our parent company, and its subsidiaries including us. EchoStar refers to EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Brief Description of Our Business
DDBS is a holding company and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, a publicly traded company listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. DDBS was formed under Colorado law in January 1996. We refer readers of this report to DISH Networks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
We operate the DISH ® direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscription television service (the DISH pay-TV service) which had 13.967 million subscribers in the United States as of December 31, 2011. Our principal executive offices are located at 9601 South Meridian Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112 and our telephone number is (303) 723-1000.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to be the best provider of video services in the United States by providing high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and great value. We promote DISH programming packages as providing our subscribers with a better price-to-value relationship than those available from other subscription television providers. We believe that there continues to be unsatisfied demand for high-quality, reasonably priced television programming services.
· High-Quality Products. We offer a wide selection of local and national programming, featuring more national and local HD channels than most pay-TV providers. We have been a technology leader in our industry, introducing award-winning DVRs, dual tuner receivers, 1080p video on demand, and external hard drives. To maintain and enhance our competitiveness over the long term, we recently introduced a new whole-home HD DVR receiver (the Hopper ) that allows, among other things, recorded programming to be viewed in HD in multiple rooms. We are also promoting a suite of integrated products designed to maximize the convenience and ease of watching TV anytime and anywhere, which we refer to as TV Everywhere which utilizes, among other things, online access and Slingbox placeshifting technology.
· Outstanding Customer Service. We strive to provide outstanding customer service by improving the quality of the initial installation of subscriber equipment, improving the reliability of our equipment, better educating our customers about our products and services, and resolving customer problems promptly and effectively when they arise.
· Great Value. We have historically been viewed as the low-cost provider in the pay-TV industry in the U.S. because we seek to offer the lowest everyday prices available to consumers after introductory promotions expire.
Transactions with EchoStar
On January 1, 2008, DISH Network completed the distribution of its technology and set-top box business and certain infrastructure assets (the Spin-off) into a separate publicly-traded company, EchoStar. DISH Network, including us, and EchoStar operate as separate publicly-traded companies, and neither entity has any ownership interest in the other. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both DISH Network and EchoStar is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, or by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly file our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. As an electronic filer, our public filings are also maintained on the SECs Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov.
WEBSITE ACCESS
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act also may be accessed free of charge through the website of our parent company, DISH Network, as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.dishnetwork.com.
We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, in accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder. Our code of ethics is available on the website of our parent company, DISH Network, at http://www.dishnetwork.com. In the event that we make changes in, or provide waivers of, the provisions of this code of ethics that the SEC requires us to disclose, we intend to disclose these events on DISH Networks website.
The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Competition and Economic Risks Affecting our Business
We face intense and increasing competition from satellite television providers, cable companies and telecommunications companies, especially as the pay-TV industry matures, which may require us to increase subscriber acquisition and retention spending or accept lower subscriber activations and higher subscriber churn.
Our business is focused on providing pay-TV services and we have traditionally competed against satellite television providers and cable companies, some of whom have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. Many of these competitors offer video services bundled with broadband, telephony services, HD offerings, interactive services and video on demand services that consumers may find attractive. Moreover, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances among cable television providers, telecommunications companies and others may result in, among other things, greater financial leverage and increase the availability of offerings from providers capable of bundling television, broadband and telephone services in competition with our services. We and our competitors increasingly must seek to attract a greater proportion of new subscribers from each others existing subscriber bases rather than from first-time purchasers of pay-TV services. In addition, because other pay-TV providers may be seeking to attract a greater proportion of their new subscribers from our existing subscriber base we may be required to increase retention spending.
Competition has intensified in recent quarters as the pay-TV industry matures and the growth of fiber-based pay-TV services offered by telecommunications companies such as Verizon and AT&T continues. These fiber-based pay-TV services have significantly greater capacity, enabling the telecommunications companies to offer substantial HD programming content as well as bundled services. This increasingly competitive environment may require us to increase subscriber acquisition and retention spending or accept lower subscriber activations and higher subscriber churn.
Competition from digital media companies that provide or facilitate the delivery of video content via the Internet may reduce our gross new subscriber activations and may cause our subscribers to purchase less services from us or to cancel our services altogether, resulting in less revenue to us.
Our business is focused on pay-TV services, and we face competition from providers of digital media, including companies that offer online services distributing movies, television shows and other video programming. Moreover, new technologies have been, and will likely continue to be, developed that further increase the number of competitors we face with respect to video services. For example, online platforms that provide for the distribution and viewing of video programming compete with our pay-TV services. These online platforms may cause our subscribers to disconnect our services. In addition, even if our subscribers do not disconnect our services, they may purchase a certain portion of the services that they would have historically purchased from us through these online platforms, such as pay per view movies, resulting in less revenue to us. Some of these companies have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. In particular, programming offered over the Internet has become more prevalent as the speed and quality of broadband and wireless networks have improved. In addition, consumers are spending an increasing amount of time accessing video content via the Internet on their mobile devices. These technological advancements and changes in consumer behavior with regard to the means by which they obtain video content could reduce our gross new subscriber activations and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition or otherwise disrupt our business.
Economic weakness, including higher unemployment and reduced consumer spending, may adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain our business.
A substantial majority of our revenue comes from residential customers whose spending patterns may be affected by sustained economic weakness and uncertainty. Economic weakness and uncertainty persisted during 2011. Our ability to grow or maintain our business may be adversely affected by sustained economic weakness and uncertainty, including the effect of wavering consumer confidence, continued high unemployment and other factors that may adversely affect the pay-TV industry. In particular, economic weakness and uncertainty could result in the following:
· Fewer gross new subscriber activations and increased churn. We could face fewer gross new subscriber activations and increased churn due to, among other things: (i) the sustained weak housing market in the United States combined with lower discretionary spending; (ii) increased price competition for our products and services; and (iii) the potential loss of retailers, who generate a significant portion of our new subscribers, because many of them are small businesses that are more susceptible to the negative effects of economic weakness. In particular, subscriber churn may increase with respect to subscribers who purchase our lower tier programming packages and who may be more sensitive to sustained economic weakness, including, among others, our pay-in-advance subscribers.
· Lower average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU) . Our ARPU could be negatively impacted by aggressive introductory offers by our competitors and the growth of video content being delivered via the Internet. Furthermore, due to lower levels of disposable income, our customers may downgrade to lower cost programming packages, elect not to purchase premium services or pay per view movies or may disconnect our services and choose to replace them with less expensive alternatives such as video content delivered via the Internet, including, among others, video on demand.
· Higher subscriber acquisition and retention costs . Our profits may be adversely affected by increased subscriber acquisition and retention costs necessary to attract and retain subscribers during a period of economic weakness.
Our competitors may be able to leverage their relationships with programmers so that they are able to reduce their programming costs and offer exclusive content that will place them at a competitive advantage to us.
The cost of programming represents the largest percentage of our overall costs. Certain of our competitors own directly or are affiliated with companies that own programming content that may enable them to obtain lower programming costs or offer exclusive programming that may be attractive to prospective subscribers. Unlike our larger cable and satellite competitors, we have not made significant investments in programming providers. For example, Comcast and General Electric have joined their programming properties, including NBC, Bravo and many
others that are available in the majority of our programming packages, in a venture controlled by Comcast. This transaction may affect us adversely by, among other things, making it more difficult for us to obtain access to their programming networks on nondiscriminatory and fair terms, or at all. The transaction was approved by the FCC and the Department of Justice in January 2011. The FCC conditioned its approval on, among other things, Comcast complying with the terms of the FCCs recent order on network neutrality (even if that order is vacated by judicial or legislative action) and Comcast licensing its affiliated content to us, other traditional pay-TV providers and certain providers of video services over the Internet on fair and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions, including, among others, price. If Comcast does not license its affiliated content to us on fair and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions, we can seek arbitration and continue to carry such content while the arbitration is pending. However, it is uncertain how these conditions may be interpreted and enforced by the FCC; therefore, we cannot predict the practical effect of these conditions.
We face increasing competition from other distributors of foreign language programming that may limit our ability to maintain our foreign language programming subscriber base .
We face increasing competition from other distributors of foreign language programming, including programming distributed over the Internet. There can be no assurance that we will maintain subscribers in our foreign language programming services. In addition, the increasing availability of foreign language programming from our competitors, which in certain cases has resulted from our inability to renew programming agreements on an exclusive basis or at all, could contribute to an increase in our subscriber churn. Our agreements with distributors of foreign language programming have varying expiration dates, and some agreements are on a month-to-month basis. There can be no assurance that we will be able to grow or maintain our foreign language programming subscriber base.
Operational and Service Delivery Risks Affecting our Business
If we do not continue improving our operational performance and customer satisfaction, our gross new subscriber activations may decrease and our subscriber churn may increase.
If we are unable to continue improving our operational performance and customer satisfaction, we may experience a decrease in gross new subscriber activations and an increase in churn, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. To continue improving our operational performance, we need to make significant investments in staffing, training, information systems, and other initiatives, primarily in our call center and in-home service operations. These investments are intended to help combat inefficiencies introduced by the increasing complexity of our business, improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, increase productivity, and allow us to scale better over the long run. We cannot, however, be certain that our spending will ultimately be successful in improving our operational performance. In the meantime, we may continue to incur higher costs to improve our operational performance. While we believe that these costs will be outweighed by longer-term benefits, there can be no assurance when or if we will realize these benefits at all. If we are unable to improve our operational performance, our future gross new subscriber activations and existing subscriber churn may be negatively impacted, which could in turn adversely affect our revenue growth and results of operations.
If our gross new subscriber activations decrease, or if subscriber churn, subscriber acquisition costs or retention costs increase, our financial performance will be adversely affected.
We may incur increased costs to acquire new subscribers and retain existing subscribers. Our subscriber acquisition costs could increase as a result of increased spending for advertising and the installation of more HD and DVR receivers, which are generally more expensive than other receivers. Meanwhile, retention costs may be driven higher by increased upgrades of existing subscribers equipment to HD and DVR receivers. Additionally, certain of our promotions, including, among others, pay-in-advance, allow consumers with relatively lower credit scores to become subscribers. These subscribers typically churn at a higher rate.
Our subscriber acquisition costs and our subscriber retention costs can vary significantly from period to period and can cause material variability to our net income (loss) and free cash flow. Any material increase in subscriber acquisition or retention costs from current levels could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Programming expenses are increasing and could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.
Our programming costs currently represent the largest component of our total expense and we expect these costs to continue to increase. The pay-TV industry has continued to experience an increase in the cost of programming, especially local broadcast channels and sports programming. Our ability to compete successfully will depend on our ability to continue to obtain desirable programming and deliver it to our subscribers at competitive prices.
When offering new programming, or upon expiration of existing contracts, programming suppliers have historically attempted to increase the rates they charge us for programming. We expect this practice to continue, which, if successful, would increase our programming costs. As a result, our margins may face further pressure if we are unable to renew our long-term programming contracts on favorable pricing and other economic terms.
In addition, increases in programming costs could cause us to increase the rates that we charge our subscribers, which could in turn cause our existing subscribers to disconnect our service or cause potential new subscribers to choose not to subscribe to our service. Therefore, we may be unable to pass increased programming costs on to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on others to provide the programming that we offer to our subscribers and, if we lose access to this programming, our gross new subscriber activations may decline and subscriber churn may increase.
We depend on third parties to provide us with programming services. Our programming agreements have remaining terms ranging from less than one to up to several years and contain various renewal and cancellation provisions. We may not be able to renew these agreements on favorable terms or at all, and these agreements may be canceled prior to expiration of their original term. Certain programmers have, in the past, temporarily limited our access to their programming. For example, during the fourth quarter 2010, our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn were negatively impacted as a result of multiple programming interruptions and threatened programming interruptions related to contract disputes with several content providers. If we are unable to renew any of these agreements or the other parties cancel the agreements, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain substitute programming, or that such substitute programming would be comparable in quality or cost to our existing programming. In addition, loss of access to programming could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, among other things, our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn rate.
We may be required to make substantial additional investments to maintain competitive programming offerings.
We believe that the availability and extent of HD programming continues to be a significant factor in consumers choice among pay-TV providers. Other pay-TV providers may have more successfully marketed and promoted their HD programming packages and may also be better equipped and have greater resources to increase their HD offerings to respond to increasing consumer demand for this content. In addition, even though it remains a small portion of the market, consumer demand for 3D televisions and programming will likely increase in the future. We may be required to make substantial additional investments in infrastructure to respond to competitive pressure to deliver additional programming, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively with programming offerings from other pay-TV providers.
Any failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure could harm our business.
The capacity, reliability and security of our information technology hardware and software infrastructure (including our billing systems) are important to the operation of our current business, which would suffer in the event of system failures. Likewise, our ability to expand and update our information technology infrastructure in response to our growth and changing needs is important to the continued implementation of our new service offering initiatives. Our inability to expand or upgrade our technology infrastructure could have adverse consequences, which could include the delayed implementation of new service offerings, service or billing interruptions, and the diversion of development resources. For example, during 2011, we implemented new interactive voice response and in-home appointment scheduling systems. Also during 2011, we began developing and testing a new CSG billing system as
well as new sales and customer care systems that are likely to be implemented in 2012. We are relying on third parties for developing key components of these systems and ongoing service after their implementation. Third parties may experience errors or disruptions that could adversely impact us and over which we may have limited control. Interruption, failure and/or delay in transitioning to any of these new systems could disrupt our operations and damage our reputation thus adversely impacting our ability to provide our services, retain our current subscribers and attract new subscribers. As a result, an unsuccessful transition to these new systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our information technology hardware and software infrastructure may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses or other malicious code and other events that could have a security impact. If one or more of such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize our customer and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our information technology hardware and software infrastructure, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in significant losses or reputational damage. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses.
We rely on EchoStar, to design and develop all of our new set-top boxes and certain related components, and to provide transponder capacity, digital broadcast operations and other services to us. Our business would be adversely affected if EchoStar ceases to provide these products and services to us and we are unable to obtain suitable replacement products and services from third parties.
EchoStar is our sole supplier of digital set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations. In addition, EchoStar is a key supplier of transponder capacity and related services to us. We purchase digital set-top boxes from EchoStar pursuant to a contract that expires on December 31, 2014. EchoStar provides digital broadcast operations to us pursuant to a contract that expires on December 31, 2016. EchoStar has no obligation to supply digital set-top boxes or digital broadcast operations to us after these dates. We may be unable to renew agreements for digital set-top boxes or digital broadcast operations with EchoStar on acceptable terms or at all. Equipment, transponder leasing and digital broadcast operation costs may increase beyond our current expectations. EchoStars inability to develop and produce, or our inability to obtain, equipment with the latest technology, or our inability to obtain transponder capacity and digital broadcast operations and other services from third parties, could affect our subscriber acquisition and churn and cause related revenue to decline.
Furthermore, due to the lack of compatibility of our infrastructure with the set-top boxes of a provider other than EchoStar, any transition to a new supplier of set-top boxes could take a significant period of time to complete, cause us to incur significant costs and negatively affect our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn. For example, the proprietary nature of the Sling technology and certain other technology used in EchoStars set-top boxes may significantly limit our ability to obtain set-top boxes with the same or similar features from any other provider of set-top boxes.
If we were to switch to another provider of set-top boxes, we may have to implement additional infrastructure to support the set-top boxes purchased from such new provider, which could significantly increase our costs. In addition, differences in, among other things, the user interface between set-top boxes provided by EchoStar and those of any other provider could cause subscriber confusion, which could increase our costs and have a material adverse effect on our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn. Furthermore, switching to a new provider of set-top boxes may cause a reduction in our supply of set-top boxes and thus delay our ability to ship set-top boxes, which could have a material adverse effect on our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn rate.
We operate in an extremely competitive environment and our success may depend in part on our timely introduction and implementation of, and effective investment in, new competitive products and services, the failure of which could negatively impact our business.
Our operating results are dependent to a significant extent upon our ability to continue to introduce new products and services and to upgrade existing products and services on a timely basis, and to reduce costs of our existing products and services. We may not be able to successfully identify new product or service opportunities or develop and market these opportunities in a timely or cost-effective manner. The research and development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and investment. The success of new product and service development depends on many factors, including among others, the following:
· difficulties and delays in the development, production, timely completion, testing and marketing of products and services;
· the cost of the products and services;
· proper identification of customer need and customer acceptance of products;
· the development of, approval of and compliance with industry standards;
· the significant amount of resources we must devote to the development of new technologies; and
· the ability to differentiate our products and services and compete with other companies in the same markets.
If our products and services, including without limitation, our new whole-home HD DVR entertainment system featuring the Hopper, are not competitive or do not work properly, our business could suffer and our financial performance could be negatively impacted. If the quality of our products and services do not meet our customers expectations or our products are found to be defective, then our sales and revenues, and ultimately our reputation, could be negatively impacted.
Technology in our industry changes rapidly and our inability to offer new subscribers and upgrade existing subscribers with more advanced equipment could cause our products and services to become obsolete.
Technology in the pay-TV industry changes rapidly as new technologies are developed, which could cause our products and services to become obsolete. We and our suppliers may not be able to keep pace with technological developments. If the new technologies on which we intend to focus our research and development investments fail to achieve acceptance in the marketplace, our competitive position could be negatively impacted causing a reduction in our revenues and earnings. We may also be at a competitive disadvantage in developing and introducing complex new products and services because of the substantial costs we may incur in making these products or services available across our installed base of approximately 14 million subscribers. For example, our competitors could use proprietary technologies that are perceived by the market as being superior. Further, after we have incurred substantial costs, one or more of the products or services under our development, or under development by one or more of our strategic partners, could become obsolete prior to it being widely adopted.
In addition, our competitive position depends in part on our ability to offer new subscribers and upgrade existing subscribers with more advanced equipment, such as receivers with DVR and HD technology and by otherwise making additional infrastructure investments, such as those related to our information technology and call centers. Furthermore, the continued demand for HD programming continues to require investments in additional satellite capacity. We may not be able to pass on to our subscribers the entire cost of these upgrades and infrastructure investments.
New technologies could also create new competitors for us. For instance, we face increasing consumer demand for the delivery of digital video services via the Internet, including providing what we refer to as TV Everywhere. We expect to continue to face increased threats from companies who use the Internet to deliver digital video services as the speed and quality of broadband and wireless networks continues to improve.
Technological innovation is important to our success and depends, to a significant degree, on the work of technically skilled employees. We rely on EchoStar to design and develop set-top boxes with advanced features and
functionality and solutions for providing digital video services via the Internet. If EchoStar is unable to attract and retain appropriately technically skilled employees, our competitive position could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, delays in the delivery of components or other unforeseen problems associated with our technology may occur that could materially and adversely affect our ability to generate revenue, offer new products and services and remain competitive.
We rely on a single vendor or a limited number of vendors to provide certain key products or services to us such as information technology support, billing systems, and security access devices, and the inability of these key vendors to meet our needs could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Historically, we have contracted with a single vendor or a limited number of vendors to provide certain key products or services to us such as information technology support, billing systems, and security access devices. If these vendors are unable to meet our needs because they fail to perform adequately, are no longer in business, are experiencing shortages or discontinue a certain product or service we need, our business, financial position and results of operations may be adversely affected. While alternative sources for these products and services exist, we may not be able to develop these alternative sources quickly and cost-effectively which could materially impair our ability to timely deliver our products to our subscribers or operate our business. Furthermore, our vendors may request changes in pricing, payment terms or other contractual obligations between the parties, which could cause us to make substantial additional investments.
Our sole supplier of new set-top boxes, EchoStar, relies on a few suppliers and in some cases a single supplier, for many components of our new set-top boxes, and any reduction or interruption in supplies or significant increase in the price of supplies could have a negative impact on our business.
EchoStar relies on a few suppliers and in some cases a single supplier, for many components of our new set-top boxes that we provide to subscribers in order to deliver our digital television services. Our ability to meet customer demand depends, in part, on EchoStars ability to obtain timely and adequate delivery of quality materials, parts and components from suppliers. In the event of an interruption of supply or a significant price increase from these suppliers, EchoStar may not be able to diversify sources of supply in a timely manner, which could have a negative impact on our business. Further, due to increased demand for products, many electronic manufacturers are experiencing shortages for certain components. EchoStar has experienced in the past and may continue to experience shortages driven by raw material availability, manufacturing capacity, labor shortages, industry allocations, natural disasters and significant changes in the financial or business conditions of our suppliers that negatively impact our operations.
For example, during 2011, several regions of Thailand experienced severe flooding, causing damage to infrastructure, housing and factories. Certain of EchoStars hard drive suppliers are located in Thailand. There is uncertainty regarding the ultimate impact of this event on our business, but there is a risk in the future that EchoStar could experience delays or other constraints in obtaining hard drive components. There can be no assurance that we will not encounter shortages in the future or that such shortages will not negatively impact our operations. Any such delays or constraints could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, among other things, our gross new subscriber activations.
Our programming signals are subject to theft, and we are vulnerable to other forms of fraud that could require us to make significant expenditures to remedy.
Increases in theft of our signal or our competitors signals could, in addition to reducing new subscriber activations, also cause subscriber churn to increase. We use microchips embedded in credit card-sized cards, called smart cards or Security Access Devices.
Our signal encryption has been compromised in the past and may be compromised in the future even though we continue to respond with significant investment in security measures, such as Security Access Device replacement programs and updates in security software, that are intended to make signal theft more difficult. It has been our prior experience that security measures may only be effective for short periods of time or not at all and that we remain susceptible to additional signal theft. During 2009, we completed the replacement of our Security Access Devices and re-secured our system. We expect additional future replacements of these devices will be necessary to
keep our system secure. We cannot ensure that we will be successful in reducing or controlling theft of our programming content and we may incur additional costs in the future if our systems security is compromised.
We are also vulnerable to other forms of fraud. While we are addressing certain fraud through a number of actions, including terminating retailers that we believe violated DISH Networks business rules, there can be no assurance that we will not continue to experience fraud which could impact our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn. Sustained economic weakness may create greater incentive for signal theft and other forms of fraud, which could lead to higher subscriber churn and reduced revenue.
We depend on third parties to solicit orders for DISH services that represent a significant percentage of our total gross new subscriber activations.
Most of our retailers are not exclusive to us and some of our retailers may favor our competitors products and services over ours based on the relative financial arrangements associated with marketing our products and services and those of our competitors. Furthermore, most of these retailers are significantly smaller than we are and may be more susceptible to sustained economic weaknesses that make it more difficult for them to operate profitably. Because our retailers receive most of their incentive value at activation and not over an extended period of time, our interests in obtaining and retaining subscribers through good customer service may not always be aligned with our retailers. It may be difficult to better align our interests with our resellers because of their capital and liquidity constraints. Loss of these relationships could have an adverse effect on our subscriber base and certain of our other key operating metrics because we may not be able to develop comparable alternative distribution channels.
Our local programming strategy faces uncertainty because we may not be able to obtain necessary retransmission consent agreements at acceptable rates from local network stations.
The Copyright Act generally gives satellite companies a statutory copyright license to retransmit local broadcast channels by satellite back into the market from which they originated, subject to obtaining the retransmission consent of local network stations that do not elect must carry status, as required by the Communications Act. If we fail to reach retransmission consent agreements with such broadcasters, we cannot carry their signals. This could have an adverse effect on our strategy to compete with cable and other satellite companies that provide local signals. While we have been able to reach retransmission consent agreements with most of these local network stations, there remain stations with which we have not been able to reach an agreement. We cannot be sure that we will secure these agreements or that we will secure new agreements on acceptable terms (or at all) upon the expiration of our current retransmission consent agreements, some of which are short-term. In recent years, national broadcasters have used their ownership of certain local broadcast stations to require us to carry additional cable programming in exchange for retransmission consent of their local broadcast stations. These requirements may place constraints on available capacity on our satellites for other programming. Furthermore, the rates we are charged for retransmitting local channels have been increasing. We may be unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We have limited owned and leased satellite capacity and failures or reduced capacity could adversely affect our business.
Operation of our programming service requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions require that we continue to expand our offering of new programming, particularly by expanding local HD coverage and offering more HD national channels. While we generally have had in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to transmit our existing channels and some backup capacity to recover the transmission of certain critical programming, our backup capacity is limited.
Our ability to earn revenue depends on the usefulness of our satellites, each of which has a limited useful life. A number of factors affect the useful lives of the satellites, including, among other things, the quality of their construction, the durability of their component parts, the ability to continue to maintain proper orbit and control over the satellites functions, the efficiency of the launch vehicle used, and the remaining on-board fuel following orbit insertion. Generally, the minimum design life of each of our satellites ranges from 12 to 15 years. We can provide no assurance, however, as to the actual useful lives of the satellites. Our operating results could be adversely affected if the useful life of any of our satellites were significantly shorter than 12 years from the launch date.
In the event of a failure or loss of any of our satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other satellites and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such a failure could result in a prolonged loss of critical programming or a significant delay in our plans to expand programming as necessary to remain competitive. A relocation would require FCC approval and, among other things, a showing to the FCC that the replacement satellite would not cause additional interference compared to the failed or lost satellite. We cannot be certain that we could obtain such FCC approval. If we choose to use a satellite in this manner, this use could adversely affect our ability to satisfy certain operational conditions associated with our authorizations. Failure to satisfy those conditions could result in the loss of such authorizations, which would have an adverse effect on our ability to generate revenues.
Our owned and leased satellites are subject to construction, launch, operational and environmental risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.
Construction and launch risks. A key component of our business strategy is our ability to expand our offering of new programming and services, including increased local and HD programming. To accomplish this goal, we need to construct and launch satellites. Satellite construction and launch is subject to significant risks, including construction and launch delays, launch failure and incorrect orbital placement. Certain launch vehicles that may be used by us have either unproven track records or have experienced launch failures in the recent past. The risks of launch delay and failure are usually greater when the launch vehicle does not have a track record of previous successful flights. Launch failures result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need both to construct replacement satellites, which can take more than three years, and to obtain other launch opportunities. Significant construction or launch delays could materially and adversely affect our ability to generate revenues. If we were unable to obtain launch insurance, or obtain launch insurance at rates we deem commercially reasonable, and a significant launch failure were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to fund future satellite procurement and launch opportunities.
In addition, the occurrence of future launch failures for other operators may delay the deployment of our satellites and materially and adversely affect our ability to insure the launch of our satellites at commercially reasonable premiums, if at all. Please see further discussion under the caption We generally do not have commercial insurance coverage on the satellites we use and could face significant impairment charges if one of our satellites fails below.
Operational risks . Satellites are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. These risks include malfunctions, commonly referred to as anomalies, that have occurred in our satellites and the satellites of other operators as a result of various factors, such as satellite manufacturers errors, problems with the power systems or control systems of the satellites and general failures resulting from operating satellites in the harsh environment of space.
Although we work closely with the satellite manufacturers to determine and eliminate the cause of anomalies in new satellites and provide for redundancies of many critical components in the satellites, we may experience anomalies in the future, whether of the types described above or arising from the failure of other systems or components.
Any single anomaly or series of anomalies could materially and adversely affect our operations and revenues and our relationship with current customers, as well as our ability to attract new customers for our pay-TV services. In particular, future anomalies may result in the loss of individual transponders on a satellite, a group of transponders on that satellite or the entire satellite, depending on the nature of the anomaly. Anomalies may also reduce the expected useful life of a satellite, thereby reducing the channels that could be offered using that satellite, or create additional expenses due to the need to provide replacement or back-up satellites. You should review the disclosures relating to satellite anomalies set forth under Note 6 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Environmental risks. Meteoroid events pose a potential threat to all in-orbit satellites. The probability that meteoroids will damage those satellites increases significantly when the Earth passes through the particulate stream left behind by comets. Occasionally, increased solar activity also poses a potential threat to all in-orbit satellites.
Some decommissioned spacecraft are in uncontrolled orbits that pass through the geostationary belt at various points, and present hazards to operational spacecraft, including our satellites. We may be required to perform maneuvers to avoid collisions and these maneuvers may prove unsuccessful or could reduce the useful life of the satellite through the expenditure of fuel to perform these maneuvers. The loss, damage or destruction of any of our satellites as a result of an electrostatic storm, collision with space debris, malfunction or other event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We generally do not have commercial insurance coverage on the satellites we use and could face significant impairment charges if one of our satellites fails.
Generally, we do not carry launch or in-orbit insurance on the satellites we use. We currently do not carry in-orbit insurance on any of our satellites and generally do not use commercial insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of launch or in-orbit failures because we believe that the cost of insurance premiums is uneconomical relative to the risk of such failures. If one or more of our in-orbit satellites fail, we could be required to record significant impairment charges.
We may have potential conflicts of interest with EchoStar due to DISH Networks common ownership and management.
We are an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, which controls all of our voting power and appoints all of our officers and directors. As a result of DISH Networks control over us, questions relating to conflicts of interest may arise between EchoStar and us in a number of areas relating to past and ongoing relationships between DISH Network and EchoStar. Areas in which conflicts of interest between EchoStar and us, as a result of our relationship with DISH Network, could arise include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Cross officerships, directorships and stock ownership. We and DISH Network have certain overlap in directors and executive officers with EchoStar, which may lead to conflicting interests. DISH Networks Board of Directors and executive officers include persons who are members of the Board of Directors of EchoStar, including Charles W. Ergen, who serves as the Chairman of EchoStar and DISH Network and as one of our directors. The executive officers and the members of DISH Networks and our Board of Directors who overlap with EchoStar have fiduciary duties to EchoStars shareholders. For example, there is the potential for a conflict of interest when DISH Network and us, on the one hand, or EchoStar, on the other hand, look at acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both companies. In addition, certain of DISH Networks and our directors and officers own EchoStar stock and options to purchase EchoStar stock, which they acquired or were granted prior to the Spin-off of EchoStar from DISH Network, including Mr. Ergen, who owns approximately 50.7% of the total equity (assuming conversion of only the Class B Common Stock held by Mr. Ergen into Class A Common Stock) and controls approximately 75.6% of the voting power of EchoStar. Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership of EchoStar excludes 8,734,250 shares of its Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of its Class B Common Stock currently held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family. These trusts beneficially own approximately 18.3% of EchoStars total equity securities (assuming conversion of only the Class B Common Stock held by such trusts into Class A Common Stock) and possess approximately 16.9% of EchoStars total voting power. These ownership interests could create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for DISH Network and us, on the one hand, and EchoStar, on the other hand. Furthermore, Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and Roger Lynch, Executive Vice President, Advanced Technologies, are employed by both DISH Network and EchoStar and Paul Orban, DISH Networks Senior Vice President and Controller, provides management services to EchoStar pursuant to a management services agreement between EchoStar and DISH Network. These individuals may have actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company.
· Intercompany agreements related to the Spin-off. DISH Network has entered into certain agreements with EchoStar pursuant to which DISH Network provides EchoStar with certain management, administrative, accounting, tax, legal and other services, for which EchoStar pays DISH Network at its cost plus a fixed margin. In addition, DISH Network has entered into a number of intercompany agreements covering
matters such as tax sharing and EchoStars responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by DISH Network for certain of EchoStars businesses. DISH Network and we have also entered into certain commercial agreements with EchoStar pursuant to which EchoStar, among other things, sells set-top boxes and related equipment to DISH Network and us at specified prices. The terms of certain of these agreements were established while EchoStar was a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network and us and were not the result of arms length negotiations. The allocation of assets, liabilities, rights, indemnifications and other obligations between EchoStar and DISH Network under the separation and other intercompany agreements DISH Network entered into with EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar may have been different if agreed to by two unaffiliated parties. Had these agreements been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties, their terms may have been more favorable, or less favorable, to DISH Network. In addition, conflicts could arise between DISH Network and us, on the one hand, and EchoStar, on the other hand, in the interpretation or any extension or renegotiation of these existing agreements.
· Additional intercompany transactions. EchoStar or its affiliates have and will continue to enter into transactions with DISH Network or its subsidiaries or other affiliates. Although the terms of any such transactions will be established based upon negotiations between EchoStar and DISH Network and, when appropriate, subject to the approval of a committee of the non-interlocking directors or in certain instances non-interlocking management, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to DISH Network or its subsidiaries or affiliates as may otherwise be obtained between unaffiliated parties.
· Business opportunities. DISH Network has retained interests in various companies that have subsidiaries or controlled affiliates that own or operate domestic or foreign services that may compete with services offered by EchoStar. DISH Network and we may also compete with EchoStar when it or we participate in auctions for spectrum or orbital slots for satellites. In addition, EchoStar may in the future use its satellites, uplink and transmission assets to compete directly against DISH Network or us in the subscription television business.
Neither we nor DISH Network may be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and, even if either we or DISH Network do so, the resolution may be less favorable than if either we or DISH Network were dealing with an unaffiliated party. DISH Network also does not have any agreements with EchoStar that would prevent it or us from competing with EchoStar.
We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may negatively affect our businesses.
We believe that our future success will depend to a significant extent upon the performance of Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and certain other executives. The loss of Mr. Ergen or of certain other key executives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although all of our executives have executed agreements limiting their ability to work for or consult with competitors if they leave us, we do not have employment agreements with any of them. Paul W. Orban, our Senior Vice President and Controller, provides services to EchoStar pursuant to a management services agreement with EchoStar. In addition, Roger J. Lynch also serves as Executive Vice President, Advanced Technologies of EchoStar. To the extent these and other officers are performing services for EchoStar, this may divert their time and attention away from our business and may therefore adversely affect our business.
Acquisition and Capital Structure Risks Affecting our Business
Our parent, DISH Network, has acquired certain spectrum and other assets from DBSD North America and TerreStar. DISH Network will be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others to commercialize these assets.
During the first half of 2011, DISH Network entered into a transaction to acquire 100% of the equity of reorganized DBSD North America Inc. (DBSD North America) for approximately $1.4 billion upon DBSD North Americas emergence from bankruptcy, which included capital stock and convertible securities of, and certain claims related to, DBSD North America (the DBSD Transaction). In addition, in June 2011, DISH Network entered into a transaction to acquire substantially all of the assets of TerreStar Networks, Inc. (TerreStar) for a purchase price of $1.375 billion (the TerreStar Transaction). Additionally, during the fourth quarter 2011, DISH Network and Sprint Nextel Corporation (Sprint) entered into a mutual release and settlement agreement (Sprint Settlement Agreement) pursuant to which all disputed issues relating to the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction were resolved between DISH Network and Sprint, including, but not limited to, issues relating to costs allegedly incurred by Sprint to relocate users from the spectrum now licensed to DBSD North America and TerreStar. Pursuant to the Sprint Settlement Agreement, DISH Network made a net payment of approximately $114 million to Sprint. Consummation of the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction were subject to certain conditions, including approval by the FCC.
Under DISH Networks agreements to acquire DBSD North America and purchase substantially all of TerreStars assets, DISH Network paid substantially all of the purchase price for both transactions prior to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals (the FCC with respect to DBSD North America, and the FCC and Industry Canada with respect to TerreStar). On February 7, 2012, Industry Canada approved the transfer of the Canadian spectrum licenses held by TerreStar to DISH Network. On March 2, 2012, the FCC approved the transfer of the spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America and TerreStar to DISH Network. On March 9, 2012, DISH Network closed the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction and funded all remaining payments.
DISH Networks consolidated FCC applications for approval of the license transfers from DBSD North America and TerreStar were accompanied by requests for waiver of the FCCs Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) integrated service and spare satellite requirements and various technical provisions. The FCC denied DISH Networks requests for waiver of the integrated service and spare satellite requirements. The FCC has not yet acted on the request for waiver of various technical provisions, and we cannot predict the outcome or timing of any action by the FCC with respect to that waiver request. Waiver of the integrated service requirement would have allowed DISH Network to offer single-mode terrestrial terminals to customers who do not desire satellite functionality. The spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America and TerreStar did not include a waiver of this integrated service requirement. The FCC has announced plans to consider on March 21, 2012, whether to formally initiate a rulemaking process that could impact the integrated service requirement and other aspects of current MSS rules. We cannot predict the outcome or timing of any such rulemaking process, including, without limitation, any build-out requirements with which we may need to comply in order to avail ourselves of the resulting benefits of any such rulemaking.
As a result of the consummation of the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction, DISH Network will likely be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others to commercialize these licenses. We have made cash distributions to DISH Network to finance these acquisitions and may make additional cash distributions to, among other things, finance the commercialization of these licenses and DISH Networks integration efforts including compliance with regulations applicable to the acquired licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization and build-out, any such investment or partnership could vary significantly, which may affect our future financial condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these spectrum investments or that it will be able to profitably deploy the assets represented by these spectrum investments.
Our parent, DISH Network, has made a substantial investment in certain 700 MHz wireless licenses and will be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others to commercialize these licenses.
In 2008, DISH Network paid $712 million to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses, which were granted to DISH Network by the FCC in February 2009 subject to certain build-out requirements. To commercialize these licenses and satisfy the associated FCC build-out requirements, DISH Network will be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others. We may make cash distributions to, among other things, finance the commercialization of these licenses and DISH Networks integration efforts including compliance with regulations applicable to these licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization and build-out, any such investment or partnership could vary significantly. Part or all of these licenses may be terminated if the associated FCC build-out requirements are not satisfied. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these investments and profitably deploy the spectrum represented by the 700 MHz licenses.
We may pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions to complement or expand our business that may not be successful and we may lose up to the entire value of our investment in these acquisitions and transactions.
Our future success may depend on opportunities to buy other businesses or technologies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or products or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities.
We may be unable to obtain in the anticipated timeframe, or at all, any regulatory approvals required to complete proposed acquisitions and other strategic transactions. Furthermore, the conditions imposed for obtaining any necessary approvals could delay the completion of such transactions for a significant period of time or prevent them from occurring at all. We may not be able to complete such transactions and such transactions, if executed, pose significant risks and could have a negative effect on our operations. Any transactions that we are able to identify and complete may involve a number of risks, including:
· the diversion of our managements attention from our existing business to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired or combined business or joint venture;
· possible adverse effects on our operating results during the integration process;
· a high degree of risk involved in these transactions, which could become substantial over time, and higher exposure to significant financial losses if the underlying ventures are not successful;
· our possible inability to achieve the intended objectives of the transaction; and
· the risks associated with complying with regulations applicable to the acquired business, which may cause us to incur substantial expenses.
In addition, we may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or employees. We may not be able to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, and this may lead to operational inefficiencies. In addition, the integration process may strain our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures.
New acquisitions, joint ventures and other transactions may require the commitment of significant capital that would otherwise be directed to investments in our existing businesses. In addition, we make cash distributions to DISH Network to finance acquisitions or investments that will not be part of our business.
For example, DISH Network completed the acquisition of most of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. in April 2011. DISH Network also completed the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction on March 9, 2012. We have made cash distributions to DISH Network to finance the acquisitions of Blockbuster, DBSD North America and TerreStar, and we may make additional cash distributions to, among other things, finance acquisitions that may occur from time to time, including compliance with regulations applicable to the acquired businesses.
These transactions pose substantial risks and require the commitment of significant capital both to complete the acquisitions and to operate the acquired businesses following their acquisition. These acquisitions may result in significant financial losses if the intended objectives of the transactions are not achieved. Some of the businesses acquired by DISH Network have experienced significant operating and financial challenges in their recent history, which in some cases resulted in these businesses commencing bankruptcy proceedings. DISH Network may acquire similar businesses in the future. There is no assurance that DISH Network will be able to successfully address the challenges and risks encountered by these businesses following their acquisition. If DISH Network is unable to successfully address these challenges and risks, our business, financial condition or results of operations may likely suffer.
We may need additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to continue investing in our business and to finance acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
We may need to raise additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to among other things, continue investing in our business, construct and launch new satellites, and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
Furthermore, weakness in the equity markets could make it difficult for DISH Network to raise equity financing without incurring substantial dilution to DISH Networks existing shareholders. In addition, sustained economic weakness or weak results of operations may limit our ability to generate sufficient internal cash to fund these investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other strategic transactions. As a result, these conditions make it difficult for us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities because we may not have access to funding sources necessary for us to pursue organic and strategic business development opportunities.
We have substantial debt outstanding and may incur additional debt.
As of December 31, 2011, our total debt, including the debt of our subsidiaries, was $7.493 billion. Our debt levels could have significant consequences, including:
· requiring us to devote a substantial portion of our cash to make interest and principal payments on our debt, thereby reducing the amount of cash available for other purposes. As a result, we would have limited financial and operating flexibility in responding to changing economic and competitive conditions;
· limiting our ability to raise additional debt because it may be more difficult for us to obtain debt financing on attractive terms; and
· placing us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.
In addition, we may incur substantial additional debt in the future. The terms of the indentures relating to our senior notes permit us to incur additional debt. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks we now face could intensify.
Our parent, DISH Network, is controlled by one principal stockholder who is also our Chairman.
Charles W. Ergen, DISH Networks Chairman, currently beneficially owns approximately 53.2% of DISH Networks total equity securities (assuming conversion of only the Class B Common Stock held by Mr. Ergen into Class A Common Stock) and possesses approximately 90.4% of the total voting power of DISH Network. Mr. Ergens beneficial ownership of shares of DISH Networks Class A Common Stock excludes 4,245,151 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock currently held by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family. These trusts beneficially own approximately 2.0% of DISH Networks total equity securities (assuming conversion of only the Class B Common Stock held by such trusts into Class A Common Stock) and possess approximately 1.6% of the total voting power of DISH Network. Through his voting power, Mr. Ergen has the ability to elect a majority of DISH Networks directors and to control all other matters requiring the approval of DISH Networks stockholders. As a result, DISH Network is a controlled company as defined in the Nasdaq listing rules and is, therefore, not subject to Nasdaq requirements that would otherwise require DISH Network to have: (i) a majority of independent directors; (ii) a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors; (iii) compensation of our executive officers determined by a
majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; and (iv) director nominees selected, or recommended for the Boards selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.
Legal and Regulatory Risks Affecting our Business
If Voom prevails in its breach of contract suit against us, we could be required to pay substantial damages, which would have a material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations.
In January 2008, Voom HD Holdings (Voom) filed a lawsuit against us in New York Supreme Court, alleging breach of contract and other claims arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement governing carriage of certain Voom HD channels on the DISH pay-TV service. At that time, Voom also sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the agreement. The Court denied Vooms request, finding, among other things, that Voom had not demonstrated that it was likely to prevail on the merits. In April 2010, we and Voom each filed motions for summary judgment. Voom later filed two motions seeking discovery sanctions. On November 9, 2010, the Court issued a decision denying both motions for summary judgment, but granting Vooms motions for discovery sanctions. The Courts decision provides for an adverse inference jury instruction at trial and precludes our damages expert from testifying at trial. We appealed the grant of Vooms motion for discovery sanctions to the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department. On February 15, 2011, the appellate court granted our motion to stay the trial pending our appeal. On January 31, 2012, the appellate court affirmed the order imposing discovery sanctions and precluding our damages expert from testifying at trial. We are seeking leave to appeal to New Yorks highest state court, the Court of Appeals. A trial date has not been set. Voom is claiming over $2.5 billion in damages. If we are unsuccessful in our suit with Voom, we may be required to pay substantial damages, which would have a material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations.
Our business depends on certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others.
We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. Legal challenges to our intellectual property rights and claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties could require that we enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms, incur substantial monetary liability or be enjoined preliminarily or permanently from further use of the intellectual property in question or from the continuation of our businesses as currently conducted, which could require us to change our business practices or limit our ability to compete effectively or could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Even if we believe any such challenges or claims are without merit, they can be time-consuming and costly to defend and divert managements attention and resources away from our business. Moreover, because of the rapid pace of technological change, we rely on technologies developed or licensed by third parties, and if we are unable to obtain or continue to obtain licenses from these third parties on reasonable terms, our business, financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding intellectual property.
We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business, including among other things, disputes with programmers regarding fees. Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services related to those that we offer. In general, if a court determines that one or more of our products or services infringes on intellectual property held by others, we may be required to cease developing or marketing those products or services, to obtain licenses from the holders of the intellectual property at a material cost, or to redesign those products or services in such a way as to avoid infringing the intellectual property. If those intellectual property rights are held by a competitor, we may be unable to obtain the intellectual property at any price, which could adversely affect our competitive position. Please see further discussion under Item 1. Business Patents and Trademarks of DISH Networks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
We may not be aware of all intellectual property rights that our services or the products used in connection with our services may potentially infringe. In addition, patent applications in the United States are confidential until the Patent and Trademark Office issues a patent. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the extent to which our services or the products used in connection with our services may infringe claims contained in pending patent applications. Further, it is often not possible to determine definitively whether a claim of infringement is valid.
Increased distribution of video content via the Internet could expose us to regulatory risk.
As a result of recent updates to certain of our programming agreements which allow us to, among other things, deliver certain authenticated content via the Internet, we are increasingly distributing content to our subscribers via the Internet. The ability to continue this strategy may depend in part on the FCCs success in implementing rules prohibiting discrimination against our distribution of content over networks owned by broadband and wireless Internet providers. For more information, see Item 1. Business Government Regulations FCC Regulation under the Communications Act Net Neutrality of DISH Networks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
We depend on the Cable Act for access to programming from cable-affiliate programmers at non-discriminatory rates.
We purchase a large percentage of our programming from cable-affiliated programmers. The provisions of the Cable Act prohibiting exclusive contracting practices with cable-affiliated programmers were extended for another five-year period in September 2007. Cable companies appealed the FCCs decision, and while that decision was upheld by the D.C. Circuit in March 2010, that court indicated if the market continues to evolve, it is expected that the exclusivity prohibition may no longer be necessary. Any change in the Cable Act and the FCCs rules that currently limit the ability of cable-affiliated programmers to discriminate against competing businesses, such as ours, in the sale of programming could adversely affect our ability to acquire cable-affiliated programming at all or to acquire programming on a cost-effective basis. As a result, we may be limited in our ability to obtain access on nondiscriminatory terms to programming from programmers that are affiliated with cable system operators. In the case of certain types of programming affiliated with Comcast, Time-Warner Cable, and Liberty, the terms of access to the programming are subject to arbitration for a limited period of time if we and the programmer cannot reach agreement on terms, subject to FCC review. We cannot be sure that this procedure will result in favorable terms for us or that the FCC conditions that establish this procedure will be allowed to expire on their own terms.
In addition, affiliates of certain cable providers have denied us access to sports programming they feed to their cable systems terrestrially, rather than by satellite. The FCC recently held that new denials of such service are unfair if they have the purpose or effect of significantly hindering us from providing programming to consumers. However, we cannot be sure that we can prevail in a complaint related to such programming, and gain access to it. Our continuing failure to access such programming could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete in regions serviced by these cable providers.
The injunction against our retransmission of distant networks, which is currently waived, may be reinstated.
Pursuant to the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA), we have been able to obtain a waiver of a court injunction that previously prevented us from retransmitting certain distant network signals under a statutory copyright license. Because of that waiver, we may once again provide distant network signals to eligible subscribers. To qualify for that waiver, we are required to provide local service in all 210 local markets in the U.S. on an ongoing basis. This condition poses a significant strain on our capacity. Moreover, we may lose that waiver if we are found to have failed to provide local service in any of the 210 local markets. If we lose the waiver, the injunction could be reinstated. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the failure, we may also be subject to other sanctions, which may include, among other things, damages. Pursuant to STELA, our compliance with certain conditions of the waiver is subject to periodic examination and review.
We are subject to significant regulatory oversight, and changes in applicable regu l atory requirements, including any adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the Internet, could adversely affect our business.
DBS operators are subject to significant government regulation, primarily by the FCC and, to a certain extent, by Congress, other federal agencies and foreign, state and local authorities. Depending upon the circumstances, noncompliance with legislation or regulations promulgated by these entities could result in the suspension or revocation of our licenses or registrations, the termination or loss of contracts or the imposition of contractual damages, civil fines or criminal penalties, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to video programming, satellite services, the Internet or other areas of our business could limit or otherwise adversely affect the manner in which we currently conduct our business. If we become subject to new regulations or legislation or new interpretations of existing regulations or legislation that govern Internet network neutrality, we may be required to incur additional expenses or alter our business model. The manner in which legislation governing Internet network neutrality may be interpreted and enforced cannot be precisely determined, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. You should review the regulatory disclosures under the caption Item 1. Business Government Regulation FCC Regulation under the Communications Act of DISH Networks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Our business depends on FCC licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications for FCC licenses that may not be granted.
If the FCC were to cancel, revoke, suspend, restrict, significantly condition, or fail to renew any of our licenses or authorizations, or fail to grant our applications for FCC licenses, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Specifically, loss of a frequency authorization would reduce the amount of spectrum available to us, potentially reducing the amount of services available to our subscribers. The materiality of such a loss of authorizations would vary based upon, among other things, the location of the frequency used or the availability of replacement spectrum. In addition, Congress often considers and enacts legislation that affects us and FCC proceedings to implement the Communications Act and enforce its regulations are ongoing. We cannot predict the outcomes of these legislative or regulatory proceedings or their effect on our business.
We are subject to digital HD carry-one, carry-all requirements that cause capacity constraints.
To provide any full-power local broadcast signal in any market, we are required to retransmit all qualifying broadcast signals in that market (carry-one, carry-all). The FCC has adopted digital carriage rules that require DBS providers to phase in carry-one, carry-all obligations with respect to the carriage of full-power broadcasters HD signals by February 2013 in markets in which DISH Network elects to provide local channels in HD. In addition, STELA has imposed accelerated HD carriage requirements for noncommercial educational stations on DBS providers that do not have a certain contractual relationship with a certain number of such stations. DISH Network has entered into an agreement with a number of PBS stations to comply with the requirements. The carriage of additional HD signals on our pay-TV service could cause us to experience significant capacity constraints and prevent us from carrying additional popular national programs and/or carrying those national programs in HD.
In addition, there is a pending rulemaking before the FCC regarding whether to require DBS providers to carry all broadcast stations in a local market in both standard definition and HD if they carry any station in that market in both standard definition and HD. If we were required to carry multiple versions of each broadcast station, we would have to dedicate more of our finite satellite capacity to each broadcast station. We cannot predict the outcome or timing of that rulemaking process.
There can be no assurance that there will not be deficiencies leading to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
We periodically evaluate and test our internal control over financial reporting to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011. If in the future we are unable to report that our internal control over financial reporting is effective investors, customers and business partners could lose confidence in the accuracy of our financial reports, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, investor confidence in our financial results may weaken, and DISH Networks stock price may suffer.
We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the SEC.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning our principal properties.
|
|
|
|
|
Leased From |
|
||
|
Description/Use/Location |
|
Owned |
|
EchoStar (1) |
|
Other Third
|
|
|
Corporate headquarters, Englewood, Colorado |
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Customer call center and general offices, Pine Brook, New Jersey |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Customer call center and general offices, Tulsa, Oklahoma |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Customer call center, Alvin, Texas |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Customer call center, Bluefield, West Virginia |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer call center, Christiansburg, Virginia |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer call center, College Point, New York |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Customer call center, Harlingen, Texas |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer call center, Hilliard, Ohio |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Customer call center, Littleton, Colorado |
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Customer call center, Phoenix, Arizona |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Customer call center, Thornton, Colorado |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer call center, warehouse and service center, El Paso, Texas |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service center, Englewood, Colorado |
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Service center, Spartanburg, South Carolina |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Warehouse and distribution center, Denver, Colorado |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Warehouse and distribution center, Sacramento, California |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warehouse, Denver, Colorado |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warehouse, distribution and service center, Atlanta, Georgia |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) See Note 15 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.
In addition to the principal properties listed above, we operate numerous DISH service centers strategically located in regions throughout the United States. Furthermore, we own or lease capacity on 13 satellites which are a major component of our DISH pay-TV service. See further discussion under Note 6 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings (including those described below) concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our business activities. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages, and many of these cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We regularly evaluate the status of the legal proceedings in which we are involved to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or additional loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss can be made.
For certain cases described on the following pages, management is unable to provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss because, among other reasons, (i) the proceedings are in various stages; (ii) damages have not been sought; (iii) damages are unsupported and/or exaggerated; (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties (as with many patent-related cases). For these cases, however, management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
During 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. (Broadcast Innovation) filed a lawsuit against DISH Network, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in United States District Court in Denver, Colorado. Broadcast Innovation is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the 094 patent) and 4,992,066 (the 066 patent). The 094 patent relates to certain methods and devices for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The 066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay television system on removable cards. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast Innovation leaving DISH Network as the only defendant.
During 2004, the District Court issued an order finding the 066 patent invalid. Also in 2004, the District Court found the 094 patent invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and Comcast. In 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned that finding of invalidity with respect to the 094 patent and remanded the Charter case back to the District Court. During June 2006, Charter filed a request for reexamination of the 094 patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and, on December 13, 2011, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a certificate cancelling all claims of the 094 patent. On February 2, 2012, Broadcast Innovation dismissed the case against DISH Network with prejudice.
Channel Bundling Class Action
During 2007, a purported class of cable and satellite subscribers filed an antitrust action against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The suit also names as defendants DirecTV, Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Inc., Time Warner Cable, NBC Universal, Viacom, Fox Entertainment Group and Walt Disney Company. The suit alleges, among other things, that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to provide customers with access only to bundled channel offerings as opposed to giving customers the ability to purchase channels on an a la carte basis. On October 16, 2009, the District Court granted defendants motion to dismiss with prejudice. On June 3, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the District Courts motion to dismiss with prejudice. The plaintiff class sought rehearing en banc. On October 31, 2011, the Ninth Circuit issued an order vacating the June 3, 2011 order, directing that a 3-judge panel be reconstituted, and denying the plaintiff class motion for rehearing. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Cyberfone Systems, LLC (f/k/a LVL Patent Group, LLC)
On September 15, 2011, LVL Patent Group, LLC filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., as well as EchoStar, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, and DirecTV in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,044,382, which is entitled Data Transaction Assembly Server. On November 18, 2011, Cyberfone Systems, LLC (f/k/a LVL Patent Group, LLC) filed an amended complaint making the same claim. DirecTV was dismissed from the case on January 4, 2012.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
ESPN
During 2008, our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., filed a lawsuit against ESPN, Inc., ESPN Classic, Inc., ABC Cable Networks Group, Soapnet L.L.C. and International Family Entertainment (collectively, ESPN) for breach of contract in New York State Supreme Court. Our complaint alleges that ESPN failed to provide us with certain high-definition feeds of the Disney Channel, ESPN News, Toon and ABC Family. In October 2011, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants. We intend to appeal.
ESPN had asserted a counterclaim alleging that we owed approximately $35 million under the applicable affiliation agreements. On April 15, 2009, the New York State Supreme Court granted, in part, ESPNs motion for summary judgment on the counterclaim, finding that we are liable for some of the amount alleged to be owing but that the actual amount owing is disputed. On December 29, 2010, the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department affirmed the partial grant of ESPNs motion on the counterclaim. After the partial grant of ESPNs motion for summary judgment, ESPN sought an additional $30 million under the applicable affiliation agreements. On March 15, 2010, the New York State Supreme Court affirmed the prior grant of ESPNs motion and ruled that we owe the full amount of approximately $66 million under the applicable affiliation agreement. As of December 31, 2010, we had $42 million recorded as a Litigation accrual on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On June 21, 2011, the First Department affirmed the New York Supreme Courts ruling that we owe approximately $66 million under the applicable affiliation agreements and, on October 18, 2011, denied our motion for leave to appeal that decision to New Yorks highest court, the New York Court of Appeals. We sought leave to appeal directly to the New York Court of Appeals and, on January 10, 2012, the New York Court of Appeals dismissed our motion for leave on the ground that the ruling upon which we appealed does not fully resolve all claims in the action. As a result of the First Departments June 2011 ruling, during the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded $24 million of Litigation Expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and increased our Litigation accrual to a total of $66 million as of December 31, 2011. This reflects our estimated exposure for ESPNs counterclaim. On February 6, 2012, ESPN filed a motion seeking $5 million in attorneys fees as the prevailing party on both our claim and ESPNs counterclaim, which we intend to oppose. We intend to vigorously prosecute and defend this case.
Ganas, L.L.C.
During August 2010, Ganas, L.L.C. (Ganas) filed suit against us, Sabre Holdings Corporation, SAP America, Inc., SAS Institute Inc., Scottrade, Inc., TD Ameritrade, Inc., The Charles Schwab Corporation, TiVo Inc., Unicoi Systems Inc., Xerox Corporation, Adobe Systems Inc., AOL Inc., Apple Inc., Axibase Corporation, DirecTV, E*Trade Securities L.L.C., Exinda Networks, Fidelity Brokerage Services L.L.C., Firstrade Securities Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, iControl Inc., International Business Machines Corporation and JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,136,913, 7,325,053, and 7,734,756. The patents relate to hypertext transfer protocol and simple object access protocol. Ganas is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the
claims recited therein. On January 23, 2012, Ganas dismissed the case against us with prejudice pursuant to a settlement in which our contribution was not material.
InterAD Technologies, LLC
On September 16, 2011, InterAD Technologies, LLC (InterAD) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., as well as EchoStar, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC, AT&T, Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Cable One, Inc., Cequel Communications, LLC, Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, Charter Communications, Inc., Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, Inc., CSC Holdings, LLC, DirecTV, Inc., Insight Communications Company, Inc., Knology, Inc., Mediacom Broadband, LLC, RCN Telecom Services, LLC, Time Warner Cable, Inc., and Verizon, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,438,355, which is entitled Interactive System for Processing Viewer Responses to Television Programming. On January 5, 2012, InterAD voluntarily dismissed the case against us without prejudice.
Norman IP Holdings, Inc.
On September 15, 2011, Norman IP Holdings, Inc. (Norman) filed a patent infringement complaint against Brother International Corporation and Lexmark International Corporation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,592,555 (the 555 patent) and U.S. Patent No. 5,502,689 (the 689 patent). On December 9, 2011, Norman filed a first amended complaint that added Ricoh Americas Corporation and dropped Brother International Corporation as defendants. On January 27, 2012, Norman filed a second amended complaint that added DISH Network as a defendant, in addition to adding Belkin International, Inc., BMW of North America LLC, Daimler North America Corporation, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, D-Link Systems, Inc., Ford Motor Company, Garmin International, Inc., Garmin USA, Inc., General Electric Company, General Motors Company, JVC Americas Corporation, Novatel Wireless, Inc., Novatel Wireless Solutions, Inc., Novatel Wireless Technology, Inc., TomTom, Inc., ViewSonic Corporation, Vizio, Inc., Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Xerox Corporation, ZTE USA, Inc., and ZTE Solutions, Inc. The 555 patent relates to a wireless communications privacy method and system and the 689 patent relates to a clock generator capable of shut-down mode and clock generation method. Norman is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
NorthPoint Technology, Ltd.
On July 2, 2009, NorthPoint Technology, Ltd. (Northpoint) filed suit against DISH Network, EchoStar and DirecTV in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,208,636 (the 636 patent). The 636 patent relates to the use of multiple low-noise block converter feedhorns, or LNBFs, which are antennas used for satellite reception. On April 21, 2011, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued an order granting reexamination of the 636 patent. On June 21, 2011, the District Court entered summary judgment in DISH Networks favor, finding that all asserted claims of the 636 patent are invalid. Northpoint has appealed.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Olympic Developments AG, LLC
On January 20, 2011, Olympic Developments AG, LLC (Olympic) filed suit against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., Atlantic Broadband, Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Cable One, Inc., Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC, CSC Holdings, LLC, GCI Communication Corp., Insight Communications Company, Inc., Knology, Inc., Mediacom Communications Corporation and RCN Telecom Services, LLC in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,475,585 and 6,246,400. The patents relate to on-demand services. Olympic is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On June 13, 2011, the case was transferred to the Northern District of California. On November 4, 2011, the case was stayed pending reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Personalized Media Communications, Inc.
During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (PMC) filed suit against DISH Network, EchoStar and Motorola Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,694,490, 5,109,414, 4,965,825, 5,233,654, 5,335,277, and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. PMC is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Subsequently, Motorola Inc. settled with PMC leaving EchoStar and DISH Network as defendants. Trial is currently set for August 2012.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Preservation Technologies, LLC
In December 2011, Preservation Technologies, LLC (Preservation Technologies) filed suit against DISH Network in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,581,071, 5,813,014, 6,092,080, 5,832,495, 5,832,499, 6,212,527, 6,574,638, 6,549,911, and 6,353,831. In the operative Third Amended Complaint, filed on March 6, 2012, Preservation Technologies dropped its claim arising from U.S. Patent No. 6,581,071 and added a new claim alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,199,060. The patents relate to digital libraries, the management of multimedia assets, and the cataloging of multimedia data, which are allegedly provided by the BLOCKBUSTER On Demand service.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Retailer Class Actions
During 2000, lawsuits were filed in Colorado state and federal courts attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our retailers. The plaintiffs requested that the Courts declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs and other compensation. On September 20, 2010, we agreed to a settlement
of both lawsuits that provides, among other things, for mutual releases of the claims underlying the litigation, payment by us of up to $60 million, and the option for certain class members to elect to reinstate certain monthly incentive payments, which the parties agreed have an aggregate maximum value of $23 million. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many class members will elect to reinstate these monthly incentive payments. As a result, a $60 million Litigation accrual was recorded as of December 31, 2010 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. On February 9, 2011, the court granted final approval of the settlement, and we made a $60 million settlement payment on April 28, 2011.
Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P.
During 2007, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. (Katz) filed a patent infringement action against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit alleges infringement of 19 patents owned by Katz. The patents relate to interactive voice response, or IVR, technology. The case has been transferred and consolidated for pretrial purposes in the United States District Court for the Central District of California by order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Only four patents remain in the case against us, one of which is subject to a reexamination request before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which was filed on February 13, 2012.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Suomen Colorize Oy
During October 2010, Suomen Colorize Oy (Suomen) filed suit against DISH Network L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, as well as DISH Network, and EchoStar, and its subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,277,398. The abstract of the patent states that the claims are directed to a method and terminal for providing services in a telecommunications network. Suomen is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. The action was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and on January 10, 2012, Suomen voluntarily dismissed the case against all defendants without prejudice.
Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C.
On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C. (TDL) filed suit against DISH Network and EchoStar in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952, which relates to certain favorite channel features. TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. In July 2009, the Court granted DISH Networks motion to stay the case pending two reexamination petitions before the Patent and Trademark Office.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
TiVo Inc.
In connection with DISH Networks litigation with TiVo Inc. (TiVo), which is described in our periodic reports filed with the SEC, including in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 under the caption Item 3. Legal Proceedings - TiVo Inc., on April 20, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated the District Courts contempt ruling on infringement, articulated a new standard for determining
colorable difference and remanded that issue back to the District Court for determination. The Federal Circuit also vacated the District Courts amended injunction requiring that DISH Network inform the court of any further attempts to design around TiVos United States Patent No. 6,233,389 (the 389 patent) and seek approval from the court before any such design-around is implemented. The Federal Circuit also vacated the infringement damages for the period after DISH Network deployed its original alternative technology (although it did not foreclose that damages may be reinstated if upon remand a new court or jury decision found that the original alternative technology infringed TiVos 389 patent). The Federal Circuit affirmed the District Courts contempt ruling on disablement, holding that the original 2006 injunction required that DISH Network disable DVR functionality in all but approximately 192,000 digital set-top boxes deployed with customers (the Disablement Provision) and affirmed the $90 million in contempt sanctions awarded against DISH Network for violating the Disablement Provision.
On April 29, 2011, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo. The settlement resolves all pending litigation between DISH Network and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH Network digital video recorders, or DVRs, which litigation is described in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 under the caption Item 3. Legal Proceedings - TiVo Inc.
Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation has been dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by DISH Network or EchoStar have been dissolved. DISH Network and EchoStar are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500 million, including an initial payment of $300 million and the remaining $200 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar from DISH Network, DISH Network made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for a contribution from EchoStar totaling approximately $10 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to EchoStars sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer. Future payments will be allocated between DISH Network and EchoStar based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with DISH Network being responsible for 95% of each annual payment.
As previously disclosed, our total litigation accrual for TiVo was $517 million as of December 31, 2010. As a result of the settlement agreement, we reversed $335 million of this accrual and made a payment of approximately $290 million for our portion of the initial payment to TiVo. Of this amount, approximately $182 million relates to prior periods and the remaining $108 million represents a prepayment. Our $108 million prepayment and our $190 million share of the remaining payments, a total of $298 million, will be expensed ratably as a subscriber-related expense from April 1, 2011 through July 31, 2018, the expiration date of the 389 patent. In connection with our TiVo settlement, TiVo agreed to advertise and market certain of our products and services. As a result, $6 million was recognized as a reduction of litigation expense and we recorded a pre-paid marketing asset on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and our Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. The amount of the pre-paid license agreement is being amortized as costs of sales over the six-year term of the agreement.
In addition, under the settlement agreement, TiVo granted DISH Network a license under its 389 patent and certain related patents, for the remaining life of those patents, with respect to DISH-branded and co-branded products and services.
DISH Network and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, have also agreed on mutual releases of certain related claims and agreed not to challenge each others DVR technology-related patents that are licensed under the settlement agreement.
Because both DISH Network and EchoStar were defendants in the TiVo lawsuit, DISH Network and EchoStar were jointly and severally liable to TiVo for any final damages and sanctions that could have been awarded by the District Court. As previously disclosed, DISH Network determined that it was obligated under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off to indemnify EchoStar for substantially all liability arising from this lawsuit. EchoStar contributed an amount equal to its $5 million intellectual property liability limit under the receiver agreement. DISH Network and EchoStar further agreed that EchoStars $5 million contribution would not exhaust
EchoStars liability to us for other intellectual property claims that may arise under the receiver agreement. DISH Network and EchoStar also agreed that DISH Network and EchoStar would each be entitled to joint ownership of, and a cross-license to use, any intellectual property developed in connection with any potential new alternative technology. Any amounts that EchoStar is responsible for under the settlement agreement with TiVo are in addition to the $5 million contribution previously made by EchoStar.
Vigilos, LLC
On February 23, 2011, Vigilos, LLC filed suit against EchoStar, two EchoStar subsidiaries, Sling Media, Inc. and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., and Monsoon Multimedia, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,839,731, which is entitled System and Method for Providing Data Communication in a Device Network. Subsequently in 2011, Vigilos added DISH Network L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, as a defendant in its First Amended Complaint and the case was transferred to the Northern District of California. Later in 2011, Vigilos filed a Second Amended Complaint that added claims for infringement of a second patent, U.S. Patent No. 7,370,074, which is entitled System and Method for Implementing Open-Protocol Remote Device Control.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Voom
In January 2008, Voom filed a lawsuit against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., in New York Supreme Court, alleging breach of contract and other claims arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement governing carriage of certain Voom HD channels on the DISH pay-TV service. At that time, Voom also sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the agreement. The Court denied Vooms request, finding, among other things, that Voom had not demonstrated that it was likely to prevail on the merits. In April 2010, we and Voom each filed motions for summary judgment. Voom later filed two motions seeking discovery sanctions. On November 9, 2010, the Court issued a decision denying both motions for summary judgment, but granting Vooms motions for discovery sanctions. The Courts decision provides for an adverse inference jury instruction at trial and precludes our damages expert from testifying at trial. We appealed the grant of Vooms motion for discovery sanctions to the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department. On February 15, 2011, the appellate court granted our motion to stay the trial pending our appeal. On January 31, 2012, the appellate court affirmed the order imposing discovery sanctions and precluding our damages expert from testifying at trial. We are seeking leave to appeal to New Yorks highest state court, the Court of Appeals. A trial date has not been set. Voom is claiming over $2.5 billion in damages. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Other
In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business, including, among other things, disputes with programmers regarding fees. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information. As of March 8, 2012, all 1,015 issued and outstanding shares of our common stock were held by DISH Orbital Corporation (DOC), a direct subsidiary of DISH Network and our direct parent company. There is currently no established trading market for our common stock.
Cash Dividends. During the second quarter 2010, we purchased EchoStar XIV from DISH Orbital II L.L.C. (DOLLC II), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, and our affiliate, for its fair value of approximately $448 million. We assumed $22 million in vendor financing and the difference, or $426 million, was paid to our affiliate. We recorded the satellite at DOLLC IIs carrying value of $317 million and recorded the difference, or $131 million, as a capital distribution to DOC.
During the third quarter 2010, we purchased EchoStar XV from DOLLC II for its fair value of approximately $413 million. We assumed $18 million in vendor financing and the difference, or $395 million, was paid to our affiliate. We recorded the satellite at DOLLC IIs carrying value of $278 million and recorded the difference, or $135 million, as a capital distribution to DOC.
On April 19, 2011, we paid a dividend of $1.5 billion to DOC in connection with, among other things, the funding of DISH Networks investments in DBSD North America and DISH Networks acquisition of most of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc.
On August 10 , 2011, we paid a dividend of $700 million to DOC, in connection with, among other things, the funding of the TerreStar Transaction.
On November 1, 2011, the board of directors of DISH Network declared a dividend of $2.00 per share on its outstanding Class A and Class B common stock, or $893 million in the aggregate. On November 30, 2011, we paid a dividend of $1.3 billion to DOC to fund the payment of DISH Networks dividend and other potential DISH Network cash needs.
Payment of any future dividends will depend upon our earnings and capital requirements, restrictions in our debt facilities, and other factors the Board of Directors considers appropriate. Our ability to declare dividends is affected by covenants in our debt facilities.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following narrative analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to our financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. This managements narrative analysis is intended to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations and contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in this report, including under the caption Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overview
DISH lost approximately 166,000 net subscribers during the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a gain of approximately 33,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2010. The change versus the prior year primarily resulted from a decline in gross new subscriber activations. During the year ended December 31, 2011, DISH added approximately 2.576 million gross new subscribers compared to approximately 3.052 million gross new subscribers during the same period in 2010, a decrease of 15.6%.
Our gross activations and net subscriber additions were negatively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 as a result of increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing and the effectiveness of certain competitors promotional offers, which included an increased level of programming discounts. In addition, telecommunications companies continue to grow their respective customer bases. Our gross activations and net subscriber additions continue to be adversely affected during the year ended December 31, 2011 by sustained economic weakness and uncertainty, including, among other things, the weak housing market in the United States combined with lower discretionary spending.
Our average monthly subscriber churn rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 1.63%, compared to 1.76% for the same period in 2010. While churn improved compared to the same period in 2010, churn continues to be adversely affected by the increased competitive pressures discussed above. In general, our churn rate is impacted by the quality of subscribers acquired in past quarters, our ability to provide outstanding customer service, and our ability to control piracy.
Net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.526 billion compared to $949 million for the same period in 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, Net income (loss) improved primarily due to a reduction in our accrued expenses related to the TiVo Inc. settlement, price increases during the past year and less costs associated with fewer gross new subscriber activations.
Programming costs represent a large percentage of our Subscriber-related expenses. Going forward, our margins may face pressure if we are unable to renew our long-term programming contracts on favorable pricing and other economic terms. Additionally, our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn rate may be negatively impacted if we are unable to renew our long-term programming contracts before they expire.
As the pay-TV industry matures, we and our competitors increasingly must seek to attract a greater proportion of new subscribers from each others existing subscriber bases rather than from first-time purchasers of pay-TV services. Some of our competitors have been especially aggressive by offering discounted programming and services for both new and existing subscribers. In addition, programming offered over the Internet has become more prevalent as the speed and quality of broadband networks have improved. Significant changes in consumer behavior with regard to the means by which they obtain video entertainment and information in response to digital media competition could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition or otherwise disrupt our business.
While economic factors have impacted the entire pay-TV industry, our relative performance has also been driven by issues specific to DISH Network. In the past, our subscriber growth has been adversely affected by signal theft and other forms of fraud and by operational inefficiencies at DISH Network. To combat signal theft and improve the
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
security of our broadcast system, we completed the replacement of our security access devices to re-secure our system during 2009. We expect that additional future replacements of these devices will be necessary to keep our system secure. To combat other forms of fraud, we continue to expect that our third party distributors and retailers will adhere to our business rules.
While we have made improvements in responding to and dealing with customer service issues, we continue to focus on the prevention of these issues, which is critical to our business, financial position and results of operations. To improve our operational performance, we continue to make significant investments in staffing, training, information systems, and other initiatives, primarily in our call center and in-home service operations. These investments are intended to help combat inefficiencies introduced by the increasing complexity of our business, improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, increase productivity, and allow us to scale better over the long run. We cannot, however, be certain that our spending will ultimately be successful in improving our operational performance.
We have been deploying receivers that utilize 8PSK modulation technology and receivers that utilize MPEG-4 compression technology for several years. These technologies, when fully deployed, will allow more programming channels to be carried over our existing satellites. Many of our customers today, however, do not have receivers that use MPEG-4 compression and a smaller but still significant percentage do not have receivers that use 8PSK modulation. We may choose to invest significant capital to accelerate the conversion of customers to MPEG-4 and/or 8PSK to realize the bandwidth benefits sooner. In addition, given that all of our HD content is broadcast in MPEG-4, any growth in HD penetration will naturally accelerate our transition to these newer technologies and may increase our subscriber acquisition and retention costs. All new receivers that we purchase from EchoStar have MPEG-4 technology. Although we continue to refurbish and redeploy MPEG-2 receivers, as a result of our HD initiatives and current promotions, we currently activate most new customers with higher priced MPEG-4 technology. This limits our ability to redeploy MPEG-2 receivers and, to the extent that our promotions are successful, will accelerate the transition to MPEG-4 technology, resulting in an adverse effect on our average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation (SAC).
From time to time, we change equipment for certain subscribers to make more efficient use of transponder capacity in support of HD and other initiatives. We believe that the benefit from the increase in available transponder capacity outweighs the short-term cost of these equipment changes.
To maintain and enhance our competitiveness over the long term, we recently introduced the Hopper that allows, among other things, recorded programming to be viewed in HD in multiple rooms. We are also promoting a suite of integrated products designed to maximize the convenience and ease of watching TV anytime and anywhere, which we refer to as TV Everywhere which utilizes, among other things, online access and Slingbox placeshifting technology. There can be no assurance that these integrated products will positively affect our results of operations or our gross new subscriber activations.
Operational Liquidity
Like many companies, we make general investments in property such as satellites, set-top boxes, information technology and facilities that support our overall business. As a subscriber-based company, however, we also make subscriber-specific investments to acquire new subscribers and retain existing subscribers. While the general investments may be deferred without impacting the business in the short-term, the subscriber-specific investments are less discretionary. Our overall objective is to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of each subscriber to provide an adequate return against the upfront investment. Once the upfront investment has been made for each subscriber, the subsequent cash flow is generally positive.
There are a number of factors that impact our future cash flow compared to the cash flow we generate at a given point in time. The first factor is how successful we are at retaining our current subscribers. As we lose subscribers from our existing base, the positive cash flow from that base is correspondingly reduced. The second factor is how successful we are at maintaining our subscriber-related margins. To the extent our Subscriber-related expenses grow faster than our Subscriber-related revenue, the amount of cash flow that is generated per existing subscriber is reduced. The third factor is the rate at which we acquire new subscribers. The faster we acquire new subscribers, the more our positive ongoing cash flow from existing subscribers is offset by the negative upfront cash flow
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
associated with new subscribers. Finally, our future cash flow is impacted by the rate at which we make general investments and any cash flow from financing activities.
Our subscriber-specific investments to acquire new subscribers have a significant impact on our cash flow. While fewer subscribers might translate into lower ongoing cash flow in the long-term, cash flow is actually aided, in the short-term, by the reduction in subscriber-specific investment spending. As a result, a slow down in our business due to external or internal factors does not introduce the same level of short-term liquidity risk as it might in other industries.
Availability of Credit and Effect on Liquidity
The ability to raise capital has generally existed for us despite the weak economic conditions. Modest fluctuations in the cost of capital will not likely impact our current operational plans.
Future Liquidity
Spectrum Investments
During the first half of 2011, DISH Network entered into the DBSD Transaction for approximately $1.4 billion. In addition, in June 2011, DISH Network entered into the TerreStar Transaction for a purchase price of $1.375 billion. Additionally, during the fourth quarter 2011, DISH Network and Sprint entered into the Sprint Settlement Agreement pursuant to which all disputed issues relating to the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction were resolved between DISH Network and Sprint, including, but not limited to, issues relating to costs allegedly incurred by Sprint to relocate users from the spectrum now licensed to DBSD North America and TerreStar. Pursuant to the Sprint Settlement Agreement, DISH Network made a net payment of approximately $114 million to Sprint. Consummation of the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction were subject to certain conditions, including approval by the FCC.
Under DISH Networks agreements to acquire DBSD North America and purchase substantially all of TerreStars assets, DISH Network paid substantially all of the purchase price for both transactions prior to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals (the FCC with respect to DBSD North America, and the FCC and Industry Canada with respect to TerreStar). On February 7, 2012, Industry Canada approved the transfer of the Canadian spectrum licenses held by TerreStar to DISH Network. On March 2, 2012, the FCC approved the transfer of the spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America and TerreStar to DISH Network. On March 9, 2012, DISH Network closed the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction and funded all remaining payments.
DISH Networks consolidated FCC applications for approval of the license transfers from DBSD North America and TerreStar were accompanied by requests for waiver of the FCCs MSS integrated service and spare satellite requirements and various technical provisions. The FCC denied DISH Networks requests for waiver of the integrated service and spare satellite requirements. The FCC has not yet acted on the request for waiver of various technical provisions, and we cannot predict the outcome or timing of any action by the FCC with respect to that waiver request. Waiver of the integrated service requirement would have allowed DISH Network to offer single-mode terrestrial terminals to customers who do not desire satellite functionality. The spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America and TerreStar did not include a waiver of this integrated service requirement. The FCC has announced plans to consider on March 21, 2012, whether to formally initiate a rulemaking process that could impact the integrated service requirement and other aspects of current MSS rules. We cannot predict the outcome or timing of any such rulemaking process, including, without limitation, any build-out requirements with which we may need to comply in order to avail ourselves of the resulting benefits of any such rulemaking.
As a result of the consummation of the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction, DISH Network will likely be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others to commercialize these licenses. We have made cash distributions to DISH Network to finance these acquisitions and may make additional cash distributions to, among other things, finance the commercialization of these licenses and DISH Networks integration efforts including compliance with regulations applicable to the acquired licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization and build-out, any such investment or partnership could vary significantly, which may affect our future financial condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
that DISH Network will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these spectrum investments or that it will be able to profitably deploy the assets represented by these spectrum investments.
In 2008, DISH Network paid $712 million to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses, which were granted to DISH Network by the FCC in February 2009 subject to certain build-out requirements. To commercialize these licenses and satisfy the associated FCC build-out requirements, DISH Network will be required to make significant additional investments or partner with others. We may make cash distributions to, among other things, finance the commercialization of these licenses and DISH Networks integration efforts including compliance with regulations applicable to these licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization and build-out, any such investment or partnership could vary significantly. Part or all of these licenses may be terminated if the associated FCC build-out requirements are not satisfied. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these investments and profitably deploy the spectrum represented by the 700 MHz licenses.
Voom
If Voom prevails in its breach of contract suit against our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., we could be required to pay substantial damages, which would have a material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations. In January 2008, Voom filed a lawsuit against DISH Network L.L.C. in New York Supreme Court, alleging breach of contract and other claims arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement governing carriage of certain Voom HD channels on the DISH pay-TV service. At that time, Voom also sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the agreement. The Court denied Vooms request, finding, among other things, that Voom had not demonstrated that it was likely to prevail on the merits. In April 2010, we and Voom each filed motions for summary judgment. Voom later filed two motions seeking discovery sanctions. On November 9, 2010, the Court issued a decision denying both motions for summary judgment, but granting Vooms motions for discovery sanctions. The Courts decision provides for an adverse inference jury instruction at trial and precludes our damages expert from testifying at trial. We appealed the grant of Vooms motion for discovery sanctions to the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department. On February 15, 2011, the appellate court granted our motion to stay the trial pending our appeal. On January 31, 2012, the appellate court affirmed the order imposing discovery sanctions and precluding our damages expert from testifying at trial. We are seeking leave to appeal to New Yorks highest state court, the Court of Appeals. A trial date has not been set. Voom is claiming over $2.5 billion in damages.
Covenants and Restrictions Related to our Senior Notes
The indentures related to our outstanding senior notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on our ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (iii) pay dividends or make distributions on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock; (iv) make certain investments; (v) create liens; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate with another company; and (viii) transfer or sell assets. Should we fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of the debt under the senior notes could become immediately payable. The senior notes also provide that the debt may be required to be prepaid if certain change-in-control events occur. As of the date of filing, we were in compliance with the covenants.
EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS
Subscriber-related revenue . Subscriber-related revenue consists principally of revenue from basic, premium movie, local, HD programming, pay-per-view, Latino and international subscription television services, equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs, equipment upgrade fees and additional outlet fees from subscribers with receivers with multiple tuners, advertising services, fees earned from our in-home service operations and other subscriber revenue. Certain of the amounts included in Subscriber-related revenue are not recurring on a monthly basis.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
Equipment sales and other revenue . Equipment sales and other revenue principally includes the non-subsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other third-party distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH subscribers.
Equipment sales, services and other revenue EchoStar. Equipment sales, services and other revenue EchoStar includes revenue related to equipment sales, services, and other agreements with EchoStar.
Subscriber-related expenses . Subscriber-related expenses principally include programming expenses, which represent a substantial majority of these expenses. Subscriber-related expenses also include costs incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, billing costs, refurbishment and repair costs related to receiver systems, subscriber retention and other variable subscriber expenses.
Satellite and transmission expenses EchoStar . Satellite and transmission expenses EchoStar includes the cost of leasing satellite and transponder capacity from EchoStar and the cost of digital broadcast operations provided to us by EchoStar, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, and other professional services.
Satellite and transmission expenses other . Satellite and transmission expenses other includes executory costs associated with capital leases and costs associated with transponder leases and other related services.
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other. Cost of sales - equipment, services and other principally includes the cost of non-subsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other third-party distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH subscribers. In addition, this category includes costs related to equipment sales, services, and other agreements with EchoStar.
Subscriber acquisition costs . In addition to leasing receivers, we generally subsidize installation and all or a portion of the cost of our receiver systems to attract new DISH subscribers. Our Subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of sales of receiver systems to retailers and other third-party distributors of our equipment, the cost of sales of receiver systems directly by us to subscribers, including net costs related to our promotional incentives, costs related to our direct sales efforts and costs related to installation and acquisition advertising. We exclude the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers from Subscriber acquisition costs.
SAC. Subscriber acquisition cost measures are commonly used by those evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating the average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation, or SAC, and we believe presentations of SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. Our SAC is calculated as Subscriber acquisition costs, plus the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers, divided by gross new subscriber activations. We include all the costs of acquiring subscribers (e.g., subsidized and capitalized equipment) as we believe it is a more comprehensive measure of how much we are spending to acquire subscribers. We also include all new DISH subscribers in our calculation, including DISH subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs.
General and administrative expenses . General and administrative expenses consists primarily of employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems, accounting and finance, including non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. It also includes outside professional fees (e.g., legal, information systems and accounting services) and other items associated with facilities and administration.
Litigation expense. Litigation expense primarily consists of legal settlements, judgments or accruals associated with certain significant litigation.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized primarily includes interest expense, prepayment premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our senior debt (net of capitalized interest), and interest expense associated with our capital lease obligations.
Other, net. The main components of Other, net are gains and losses realized on the sale of investments, impairment of marketable and non-marketable investment securities, unrealized gains and losses from changes in
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
fair value of marketable and non-marketable investments accounted for at fair value, and equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). EBITDA is defined as Net income (loss) plus Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized net of Interest income, Taxes and Depreciation and amortization. This non-GAAP measure is reconciled to Net income (loss) in our discussion of Results of Operations below.
DISH subscribers . We include customers obtained through direct sales, third-party retailers and other third-party distribution relationships in our DISH subscriber count. We also provide DISH service to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts. For certain of these commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by an amount approximately equal to the retail price of our DISH America programming package, and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our DISH subscriber count. Effective during the first quarter 2011, we made two changes to this calculation methodology compared to prior periods. Beginning February 1, 2011, the retail price of our DISH America programming package was used in the calculation rather than Americas Top 120 programming package, which had been used in prior periods. We also determined that two of our commercial business lines, which had previously been included in the described calculation, could be more accurately reflected through actual subscriber counts. The net impact of these two changes was to increase our subscriber count by approximately 6,000 subscribers in the first quarter 2011. Prior period DISH subscriber counts have not been adjusted for this revised commercial accounts calculation as the impacts were immaterial.
Average monthly revenue per subscriber . We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating ARPU and believe presentations of ARPU may not be calculated consistently by other companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, by dividing average monthly Subscriber-related revenue for the period (total Subscriber-related revenue during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by our average number of DISH subscribers for the period. The average number of DISH subscribers is calculated for the period by adding the average number of DISH subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. The average number of DISH subscribers for each month is calculated by adding the beginning and ending DISH subscribers for the month and dividing by two.
Average monthly subscriber churn rate. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriber churn rate and believe presentations of subscriber churn rates may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate subscriber churn rate for any period by dividing the number of DISH subscribers who terminated service during the period by the average number of DISH subscribers for the same period, and further dividing by the number of months in the period. When calculating subscriber churn, the same methodology for calculating average number of DISH subscribers is used as when calculating ARPU.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010.
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
Variance |
|
|||||||
|
Statements of Operations Data |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
Amount |
|
% |
|
|||
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||||
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Subscriber-related revenue |
|
$ |
12,959,025 |
|
$ |
12,538,950 |
|
$ |
420,075 |
|
3.4 |
|
|
Equipment sales and other revenue |
|
64,547 |
|
59,607 |
|
4,940 |
|
8.3 |
|
|||
|
Equipment sales, services and other revenue - EchoStar |
|
36,474 |
|
37,180 |
|
(706 |
) |
(1.9 |
) |
|||
|
Total revenue |
|
13,060,046 |
|
12,635,737 |
|
424,309 |
|
3.4 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Costs and Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Subscriber-related expenses |
|
6,841,760 |
|
6,675,095 |
|
166,665 |
|
2.5 |
|
|||
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
52.8 |
% |
53.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar |
|
441,613 |
|
418,286 |
|
23,327 |
|
5.6 |
|
|||
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
3.4 |
% |
3.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Satellite and transmission expenses - other |
|
39,341 |
|
39,776 |
|
(435 |
) |
(1.1 |
) |
|||
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
0.3 |
% |
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other |
|
79,563 |
|
76,295 |
|
3,268 |
|
4.3 |
|
|||
|
Subscriber acquisition costs |
|
1,503,476 |
|
1,652,992 |
|
(149,516 |
) |
(9.0 |
) |
|||
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
615,887 |
|
620,924 |
|
(5,037 |
) |
(0.8 |
) |
|||
|
% of Total revenue |
|
4.7 |
% |
4.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Litigation expense |
|
(316,949 |
) |
225,456 |
|
(542,405 |
) |
NM |
|
|||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
904,955 |
|
983,360 |
|
(78,405 |
) |
(8.0 |
) |
|||
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
10,109,646 |
|
10,692,184 |
|
(582,538 |
) |
(5.4 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
2,950,400 |
|
1,943,553 |
|
1,006,847 |
|
51.8 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Other Income (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Interest income |
|
13,209 |
|
13,744 |
|
(535 |
) |
(3.9 |
) |
|||
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
(552,036 |
) |
(470,890 |
) |
(81,146 |
) |
(17.2 |
) |
|||
|
Other, net |
|
10,957 |
|
581 |
|
10,376 |
|
NM |
|
|||
|
Total other income (expense) |
|
(527,870 |
) |
(456,565 |
) |
(71,305 |
) |
(15.6 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
2,422,530 |
|
1,486,988 |
|
935,542 |
|
62.9 |
|
|||
|
Income tax (provision) benefit, net |
|
(896,847 |
) |
(538,312 |
) |
(358,535 |
) |
(66.6 |
) |
|||
|
Effective tax rate |
|
37.0 |
% |
36.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
1,525,683 |
|
$ |
948,676 |
|
$ |
577,007 |
|
60.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions) |
|
13.967 |
|
14.133 |
|
(0.166 |
) |
(1.2 |
) |
|||
|
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions) |
|
2.576 |
|
3.052 |
|
(0.476 |
) |
(15.6 |
) |
|||
|
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions) |
|
(0.166 |
) |
0.033 |
|
(0.199 |
) |
NM |
|
|||
|
Average monthly subscriber churn rate |
|
1.63 |
% |
1.76 |
% |
(0.13 |
)% |
(7.4 |
) |
|||
|
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU) |
|
$ |
76.93 |
|
$ |
73.32 |
|
$ |
3.61 |
|
4.9 |
|
|
Average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (SAC) |
|
$ |
771 |
|
$ |
776 |
|
$ |
(5 |
) |
(0.6 |
) |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
3,866,312 |
|
$ |
2,927,494 |
|
$ |
938,818 |
|
32.1 |
|
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
DISH subscribers . DISH lost approximately 166,000 net subscribers during the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a gain of approximately 33,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2010. The change versus the prior year primarily resulted from a decline in gross new subscriber activations. During the year ended December 31, 2011, DISH added approximately 2.576 million gross new subscribers compared to approximately 3.052 million gross new subscribers during the same period in 2010, a decrease of 15.6%.
Our gross activations and net subscriber additions were negatively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 as a result of increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing and the effectiveness of certain competitors promotional offers, which included an increased level of programming discounts. In addition, telecommunications companies continue to grow their respective customer bases. Our gross activations and net subscriber additions continue to be adversely affected during the year ended December 31, 2011 by sustained economic weakness and uncertainty, including, among other things, the weak housing market in the United States combined with lower discretionary spending.
Our average monthly subscriber churn rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 1.63%, compared to 1.76% for the same period in 2010. While churn improved compared to the same period in 2010, churn continues to be adversely affected by the increased competitive pressures discussed above. In general, our churn rate is impacted by the quality of subscribers acquired in past quarters, our ability to provide outstanding customer service, and our ability to control piracy.
We have not always met our own standards for performing high-quality installations, effectively resolving subscriber issues when they arise, answering subscriber calls in an acceptable timeframe, effectively communicating with our subscriber base, reducing calls driven by the complexity of our business, improving the reliability of certain systems and subscriber equipment, and aligning the interests of certain third party retailers and installers to provide high-quality service. Most of these factors have affected both gross new subscriber activations as well as existing subscriber churn. Our future gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn may be negatively impacted by these factors, which could in turn adversely affect our revenue growth.
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Subscriber-related revenue totaled $12.959 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $420 million or 3.4% compared to the same period in 2010. This change was primarily related to the increase in ARPU discussed below.
ARPU. Average monthly revenue per subscriber was $76.93 during the year ended December 31, 2011 versus $73.32 during the same period in 2010. The $3.61 or 4.9% increase in ARPU was primarily attributable to price increases during the past year, higher hardware related revenue and fees earned from our in-home service operations, partially offset by decreases in premium and pay per view revenue.
Subscriber-related expenses. Subscriber-related expenses totaled $6.842 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $167 million or 2.5% compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in Subscriber-related expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming costs and an increase in customer retention expense, partially offset by reduced costs related to our call centers. The increase in programming costs was driven by rate increases in certain of our programming contracts, including the renewal of certain contracts at higher rates. Subscriber-related expenses represented 52.8% and 53.2% of Subscriber-related revenue during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The improvement in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from an increase in Subscriber-related revenue, partially offset by higher programming costs, discussed above.
In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts to purchase programming content in which our payment obligations are fully contingent on the number of subscribers to whom we provide the respective content. Our programming expenses will continue to increase to the extent we are successful in growing our subscriber base. In addition, our Subscriber-related expenses may face further upward pressure from price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms.
Subscriber acquisition costs. Subscriber acquisition costs totaled $1.503 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $150 million or 9.0% compared to the same period in 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in gross new subscriber activations.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
SAC. SAC was $771 during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $776 during the same period in 2010, a decrease of $5 or 0.6%. This decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in the percentage of redeployed receivers that were installed.
During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers totaled $480 million and $716 million, respectively. This decrease in capital expenditures under our lease program for new subscribers resulted primarily from a decrease in gross new subscriber activations and an increase in the percentage of redeployed receivers that were installed.
Capital expenditures resulting from our equipment lease program for new subscribers were partially mitigated by the redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers. To remain competitive we upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the costs associated with these upgrades may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render a portion of our existing equipment obsolete, we would be unable to redeploy all returned equipment and consequently would realize less benefit from the SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.
Our SAC calculation does not reflect any benefit from payments we received in connection with equipment not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers and returned equipment that is made available for sale or used in our existing customer lease program rather than being redeployed through our new customer lease program. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, these amounts totaled $96 million and $108 million, respectively.
We have been deploying receivers that utilize 8PSK modulation technology and receivers that utilize MPEG-4 compression technology for several years. These technologies, when fully deployed, will allow more programming channels to be carried over our existing satellites. Many of our customers today, however, do not have receivers that use MPEG-4 compression and a smaller but still significant percentage do not have receivers that use 8PSK modulation. We may choose to invest significant capital to accelerate the conversion of customers to MPEG-4 and/or 8PSK to realize the bandwidth benefits sooner. In addition, given that all of our HD content is broadcast in MPEG-4, any growth in HD penetration will naturally accelerate our transition to these newer technologies and may increase our subscriber acquisition and retention costs. All new receivers that we purchase from EchoStar have MPEG-4 technology. Although we continue to refurbish and redeploy MPEG-2 receivers, as a result of our HD initiatives and current promotions, we currently activate most new customers with higher priced MPEG-4 technology. This limits our ability to redeploy MPEG-2 receivers and, to the extent that our promotions are successful, will accelerate the transition to MPEG-4 technology, resulting in an adverse effect on our SAC.
Our Subscriber acquisition costs and SAC may materially increase in the future to the extent that we transition to newer technologies, introduce more aggressive promotions, or provide greater equipment subsidies.
Litigation expense. Litigation expense totaled a negative $317 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, a reduction in expense of $542 million compared to the same period in 2010. See Note 11 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $905 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, a $78 million or 8.0% decrease compared to the same period in 2010. This change in Depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to a decrease in depreciation on equipment leased to subscribers principally related to less equipment capitalization during 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 and less equipment write-offs from disconnecting subscribers. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in depreciation on satellites as a result of EchoStar XIV and EchoStar XV being placed into service during the second and third quarters 2010, respectively.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized totaled $552 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $81 million or 17.2% compared to the same period in 2010. This change primarily resulted from an increase in interest expense related to the issuance of our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 during the second quarter 2011, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense as a result of the repurchases and redemptions of our 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization . EBITDA was $3.866 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $939 million or 32.1% compared to the same period in 2010. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.
|
|
|
For the Years Ended
|
|
||||
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
||
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
||||
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
3,866,312 |
|
$ |
2,927,494 |
|
|
Interest expense, net |
|
(538,827 |
) |
(457,146 |
) |
||
|
Income tax provision (benefit), net |
|
(896,847 |
) |
(538,312 |
) |
||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
(904,955 |
) |
(983,360 |
) |
||
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
1,525,683 |
|
$ |
948,676 |
|
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Income tax (provision) benefit, net. Our income tax provision was $897 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $359 million compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in the provision was primarily related to the increase in Income (loss) before income taxes.
Net income (loss). Net income (loss) was $1.526 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $577 million compared to $949 million for the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to the changes in revenue and expenses discussed above.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009.
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
Variance |
|
|||||||
|
Statements of Operations Data |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Amount |
|
% |
|
|||
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||||
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Subscriber-related revenue |
|
$ |
12,538,950 |
|
$ |
11,537,703 |
|
$ |
1,001,247 |
|
8.7 |
|
|
Equipment sales and other revenue |
|
59,607 |
|
97,856 |
|
(38,249 |
) |
(39.1 |
) |
|||
|
Equipment sales, services and other revenue - EchoStar |
|
37,180 |
|
27,559 |
|
9,621 |
|
34.9 |
|
|||
|
Total revenue |
|
12,635,737 |
|
11,663,118 |
|
972,619 |
|
8.3 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Costs and Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Subscriber-related expenses |
|
6,675,095 |
|
6,359,138 |
|
315,957 |
|
5.0 |
|
|||
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
53.2 |
% |
55.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar |
|
418,286 |
|
319,752 |
|
98,534 |
|
30.8 |
|
|||
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
3.3 |
% |
2.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Satellite and transmission expenses - other |
|
39,776 |
|
33,477 |
|
6,299 |
|
18.8 |
|
|||
|
% of Subscriber-related revenue |
|
0.3 |
% |
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other |
|
76,295 |
|
121,238 |
|
(44,943 |
) |
(37.1 |
) |
|||
|
Subscriber acquisition costs |
|
1,652,992 |
|
1,539,515 |
|
113,477 |
|
7.4 |
|
|||
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
620,924 |
|
600,110 |
|
20,814 |
|
3.5 |
|
|||
|
% of Total revenue |
|
4.9 |
% |
5.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Litigation expense |
|
225,456 |
|
361,024 |
|
(135,568 |
) |
(37.6 |
) |
|||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
983,360 |
|
939,714 |
|
43,646 |
|
4.6 |
|
|||
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
10,692,184 |
|
10,273,968 |
|
418,216 |
|
4.1 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
1,943,553 |
|
1,389,150 |
|
554,403 |
|
39.9 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Other Income (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Interest income |
|
13,744 |
|
13,985 |
|
(241 |
) |
(1.7 |
) |
|||
|
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
|
(470,890 |
) |
(407,413 |
) |
(63,477 |
) |
(15.6 |
) |
|||
|
Other, net |
|
581 |
|
(19,129 |
) |
19,710 |
|
NM |
|
|||
|
Total other income (expense) |
|
(456,565 |
) |
(412,557 |
) |
(44,008 |
) |
(10.7 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
1,486,988 |
|
976,593 |
|
510,395 |
|
52.3 |
|
|||
|
Income tax (provision) benefit, net |
|
(538,312 |
) |
(372,938 |
) |
(165,374 |
) |
(44.3 |
) |
|||
|
Effective tax rate |
|
36.2 |
% |
38.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
948,676 |
|
$ |
603,655 |
|
$ |
345,021 |
|
57.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions) |
|
14.133 |
|
14.100 |
|
0.033 |
|
0.2 |
|
|||
|
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions) |
|
3.052 |
|
3.118 |
|
(0.066 |
) |
(2.1 |
) |
|||
|
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions) |
|
0.033 |
|
0.422 |
|
(0.389 |
) |
(92.2 |
) |
|||
|
Average monthly subscriber churn rate |
|
1.76 |
% |
1.64 |
% |
0.12 |
% |
7.3 |
|
|||
|
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU) |
|
$ |
73.32 |
|
$ |
70.04 |
|
$ |
3.28 |
|
4.7 |
|
|
Average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (SAC) |
|
$ |
776 |
|
$ |
697 |
|
$ |
79 |
|
11.3 |
|
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
2,927,494 |
|
$ |
2,309,735 |
|
$ |
617,759 |
|
26.7 |
|
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
DISH subscribers . As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 14.133 million DISH subscribers compared to approximately 14.100 million subscribers at December 31, 2009, an increase of 0.2%. During the year ended December 31, 2010, DISH added approximately 3.052 million gross new subscribers compared to approximately 3.118 million gross new subscribers during the same period in 2009, a decrease of 2.1%. Our gross activations in 2010 were negatively impacted relative to 2009 by increased competitive pressures, including the aggressive marketing and the effectiveness of certain competitors promotional offers, which included an increased level of discounts. DISH added approximately 33,000 net new subscribers during the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to approximately 422,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2009. This decrease primarily resulted from increased churn.
Our average monthly subscriber churn rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 was 1.76%, compared to 1.64% for the same period in 2009. Churn increased during the year as a result of the increasingly competitive nature of our industry, the current economic conditions, multiple programming interruptions related to contract disputes with several content providers during the fourth quarter of 2010, and our 2010 price increases. In general, our churn rate is impacted by the quality of subscribers acquired in past quarters, our ability to provide strong customer service, and our ability to control piracy. Historically, we have experienced slightly higher churn in the months following the expiration of commitments for new subscribers. In February 2008, we extended our new subscriber commitment from 18 to 24 months. Consequently, during the second half of 2009, churn was positively impacted by, among other things, this increase in our new subscriber commitment period.
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Subscriber-related revenue totaled $12.539 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $1.001 billion or 8.7% compared to the same period in 2009. This change was primarily related to the increase in ARPU discussed below as well as a larger average subscriber base during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
ARPU . Average monthly revenue per subscriber was $73.32 during the year ended December 31, 2010 versus $70.04 during the same period in 2009. The $3.28 or 4.7% increase in ARPU was primarily attributable to price increases in February and June 2010 and changes in the sales mix toward more advanced hardware offerings. ARPU increased as a result of higher hardware related fees which include rental fees, fees earned from our in-home service operations, and fees for DVRs. This increase was partially offset by increases in the amount of promotional discounts on programming offered to our new subscribers.
Equipment sales and other revenue . Equipment sales and other revenue totaled $60 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $38 million or 39.1% compared to the same period in 2009. The decrease in Equipment sales and other revenue primarily resulted from a decline in the sales of non-subsidized DBS receivers and accessories, and digital converter boxes in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
Subscriber-related expenses. Subscriber-related expenses totaled $6.675 billion during the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $316 million or 5.0% compared to the same period in 2009. The increase in Subscriber-related expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming costs. The increase in programming costs was driven by rate increases in certain of our programming contracts, including the renewal of certain contracts at higher rates and by a larger average subscriber base. This increase was partially offset by reduced costs related to our call centers, customer retention, and in-home service operations. We continue to address our operational inefficiencies by streamlining our hardware offerings and making significant investments in staffing, training, information systems and other initiatives, primarily in our call centers and in-home service operations. Subscriber-related expenses represented 53.2% and 55.1% of Subscriber-related revenue during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The improvement in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from an increase in Subscriber-related revenue and the reduced costs discussed above, partially offset by higher programming costs.
Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar. Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar totaled $418 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $99 million or 30.8% compared to the same period in 2009. The increase in Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar is related to an increase in transponder capacity leased from EchoStar primarily related to the Nimiq 5 satellite, which was placed into service in October 2009, an increase in monthly lease rates per transponder on certain satellites based on the terms of our amended lease agreements and the increase in uplink services. The increase in uplink services was primarily attributable to the launch of additional local channels and increased costs related to additional satellites being placed into service.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
See Note 11 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar as a percentage of Subscriber-related revenue increased to 3.3% in 2010 from 2.8% in 2009 primarily as a result of the increase in expenses discussed above.
Cost of sales equipment, services and other. Cost of sales equipment, services and other totaled $76 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $45 million or 37.1% compared to the same period in 2009. This decrease in Cost of sales equipment, services and other primarily resulted from a decline in the sales of non-subsidized DBS receivers and accessories and in sales of digital converter boxes, and lower charges for slow moving and obsolete inventory in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
Subscriber acquisition costs. Subscriber acquisition costs totaled $1.653 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $113 million or 7.4% compared to the same period in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to higher SAC discussed below, partially offset by the decline in gross new subscriber activations.
SAC. SAC was $776 during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $697 during the same period in 2009, an increase of $79 or 11.3%. This increase was primarily attributable to increased advertising and hardware costs per activation.
During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers totaled $716 million and $634 million, respectively. This increase in capital expenditures under our lease program for new subscribers resulted primarily from an increase in hardware costs per activation, which was driven by an increase in the deployment of more advanced set-top boxes, such as HD receivers and HD DVRs, and a decrease in the redeployment of remanufactured receivers. The increase in the deployment of more advanced set-top boxes was partially driven by our HD Free for Life promotion, which began during June 2010.
Our SAC calculation does not reflect any benefit from payments we received in connection with equipment not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers and returned equipment that is made available for sale or used in our existing customer lease program rather than being redeployed through our new lease program. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, these amounts totaled $108 million and $94 million, respectively.
Litigation expense. Litigation expense totaled $225 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, a $136 million or 37.6% decrease compared to the same period in 2009. Litigation expense during 2009 included expense related to the TiVo litigation for the period from April 2008 to June 2009 for supplemental damages, contempt sanctions and interest expense. See Note 11 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $983 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, a $44 million or 4.6% increase compared to the same period in 2009. The change in Depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to an increase in depreciation on satellites, as a result of EchoStar XIV and EchoStar XV being placed into service and on equipment leased to subscribers.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized totaled $471 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $63 million or 15.6% compared to the same period in 2009. This change primarily resulted from an increase in interest expense related to the issuance of debt during the second half of 2009.
Item 7. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Continued
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization . EBITDA was $2.927 billion during the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $618 million or 26.7% compared to the same period in 2009. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.
|
|
|
For the Years Ended
|
|
||||
|
|
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
||
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
||||
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
2,927,494 |
|
$ |
2,309,735 |
|
|
Interest expense, net |
|
(457,146 |
) |
(393,428 |
) |
||
|
Income tax provision (benefit), net |
|
(538,312 |
) |
(372,938 |
) |
||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
(983,360 |
) |
(939,714 |
) |
||
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
948,676 |
|
$ |
603,655 |
|
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Income tax (provision) benefit, net. Our income tax provision was $538 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $165 million compared to the same period in 2009. The increase in the provision was primarily related to the increase in Income (loss) before income taxes.
Net income (loss). Net income (loss) was $949 million during the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $345 million compared to $604 million for the same period in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the changes in revenue and expenses discussed above.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments
Our investments and debt are exposed to market risks, discussed below.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Current Marketable Investment Securities
As of December 31, 2011, our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities had a fair value of $1.067 billion, all of which was invested in (a) cash; (b) variable rate demand notes (VRDNs) convertible into cash at par value plus accrued interest generally in five business days or less; (c) debt instruments of the United States Government and its agencies; (d) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; and/or (e) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit quality characteristics to the commercial paper and corporate obligations described above. The primary purpose of these investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to, among other things, fund operations, make strategic investments and expand the business. Consequently, the size of this portfolio fluctuates significantly as cash is received and used in our business. The value of this portfolio is negatively impacted by credit losses; however, this risk is mitigated through diversification that limits our exposure to any one issuer.
Interest Rate Risk
A change in interest rates would affect the fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities portfolio, however, we normally hold these investments to maturity. Based on our December 31, 2011 current non-strategic investment portfolio of $1.067 billion, a hypothetical 10% change in average interest rates would not have a material impact on the fair value due to the limited duration of our investments.
Our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities had an average annual rate of return for the year ended December 31, 2011 of 0.4%. A change in interest rates would affect our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds would be re-invested at different rates as the instruments mature. A hypothetical 10% decrease in average interest rates during 2011 would result in a decrease of approximately $1 million in annual interest income.
Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities
As of December 31, 2011, we had $120 million of restricted cash and marketable investment securities invested in: (a) cash; (b) VRDNs convertible into cash at par value plus accrued interest generally in five business days or less; (c) debt instruments of the United States Government and its agencies; (d) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; and/or (e) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit quality characteristics to the commercial paper described above. Based on our December 31, 2011 investment portfolio, a hypothetical 10% increase in average interest rates would not have a material impact in the fair value of our restricted cash and marketable investment securities.
Long-Term Debt
As of December 31, 2011, we had long-term debt of $7.222 billion on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We estimated the fair value of this debt to be approximately $7.807 billion using quoted market prices for our publicly traded debt, which constitutes approximately 99% of our debt. The fair value of our debt is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. A hypothetical 10% decrease in assumed interest rates would increase the fair value of our debt by approximately $213 million. To the extent interest rates increase, our costs of financing would increase at such time as we are required to refinance our debt. As of December 31, 2011, a hypothetical 10% increase in assumed interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $52 million.
Derivative Financial Instruments
From time to time, we speculate using derivative financial instruments, such amounts, however, are typically insignificant.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included in this report beginning on page F-1.
|
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None.
|
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Disclosure controls and procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
|
(i) |
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets; |
|
(ii) |
provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and |
|
(iii) |
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
|
OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2012 . KPMG served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Our Board of Directors, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Board of Directors believes that a change would be in our best interests.
Fees Paid to KPMG LLP for 2011 and 2010
The following table presents fees for the aggregate professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of DISH Networks and our annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP to DISH Network and us during those periods. We have reported the fees billed for services rendered to both DISH Network and us because the services are not rendered or billed specifically for us but for the DISH Network consolidated group as a whole.
|
|
|
For the Years Ended
|
|
||||
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
||
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
2,440,000 |
|
$ |
1,665,000 |
|
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
555,269 |
|
45,194 |
|
||
|
Total Audit and Audit-Related Fees |
|
2,995,269 |
|
1,710,194 |
|
||
|
Tax Fees (3) |
|
867,299 |
|
471,887 |
|
||
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Total Fees |
|
$ |
3,862,568 |
|
$ |
2,182,081 |
|
|
(1) |
Consists of fees paid by us for the audit of our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, review of our unaudited financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and fees in connection with the audit of DISH Networks internal control over financial reporting. |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Consists of fees for audit of financial statements of certain employee benefit plans and fees for other services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with registration statement filings, issuance of consents and professional consultations with respect to accounting issues. |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Consists of fees for tax consultation and tax compliance services. |
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our Board of Directors has delegated to DISH Networks Audit Committee the responsibility for appointing, setting compensation, retaining, and overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee of DISH Network has established a process regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Requests are submitted to the Audit Committee of DISH Network in one of the following ways:
|
· |
Request for approval of services at a meeting of the Audit Committee; or |
|
|
|
|
· |
Request for approval of services by members of the Audit Committee acting by written consent. |
The request may be made with respect to either specific services or a type of service for predictable or recurring services. 100% of the fees paid to KPMG LLP for services rendered in 2011 and 2010 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee of DISH Network.
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
|
(a) |
The following documents are filed as part of this report: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Financial Statements |
Page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 |
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
F-7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Financial Statement Schedules |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
None. All schedules have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Exhibits |
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
|
3.1(a)* |
|
Articles of Incorporation of DDBS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(a) to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-31929). |
|
|
|
|
|
3.1(b)* |
|
Certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of DDBS, dated as of August 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DDBS for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.333-31929). |
|
|
|
|
|
3.1(c)* |
|
Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of DDBS, effective December 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DDBS filed December 12, 2008, Registration No. 333-31929). |
|
|
|
|
|
3.1(d)* |
|
Bylaws of DDBS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(b) to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-31929). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.1* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 6 5/8% Senior Notes Due 2014, dated October 1, 2004 between DDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed October 1, 2004, Commission File No. 0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.2* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 7 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2016, dated as of February 2, 2006 between DDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed February 3, 2006, Commission File No. 0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.3* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 7% Senior Notes Due 2013, dated as of October 18, 2006 between DDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed October 18, 2006, Commission File No. 0-26176). |
|
4.4* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 7 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2015, dated as of May 27, 2008 between DDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed May 28, 2008, Commission File No.0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.5* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 7 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2015, dated as of May 27, 2008 between DDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed May 28, 2008, Commission File No. 0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.6* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 7 7/8% Senior Notes Due 2019, dated as of August 17, 2009 between DDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed August 18, 2009, Commission File No. 0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.7* |
|
Indenture, relating to the 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, dated as of May 5, 2011, among DDBS, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed May 5, 2011, Commission File No. 000-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.8* |
|
Registration Rights Agreement, relating to the 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, dated as of May 5, 2011, among DDBS, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed May 5, 2011, Commission File No. 000-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.1* |
|
2002 Class B CEO Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to DISH Network Corporations Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 9, 2002).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.2* |
|
Satellite Service Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2003, between SES Americom, Inc., EchoStar Satellite Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.3* |
|
Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement dated March 31, 2003 between SES Americom Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.4* |
|
Satellite Service Agreement dated as of August 13, 2003 between SES Americom Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.5* |
|
Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.6* |
|
Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated March 10, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
10.7* |
|
Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.8* |
|
Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated February 4, 2004, between Telesat Canada and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.9* |
|
Letter Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated March 25, 2004, between Telesat Canada and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.10* |
|
Amendment No. 2 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 30, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.11* |
|
Second Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated May 5, 2004, between Telesat Canada and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.12* |
|
Third Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated October 12, 2004, between Telesat Canada and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.13* |
|
Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated October 21, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.14* |
|
Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004 between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.15* |
|
Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.16* |
|
Amendment No. 6 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.17* |
|
Description of the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated January 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
10.18* |
|
Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 6, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.19* |
|
Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated June 20, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.20* |
|
Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Form A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.21* |
|
Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Form B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.22* |
|
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Form A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.23* |
|
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Form B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.24* |
|
Incentive Stock Option Agreement (1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.25* |
|
Nonemployee Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.26* |
|
Nonqualifying Stock Option Agreement (2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.27* |
|
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DISH Network Corporation filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.28* |
|
Separation Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.29* |
|
Tax Sharing Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.30* |
|
Employee Matters Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
10.31* |
|
Intellectual Property Matters Agreement between EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Acquisition L.L.C., Echosphere L.L.C., DISH DBS Corporation, EIC Spain SL, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed December 28, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.32* |
|
Management Services Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed December 12, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.33* |
|
Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to the Amendment No. 2 to Form 10 of EchoStar Corporation filed on December 26, 2007, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.34* |
|
Amendment No. 1 to Receiver Agreement dated December 31, 2007 between EchoSphere L.L.C. and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, Commission File No.0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.35* |
|
Amendment No. 1 to Broadcast Agreement dated December 31, 2007 between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH Network Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, Commission File No.0-26176). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.36* |
|
Description of the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated December 22, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH Network Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission File No. 0-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.37* |
|
DISH Network Corporation 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to DISH Network Corporations Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed on March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 000-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.38* |
|
Amended and Restated DISH Network Corporation 2001 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to DISH Network Corporations Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 000-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.39* |
|
Amended and Restated DISH Network Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to DISH Network Corporations Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed on March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 000-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.40* |
|
Amended and Restated DISH Network Corporation 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to DISH Network Corporations Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed on March 31, 2009, Commission File No. 000-26176).** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.41* |
|
NIMIQ 5 Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated September 15, 2009, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.29 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.42* |
|
NIMIQ 5 Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated September 15, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.30 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**** |
|
10.43* |
|
Professional Services Agreement, dated August 4, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.44* |
|
Allocation Agreement, dated August 4, 2009, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.45* |
|
Amendment to Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement (Form A) between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.46* |
|
Amendment to Form of Satellite Capacity Agreement (Form B) between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.47* |
|
EchoStar XVI Satellite Capacity Agreement between EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.48* |
|
Assignment of Rights Under Launch Service Contract from EchoStar Corporation to DISH Orbital II L.L.C. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.36 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.49* |
|
Cost Allocation Agreement, dated April 29, 2011, between EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar Corporation for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, Commission File No. 001-33807). |
|
|
|
|
|
10.50* |
|
Settlement and Patent License between TiVo Inc. and DISH Network Corporation and EchoStar Corporation, dated as of April 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of EchoStar Corporation filed February 21, 2012, Commission File No. 001-33807).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
10.51* |
|
QuetzSat-1 Transponder Service Agreement, dated November 24, 2008, between EchoStar 77 Corporation, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, and DISH Network L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission File No. 001-33807).**** |
|
|
|
|
|
21 o |
|
Subsidiaries of DISH DBS Corporation. |
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 o |
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 o |
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer. |
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 o |
|
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
|
|
32.2 o |
|
Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer. |
|
101 *** |
|
The following materials from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of DISH DBS Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed on March 19, 2012, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders Equity (Deficit), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text. |
|
o |
Filed herewith. |
|
* |
Incorporated by reference. |
|
** |
Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
|
*** |
In accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-T, the information in this Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed filed for the purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by the specific reference in such filing. |
|
**** |
Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment. |
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
DISH DBS CORPORATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Robert E. Olson |
|
|
|
Robert E. Olson |
|
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: March 19, 2012 |
|
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles W. Ergen |
|
Chairman |
|
March 19, 2012 |
|
Charles W. Ergen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph P. Clayton |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
March 19, 2012 |
|
Joseph P. Clayton |
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert E. Olson |
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|
March 19, 2012 |
|
Robert E. Olson |
|
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ James DeFranco |
|
Director |
|
March 19, 2012 |
|
James DeFranco |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ R. Stanton Dodge |
|
Director |
|
March 19, 2012 |
|
R. Stanton Dodge |
|
|
|
|
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
F2 |
|
F3 |
|
|
F4 |
|
|
F5 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 |
F6 |
|
F7 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholder
DISH DBS Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DISH DBS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of DISH DBS Corporations management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of DISH DBS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
|
|
/s/ KPMG LLP |
Denver, Colorado
March 19, 2012
DISH DBS CORPORATION
(In thousands, except share amounts)
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
||
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
399,072 |
|
$ |
507,266 |
|
|
Marketable investment securities (Note 4) |
|
668,263 |
|
1,592,911 |
|
||
|
Trade accounts receivable - other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,916 and $29,650, respectively |
|
771,055 |
|
771,383 |
|
||
|
Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero |
|
16,296 |
|
14,155 |
|
||
|
Inventory |
|
509,932 |
|
487,046 |
|
||
|
Deferred tax assets (Note 8) |
|
78,532 |
|
281,957 |
|
||
|
Other current assets |
|
117,792 |
|
70,515 |
|
||
|
Total current assets |
|
2,560,942 |
|
3,725,233 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Noncurrent Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities (Note 4) |
|
119,644 |
|
132,395 |
|
||
|
Property and equipment, net (Note 6) |
|
3,122,243 |
|
3,230,849 |
|
||
|
FCC authorizations |
|
679,570 |
|
679,570 |
|
||
|
Other noncurrent assets, net |
|
121,290 |
|
67,586 |
|
||
|
Total noncurrent assets |
|
4,042,747 |
|
4,110,400 |
|
||
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
6,603,689 |
|
$ |
7,835,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity (Deficit) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Trade accounts payable - other |
|
$ |
131,305 |
|
$ |
161,413 |
|
|
Trade accounts payable - EchoStar |
|
222,917 |
|
238,629 |
|
||
|
Deferred revenue and other |
|
809,559 |
|
803,737 |
|
||
|
Accrued programming |
|
1,055,925 |
|
1,089,976 |
|
||
|
Litigation accrual (Note 11) |
|
65,580 |
|
619,022 |
|
||
|
Other accrued expenses |
|
534,832 |
|
512,705 |
|
||
|
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Note 7) |
|
34,630 |
|
1,030,895 |
|
||
|
Total current liabilities |
|
2,854,748 |
|
4,456,377 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion (Note 7) |
|
7,458,134 |
|
5,484,041 |
|
||
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
988,371 |
|
621,943 |
|
||
|
Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities |
|
187,407 |
|
215,832 |
|
||
|
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion |
|
8,633,912 |
|
6,321,816 |
|
||
|
Total liabilities |
|
11,488,660 |
|
10,778,193 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Stockholders Equity (Deficit): |
|
|
|
|
|||