Item 1. Business
Overview
QVC, Inc. and its subsidiaries market and sell a wide variety of consumer products primarily through live merchandise-focused televised shopping programs distributed to approximately 374 million worldwide households each day (including our joint venture in China as discussed below in further detail) and via our websites, including QVC.com, and other interactive media, such as mobile applications (unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, the terms "we," "our," "us," the "Company," and "QVC" refer to QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries). We believe we are the global leader in television retailing and a leading multimedia retailer, with operations based in the United States ("U.S."), Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Italy and France. Additionally, we have a 49% interest in a retailing joint venture in China, which operates through a television shopping channel with an associated website. The joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment. Our name, QVC, stands for "Quality, Value and Convenience," which is what we strive to deliver to our customers. Our operating strategy is to create a premier multimedia lifestyle brand and shopping destination for our customers, further penetrate our core customer base, generate new customers, enhance our programming distribution offerings and expand internationally to drive revenue and profitability. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 93% of our worldwide shipped sales were from repeat and reactivated customers (i.e., customers who made a purchase from us during the prior twelve months and customers who previously made a purchase from us but not during the prior twelve months). In the same period, we attracted approximately 3.2 million new customers. Our global e-commerce operation comprised $4.4 billion, or 50%, of our consolidated net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017.
We market our products in an engaging, entertaining format primarily through merchandise-focused live television programs and interactive features on our websites and other interactive media. In the U.S., we distribute our programming live 24 hours per day, 364 days per year and present on average 800 products every week. Internationally, we distribute live programming 8 to 24 hours per day, depending on the market. We classify our products into six groups: home, beauty, apparel, jewelry, accessories and electronics. It is our product sourcing team's mission to research and locate compelling and differentiated products from manufacturers who have sufficient scale to meet anticipated demand. We offer many QVC-exclusive products, as well as popular brand name and lesser known products available from other retailers. Many of our products are endorsed by celebrities, designers and other well-known personalities who often join our presenters to personally promote their products and provide lead-in publicity on their own television shows. We believe that our ability to demonstrate product features and present “faces and places” differentiates and defines the QVC shopping experience. We closely monitor customer demand and our product mix to remain well-positioned and relevant in popular and growing retail segments, which we believe is a significant competitive advantage relative to competitors who operate brick-and-mortar stores.
Since our inception, we have shipped over 2.06 billion packages in the U.S. alone. We operate nine distribution centers and seven call centers worldwide. In the U.S., we are able to ship approximately 90% of our orders within two days of the order placement. Globally, we are able to ship approximately 91% of our orders within two days of the order placement. In 2017, our work force of approximately 17,100 employees handled approximately 131 million customer calls, shipped approximately 191 million units globally and served approximately 13 million customers. We believe our long-term relationships with major U.S. television distributors, including cable operators (e.g., Comcast and Cox), satellite television providers (e.g., DISH Network and DIRECTV) and telecommunications companies (e.g., Verizon and AT&T (excluding DIRECTV)), provide us with broad distribution, favorable channel positioning and significant competitive advantages. We believe that our significant market share, brand awareness, outstanding customer service, repeat customer base, international reach and scalable infrastructure distinguish us from our competitors.
History
QVC was founded on June 13, 1986 by Joseph Segel. Our first U.S. live broadcast took place at 7:30 PM ET on November 24 of that year, reaching 7.6 million TV homes. Initially broadcast live from 7:30 PM ET until midnight each weekday and all day Saturdays and Sundays, the channel extended its live U.S. programming to 24 hours per day in January 1987.
In 1995, Comcast purchased a majority shareholding in QVC, taking control of the Company. In 2003, Comcast sold its majority share to Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty," formerly known as Liberty Media Corporation).
Please see "QVC-U.S." and "QVC-International" below for information on the development of our U.S. and international businesses.
I-1
Operating segments
QVC has two reportable segments: QVC-U.S. and QVC-International. These segments reflect the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations. For financial information about our operating segments, please refer to note 15 of our audited consolidated financial statements, as well as to Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
QVC-U.S.
Our live televised shopping programs are distributed nationally, 24 hours per day, 364 days per year, to approximately 101 million television households. We distribute our programs to approximately 99% of television households subscribing to services offered by television distributors. QVC-U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com, our U.S. website; mobile applications via streaming video; over-the-air broadcasters in 93 markets; and on the Roku and Apple TV platforms. QVC-U.S., including QVC.com, contributed $6.1 billion, or 70%, of consolidated net revenue, $994 million of operating income and $1.4 billion of Adjusted OIBDA (defined below) for the year ended December 31, 2017.
In March 2013, QVC-U.S. launched over-the-air broadcasting in designated U.S. markets that can be accessed by any television household with a digital antenna in such markets, regardless of whether it subscribes to a paid television service. This allows QVC-U.S. to reach new customers who previously did not have access to the program through other television platforms. In August 2013, QVC-U.S. launched an additional channel, QVC2, which is being distributed through cable and satellite systems. The channel allows viewers to have access to a broader range of QVC programming options as well as more relevant programming for viewers in differing time zones. In October 2016, QVC-U.S. launched a third channel, Beauty iQ, which is being distributed through satellite and streaming platforms. The channel and supporting platforms are dedicated to a complete beauty shopping experience for customers.
QVC.com, launched in 1996, complements our televised shopping programs by allowing consumers to purchase a wide assortment of goods offered on our televised programs, as well as other products that are available only on QVC.com. We view e-commerce (QVC.com and mobile devices) as a natural extension of our business, allowing us to stream live video and offer on-demand video segments of items recently presented live on our televised programs. QVC.com allows shoppers to browse, research, compare and perform targeted searches for products, control the order-entry process and conveniently access their QVC account. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 80% of our new U.S. customers made their first purchase through QVC.com (including mobile).
The table below illustrates QVC.com's growth (including mobile) since 2015:
QVC-International
Our televised shopping programs reached approximately 144 million television households outside of the U.S., primarily in Germany, Austria, Japan, the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, Italy and France. In addition, our joint venture in China reached approximately 129 million homes. The programming created for most of these markets is also available via streaming video on our international websites and mobile applications. Our international business employs product sourcing teams who select products tailored to the interests of each local market. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our international operations generated $2.6 billion, or 30%, of consolidated net revenue, $353 million of operating income and $451 million of Adjusted OIBDA (defined below), and our international websites generated $950 million, or 36%, of our total international net revenue.
QVC-Germany. QVC-Germany went on air in December 1996 and currently broadcasts 17 hours of live programming each day and reaches approximately 41 million households that are located in both Germany and Austria. Beyond the main channel, QVC-Germany also broadcasts shows on two additional channels, QVC Beauty & Style and QVC2, which allows viewers to access a broader range of programming options.
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QVC-Japan. We own 60% of QVC-Japan through a venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD. QVC-Japan launched in April 2001 and currently broadcasts 24 hours of live programming each day and reaches approximately 28 million households. In 2014, QVC-Japan launched Q-plus, which consists of infomercial programming distributed by purchasing available airtime on certain channels.
QVC-U.K. QVC-U.K. went on air in October 1993 and currently broadcasts 16 hours of live programming each day and reaches approximately 28 million households that are located in both the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. Beyond the main channel, QVC-U.K. also broadcasts shows on three additional channels, QVC Beauty, QVC Extra, and QVC Style, which allows viewers to access a broader range of programming options.
QVC-Italy. QVC-Italy went on air in October 2010 and currently reaches approximately 25 million households. QVC-Italy broadcasts live for 17 hours each day on satellite and digital terrestrial television, and broadcasts an additional seven hours each day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours each day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television.
QVC-France. In June 2015, QVC expanded its global presence into France, launching its website on June 23, 2015 followed by the launch of television programming on August 1, 2015. QVC-France reaches approximately 22 million households. On weekdays, QVC-France distributes shopping programming live for eight hours per day, and distributes an additional 14 hours per day of recorded shopping programming and two hours per day of general interest programming. On weekends, QVC-France distributes shopping programming live for 12 hours per day, and distributes an additional 10 hours per day of recorded shopping programming and two hours per day of general interest programming.
China Joint Venture. On July 4, 2012, we entered into a joint venture with Beijing-based CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio ("CNR"), China's government-owned radio division. The joint venture, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. ("CNRS"), is owned 49% by QVC and 51% by CNR through subsidiaries of each company. CNRS operates a retailing business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. This joint venture combines CNRS's knowledge of the digital shopping market and consumers in China with QVC's global experience and know-how in multimedia retailing. CNRS distributes live programming for 10 hours each day and recorded programming for 14 hours each day. The CNRS joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in our consolidated statements of operations.
Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted OIBDA")
QVC defines Adjusted OIBDA as net revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). QVC's chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate the businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among the businesses. QVC believes that this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the businesses, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows QVC to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and perform benchmarking among its businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The primary material limitations associated with the use of Adjusted OIBDA as compared to GAAP results are (i) it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in the industry, and (ii) it excludes financial information that some may consider important in evaluating QVC's performance. QVC compensates for these limitations by providing disclosure of the difference between Adjusted OIBDA and GAAP results, including providing a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to GAAP results, to enable investors to perform their own analysis of QVC's operating results. Refer to note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes.
I-3
Merchandise
We believe that our ability to combine product and programming helps us create competitive advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar and Internet retailers. We seek to offer our customers an assortment of compelling, high-quality products. In the U.S., we present on average 800 products every week on our live televised programming, approximately 23% of which have not been presented previously to our television audience. We offer customers high-quality and brand name products marketed in a creative, informative, entertaining and engaging style. We provide a differentiated shopping experience by offering customers the opportunity to experience not only the product being sold, but also the people and places behind that product, thereby enhancing their overall shopping experience.
Our global merchandise mix is similar to that of a high-quality department store, featuring the best in: (i) home, (ii) apparel, (iii) beauty, (iv) accessories, (v) electronics and (vi) jewelry. Many of our brands are exclusive, while others are created by well-known designers. Our global sales mix is provided in the table below:
A key difference between us and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers is that we are able to quickly adapt what merchandise we present as a direct response to what is selling and what is not. We utilize a test and re-order model to determine initial customer demand. Through constant monitoring, we manage our product offerings to maximize net revenue and fulfill current demand in large growth segments where we can gain a greater share of our customers' purchases. Our merchandising team is dedicated to consistently researching, pursuing and launching new products and brand opportunities. With a management mandate to deliver hard-to-find value, this product search group constantly pursues securing quality goods from manufacturers with enough scale to offer sufficient supply to our existing and future customers. We maintain strong relationships with our vendors, many of which find our marketing distribution channel attractive due to the showcasing and story-telling elements of our programming, the velocity of our sales and our pricing model integrity. This efficient sales/marketing strategy is mirrored on our websites.
We purchase, or obtain on consignment, products from U.S. and foreign manufacturers and wholesalers, often on favorable terms based upon the volume of the transactions. We have attracted some of the world's most respected consumer brands as well as celebrities, entrepreneurs and designers to promote these brands. Brand leaders such as Dell, Dooney & Bourke, Dyson, Judith Ripka and Philosophy reach a broad audience while product representatives share the stories behind these brands. We have agreements with celebrities, entrepreneurs and designers such as Isaac Mizrahi, Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart enabling us to provide entertaining and engaging programming that develops a lifestyle bond with our customers. These celebrity personalities and product representatives often provide pre-appearance publicity for their QVC products on other television shows, enhancing demand during their QVC appearances. We cross-promote between our e-commerce and mobile platform and our television programming to promote the use of each platform as a standalone entity. Our e-commerce efforts are focused on creating a community of online shoppers by translating our televised themes, personalities and shopping experience for each platform.
We do not depend on any single supplier or designer for a significant portion of our inventory purchases.
I-4
Distribution
The Company distributes its television programs, via satellite and optical fiber, to cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators for retransmission to its subscribers in the U.S., Germany, Japan, the U.K., France and neighboring countries. The Company also transmits its television programs over digital terrestrial broadcast television to viewers throughout Italy, Germany, and the U.K. and to viewers in certain geographic regions in the U.S. In the U.S., the Company uplinks its digital programming transmissions using a third party service. The transmissions are uplinked to protected, non-preemptible transponders on U.S. satellites. "Protected" status means that, in the event of a transponder failure, QVC's signal will be transferred to a spare transponder or, if none is available, to a preemptible transponder located on the same satellite or, in certain cases, to a transponder on another satellite owned by the same service provider if one is available at the time of the failure. "Non-preemptible" status means that, in the event of a transponder failure, QVC's transponders cannot be preempted in favor of a user of a failed transponder, even another user with "protected status." The Company's international business units each obtain uplinking services from third parties and transmit their programming to non-preemptible transponders on international satellites and terrestrial transmitters. QVC's transponder service agreements for the Company's U.S. transponders expire at the earlier of the end of the lives of the satellites or the service agreements. The service agreements in the U.S. expire between 2018 and 2023. The service agreements for our international transponders and terrestrial transmitters expire between 2019 and 2027.
We continually seek to expand and enhance our television and e-commerce platforms, as well as to further our international operations and multimedia capabilities. We launched QVCHD in the U.S. in April 2008, and in May 2009, we became the first U.S. multimedia retailer to offer a native high definition ("HD") service. QVCHD is a HD simulcast of our U.S. telecast utilizing the full 16x9 screen ratio, while keeping the side panel for additional information. HD programming allows us to utilize a typically wider television screen with crisper and more colorful images to present a larger “storefront,” which we believe captures the attention of channel “surfers” and engages our customers. In the U.S., QVCHD reaches approximately 89 million television households. We continue to develop and launch features to further enrich the television viewing experience.
Beyond the main live programming QVC channels, including QVCHD in the U.S., Germany and the U.K. also broadcast shows on additional channels that offer viewers access to a broader range of QVC programming options. These channels include QVC2 and Beauty iQ in the U.S., QVC Beauty & Style and QVC2 in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra, and QVC Style in the U.K.
Affiliation agreements
We enter into long-term affiliation agreements with certain of our television distributors who downlink our programming and distribute the programming to their customers. Our affiliation agreements with both U.S. and international distributors have termination dates ranging from 2018 to 2027. Our ability to continue to sell products to our customers is dependent on our ability to maintain and renew these affiliation agreements in the future. Although we are typically successful in obtaining and renewing these agreements, we do not have distribution agreements with some of the distributors that carry our programming. In total, we are currently providing programming without affiliation agreements to distributors representing approximately 10% of our U.S. distribution, and short-term, rolling 30 day letters of extension, to distributors who represent approximately 27% of our U.S. distribution. Some of our international programming may continue to be carried by distributors after the expiration dates on our affiliation agreements with them have passed.
In return for carrying our signals, each programming distributor in the U.S. receives an allocated portion, based upon market share, of up to 5% of the net sales of merchandise sold via the television programs and from certain Internet sales to customers located in the programming distributor's service areas. Internationally, programming distributors predominately receive an agreed-upon annual fee, a monthly or yearly fee per subscriber regardless of the net sales, a variable percentage of net sales or some combination of the above arrangements.
In addition to sales-based commissions or per-subscriber fees, we also make payments to distributors primarily in the U.S. for carriage and to secure positioning within a broadcast area or within the general entertainment area on the distributor's channel line-up. We believe that a portion of our sales is attributable to purchases resulting from channel "surfing" and that a channel position near broadcast networks and more popular cable networks increases the likelihood of such purchases. As technology evolves, we will continue to monitor optimal channel placement and attempt to negotiate agreements with our distributors to maximize the viewership of our television programming.
I-5
Demographics of customers
We enjoy a very loyal customer base, as demonstrated by the fact that for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, approximately 87% of our worldwide shipped sales came from repeat customers (i.e., customers who made a purchase from us during the prior twelve months), who spent an average of $1,264 each during this period. An additional 6% of shipped sales in that period came from reactivated customers (i.e., customers who previously made a purchase from us, but not during the prior twelve months).
Customer growth was essentially flat in 2017. On a trailing twelve month basis, total consolidated customers (excluding the joint venture in China) were approximately 12.7 million which includes 8.1 million in the U.S. and 4.6 million in the International segment. We believe our core customer base represents an attractive demographic target market. Based on internal customer data, approximately 48% of our 8.1 million U.S. customers for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 were women between the ages of 35 and 64.
Order taking and fulfillment
We strive to be prompt and efficient in order taking and fulfillment. We have two U.S. phone centers, located in San Antonio, Texas and Chesapeake, Virginia, that can direct calls from one call center to the other as volume mandates. Internationally, we also have one phone center in each of Japan, the U.K. and Italy, and two call centers in Germany. For France, order taking is handled by a third party located in Portugal. Many markets also utilize home agents to handle calls, allowing staffing flexibility for peak hours. In addition, we utilize computerized voice response units, which handle approximately 25% of all orders taken on a worldwide basis.
In addition to taking orders from our customers through phone centers and online, we continue to expand our ordering platforms. We are expanding mobile device ordering capabilities and over the past several years have launched iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Android, Blackberry and Apple TV applications, a WAP (wireless application protocol) mobile website and a robust SMS (short message services) program. On a global basis, customers placed approximately 32% of all orders directly through their mobile devices in 2017.
Through our nine worldwide distribution centers, we shipped approximately 91% of our orders within two days of the order placement in 2017. Our U.S. distribution centers are located in Suffolk, Virginia; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Florence, South Carolina; and Ontario, California. Our U.S. distribution centers and drop ship partners have shipped nearly 743,000 units and over 669,000 packages in a single day during 2017. We also have distribution centers in Sakura-shi, Chiba, Japan; Hücklehoven, Germany; Knowsley, U.K. and Castel San Giovanni, Italy.
We have built a scalable operating infrastructure focused on sustaining efficient, flexible and cost-effective sale and distribution of our products. Since our physical store locations are minimal, we require lower inventory levels and capital expenditures compared to traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. In recent years, we have made significant investments in our distribution centers that we believe will accommodate our foreseeable growth needs. Further, since we have no set “floor plan” and can closely manage inventory levels at our centralized warehouses, we believe we have the flexibility to analyze and react quickly to changing trends and demand by shifting programming time and product mix. Our cost structure is highly variable, which we believe allows us to consistently achieve attractive margins relative to brick-and-mortar retailers.
Our web and mobile platforms are fully integrated with our televised programming and product distribution capabilities. Our web and mobile platform features include a live video stream of our television programming, full integration with our order fulfillment and product branding, as well as the thematic offerings and events that have become fundamental to our televised programming.
Third party carriers transport our packages from our distribution centers to our customers. In each market where we operate, we have negotiated long-term contracts with shipping companies, which in certain circumstances provide for favorable shipping rates.
I-6
Competition
We operate in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive retail business environment. Based on U.S. net revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, we are the leading television retailer in the U.S. and generate substantially more net revenue than our two closest televised shopping competitors, HSN, Inc. ("HSN") and EVINE Live. On December 29, 2017 Liberty acquired the remaining 62% ownership interest of HSN and no longer considers HSN a competitor of QVC. Our international operations face similar competition in their respective markets, such as Shop Channel in Japan, HSE 24 in Germany and Italy, Ideal World in the U.K, and M6 Boutique in France. Additionally, we have numerous and varied competitors at the national and local levels, ranging from large department stores to specialty shops, electronic retailers, direct marketing retailers, wholesale clubs, discount retailers, infomercial retailers, Internet retailers, and mail-order and catalog companies.
We also compete for access to customers and audience share with other providers of televised, online and hard copy entertainment and content. The price and availability of other programming and the conversion to digital programming platforms may unfavorably affect the placement of our programming in the channel line-ups of our distributors, and may affect our ability to obtain distribution agreements with small cable distributors. Competition from other programming also affects the compensation that must be paid to distributors for carriage, which continues to increase. Principal competitive factors for us include (i) value, quality and selection of merchandise; (ii) customer experience, including customer service and reliability of fulfillment and delivery services and (iii) convenience and accessibility of sales channels.
We have established QVC-U.S. as the televised shopping leader after building a track record of outstanding quality and customer service, establishing favorable channel positioning and generating repeat business from our core customer base. We believe QVC-U.S. also compares favorably in terms of sales to general, non-television based retailers due to our extensive customer reach and efficient cost structure.
Employees
We employed approximately 17,100 full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 2017. Employment levels fluctuate due to seasonal factors affecting our business. Additionally, we utilize independent contractors and temporary personnel to supplement our workforce, particularly on a seasonal basis. We consider our employee relations to be good.
Government regulation
The manner in which we sell and promote merchandise and related claims and representations made in connection with these efforts is regulated by federal and state law. Some examples of regulatory agencies and regulations that affect the manner in which we sell and promote merchandise include the following:
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The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the state attorneys general regulate the advertising of retail products and services offered for sale in the U.S., including the FTC's Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising and Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.
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The Food and Drug Administration has specific regulations regarding claims that can be made about food products and regulates marketing claims that can be made for cosmetic beauty products, medical devices and over-the-counter drugs.
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The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") requires products that make certain types of claims, such as "anti-bacterial," be registered with the EPA prior to making such claims.
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Each of the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rules, the Federal Communication Commission's ("FCC") rules implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and similar state laws, establish procedures that must be followed when telemarketing or placing particular types of calls to consumers.
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission has specific regulations regarding products that present unreasonable risks of injuries to consumers.
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Import and export laws, including U.S. economic sanction and embargo regulations, U.S. homeland security laws and regulations and other laws such as the U.S. anti-boycott law and U.S. export controls regulations.
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Comparable regulatory agencies and regulations in countries in which we have our non-U.S. operations.
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In addition, the FCC regulates the cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") distributors and other multichannel video programming distributors ("MVPDs") that distribute the Company’s services, and has adopted various requirements related to the Company’s programming, and also licenses radio transmission facilities that the Company uses in connection with its business, such as satellite uplink facilities and internal private radio systems.
As a result of Liberty’s interest in various cable operators, the Company may be deemed to be a satellite cable programming vendor in which a cable operator has an attributable interest for purposes of various FCC rules regarding the distribution of video programming to MVPDs. These include, for example, the FCC’s program access rules, which, in general, prohibit various unfair practices involving the distribution of video programming to MVPDs; and its program carriage rules, which, among other things, prohibit cable operators from favoring affiliated programmers so as to restrain unreasonably the ability of unaffiliated programmers to compete. The FCC program access and program carriage rules also make provision for enforcement of alleged violations through complaint proceedings initiated by aggrieved entities. The Company also may be subject to program access rules as a result of an FCC condition adopted in connection with its 2008 approval of a transaction involving Liberty and News Corp. Previously adopted FCC channel occupancy rules, which limited carriage by a cable operator of national programming services in which that operator holds an attributable interest, were vacated and remanded by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 2001. The FCC issued further notices of proposed rulemaking in 2001 and 2005 to consider channel occupancy limitations, but has not adopted any rules.
In 2000, we became subject to a consent decree issued by the FTC barring us from making certain deceptive claims for dietary supplements and specified products related to the common cold, pneumonia, hay fever and allergies. We also became subject to an expanded consent decree issued by the FTC in 2009 that terminates on the later of May 26, 2029, or 20 years from the most recent date that the U.S. or the FTC files a complaint in federal court alleging any violation thereunder. Pursuant to this expanded consent decree, we are prohibited from making certain claims about specified weight-loss, dietary supplement and anti-cellulite products unless we have competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate such claims. To help mitigate against the risk of future regulatory action, we review advertising claims with a particular focus on weight-loss, dietary supplements and skin care products that we offer for sale in the U.S.
Congress enacted the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation ("CALM") Act in 2010. The CALM Act directs the FCC to incorporate into its rules and make mandatory a technical standard that is designed to prevent digital television commercial advertisements from being transmitted at louder volumes than the program material they accompany. The FCC's CALM Act implementing regulations became effective in 2012. Although the FCC's CALM Act regulations place direct compliance responsibility on broadcasters and MVPDs, the FCC adopted a "safe harbor" compliance approach applicable to commercials embedded in programming provided by programmers, such as the Company. Under the FCC's safe harbor approach, broadcasters and MVPDs may meet their CALM Act compliance obligations through reliance on programmer-provided CALM Act compliance certifications that are made "widely available" to broadcasters and MVPDs through a website or other means. The Company has determined that its programming is CALM Act compliant, and in response to requests from its distributors, and in order to allow its distributors to meet the FCC's safe harbor, the Company has posted a CALM Act compliance certification to a website that is available to its distributors.
FCC rules adopted pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 generally require closed captioning of the Company’s televised programming distributed on broadcast television stations, cable television systems, DBS and other MVPDs, with only limited exemptions. The FCC’s closed captioning rules applicable to televised programming place closed captioning compliance obligations directly on the Company’s distributors, and are enforced with respect to the Company’s programming through its affiliation agreements with its distributors. 2016 amendments to those rules adopted by the FCC extend direct compliance responsibility, jointly with distributors, to video programmers such as the Company, impose certain registration and certification requirements on the Company, and subject the Company to new captioning complaint procedures. Certain aspects of these amended rules have not yet become effective.
I-8
Beginning in 2012, the FCC adopted regulations pursuant to the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 that impose captioning requirements on various types of programming distributed via Internet protocol ("IP") that was previously televised with captions. A multi-year implementation period for previously televised IP-delivered programming was completed in 2016. The Company is subject to the IP-captioning rules as a Video Programming Owner and as a Video Programming Distributor that distributes covered programming on its website and via mobile and video streaming platforms. In February 2014, the FCC adopted closed captioning quality standards for televised programming distributed by the Company’s distributors. Although compliance obligations for the captioning quality standards are placed directly on the Company’s distributors, under the captioning quality rules, the Company’s distributors can demonstrate compliance with the quality rules by relying on a certification from programmers, such as the Company, that its programming satisfies the caption quality standards adopted by the FCC, that the programmer has adopted and follows captioning best practices for video programmers adopted by the FCC, or that its programming is exempt from captioning requirements. These new closed captioning quality requirements took effect in March 2015. In the 2016 amendments to the closed captioning rules noted above, the FCC also extended direct responsibility for televised captioning quality to video programmers such as the Company. As a result of the foregoing changes and new rules involving captioning of IP-delivered programming and captioning quality standards, QVC may incur additional costs and compliance obligations related to closed captioning of its programming.
We market and provide a broad range of merchandise through television shopping programs and our websites. As a result, we are subject to a wide variety of statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures in various jurisdictions that are subject to change at any time, including laws regarding consumer protection, privacy, the regulation of retailers generally, the importation, sale and promotion of merchandise and the operation of retail stores and warehouse facilities, as well as laws and regulations applicable to the Internet and businesses engaged in online commerce, such as those regulating the sending of unsolicited, commercial electronic mail.
Our business is also dependent upon our continued ability to transmit our programming to television distributors from our third party FCC-licensed satellite uplink facilities, which are subject to FCC compliance in the U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements in our international operations.
Intellectual property
We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary technologies and similar intellectual property as critical to our success. We rely on a combination of trademark and copyright law, trade-secret protection, and confidentiality and/or license agreements with our employees, customers, suppliers, affiliates and others to protect these proprietary rights. We have registered, or applied for the registration of, a number of domain names, trademarks, service marks and copyrights by U.S. and foreign governmental authorities and vigorously protect our proprietary rights against infringement.
In the U.S., we have registered service marks including, but not limited to our brand name, "QVC," "Quality Value Convenience," "Find What You Love, Love What You Find," the "Q QVC Ribbon Logo," and "Q" and trademarks for our proprietary products sold such as "Arte D’Oro," "Cook’s Essentials," "Denim & Co.," "Diamonique," "Nature's Code," "Northern Nights" and "Ultrafine Silver." Similarly, foreign registrations have been obtained for many trademarks and service marks for our brand name and propriety products including, but not limited to, "QVC," the "Q QVC Ribbon Logo," "Q," "Cook’s Essentials," "Denim & Co.," "Diamonique" and "Northern Nights." We consider the service mark for the "QVC" name the most significant trademark or service mark held by us because of its impact on market awareness across all of our geographic markets and on customers’ identification with us. As with all U.S. trademarks or service marks, our trademark and service mark registrations in the U.S. are for a ten year period and are renewable every ten years, prior to their respective expirations, as long as the trademarks or service marks are used in the regular course of trade.
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Liberty relationship and related party transactions
The Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty, which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses, and is attributed to Liberty's QVC Group. The QVC Group common stock (Nasdaq: QVCA and QVCB) tracks the assets and liabilities of the QVC Group. The QVC Group tracks the Company, zulily, llc ("zulily") and HSN, cash and certain liabilities. On April 4, 2017, Liberty entered into an agreement with General Communication, Inc. ("GCI"), an Alaska corporation, and Liberty Interactive LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty, whereby Liberty will acquire GCI through a reorganization in which certain assets and liabilities attributed to Liberty’s Ventures Group will be contributed to GCI in exchange for a controlling interest in GCI. Liberty will then effect a tax-free separation of its controlling interest in the combined company. The transactions are expected to be consummated on March 9, 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Simultaneous with that closing, the QVC Group common stock will become the only outstanding common stock of Liberty, and thus QVC Group common stock will cease to function as tracking stock and will effectively become regular common stock. In addition, Liberty will be renamed Qurate Retail Group, Inc., with QVC, HSN and zulily as wholly-owned subsidiaries. On December 29, 2017, Liberty completed the acquisition of the remaining 62% ownership interest of HSN in an all-stock transaction. HSN is attributed to the QVC Group. The QVC Group does not represent a separate legal entity; rather, it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that are attributed to that group. HSN is not included in the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. QVC and HSN plan to engage in transactions relating to personnel, sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives, business advisory services, and software development. Refer to note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily and QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $910 million with funds drawn from the Company’s credit facility to support Liberty’s purchase. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day for a limited time period. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and we believe that its business is complementary to our Company. zulily is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in this Form 10-K. QVC and zulily engaged in multiple transactions relating to sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives, business advisory services and software development. Refer to note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
On June 23, 2016, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the "Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") increasing the revolving credit facility from $2.25 billion to $2.65 billion as explained further in note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by QVC or zulily. Under the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, QVC and zulily are jointly and severally liable for all amounts borrowed on the $400 million tranche. In accordance with the accounting guidance for obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, QVC will record a liability for amounts it has borrowed under the credit facility plus any additional amount it expects to repay on behalf of zulily. As of December 31, 2017, there was $267 million borrowed by zulily on the $400 million tranche of the senior secured credit facility, none of which the Company expects to repay on behalf of zulily.
QVC engages with CommerceHub, which was an approximately 99% owned subsidiary of Liberty prior to the completion of its spinoff from Liberty in July 2016, to handle communications between QVC and the vendors for drop ship sales and returns. Refer to note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
We are a "close corporation" under Delaware law and, as such, our stockholder, rather than a board of directors, manages our business. Since our stockholder is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, certain aspects of our management, including the approval of significant corporate transactions such as a change of control, are controlled by Liberty, rather than an independent governing body. Our Chief Executive Officer and President, Michael A. George, also became a named executive officer and director of Liberty during 2011.
Liberty's interests may not coincide with our interests or yours and Liberty may cause us to enter into transactions or agreements with related parties or approve corporate actions that could involve conflicts of interest. For example, Liberty's dependence on our cash flow for servicing its debt and for other purposes is likely to result in our payment of large dividends to Liberty, which may increase our leverage and decrease our liquidity. We paid $866 million of dividends to Liberty during 2017, $703 million of dividends to Liberty during 2016 and $1.5 billion of dividends to Liberty during 2015. See also Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Weak economic conditions worldwide may reduce consumer demand for our products and services
Prolonged economic uncertainty in various regions of the world in which our subsidiaries and affiliates operate could adversely affect demand for our products and services since a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. Global financial markets may experience disruptions, including increased volatility and diminished liquidity and credit availability. If economic and financial market conditions in the U.S. or other key markets, including China, Japan and Europe deteriorate our customers may respond by suspending, delaying, or reducing their discretionary spending. A suspension, delay or reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments decline. Such weak economic conditions may also inhibit our expansion into new European and other markets. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.
The retail business environment is subject to intense competition, and we may not be able to effectively compete for customers
We operate in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive retail business environment. Although we are the U.S.'s largest television shopping retailer, we have numerous and varied competitors at the national and local levels, ranging from large department stores to specialty shops, electronic retailers, direct marketing retailers, wholesale clubs, discount retailers, other televised shopping retailers such as EVINE Live in the U.S., Shop Channel in Japan, HSE 24 in Germany and Italy, Ideal World in the U.K., and M6 Boutique in France, infomercial retailers, Internet retailers, and mail-order and catalog companies. Many of our current and potential competitors have greater resources, longer histories, more customers and greater brand recognition than we do. They may secure better terms from vendors, adopt more aggressive pricing, offer free or subsidized shipping and devote more resources to technology, fulfillment and marketing. Other companies also may enter into business combinations or alliances that strengthen their competitive positions. In addition, many retailers, especially online retailers with whom we compete, are increasingly offering customers aggressive shipping terms, including free or discounted expedited shipping. As these practices become more prevalent, we may experience further competitive pressures to attract customers and/or to change our shipping program.
We also compete for access to customers and audience share with other providers of televised, online and hard copy entertainment and content. Our inability to compete effectively with regard to the assortment, product price, shipping terms, shipping pricing or free shipping and quality of the merchandise we offer for sale or to keep pace with competitors in our marketing, service, location, reputation, credit availability and technologies, could have a material adverse effect.
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Our net revenue and operating results depend on our ability to predict or respond to consumer preferences
Our net revenue and operating results depend, in part, on our ability to predict or respond to changes in consumer preferences and fashion trends in a timely manner. We develop new retail concepts and continuously adjust our product mix in an effort to satisfy customer demands. Consumer preferences may be affected by many factors outside of our control, including responses of competitors and general economic conditions. Any sustained failure by us to identify and respond to emerging trends in lifestyle and consumer preferences could have a material adverse effect.
Management’s efforts to realize the anticipated synergies from Liberty’s acquisitions of HSN and zulily may divert management’s time and attention and other resources from QVC’s business
On December 29, 2017, Liberty completed the acquisition of the 62% ownership interest of HSN it did not already own in an all-stock transaction. HSN is attributed to the QVC Group, which includes QVC and zulily. As entities under the common control of Liberty, QVC, HSN and zulily are cooperating to recognize meaningful synergies by seeking opportunities to leverage their combined scale and capabilities to accelerate each company's sales and deliver cost savings.
QVC, HSN and zulily engage in, or plan to engage in, transactions relating to personnel, sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives, business advisory services, and software development with the expectation that these transactions would result in various synergies including, among other things, enhanced revenues, procurement cost savings and operating efficiencies, innovation and sharing of best practices. We currently anticipate that these efforts will continue for the foreseeable future.
Achieving the anticipated benefits from these transactions will require the dedication of management and other resources, which may distract their attention from QVC’s other operations. Additionally, the anticipated benefits from these transactions are subject to a number of significant challenges and uncertainties, including, whether unique corporate cultures of separate organizations will work collaboratively in an efficient and effective manner, the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying expectations regarding potential synergies, unforeseen expenses or delays and contractual limitations. Many of these challenges and uncertainties are outside of our control and any of them could result in disruptions to our operations, increased costs, decreased revenue, decreased synergies and the diversion of the time and attention of management and other resources, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our long-term success depends in large part on our continued ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers and we may not be able to do that in a cost-effective manner
In an effort to attract and retain customers, we engage in various merchandising and marketing initiatives, which involve the expenditure of money and resources, particularly in the case of the production and distribution of our television programming and, to a lesser but increasing extent, online advertising. We have spent, and expect to continue to spend, increasing amounts of money on, and devote greater resources to, certain of these initiatives, particularly in our continuing efforts to increasingly engage customers through online and mobile channels and to personalizing our customers' shopping experience. These initiatives, however, may not resonate with existing customers or consumers generally or may not be cost-effective. In addition, costs associated with the production and distribution of our television programming and costs associated with online marketing, including search engine marketing (primarily the purchase of relevant keywords), have increased and are likely to continue to increase in the foreseeable future and, if significant, could have a material adverse effect to the extent that they do not result in corresponding increases in net revenue.
We depend on the television distributors that carry our programming and no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain and renew our affiliation agreements on favorable terms or at all
In the U.S., we currently distribute our programming through affiliation or transmission agreements with many television providers, including, but not limited to, Comcast, AT&T/DIRECTV, DISH Network, Verizon and Cox. Internationally, we currently distribute our programming through,Vodafone Kabel Deutschland GmbH, Media Broadcast GmbH, SES ASTRA, SES Platform Services GmbH, Telekom Deutschland GmbH, Unitymedia GmbH, Tele Columbus and Primacom, Jupiter Telecommunications, Ltd., Sky Perfect and World Hi-Vision Channel, Inc., A1 Telekom Austria AG, UPC Telekabel Wien GmbH, British Sky Broadcasting, Freesat, Freeview and Virgin Media, Mediaset, Hot Bird and Sky Italia, Orange, Free, Canalsat, Bouygues Telecom and Fransat. Our affiliation agreements with distributors are scheduled to expire between 2018 to 2027.
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As part of normal course renewal discussions, occasionally we have disagreements with our distributors over the terms of our carriage, such as channel placement or other contract terms. If not resolved through business negotiation, such disagreements could result in litigation or termination of an existing agreement. Termination of an existing agreement resulting in the loss of distribution of our programming to a material portion of our television households may adversely affect our growth, net revenue and earnings.
The renewal negotiation process for affiliation agreements is typically lengthy. In some cases, renewals are not agreed upon prior to the expiration of a given agreement while the programming continues to be carried by the relevant distributor without an effective agreement in place. We do not have distribution agreements with some of the cable operators that carry our programming. In total, we are currently providing programming without affiliation agreements to distributors representing approximately 10% of our U.S. distribution, and short-term, rolling 30 day letters of extension, to distributors who represent approximately 27% of our U.S. distribution. Some of our international programming may continue to be carried by distributors after the expiration dates on our affiliation agreements with them have passed.
We may be unable to obtain renewals with our current distributors on acceptable terms, if at all. We may also be unable to successfully negotiate affiliation agreements with new or existing distributors to carry our programming and no assurance can be given that we will be successful in negotiating renewals with these distributors or that the financial and other terms of these renewals will be acceptable. Although we consider our current levels of distribution without written agreement to be ordinary course, the failure to successfully renew or negotiate new affiliation agreements covering a material portion of television households could result in a discontinuation of carriage that may adversely affect our viewership, growth, net revenue and earnings.
The failure to maintain suitable placement for our programming could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain television viewers and could result in a decrease in revenue
We are dependent upon the continued ability of our programming to compete for viewers. Effectively competing for television viewers is dependent, in substantial part, on our ability to negotiate and maintain placement of our programming at a favorable channel position, such as in a basic tier or within a general entertainment or general broadcasting tier. The advent of digital compression technologies and the adoption of digital cable have resulted in increased channel capacity, which together with other changing laws, rules and regulations regarding cable television ownership, impacts our ability to negotiate and maintain suitable channel placement with our distributors. Increased channel capacity could adversely affect the ability to attract television viewers to our programming to the extent it results in:
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a less favorable channel position for our programming, such as placement adjacent to programming that does not complement our programming, a position next to our televised home shopping competitors or isolation in a "shopping" tier;
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more competitors entering the marketplace; or
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more programming options being available to the viewing public in the form of new television networks and time-shifted viewing (e.g., personal video recorders, video-on-demand, interactive television and streaming video over Internet connections).
In addition, if our programming is carried exclusively by a distributor on a digital programming tier, we may experience a reduction in revenue to the extent that the digital programming tier has less television viewer penetration than the basic or expanded basic programming tier. We may experience a further reduction in revenue due to increased television viewing audience fragmentation to the extent that not all television sets within a digital cable home are equipped to receive television programming in a digital format. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and adapt to technological changes and to offer elements of our programming via new technologies in a cost-effective manner that meet customer demands and evolving industry standards.
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Any continued or permanent inability to transmit our programming via satellite would result in lost revenue and could result in lost customers
Our success is dependent upon our continued ability to transmit our programming to television providers from our satellite uplink facilities, which transmissions are subject to FCC compliance in the U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements in our international operations. In most cases, we have entered into long-term satellite transponder leases to provide for continued carriage of our programming on replacement transponders and/or replacement satellites, as applicable, in the event of a failure of either the transponders and/or satellites currently carrying our programming. Although we believe we take reasonable and customary measures to ensure continued satellite transmission capability and we believe that these international transponder service agreements can be renewed (or replaced, if necessary) in the ordinary course of business, termination or interruption of satellite transmissions may occur, particularly if we are not able to successfully negotiate renewals or replacements of any of our expiring transponder service agreements in the future.
Our Ecommerce business could be negatively affected by changes in search engine algorithms and dynamics or search engine disintermediation as well as our inability to monetize the resulting web traffic
The success of our Ecommerce business depends on a high degree of website traffic, which is dependent on many factors, including the availability of appealing website content, user loyalty and new user generation from search portals that charge a fee (such as Google). In obtaining a significant amount of website traffic via search engines, we utilize techniques such as search engine optimization ("SEO") (which is the practice of developing websites with relevant and current content that rank well in “organic,” or unpaid, search engine results) and search engine marketing ("SEM") (which is a form of Internet marketing that involves the promotion of websites by increasing our visibility in search engine results pages through the use of paid placement, contextual advertising, and product listing ads) to improve our placement in relevant search queries. Search engines, including Google, frequently update and change the logic that determines the placement and display of results of a user’s search, such that the purchased or algorithmic placement of links to the websites of our Ecommerce business can be negatively affected. Moreover, a search engine could, for competitive or other purposes, alter its search algorithms or results causing our website to place lower in search query results. If a major search engine changes its algorithms in a manner that negatively affects our paid or unpaid search ranking, or if competitive dynamics impact the effectiveness of SEO or SEM in a negative manner, the business and financial performance of our Ecommerce business would be adversely affected, potentially to a material extent. Furthermore, our failure to successfully manage our SEO and SEM strategies could result in a substantial decrease in traffic to our website, as well as increase costs if we were to replace free traffic with paid traffic. Even if our Ecommerce business is successful in generating a high level of website traffic, no assurance can be given that our Ecommerce business will be successful in achieving repeat user loyalty or that new visitors will explore the offerings on our site. Monetizing this traffic by converting users to consumers is dependent on many factors, including availability of inventory, consumer preferences, price, ease of use and website quality. No assurance can be given that the fees paid to search portals will not exceed the revenue generated by our visitors. Any failure to sustain user traffic or to monetize such traffic could materially adversely affect the financial performance of our Ecommerce business and, as a result, adversely affect our financial results.
Our Ecommerce business may experience difficulty in achieving the successful development, implementation and customer acceptance of, applications for smartphone and tablet computing devices, which could harm our business
Although our Ecommerce business has developed services and applications to address user and consumer interaction with website content on smartphone and other non-traditional desktop or laptop computer systems (which typically have smaller screens and less convenient typing capabilities), the efficacy of the smartphone application is still developing. Moreover, if smartphone computing services prove to be less effective for the users of our Ecommerce business and the smartphone segment of Internet traffic grows at the expense of traditional computer and tablet Internet access, our Ecommerce business may experience difficulty attracting and retaining traffic on these platforms. Additionally, as new devices and new platforms are continually being released, it is difficult to predict the challenges that may be encountered in developing versions of our Ecommerce business offering for use on these alternative devices, and our Ecommerce business may need to devote significant resources to the creation, support, and maintenance of their services on such devices.
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Our business is subject to online security risks, including security breaches and identity theft
To succeed, we must be able to provide for secure transmission of confidential information over public networks and protect our confidential information on our computer systems. Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to our computer systems by, among other things, hacking into our systems or those of our vendors, or through fraud or other means of deceiving our employees or vendors. The techniques used to gain such access to our computer systems, data or our customer information, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems are constantly evolving, may be difficult to detect quickly, and often are not recognized until launched against a target. We have implemented systems and processes intended to secure our computer systems and prevent unauthorized access to or loss of sensitive data, but as with all companies, these security measures may not be sufficient for all eventualities and there is no guarantee that they will be adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches, system compromises or misuses of data. Any penetration of network security or other misappropriation or misuse of personal information could cause interruptions in the operations of our business and subject us to increased costs, litigation and other liabilities. Security breaches could also significantly damage our reputation with consumers and third parties with whom we do business. If we are unable to maintain the security of our retail commerce websites and mobile commerce applications, we could suffer loss of sales, reductions in traffic, and deterioration of our competitive position and incur liability for any damage to customers whose personal information is unlawfully obtained and used. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against and remedy any potential or existing security breaches and their consequences. We also face risks associated with security breaches affecting third parties with which we are affiliated or otherwise conduct business online.
System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in these systems and infrastructures may adversely affect our ability to transmit our television programs, operate websites, process and fulfill transactions, respond to customer inquiries and generally maintain cost-efficient operations
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the integrity of our transmissions, systems and infrastructures, including the transmission of our television programs, as well as our websites, information and related systems, call centers and fulfillment facilities. We may experience occasional system interruptions that make some or all transmissions, systems or data unavailable or prevent us from transmitting our signal or efficiently providing services or fulfilling orders. We are in the process of implementing new technology systems and upgrading others. Our failure to properly implement new systems or delays in implementing new systems could impair our ability to provide services, fulfill orders and/or process transactions. We also rely on affiliate and third-party computer systems, broadband, transmission and other communications systems and service providers in connection with the transmission of our signals, as well as to facilitate, process and fulfill transactions. Any interruptions, outages or delays in our signal transmissions, systems and infrastructures, our business, our affiliates and/or third parties, or deterioration in the performance of these transmissions, systems and infrastructures, could impair our ability to provide services, fulfill orders and/or process transactions. Fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism, acts of God and similar events or disruptions may damage or interrupt television transmissions, computer, broadband or other communications systems and infrastructures at any time.
Any of these events could cause transmission or system interruption, delays and loss of critical data, and could prevent us from providing services, fulfilling orders and/or processing transactions. While we have backup systems for certain aspects of our operations, these systems are not fully redundant and disaster recovery planning is not sufficient for all possible risks. In addition, we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses from a major interruption.
We may be subject to claims for representations made in connection with the sale and promotion of merchandise or for harm experienced by customers who purchase merchandise from us
The manner in which we sell and promote merchandise and related claims and representations made in connection with these efforts is regulated by federal, state and local law, as well as the laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. We may be exposed to potential liability from claims by purchasers or from regulators and law enforcement agencies, including, but not limited to, claims for personal injury, wrongful death and damage to personal property relating to merchandise sold and misrepresentation of merchandise features and benefits. In certain instances, we have the right to seek indemnification for related liabilities from our vendors and may require such vendors to carry minimum levels of product liability and errors and omissions insurance. These vendors, however, may be unable to satisfy indemnification claims, obtain suitable coverage or maintain this coverage on acceptable terms, or insurance may provide inadequate coverage or be unavailable with respect to a particular claim. See Item 1. "Business - Government regulation" for further discussion of regulations to which we are subject.
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In 2000, we became subject to a consent decree issued by the FTC barring us from making certain deceptive claims for dietary supplements and specified products related to the common cold, pneumonia, hay fever and allergies. We also became subject to an expanded consent decree issued by the FTC in 2009 that terminates on the later of May 26, 2029, or 20 years from the most recent date that the U.S. or the FTC files a complaint in federal court alleging any violation thereunder. Pursuant to this expanded consent decree, we are prohibited from making certain claims about specified weight-loss, dietary supplement and anti-cellulite products unless we have competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate such claims. Violation of this consent decree may result in the imposition of significant civil penalties for non-compliance and related redress to consumers and/or the issuance of an injunction enjoining us from engaging in prohibited activities.
Failure to comply with existing laws, rules and regulations, or to obtain and maintain required licenses and rights, could subject us to additional liabilities
We market and provide a broad range of merchandise through television shopping programs and our websites. As a result, we are subject to a wide variety of statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures in various jurisdictions, including foreign jurisdictions, which are subject to change at any time, including laws regarding consumer protection, privacy, the regulation of retailers generally, the license requirements for television retailers in foreign jurisdictions, the importation, sale and promotion of merchandise and the operation of retail stores and warehouse facilities, as well as laws and regulations applicable to the Internet and businesses engaged in online and smart phone commerce, such as those regulating the sending of unsolicited, commercial electronic mail and texts. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in a revocation of required licenses, fines and/or proceedings against us by governmental agencies and/or consumers, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, unfavorable changes in the laws, rules and regulations applicable to us could decrease demand for merchandise offered by us, increase costs and/or subject us to additional liabilities. Similarly, new disclosure and reporting requirements, established under existing or new state or federal laws, such as regulatory rules regarding requirements to disclose efforts to identify the origin and existence of certain "conflict minerals" or abusive labor practices in portions of our supply chain, could increase the cost of doing business, adversely affecting our results of operations. Finally, certain of these regulations impact the marketing efforts of our brands and business.
The processing, storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personal data could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, conflicting legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy rights
In the processing of consumer transactions and managing our employees, our business receives, transmits and stores a large volume of personally identifiable information and other user data. The processing, storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of this information are governed by the privacy and data security policies maintained by us. Moreover, there are federal, state and international laws regarding privacy and the processing, storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personally identifiable information and user data. Specifically, personally identifiable information is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations, including changes in legislation and regulations, in numerous jurisdictions around the world, the intent of which is to protect the privacy of personal information that is collected, processed and transmitted in or from the governing jurisdiction. Compliance with these laws and regulations, or changes in these laws and regulations, may be onerous and expensive and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost of compliance. For example, the European Court of Justice in 2015 invalidated the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework, which facilitated personal data transfers to the U.S. in compliance with applicable European data protection laws. The U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework was one of the mechanisms we relied upon to transfer European personal data to the United States. In addition, third party vendors and service providers with which we do business also relied on the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework for their access to our European customer and employee personal data. The business of companies that relied on the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework may be impacted by its invalidation. A new data transfer framework, the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, became fully operational on August 1, 2016, but is the subject of litigation. In addition, Standard Contractual Clauses - another key mechanism to allow data transfers between the U.S. and the EU - is also subject to litigation over whether Standard Contractual Clauses can be used for transferring personal data from the EU to the U.S. Further, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have approved a General Data Protection Regulation, which becomes effective on May 25, 2018 and which will give consumers additional rights and impose additional restrictions and penalties on companies for illegal collection and misuse of personal information. Finally, in 2017, the European Commission proposed new regulations regarding privacy and electronic communications, including additional regulation of the Internet tracking tools known as “cookies.” Our failure, and/or the failure by the various third party vendors and service providers with which we do business, to comply with applicable privacy policies or federal, state or similar international laws and regulations, or changes in applicable laws and regulations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release of personally identifiable information or other user data could damage our reputation and the reputation of our third party vendors and service providers, discourage potential users from
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trying our products and services and/or result in fines and/or proceedings by governmental agencies and/or consumers, any one or all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses.
We may fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties
We regard our intellectual property rights, including service marks, trademarks and domain names, copyrights (including our programming and our websites), trade secrets and similar intellectual property, as critical to our success. Our business also relies heavily upon software codes, informational databases and other components that make up their products and services.
From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of the trademarks, patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights of third parties. In addition, litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights, particularly our proprietary brands, in a meaningful manner or third party challenges to related contractual rights could result in erosion of brand names and limit our ability to control marketing on or through the Internet using our various domain names or otherwise, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have operations outside of the U.S. that are subject to numerous operational and financial risks
We have operations in countries other than the U.S. and we are subject to the following risks inherent in international operations:
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fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
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longer payment cycles for sales in foreign countries that may increase the uncertainty associated with recoverable accounts;
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recessionary conditions and economic instability, including fiscal policies that are implementing austerity measures in certain countries, which are affecting markets overseas;
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our ability to repatriate funds held by our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. at favorable tax rates;
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potentially adverse tax consequences;
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export and import restrictions, changes in tariffs, trade policies and trade relations;
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increases in taxes and governmental royalties and fees;
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our ability to obtain and maintain required licenses or certifications, such as for web services and electronic devices, that enable us to operate our business in foreign jurisdictions;
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changes in foreign and U.S. laws, regulations and policies that govern operations of foreign-based companies;
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changes to general consumer protection laws and regulations;
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difficulties in staffing and managing international operations; and
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threatened and actual terrorist attacks, political unrest in international markets and ongoing military action around the world that may result in disruptions of services that are critical to our international businesses.
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Additionally, in many foreign countries, particularly in certain developing economies, it is not uncommon to encounter business practices that are prohibited by regulations applicable to us, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws. Although we have undertaken compliance efforts with respect to these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies and procedures. Any such violation, even if prohibited by our policies and procedures or the law, could have a material adverse effect. Any failure by us to effectively manage the challenges associated with the international operation of our business could have a material adverse effect.
Significant developments stemming from the 2016 U.S. presidential election or the Brexit vote could have a material adverse effect on us
After the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2017, President Donald J. Trump and his administration took office in the United States. As a presidential candidate, President Trump expressed apprehension towards existing trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and suggested that the U.S. would renegotiate or withdraw from these agreements. During the campaign, he also raised the possibility of significantly increasing tariffs on goods imported into the United States, particularly from China and Mexico. On January 23, 2017, the President of the United States signed a presidential memorandum to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This and other proposed actions, if implemented, could adversely affect our business because we sell imported products.
Additionally, the results from the Brexit vote have created political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the U.K. and the EU, and this uncertainty may last for years. Our business could be affected during this period of uncertainty, and perhaps longer, by the impact of this vote. In addition, our business could be negatively affected by new trade agreements between the U.K. and other countries, including the U.S., and by the possible imposition of trade or other regulatory barriers in the U.K. These possible negative impacts, and others resulting from the U.K.’s actual withdrawal from the EU, may adversely affect our operating results.
We rely on independent shipping companies to deliver the products we sell
We rely on third party carriers to deliver merchandise from vendors and manufacturers to us and to ship merchandise to our customers. As a result, we are subject to carrier disruptions and delays due to factors that are beyond our control, including employee strikes, inclement weather and regulation and enforcement actions by customs agencies. Any failure to deliver products to our customers in a timely and accurate manner may damage our reputation and brand and could cause us to lose customers. Enforcement actions by customs agencies can also cause the costs of imported goods to increase, negatively affecting our profits.
We are also impacted by increases in shipping rates charged by third party carriers, which over the past few years, have increased significantly in comparison to historical levels. We currently expect that shipping and postal rates will continue to increase. In the case of deliveries to customers, in each market where we operate, we have negotiated agreements with one or more independent, third party shipping companies, which in certain circumstances provide for favorable shipping rates. If any of these relationships were to terminate or if a shipping company was unable to fulfill its obligations under its contract for any reason, we would have to work with other shipping companies to deliver merchandise to customers, which would most likely be at less favorable rates. Other potential adverse consequences of changing carriers include:
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reduced visibility of order status and package tracking;
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delays in order processing and product delivery; and
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reduced shipment quality, which may result in damaged products and customer dissatisfaction.
Any increase in shipping rates and related fuel and other surcharges passed on to us by our current carriers or any other shipping company would adversely impact profits, given that we may not be able to pass these increased costs directly to customers or offset them by increasing prices without a detrimental effect on customer demand.
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We depend on relationships with vendors, manufacturers and other third parties, and any adverse changes in these relationships could result in a failure to meet customer expectations which could result in lost revenue
We purchase merchandise from a wide variety of third party vendors, manufacturers and other sources pursuant to short- and long-term contracts and purchase orders. Our ability to identify and establish relationships with these parties, as well as to access quality merchandise in a timely and efficient manner on acceptable terms and cost, can be challenging. In particular, we purchase a significant amount of merchandise from vendors and manufacturers abroad, and cannot predict whether the costs for goods sourced in these markets will remain stable. We depend on the ability of vendors and manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad to produce and deliver goods that meet applicable quality standards, which is impacted by a number of factors, some of which are not within the control of these parties, such as political or financial instability, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates and transport capacity and costs, among others.
Our failure to identify new vendors and manufacturers, maintain relationships with a significant number of existing vendors and manufacturers and/or access quality merchandise in a timely and efficient manner could cause us to miss customer delivery dates or delay scheduled promotions, which would result in lost sales or the failure to meet customer expectations and could cause customers to cancel orders or cause us to be unable to source merchandise in sufficient quantities, which could result in lost revenue.
We face significant inventory risk
We are exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect our operating results as a result of seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand, consumer spending patterns, changes in consumer tastes with respect to our products and other factors. We endeavor to accurately predict these trends and avoid overstocking or understocking products we sell. Demand for products, however, can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. In addition, when we begin selling a new product, it may be difficult to establish vendor relationships, determine appropriate product or component selection, and accurately forecast demand. The acquisition of certain types of inventory or components may require significant lead-time and prepayment and they may not be returnable. We carry a broad selection and significant inventory levels of certain products, and we may be unable to sell products in sufficient quantities or during the relevant selling seasons. Any one of the inventory risk factors set forth above may adversely affect our operating results.
The seasonality of our business places increased strain on our operations
Our net revenue in recent years indicates that our business is seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in the fourth calendar quarter related to year-end holiday shopping. In recent years, we have earned, on average, between 22% and 24% of our global revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year and between 30% and 32% of our global revenue in the fourth quarter of the year. If our vendors are not able to provide popular products in sufficient amounts such that we fail to meet customer demand, it could significantly affect our revenue and our future growth. If too many customers access our websites within a short period of time due to increased holiday demand, we may experience system interruptions that make our websites unavailable or prevent us from efficiently fulfilling orders, which may reduce the volume of goods we sell and the attractiveness of our products and services. In addition, we may be unable to adequately staff our fulfillment and customer service centers during these peak periods and delivery and other third party shipping (or carrier) companies may be unable to meet the seasonal demand.
To the extent we pay for holiday merchandise in advance of the holidays (i.e., in August through November of each year), our available cash may decrease, resulting in less liquidity. We have limited availability under our revolving credit facility and may not be able to access financing to the extent our cash balance is impaired. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
Failure to effectively manage our Easy-Pay and revolving credit card programs could result in less income
We offer Easy-Pay in the U.S. and internationally in Germany, the U.K. and Italy (known as Q-Pay in Germany and Italy), a payment plan that when offered by QVC, allows customers to pay for certain merchandise in two or more monthly installments. When the Easy-Pay is offered by QVC and elected by the customer, the first installment is typically billed to the customer's credit card upon shipment. Generally, the customer's credit card is subsequently billed up to five additional monthly installments until the total purchase price of the products has been billed by QVC. We cannot predict whether customers will pay all of their Easy-Pay installments.
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In addition, QVC-U.S. has an agreement with a large consumer financial institution (the "Bank") pursuant to which the Bank provides revolving credit directly to our customers for the sole purpose of purchasing merchandise from us with a QVC branded credit card ("Q Card"). We receive a portion of the net economics of the credit card program. We cannot predict the extent to which customers will use the Q Card, nor the extent that they will make payments on their outstanding balances.
Our success depends in large part on our ability to recruit and retain key employees capable of executing our unique business model
We have a business model that requires us to recruit and retain key employees, including management, with the skills necessary for a unique business that demands knowledge of the general retail industry, television production, direct to consumer marketing and fulfillment and the Internet. We cannot assure you that if we experience turnover of our key employees we will be able to recruit and retain acceptable replacements because the market for such employees is very competitive and limited.
We have not voluntarily implemented various corporate governance measures, in the absence of which you may have more limited protections against interested transactions, conflicts of interest and similar matters
Federal legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, encourages the adoption of various corporate governance measures designed to promote the integrity of corporate management and the securities markets. Some of these measures have been adopted in response to legal requirements. Others have been adopted by companies in response to the requirements of national securities exchanges on which their securities are listed. Among the corporate governance measures that are required under the rules of national securities exchanges are those that address board of directors' independence and audit committee oversight.
As a “close corporation” under Delaware law, our stockholder, rather than a board of directors, manages our business. Our stockholder is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, meaning that we do not have any independent governing body. In addition, we have not adopted corporate governance measures such as the implementation of an audit committee or other independent governing body. It is possible that if we were to appoint a board of directors and include one or more independent directors and adopt some or all of these corporate governance measures, there may be somewhat greater assurances that internal corporate decisions were being made by disinterested directors and that policies had been implemented to define responsible conduct. However, our stockholder has the ability to make decisions regarding transactions with related parties and corporate actions that could involve conflicts of interest.
In addition, our Chief Executive Officer and President, Michael A. George, became a named executive officer and director of Liberty during 2011. Investors should bear in mind our current lack of independent directors, the positions with Liberty that are held by Mr. George and corporate governance measures in formulating their investment decisions.
The interests of our stockholder may not coincide with your interests and our stockholder may make decisions with which you may disagree
Our stockholder is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty. As a “close corporation” under Delaware law, our stockholder, rather than a board of directors, manages our business. As a result, Liberty controls certain aspects of our management, including the approval of significant corporate transactions such as a change of control. The interests of Liberty may not coincide with our interests or your interests. For example, Liberty's dependence on our cash flow for servicing Liberty's debt and for other purposes, including payments of dividends on Liberty's capital stock, stock repurchases or to fund acquisitions or other operational requirements of Liberty and its subsidiaries is likely to result in our payment of large dividends to Liberty when permitted by law or the terms of our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our outstanding senior secured notes, which may increase our accumulated deficit or require us to borrow under our senior secured credit facility, increasing our leverage and decreasing our liquidity. We have made significant distributions to Liberty in the past. See Item 1. "Business - Liberty relationship and related party transactions."
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which could adversely affect our financial position and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2017, we had total debt of $5,215 million, consisting of $3,550 million in senior secured notes, $1,496 million under our senior secured credit facility and $169 million of capital and build to suit lease obligations. We also had an additional $877 million available for borrowing under our senior secured credit facility as of that date (see further details in note 8 to our consolidated financial statements). We may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future.
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Our level of indebtedness could limit our flexibility in responding to current market conditions, adversely affect our financial position, prevent us from meeting our obligations under our debt instruments or otherwise restrict our business activities
The existence of and limitations on the availability of our debt could have important consequences. The existence of debt could, among other things:
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require a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
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limit our ability to use cash flow or obtain additional financing for future working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes, which reduces the funds available to us for operations and any future business opportunities;
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increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions; or
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expose us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our credit facility, are at variable interest rates.
Limitations imposed as a part of the debt, such as the availability of credit and the existence of restrictive covenants may, among other things:
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make it difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including making scheduled principal and interest payments on the notes and our other indebtedness;
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restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;
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limit our ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general business purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;
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limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and industry;
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our less leveraged competitors; and
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limit our ability to respond to business opportunities.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our debt obligations
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness will depend on our financial and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
Despite our current level of indebtedness, we may still incur substantially more indebtedness, which could exacerbate the risks associated with our existing indebtedness
We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Our senior secured credit facility and the notes will limit, but not prohibit, us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness. Also, our subsidiaries could incur additional indebtedness that is structurally senior to the notes or we and our subsidiaries could incur indebtedness secured by a lien on assets that do not constitute collateral, including assets of ours and our subsidiaries, and the holders of such indebtedness will have the right to be paid first from the proceeds of such assets. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the notes and the guarantees, the holders of that indebtedness will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the notes and the guarantees in any proceeds distributed in connection with our insolvency, liquidation, reorganization or dissolution. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to the existing note holders. In addition, existing note holders' rights to the collateral would be diluted by any increase in the indebtedness secured by this collateral. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we and our subsidiaries now face could intensify.
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Covenants in our debt agreements restrict our business in many ways
Our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing the notes contain various covenants that limit our ability and/or our restricted subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:
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incur or assume liens or additional debt or provide guarantees in respect of obligations of other persons;
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pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
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prepay, redeem or repurchase debt;
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make loans, investments and capital expenditures;
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enter into agreements that restrict distributions from our subsidiaries;
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sell assets and capital stock of our subsidiaries;
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enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
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consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person; and
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designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.
In addition, our senior secured credit facility contains restrictive covenants and requires us to maintain a specified leverage ratio. The leverage ratio is defined in Part II. Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources - Senior Secured Credit Facility.” Our ability to meet this leverage ratio test can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may be unable to meet those tests. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our senior secured credit facility, which in turn could result in a default under the indentures governing the notes. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our senior secured credit facility, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facility to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Our senior secured credit facility, our notes and certain future indebtedness are secured by a first priority perfected lien in all shares of our capital stock. If the lenders and counterparties under our senior secured credit facility, our notes and certain future indebtedness accelerate the repayment of obligations, we may not have sufficient assets to repay such obligations. Our borrowings under our senior secured credit facility are, and are expected to continue to be, at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will also increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income would decrease.
Our ability to pay dividends or make other restricted payments to Liberty is subject to limited restrictions
There are no restrictions under our bond indentures on QVC's ability to pay dividends or make other restricted payments if QVC is not in default on its senior secured notes and each of QVC's consolidated leverage ratio and QVC and zulily's combined consolidated leverage ratio would be no greater than 3.50 to 1.0. As a result, Liberty will, in many instances, be permitted to rely on QVC's cash flow for servicing Liberty's debt and for other purposes, including payments of dividends on Liberty's capital stock, if declared, or to fund acquisitions or other operational requirements of Liberty and its subsidiaries. These events may increase accumulated deficit or require QVC to borrow under the senior secured credit facility, increasing QVC's leverage and decreasing liquidity. QVC has made significant distributions to Liberty in the past. See Item 1. "Business - Liberty relationship and related party transactions."
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
We own our corporate headquarters and operations center in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which consist of office space and include executive offices, television studios, showrooms, broadcast facilities and administrative offices for QVC. We also own call centers in San Antonio, Texas; Chesapeake, Virginia; Bochum and Kassel, Germany and Chiba-Shi, Japan. We own distribution centers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Suffolk, Virginia; Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Florence, South Carolina; Ontario, California; Chiba, Japan and Hückelhoven, Germany. Additionally, we own multi-functional buildings in Knowsley, United Kingdom; Chiba, Japan and Brugherio, Italy. In Germany we own our administrative offices within the headquarters located in Düsseldorf, Germany which also includes leased television studios and broadcast facilities. To supplement the facilities we own, we also lease various facilities worldwide.
We believe that the duration of each lease is adequate and we do not anticipate any future problems renewing or obtaining suitable leases for our principal properties. We believe that our principal properties, whether owned or leased, are currently adequate for the purposes for which they are used and are suitably maintained for these purposes. From time to time, we consider various alternatives related to our long-term facilities needs.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are not a party to or subject to any material pending legal proceedings. We are parties to various claims and pending litigation as part of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the nature and disposition of these matters are considered routine and arising in the ordinary course of business.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There is no established trading market for our equity securities. There is one holder of record of our equity, Liberty QVC Holding, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty").
See also "Item 1. Business - Liberty relationship and related party transactions" for information related to our dividends to Liberty and note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for our debt issuance descriptions.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Omitted under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2)(a) of Form 10-K.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Overview
QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("QVC" or the "Company") is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications.
In the United States ("U.S."), QVC's televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are broadcast across multiple channels nationally on a full-time basis, including QVC, QVC2 and Beauty iQ. The Company's U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com, QVC's U.S. website; mobile applications via streaming video; over-the-air broadcasters; and over-the-top content platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Facebook, etc.).
QVC believes that the Company's digital platforms complement the Company's televised shopping programs by allowing consumers to purchase a wide assortment of goods offered on QVC's televised programs, as well as other products that are available only on the Company's digital platforms. The Company views e-commerce as a natural extension of the Company's business, allowing the Company to stream live video and offer on-demand video segments of items recently presented live on QVC's televised programs. The Company's digital platforms allow shoppers to browse, research, compare and perform targeted searches for products, control the order-entry process and conveniently access their QVC account.
QVC's international televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are distributed to households outside of the U.S., primarily in Germany, Austria, Japan, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), the Republic of Ireland, Italy and France. In some of the countries where QVC operates, QVC's televised shopping programs are broadcast across multiple QVC channels: QVC Beauty & Style and QVC2 in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra and QVC Style in the U.K. The programming created for most of these markets is also available via streaming video on QVC's digital platforms. QVC's international business employs product sourcing teams who select products tailored to the interests of each local market.
The Company's Japanese operations ("QVC-Japan") are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui"). QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $40 million, $39 million and $36 million, respectively.
The Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio (''CNR''). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the consolidated statements of operations.
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The Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty"), which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses, and is attributed to Liberty's QVC Group. The QVC Group common stock (Nasdaq: QVCA and QVCB) tracks the assets and liabilities of the QVC Group. The QVC Group tracks the Company, zulily, llc ("zulily") and HSN, Inc. ("HSN"), cash and certain liabilities. On April 4, 2017, Liberty entered into an agreement with General Communication, Inc. ("GCI"), an Alaska corporation, and Liberty Interactive LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty, whereby Liberty will acquire GCI through a reorganization in which certain assets and liabilities attributed to Liberty’s Ventures Group will be contributed to GCI in exchange for a controlling interest in GCI. Liberty will then effect a tax-free separation of its controlling interest in the combined company. The transactions are expected to be consummated on March 9, 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Simultaneous with that closing, the QVC Group common stock will become the only outstanding common stock of Liberty, and thus QVC Group common stock will cease to function as tracking stock and will effectively become regular common stock. In addition, Liberty will be renamed Qurate Retail Group, Inc., with QVC, HSN and zulily as wholly-owned subsidiaries. On December 29, 2017, Liberty completed the acquisition of the remaining 62% ownership interest of HSN in an all-stock transaction. HSN is attributed to the QVC Group. The QVC Group does not represent a separate legal entity; rather, it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that are attributed to that group. HSN is not included in the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily and QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $910 million with funds drawn from the Company’s credit facility to support Liberty’s purchase. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day for a limited time period. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and the Company believes that its business is complementary to the Company. zulily is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2017, QVC and zulily engaged in multiple transactions relating to sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives, business advisory services and software development. The gross value of these transactions totaled $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
On June 23, 2016, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the "Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") increasing the revolving credit facility from $2.25 billion to $2.65 billion as explained further in note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by QVC or zulily. Under the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, QVC and zulily are jointly and severally liable for all amounts borrowed on the $400 million tranche. In accordance with the accounting guidance for obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, QVC will record a liability for amounts it has borrowed under the credit facility plus any additional amount it expects to repay on behalf of zulily. As of December 31, 2017, there was $267 million borrowed by zulily on the $400 million tranche of the senior secured credit facility, none of which the Company expects to repay on behalf of zulily.
QVC engages with CommerceHub, Inc. ("CommerceHub") which was an approximately 99% owned subsidiary of Liberty prior to the completion of its spin-off from Liberty in July 2016, to handle communications between QVC and certain of its vendors for drop ship sales and returns. CommerceHub is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in our consolidated financial statements. During each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, QVC paid CommerceHub for the related services totaling less than $3 million, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. On July 22, 2016, Liberty completed the spin-off of CommerceHub. As a result, Liberty and CommerceHub are now separate publicly traded companies.
Strategies and challenges of business units
QVC's goal is to become the preeminent global multimedia shopping community for people who love to shop, and to offer a shopping experience that is as much about entertainment and enrichment as it is about buying. QVC's objective is to provide an integrated shopping experience that utilizes all forms of media including television, the Internet and mobile devices. QVC intends to employ several strategies to achieve these goals and objectives. Among these strategies are to (i) extend the breadth, relevance and exposure of the QVC brand; (ii) source products that represent unique quality and value; (iii) create engaging presentation content in televised programming, mobile and online; (iv) leverage customer loyalty and continue multi-platform expansion; and (v) create a compelling and differentiated customer experience. In addition, QVC expects to expand globally by leveraging its existing systems, infrastructure and skills in other countries around the world.
II-2
QVC's future net revenue growth will primarily depend on sales growth from e-commerce and mobile platforms, additions of new customers from households already receiving QVC's television programming and increased spending from existing customers. QVC's future net revenue may also be affected by (i) the willingness of cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators to continue carrying QVC's programming service; (ii) QVC's ability to maintain favorable channel positioning, which may become more difficult due to governmental action or from distributors converting analog customers to digital; (iii) changes in television viewing habits because of personal video recorders, video-on-demand and Internet video services; and (iv) general economic conditions.
In March 2013, QVC-U.S. launched over-the-air broadcasting in designated U.S. markets that can be accessed by any television household with a digital antenna in such markets, regardless of whether it subscribes to a paid television service. This allows QVC-U.S. to reach new customers who previously did not have access to the program through other television platforms. In August 2013, QVC-U.S. launched an additional channel, QVC2, which is being distributed through cable and satellite systems. The channel allows viewers to have access to a broader range of QVC programming options as well as more relevant programming for viewers in differing time zones. In October 2016, QVC-U.S. launched a third channel, Beauty iQ, which is being distributed through satellite and streaming platforms. The channel and supporting platforms are dedicated to a complete beauty shopping experience for customers.
Internationally, beyond the main QVC channels, QVC-International broadcasts pre-recorded and live shows on additional channels that offer viewers access to a broader range of QVC programming options. These channels include QVC Beauty & Style and QVC2 in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra and QVC Style in the U.K.
Economic uncertainty in various regions of the world in which our subsidiaries and affiliates operate could adversely affect demand for our products and services since a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. Global financial markets have recently experienced disruptions, including increased volatility and diminished liquidity and credit availability. If economic and financial market conditions in the U.S. or other key markets, including Japan and Europe, become uncertain or deteriorate , our customers may respond by suspending, delaying or reducing their discretionary spending. A suspension, delay or reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments decline. Such weak economic conditions may also inhibit our expansion into new European and other markets. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.
On June 23, 2016, the U.K. held a referendum in which British citizens approved an exit from the European Union (the "E.U."), commonly referred to as “Brexit.” As a result of the referendum, the global markets and currencies have been adversely impacted, including a sharp decline in the value of the U.K. Pound Sterling as compared to the U.S. dollar. Volatility in exchange rates is expected to continue in the short term as the U.K. negotiates its exit from the E.U. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on us will depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations. Although it is unknown what the result of those negotiations will be, it is possible that new terms may adversely affect our operations and financial results. On March 29, 2017, the U.K. invoked Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which is the first step of the U.K.’s formal exit from the E.U. This started the two-year window in which the U.K. and the European Commission can negotiate future terms for imports, exports, taxes, employment, immigration and other areas, ending in the exit of the U.K. from the E.U.
The current President of the U.S. has expressed apprehension towards existing trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and suggested that the U.S. would renegotiate or withdraw from these agreements. He also raised the possibility of significantly increasing tariffs on goods imported into the United States, particularly from China and Mexico. On January 23, 2017, the President of the U.S. signed a presidential memorandum to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This and the other proposed actions, if implemented, could adversely affect our business because we sell imported products.
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Results of Operations
QVC's operating results were as follows:
Net revenue
Net revenue by segment was as follows:
QVC's consolidated net revenue increased 1.0% and decreased 0.7% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years. The 2017 increase of $89 million in net revenue was primarily comprised of an increase of $405 million due to a 4.2% increase in units sold. This was primarily offset by a 2.3% decrease in average selling price per unit ("ASP") attributing $237 million, $33 million due to unfavorable foreign currency rates, a decrease of $27 million in shipping and handling revenue, a $15 million decrease in miscellaneous income and an increase of $4 million in estimated product returns.
The 2016 decrease of $61 million in net revenue was primarily due to a 3.9% decrease in ASP attributing $393 million and a $17 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue in constant currency. The decrease was offset by a 2.4% increase in units shipped attributing $237 million, a decrease of $105 million in estimated product returns and a $6 million increase primarily related to product sales with zulily.
II-4
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the changes in revenue and expenses were affected by changes in the exchange rates for the Japanese Yen, the Euro and the U.K. Pound Sterling. In the event the U.S. Dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies in the future, QVC's revenue and operating cash flow will be negatively affected. Our product margins may continue to be under pressure due to the devaluation of foreign currencies and we will attempt to reduce our exposure through pricing and vendor negotiations, as Brexit negotiations progress.
In discussing our operating results, the term "currency exchange rates" refers to the currency exchange rates we use to convert the operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. We calculate the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activity translated using the prior period's currency exchange rates. Throughout our discussion, we refer to the results of this calculation as the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations. When we refer to "constant currency operating results", this means operating results without the impact of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to understand better QVC’s underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The percentage change in net revenue for QVC's segments in U.S. Dollars and in constant currency was as follows:
In 2017, QVC-U.S. net revenue increase was primarily due to a 3.7% increase in units shipped and a decrease in estimated product returns. This increase was offset by a 2.9% decrease in ASP, a $32 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue and a $14 million decrease in miscellaneous income. QVC-U.S. experienced shipped sales growth in all categories except jewelry. The decrease in estimated product returns was primarily due to an overall lower return rate across all product categories except jewelry. The decrease in net shipping and handling revenue was a result of a decrease in shipping and handling revenue per unit from promotional offers. QVC-International net revenue growth in constant currency was primarily due to a 5.0% increase in units shipped, driven by increases in Japan, Germany, France and the U.K. offset by a decrease in units shipped in Italy. There was a $5 million increase in shipping and handling revenue, primarily driven by Japan. This was offset by a decrease of 1.0% in ASP, primarily driven in Japan and Germany offset by increases in Italy and the U.K. and a $20 million increase in estimated product returns, driven by all markets except Japan. QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in constant currency in all categories except electronics and jewelry.
In 2016, QVC-U.S. net revenue decline was primarily due to a 5.5% decrease in ASP and 4.0% decrease in shipping and handling revenue. The decline was offset by a 2.3% increase in units shipped and a decrease in estimated product returns. QVC-U.S. experienced shipped sales declines in jewelry, electronics and beauty with growth in apparel, home and accessories. The decrease in net shipping and handling revenue was primarily due to the decrease in shipping and handling rates per unit from promotional offers. The decrease in estimated product returns was primarily due to a decrease in the overall lower return rate across all product categories and sales. QVC-International net revenue growth in constant currency was primarily due to a 2.5% increase in units shipped, driven mainly in Germany and the U.K. offset by the increase in estimated product returns, driven primarily by product returns in Germany. QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in constant currency in all categories except jewelry and apparel.
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
QVC's cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenue remained consistent at 63.8% for both the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and was 63.2% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The slight increase in the cost of goods sold percentage in 2016 was primarily due to decreased product margins and increased freight costs in the U.S. associated with the increases in units shipped partially offset by a favorable inventory obsolescence provision in the U.S.
Operating expenses
QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees and telecommunications expenses. Operating expenses decreased $5 million or 0.8% and decreased $1 million or 0.2% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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The decrease in 2017 was primarily due to favorable exchange rates. The slight decrease in 2016 was primarily due to lower telecommunication expense offset by increased commissions expense. The decrease in telecommunication expense was primarily due to lower phone and network rates in the U.S. The increase in commissions expense was primarily due to increases internationally offset by a decrease in sales in the U.S.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) ("SG&A expenses")
QVC's SG&A expenses include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, credit card income, production costs and marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses decreased $21 million, and decreased to 7.7% of net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year and decreased $18 million, and decreased to 8.0% of net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year as a result of a variety of factors.
The decrease in 2017 was primarily due to a decrease in bad debt expense of $35 million, a decrease in severance expense of $13 million, $4 million from favorable foreign currency rates and a $6 million increase in credit card income offset by an increase in bonus expense of $33 million and a $4 million increase in marketing expenses. The decrease in bad debt expense was primarily related to lower default rates associated with the Easy-Pay program in the U.S. The increase in credit card income was due to the favorable economics of the QVC-branded credit card ("Q card") portfolio in the U.S. The increase in marketing expenses was primarily due to an increase in the investment made to eMarketing partially offset by discontinuing the naming rights to the Chiba Marine Stadium in Japan.
The decrease in 2016 was primarily related to reduced personnel costs of $63 million and an increase of credit card income of $8 million which was offset by increases in bad debt expense of $25 million, software expense of $13 million, franchise tax expense of $10 million and external services of $8 million. The decrease in personnel costs was primarily due to a decrease in bonuses and benefits in the U.S. and severance. The increase in credit card income was due to the favorable economics and usage of the Q card portfolio in the U.S. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily related to an increase in U.S. Easy-Pay sales penetration and default rates. The increase in software expense was mainly due to an increase in software licensing and software maintenance. The increase in franchise tax expense was mainly due to a favorable franchise tax reserve adjustment related to an audit settlement in 2015 which was not experienced in the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in external services was primarily due to internal control enhancements and the establishment of a global business service center located in Krakow, Poland.
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options and restricted stock granted to certain officers and employees. QVC recorded $31 million, $32 million and $31 million of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following:
For the year ended December 31, 2017, acquisition related amortization expense decreased primarily due to the end of the useful lives of certain affiliate agreements and customer relationships established at the time of Liberty's acquisition of QVC in 2003. This was offset by an increase in channel placement amortization related to the addition of Beauty iQ in the U.S. The increase in depreciation related to the additions at the California distribution center. For the year ended December 31, 2016, depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to expense related to the additions at the California distribution center and new website functionality.
Equity in losses of investee
The losses were associated with our joint venture in China that is accounted for as an equity method investment.
Gains on financial instruments
During the year ended December 31, 2016, QVC entered into a three-year interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $125 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. The swap arrangement does not qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP"). Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap are reflected in gain on financial instruments in our consolidated statement of operations. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of the swap instrument was in a net asset position of approximately $2 million which was included in other noncurrent assets. A 1% change in the one-month U.S. LIBOR rate (floating portion of the interest rate swap) will result in a change in the value of the swap instrument of less than $2 million.
Interest expense, net
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, consolidated net interest expense, increased $4 million and $2 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years. The increase in net interest expense in 2017 is due to higher average interest rates compared to the previous year, partially offset by lower average debt balances outstanding under the credit agreement. The slight increase in net interest expense in 2016 is due to higher average debt balances partially offset by the lower interest rates.
Foreign currency gain
Certain loans between QVC and its subsidiaries are deemed to be short-term in nature, and accordingly, the translation of these loans is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The change in foreign currency gain was also due to variances in interest and operating payables balances between QVC and its international subsidiaries denominated in the currency of the subsidiary and the effects of currency exchange rate changes on those balances.
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Income taxes
Our effective tax rate was 13.5%, 37.5% and 37.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The rates have historically differed from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to state tax expense. The effective tax rate decreased in 2017 mainly due to the impact of the federal tax rate reduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) which was enacted in December 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 reflects the future reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% under the Act, and resulted in the Company reporting an income tax benefit of $285 million (25% reduction of the effective rate). This benefit resulted from the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities related to non-current intangible assets that will reverse at the new 21% rate. An entity is required to reflect the effects of changes in tax laws or rates in income from continuing operations in the interim period that includes the enactment date.
The effective tax rate increased during 2016 over 2015 due to a change in Federal tax law relating to foreign exchange gains and losses in connection to foreign branches, which was partially offset by a change in the accounting treatment of share based payments.
Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted OIBDA")
QVC defines Adjusted OIBDA as net revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). QVC's chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate the businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among the businesses. QVC believes that this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the businesses, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows QVC to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and perform benchmarking among its businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The primary material limitations associated with the use of Adjusted OIBDA as compared to GAAP results are (i) it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in the industry, and (ii) it excludes financial information that some may consider important in evaluating QVC's performance. QVC compensates for these limitations by providing disclosure of the difference between Adjusted OIBDA and GAAP results, including providing a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to GAAP results, to enable investors to perform their own analysis of QVC's operating results. Refer to note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes.
Seasonality
QVC's business is seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in the fourth calendar quarter related to year-end holiday shopping. In recent years, QVC has earned, on average, between 22% and 24% of its revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year and between 30% and 32% of its revenue in the fourth quarter of the year.
Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Historically, QVC's primary sources of cash have been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings. In general, QVC uses this cash to fund its operations, make capital purchases, make payments to Liberty, make interest payments and minimize QVC's outstanding senior secured credit facility balance.
As of December 31, 2017, substantially all of QVC's cash and cash equivalents were invested in AAA rated money market funds and time deposits with banks rated equal to or above A.
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Senior Secured Notes
All of QVC's senior secured notes are secured by the capital stock of QVC and certain of its subsidiaries and have equal priority to the senior secured credit facility. The interest on all of QVC's senior secured notes is payable semi-annually.
3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
On March 18, 2014, QVC issued $400 million principal amount of 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at an issue price of 99.828%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
On July 2, 2012, QVC issued $500 million principal amount of 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 at par. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023
On March 18, 2013, QVC issued $750 million principal amount of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 at an issue price of 99.968%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to reduce the outstanding principal of previously outstanding notes and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
On March 18, 2014, QVC issued $600 million principal amount of 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 at an issue price of 99.927%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
On August 21, 2014, QVC issued $600 million principal amount of 4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 at an issue price of 99.860%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used for the redemption of previously outstanding notes, for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034
On August 21, 2014, QVC issued $400 million principal amount of 5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034 at an issue price of 99.784%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used for the redemption of previously outstanding notes, for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043
On March 18, 2013, QVC issued $300 million principal amount of 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043 at an issue price of 99.973%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to reduce the principal of previously outstanding notes and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
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Senior Secured Credit Facility
On June 23, 2016, QVC entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with zulily as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”) which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.65 billion revolving credit facility with a $300 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by the Company or zulily with an additional $50 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit. The remaining $2.25 billion and any incremental loans may be borrowed only by the Company. Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.25% and 0.75% depending on the Borrowers’ combined ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (the “Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio”). Borrowings that are LIBOR loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR rate plus a margin that varies between 1.25% and 1.75% depending on the Borrowers’ Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Because the calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio was revised to include zulily, the effective interest rate margins, on the date that the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into, decreased from the interest rate margins under the previous bank credit facility. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. No mandatory prepayments will be required other than when borrowings and letter of credit usage exceed availability; provided that, if zulily ceases to be controlled by Liberty, all of its loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. The facility matures on June 23, 2021, except that $140 million of the $2.25 billion commitment available to QVC matures on March 9, 2020. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default.
QVC had $877 million available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at December 31, 2017, including the portion available under the $400 million tranche that zulily may also borrow on. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 3.0% at December 31, 2017.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility, provide zulily the opportunity to borrow on the senior secured credit facility(see note 1 to our consolidated financial statements) and lower the interest rate on borrowings. The payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of QVC’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). Further, the borrowings under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured, pari passu with QVC’s existing notes, by a pledge of all of QVC’s equity interests. In addition, the payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations with respect to the $400 million tranche available to both QVC and zulily are also guaranteed by zulily and secured by a pledge of all of zulily’s equity interests.
The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Company and zulily and each of their respective restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; and limiting the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and the Borrowers’ Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
Other Debt Related Information
On April 15, 2015, QVC completed the redemption of previously outstanding senior secured notes which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of $21 million. No such transaction occurred in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at December 31, 2017.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
The weighted average interest rate applicable to all of the outstanding debt (excluding capital and build to suit leases) prior to amortization of bond discounts and related debt issuance costs was 4.2% as of December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, outstanding trade letters of credit totaled $16 million and $18 million, respectively.
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There are no restrictions under the debt agreements on QVC's ability to pay dividends or make other restricted payments if QVC is not in default on its senior secured notes or senior secured credit facility, and QVC's consolidated leverage ratio, and a combined consolidated leverage ratio for both QVC and zulily, would be no greater than 3.5 to 1.0. As a result, Liberty will, in many instances, be permitted to rely on QVC's cash flow for servicing Liberty's debt and for other purposes, including repurchases of Liberty's common stock, or to fund acquisitions or other operational requirements of Liberty and its subsidiaries. These events may increase accumulated deficit or require QVC to borrow under the senior secured credit facility, increasing QVC's leverage and decreasing liquidity. QVC has made significant distributions to Liberty in the past. See “Item 1. Business - Liberty Relationship and Related Party Transactions.”
Additional Cash Flow Information
During the year ended December 31, 2017, QVC's primary uses of cash were $2,278 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $866 million of dividends to Liberty, $202 million of capital and television distribution rights expenditures, $40 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui and $16 million of other financing activities. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $2,162 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $1,202 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of December 31, 2017, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $260 million.
The change in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the previous year was primarily due to an increase in net income partially offset by a decrease in deferred taxes. The decrease in deferred tax liability is mainly due a reduction of the corporate tax rate as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Cash provided by operating activities is also subject to changes in working capital. Working capital at any specific point in time is subject to many variables, including seasonality, inventory management, the timing of cash receipts and payments, vendor payment terms, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
As of December 31, 2017, $204 million of the $260 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Cash in foreign subsidiaries is available for domestic purposes with no significant tax consequences upon repatriation to the U.S. QVC accrues taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. Approximately 79% of this foreign cash balance was that of QVC-Japan. QVC owns 60% of QVC-Japan and shares all profits and losses with the 40% minority interest holder, Mitsui. We believe that we currently have appropriate legal structures in place to repatriate foreign cash as tax efficiently as possible and meet the business needs of QVC.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, QVC's primary uses of cash were $1,733 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $703 million of dividends to Liberty, $217 million of capital and television distribution rights expenditures, $39 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui and $9 million of other financing activities. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $1,505 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $1,178 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of December 31, 2016, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $284 million.
The change in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the previous year was primarily due to changes in working capital. Working capital at any specific point in time is subject to many variables, including seasonality, inventory management, the timing of cash receipts and payments, vendor payment terms, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC's primary uses of cash were $2,177 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $1,485 million of dividends to Liberty, $287 million of capital and cable and satellite television distribution rights expenditures, $36 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui, $18 million of bond premium fees and $15 million of other financing activities. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $2,974 million of principal borrowings from the senior secured credit facility and $1,028 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of December 31, 2015, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $327 million.
Other
Capital expenditures spending in 2018 is expected to be between $180 and $230 million.
On July 2, 2015, QVC entered into a lease (the “Lease”) for a new California distribution center. Pursuant to the Lease, the landlord built an approximately one million square foot rental building in Ontario, California (the “Premises”), and thereafter leased the Premises to QVC as its new California distribution center for an initial term of 15 years. Under the Lease, QVC is required to pay an initial base rent of approximately $6 million per year, increasing to approximately $8 million per year by the final year of the initial term, as well as all real estate taxes and other building operating costs. QVC also has an option to extend the term of the Lease for up to two consecutive terms of 10 years each.
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QVC has the right to purchase the Premises and related land from the landlord by entering into an amended and restated agreement at any time during the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth months of the Lease's initial term, which will occur in June and July of 2018, with a $10 million initial payment and annual payments of $12 million over a term of 13 years.
The Company concluded that it was the deemed owner (for accounting purposes only) of the Premises during the construction period under build to suit lease accounting. Building construction began in July of 2015. During the construction period, the Company recorded estimated project construction costs incurred by the landlord as a projects in progress asset and a corresponding long-term liability in "Property and equipment, net" and "Other long-term liabilities," respectively, on its consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Company paid for normal tenant improvements and certain structural improvements and recorded these amounts as part of the projects in progress asset. Upon completion of construction, the long-term liability was reclassified to debt. The Company incurred construction costs of $89 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. No such cost were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2017.
On August 29, 2016, the California distribution center officially opened. The Company evaluated whether the Lease met the criteria for "sale-leaseback" treatment under U.S. GAAP and concluded that it did not. Therefore, the Company treats the Lease as a financing obligation and lease payments will be attributed to: (1) a reduction of the principal financing obligation; (2) imputed interest expense; and (3) land lease expense representing an imputed cost to lease the underlying land of the Premises. In addition, the building asset will be depreciated over its estimated useful life of 20 years. Although the Company did not begin making monthly lease payments pursuant to the Lease until February 2017, the portion of the lease obligations allocated to the land has been treated for accounting purposes as an operating lease that commenced in 2015. If the Company does not exercise its right to purchase the Premises and related land, the Company will derecognize both the net book values of the asset and the financing obligation at the conclusion of the lease term.
Refer to the chart under the "Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations" section below for additional information concerning the amount and timing of expected future payments under QVC's contractual obligations at December 31, 2017.
QVC has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible QVC may incur losses upon the conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, that may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments, both accrued and off-balance sheet, under our contractual obligations at December 31, 2017 is summarized below:
(1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations and the issue discounts on the 3.125%, 4.375%, 4.85%, 4.45%, 5.45% and 5.95% Senior Secured Notes. Additionally, the presentation assumes there is no amount outstanding on the $140 million commitment under our senior secured credit facility that matures on March 9, 2020.
(2) Amounts (i) are based on the terms of QVC's senior secured credit facility and senior secured notes, (ii) assume the interest rates on the floating rate debt remain constant at the rates in effect as of December 31, 2017, (iii) assume that our existing debt is repaid at maturity and (iv) exclude capital and build to suit lease obligations.
(3) Amounts include open purchase orders for inventory and non-inventory purchases along with other contractual obligations.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing, and in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 which clarifies assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The updated guidance also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of the Company's revenue transactions. The Company will adopt the accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 with a cumulative adjustment that will increase retained earnings approximately $14 million using the modified transition method. The Company has completed their review of the applicable ASU and has concluded it will recognize revenue at the time of shipment to its customers consistent with when title passes. This is a change from the current practice whereby the Company recognizes revenue at the time of delivery to the customers and deferred revenue is recorded to account for the shipments in-transit. The Company has also concluded that it will continue to act as principal in certain vendor arrangements and will recognize credit card income for its QVC-branded credit card as part of net revenue. At the current time, the credit card income is included as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, the Company's balance sheet presentation of its sales return reserve will change to present a separate return asset and liability, instead of the net presentation currently used. The Company will also elect the practical expedient to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when its payment terms are less than one year, as well as the practical expedient to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price sales and similar taxes collected from customers.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. The new principle is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and applies to entities that measure inventory using a method other than last-in, first-out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2017, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its financial reporting.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Statements - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires equity investments with readily determinable fair values (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which revises the accounting related to lessee accounting. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. The new lease guidance also simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and should be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. While the Company is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its ongoing financial reporting, it expects that the operating leases listed in note 9 - Leases to the accompanying consolidated financial statements will be recognized as right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption of the new standard.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues to reduce the diversity in practice for appropriate classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU beginning January 1, 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
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In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement for impairment by calculating the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard during the fourth quarter of 2017 and there was no significant effect of the standard on its financial reporting.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, to provide clarity to which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires QVC to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates include, but are not limited to, sales returns, uncollectible receivables, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of fixed assets, internally developed software, valuation of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, and income taxes. QVC bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that QVC believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. In addition, as circumstances change, QVC may revise the basis of its estimates accordingly.
Goodwill and long-lived assets
QVC's long-lived asset valuations are primarily comprised of the annual assessment of the recoverability of goodwill and other nonamortizable intangibles, such as trademarks, and the evaluation of the recoverability of other long-lived assets upon certain triggering events. If the carrying value of long-lived assets exceeds their undiscounted cash flows, QVC is required to write the carrying value down to the fair value. Any such writedown is included in depreciation/amortization in the consolidated statements of operations. A high degree of judgment is required to estimate the fair value of the long-lived assets. QVC may use quoted market prices, prices for similar assets, present value techniques and other valuation techniques to prepare these estimates. QVC may need to make estimates of future cash flows and discount rates as well as other assumptions in order to implement these valuation techniques. Due to the high degree of judgment involved in estimation techniques, any value ultimately derived from the long-lived assets may differ from the estimate of fair value. As both of QVC's operating segments have long-lived assets, this critical accounting estimate affects the financial position and results of operations of each segment.
II-14
QVC utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary. The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether an impairment exists. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, QVC reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of our reporting units. A reporting unit is defined in accounting guidance in accordance with U.S. GAAP as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. The Company considers whether there were any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges and the legal environments, and how these factors might impact country specific performance in future periods.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, QVC performed only qualitative assessments as it was more likely than not that the carrying values exceeded the fair values for each of the reporting units.
The accounting guidance also permits entities to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, exceeds its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
There were no goodwill and other intangible asset impairments in the year ended December 31, 2017.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
Retail related adjustments and allowances
QVC records adjustments and allowances for sales returns, inventory obsolescence and uncollectible receivables. Each of these adjustments is estimated based on historical experience. Sales returns are calculated as a percent of sales and are netted against revenue in the consolidated statement of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, sales returns represented 18.1%, 18.3% and 19.1% of gross product revenue, respectively. The inventory obsolescence reserve is calculated as a percent of inventory at the end of a reporting period based on, among other factors, the average inventory balance for the preceding twelve months and historical experience with liquidated inventory. The change in the reserve is included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2017, inventory was $1,019 million, which was net of the obsolescence adjustment of $92 million. At December 31, 2016, inventory was $950 million, which was net of the obsolescence adjustment of $76 million. The allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated as a percent of accounts receivable at the end of a reporting period, and it is based on historical experience, with the change in such allowance being recorded as a provision for doubtful accounts in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2017, trade accounts receivable were $1,388 million, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $91 million. At December 31, 2016, trade accounts receivable were $1,246 million, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $97 million. Each of these adjustments requires management judgment. Actual results could differ from management's estimates.
II-15
Accounting for income taxes
QVC is required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the financial statements or tax returns for each taxing jurisdiction in which QVC operates. This process requires management to make judgments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various agreements and transactions into which QVC enters. Based on these judgments, QVC may record tax reserves or adjustments to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected realizability of future tax benefits. Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which QVC operates, QVC's inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year's liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on QVC's financial position.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
QVC is exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations by subsidiaries in different foreign countries. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. QVC has established procedures and internal processes governing the management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks.
Interest rate risk
QVC is exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of borrowing activities. Over the long-term, QVC manages the exposure to interest rates by maintaining what QVC believes is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. QVC believes this best protects itself from interest rate risk.
The table below summarizes the Company’s debt obligations, related interest rates and fair value of debt at December 31, 2017:
(1) Amounts exclude capital and build to suit lease obligations and the issue discounts on the 3.125%, 4.375%, 4.45%, 4.85%, 5.45% and 5.95% Senior Secured Notes. Additionally, the presentation assumes there is no amount outstanding on the $140 million commitment under our senior secured credit facility that matures on March 9, 2020.
N/A - Not applicable.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, QVC entered into a three-year interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $125 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. The swap arrangement does not qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap are reflected in gain on financial instruments in our consolidated statement of operations. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of the swap instrument was in a net asset position of approximately $2 million which was included in other noncurrent assets. A 1% change in the one-month U.S. LIBOR rate (floating portion of the interest rate swap) will result in a change in the value of the swap instrument of less than $2 million.
II-16
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
QVC is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to the monetary assets and liabilities and the financial results of its foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. Dollars that result in unrealized gains or losses are referred to as translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses, which are reflected in income as unrealized (based on period-end transactions) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Cash flows from operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the period. Accordingly, QVC may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity with respect to its holdings solely as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. QVC's reported Adjusted OIBDA for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 would have been impacted by approximately $5 million, $4 million, and $5 million respectively, for every 1% change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.
The senior secured credit facility provides QVC with the ability to borrow in multiple currencies. This allows QVC to somewhat mitigate foreign currency exchange rate risks. As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, no borrowings in foreign currencies were outstanding.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The consolidated financial statements of QVC are filed under this Item 8, beginning on page II-20. The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are filed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the “Executives”), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
See page II-18 for Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s quarter ended December 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
II-17
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
QVC, Inc.'s (the "Company") management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company's financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Because of 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 the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, using the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation the Company's management believes that, as of December 31, 2017, its internal control over financial reporting is effective.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an audit report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting was not subject to audit by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
II-18
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholder-Director
QVC, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2003.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 1, 2018
II-19
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2017 and 2016
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-20
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-21
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-22
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-23
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Equity
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-24
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) Basis of Presentation
QVC, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("QVC" or the "Company") is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications.
In the United States ("U.S."), QVC's televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are broadcast across multiple channels nationally on a full-time basis, including QVC, QVC2 and Beauty iQ. The Company's U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com, QVC's U.S. website; mobile applications via streaming video; over-the-air broadcasters; and over-the-top content platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Facebook, etc.).
QVC believes that the Company's digital platforms complement the Company's televised shopping programs by allowing consumers to purchase a wide assortment of goods offered on QVC's televised programs, as well as other products that are available only on the Company's digital platforms. The Company views e-commerce as a natural extension of the Company's business, allowing the Company to stream live video and offer on-demand video segments of items recently presented live on QVC's televised programs. The Company's digital platforms allow shoppers to browse, research, compare and perform targeted searches for products, control the order-entry process and conveniently access their QVC account.
QVC's international televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are distributed to households outside of the U.S., primarily in Germany, Austria, Japan, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), the Republic of Ireland, Italy and France. In some of the countries where QVC operates, QVC's televised shopping programs are broadcast across multiple QVC channels: QVC Beauty & Style and QVC2 in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra and QVC Style in the U.K. The programming created for most of these markets is also available via streaming video on QVC's digital platforms. QVC's international business employs product sourcing teams who select products tailored to the interests of each local market.
The Company's Japanese operations ("QVC-Japan") are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui"). QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $40 million, $39 million and $36 million, respectively.
The Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio (''CNR''). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. (''CNRS''). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty"), which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses, and is attributed to Liberty's QVC Group. The QVC Group common stock (Nasdaq: QVCA and QVCB) tracks the assets and liabilities of the QVC Group. The QVC Group tracks the Company, zulily, llc ("zulily") and HSN, Inc. ("HSN"), cash and certain liabilities. On April 4, 2017, Liberty entered into an agreement with General Communication, Inc. ("GCI"), an Alaska corporation, and Liberty Interactive LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty, whereby Liberty will acquire GCI through a reorganization in which certain assets and liabilities attributed to Liberty’s Ventures Group will be contributed to GCI in exchange for a controlling interest in GCI. Liberty will then effect a tax-free separation of its controlling interest in the combined company. The transactions are expected to be consummated on March 9, 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Simultaneous with that closing, the QVC Group common stock will become the only outstanding common stock of Liberty, and thus QVC Group common stock will cease to function as tracking stock and will effectively become regular common stock. In addition, Liberty will be renamed Qurate Retail Group, Inc., with QVC, HSN and zulily as wholly-owned subsidiaries. On December 29, 2017, Liberty completed the acquisition of the remaining 62% ownership interest of HSN in an all-stock transaction. HSN is attributed to the QVC Group. The QVC Group does not represent a separate legal entity; rather, it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that are attributed to that group. HSN is not included in the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
II-25
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily and QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $910 million with funds drawn from the Company’s credit facility to support Liberty’s purchase. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day for a limited time period. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and the Company believes that its business is complementary to the Company. zulily is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these consolidated financial statements.
Additionally, on June 23, 2016, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (the "Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") increasing the revolving credit facility from $2.25 billion to $2.65 billion as explained further in note 8.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QVC, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Cash and cash equivalents
All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were $42 million and $113 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values (Level 1).
(b) Restricted cash
Restricted cash at December 31, 2017 and 2016 primarily includes a cash deposit with a third party trustee that provides financial assurance that the Company will fulfill its obligations in relation to claims under its workers' compensation policy.
(c) Accounts receivable
A provision for customer bad debts is provided as a percentage of accounts receivable based on historical experience and is included within selling, general and administrative expense. A provision for noncustomer bad debt expense, related to amounts due from vendors for unsold and returned products, is provided based on an estimate of the probable expected losses and is included in cost of goods sold.
(d) Inventories
Inventories, consisting primarily of products held for sale, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out method. Assessments about the realizability of inventory require the Company to make judgments based on currently available information about the likely method of disposition including sales to individual customers, returns to product vendors, liquidations and the estimated recoverable values of each disposition category.
(e) Property and equipment
The costs of property and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method beginning in the month of acquisition or in-service date. Transponders under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in net income. The costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
(f) Capitalized interest
The Company capitalizes interest cost incurred on debt during the construction of major projects exceeding one year. Capitalized interest was not material to the consolidated financial statements for any periods presented.
II-26
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(g) Internally developed software
Internal software development costs are capitalized in accordance with guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use, and are classified within other intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company amortizes computer software and internal software development costs over an estimated useful life of approximately three years using the straight-line method.
(h) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicated that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeded the reporting unit's fair value.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
QVC utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary. The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, QVC reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of its reporting units. A reporting unit is defined in accounting guidance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP") as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. The Company considers whether there were any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges and the legal environments, and how these factors might impact country specific performance in future periods.
If a step one test is considered necessary based on the qualitative factors, the Company compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Developing estimates of fair value requires significant judgments, including making assumptions about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, relevant comparable market multiples, public trading prices and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in the Company's valuation analysis are based on management's best estimates considering current marketplace factors and risks as well as assumptions of growth rates in future years. There is no assurance that actual results in the future will approximate these forecasts. Any excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over the fair value is recorded as an impairment charge.
There were no goodwill impairments recorded during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
The accounting guidance also permits entities to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, exceeds its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
II-27
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(i) Translation of foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date and the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustments, net of applicable income taxes, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in equity.
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses, which are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as unrealized (based on the applicable period-end exchange rate) or realized upon settlement of the transactions.
(j) Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue at the time of delivery to customers. The revenue for shipments in-transit is recorded as deferred revenue.
The Company's general policy is to allow customers to return merchandise for up to thirty days after the date of shipment. An allowance for returned merchandise is provided at the time revenue is recorded as a percentage of sales based on historical experience. The total reduction in net revenue due to returns for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 aggregated to $1,811 million, $1,815 million and $1,939 million, respectively.
A summary of activity in the allowance for sales returns, recorded on a net margin basis, was as follows:
The Company evaluates the criteria for reporting revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, in determining whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. Generally, the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement, has inventory risk, has latitude in establishing the selling price and selecting suppliers, and accordingly, records revenue gross.
Sales and use taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and, therefore, are excluded from net revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.
(k) Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold primarily includes actual product cost, provision for obsolete inventory, buying allowances received from suppliers, shipping and handling costs and warehouse costs.
(l) Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs amounted to $86 million, $84 million and $87 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These costs were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
(m) Stock-based compensation
As described in note 10, the Company and Liberty have granted certain stock-based awards to employees of the Company. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the award). Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
II-28
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(n) Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, internally developed software and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Impairment charges are recognized as an acceleration of depreciation expense or amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
(o) Derivatives
The Company accounts for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair values. Fair value is based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. For derivatives designated as hedges, changes in the fair value are either offset against the changes in fair value of the designated hedged item through earnings or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.
The Company generally enters into derivative contracts that it intends to designate as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting cash flows of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss to the extent that the derivative is effective as a hedge, until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash flow hedge is reported in earnings.
(p) Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using statutory tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of an enacted change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in other (expense) income in the consolidated statements of operations.
(q) Noncontrolling interest
The Company reports the noncontrolling interest of QVC-Japan within equity in the consolidated balance sheets and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is presented in the consolidated statements of operations.
II-29
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(r) Business acquisitions
Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the Company to record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values with the excess of the purchase price over estimated fair values recorded as goodwill. The assumptions made in determining the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities as well as asset lives can materially impact the results of operations. The Company obtains information during due diligence and through other sources to establish respective fair values. Examples of factors and information that the Company uses to determine the fair values include tangible and intangible asset evaluations and appraisals and evaluations of existing contingencies and liabilities. If the initial valuation for an acquisition is incomplete by the end of the quarter in which the acquisition occurred, the Company will record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. The provisional estimate will be finalized as soon as information becomes available, but not later than one year from the acquisition date.
(s) Investment in affiliate
The Company holds an investment in China that is accounted for using the equity method. The equity method of accounting is used when the Company exercises significant influence, but does not have operating control, generally assumed to be 20%-50% ownership. Under the equity method, original investments are recorded at cost and adjusted by their share of undistributed earnings or losses of these companies. The excess of the Company's cost on its underlying interest in the net assets of the affiliate is allocated to identifiable intangible assets and goodwill. Equity investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable.
On July 4, 2012, the Company entered into a joint venture with CNR for a 49% interest in CNRS. The CNRS joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment as a component of other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets and equity in losses of investee in the consolidated statements of operations. CNRS operates a retailing business in China through a televised shopping channel with an associated website. CNRS is headquartered in Beijing, China. The joint venture's strategy is to combine CNRS' knowledge of the digital shopping market and consumers in China with QVC's global experience and know-how in multimedia retailing.
The current investment in CNRS is approximately $40 million classified within other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
(t) Use of estimates in the preparation of consolidated financial statements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates include, but are not limited to, sales returns, uncollectible receivables, inventory obsolescence, medical and other benefit related costs, depreciable lives of fixed assets, internally developed software, valuation of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes and stock-based compensation.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(u) Recent accounting pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing, and in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 which clarifies assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The updated guidance also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of the Company's revenue transactions. The Company will adopt the accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 with a cumulative adjustment that will increase retained earnings approximately $14 million using the modified transition method. The Company has completed their review of the applicable ASU and has concluded it will recognize revenue at the time of shipment to its customers consistent with when title passes. This is a change from the current practice whereby the Company recognizes revenue at the time of delivery to the customers and deferred revenue is recorded to account for the shipments in-transit. The Company has also concluded that it will continue to act as principal in certain vendor arrangements and will recognize credit card income for its QVC-branded credit card as part of net revenue. At the current time, the credit card income is included as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, the Company's balance sheet presentation of its sales return reserve will change to present a separate return asset and liability, instead of the net presentation currently used. The Company will also elect the practical expedient to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when its payment terms are less than one year, as well as the practical expedient to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price sales and similar taxes collected from customers.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. The new principle is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and applies to entities that measure inventory using a method other than last-in, first-out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2017, and there was no significant effect of the standard on its financial reporting.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Statements - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires equity investments with readily determinable fair values (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. The new standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which revises the accounting related to lessee accounting. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. The new lease guidance also simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and should be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. While the Company is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its ongoing financial reporting, it expects that the operating leases listed in note 9 - Leases to the accompanying consolidated financial statements will be recognized as right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption of the new standard.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues to reduce the diversity in practice for appropriate classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU beginning January 1, 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement for impairment by calculating the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard during the fourth quarter of 2017 and there was no significant effect of the standard on its financial reporting.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, to provide clarity to which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect that the adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
(v) Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. For the year ended December 31, 2016, certain amounts within the deferred tax liability table in note 11 - Income Taxes were reclassified in order to conform with current period presentation.
(3) Accounts Receivable
The Company has two credit programs, the QVC Easy-Pay Plan offered in the U.S., Germany, the U.K., and Italy (known as Q-Pay in Germany and Italy) and the QVC-U.S. revolving credit card program. The QVC Easy-Pay Plan permits customers to pay for items in two or more installments. When the QVC Easy-Pay Plan is offered by QVC and elected by the customer, the first installment is typically billed to the customer's credit card upon shipment. Generally, the customer's credit card is subsequently billed up to five additional monthly installments until the total purchase price of the products has been billed by the Company.
In 2014, QVC-U.S. amended and restated its agreement with a large consumer financial services company (the "Bank") pursuant to which the Bank provides revolving credit directly to QVC's customers for the sole purpose of purchasing merchandise or services with a QVC branded credit card ("Q Card"). The agreement with the Bank was amended and restated in March 2017. The Company receives a portion of the net economics of the credit card program. The Company cannot predict the extent to which customers will use the Q Card, nor the extent that they will make payments on their outstanding balances. The net amount of finance income resulting from credit card operations is included as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses and was $105 million, $100 million and $92 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company also accepts major credit cards for its sales. Accounts receivable from major credit cards represents amounts owed to QVC from the credit card clearing houses for amounts billed but not yet collected.
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in millions):
The carrying value of accounts receivable, adjusted for the reserves described above, approximates fair value as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
(4) Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Disposal of assets reduced property and equipment by $40 million and $65 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(5) Television Distribution Rights, Net
Television distribution rights consisted of the following:
The Company enters into affiliation agreements with television providers for carriage of the Company's shopping service, as well as for certain channel placement. If these television providers were to add additional subscribers to the agreement through acquisition, the Company may be required to make additional payments.
The Company's ability to continue to sell products to its customers is dependent on its ability to maintain and renew these affiliation agreements. In some cases, renewals are not agreed upon prior to the expiration of a given agreement while the programming continues to be carried by the relevant distributor without an effective agreement in place. The Company does not have distribution agreements with some of the cable operators that carry its programming.
Television distribution rights are amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the individual agreements. The remaining weighted average lives of the television distribution rights was approximately 2.9 years at December 31, 2017. Amortization expense for television distribution rights was $157 million, $193 million and $189 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The decrease in the gross presentation of television distribution rights and the related accumulated amortization at December 31, 2017 is primarily due to the end of the useful lives of television distribution rights in place at the time of Liberty's acquisition of QVC in 2003.
As of December 31, 2017, related amortization expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
In return for carrying QVC's signals, each programming distributor in the U.S. receives an allocated portion, based upon market share, of up to 5% of the net sales of merchandise sold via the television programs and from certain internet sales to customers located in the programming distributors' service areas. In Germany, Japan, the U.K., Italy and France, programming distributors predominately receive an agreed-upon annual fee, a monthly fee per subscriber regardless of the net sales, a variable percentage of net sales or some combination of the above arrangements. The Company recorded expense related to these commissions of $298 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and $293 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is included as part of operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(6) Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
N/A - Not applicable.
Disposal of assets reduced other intangible assets by $20 million and $52 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $207 million, $270 million and $265 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, the related amortization and interest expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
(7) Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(8) Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
Senior Secured Notes
All of QVC's senior secured notes are secured by the capital stock of QVC and certain of its subsidiaries and have equal priority to the senior secured credit facility. The interest on all of QVC's senior secured notes is payable semi-annually.
(a) 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
On March 18, 2014, QVC issued $400 million principal amount of 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at an issue price of 99.828%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(b) 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
On July 2, 2012, QVC issued $500 million principal amount of 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 at par. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(c) 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023
On March 18, 2013, QVC issued $750 million principal amount of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 at an issue price of 99.968%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to reduce the outstanding principal of previously outstanding notes and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
(d) 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024
On March 18, 2014, QVC issued $600 million principal amount of 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 at an issue price of 99.927%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under QVC’s senior secured credit facility and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(e) 4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
On August 21, 2014, QVC issued $600 million principal amount of 4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 at an issue price of 99.860%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used for the redemption of previously outstanding notes, for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(f) 5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034
On August 21, 2014, QVC issued $400 million principal amount of 5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034 at an issue price of 99.784%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used for the redemption of previously outstanding notes, for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(g) 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043
On March 18, 2013, QVC issued $300 million principal amount of 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043 at an issue price of 99.973%. The net proceeds from the offerings of these notes were used to reduce the principal of previously outstanding notes and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On June 23, 2016, QVC entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with zulily as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”) which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.65 billion revolving credit facility with a $300 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by the Company or zulily with an additional $50 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit (see note 13). The remaining $2.25 billion and any incremental loans may be borrowed only by the Company. Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.25% and 0.75% depending on the Borrowers’ combined ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (the “Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio”). Borrowings that are London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR rate plus a margin that varies between 1.25% and 1.75% depending on the Borrowers’ Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Because the calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio was revised to include zulily, the effective interest rate margins, on the date that the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into, decreased from the interest rate margins under the previous bank credit facility. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. No mandatory prepayments will be required other than when borrowings and letter of credit usage exceed availability; provided that, if zulily ceases to be controlled by Liberty, all of its loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. The facility matures on June 23, 2021, except that $140 million of the $2.25 billion commitment available to QVC matures on March 9, 2020. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default.
QVC had $877 million available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at December 31, 2017, including the portion available under the $400 million tranche that zulily may also borrow on. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 3.0% at December 31, 2017.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of the Company's senior secured credit facility, provide zulily the opportunity to borrow on the senior secured credit facility, and lower the interest rate on borrowings. The payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of QVC’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). Further, the borrowings under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured, pari passu with QVC’s existing notes, by a pledge of all of QVC’s equity interests. In addition, the payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations with respect to the $400 million tranche available to both QVC and zulily are also guaranteed by zulily and secured by a pledge of all of zulily’s equity interests.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Company and zulily and each of their respective restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; and limiting the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and the Borrowers’ Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
During the year ended December 31, 2016, QVC entered into a three-year interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $125 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. The swap arrangement does not qualify as a cash flow hedge under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the swap are reflected in gain on financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of the swap instrument was in a net asset position of approximately $2 million which was included in other noncurrent assets.
Other Debt Related Information
On April 15, 2015, QVC completed the redemption of previously outstanding senior secured notes which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of $21 million. No such transaction occurred in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at December 31, 2017.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
The weighted average interest rate applicable to all of the outstanding debt (excluding capital and build to suit leases) prior to amortization of bond discounts and related debt issuance costs was 4.2% as of December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, outstanding trade letters of credit totaled $16 million and $18 million, respectively.
(9) Leases
Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital leases with initial terms of one year or more and the lease related to the Company's California distribution center (build to suit lease) at December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company distributes its television programs, via satellite and optical fiber, to cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators for retransmission to its subscribers in the U.S., Germany, Japan, the U.K., France and neighboring countries. The Company also transmits its television programs over digital terrestrial broadcast television to viewers throughout Italy, Germany, and the U.K. and to viewers in certain geographic regions in the U.S. In the U.S., the Company uplinks its digital programming transmissions using a third party service. The transmissions are uplinked to protected, non-preemptible transponders on U.S. satellites. "Protected" status means that, in the event of a transponder failure, QVC's signal will be transferred to a spare transponder or, if none is available, to a preemptible transponder located on the same satellite or, in certain cases, to a transponder on another satellite owned by the same service provider if one is available at the time of the failure. "Non-preemptible" status means that, in the event of a transponder failure, QVC's transponders cannot be preempted in favor of a user of a failed transponder, even another user with "protected status." The Company's international business units each obtain uplinking services from third parties and transmit their programming to non-preemptible transponders on international satellites and terrestrial transmitters. QVC's transponder service agreements for the Company's U.S. transponders expire at the earlier of the end of the lives of the satellites or the service agreements.
The Company has entered into fourteen separate capital lease agreements with transponder and transmitter network suppliers to transmit its signals in the U.S., Germany and France at an aggregate monthly cost of $1 million. The Company also is party to a capital lease agreement for data processing hardware. Depreciation expense related to the capital leases was $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $12 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Total future minimum capital lease payments of $72 million include $4 million of imputed interest. The transponder service agreements for our U.S. transponders expire between 2018 and 2023. The service agreements for our international transponders and terrestrial transmitters expire between 2019 and 2027.
Expenses for operating leases, principally for data processing equipment, facilities, satellite uplink service agreements and the California distribution center land, amounted to $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $24 million for each of years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
On July 2, 2015, QVC entered into a lease (the “Lease”) for a California distribution center. Pursuant to the Lease, the landlord built an approximately one million square foot rental building in Ontario, California (the “Premises”), and thereafter leased the Premises to QVC as its new California distribution center for an initial term of 15 years. Under the Lease, QVC is required to pay an initial base rent of approximately $6 million a year, increasing to approximately $8 million a year by the final year of the initial term, as well as all real estate taxes and other building operating costs. QVC also has an option to extend the term of the Lease for up to two consecutive terms of 10 years each.
QVC has the right to purchase the Premises and related land from the landlord by entering into an amended and restated agreement at any time during the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth months of the Lease's initial term, which will occur in June and July of 2018, with a $10 million initial payment and annual payments of $12 million over a term of 13 years.
The Company concluded that it was the deemed owner (for accounting purposes only) of the Premises during the construction period under build to suit lease accounting. Building construction began in July of 2015. During the construction period, the Company recorded estimated project construction costs incurred by the landlord as a projects in progress asset and a corresponding long-term liability in "Property and equipment, net" and "Other long-term liabilities," respectively, on its consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Company paid for normal tenant improvements and certain structural improvements and recorded these amounts as part of the projects in progress asset. Upon completion of construction, the long-term liability was reclassified to debt. The Company incurred construction costs of $89 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. No such cost were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2017. Refer to note 8 for the build to suit lease obligation as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, related to the California distribution center.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
On August 29, 2016, the California distribution center officially opened. The Company evaluated whether the Lease met the criteria for "sale-leaseback" treatment under U.S. GAAP and concluded that it did not. Therefore, the Company treats the Lease as a financing obligation and lease payments are attributed to: (1) a reduction of the principal financing obligation; (2) imputed interest expense; and (3) land lease expense representing an imputed cost to lease the underlying land of the Premises. In addition, the building asset is being depreciated over its estimated useful life of 20 years. Although the Company did not begin making monthly lease payments pursuant to the Lease until February 2017, the portion of the lease obligations allocated to the land has been treated for accounting purposes as an operating lease that commenced in 2015. If the Company does not exercise its right to purchase the Premises and related land, the Company will derecognize both the net book values of the asset and the financing obligation at the conclusion of the lease term.
(10) Stock Options and Other Share-Based Payments
Certain QVC employees and officers have received stock options (the "Options") and restricted shares in Series A Liberty Interactive common stock ( “QVCA”) and Series A Liberty Ventures common stock ("LVNTA") in accordance with the Liberty Interactive Corporation 2000 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time; the Liberty Interactive Corporation 2007 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time; the Liberty Interactive Corporation 2010 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time; and the Liberty Interactive Corporation 2012 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (collectively, the "Liberty Incentive Plan").
(a) Stock options
CommerceHub, Inc. Spin-Off
In connection with the spin-off of CommerceHub ("CommerceHub Spin-Off") in July 2016, all outstanding awards with respect to Liberty Ventures common stock as of the record date for the CommerceHub Spin-Off (“Liberty Ventures Award”) were adjusted pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the incentive plans under which the equity awards were granted, such that:
i.
A holder of a Liberty Ventures Award who was a member of the board of directors or an officer of Liberty holding the position of Vice President or above received (i) an adjustment to the exercise price and the number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award (as so adjusted, an “Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award”) and (ii) a corresponding equity award relating to shares of the corresponding series of CommerceHub common stock, as well as Series C CommerceHub common stock (in each case, a “CommerceHub Award”); and
ii.
Each other holder of a Liberty Ventures Award received only an adjustment to the exercise price and the number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award (also referred to as an “Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award”).
The exercise prices and number of shares subject to the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Awards and the CommerceHub Awards were determined based on (1) the exercise prices and number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award, (2) the distribution ratios used in the CommerceHub Spin-Off, (3) the pre-CommerceHub Spin-Off trading price of the Liberty Ventures common stock and (4) the post-CommerceHub Spin-Off trading prices of Liberty Ventures common stock and CommerceHub common stock, such that all of the pre-CommerceHub Spin-Off intrinsic value of the Liberty Ventures Award was allocated between the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award and the CommerceHub Award, or fully to the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award.
Following the CommerceHub Spin-Off, employees of QVC may hold Awards in both Liberty Ventures common stock and CommerceHub common stock. The compensation expense relating to employees of QVC is recorded at QVC.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. Split-Off
In connection with the split-off of Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. (“Expedia Holdings”) from Liberty (the “Expedia Holdings Split-Off”) in November 2016, all outstanding Awards with respect to Liberty Ventures common stock (a “Liberty Ventures Award”) were adjusted pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the incentive plans under which the equity awards were granted, such that a holder of a Liberty Ventures Award received:
i.
An adjustment to the exercise price and the number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award (as so adjusted, an Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award) and
ii.
A corresponding equity award relating to shares of the corresponding series of Expedia Holdings common stock (an “Expedia Holdings Award”)
The exercise prices of and number of shares subject to the new Expedia Holdings Award and the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award were determined based on (1) the exercise price and number of shares subject to the original Liberty Ventures Award, (2) the redemption ratios used in the Expedia Holdings Split-Off, (3) the pre-Expedia Holdings Split-Off trading price of Liberty Ventures common stock and (4) the relative post-Expedia Holdings Split-Off trading prices of Liberty Ventures common stock and Expedia Holdings common stock, such that the pre-Expedia Holdings Split-Off intrinsic value of the original Liberty Ventures Award was allocated between the new Expedia Holdings Award and the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award.
Following the Expedia Holdings Split-Off, employees of QVC hold Awards in both Liberty Ventures common stock and Expedia Holdings common stock. The compensation expense relating to employees of QVC is recorded at QVC.
Except as described above, all other terms of an Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award, a new Expedia Holdings Award and a new CommerceHub Award (including, for example, the vesting terms thereof) are in all material respects, the same as those of the corresponding original Liberty Ventures Award.
The adjustments related to the CommerceHub Spin-Off and the Expedia Holdings Split-Off were considered modifications under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718 - Stock Compensation but did not result in incremental compensation expense.
A summary of the activity of the Liberty Incentive Plan with respect to the QVCA Options granted to QVC employees and officers as of and during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:
(1) During year ended December 31, 2017, employees were transferred to QVC from zulily and are now employed by QVC. The row represents employees' previous grants prior to being a QVC employee.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of the activity of the Liberty Incentive Plan with respect to the LVNTA Options granted to QVC employees and officers as of and during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:
Upon employee exercise of the Options, the exercise price is remitted to Liberty in exchange for the shares. The aggregate intrinsic value of all Options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $32 million, $28 million and $60 million, respectively.
The weighted average fair value at date of grant of a QVCA Option granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $7.86, $7.84 and $11.20, respectively. There were no LVNTA Options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of each QVCA Option was determined as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected volatility is based on historical and implied volatilities of QVCA common stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the options. The Company estimates the expected term of the options based on historical exercise and forfeiture data. The volatility used in the calculation for the Options is based on the historical volatility of Liberty's stocks and the implied volatility of publicly traded Liberty Options. The Company uses a zero dividend rate and the risk-free rate for Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject Options.
The fair value of the Options is recognized as expense over the requisite service period.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $21 million, $21 million and $24 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to the Options. As of December 31, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Options was approximately $44 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statement of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.7 years.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(b) Restricted stock plan
A summary of the activity of the Liberty Incentive Plan with respect to the QVCA restricted shares granted to QVC employees and officers as of and during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:
(1) During year ended December 31, 2017, employees were transferred to QVC from zulily and are now employed by QVC. The row represents employees' previous grants prior to being a QVC employee.
A summary of the activity of the Liberty Incentive Plan with respect to the LVNTA restricted shares granted to QVC employees and officers as of and during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $10 million, $11 million and $7 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to these shares. As of December 31, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted shares of common stock was approximately $17 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statement of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 years.
Fair value of restricted shares is calculated based on the market price on the day of the granted shares. The weighted average grant date fair value of the QVCA restricted shares granted to QVC employees and officers during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $22.49, $25.86, and $29.22, respectively. There have been no LVNTA restricted shares granted to QVC employees and officers during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
The aggregate fair value of all restricted shares of common stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $10 million, $8 million and $7 million, respectively.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(11) Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, new U.S. federal tax legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted. The new legislation was a significant modification of existing U.S. federal tax law and contains a number of provisions which impacted the tax position of the Company in 2017 and will impact the Company’s tax position in future years. These changes include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, the rules related to a one-time tax on unremitted foreign earnings in 2017, and an increase in the bonus depreciation allowance on certain qualified property. In connection with unremitted foreign earnings, the Company has performed an evaluation of its earnings and profits of its foreign subsidiaries and has determined that deficits in some of the subsidiaries offset the surpluses in others so that no amount is subject to the mandatory repatriation provision of the Act. Entities are required under ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, to record the effect of the change in the period of enactment and to recognize the change as a discrete item in income tax expense from continuing operations.
There are other provisions of the Act which, when they become effective, could impact the Company’s tax expense in future years. These include changes in how foreign earnings are taxed in the U.S., specifically, the participation exemption for certain foreign earnings, the inclusion and related deduction for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), the limitation on the deduction of net interest expense and other changes. The Company is in the process of analyzing the effects of these provisions and will reflect the impact as they become effective.
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:
Pre-tax income was as follows:
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Total income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% in effect in 2017, as a result of the following:
The Company has remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the reduced federal income tax rate of 21% which became effective on January 1, 2018. As a result of the remeasurement, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $284.6 million through operations. This non-cash tax benefit is primarily attributed to the remeasurement at the new lower federal tax rate of deferred tax liabilities related to non-current intangible assets.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are presented below:
In the above table, valuation allowances exist due to the uncertainty of whether or not the benefit of certain net operating losses will ultimately be utilized for income tax purposes.
The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718); Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, in the third quarter of 2016. In accordance with this guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax benefit or expense rather than as additional paid-in capital. The recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies are applied prospectively from January 1, 2016. Pursuant to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, the Company recognized a tax benefit reflected in income tax of $9 million and $7 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The amount of the tax benefit for 2015 reflected in additional paid-in capital is reported in the consolidated statement of equity.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company is party to a Tax Liability Allocation and Indemnification Agreement (the "Tax Agreement") with Liberty. The Tax Agreement establishes the methodology for the calculation and payment of income taxes in connection with the consolidation of the Company with Liberty for income tax purposes. Generally, the Tax Agreement provides that the Company will pay Liberty an amount equal to the tax liability, if any, that it would have if it were to file as a consolidated group separate and apart from Liberty, with exceptions for the treatment and timing of certain items, including but not limited to deferred intercompany transactions, credits, and net operating and capital losses. To the extent that the separate company tax expense is different from the payment terms of the Tax Agreement, the difference is recorded as either a dividend or capital contribution. These differences are related primarily to foreign tax credits recognized by QVC that are creditable under the Tax Agreement when and if utilized in Liberty’s consolidated tax return. The differences recorded during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015, were $31 million and $18 million, respectively, in capital contributions and related primarily to foreign tax credit carryovers being utilized in Liberty's consolidated tax return in excess of those recognized by QVC during the respective tax years. The differences recorded during the year ended December 31, 2016 was a $64 million dividend and related primarily to foreign tax credits recognized by QVC and not utilized in Liberty’s tax return during the tax year. The amounts of the tax-related balance due to Liberty at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $60 million and $75 million, respectively, and are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
A reconciliation of the 2017 beginning and ending amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017 are potential benefits of $39 million (net of an $11 million federal tax effect) that, if recognized, would affect the effective rate on income from continuing operations.
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in other(expense) income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did not have a material amount of interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits or tax penalties.
The Company has tax positions for which the amount of related unrecognized tax benefits could change during 2018. These consist of nonfederal tax issues. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to these issues could have a net decrease of $1 million in 2018 as a result of potential settlements, lapsing of statute of limitations and revisions of settlement estimates.
The Company participates in a consolidated federal return filing with Liberty. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's tax years through 2013 are closed for federal income tax purposes, and the IRS has completed its examination of the Company's 2014, 2015 and 2016 tax years. The Company's 2017 tax year is being examined currently as part of the Liberty consolidated return under the IRS's Compliance Assurance Process program. The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2017, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries were under examination in Germany for 2012 through 2014. As of December 31, 2017, the Company, or one of its subsidiaries was under examination in the states of California, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania. No material assessments have resulted from these audits as of that date.
(12) Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible the Company may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that the amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Network and information systems, including the Internet and telecommunication systems, third party delivery services and other technologies are critical to QVC's business activities. Substantially all of QVC's customer orders, fulfillment and delivery services are dependent upon the use of network and information systems, including the use of third party telecommunication and delivery service providers. If information systems including the Internet or telecommunication services are disrupted, or if the third party delivery services experience a disruption in their transportation delivery services, the Company could face a significant disruption in fulfilling QVC's customer orders and shipment of QVC's products. The Company has active disaster recovery programs in place to help mitigate risks associated with these critical business activities.
(13) Related Party Transactions
On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and the Company believes that zulily's business is complementary to the Company. zulily is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these consolidated financial statements. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, QVC and zulily engaged in multiple transactions relating to sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives, business advisory services and software development. The gross value of these transactions totaled $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Additionally, on June 23, 2016, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility by entering into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement adding a tranche that allows joint borrowing capacity for either QVC or zulily and increasing the revolving credit facility from $2.25 billion to $2.65 billion as explained further in note 8. In accordance with the accounting guidance for obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, QVC will record a liability for amounts it has borrowed under the credit facility plus any additional amount it expects to repay on behalf of zulily. As of December 31, 2017, there was $267 million borrowed by zulily on the $400 million tranche of the senior secured credit facility, none of which the Company expects to repay on behalf of zulily. In addition, zulily had $10 million outstanding in standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2017.
On December 29, 2017, Liberty completed the acquisition of the remaining 62% ownership interest of HSN in an all-stock transaction. HSN is an interactive multi-channel retailer that markets and sells a wide range of third party and proprietary merchandise directly to consumers through various platforms. HSN is attributed to the QVC Group and is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these consolidated financial statements. QVC and HSN are beginning to engage in transactions relating to sales, sourcing of merchandise, marketing initiatives, business advisory services and software development. There were no material transactions for the year ended December 31, 2017.
QVC engages with CommerceHub, which was an approximately 99% owned subsidiary of Liberty prior to the completion of its spin-off from Liberty in July 2016, to handle communications between QVC and certain of its vendors for drop ship sales and returns. CommerceHub is not part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in these consolidated financial statements. During each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, QVC paid CommerceHub for the related services totaling less than $3 million, which did not have a material impact on QVC's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. On July 22, 2016, Liberty completed the CommerceHub Spin-Off. As a result, Liberty and CommerceHub are now separate publicly traded companies.
(14) Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
For assets and liabilities required to be reported or disclosed at fair value, U.S. GAAP provides a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company's assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value were as follows:
The Company's Level 2 financial liabilities are debt instruments with quoted market prices that are not considered to be traded on "active markets," as defined in U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the financial instruments are reported in the foregoing tables as Level 2 fair value instruments.
QVC entered into a 500 million Euro basis swap as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary during the fourth quarter of 2015 and the underlying derivative matured on March 15, 2016. The purpose of this hedge was to protect QVC's investment in the foreign subsidiary against the variability of the U.S. Dollar and Euro exchange rate. The Company entered into a similar hedge of the same net investment in a foreign subsidiary effective March 15, 2016 which subsequently matured on September 15, 2016. Effective September 15, 2016, the Company entered into a foreign exchange forward contract with the same purpose as the previous hedges. The forward contract entailed QVC's sale of 500 million Euro at a forward rate which matured on December 19, 2016. The gain is recognized in other comprehensive income.
(15) Information about QVC's Operating Segments and Geographical Data
During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC began reporting its results based on two operating segments: QVC-U.S. and QVC-International, as a result of the One Q Reorganization Plan ("One Q"). The One Q organizational structure is intended to allow the Company to better leverage its global scale and capabilities, to enhance its competitive position and to create operational efficiencies. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, QVC began allocating certain additional corporate costs for management reporting purposes, which were historically included in its QVC-U.S. segment, to the QVC-International segment. These management cost allocations are related to certain functions such as merchandising, commerce platforms, information technology, human resources, legal, finance, brand and communications, corporate development and administration that support all of QVC’s operations. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, these costs totaled approximately $36 million and $31 million, respectively. No adjustments were made relating to these costs for the year ended December 31, 2015.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
QVC's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is QVC's Chief Executive Officer. QVC's CODM has ultimate responsibility for enterprise decisions. QVC's CODM determines, in particular, resource allocation for, and monitors performance of, the consolidated enterprise, QVC-U.S. and QVC-International. The segment managers have responsibility for operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance within their respective segments. QVC's CODM relies on internal management reporting that analyzes enterprise results and segment results to the Adjusted OIBDA level (see below).
QVC-U.S and QVC-International are retailers of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised-shopping programs as well as via the Internet and mobile applications in certain markets.
The Company evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as net revenue, Adjusted OIBDA, gross margin, average sales price per unit, number of units shipped and revenue or sales per subscriber equivalent. The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation). The Company believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its segments, including the ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking among the Company's businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, and cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Performance measures
Net revenue amounts by product category are not available from QVC's general purpose financial statements.
Other information
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, by segment were as follows:
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes:
The following table summarizes net revenues based on revenues generated by subsidiaries located within the identified geographic area:
The following table summarizes property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, based on physical location:
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(16) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The change in the component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes ("AOCL"), is summarized as follows:
The component of other comprehensive income is reflected in QVC's consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes. The following table summarizes the tax effects related to the component of other comprehensive income:
(17) Employee Benefit Plans
In certain countries, QVC sponsors defined contribution plans, which provide employees an opportunity to make contributions to a trust for investment in a variety of securities. Generally, the Company makes matching contributions to the plans based on a percentage of the amount contributed by employees. The Company's cash contributions to the plans were $18 million, $23 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(18) Subsequent Event
Subsequent to December 31, 2017, QVC declared dividends to Liberty in the amount of $233 million, of which $183 million were paid as of March 1, 2018.
As of March 1, 2018, zulily had $283 million outstanding on the shared tranche within the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(19) Guarantor/Non-guarantor Subsidiary Financial Information
The following information contains the consolidating financial statements for the Company, the parent on a stand-alone basis (QVC, Inc.), the combined subsidiary guarantors (Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc.; Affiliate Investment, Inc.; AMI 2, Inc.; ER Marks, Inc.; QVC Rocky Mount, Inc.; QVC San Antonio, LLC; QVC Global Holdings I, Inc.; and QVC Global Holdings II, Inc.) and the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
In connection with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (refer to note 8), QVC International Ltd is no longer a guarantor subsidiary, and is reflected with the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.
These consolidating financial statements have been prepared from the Company's financial information on the same basis of accounting as the Company's consolidated financial statements. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions, such as management fees, royalty revenue and expense, interest income and expense and gains on intercompany asset transfers. Goodwill and other intangible assets have been allocated to the subsidiaries based on management’s estimates. Certain costs have been partially allocated to all of the subsidiaries of the Company.
With One Q, beginning in 2016, as mentioned in note 15, QVC began allocating certain additional corporate costs for management reporting purposes, which were historically included in its QVC-U.S segment, to the QVC-International segment.
The subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by the Company. All guarantees are full and unconditional and are joint and several. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company to obtain funds from its U.S. subsidiaries, including the guarantors, by dividend or loan. The Company has not presented separate notes and other disclosures concerning the subsidiary guarantors as the Company has determined that such material information is available in the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Balance Sheets
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Balance Sheets
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Operations
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Operations
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Operations
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
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QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(20) Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
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PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Intentionally omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Intentionally omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Intentionally omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Intentionally omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Audit Fees and All Other Fees
The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP and its international affiliates for the audit of QVC's consolidated financial statements for 2017 and 2016 and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP:
(1) Audit fees include fees for the audit and quarterly reviews of QVC's 2017 and 2016 consolidated financial statements, statutory audits, and reviews of registration statements and issuance of consents.
(2) Audit related fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for audit-related services including consultations on proposed financial accounting and reporting-related matters.
(3) Tax fees consist of tax compliance and consultations regarding the tax implications of certain transactions.
Policy on Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditor
The audit committee of Liberty has adopted a policy regarding the pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by QVC's independent auditor. Pursuant to this policy, Liberty's audit committee has approved the engagement of QVC's independent auditor to provide the following services (all of which are collectively referred to as "pre-approved services"):
•
Audit services as specified in the policy, including (i) financial audits of QVC's Company and QVC's subsidiaries, (ii) services associated with QVC's registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed or issued in connection with securities offerings (including comfort letters and consents), (iii) attestations of management reports on QVC's internal controls and (iv) consultations with management as to accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions;
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•
Audit related services as specified in the policy, including (i) due diligence services, (ii) financial statement audits of employee benefit plans, (iii) consultations with management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions, (iv) attest services not required by statute or regulation, (v) certain audits incremental to the audit of QVC's consolidated financial statements, (vi) closing balance sheet audits related to dispositions, and (vii) general assistance with implementation of the requirements of certain SEC rules or listing standards; and
•
Tax services as specified in the policy, including federal, state, local and international tax planning, compliance and review services, and tax due diligence and advice regarding mergers and acquisitions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing general pre-approval, if an individual project involving the provision of pre-approved services is expected to result in fees in excess of $100,000, or if individual projects under $100,000 are expected to total $500,000 during the period between the regularly scheduled meetings of Liberty's audit committee, then such projects will require the specific pre-approval of Liberty's audit committee. Liberty's audit committee has delegated the authority for the foregoing approvals to the chairman of the audit committee, subject to his subsequent disclosure to the entire audit committee of the granting of any such approval. M. Ian G. Gilchrist currently serves as the chairman of Liberty's audit committee. In addition, the independent auditor is required to provide a report at each regularly scheduled audit committee meeting on all pre-approved services incurred during the preceding quarter. Any engagement of QVC's independent auditor for services other than the pre-approved services requires the specific approval of Liberty's audit committee.
Liberty's pre-approval policy prohibits the engagement of QVC's independent auditor to provide any services that are subject to the prohibition imposed by Section 201 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
All services provided by QVC's independent auditor during 2017 were approved in accordance with the terms of the policy.
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PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and financial statement schedules
(a) (1) Financial Statements
Included in Part II of this report:
(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules
(i)
All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(a) (3) Exhibits
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
3 - Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:
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4 - Instruments Defining the Rights to Securities Holders, Including Indentures:
10 - Material Contracts:
21 - Subsidiaries:*
23 - Consents:*
31 - Certification Letters:*
32 - Section 1350 Certification Letter:**
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101 - XBRL:*
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.
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SIGNATURES
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.
QVC, Inc.
Date: March 1, 2018
By:/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE
Michael A. George
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 1, 2018
By:/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI
Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
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 date indicated.
Date: March 1, 2018
By:/s/ MARK D. CARLETON
Mark D. Carleton
Chief Financial Officer of Liberty Interactive, LLC, as the sole member of Liberty QVC Holding, LLC, as Stockholder-Director of QVC, Inc.
Date: March 1, 2018
By:/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE
Michael A. George
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 1, 2018
By:/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI
Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
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