Item 1. Business
Overview
QVC, Inc. markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products primarily through live televised shopping programs distributed to approximately 317 million worldwide households each day (including our joint venture in China as discussed below in further detail) and via our websites and other interactive media, including QVC.com (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) for the year ended December 31, 2014. We believe we are the global leader in television retailing and a leading multimedia retailer, with operations based in the U.S., Germany, Japan, the U.K. and Italy. 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, 2014, approximately 92% 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, respectively). In the same period, we attracted approximately 3.2 million new customers. Our global e-commerce operation comprised $3.5 billion, or 40%, of our consolidated net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014.
We market our products in an engaging, entertaining format primarily through live television programs and interactive features on our websites. In the U.S., we distribute our programming live 24 hours per day, 364 days per year and present on average 819 products every week. Internationally, we distribute live programming 17 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 bricks-and-mortar stores.
Since our inception, we have shipped over 1.7 billion packages in the U.S. alone. We operate nine distribution centers and eight call centers worldwide and are able to ship approximately 94% of our orders within 48 hours of order placement. In 2014, our work force of approximately 17,300 employees handled approximately 167 million customer calls, shipped approximately 173 million units globally and served approximately 12 million customers. We believe our long-term relationships with major U.S. television distributors, including cable operators (e.g., Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox), satellite television providers (e.g., DISH Network and DIRECTV) and telecommunications companies (e.g., Verizon and AT&T), 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 "International operations" below for information on the development of our U.S. and international businesses.
I-1
QVC-U.S.
Our live televised shopping programs are distributed nationally, 24 hours per day, 364 days per year, to approximately 108 million television households. We distribute our programs to approximately 98% of television households subscribing to services offered by television distributors. QVC-U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com, our U.S. website, and mobile applications via streaming video. QVC-U.S., including QVC.com, contributed $6.1 billion, or 68.8%, of consolidated net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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, QVC Plus, which is being distributed through cable and satellite systems. The channel generally offers the same programming as the live channel, but on a three hour pre-recorded delay, which 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.
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 estimate our share of the U.S. televised shopping revenue in 2014, among QVC-U.S. and its two primary televised shopping competitors HSN, Inc. ("HSN") and EVINE Live Inc. ("EVINE Live"), formerly known as ShopHQ, to be approximately two-thirds. 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.
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 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, 2014, approximately 70% of our new U.S. customers made their first purchase through QVC.com.
The table below illustrates QVC.com's growth since 2012:
International operations
Our televised shopping programs reached approximately 120 million television households outside of the U.S., primarily in Germany, Japan, the U.K. and Italy. In addition, our joint venture in China reached approximately 89 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 businesses each employ product sourcing teams who select products tailored to the interests of each local market. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our international operations generated $2.7 billion of consolidated net revenue and $481 million of Adjusted OIBDA (defined below), and our international websites generated $793 million, or 28.9%, of our total international net revenue.
QVC-Germany. QVC-Germany went on air in December 1996 and generated positive Adjusted OIBDA in its seventh year of operation. QVC-Germany broadcasts 17 hours of live programming each day and reaches approximately 41 million total households that are located in both Germany and Austria. Beyond the main channel, QVC-Germany also broadcasts pre-recorded shows on two additional channels, QVC Beauty & Style and QVC Plus, which allows viewers to access a broader range of programming options. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, QVC-Germany produced $970 million in net revenue, which was 11.0% of our consolidated net revenue.
I-2
QVC-Japan. We own 60% of QVC-Japan through a venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui"). QVC-Japan launched in April 2001 and generated positive Adjusted OIBDA in its third year of operation. QVC-Japan broadcasts 24 hours of live programming each day and reaches approximately 27 million total households. In 2014, QVC-Japan launched Q-plus, which consists of infomercial programming by purchasing available airtime on certain channels. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, QVC-Japan produced $908 million in net revenue, which was 10.3% of our consolidated net revenue.
QVC-U.K. QVC-U.K. went on air in October 1993 and generated positive Adjusted OIBDA in its fifth year of operation. QVC-U.K. broadcasts 17 hours of live programming each day and reaches approximately 27 million total households that are located in both the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. Beyond the main channel, QVC-U.K. also broadcasts pre-recorded shows on three additional channels, QVC Beauty, QVC Extra and QVC Style, which allows viewers to access a broader range of programming options. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, QVC-U.K. produced $730 million in net revenue, which was 8.3% of our consolidated net revenue.
QVC-Italy. QVC-Italy went on air in October 2010 and is currently in its fifth year of operation. QVC's shopping program in Italy reaches approximately 25 million households and is broadcast live for 17 hours each day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours each day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours each day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, QVC-Italy produced $138 million in net revenue, which was 1.6% of our consolidated net revenue.
QVC-France. On April 16, 2014, QVC announced plans to expand its global presence into France. Similar to its other markets, QVC plans to offer a highly immersive digital shopping experience, with strong integration across e-commerce, TV, mobile and social platforms, with the launch expected in the summer of 2015.
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 is combining CNRS's existing 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 17 hours each day and recorded programming for seven hours each day. The CNRS joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the 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 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 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.
Operating segments
We have identified six reportable operating segments, which correspond to the geographic areas in which we have operations. As such, our six reportable segments are QVC-U.S., QVC-Germany, QVC-Japan, QVC-U.K., QVC-Italy and QVC-France. For financial information about our operating segments and corresponding geographic areas, 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," each of which are included elsewhere in this document.
I-3
Merchandise
We believe that our ability to combine product and programming helps us create competitive advantages over traditional bricks-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 819 products every week on our live televised programming, approximately 22% 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) beauty, (iii) apparel, (iv) jewelry, (v) accessories and (vi) electronics, which, in 2014, accounted for 32%, 17%, 16%, 12%, 12% and 11%, respectively, of our consolidated shipped sales. For the year ended December 31, 2013, such percentages were 31%, 17%, 16%, 12%, 12% and 12%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, such percentages were 30%, 16%, 16%, 13%, 12% and 13%, respectively. Many of our brands are exclusive, while others are created by well-known designers.
A key difference between us and traditional bricks-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 Ellen Degeneres, Isaac Mizrahi and Rachael Ray 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.
Distribution
We distribute our television programs, via satellite and optical fiber, to cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators for retransmission to their subscribers in the U.S., Germany, Japan, the U.K. and neighboring countries. We also transmit our television programs over digital terrestrial broadcast television to viewers throughout Italy, the U.K. and to viewers in certain geographic regions in the U.S and Germany. In the U.S., we uplink our analog and digital programming transmissions using a third party service. Both transmissions are uplinked to protected, non-preemptible transponders on U.S. satellites. "Protected" status means that, in the event of a transponder failure, our 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, our transponders cannot be preempted in favor of a user of a failed transponder, even another user with "protected status." Our international business units each obtain uplinking services from third parties and transmit their programming to non-preemptible transponders on international satellites. Our transponder service agreements for our 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 in 2019 through 2020. Our transponder service agreements for our international transponders expire in 2015 through 2024.
I-4
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 HD service. QVCHD is a high-definition simulcast of our U.S. telecast utilizing the full 16x9 screen ratio, while keeping the side panel for additional information. High-definition, or 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 reached approximately 80 million television households, as we continue to develop and launch features to further enrich the television viewing experience.
Beyond the main QVC channels, including QVCHD, the U.S., Germany and the U.K also broadcast pre-recorded shows on additional channels that offer viewers access to a broader range of QVC programming options. These channels include QVC Plus in the U.S., QVC Beauty & Style and QVC Plus 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 2015 to 2022. 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 6% of our U.S. distribution, and short-term, rolling 90 day letters of extension, to distributors who represent approximately 24% 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. In Germany, Japan, the U.K. and Italy, 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.
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.
Demographics of customers
We enjoy a very loyal customer base, as demonstrated by the fact that for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, approximately 86% 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 $1,328 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).
We believe our core customer base represents an attractive demographic target market. Based on internal customer data, approximately 53% of our 8 million U.S. customers for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 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 three U.S. phone centers located in San Antonio, Texas; Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Chesapeake, Virginia that can direct calls from one call center to another as volume mandates. This ability to transfer calls reduces a caller's hold time, helping to ensure that orders will not be lost as a result of abandoned or unanswered calls. We also have one phone center in each of Japan, the U.K. and Italy and two call centers in Germany. 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 29% of all orders taken on a worldwide basis.
I-5
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, Android and Blackberry applications, a WAP (wireless application protocol) mobile website and a robust SMS (short message services) program. On a global basis, customers placed approximately 17% of all orders directly through their mobile devices in 2014.
Through our nine worldwide distribution centers, we shipped approximately 94% of our orders within 48 hours of order placement in the year ended December 31, 2014. Our U.S. distribution centers are located in Suffolk, Virginia; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; West Chester, Pennsylvania; Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and Florence, South Carolina. Our U.S. distribution centers have shipped over 570,000 units in a single day. 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 bricks-and-mortar retailers. In recent years, we have made significant investments in our distribution centers and information technology systems 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 bricks-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.
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, 2014, we are the leading television retailer in the U.S. and generate substantially more net revenue than our two closest televised shopping competitors, HSN (an entity in which Liberty had a 38% ownership interest as of December 31, 2014) and EVINE Live, formerly known as ShopHQ. Our international operations face similar competition in their respective markets, such as Shop Channel in Japan, HSE 24 in Germany and Ideal World in the U.K. 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.
Employees
We employed approximately 17,300 full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 2014. 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.
I-6
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:
•
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 recent adoption of revised Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising and Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.
•
The Food and Drug Administration which 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.
•
The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") which requires products that make certain types of claims, such as "anti-bacterial," be registered with the EPA prior to making such claims.
•
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, which outline procedures that must be followed when telemarketing or placing particular types of calls to consumers.
•
The Consumer Product Safety Commission which has specific regulations regarding products that present unreasonable risks of injuries to consumers.
•
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.
•
Comparable regulatory agencies and regulations in foreign countries.
In addition, the FCC regulates the Company’s affiliates, such as cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite 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 United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1993, and FCC notices of proposed rulemaking to consider these rules remain pending.
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 March 4, 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.
I-7
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 on December 13, 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 affiliates, and in order to allow its affiliates to meet the FCC's safe harbor, the Company has posted a CALM Act compliance certification to a website that is available to its affiliates.
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 affiliates, and are enforced with respect to the Company’s programming through its affiliation agreements with its distributors. Beginning in 2012, the FCC adopted regulations pursuant to the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 ("CVAA") 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 IP-delivered programming covered by these new IP-captioning rules began in March 2012, with particular deadlines tied to various categories of programming (e.g., pre-recorded, live or near-live, clips, etc.). The Company is subject to the new IP-captioning rules as a Video Programming Owner (“VPO”) and as a Video Programming Distributor (“VPD”) that distributes covered programming on its website and via mobile platforms. In February 2014, the FCC adopted closed captioning quality standards for televised programming distributed by the Company’s distributors. While compliance obligations for the new captioning quality standards are placed directly on the Company’s distributors, under the new rules, the Company’s distributors can demonstrate compliance with the new rules by relying on a certification from programmers, such as the Company, that either 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 take effect in March 2015. 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.
I-8
In the U.S., we have registered trademarks and service marks for a variety of items including, but not limited to our brand name, "QVC" and "Quality Value Convenience," the "Q QVC Ribbon Logo," "Q" and 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," "Breezies," "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.
Liberty relationship and related party transactions
We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. On August 9, 2012, Liberty completed the recapitalization of its common stock into shares of the corresponding series of two new tracking stocks, Liberty Interactive (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB), of which we were a part of, and Liberty Ventures (Nasdaq: LVNTA, LVNTB). On October 3, 2014, we declared and paid a dividend in cash to Liberty in the amount of $1 billion with funds drawn from the Company's credit facility. Additionally, Liberty reattributed from the Interactive Group to the Ventures Group $970 million in cash and certain of its digital commerce companies, including Backcountry.com, Inc., Bodybuilding.com, LLC, CommerceHub, Provide Commerce, Inc., Evite, Inc. and LMC Right Start, Inc. As a result of these transactions, the Interactive Group is now referred to as the QVC Group, which tracks our Company and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, one of our two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The Liberty Interactive tracking stock trading symbol LINTA was changed to "QVCA" and the "LINTB" trading symbol to "QVCB," effective October 7, 2014. The foregoing transactions are referred to as the "2014 Reattribution."
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 $1.8 billion of dividends to Liberty during 2014, $1.0 billion of dividends to Liberty during 2013 and $1.8 billion of dividends to Liberty during 2012. See also Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Weak economic conditions worldwide may reduce consumer demand for our products and services
The 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 continue to 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 Japan and Europe, remain uncertain, persist, or deteriorate further, 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 remain weak or 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 HSN and EVINE Live, formerly known as ShopHQ, in the U.S., Shop Channel in Japan, HSE 24 in Germany and Ideal World in the U.K., 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.
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.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, that, if not properly remediated, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As described in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures,” we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of December 31, 2014 due to a material weakness at the Company. Specifically, we identified a material weakness relating to the design and effectiveness of information technology general controls intended to ensure (i) that access to applications and data, and the ability to make program changes, were adequately restricted to appropriate personnel and (ii) that the activities of individuals with access to modify data and make program changes were appropriately monitored. This material weakness did not result in any misstatements of our consolidated financial statements and disclosures for any annual or interim period.
As further described in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures,” the Company is in the process of taking the necessary steps to remediate the material weakness that we identified and have made enhancements to the Company's control procedures; however, the material weakness will not be remediated until the necessary controls have been implemented and are determined to be operating effectively. Although no assurance can be given as to when the remediation plan will be completed, management believes the remediation efforts will be completed during the third quarter of 2015.
We cannot assure you that our efforts to fully remediate this internal control weakness will be successful or that additional or similar material weaknesses will not develop or be identified.
Implementing any appropriate changes to the Company's internal controls may distract its officers and employees and entail material costs to implement new processes and/or modify its existing processes. Moreover, these changes do not guarantee that we will be effective in maintaining the adequacy of our internal controls, and any failure to maintain that adequacy, or consequent inability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could harm our business.
I-11
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.
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
We currently distribute our programming through affiliation or transmission agreements with many television providers, including, but not limited to, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Time Warner Cable and Cox in the U.S., JCN, Jupiter Telecommunications, Ltd., Sky Perfect and World Hi-Vision Channel, Inc. in Japan, Kabel Deutschland Vertrieb und Service GmbH, Media Broadcast GmbH, SES ASTRA, SES Platform Services GmbH, Telekom Deutschland GmbH, Unitymedia Kabel BW GmbH, Tele Columbus and Primacom in Germany, A1 Telekom Austria AG and UPC Telekabel Wien GmbH in Austria, Arqiva, British Sky Broadcasting, Freesat, SDN and Virgin Media in the U.K. and Mediaset, Hot Bird and Sky Italia in Italy. Our affiliation agreements with distributors are scheduled to expire between 2015 and 2022.
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 6% of our U.S. distribution, and short-term, rolling 90 day letters of extension, to distributors who represent approximately 24% 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. 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.
I-12
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:
•
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;
•
more competitors entering the marketplace; or
•
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.
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 the 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. However, we do have transponder service agreements in the U.K. and Germany that will expire in 2015. 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. Although we consider the transponder service agreements that are expiring in 2015 to be in the ordinary course, the failure to successfully renew or negotiate new transmission agreements that results in an inability to transmit our programming would result in lost revenue and could result in lost customers.
I-13
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, or 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, or 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 may 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.
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. 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. 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.
I-14
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.
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 March 4, 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.
I-15
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 commerce, such as those regulating the sending of unsolicited, commercial electronic mail. 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, use and disclosure 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, our business receives, transmits and stores a large volume of personally identifiable information and other user data. The 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 storing, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personally identifiable information and user data. Specifically, personally identifiable information is increasingly subject to 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. 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 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 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.
I-16
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:
•
fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
•
longer payment cycles for sales in foreign countries that may increase the uncertainty associated with recoverable accounts;
•
recessionary conditions and economic instability, including fiscal policies that are implementing austerity measures in certain countries, which are affecting markets overseas;
•
our ability to repatriate funds held by our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. at favorable tax rates;
•
potentially adverse tax consequences;
•
export and import restrictions, tariffs and other trade barriers;
•
increases in taxes and governmental royalties and fees;
•
changes in foreign and U.S. laws, regulations and policies that govern operations of foreign-based companies;
•
changes to general consumer protection laws and regulations;
•
difficulties in staffing and managing international operations; and
•
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.
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.
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:
•
reduced visibility of order status and package tracking;
•
delays in order processing and product delivery; and
•
reduced shipment quality, which may result in damaged products and customer dissatisfaction.
I-17
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.
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 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 23% of our global revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year 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., 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 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 QVC. We cannot predict whether customers will pay all of their Easy-Pay installments.
I-18
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, 2014, we had total debt of approximately $4.6 billion, consisting of $4.0 billion in senior secured notes, $0.5 billion under our senior secured credit facility and $74 million of capital lease obligations. We also had an additional $1.5 billion available for borrowing under our senior secured credit facility as of that date. We may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future.
I-19
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:
•
require a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
•
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;
•
increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions; or
•
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:
•
make it difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including making scheduled principal and interest payments on the notes and our other indebtedness;
•
restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;
•
limit our ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general business purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;
•
limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and industry;
•
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our less leveraged competitors; and
•
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.
I-20
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:
•
incur or assume liens or additional debt or provide guarantees in respect of obligations of other persons;
•
pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
•
prepay, redeem or repurchase debt;
•
make loans, investments and capital expenditures;
•
enter into agreements that restrict distributions from our subsidiaries;
•
sell assets and capital stock of our subsidiaries;
•
enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
•
enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
•
consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person; and
•
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. Our ability to meet this leverage ratio 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 QVC's consolidated leverage ratio would be no greater than 3.50 to 1.0 (under QVC's senior secured credit facility, this ratio is 3.25 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 deplete QVC's retained earnings 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.
I-21
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
We own our corporate headquarters and operations center in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which consists of office space and includes executive offices, television studios, showrooms, broadcast facilities and administrative offices for QVC. We also own call centers in San Antonio, Texas; Port St. Lucie, Florida; Chesapeake, Virginia; Bochum and Kassel, Germany and Chiba-Shi, Japan. We own distribution centers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and West Chester, Pennsylvania; Suffolk, Virginia; Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Florence, South Carolina; Sakura-shi, Chiba, Japan and Hücklehoven, Germany. Additionally, we own multi-functional buildings in Knowsley, United Kingdom and Brugherio, Italy. To supplement the facilities we own, we also lease various facilities worldwide. In 2013, QVC-Japan transitioned to its new headquarters in Japan that includes television studios, broadcast facilities, administrative offices and a call center. The total project cost was approximately $220 million. QVC-Germany owns its headquarters in Germany that includes television studios, broadcast facilities and administrative offices. In 2012, QVC-U.K. transitioned to its new leased headquarters in the U.K. that includes television studios, broadcast facilities and administrative offices. QVC-U.K. made certain improvements to its new leased facility costing approximately $50 million. In 2014, QVC-Italy took ownership of its previously leased headquarters in Italy that includes television studios, broadcast facilities, administrative offices and a call center for approximately $20 million using exchange rates as of December 31, 2014.
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.
I-22
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 Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty").
See also Item 1. "Business" section, "Liberty relationship and related party transactions" 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 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, QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year ("QVC-U.S."). Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany ("QVC-Germany"), Japan ("QVC-Japan"), the United Kingdom ("QVC-U.K.") and Italy ("QVC-Italy"). QVC-Germany distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming, QVC-Japan distributes live programming 24 hours per day, and QVC-U.K. distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. QVC-Italy distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television.
The Company's Japanese operations are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $42 million, $45 million and $29 million, respectively.
Additionally, 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 distributes live programming for 17 hours per day and recorded programming for seven hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the consolidated statements of operations.
On April 16, 2014, QVC announced plans to expand its global presence into France. Similar to its other markets, QVC plans to offer a highly immersive digital shopping experience, with strong integration across e-commerce, TV, mobile and social platforms, with the launch expected in the summer of 2015.
II-1
We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. On August 9, 2012, Liberty completed the recapitalization of its common stock into shares of the corresponding series of two new tracking stocks, Liberty Interactive (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB), of which we were a part of, and Liberty Ventures ("Ventures Group") (Nasdaq: LVNTA, LVNTB). On October 3, 2014, we declared and paid a dividend in cash to Liberty in the amount of $1 billion with funds drawn from the Company's credit facility. Additionally, Liberty reattributed from the Interactive Group to the Ventures Group $970 million in cash and certain of its digital commerce companies, including Backcountry.com, Inc., Bodybuilding.com, LLC, CommerceHub, Provide Commerce, Inc., Evite, Inc. and LMC Right Start, Inc. As a result of these transactions, the Interactive Group is now referred to as the QVC Group, which tracks our Company and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc. ("HSN"), one of our two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The Liberty Interactive tracking stock trading symbol "LINTA" was changed to "QVCA" and the "LINTB" trading symbol to "QVCB," effective October 7, 2014. The foregoing transactions are referred to as the "2014 Reattribution."
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. In 2015, 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.
QVC's future net revenue growth will primarily depend on international expansion, 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 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, QVC Plus, which is being distributed through cable and satellite systems. The channel generally offers the same programming as the live channel, but on a three hour pre-recorded delay, which 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.
Internationally, beyond the main QVC channels, QVC-Germany and QVC-U.K also broadcast pre-recorded shows on additional channels that offer viewers access to a broader range of QVC programming options. These channels include QVC Beauty & Style and QVC Plus in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra and QVC Style in the U.K.
The 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 continue to 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 Japan and Europe, remain uncertain, persist, or deteriorate further, 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 remain weak or 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.
II-2
Results of Operations
QVC's operating results were as follows:
Net revenue
Net revenue was generated in the following geographical areas:
II-3
QVC's consolidated net revenue increased 2.1% and 1.3% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years. The 2014 increase of $178 million in net revenue was primarily comprised of $225 million due to a 2.3% increase in units sold partially offset by $49 million of unfavorable foreign currency rate adjustments primarily in Japan. Additionally, net revenue was positively impacted by a decrease in the return rate from 19.8% in 2013 to 19.4% in 2014. This was driven by international improvements primarily in Germany and Japan. The return rate improved in Germany primarily due to lower return rates in all categories and to a lesser extent a positive mix shift from apparel and jewelry to home. The return rate improved in Japan primarily due to lower returns in jewelry, apparel and accessories and a greater mix of beauty.
The 2013 increase of $107 million in net revenue was primarily comprised of $257 million due to a 2.7% increase in the average selling price per unit (“ASP”) and $155 million due to a 1.6% increase in units sold. These amounts were partially offset by a net $200 million of unfavorable foreign currency rate adjustments primarily in Japan. Additionally, net revenue was negatively impacted by $102 million due to an increase in estimated product returns, primarily in the U.S., Japan and Germany. The increase in returns in the U.S. was primarily due to sales volume and the increases in Japan and Germany were primarily due to higher returns in the apparel and jewelry categories and a greater mix of apparel products that return at higher rates than other categories. Overall returns as a percent of gross product revenue increased to 19.8% from 19.4% in 2012.
During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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.
The percentage increase (decrease) in net revenue for each of QVC's geographic areas in U.S. Dollars and in local currency was as follows:
In 2014, QVC-U.S. net revenue growth was primarily due to a 4.7% increase in units shipped offset by a 0.9% decrease in ASP. QVC-U.S. experienced shipped sales growth in all categories except electronics. QVC-Germany's shipped sales in local currency increased primarily in the home category offset by declines primarily in the apparel and jewelry categories. QVC-Japan's shipped sales in local currency declined in all categories except electronics and beauty. The declines in QVC-Japan's shipped sales in local currency were primarily due to a local consumption tax increase that became effective April 1, 2014. QVC-U.K.'s shipped sales growth in local currency increased primarily in the beauty, home and jewelry categories. QVC-Italy's shipped sales growth in local currency increased primarily in the beauty, accessories and apparel categories.
In 2013, QVC-U.S. net revenue growth was primarily due to a 4.6% increase in ASP as a result of higher rates in the beauty and accessories categories as well as a greater mix of accessories. QVC-U.S. experienced shipped sales growth in all categories except jewelry. QVC-Germany's shipped sales in local currency increased primarily in the apparel and accessories categories, but this growth was more than offset by declines in jewelry and electronics and an increase in estimated product returns. QVC-Japan's shipped sales in local currency improved primarily in the apparel, home and electronics categories, offset by declines in accessories and jewelry and an increase in estimated product returns. QVC-U.K.'s shipped sales growth in local currency was primarily the result of increased sales in the home and beauty categories, partially offset by declines in jewelry. QVC-Italy's sales consisted primarily of home, beauty and apparel products.
Gross profit
QVC's gross profit percentage was 37.0%, 36.6% and 36.4% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in gross profit percentage in 2014 and 2013 was primarily due to improved product margins in the U.S. and the U.K.
II-4
Operating expenses
QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees, telecommunications expenses and production costs. Operating expenses increased $13 million or 1.8% and $25 million or 3.5% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The increase in 2014 was primarily due to a $5 million increase in each of customer service, commissions expenses and credit card processing fees and a $4 million increase in programming and production costs, partially offset by favorable foreign currency exchange rates of $6 million. The increase in customer service expenses was primarily due to the launch of the new European systems platform that created some short-term disruptions and resulted in additional talk times in Germany and an increase in the U.S. due to volume associated with the sales increase. The increase in commission expenses was primarily due to higher programming distribution costs in Japan and sales increases in the U.S. The increase in credit card fees was primarily due to the U.S. sales increase and lower usage of the QVC branded credit card ("Q Card") combined with a higher mix of purchases from customers using credit cards with higher rates charged to merchants. The increase in programming and production costs was primarily due to increased manpower costs in the U.S., partially offset by declines in Germany as a result of a reduction in live programming from 24 to 17 hours per day.
The increase in 2013 was primarily due to a $29 million increase in credit card processing fees and a $17 million increase in commissions expense, offset by a $22 million effect of exchange rates. In regards to the increase in credit card processing fees, QVC-U.S. reached a favorable legal settlement in 2012, which offset the related expenses. Credit card processing fees also increased in 2013 due to the U.S. sales increase and lower usage of the Q Card combined with a higher mix of purchases from customers using credit cards with higher rates charged to merchants. The increase in commissions expense was primarily due to the sales increase in the U.S. and additional programming distribution expenses in Japan.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)
QVC's SG&A expenses include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, credit card income and marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses increased $14 million, and remained consistent as a percent of net revenue, at 6.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and increased $23 million, and as a percent of net revenue, from 6.5% to 6.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as a result of a variety of factors.
The increase in 2014 was primarily related to a $12 million increase in the provision for doubtful accounts, an $11 million increase in outside services expenses and a $10 million increase in personnel expense, partially offset by a $17 million increase in credit card income and a $3 million favorable impact of exchange rates. The increase in the provision for doubtful accounts was primarily due to the increased use of the Easy-Pay installment program in the U.S. and to a lesser extent in Germany. The increase in outside services expenses was primarily due to information technology and commerce platform projects and global market expansion expenses including France. The increase in personnel expenses was primarily due to merit, benefits and severance increases in the U.S. and the France start-up. The increase in credit card income was primarily due to the more favorable economics of the Q Card portfolio in the U.S. and higher bank reserve requirements associated with the U.S. regulatory environment in the prior year. 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. The agreement provides more favorable economic terms for QVC and was effective August 1, 2014.
The increase in 2013 was primarily related to a $35 million increase in personnel expense, a $7 million increase in information technology expense, a $5 million increase in the provision for doubtful accounts and a $2 million decrease in credit card income, offset by a $13 million effect of exchange rates, a $12 million decrease in sales and franchise taxes and a $3 million decrease in rent expense. The increase in personnel expense was primarily due to merit, benefits and bonus increases in the U.S. and the U.K. as well as severance costs in Germany and the U.K. The increase in information technology expense was primarily due to additional cloud-based software solutions in the U.S. and solutions to enhance customer service and productivity in Germany. The increase in the provision for doubtful accounts was primarily due to the increased use of the Easy-Pay installment program in the U.S. The decrease in credit card income was primarily due to the overall economics, including usage, of the Q Card portfolio in the U.S. and higher bank reserve requirements. The decrease in sales and franchise taxes was primarily due to a revision in settlement estimates and credits in the U.S. The decrease in rent expense was primarily due to duplicate running costs including a lease cancellation accrual in the U.K. in 2012 associated with the move to its new headquarters, partially offset by higher rent expense on its new facility in 2013.
II-5
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options and restricted stock granted to certain officers and employees. QVC recorded $44 million, $38 million and $34 million of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in stock-based compensation expense in 2014 was primarily due to the acceleration of vesting of certain awards. The increase in stock-based compensation expense in 2013 was primarily the result of a greater number of shares being expensed on a higher measurement basis and the result of a one-time option exchange transaction (the "Option Exchange") for certain officers in December 2012. Refer to note 10 in the financial statements for further information on the Option Exchange.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following:
The increases in software amortization in 2014 and 2013 were primarily due to solutions to enhance customer service and productivity in the U.S., Germany and Italy.
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 years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011, QVC entered into several interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. QVC assessed the effectiveness of its interest rate swaps using the hypothetical derivative method. During 2013 and 2012, QVC's elected interest terms did not effectively match the terms of the swap arrangements. As a result, the swaps did not qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps were included in gains on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. In March 2013, QVC's notional interest rate swaps of $3.1 billion expired.
This financial statement line item also included a gain in 2013 that resulted from the reversal of a liability for contingent consideration associated with a previous acquisition.
Interest expense, net
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, consolidated net interest expense increased 11.7% and decreased 8.2%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. Interest expense increased in 2014 due to higher average debt balances. The decrease in interest in 2013 was primarily due to lower average interest rates on borrowings.
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 on the statements of operations. The change in foreign currency gain was primarily 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.
II-6
Loss on extinguishment of debt
During the third quarter of 2014, QVC redeemed $769 million of its 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019. The loss was primarily due to premiums paid for the call of these notes.
During the first half of 2013, QVC redeemed $500 million of its 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and $231 million of its 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019. The loss was primarily due to premiums paid for the tenders and calls of these notes.
Refer to note 8 to the consolidated financial statements and the below section, "Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources," for further details.
Income taxes
Our effective tax rate was 35.9%, 35.8% and 36.4% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For all three years, these rates differ from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to state tax expense. In addition, the 2013 rate differs due to the effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes and the 2012 rate differs due to the revision of expected settlement estimates.
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 23% of its revenue in each of the first three quarters of the year 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, 2014, 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.
II-7
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.
7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017
On March 23, 2010, QVC issued $500 million principal amount of 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 at par. On March 18, 2013, $124 million of the 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 were tendered whereby holders of the 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 received consideration of $1,039.40 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. On April 17, 2013, QVC completed the redemption of the remaining $376 million principal amount of its 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, whereby holders received consideration of $1,035.63 for each $1,000 of principal tendered.
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.
7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
On September 25, 2009, QVC issued $1 billion principal amount of 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at an issue price of 98.278%. On March 18, 2013, $231 million of the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 were tendered whereby holders of the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 received consideration of $1,120.00 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. On September 8, 2014, QVC completed the redemption of the remaining balance outstanding on these notes. Holders of the notes received consideration of $1,042.05 for each $1,000 of principal tendered.
7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020
On March 23, 2010, QVC issued $500 million principal amount of 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 at par.
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.
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 issuance of these instruments were used to reduce the outstanding principal under QVC's existing 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 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 QVC’s 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 on September 8, 2014 and 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 QVC’s 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 on September 8, 2014 and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
II-8
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 issuance of these instruments were used to reduce the outstanding principal of QVC's existing 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On March 1, 2013, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility, which provides for a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a $250 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.0 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. QVC may elect that the loans extended under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR Rate or LIBOR, as each is defined in the senior secured credit facility agreement, plus a margin of 0.25% to 2.00% depending on various factors. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving credit facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default. The senior secured credit facility is a multi-currency facility. The senior secured credit facility is secured by the capital stock of QVC. We had $1.5 billion available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at December 31, 2014. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 2.0% at December 31, 2014.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility to March 1, 2018 and lower the interest rate on borrowings.
The senior secured credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions 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 QVC's ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated Adjusted OIBDA.
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011, QVC entered into several interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. QVC assessed the effectiveness of its interest rate swaps using the hypothetical derivative method. During 2013 and 2012, QVC's elected interest terms did not effectively match the terms of the swap arrangements. As a result, the swaps did not qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps were included in gains on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. In March 2013, QVC's notional interest rate swaps of $3.1 billion expired.
Other Debt Related Information
As a result of the refinancing transactions discussed above, we incurred an extinguishment loss of $48 million and $57 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, recorded as loss on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations.
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at December 31, 2014.
During the year, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
The weighted average rate applicable to all of the outstanding debt (excluding capital leases) was 4.7% as of December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, outstanding letters of credit totaled $18 million and $26 million, respectively.
II-9
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 credit facility, and QVC's consolidated leverage ratio would be no greater than 3.25 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 deplete QVC's equity 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.
Additional Cash Flow Information
During the year ended December 31, 2014, QVC's primary uses of cash were $3,049 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $1,765 million of dividends to Liberty, $213 million of capital and cable and satellite television distribution rights expenditures, $32 million in premiums paid for the call of QVC's existing 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and $42 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $1,852 million of principal borrowings on the senior secured credit facility, $1,997 million in proceeds from the issuance of the 3.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2019, 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, 4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, and the 5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034 and $1,213 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of December 31, 2014, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $347 million.
The change in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the previous year was primarily due to variances in accounts payable balances due to timing of payments to vendors.
As of December 31, 2014, $208 million of the $347 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Cash in foreign subsidiaries is generally accessible, but certain tax consequences may reduce the net amount of cash we are able to utilize for U.S. purposes. QVC accrues taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. Approximately one-half 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, 2013, QVC's primary uses of cash were $2,387 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $1,005 million of dividends to Liberty, $269 million of capital and cable and satellite television distribution rights expenditures, $46 million in premiums paid for the redemption of QVC's existing 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and partial redemption of QVC's 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and $45 million in dividend payments from QVC-Japan to Mitsui. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $1,674 million of principal borrowings on the senior secured credit facility, $1,050 million in proceeds from the issuance of the 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 and the 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043 and $973 million of cash provided by operating activities. As of December 31, 2013, QVC's cash and cash equivalents balance (excluding restricted cash) was $457 million.
The change in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the previous year was primarily due to a decrease in net income, the loss on extinguishment of debt and variances in accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances. The variance in accounts payable was primarily due to timing of payments to vendors and the change in accrued liabilities was primarily due to variances in taxes payable balances.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, QVC's primary uses of cash were $1,817 million of dividends to Liberty, $1,246 million of principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations, $246 million of capital expenditures, $95 million paid related to investments in joint ventures and acquisitions, net of cash received, and a $29 million dividend payment from QVC-Japan to Mitsui. These uses of cash were funded primarily with $1,717 million of debt borrowings on the senior secured credit facility, $1,206 million of cash provided by operating activities and $500 million in proceeds from the issuance of the 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022. As of December 31, 2012, QVC's cash balance (excluding restricted cash) was $540 million.
Other
Capital expenditures spending in 2015 is expected to be between $200 to $210 million.
II-10
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, 2014.
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 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, 2014 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.
(2) Amounts (i) are based on the terms of QVC's senior secured credit facility and senior secured notes, (ii) assumes the interest rates on the floating rate debt remain constant at the rates in effect as of December 31, 2014, (iii) assumes that our existing debt is repaid at maturity and (iv) excludes capital lease obligations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 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. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
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.
II-11
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 each of QVC's operating segments has long-lived assets, this critical accounting estimate affects the financial position and results of operations of each segment.
QVC utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, QVC reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors. 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. Based on the mentioned considerations and the fact that a quantitative analysis (the "Step 1 Test") had not been performed in several years, QVC considered it prudent to perform a Step 1 Test for each reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2014. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second test is required to measure the impairment loss (the "Step 2 Test"). In the Step 2 Test, the fair value (Level 3) of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit with any residual value being allocated to goodwill. Any excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over this allocated amount is recorded as an impairment charge. For all reporting units, fair value exceeded carrying value; and as such, no Step 2 Test or impairment charge was recorded in 2014.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, sales returns represented 19.4%, 19.8% and 19.4% 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, 2014, inventory was $882 million, which was net of the obsolescence adjustment of $76 million. At December 31, 2013, inventory was $931 million, which was net of the obsolescence adjustment of $79 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 bad debt expense in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2014, trade accounts receivable was $1,196 million, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $91 million. At December 31, 2013, trade accounts receivable was $1,111 million, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $83 million. Each of these adjustments requires management judgment. Actual results could differ from management's estimates.
II-12
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. 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, 2014:
(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.
N/A - Not applicable.
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011, QVC entered into several interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. QVC assessed the effectiveness of its interest rate swaps using the hypothetical derivative method. During 2013 and 2012, QVC's elected interest terms did not effectively match the terms of the swap arrangements. As a result, the swaps did not qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps were included in gains on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. In March 2013, QVC's notional interest rate swaps of $3.1 billion expired.
II-13
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 year ended December 31, 2014 would have been impacted by approximately $7 million for every 1% change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.
The 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, 2014, no borrowings in foreign currencies were outstanding.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The consolidated financial statements of QVC, Inc. are filed under this Item, beginning on page II-17 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.
II-14
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 , 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 not effective as of December 31, 2014 because of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that is described below in “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”
However, giving full consideration to the material weakness, the Company’s management has concluded that the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods disclosed in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. KPMG LLP has issued its report dated February 27, 2015, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
See page II-16 for Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than the identification of the material weakness described above, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s quarter ended December 31, 2014, and that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Remediation Plan for Material Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In response to the material weakness identified in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, the Company has developed a plan with oversight from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty to remediate the material weakness. The remediation efforts expected to be implemented include the following:
•
Establish a more comprehensive review and approval process for authorizing user access to information technology systems and monitoring user access to ensure that all information technology controls designed to restrict access to operating systems, applications and data, and the ability to make program changes, are operating in a manner that provides the Company with assurance that such access is properly restricted to the appropriate personnel.
•
Evaluate staffing levels and responsibilities to provide for appropriate segregation of duties among the personnel.
•
Develop and implement adequate training for the Company's personnel to reinforce pre-established and new information technology controls and their financial reporting objectives enabling a better understanding of the internal control environment to improve our ability to detect and prevent potential deficiencies.
•
Engage external experts to assess and improve financial application access rights to optimize appropriate segregation of duties and to perform a code review of relevant software applications.
The Company believes the foregoing efforts will effectively remediate the material weakness. Because the reliability of the internal control process requires repeatable execution, the successful remediation of this material weakness will require review and evidence of effectiveness prior to concluding that the controls are effective and there is no assurance that additional remediation steps will not be necessary.
Although no assurance can be given as to when the remediation plan will be completed, the Company believes the remediation efforts will be completed during the third quarter of 2015 and will test and re-evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's information technology general controls thereafter.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
II-15
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 the 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, 2014, using the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting is not effective due to the material weakness described below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting as described above, management concluded that it did not design and maintain effective internal controls with respect to segregation of duties and related information technology general controls ("ITGCs") at the Company. Specifically, the ITGCs were not designed and operating effectively to ensure (i) that access to applications and data, and the ability to make program changes, were adequately restricted to appropriate personnel and (ii) that the activities of individuals with access to modify data and make program changes were appropriately monitored.
While the control deficiency identified did not result in any misstatements a reasonable possibility exists that a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements and disclosures will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's Report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only Management's Report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
II-16
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Stockholder-Director of QVC, Inc.:
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, 2014 and 2013, and 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, 2014. 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 conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 27, 2015
II-17
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2014 and 2013
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-18
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-19
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-20
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-21
QVC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
II-22
QVC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(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, QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year ("QVC-U.S."). Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany ("QVC-Germany"), Japan ("QVC-Japan"), the United Kingdom ("QVC-U.K.") and Italy ("QVC-Italy"). QVC-Germany distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming, QVC-Japan distributes live programming 24 hours per day, and QVC-U.K. distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. QVC-Italy distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television.
The Company's Japanese operations are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $42 million, $45 million and $29 million, respectively.
Additionally, 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 distributes live programming for 17 hours per day and recorded programming for seven hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the consolidated statements of operations.
On April 16, 2014, QVC announced plans to expand its global presence into France. Similar to its other markets, QVC plans to offer a highly immersive digital shopping experience, with strong integration across e-commerce, TV, mobile and social platforms, with the launch expected in the summer of 2015.
QVC is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty," formerly known as Liberty Media Corporation). Liberty, which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. On August 9, 2012, Liberty completed the recapitalization of its common stock into shares of the corresponding series of two new tracking stocks, Liberty Interactive (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB), of which QVC was a part of, and Liberty Ventures ("Ventures Group") (Nasdaq: LVNTA, LVNTB). On October 3, 2014, the Company declared and paid a dividend in cash to Liberty in the amount of $1 billion with funds drawn from the Company's credit facility. Additionally, Liberty reattributed from the Interactive Group to the Ventures Group $970 million in cash and certain of its digital commerce companies, including Backcountry.com, Inc., Bodybuilding.com, LLC, CommerceHub, Provide Commerce, Inc., Evite, Inc. and LMC Right Start, Inc. As a result of these transactions, the Interactive Group is now referred to as the QVC Group, which tracks the Company and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc. ("HSN"), one of the Company's two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The Liberty Interactive tracking stock trading symbol "LINTA" was changed to "QVCA" and the "LINTB" trading symbol to "QVCB," effective October 7, 2014. The foregoing transactions are referred to as the "2014 Reattribution."
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.
II-23
(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 $245 million and $342 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair values (Level 1).
(b) Restricted cash
Restricted cash at December 31, 2014 and 2013 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 market. 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.
The Company is party to several transponder capacity arrangements as a lessee, which are accounted for as capital leases.
(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.
(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.
II-24
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
QVC utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, QVC reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors. 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. Based on the mentioned considerations and the fact that a quantitative analysis (the "Step 1 Test") had not been performed in several years, QVC considered it prudent to perform a Step 1 Test for each reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2014. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second test is required to measure the impairment loss (the "Step 2 Test"). In the Step 2 Test, the fair value (Level 3) of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit with any residual value being allocated to goodwill. Any excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over this allocated amount is recorded as an impairment charge. For all reporting units, fair value exceeded carrying value; and as such, no Step 2 Test or impairment charge was recorded in 2014.
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.
(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 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 aggregated to $2,023 million, $2,036 million and $1,965 million, respectively.
II-25
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 $92 million, $89 million and $91 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These costs were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
(m) Stock-based compensation
As more fully 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.
(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 statement 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 income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.
II-26
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 income 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.
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011, QVC entered into several interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. QVC assessed the effectiveness of its interest rate swaps using the hypothetical derivative method. During 2013 and 2012, QVC's elected interest terms did not effectively match the terms of the swap arrangements. As a result, the swaps did not qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps were included in gains on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. In March 2013, QVC's notional interest rate swaps of $3.1 billion expired.
(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 income (expense) 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.
(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.
II-27
(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 we exercise significant influence, but do not have operating control, generally assumed to be 20%-50% ownership. Under the equity method, original investments are recorded at cost and adjusted by our 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.
(t) Use of estimates in the preparation of consolidated financial statements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("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.
(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. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
(v) Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified 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 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 $80 million, $63 million and $65 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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.
II-28
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
(4) Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Disposal of fully depreciated assets reduced property and equipment and accumulated depreciation $101 million with no impact to earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.
In 2014, QVC-Italy took ownership of its previously leased headquarters in Italy that includes television studios, broadcast facilities, administrative offices and a call center for approximately $20 million using exchange rates as of December 31, 2014.
In 2013, QVC-Japan transitioned to its new headquarters in Japan that includes television studios, broadcast facilities, administrative offices and a call center. The total project cost was approximately $220 million.
II-29
(5) Cable and Satellite Television Distribution Rights, Net
Cable and satellite television distribution rights consisted of the following:
The Company enters into affiliation agreements with cable and satellite television providers for carriage of the Company's shopping service, as well as for certain channel placement. If these cable and satellite affiliates 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.
Cable and satellite television distribution rights are amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the individual agreements. The remaining weighted average lives of the cable and satellite television distribution rights was approximately 2.9 years at December 31, 2014. Amortization expense for cable and satellite television distribution rights was $185 million, $177 million and $163 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, related amortization expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
The decrease in future amortization expense in 2018 is primarily due to the end of affiliation agreement terms for contracts in place at the time of the Liberty acquisition of QVC in 2003.
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 distributors' service areas. In Germany, Japan, the U.K. and Italy, 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 $299 million, $298 million and $296 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included as part of operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
II-30
(6) Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
Disposal of fully amortized assets reduced other intangible assets and accumulated amortization $80 million with no impact to earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $267 million, $254 million and $237 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, the related amortization and interest expense for each of the next five years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
The decrease in future amortization expense in 2018 is primarily due to the end of the useful lives of the affiliate and customer relationships in place at the time of the Liberty acquisition of QVC in 2003.
(7) Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
II-31
(8) Long-Term Debt and Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Long-term debt 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) 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017
On March 23, 2010, QVC issued $500 million principal amount of 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 at par (not presented within the above table due to zero balance at both December 31, 2014 and 2013). On March 18, 2013, $124 million of the 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 were tendered whereby holders of the 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 received consideration of $1,039.40 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. On April 17, 2013, QVC completed the redemption of the remaining $376 million principal amount of its 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, whereby holders received consideration of $1,035.63 for each $1,000 of principal tendered.
(b) 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.
(c) 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
On September 25, 2009, QVC issued $1 billion principal amount of 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at an issue price of 98.278%. On March 18, 2013, $231 million of the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 were tendered whereby holders of the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 received consideration of $1,120.00 for each $1,000 of principal tendered. On September 8, 2014, QVC completed the redemption of the remaining balance outstanding on these notes. Holders of the notes received consideration of $1,042.05 for each $1,000 of principal tendered.
(d) 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020
On March 23, 2010, QVC issued $500 million principal amount of 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 at par.
II-32
(e) 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.
(f) 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 issuance of these instruments were used to reduce the outstanding principal under QVC's existing 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
(g) 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.
(h) 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 QVC’s 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 on September 8, 2014 and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(i) 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 QVC’s 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 on September 8, 2014 and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(j) 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 issuance of these instruments were used to reduce the outstanding principal of QVC's existing 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, the 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and the senior secured credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On March 1, 2013, QVC amended and restated its senior secured credit facility, which provides for a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility with a $250 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.0 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving loan commitments or incremental term loans. QVC may elect that the loans extended under the senior secured credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR Rate or LIBOR, as each is defined in the senior secured credit facility agreement, plus a margin of 0.25% to 2.00% depending on various factors. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. Any amounts prepaid on the revolving credit facility may be reborrowed. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default. The senior secured credit facility is a multi-currency facility. The senior secured credit facility is secured by the capital stock of QVC. We had $1.5 billion available under the terms of the senior secured credit facility at December 31, 2014. The interest rate on the senior secured credit facility was 2.0% at December 31, 2014.
The purpose of the amendment was to, among other things, extend the maturity of our senior secured credit facility to March 1, 2018 and lower the interest rate on borrowings.
The senior secured credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions 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 QVC's ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated Adjusted OIBDA (Adjusted OIBDA is defined in note 15).
II-33
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011, QVC entered into several interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with interest payments related to its variable rate debt. QVC assessed the effectiveness of its interest rate swaps using the hypothetical derivative method. During 2013 and 2012, QVC's elected interest terms did not effectively match the terms of the swap arrangements. As a result, the swaps did not qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps were included in gains on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. In March 2013, QVC's notional interest rate swaps of $3.1 billion expired.
Other Debt Related Information
As a result of the refinancing transactions discussed above, we incurred an extinguishment loss of $48 million and $57 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, recorded as loss on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations.
QVC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at December 31, 2014.
During the year, there were no significant changes to QVC's debt credit ratings.
The weighted average rate applicable to all of the outstanding debt (excluding capital leases) was 4.7% as of December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, outstanding letters of credit totaled $18 million and $26 million, respectively.
(9) Leases and Transponder Service Arrangements
Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases and capital transponder leases with initial terms of one year or more at December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:
We distribute our television programs, via satellite and optical fiber, to cable television and direct-to-home satellite system operators for retransmission to their subscribers in the U.S., Germany, Japan, the U.K. and neighboring countries. We also transmit our television programs over digital terrestrial broadcast television to viewers throughout Italy, the U.K. and to viewers in certain geographic regions in the U.S and Germany. In the U.S., we uplink our analog and digital programming transmissions using a third party service. Both transmissions are uplinked to protected, non-preemptible transponders on U.S. satellites. "Protected" status means that, in the event of a transponder failure, our 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, our transponders cannot be preempted in favor of a user of a failed transponder, even another user with "protected status." Our international business units each obtain uplinking services from third parties and transmit their programming to non-preemptible transponders on international satellites. The service agreements in the U.S. expire in 2019 through 2020. Our transponder service agreements for our international transponders expire in 2015 through 2024.
II-34
The Company has entered into eleven separate agreements with transponder suppliers to transmit its signals in the U.S., Germany and the U.K. at an aggregate monthly cost of $1 million. Depreciation expense related to the transponders was $13 million, $12 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total future minimum capital lease payments of $81 million include $7 million of imputed interest.
QVC's ability to continue to sell products to its customers is dependent on its ability to maintain uninterrupted broadcast.
Expenses for operating leases, principally for data processing equipment and facilities and for satellite uplink service agreements, amounted to $24 million, $28 million and $31 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company entered into a 21 year operating lease for its QVC-U.K. headquarters that commenced in 2012, which is included in the future minimum operating lease payments in the above table.
(10) Stock Options and Other Share-Based Payments
QVC employees and officers have received stock options (the "Options") and restricted shares in LINTA ("Series A Liberty Interactive" now "QVCA;" refer to 2014 Reattribution below) and LVNTA ("Series A Liberty Ventures") common stock 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
2012 Creation of Liberty Ventures Tracking Stock
In August 2012, the LINTA stock was split into two tracking stocks, LINTA and LVNTA. The split was one LVNTA share for every 20 LINTA shares. Under the Liberty Incentive Plan, the Options have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share of LINTA and LVNTA common stock at the date of the grant. Under the Liberty Incentive Plan, the Options have a seven year term from the date of grant, with the Options generally becoming exercisable over four years from the date of grant, vesting in eight equal semi-annual traunches.
For accounting purposes, the Options are classified as equity-based awards.
Option Exchange
During the fourth quarter of 2012, Liberty entered into an option exchange transaction that required a series of transactions with certain officers of the Company in order to recognize tax deductions associated with the stock options in that year versus future years (the "2012 Option Exchange"). On December 4, 2012 (the "Grant Date"), there was an acceleration of (i) each unvested in-the-money option to acquire shares of Liberty Interactive and (ii) each unvested in-the-money option to acquire shares of Series A Liberty Ventures common stock, in each case, held by certain officers (collectively, the "Eligible Optionholders"). Following this acceleration, also on the Grant Date, each Eligible Optionholder exercised, on a net settled basis, substantially all of his or her outstanding in-the-money vested and unvested options to acquire Series A Liberty Interactive shares and Series A Liberty Ventures shares (the "Eligible Options"), and:
•
with respect to each vested Eligible Option, Liberty granted the Eligible Optionholder a vested new option with substantially the same terms and conditions as the exercised vested Eligible Option;
•
and with respect to each unvested Eligible Option:
◦
the Eligible Optionholder sold to Liberty, for cash, the shares of Series A Liberty Interactive or Series A Liberty Ventures, as applicable, received upon exercise of such unvested Eligible Option and used the proceeds of that net sale to purchase from Liberty at that price an equal number of restricted Series A Liberty Interactive or Series A Liberty Ventures shares, as applicable, which have a vesting schedule identical to that of the exercised unvested Eligible Option; and
II-35
◦
Liberty granted the Eligible Optionholder an unvested new option, with substantially the same terms and conditions as the exercised unvested Eligible Option, except that (a) the number of shares underlying the new option is equal to the number of shares underlying such exercised unvested Eligible Option less the number of restricted shares purchased from Liberty as described above and (b) the exercise price of the new option was the closing price per Series A Liberty Interactive or Series A Liberty Ventures share, as applicable, on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the Grant Date.
This 2012 Option Exchange was considered a modification under ASC 718 - Stock Compensation and resulted in incremental compensation expense in 2012 and over the remaining vesting periods of the new unvested options and the restricted shares, and is included in unrecognized compensation.
2014 Liberty Ventures 2 for 1 Stock Split
On February 27, 2014, Liberty's board approved a two for one stock split of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, effected by means of a dividend. The stock split was done in order to bring Liberty into compliance with a Nasdaq listing requirement regarding the minimum number of publicly held shares of the Series B Liberty Ventures common stock. In the stock split, a dividend was paid on April 11, 2014 of one share of Series A or Series B Liberty Ventures common stock to holders of each share of Series A or Series B Liberty Ventures common stock, respectively, held by them as of 5:00 pm, New York City time, on April 4, 2014. The stock split has been recorded retroactively for all periods presented for comparability purposes.
TripAdvisor Holdings Spin-Off
In August 2014, in connection with Liberty's spin-off (the "TripAdvisor Holdings Spin-Off") of its former wholly-owned subsidiary Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. ("TripAdvisor Holdings") from Liberty Ventures, all outstanding awards with respect to Liberty Ventures common stock ("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 or base price, as applicable, 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 TripAdvisor Holdings common stock (a "TripAdvisor Holdings Award").
The exercise prices and number of shares subject to the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award and the TripAdvisor Holdings Award were determined based on 1.) the exercise prices and number of shares subject to the Liberty Ventures Award, 2.) the pre-distribution trading price of the Liberty Ventures common stock and 3.) the post-distribution trading prices of Liberty Ventures common stock and TripAdvisor Holdings common stock, such that all of the pre-distribution intrinsic value of the Liberty Ventures Award was allocated between the Adjusted Liberty Ventures Award and the TripAdvisor Holdings Award.
Following the TripAdvisor Holdings Spin-Off, employees of QVC hold awards in both Liberty Ventures common stock and TripAdvisor Holdings common stock. The compensation expense relating to employees of QVC is recorded at QVC.
2014 Reattribution
On October 3, 2014, Liberty completed a transaction whereby certain of its digital commerce businesses and cash were reattributed from the QVC Group to the Ventures Group. In return, Liberty distributed Ventures Group common stock to the QVC Group stockholders in the form of a dividend. This reattribution transaction resulted in an adjustment to the outstanding QVCA options, a corresponding LVNTA option award and a LVNTA restricted stock award using a methodology similar to the one described above for the TripAdvisor Holdings Spin-Off. The adjustments to the QVCA options, LVNTA options and LVNTA restricted stock have been reflected within each respective table within this note.
II-36
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, 2014 is presented below:
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, 2014 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $54 million, $37 million and $97 million, respectively.
The weighted average fair value at date of grant of a QVCA Option granted, excluding the 2012 Option Exchange, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11.16, $8.16 and $6.66, respectively. The weighted average fair value at date of grant of a QVCA 2012 Option Exchange option granted during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $6.94. The weighted average fair value at date of grant of a LVNTA Option granted, excluding the 2012 Option Exchange, during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $15.22. There were no LVNTA Options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The weighted average fair value at date of grant of a LVNTA 2012 Option Exchange option granted during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $25.69.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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:
II-37
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of each LVNTA 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 and LVNTA 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, net of estimated forfeitures. Based on QVC's historical experience of option pre-vesting cancellations, the Company has assumed an annualized forfeiture rate of 10% for all participants. We will record additional expense if the actual forfeiture rate is lower than estimated, and will record a recovery of prior expense if the actual forfeiture is higher than estimated.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $36 million, $31 million and $29 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to the options. As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, net of estimated forfeitures, was approximately $34 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statement of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 3.8 years.
(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, 2014 is presented below:
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, 2014 is presented below:
II-38
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $8 million, $7 million and $5 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to these shares. As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted shares of common stock was approximately $14 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statement of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.1 years. The aggregate fair value of all restricted shares of common stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $16 million, $15 million and $9 million, respectively.
(11) Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:
Pre-tax income was as follows:
II-39
Total income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% as a result of the following:
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, in part, to the uncertainty of whether or not the benefit of certain foreign tax credits and benefits will ultimately be utilized for income tax purposes.
The Company has recognized tax benefits from the exercise of employee stock options that reduced taxes payable and were credited to additional paid-in capital. The amount of the tax benefits is reported in the consolidated statements of equity.
II-40
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 difference recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014, was a $29 million capital contribution related primarily to foreign tax credit carryovers being utilized in Liberty’s consolidated tax return in excess of those recognized by QVC during the year. The differences recorded during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $45 million and $47 million in dividends, respectively, and related primarily to foreign tax credits recognized by QVC and not utilized in Liberty’s tax return during the respective tax years. The amounts of the tax-related balance due to Liberty at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $52 million and $78 million, respectively, and are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company has provided for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Company expects the amount of foreign tax credits available on those undistributed earnings to offset the U.S. income tax liability and to result in an incremental benefit related to the increased utilization of foreign tax credits. The amount of the U.S. income tax benefit recorded in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 on those undistributed earnings was $3 million, $3 million and $12 million, respectively.
A reconciliation of the 2014 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, 2014 are potential benefits of $59 million (net of a $32 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 income (expense) 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 2015. These include nonfederal transfer pricing and other tax issues. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to these issues could have a net decrease of $23 million in 2015 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, 2014, the Company's tax years through 2010 are closed for federal income tax purposes, and the IRS has completed its examination of the Company's 2011, 2012 and 2013 tax years. The Company's 2014 tax year is being examined currently as part of the Liberty consolidated return under the IRS's Compliance Assurance Process ("CAP") program. The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014, the Company, or one of its subsidiaries, was under examination in the states of California, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Virgina as well as in Germany, Italy and the U.K.
II-41
(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 consolidated financial statements.
Network and information systems, including the Internet and telecommunication systems, third party delivery services and other technologies are critical to our business activities. Substantially all our 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, we could face a significant disruption in fulfilling our customer orders and shipment of our products. We have active disaster recovery programs in place to help mitigate risks associated with these critical business activities.
(13) Business Acquisitions and Investment in Affiliate
In 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Send the Trend, Inc., a provider of personalization software, and acquired substantially all of the assets of Oodle, Inc., a social media technology platform provider.
On July 4, 2012, the Company entered into a joint venture with CNR Media Group, a limited liability company, owned by CNR for a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, 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' existing knowledge of the digital shopping market and consumers in China with QVC's global experience and know-how in multimedia retailing.
The aggregate purchase price for these business acquisitions and the investment in affiliate was $95 million.
(14) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
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.
The Company's assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value were as follows:
II-42
The majority of 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.
(15) Information about QVC's Operating Segments
Each of the Company's operating segments 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 has identified six reportable operating segments: the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and France.
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 sales, 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 our 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, 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 our general purpose financial statements.
II-43
Other information
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic area were as follows:
II-44
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to income before income taxes:
(16) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The change in the component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes ("AOCI"), 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:
II-45
(17) Employee Benefit Plans
In certain markets, 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 $23 million, $19 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(18) Subsequent Event
QVC declared and paid dividends to Liberty in the amount of $58 million subsequent to December 31, 2014.
(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 International LLC; QVC Rocky Mount, Inc. and QVC San Antonio, LLC) and the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. Certain non-guarantor subsidiaries are majority-owned by QVC International LLC, which is a guarantor subsidiary.
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. During 2014, the Company revised the presentation of intercompany management expense (income) and prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. 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.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, an intangible asset held by certain non-guarantor subsidiaries was sold to QVC, Inc. resulting in a gain of $20 million reflected in intercompany interest and other income for the non-guarantor subsidiaries and also included in equity in earnings of subsidiaries for the subsidiary guarantors. The gain is eliminated in the eliminations column. The impact of these earnings has been eliminated in the presentation of intangible assets and equity in earnings of subsidiaries of the parent company.
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.
II-46
Consolidating Balance Sheets
II-47
Consolidating Balance Sheets
II-48
Consolidating Statements of Operations
The increase in tax expense of the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to an unfavorable tax audit settlement in one of our European subsidiaries. This also resulted in a tax benefit for QVC, Inc. as a result of the corresponding foreign tax credit in the U.S.
II-49
Consolidating Statements of Operations
II-50
Consolidating Statements of Operations
II-51
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
II-52
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
II-53
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
II-54
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
II-55
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 our consolidated financial statements for 2014 and 2013 and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP:
(1) Audit fees include fees for the audit and quarterly reviews of our 2014 and 2013 consolidated financial statements and reviews of registration statements and issuance of consents.
(2) Audit related fees consist of professional consultations with respect to accounting issues affecting our financial statements, due diligence related to potential business ventures and audits of financial statements of certain employee benefits plans.
(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 our independent auditor. Pursuant to this policy, Liberty's audit committee has approved the engagement of our 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 our Company and our subsidiaries, (ii) services associated with our 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 our internal controls and (iv) consultations with management as to accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions;
•
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 our 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
III-1
•
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. LaVoy Robison 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 our 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 our 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 our independent auditor during 2014 were approved in accordance with the terms of the policy.
III-2
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:
IV-1
4 - Instruments Defining the Rights to Securities Holders, Including Indentures:
10 - Material Contracts:
21 - Subsidiaries:*
31 - Certification Letters:*
32 - Section 1350 Certification Letter:**
101 - XBRL:*
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.
IV-2
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: February 27, 2015
By:/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE
Michael A. George
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 27, 2015
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: February 27, 2015
By:/s/ CHRISTOPER W. SHEAN
Christopher W. Shean
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Liberty Interactive, LLC, as the sole member of Liberty QVC Holdings, LLC, as Stockholder-Director of QVC, Inc.
IV-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
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):
* Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.
IV-4