UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☐ | Non-accelerated Filer ☐ | Smaller Reporting Company | Emerging Growth Company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes
The number of outstanding shares of Qurate Retail, Inc.'s common stock as of April 30, 2024 was:
Series A common stock | | ||
Series B common stock | |
Table of Contents
I-2
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
2024 | 2023 | |||||
amounts in millions | ||||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | |
| | ||
Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of $ |
| |
| | ||
Inventory, net |
| |
| | ||
Other current assets |
| |
| | ||
Total current assets |
| |
| | ||
Property and equipment, net |
| |
| | ||
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 5): | ||||||
Goodwill |
| |
| | ||
Trademarks |
| |
| | ||
| |
| | |||
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 5) |
| |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets | | | ||||
Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization |
| |
| | ||
Total assets | $ | |
| |
(continued)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-3
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)
(unaudited)
March 31, | December 31, |
| ||||
2024 | 2023 |
| ||||
amounts in millions, |
| |||||
except share amounts |
| |||||
Liabilities and Equity |
|
|
|
| ||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts payable | $ | |
| | ||
Accrued liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Current portion of debt, $ |
| |
| | ||
Other current liabilities |
| |
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Total current liabilities |
| |
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Long-term debt (note 6) |
| |
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Deferred income tax liabilities |
| |
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Preferred stock (note 7) | | | ||||
Operating lease liabilities | | | ||||
Other liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Total liabilities |
| |
| | ||
Equity | ||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||
Series A common stock, $ |
| |
| | ||
Series B common stock, $ |
|
| ||||
Series C common stock, $ | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
| |
| | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes |
| ( |
| | ||
Retained earnings |
| |
| | ||
Total stockholders' equity |
| |
| | ||
Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries |
| |
| | ||
Total equity |
| |
| | ||
Commitments and contingencies (note 8) | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | |
| |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-4
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions, except per share amounts |
| |||||
$ | |
| | |||
Operating costs and expenses: | ||||||
| |
| | |||
Operating expense |
| |
| | ||
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 2) |
| |
| | ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| | ||
Gain on sale of assets and leaseback transactions (note 8) | ( | ( | ||||
| |
| | |||
Operating income (loss) |
| |
| | ||
Other income (expense): | ||||||
Interest expense |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Dividend and interest income | | | ||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 4) |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Other, net |
| ( |
| | ||
| ( |
| ( | |||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes |
| |
| | ||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net earnings (loss) | | | ||||
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests |
| |
| | ||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders | $ | ( |
| | ||
Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A and Series B Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 3): | $ | — |
| | ||
Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A and Series B Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 3): | $ | — |
| |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-5
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
(unaudited)
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | |
| | ||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes: | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
| ( |
| | ||
Recognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on debt, net | — | ( | ||||
Credit risk on fair value debt instruments gains (loss) | ( | | ||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) |
| ( |
| | ||
Comprehensive earnings (loss) |
| ( |
| | ||
Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests |
| |
| | ||
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders | $ | ( |
| |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-6
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | |
| | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| | ||
Stock-based compensation |
| |
| | ||
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net |
| |
| | ||
Gain on sale of assets and sale leaseback transactions | ( | ( | ||||
Gain on insurance proceeds, net of fire related costs | — | ( | ||||
Insurance proceeds received for operating expenses and business interruption losses | — | | ||||
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Other, net |
| |
| | ||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable |
| |
| | ||
Decrease (increase) in inventory | ( | | ||||
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets | | | ||||
(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable | ( | ( | ||||
(Decrease) increase in accrued and other liabilities | ( | ( | ||||
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities |
| |
| | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||
Capital expenditures |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Expenditures for television distribution rights | ( | ( | ||||
Cash proceeds from dispositions of investments | | | ||||
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | | | ||||
Insurance proceeds received for fixed asset loss | — | | ||||
Payments for settlements of financial instruments | — | ( | ||||
Proceeds from settlements of financial instruments | — | | ||||
Other investing activities, net | ( | ( | ||||
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities |
| ( |
| | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||
Borrowings of debt |
| |
| | ||
Repayments of debt |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Dividends paid to common shareholders | ( | ( | ||||
Indemnification agreement settlement | — | | ||||
Other financing activities, net | ( | ( | ||||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| ( |
| | ||
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| ( |
| | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
| |
| | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | |
| |
The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in our condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total amount presented in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
March 31, | December 31, | ||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||
in millions | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | ||||
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows | $ |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-7
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
(unaudited)
Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
Additional | other | Noncontrolling |
| |||||||||||||||
Preferred | Common stock | paid-in | comprehensive | Retained | interest in equity | Total |
| |||||||||||
| stock |
| Series A |
| Series B |
| capital |
| earnings (loss) |
| earnings |
| of subsidiaries |
| equity |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2024 | $ | — | | — | | | | | | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) |
| — | — | — | — | — | ( | | | |||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) |
| — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | | — | — | — | | ||||||||||
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||
Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||
Other | — | — | — | | — | — | — | | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | — | | — | | ( | | | |
Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
Additional | other | Noncontrolling | ||||||||||||||||
Preferred | Common stock | paid-in | comprehensive | Retained | interest in equity | Total | ||||||||||||
| stock |
| Series A |
| Series B |
| capital |
| earnings (loss) |
| earnings |
| of subsidiaries |
| equity | |||
amounts in millions | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2023 | $ | — | | — | | | | | | |||||||||
Net earnings (loss) |
| — | — | — | — | — | | | | |||||||||
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) |
| — | — | — | — | | — | ( | | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | | — | — | — | | ||||||||||
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||
Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||
Other | — | — | — | | — | | — | | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | — | | — | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-8
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(1) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Qurate Retail, Inc. and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, "Qurate Retail," the "Company," “Consolidated Qurate Retail,” “us,” “we,” or “our” unless the context otherwise requires). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Qurate Retail is made up of wholly-owned subsidiaries QVC, Inc. (“QVC”), which includes HSN, Inc. (“HSN”), Cornerstone Brands, Inc. (“CBI”), and other cost method investments.
Qurate Retail is primarily engaged in the video and online commerce industries in North America, Europe and Asia. The businesses of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, QVC and CBI, are seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in the fourth calendar quarter related to year-end holiday shopping.
The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods have been included. Additionally, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with current period presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Qurate Retail's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 10-K”).
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Qurate Retail considers (i) fair value measurements, (ii) accounting for income taxes, and (iii) estimates of retail-related adjustments and allowances to be its most significant estimates.
Qurate Retail has entered into certain agreements with Liberty Media Corporation ("LMC"), a separate publicly traded company. These agreements include a reorganization agreement, services agreement and facilities sharing agreement. As a result of certain corporate transactions, LMC and Qurate Retail may have obligations to each other for certain tax related matters. Neither Qurate Retail nor LMC has any stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in the other. In connection with a split-off transaction that occurred in the first quarter of 2018 (the “GCI Liberty Split-Off”), Qurate Retail and GCI Liberty, Inc. (“GCI Liberty”) entered into a tax sharing agreement. Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement, GCI Liberty agreed to indemnify Qurate Retail for taxes and tax-related losses resulting from the GCI Liberty Split-Off to the extent such taxes or tax-related losses (i) result primarily from, individually or in the aggregate, the breach of certain restrictive covenants made by GCI Liberty (applicable to actions or failures to act by GCI Liberty and its subsidiaries following the completion of the GCI Liberty Split-Off), or (ii) result from Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code applying to the GCI Liberty Split-Off as a result of the GCI Liberty Split-Off being part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a 50-percent or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of GCI Liberty (or any successor corporation). Following a merger between Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and GCI Liberty, Liberty Broadband has assumed the tax sharing agreement.
In December 2019, the Company entered into an amended services agreement. Under the amended services agreement, components of LMC’s Chief Executive Officer’s compensation are either paid directly to him or reimbursed to LMC, in each case, based on allocations set forth in the amended services agreement, currently set at
The reorganization agreement with LMC provides for, among other things, provisions governing the relationship between Qurate Retail and LMC, including certain cross-indemnities. Pursuant to the services agreement, LMC provides
I-9
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Qurate Retail with certain general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury, information technology, cybersecurity and investor relations support. Qurate Retail reimburses LMC for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by LMC in providing these services and for Qurate Retail's allocable portion of costs associated with any shared services or personnel based on an estimated percentage of time spent providing services to Qurate Retail. Under the facilities sharing agreement, LMC shares office space and related amenities at its corporate headquarters with Qurate Retail. Under these various agreements, approximately $
Zulily, LLC (“Zulily”) was a wholly owned subsidiary of Qurate Retail until its divestiture on May 24, 2023. Qurate Retail recognized a loss on the divestiture of $
Included in revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is $
(2) Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has granted to certain of its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries, restricted stock (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively, "Awards"). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity classified Award (such as stock options and RSAs) based on the grant-date fair value (“GDFV”) 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). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for a liability classified Award based on the current fair value of the Award, and remeasures the fair value of the Award at each reporting date.
Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are $
Qurate Retail—RSUs
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and in connection with their employment agreements, Qurate Retail granted
The following table presents the number of cash-settled RSUs granted by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024:
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, 2024 | ||||
RSUs Granted (000's) | ||||
QRTEA time-based RSUs, subsidiary employees (1) | | |||
QRTEA performance-based RSUs, subsidiary employees (2) | | |||
QRTEA performance-based RSUs, Qurate Retail employees (3) | |
(1) | Grants mainly vest equally over |
(2) | Grants vest equally over |
(3) | Grants vest |
I-10
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
For cash-settled RSUs, the liability and compensation expense related to such awards is adjusted at the end of each reporting period based on the closing market price of QRTEA on the last trading day of the quarter.
For awards that are performance-based, performance objectives, which are subjective, are considered in determining the timing and amount of compensation expense recognized. When the satisfaction of the performance objectives becomes probable, the Company records compensation expense. The probability of satisfying the performance objectives is assessed at the end of each reporting period.
Qurate Retail—Outstanding Awards
The following tables present the number and weighted average exercise price ("WAEP") of the options to purchase Qurate Retail common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company, as well as the weighted average remaining life and aggregate intrinsic value of the options.
|
|
| Weighted |
| Aggregate |
| ||||||
average | intrinsic | |||||||||||
Series A | remaining | value | ||||||||||
(000's) | WAEP | life | (millions) | |||||||||
Options outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
| | $ | | ||||||||
Granted |
| — | $ | — | ||||||||
Exercised |
| — | $ | — | ||||||||
Forfeited/Cancelled |
| ( | $ | | ||||||||
Options outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | — | ||||
Options exercisable at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | — |
|
|
| Weighted |
| Aggregate |
| ||||||
average | intrinsic | |||||||||||
Series B | remaining | value | ||||||||||
(000's) | WAEP | life | (millions) | |||||||||
Options outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
| | $ | | ||||||||
Granted |
| — | $ | — | ||||||||
Exercised |
| — | $ | — | ||||||||
Forfeited/Cancelled | — | $ | — | |||||||||
Options outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | — | ||||
Options exercisable at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
| years | $ | — |
The following table presents the number and weighted average GDFV of stock-settled RSUs granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company.
Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||
Series A | Average | Series B | Average | ||||||||
(000's) | GDFV | (000's) | GDFV | ||||||||
RSUs outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
| | $ | | | $ | | ||||
Granted |
| | $ | | | $ | | ||||
Vested |
| ( | $ | | ( | $ | | ||||
Forfeited/Cancelled |
| ( | $ | | — | $ | — | ||||
RSUs outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | | | $ | |
|
As of March 31, 2024, Qurate Retail also had
I-11
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
As of March 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Awards was approximately $
As of March 31, 2024, Qurate Retail reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options approximately
(3) Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding ("WASO") for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during periods in which losses are reported since the result would be antidilutive.
Excluded from diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are
Qurate Retail Common Stock | |||||
| Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||
number of shares in millions | |||||
Basic WASO |
| | | ||
Potentially dilutive shares |
| | | ||
Diluted WASO |
| | |
(4) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
For assets and liabilities required to be reported at fair value, 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 are inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, that 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 at fair value are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements at | Fair Value Measurements at |
| ||||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| ||||||||||||
|
| Quoted |
|
|
| Quoted |
|
| ||||||
prices | prices |
| ||||||||||||
in active | Significant | in active | Significant |
| ||||||||||
markets for | other | markets for | other |
| ||||||||||
identical | observable | identical | observable |
| ||||||||||
assets | inputs | assets | inputs |
| ||||||||||
Description | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) |
| |||||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||||||||
Cash equivalents | $ | |
| |
| — |
| |
| |
| — | ||
Debt | $ | |
| — |
| |
| |
| — |
| |
The majority of the Company's Level 2 financial assets and liabilities are primarily debt instruments and derivative instruments with quoted market prices that are not considered to be traded on "active markets," as defined in GAAP. The fair values for such instruments are derived from a typical model using observable market data as the significant inputs.
I-12
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Equity securities | ( | ( | ||||
Exchangeable senior debentures |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Other financial instruments | — | | ||||
$ | ( |
| ( |
The Company has elected to account for its exchangeable debt using the fair value option. Changes in the fair value of the exchangeable senior debentures recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations are primarily due to market factors primarily driven by changes in the fair value of the underlying shares into which the debt is exchangeable. The Company isolates the portion of the unrealized gain (loss) attributable to the change in the instrument specific credit risk and recognizes such amount in other comprehensive earnings (loss). During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $
(5) Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
| QxH | QVC Int'l | CBI |
| Total |
| ||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2024 | $ | | | |
| | ||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
| — | ( | — |
| ( | ||||
Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | | | |
| |
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $
Remainder of 2024 |
| $ | | |
2025 | $ | | ||
2026 | $ | | ||
2027 | $ | | ||
2028 | $ | — |
I-13
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
(6) Long-Term Debt
Debt is summarized as follows:
Outstanding |
| ||||||||
principal at | Carrying value |
| |||||||
| March 31, 2024 |
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 |
| |||
amounts in millions |
| ||||||||
Corporate level debentures | |||||||||
$ | |
| |
| | ||||
| |
| |
| | ||||
| | | |||||||
| | | |||||||
Subsidiary level notes and facilities | |||||||||
QVC |
| — |
| — |
| | |||
QVC | | | | ||||||
QVC | | | | ||||||
QVC | | | | ||||||
QVC | | | | ||||||
QVC |
| |
| |
| | |||
QVC | | | | ||||||
QVC | | | | ||||||
QVC Senior Secured Credit Facility | | | | ||||||
Deferred loan costs | — | ( | ( | ||||||
Total consolidated Qurate Retail debt | $ | |
| |
| | |||
Less current classification |
| ( |
| ( | |||||
Total long-term debt | $ | |
| |
QVC Senior Secured Notes
As of March 31, 2024, the remaining outstanding
On February 27, 2024, QVC delivered a notice of redemption to the trustee and holders of QVC’s
The senior secured notes permit QVC to make unlimited dividends or other restricted payments so long as QVC is not in default under the indentures governing the senior secured notes and QVC’s consolidated leverage ratio is not greater than
QVC Senior Secured Credit Facility
On October 27, 2021, QVC amended and restated its latest credit agreement (as amended and restated, the “Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) and refinanced QVC’s existing bank credit facility by entering into the Fifth
I-14
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Zulily, CBI, and QVC Global Corporate Holdings, LLC (“QVC Global”), each a direct or indirect (or former, in the case of Zulily) wholly owned subsidiary of Qurate Retail, as borrowers (QVC, Zulily, CBI and QVC Global, collectively, the “Borrowers”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other parties named therein. In connection with the Zulily divestiture (see note 1), Zulily is no longer a co-borrower in the Credit Facility, and Zulily repaid its outstanding borrowings under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement using cash contributed from Qurate Retail, which was approximately $
The Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is a multi-currency facility providing for a $
On June 20, 2023, QVC, QVC Global and CBI, as borrowers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other parties thereto entered into an agreement whereby, in accordance with the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, LIBOR-based rate loans denominated in U.S. dollars made on or after June 30, 2023 would be replaced with SOFR-based rate loans. Borrowings that are Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”)-based loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable SOFR rate, plus a credit spread adjustment, plus a margin that varies between
The loans under the Credit Facility are scheduled to mature on October 27, 2026. Payment of the loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default.
The payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of QVC’s, QVC Global’s, and CBI’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), if any, and certain other subsidiaries of any Borrower that such Borrower has chosen to provide guarantees. Further, the borrowings under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured, pari passu with QVC’s existing notes, by a pledge of all of QVC’s equity interests. The borrowings under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are also secured by a pledge of all of CBI’s equity interests.
The Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on the Borrowers and each of their respective restricted subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to, among other things: incurring additional indebtedness; creating liens on property or assets; making certain loans or investments; selling or disposing of assets; paying certain dividends and other restricted payments; dissolving, consolidating or merging; entering into certain transactions with affiliates; entering into sale or leaseback transactions; restricting subsidiary distributions; and limiting the Borrowers’ consolidated leverage ratio.
Borrowings under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement may be used to repay outstanding indebtedness, pay certain fees and expenses, finance working capital needs and general purposes of the Borrowers and their respective subsidiaries and make certain restricted payments and loans to the Borrowers’ respective parents and affiliates.
I-15
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Availability under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at March 31, 2024 was $
Exchangeable Senior Debentures
The Company has elected to account for its exchangeable senior debentures using the fair value option. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized as unrealized gains (losses) in the statements of operations. See note 4 for information related to unrealized gains (losses) on debt measured at fair value. As of March 31, 2024 the Company’s
Fair Value of Debt
Qurate Retail estimates the fair value of its debt based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rate offered to Qurate Retail for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2). The QVC
Senior debentures | $ | | ||
QVC senior secured notes |
| $ | |
Due to the variable rate nature, Qurate Retail believes that the carrying amount of its other debt, not discussed above, approximated fair value at March 31, 2024.
(7) Preferred Stock
On September 14, 2020, Qurate Retail issued its
Priority. The Preferred Stock ranks senior to the shares of Qurate Retail common stock, with respect to dividend rights, rights of redemption and rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Qurate Retail’s affairs. Shares of Preferred Stock are not convertible into shares of Qurate Retail common stock.
Dividends. Holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to receive quarterly cash dividends at a rate of
The ability of Qurate Retail to declare or pay any dividend on, or purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire, any of its common stock or any other stock ranking on parity with the Preferred Stock will be subject to restrictions if Qurate
I-16
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Retail does not pay all dividends and all redemption payments on the Preferred Stock, subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the Certificate of Designations.
Distributions upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. Upon Qurate Retail’s liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, each holder of shares of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, before any distribution is made to the holders of Qurate Retail common stock, an amount equal to the liquidation price plus all unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) accrued from the immediately preceding dividend payment date, subject to the prior payment of liabilities owed to Qurate Retail’s creditors and the preferential amounts to which any stock senior to the Preferred Stock is entitled. The Preferred Stock has a liquidation price equal to the sum of (i) $
Mandatory and Optional Redemption. The Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory redemption on March 15, 2031 at the liquidation price plus all unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) accrued from the most recent dividend payment date. On or after the fifth anniversary of September 14, 2020 (the “Original Issue Date”), Qurate Retail may redeem all or a portion of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, at the liquidation price plus all unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) accrued from the most recent dividend payment date plus, if the redemption is (x) on or after the fifth anniversary of the Original Issue Date but prior to its sixth anniversary,
Voting Power. Holders of the Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights or powers, except as specified in the Certificate of Designations or as required by Delaware law.
Preferred Stock Directors. So long as the aggregate liquidation price of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock exceeds
Recognition. As the Preferred Stock is subject to unconditional mandatory redemption in cash and was issued in the form of a share, the Company concluded the Preferred Stock was a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument and should be classified as a liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Preferred Stock was initially recorded at its fair value, which was determined to be the liquidation preference of $
(8) Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
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 Qurate Retail 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 amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
I-17
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Fire at Rocky Mount Fulfillment Center
On December 18, 2021, QVC experienced a fire at its Rocky Mount fulfillment center in North Carolina. Rocky Mount was QVC’s second-largest fulfillment center for the operating segment comprised of QVC U.S. and HSN (“QxH”) and QVC’s primary returns center for hard goods. QVC maintains property, general liability and business interruption insurance coverage. Based on provisions of QVC's insurance policies, the Company recorded insurance recoveries for fire related costs for which recovery is deemed probable.
In June 2023, QVC agreed to a final insurance settlement with its insurance company and received all remaining proceeds related to the Rocky Mount claim. As of December 31, 2023, QVC recorded cumulative fire related costs of $
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, QVC received $
In February 2023, QVC sold the Rocky Mount fulfillment center to an independent third party and received cumulative net cash proceeds of $
Project Athens
On June 27, 2022, Qurate Retail announced a five-point turnaround plan designed to stabilize and differentiate its core QVC U.S. and HSN brands and expand the Company's leadership in video streaming commerce (“Project Athens”). Project Athens main initiatives include: (i) improve customer experience and grow relationships; (ii) rigorously execute core processes; (iii) lower cost to serve; (iv) optimize the brand portfolio; and (v) build new high growth businesses.
During 2022, QVC commenced the first phase of Project Athens including actions to reduce inventory and a planned workforce reduction that was completed in February 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, QVC recorded restructuring charges of $
Zulily Restructuring
In the first quarter of 2022, Zulily began to execute a series of transformation initiatives, beginning with the announcement of the closure of its fulfillment center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and reduction in corporate workforce. These initiatives were consistent with Zulily’s strategy to operate more efficiently as it implemented its turnaround plan. Zulily recorded $
Gains on sale leaseback transactions
In November 2022, QVC entered into agreements to sell
I-18
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
leaseback transaction, leases and recorded a $
In December 2023, QVC entered into an agreement to sell an owned and operated property in Germany to an independent third party. This property was owned as of December 31, 2023, and is included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Under the terms of the agreement, QVC received net cash proceeds of $
On October 31, 2022, the Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $
(
(9) Information About Qurate Retail's Operating Segments
Qurate Retail, through its ownership interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the video and online commerce industries. Qurate Retail identifies its reportable segments as (A) those operating segments that represent 10% or more of its consolidated annual revenue, annual Adjusted OIBDA (as defined below) or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings represent 10% or more of Qurate Retail's annual pre-tax earnings.
The Qurate Retail chief operating decision maker primarily evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue and Adjusted OIBDA. In addition, Qurate Retail reviews nonfinancial measures such as unique website visitors, number of units shipped, conversion rates and active customers, as appropriate.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Qurate Retail has identified the following operating segments as its reportable segments:
● | QxH – QVC U.S. and HSN market and sell a wide variety of consumer products in the U.S., primarily by means of their televised shopping programs and via the Internet through their websites and mobile applications. |
● | QVC International – QVC International markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in several foreign countries, primarily by means of its televised shopping programs and via the Internet through its international websites and mobile applications. |
● | CBI – CBI consists of a portfolio of aspirational home and apparel brands in the U.S. that sell merchandise through brick-and-mortar retail locations as well as via the Internet through their websites. |
Qurate Retail's operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, distribution channels and marketing strategies. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the 2023 10-K.
I-19
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Performance Measures
Disaggregated revenue by segment and product category consisted of the following:
Three months ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
QxH | QVC Int'l | CBI | Corp and other | Total | ||||||||
in millions | ||||||||||||
Home | $ | | | | — | | ||||||
Apparel | | | | — | | |||||||
Beauty | | | — | — | | |||||||
Accessories | | | — | — | | |||||||
Electronics | | | — | — | | |||||||
Jewelry | | | — | — | | |||||||
Other revenue | | | — | — | | |||||||
Total Revenue | $ | | | | — | |
Three months ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
QxH | QVC Int'l | CBI | Corp and other | Total | ||||||||
in millions | ||||||||||||
Home | $ | | | | | | ||||||
Apparel | | | | | | |||||||
Beauty | | | — | | | |||||||
Accessories | | | — | | | |||||||
Electronics | | | — | | | |||||||
Jewelry | | | — | | | |||||||
Other revenue | | | — | | | |||||||
Total Revenue | $ | | | | | |
For segment reporting purposes, Qurate Retail defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding stock-based compensation and, where applicable, separately identified items impacting comparability. Qurate Retail believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and where applicable, separately identified impairments, litigation settlements, restructuring, penalties, acquisition-related costs, fire related costs, net (including Rocky Mount inventory losses) and gains (losses) on sale leaseback transactions, that are included in the measurement of operating income (loss) pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net earnings (loss), cash flows provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Qurate Retail generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.
I-20
QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(unaudited)
Adjusted OIBDA is summarized as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||
amounts in millions | ||||||
QxH | $ | |
| | ||
QVC International | | | ||||
CBI |
| |
| | ||
Corporate and other |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Consolidated Qurate Retail | $ | |
| |
Other Information
March 31, 2024 |
| |||||
Total assets | Capital expenditures |
| ||||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
QxH | $ | |
| | ||
QVC International | | | ||||
CBI | | | ||||
Corporate and other |
| |
| — | ||
Consolidated Qurate Retail | $ | |
| |
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Operating income (loss) and Earnings (loss) before income taxes:
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | |
| | ||
Stock-based compensation |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Gain on sale of assets and sale leaseback transactions | | | ||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | | | |||
Interest expense |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Interest and dividend income | | | ||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Other, net |
| ( |
| | ||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | $ | |
| |
I-21
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business strategies; revenue growth at QVC, Inc. ("QVC"); our projected sources and uses of cash; and fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:
● | customer demand for our products and services and our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers by anticipating customer demand and adapting to changes in demand; |
● | competitor responses to our products and services; |
● | increased digital TV penetration and the impact on channel positioning of our programs; |
● | the levels of online traffic to our businesses' websites and our ability to convert visitors into customers or contributors; |
● | uncertainties inherent in the development and integration of new business lines and business strategies; |
● | our future financial performance, including availability, terms, deployment of capital and our level of indebtedness; |
● | our ability to effectively manage our installment sales plans and revolving credit card programs; |
● | the cost and ability of shipping companies, manufacturers, suppliers, digital marketing channels, and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services; |
● | the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation; |
● | availability of qualified personnel; |
● | the impact of the seasonality of our businesses; |
● | changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings; |
● | changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, distributors, suppliers and vendors, including our increased reliance on social media platforms as a marketing tool; |
● | domestic and international economic and business conditions and industry trends, including the impact of Brexit (as defined below) and the impact of inflation and increased labor costs; |
● | increases in market interest rates; |
● | changes in the trade policy and trade relations with China; |
● | consumer spending levels, including the availability and amount of individual consumer debt and customer credit losses; |
● | system interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in the systems and infrastructures of our businesses; |
● | advertising spending levels; |
● | changes in distribution and viewing of television programming, including the expanded deployment of video on demand technologies and Internet protocol television and their impact on home shopping programming; |
● | rapid technological changes; |
● | failure to protect the security of personal information, including as a result of cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents, subjecting us to potentially costly government enforcement actions and/or private litigation and reputational damage; |
● | the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which we operate; |
● | natural disasters, public health crises (including COVID-19 and its variants or future pandemics or epidemics), political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control, including climate change; |
● | threatened terrorist attacks, political and economic unrest in international markets and ongoing military action around the world; |
● | failure to successfully implement Project Athens (defined below); and |
● | fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. |
I-22
For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 10-K”). These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the 2023 10-K.
The information herein relates to Qurate Retail, Inc. and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively “Qurate Retail,” the “Company,” “Consolidated Qurate Retail,” “us,” “we” or “our” unless the context otherwise requires).
Overview
We own controlling interests in video and online commerce companies. Our largest businesses and reportable segments are our operating segment comprised of QVC U.S. and HSN, Inc. (“QxH”) and QVC International. QVC markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States (“U.S.”) and several foreign countries via highly engaging video-rich, interactive shopping experiences, primarily by means of its televised shopping programs and the Internet through its domestic and international websites and mobile applications. Cornerstone Brands, Inc. (“CBI”), consists of a portfolio of aspirational home and apparel brands, and is a reportable segment.
Our “Corporate and other” category includes corporate activity along with various cost method investments. Prior to the divesture of Zulily, LLC (“Zulily”) described below, Zulily’s results were reported in Corporate and other.
Zulily was a wholly owned subsidiary of Qurate Retail until its divestiture on May 24, 2023. Qurate Retail recognized a loss on the divestiture of $64 million in the second quarter of 2023. Zulily is included in Corporate and other through May 23, 2023 and is not presented as a discontinued operation as the disposition did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on Qurate Retail’s operations and financial results.
Included in revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is $192 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 related to Zulily. Included in net earnings (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations is a loss of $35 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 related to Zulily.
On June 27, 2022, Qurate Retail announced a five-point turnaround plan designed to stabilize and differentiate its core QVC U.S. and HSN brands and expand the Company's leadership in video streaming commerce (“Project Athens”). Project Athens main initiatives include: (i) improve customer experience and grow relationships; (ii) rigorously execute core processes; (iii) lower cost to serve; (iv) optimize the brand portfolio; and (v) build new high growth businesses.
Improve Customer Experience and Grow Relationships. Qurate Retail is focused on rebuilding stronger connections with our customers. In order to improve customer experience and grow relationships, Qurate Retail is working to optimize programming using advanced analytics to align product offerings, promotions and airtime with customer preferences. In addition, we expect to invest in infrastructure which will endeavor to improve the customer's order to delivery experience by reducing shipping time and improving shipment tracking visibility. We will continue to focus on customer loyalty through providing customers with a more personalized experience.
Rigorously execute core processes. Qurate Retail is enhancing its core processes to deliver the human story telling experience behind a product while also sharing a clear and compelling value proposition. In order to rigorously execute core processes, Qurate Retail will optimize pricing and assortment by investing in enhanced Information Technology systems that will support real-time pricing and promotion adjustments at an item level. We will also focus on growing our private label brands to drive revenue and margin at productive scale.
Lower cost to serve. Qurate Retail is right sizing its cost base to improve profitability and cash generation. In order to lower cost to serve, Qurate Retail will enhance review of spending to identify cost savings opportunities and opportunities to create new operational efficiencies, through end-to-end product and process reviews, and leveraging
I-23
technology and process automation. Additionally, we will improve product margin through lower fulfillment costs, freight optimization and higher productivity.
Optimize the brand portfolio. Qurate Retail divested Zulily in the second quarter of 2023, consistent with its goal of optimizing the brand portfolio. Qurate Retail is exploring untapped opportunities to maximize brand value.
Build new high growth businesses. Finally, Qurate Retail is focused on expanding in the video streaming shopping market. In order to build new high growth businesses, Qurate Retail expects to expand streaming viewership by improving the current streaming experience with enhanced video and navigation and seamless transactions. Additionally, we are shaping the future streaming experience with exclusive content, program and deal concepts. We are also building a next generation shopping app featuring vendors with self-made content.
During 2022, QVC commenced the first phase of Project Athens, including actions to reduce inventory and a planned workforce reduction that was completed in February 2023. QVC recorded restructuring charges of $13 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. These initiatives are consistent with QVC’s strategy to operate more efficiently as it implements its turnaround plan.
QVC’s future net revenue will depend on its ability to grow through digital platforms, retain and grow revenue from existing customers, and attract new 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 video-on-demand technologies and Internet video services; (iv) QVC's ability to source new and compelling products; and (v) general economic conditions.
The current economic uncertainty in various regions of the world in which our subsidiaries and affiliates operate could adversely affect demand for our products and services since a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. Global financial markets may experience disruptions, including increased volatility and diminished liquidity and credit availability. If economic and financial market conditions in the U.S. or other key markets, including Japan and Europe, continue to be uncertain or deteriorate, our customers may respond by suspending, delaying or reducing their discretionary spending. A suspension, delay or reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments decline. Such weak economic conditions may also inhibit our expansion into new European and other markets. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.
The Company has continued to see inflationary pressures during the period including higher wages and merchandise costs consistent with inflation experienced by the global economy. If these pressures persist, inflated costs may result in certain increased costs outpacing our pricing power in the near term.
On December 18, 2021, QVC experienced a fire at its Rocky Mount, Inc. fulfillment center in North Carolina. Rocky Mount was QVC’s second-largest fulfillment center, processing approximately 25% to 30% of volume for QVC U.S., and also served as QVC U.S.’s primary returns center for hard goods. The building was significantly damaged as a result of the fire and related smoke and did not reopen. QVC took steps to mitigate disruption to operations including diverting inbound orders, leveraging its existing fulfillment centers and supplementing these facilities with short-term leased space as needed. QVC sold the property in February 2023 and received cumulative net cash proceeds of $19 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $15 million was received during the three months ended March 31, 2023. QVC assessed its network footprint and is making investments to expand capacity and increase throughput as a result of the loss of the Rocky Mount fulfillment center.
Based on the provisions of QVC’s insurance policies certain fire related costs were recoverable. In June 2023, QVC agreed to a final insurance settlement with its insurance company and received all remaining proceeds related to the Rocky Mount claim. As of December 31, 2023, QVC recorded cumulative fire related costs of $439 million which included $119 million of costs that were not reimbursable by QVC’s insurance policies. As of December 31, 2023, QVC received cumulative insurance proceeds of $660 million and recorded net gains, representing the proceeds received in excess of
I-24
recoverable losses recognized of $208 million. Of the $280 million of insurance proceeds received during the year ended December 31, 2023, $210 million represents recoveries for business interruption losses.
In November 2022, QVC International entered into agreements to sell two properties located in Germany and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) to an independent third party. Under the terms of the agreements, QVC received net cash proceeds of $102 million related to its German facility and $80 million related to its U.K. facility when the sale closed in January 2023. Concurrent with the sale, QVC entered into agreements to lease each of the properties back from the purchaser over an initial term of 20 years with the option to extend the terms of the property leases for up to four consecutive terms of five years. QVC recognized a $69 million and $44 million gain related to the successful sale leaseback of the German and U.K. properties, respectively, during the first quarter of 2023 calculated as the difference between the aggregate consideration received and the carrying value of the properties. The Company accounted for the leases as operating leases and recorded a $42 million and $32 million right-of-use asset and operating lease liability for the German and U.K. properties, respectively.
In December 2023, QVC entered into an agreement to sell an owned and operated property in Germany to an independent third party. This property was owned as of December 31, 2023, and is included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Under the terms of the agreement, QVC received net cash proceeds of $6 million related to its German facility when the sale closed in February 2024. QVC recognized a $1 million gain related to the sale during the first quarter of 2024, calculated as the difference between the aggregate consideration received and the carrying value of the property. Concurrent with the sale, QVC entered into an agreement to lease a portion of the property back over 2 years and recorded an operating lease right-of-use asset and operating lease liability of $1 million.
I-25
Results of Operations—Consolidated
General. We provide in the tables below information regarding our consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our principal reporting segments. The "Corporate and other" category consists of those assets or businesses which we do not disclose separately. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of the principal reporting segments, see "Results of Operations—Businesses" below.
Operating Results
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Revenue | ||||||
QxH |
| $ | 1,539 | 1,601 | ||
QVC International | 572 | 592 | ||||
CBI | 231 | 259 | ||||
Corporate and other | — | 192 | ||||
Consolidated Qurate Retail |
| $ | 2,342 | 2,644 | ||
Operating Income (Loss) | ||||||
QxH |
| $ | 94 | 74 | ||
QVC International | 63 | 156 | ||||
CBI | (3) | (2) | ||||
Corporate and other | (9) | (52) | ||||
Consolidated Qurate Retail |
| $ | 145 | 176 | ||
Adjusted OIBDA | ||||||
QxH |
| $ | 185 | 139 | ||
QVC International | 75 | 72 | ||||
CBI | 6 | 4 | ||||
Corporate and other | (7) | (36) | ||||
Consolidated Qurate Retail |
| $ | 259 | 179 |
Revenue. Consolidated Qurate Retail revenue decreased 11.4% or $302 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The decrease in the three months ended March 31, 2024 was due to decreased revenue in the Corporate and other segment of $192 million, decreased revenue at QxH of $62 million, decreased revenue at CBI of $28 million, and decreased revenue at QVC International of $20 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in Corporate and other revenue was due to the divestiture of Zulily in the prior year. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and CBI.
Stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation includes compensation primarily related to options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units for shares of our common stock that are granted to certain of our officers and employees.
We recorded $16 million of stock-based compensation for both of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. As of March 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Qurate Retail equity awards was approximately $90 million. Such amount will be recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years.
Operating income. Our consolidated operating income decreased $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The decrease in operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in operating income at QVC International of $93 million, and an increase in operating losses at CBI of $1 million, partially offset by a decrease in operating losses at the Corporate and other segment of $43 million, and an increase in operating income at QxH of $20 million, compared to the
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corresponding period in the prior year. Operating loss in the Corporate and other segment decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily related to the divestiture of Zulily in the prior year. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and CBI.
Adjusted OIBDA. To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we also disclose Adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted OIBDA as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and where applicable, separately identified impairments, litigation settlements, restructuring, penalties, acquisition-related costs, fire related costs, net (including Rocky Mount inventory losses), and (gains) losses on sale leaseback transactions. Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net earnings (loss), cash flows provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted OIBDA:
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 145 |
| 176 | ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| 99 | 100 | |||
Stock-based compensation |
| 16 | 16 | |||
Gain on sale of assets and leaseback transactions | (1) | (113) | ||||
Adjusted OIBDA | $ | 259 | 179 |
Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA increased 44.7% or $80 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The increase in Adjusted OIBDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to an increase at QxH of $46 million, a decrease in Adjusted OIBDA losses at Corporate and other of $29 million, an increase at QVC International of $3 million, and an increase at CBI of $2 million, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The change in the Corporate and other segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to the divestiture of Zulily in the prior year. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and CBI.
Other Income and Expense
Components of Other income (expense) are presented in the table below.
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Interest expense |
| $ | (117) | (94) | ||
Interest and dividend income | 12 | 11 | ||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net |
| (7) | (32) | |||
Other, net |
| (2) | 4 | |||
Other income (expense) |
| $ | (114) | (111) |
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $23 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024,
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compared to the same period in the prior year, is due to the reversal of interest expense related to the settlement of state income tax reserves at QVC during the prior year.
Interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income remained relatively flat for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year.
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net are comprised of changes in the fair value of the following:
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Equity securities | (2) | (3) | ||||
Exchangeable senior debentures | (5) | (31) | ||||
Other financial instruments | — | 2 | ||||
| $ | (7) | (32) |
The changes in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net are due to market activity in the applicable period related to the financial instruments that are marked to market on a periodic basis. The decrease in realized and unrealized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, was primarily driven by a decrease in unrealized losses on the exchangeable senior debentures driven by decreases in stock prices of the securities underlying the debentures compared to the prior year. The prior year was also impacted by a gain of $15 million due to the extinguishment of the Company’s 1.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2046.
Other, net. Other, net income decreased $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily the result of a decrease in tax sharing benefits compared to the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in foreign exchange losses compared to the prior year.
Income taxes. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had earnings before income taxes of $31 million and $65 million, respectively, and income tax expense of $23 million and $32 million, respectively. Income tax expense was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to non-deductible stock compensation and non-deductible interest expense related to the 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”). Income tax expense was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 due to foreign income tax expense and non-deductible interest on preferred stock, partially offset by state income tax benefit.
Net earnings. We had net earnings of $8 million and $33 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change in net earnings (loss) was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses.
Material Changes in Financial Condition
As of March 31, 2024, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents are invested in U.S. Treasury securities, securities of other government agencies, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated financial and corporate debt instruments.
The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, equity issuances, dividend and interest receipts, proceeds from asset sales, debt (including availability under QVC’s bank credit facilities (the “Credit Facility”), as discussed in note 6 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements), and cash generated by the operating activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Cash generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries is only a source of liquidity to the extent such cash exceeds the working capital needs of the subsidiaries and is not otherwise restricted. For example, under QVC’s bond indentures, it is able to pay dividends or make other restricted payments if it is not in default on its senior secured notes and its consolidated leverage ratio is no greater than 3.5 to 1.0. In addition, under the Credit Facility QVC is able to pay dividends or make other restricted payments if it is not in default on the Credit Facility and the consolidated leverage ratio of QVC, QVC Global Corporate Holdings, LLC and CBI is no greater than 4.0
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to 1.0. Further, under QVC’s bond indentures and the Credit Facility, unlimited dividends are permitted to service the debt of parent entities of QVC so long as there is no default (i.e., no leverage test is needed).
As of March 31, 2024, QVC’s consolidated leverage ratio (as calculated under QVC’s senior secured notes) was greater than 3.5 to 1.0 and as a result QVC is restricted in its ability to make dividends or other restricted payments under the senior secured notes. Although QVC will not be able to make unlimited dividends or other restricted payments under the senior secured notes leverage basket, QVC will continue to be permitted to make unlimited dividends to parent entities of QVC to service the principal and interest when due in respect of indebtedness of such parent entities (so long as there is no default under the indentures governing QVC’s senior secured notes) and permitted to make certain restricted payments to Qurate Retail under an intercompany tax sharing agreement in respect of certain tax obligations of QVC and its subsidiaries.
As of March 31, 2024, Qurate Retail's liquidity position included the following:
Cash and cash | ||||
equivalents | ||||
amounts in millions | ||||
QVC |
| $ | 311 | |
CBI | 79 | |||
Corporate | 712 | |||
Total Qurate Retail |
| $ | 1,102 |
Borrowing capacity | ||||
amount in millions | ||||
Credit Facility | $ | 1,866 |
To the extent that the Company recognizes any taxable gains from the sale of assets we may incur tax expense and be required to make tax payments, thereby reducing any cash proceeds. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $192 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash held in foreign subsidiaries that is available for domestic purposes with no significant tax consequences upon repatriation to the U.S. QVC accrues foreign taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. Approximately 68% of QVC’s foreign cash balance was that of QVC-Japan (as defined below). QVC owns 60% of QVC-Japan and shares all profits and losses with the 40% minority interest holder, Mitsui & Co., LTD (“Mitsui”).
Additionally, we believe our businesses will generate positive cash flow from operations during 2024.
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Cash Flow Information | ||||||
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities |
| $ | 26 | 16 | ||
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities |
| $ | (31) | 112 | ||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities |
| $ | (2) | (122) |
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, Qurate Retail's primary uses of cash were capital expenditures of $40 million and dividends paid to noncontrolling interest of $11 million, partially offset by net debt borrowings of $15 million.
The projected uses of Qurate Retail cash for the remainder of 2024 are continued capital improvement spending between $185 million and $200 million, debt service payments (including approximately $217 million for interest payments on outstanding debt), repayment of debt, and payment of dividends to the holders of the Preferred Stock. We also may be required to make net payments of income tax liabilities to settle items under discussion with tax authorities.
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We expect that cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities and borrowing capacity in future periods will be sufficient to fund projected uses of cash.
The Company may from time to time repurchase any level of its outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, redemptions, tender offers or otherwise. Repurchases or retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Qurate Retail and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all debt covenants at March 31, 2024.
On February 27, 2024, QVC delivered a notice of redemption to the trustee and holders of QVC’s 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (“2024 Notes”). Pursuant to the notice of redemption, QVC redeemed the remaining outstanding 2024 Notes in full on March 28, 2024.
Results of Operations—Businesses
QVC. 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 U.S., QVC’s televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are distributed across multiple channels nationally on a full-time basis, including QVC, QVC 2, QVC 3, HSN and HSN2. QVC’s U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com and HSN.com, which we refer to as “QVC’s U.S. websites”; virtual multichannel video programming distributors (including Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV); applications via streaming video; Facebook Live, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Xfinity Flex and Samsung TV Plus; mobile applications; social media pages and over-the-air broadcasters.
QVC’s digital platforms enable consumers to purchase goods offered on its televised programming, along with a wide assortment of products that are available only on QVC’s U.S. websites. QVC.com and its other digital platforms (including its mobile applications, social media pages and others) are natural extensions of its business model, allowing customers to engage in its shopping experience wherever they are, with live or on-demand content customized to the device they are using. In addition to offering video content, QVC’s U.S. websites allow shoppers to browse, research, compare and perform targeted searches for products, read customer reviews, control the order-entry process and conveniently access their account.
QVC’s international televised shopping programs, including live and recorded content, are distributed to households outside of the U.S., primarily in Germany, Austria, Japan, the U.K., the Republic of Ireland and Italy. In some of the countries where QVC operates, its televised shopping programs are distributed across multiple QVC channels: QVC Style and QVC2 in Germany and QVC Beauty, QVC Extra, and QVC Style in the U.K. Similar to the U.S., QVC’s international businesses also engage customers via websites, mobile applications, and social media pages. QVC’s international business employs product sourcing teams who select products tailored to the interests of each local market.
QVC's Japanese operations (“QVC-Japan”) are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by QVC and 40% by Mitsui. QVC and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $11 million and $12 million, respectively.
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QVC's operating results were as follows:
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Net revenue |
| $ | 2,111 |
| 2,193 | |
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation, amortization and Rocky Mount inventory losses shown below) | (1,373) |
| (1,488) | |||
Operating expenses | (170) |
| (178) | |||
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) | (308) |
| (316) | |||
Adjusted OIBDA | 260 |
| 211 | |||
Restructuring, penalties and fire related (costs), net of recoveries (including Rocky Mount inventory losses) | — | 4 | ||||
Gain on sale of assets and sale leaseback transactions | 1 | 113 | ||||
Stock-based compensation | (12) |
| (9) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (92) |
| (89) | |||
Operating income |
| $ | 157 |
| 230 |
Net revenue was generated in the following geographical areas:
Three months ended |
| ||||||
March 31, |
| ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| |||
amounts in millions |
| ||||||
QxH |
| $ | 1,539 |
| 1,601 | ||
QVC International | 572 | 592 | |||||
Consolidated QVC |
| $ | 2,111 | 2,193 |
QVC's consolidated net revenue decreased 3.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The three month decrease in net revenue is primarily due to a 2.0% decrease in average selling price per unit ("ASP") primarily driven by QVC International and to a lesser extent QxH, and a 1.5% decrease in units shipped driven by QxH, partially offset by QVC International. The decrease was also related to $17 million in unfavorable foreign exchange rates. These decreases to net revenue were partially offset by a $27 million decrease in estimated product returns primarily at QxH and to a lesser extent at QVC International.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the changes in revenue and expenses were affected by changes in the exchange rates for the U.K. Pound Sterling, the Euro and the Japanese Yen. 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.
In describing QVC’s operating results, the term currency exchange rates refers to the currency exchange rates QVC uses to convert the operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar. QVC calculates the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activity translated using the prior period's currency exchange rates. QVC refers to the results of this calculation as the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Constant currency operating results refers to operating results without the impact of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. The disclosure of constant currency amounts or results permits investors to better understand QVC’s underlying performance without the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations.
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The percentage change in net revenue for each of QVC's geographic areas in U.S. Dollars and in constant currency was as follows:
Three months ended | ||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| U.S. Dollars | Foreign Currency Exchange Impact | Constant Currency | |||||||
QxH |
| (3.8) | % | — | % | (3.8) | % | |||
QVC International |
| (3.4) | % | (2.9) | % | (0.5) | % |
The decrease in QxH net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to 4.0% decrease in units shipped, and a 0.5% decrease in ASP. These declines were partially offset by a $22 million decrease in estimated product returns. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, QxH experienced shipped sales growth in jewelry and accessories, with declines in all other categories.
QVC International’s net revenue decline in constant currency for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a 4.7% decrease in ASP across all markets. This decrease was partially offset by a 3.9% increase in units shipped primarily driven by the U.K. and Japan partially offset by Italy. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, QVC International experienced shipped sales growth in constant currency in home with declines in all other product categories.
QVC's cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenue was 65.0% and 67.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is primarily due to product margin improvement and lower warehouse costs across both segments and lower freight costs at QxH. The product margin improvement for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was driven by lower product costs and less inventory liquidation in the current period.
QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees and telecommunications expenses. Operating expenses were 8.1% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
QVC's SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, production costs, and marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses decreased $8 million and increased slightly as a percentage of net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in expenses was driven by a $17 million decrease in consulting expenses primarily at QxH and to a lesser extent decreases in non-income related taxes, building maintenance costs and favorability from foreign exchange rates. These decreases were partially offset by a $17 million increase in marketing costs at QxH. The decrease in consulting expenses related to investments in Project Athens made in the prior year.
QVC recorded a gain of $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, related to a $15 million gain on insurance proceeds received in excess of fire losses and a $13 million gain on the sale of the Rocky Mount property partially offset by $13 million of restructuring costs related to workforce reduction and $11 million of other fire related costs. Fire related costs, net included expenses directly related to the Rocky Mount fulfillment center fire net of expected and received insurance recoveries and gain on the sale of the Rocky Mount property. Expenses indirectly related to the Rocky Mount fulfillment center fire, including operational inefficiencies, were primarily included in cost of goods sold.
QVC recorded a $1 million gain on sale for the three months ended March 31, 2024 related to the sale leaseback of a property in Germany. QVC recorded $113 million of gains on sale leaseback transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily related to the sale leaseback of two properties located in Germany and the U.K.
Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options and restricted stock units granted to certain officers and employees. QVC recorded $12 million and $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in stock compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is primarily related to new awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Depreciation and amortization increased $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and included $16 million of acquisition related amortization for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The increase for
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the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to software additions including an enhancement to QVC’s Enterprise Resource Planning system that was placed into service in the second quarter of 2023, partially offset by a decrease in channel placement amortization and related expenses due to adjustments recognized related to lower subscriber counts and decreased property and equipment amortization primarily due to assets that are fully depreciated in the current period.
CBI. CBI consists of a portfolio of aspirational home and apparel brands. The home brands are comprised of Ballard Designs, Frontgate, and Grandin Road, while Garnet Hill focuses primarily on apparel and accessories and is categorized as an apparel brand. There are also 33 retail and outlet stores located throughout the U.S., primarily comprised of Ballard Designs and Frontgate stores.
CBI's stand-alone operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Three months ended |
| |||||
March 31, |
| |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||
amounts in millions |
| |||||
Net revenue |
| $ | 231 |
| 259 | |
Costs of goods sold | (138) |
| (165) | |||
Operating expenses | (10) |
| (10) | |||
SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) | (77) |
| (80) | |||
Adjusted OIBDA | 6 |
| 4 | |||
Stock-based compensation | (2) |
| (1) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (7) |
| (5) | |||
Operating income (loss) |
| $ | (3) |
| (2) |
CBI's consolidated net revenue decreased 10.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The decrease in net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was the result of a decrease in ASP of 7% related to a product mix shift within the home category to lower priced items, and a decrease in units shipped of 5% compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in units shipped was due to softness across home categories and the apparel segment.
CBI's cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenue was 59.7% and 63.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily due to lower supply chain costs.
Operating expenses are principally comprised of credit card processing fees and customer service expenses, which are variable expenses that support sales activity. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, operating expenses remained flat compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
CBI’s SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) include print, digital and retail marketing. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, as a percentage of net revenue, these expenses increased from 30.9% to 33.3%, primarily attributable to lower revenue compared to the prior year, as discussed above.
CBI’s stock-based compensation expense increased $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to more stock awards issued and an increase in the stock price compared to the prior year.
CBI’s total depreciation and amortization expense increased $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to increased capital investments, primarily in retail stores and technology.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations by our 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. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and investment activities, which include investments in fixed and floating rate debt instruments and borrowings used to maintain liquidity and to fund business operations. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We believe this best protects us from interest rate risk. We have achieved this mix by (i) issuing fixed rate debt that we believe has a low stated interest rate and significant term to maturity, (ii) issuing variable rate debt with appropriate maturities and interest rates and (iii) entering into interest rate swap arrangements when we deem appropriate. As of March 31, 2024, our debt is comprised of the following amounts:
Variable rate debt | Fixed rate debt |
| |||||||||
|
| Weighted |
|
| Weighted |
| |||||
Principal | average | Principal | average |
| |||||||
amount | interest rate | amount | interest rate |
| |||||||
dollar amounts in millions |
| ||||||||||
QVC |
| $ | 1,295 | 6.8 | % | $ | 3,086 | 5.2 | % | ||
Corporate and other |
| $ | — | — | % | $ | 1,572 | 6.1 | % |
Qurate Retail is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations related primarily to the monetary assets and liabilities and the financial results of QVC's 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 generally 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 accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) as a separate component of stockholders' 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 translations) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Cash flows from our operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the period. Accordingly, Qurate Retail may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity with respect to our holdings solely as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. QVC's reported Adjusted OIBDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 would have been impacted by approximately $1 million, for every 1% change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar.
We periodically assess the effectiveness of our derivative financial instruments. With regard to interest rate swaps, we monitor the fair value of interest rate swaps as well as the effective interest rate of the interest rate swap yields, in comparison to historical interest rate trends. We believe that any losses incurred with regard to interest rate swaps would be largely offset by the effects of interest rate movements on the underlying debt facilities. These measures allow our management to evaluate the success of our use of derivative instruments and to determine when to enter into or exit from derivative instruments.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the
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Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s quarter ended March 31, 2024, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Share Repurchase Programs
In May 2019, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of $500 million of Qurate Retail Series A common stock (“QRTEA”) or Qurate Retail Series B common stock (“QRTEB”). In August 2021, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of $500 million of QRTEA or QRTEB.
There were no repurchases of QRTEA or QRTEB during the three months ended March 31, 2024 under the Company’s share repurchase program.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no shares of QRTEA and QRTEB, and 45 shares of Qurate Retail 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock were surrendered by our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting of their restricted stock, restricted stock units, and options.
Item 5. Other Information
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Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Quarterly Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
31.1 | ||
31.2 | ||
32 | ||
99.1 | ||
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document* - The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. | |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document* | |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document* | |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document* | |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document* | |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document* | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)* |
* | Filed herewith |
** | Furnished herewith |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
QURATE RETAIL, INC. | |||
Date: May 8, 2024 | By: | /s/ DAVID RAWLINSON II | |
David Rawlinson II President and Chief Executive Officer | |||
Date: May 8, 2024 | By: | /s/ BRIAN J. WENDLING | |
Brian J. Wendling Chief Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer |
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