Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Long-Term Debt

v2.4.0.8
Long-Term Debt
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt
Debt is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Carrying value
 
Outstanding Principal September 30, 2013
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
amounts in millions
SIRIUS XM 8.75% Senior Notes due 2015
$

 

 

SIRIUS XM 7% Exchangeable Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
491

 
528

 

SIRIUS XM 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018
489

 
542

 

SIRIUS XM 5.875% Senior Notes due 2020
650

 
643

 

SIRIUS XM 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021
600

 
594

 

SIRIUS XM 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022
400

 
408

 

SIRIUS XM 4.25% Senior Notes due 2020
500

 
495

 

SIRIUS XM 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023
500

 
494

 

SIRIUS XM Credit Facility
40

 
40

 

Margin Loans
1,120

 
1,120

 

      Other debt
17

 
17

 

Total debt
$
4,807

 
4,881

 

Less current classification
 
 
496

 

Total long-term debt
 
 
$
4,385

 



Margin Loans
During the three months ended June 30, 2013, in connection with Liberty's acquisition of Charter common stock and warrants, as discussed in note 8, Liberty, through certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered into three different margin loans with various financial institutions (“lender parties”) in order to fund the purchase. Each agreement contains language that indicates that Liberty, as borrower and transferor of underlying shares as collateral, has the right to exercise all voting, consensual and other powers of ownership pertaining to the transferred shares for all purposes, provided that Liberty agrees that it will not vote the shares in any manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to transfer or other certain restrictions. Similarly, the loan agreements indicate that no lender party shall have any voting rights with respect to the shares transferred, except to the extent that a lender party buys any shares in a sale or other disposition made pursuant to the terms of the loan agreements. The margin loans consist of the following:

$1 Billion Margin Loan due 2014
On April 30, 2013, Liberty Siri MarginCo, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, entered into a margin loan agreement whereby Liberty Siri MarginCo, LLC borrowed $250 million pursuant to a term loan and $450 million pursuant to a revolving credit facility with various lender parties. Shares of SIRIUS XM, Live Nation, Time Warner, Inc., Viacom, Inc., CenturyLink, Inc., and Time Warner Cable, Inc. common stock were pledged as collateral pursuant to this agreement. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a spread, based on the market value of the non-SIRIUS XM shares pledged as collateral pursuant to the agreement. Given the non-SIRIUS XM market value of the eligible pledged shares as of April 30, 2013, the initial interest rate on the loan is LIBOR plus 2%. Interest on the term loan is payable on the first business day of each calendar quarter, and interest is payable on the revolving line of credit on the last day of the interest period applicable to the borrowing of which such loan is a part. During June 2013, Liberty Siri MarginCo, LLC repaid $250 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility. Therefore, as of September 30, 2013, availability under the revolving line of credit was $550 million. Additionally, up to $1 billion in loans may be extended under the loan agreement in the form of incremental loans, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

$670 Million Margin Loan due 2015
At closing on May 1, 2013, LMC Cheetah 2, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, entered into a margin loan agreement with an availability of $670 million pursuant to a term loan with various lender parties ("$670 Million Margin Loan due 2015") whereby LMC Cheetah 2, LLC borrowed $370 million. Shares of Charter common stock were pledged as collateral pursuant to this agreement. The $670 Million Margin Loan due May 1, 2015 bears interest equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 3.25%, payable on the first day of each of February, May, August and November throughout the term of the loan. As of September 30, 2013, Liberty has fully drawn the $670 Million Margin Loan due 2015 (see below).

$300 Million Margin Loan due 2014
At closing on May 1, 2013, LMC Cheetah 3, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, entered into a margin loan agreement whereby LMC Cheetah 3, LLC borrowed $300 million pursuant to a term loan. Shares of Charter common stock were pledged as collateral pursuant to this agreement. The $300 Million Margin Loan due June 1, 2014 bears interest equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 5.00%, payable on the first day of each September, December, March and June throughout the term of the loan. During June 2013, Liberty repaid in full the principal and accrued interest on amounts drawn pursuant to this agreement and borrowed an additional $300 million pursuant to the $670 Million Margin Loan due 2015, discussed above.

As of September 30, 2013, the value of shares pledged as collateral pursuant to all three margin loan agreements is as follows:
 
 
Number of Shares Pledged
 
 
 
 
as Collateral as of
 
Share value as of
Investment
 
September 30, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
amounts in millions
SIRIUS XM
 
719.9

 
$
2,793

Charter
 
20.3

 
$
2,731

Live Nation
 
8.1

 
$
149

Time Warner, Inc.
 
4.4

 
$
291

Viacom, Inc.
 
3.5

 
$
295

CenturyLink, Inc.
 
1.8

 
$
57

Time Warner Cable, Inc.
 
1.1

 
$
124


Each of the margin loans contain various affirmative and negative covenants that restrict the activities of the borrower. The loan agreements do not include any financial covenants.

SIRIUS XM 8.75% Senior Notes due 2015
In March 2010, SIRIUS XM issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “8.75% Notes”). Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year at a rate of 8.75% per annum. Substantially all of its domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee its obligations under the 8.75% Notes on a senior unsecured basis. Liberty owned approximately $150 million principal amount of the outstanding debentures and these notes are considered effectively settled on a consolidated basis. The premium associated with the 8.75% Notes was recorded in purchase accounting as the difference between fair value and the outstanding principal amount at the date of acquisition. This premium was being amortized over the remaining period to maturity through interest expense.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, SIRIUS XM purchased $800 million of the 8.75% Notes. The aggregate purchase price for these 8.75% Notes was approximately $928 million, including accrued interest. As noted above, Liberty owned approximately $150 million principal amount of the outstanding 8.75% Notes and participated in the redemption of the 8.75% Notes. The redemption of the 8.75% Notes on a consolidated basis resulted in the recognition of a loss on extinguishment of approximately $14 million.
  
SIRIUS XM 7% Exchangeable Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014

In August 2008, SIRIUS XM issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Exchangeable Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the “Exchangeable Notes”). The Exchangeable Notes are senior subordinated obligations and rank junior in right of payment to SIRIUS XM's existing and future senior debt and equally in right of payment with SIRIUS XM's existing and future senior subordinated debt. Substantially all of SIRIUS XM's domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries have guaranteed the Exchangeable Notes on a senior subordinated basis.

Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year at a rate of 7% per annum. The Exchangeable Notes mature on December 1, 2014. The Exchangeable Notes are exchangeable at any time at the option of the holder into shares of SIRIUS XM's common stock at an initial exchange rate of 533.3333 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Exchangeable Notes, which is equivalent to an approximate exchange price of $1.875 per share of common stock. If a holder of the Exchangeable Notes elects to exchange the notes in connection with a corporate transaction that constitutes a fundamental change, the exchange rate will be increased by an additional number of shares of common stock determined by the indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes. Due to a special cash dividend in December 2012, the conversion rate increased to 543.1372 shares per common stock per $1,000 principal amount. Liberty owns approximately $11 million of principal amount of the outstanding debentures which are considered effectively settled on a consolidated basis. The premium associated with the Exchangeable Notes was recorded in purchase accounting as the difference between fair value less the intrinsic value of the conversion feature and the outstanding principal amount at the date of acquisition. This premium is being amortized over the remaining period to maturity through interest expense.

As a result of the acquisition of the additional 50 million shares of SIRIUS XM, a fundamental change occurred under the indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes. In accordance with the indenture, on February 1, 2013, SIRIUS XM made an offer to each holder of the Exchangeable Notes to: (i) repurchase his or her Exchangeable Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding March 1, 2013); (ii) exchange his or her Exchangeable Notes for SIRIUS XM's common stock, at an exchange rate of 581.3112 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, or (iii) retain his or her Exchangeable Notes pursuant to their terms through maturity on December 1, 2014, or otherwise transfer or exchange them in the ordinary course. Following the expiration of this offer, the exchange rate for the Exchangeable Notes reverted to 543.1372 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Exchangeable Notes.

In connection with this offer, $48 million in principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes were converted resulting in the issuance of approximately 28 million shares of SIRIUS XM common stock during the first quarter of 2013, considered to be a non-cash financing activity. As a result of this conversion, Liberty retired approximately $48 million in principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes and recognized a proportionate share of unamortized premium to noncontrolling interest. No loss was recognized as a result of the exchange.

SIRIUS XM 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018

In October 2010, SIRIUS XM issued $700 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “7.625% Notes”). Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year at a rate of 7.625% per annum. The 7.625% Notes mature on November 1, 2018. Substantially all of SIRIUS XM's domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee SIRIUS XM's obligations under the 7.625% Notes. Liberty owns approximately $50 million principal amount of the 7.625% Notes and these notes are considered effectively settled on a consolidated basis. The premium associated with the 7.625% Notes was recorded in purchase accounting as the difference between fair value and the outstanding principal amount at the date of acquisition. This premium is being amortized over the remaining period to maturity through interest expense.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, SIRIUS XM purchased approximately $60 million and $160 million, respectively, of the 7.625% Notes for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $67 million and $179 million, including premium and accrued interest. The retirement of the 7.625% Notes resulted in a loss on extinguishment of $2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, on a consolidated basis. Subsequent to September 30, 2013, SIRIUS XM repurchased, on a consolidated basis, the remaining outstanding 7.625% Notes of approximately $490 million at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $561 million. Liberty participated in the redemption of the 7.625% Notes.

SIRIUS XM 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022
In August 2012, SIRIUS XM issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “5.25% Notes”). Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year at a rate of 5.25% per annum. The 5.25% Notes mature on August 15, 2022. Substantially all of SIRIUS XM's domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee SIRIUS XM's obligations under the 5.25% Notes. The premium associated with the 5.25% Notes was recorded in purchase accounting as the difference between fair value and the outstanding principal amount at the date of acquisition. This premium is being amortized over the remaining period to maturity through interest expense.

SIRIUS XM Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
In December 2012, SIRIUS XM entered into a five-year Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions for $1,250 million. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all SIRIUS XM's assets and the assets of their subsidiaries. The proceeds of loans under the Credit Facility will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including financing acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends. Interest on borrowings is payable on a quarterly basis and accrues at a rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable rate. SIRIUS XM is required to pay a variable fee on the average daily unused portion of the Credit Facility which is currently 0.35% per annum and is payable on a quarterly basis. The Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including a maintenance covenant.

As of September 30, 2013, availability under the Credit Facility was $1,210 million.

SIRIUS XM Senior Notes Due 2020 and 2023

In May 2013, SIRIUS XM issued $500 million of Senior Notes due 2020 which bear interest at an annual rate of 4.25% and $500 million of Senior Notes due 2023 which bear interest at an annual rate of 4.625%. SIRIUS XM received gross proceeds of $1 billion from the sale of the notes before deducting the initial purchasers' commissions and estimated offering fees and expenses. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Substantially all of SIRIUS XM's domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee SIRIUS XM's obligations under the notes. Proceeds from this offering are used for general corporate purposes.

SIRIUS XM 5.75% Senior Notes Due 2021

During the three months ended September 30, 2013, SIRIUS XM issued $600 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021 ("5.75% Notes"). Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year at a rate of 5.75% per annum. Substantially all of SIRIUS XM's domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee SIRIUS XM's obligations under the notes. The 5.75% Notes were issued for $594 million. SIRIUS XM used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on-hand, to redeem its outstanding 8.75% Notes.

SIRIUS XM 5.875% Senior Notes Due 2020

During the three months ended September 30, 2013, SIRIUS XM issued $650 million of 5.875% Senior Notes Due 2020 ("5.875% Notes"). Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year at a rate of 5.875% per annum. Substantially all of SIRIUS XM's domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee SIRIUS XM's obligations under the notes. The 5.875% Notes were issued for $643 million. SIRIUS XM used the net proceeds from the 5.875% Notes offering, together with cash on-hand, to redeem its outstanding 7.625% Notes. The redemption of the 7.625% Notes was completed on October 25, 2013.

As of September 30, 2013, SIRIUS XM was in compliance with all debt covenants.
Fair Value of Debt
The fair value, based on quoted market prices of the same instruments but not considered to be active markets (Level 2), of SIRIUS XM's publicly traded debt securities is as follows (amounts in millions):
 
September 30, 2013
SIRIUS XM 5.875% Senior Notes due 2020
$
656

SIRIUS XM 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021
$
597

SIRIUS XM 7% Exchangeable Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
$
1,064

SIRIUS XM 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018
$
544

SIRIUS XM 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022
$
385

SIRIUS XM 4.25% Senior Notes due 2020
$
467

SIRIUS XM 4.625% Senior Notes due 2023
$
456


Due to the variable rate nature of the Credit Facility, margin loans and other debt the Company believes that the carrying amount approximates fair value at September 30, 2013.
Liberty 1.375% Cash Convertible Notes due 2023
On October 17, 2013 Liberty issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.375% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 ("Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes will mature on October 15, 2023 unless earlier repurchased by us or converted. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year at a rate of 1.375% per annum. All conversion of the Convertible Notes will be settled solely in cash, and not through the delivery of any securities. The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 5.5882 shares of Liberty Series A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $178.95 per share of Liberty Series A common stock. Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date of the notes under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter after the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2013, if the last reported sale price of our Series A common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is equal to or more than 130% of the conversion price of the notes on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter; (2) during the five business‑day period after any five consecutive trading day period, which we refer to as the measurement period, in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our Series A common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions.
Additionally, contemporaneously with the issuance of the Convertible Notes Liberty entered into privately negotiated cash convertible note hedges and purchased call options (the “Bond Hedge Transaction”). The Bond Hedge Transaction covered approximately 5,588,200 shares of Liberty Series A common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments pertaining to the Convertible Notes, which is equal to the number of shares of Liberty Series A common stock that will initially underlie the Convertible Notes.
The Bond Hedge Transaction is expected to offset potential cash payments Liberty would be required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes, upon conversion of the notes in the event that the volume-weighted average price per share of the Liberty Series A common stock, as measured under the cash convertible note hedge transactions on each trading day of the relevant cash settlement averaging period or other relevant valuation period, is greater than the strike price of $178.95 per share of Liberty Series A common stock, which initially corresponds to the conversion price of the Convertible Notes. Liberty paid approximately $299 million for the Bond Hedge Transaction.
Concurrently with each Bond Hedge Transaction and Convertible Notes, Liberty also entered into separate privately negotiated warrant transactions under which Liberty sold warrants relating to the same number of shares of Common Stock as underlie the Bond Hedge Transaction, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The warrant transactions may have a dilutive effect with respect to the Liberty Series A common stock to the extent that the price of the Liberty Series A common stock exceeds the strike price of the warrant transactions and warrant transactions are settled with shares of Liberty Series A common stock. Liberty may elect to settle its delivery obligation under the warrant transactions with cash. The strike price of the warrants will initially be $255.64 per share of Liberty Series A common stock. Liberty received approximately $170 million in proceeds for the sale of warrants.

The net proceeds from these transactions of $871 million will be used for general corporate purposes and a partial pay down of approximately $200 million on the revolving credit facility under the Margin Loans.