Liberty Interactive Corporation Reports First Quarter 2013 Financial Results

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty”) (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB, LVNTA, LVNTB) today reported first quarter 2013 results. Highlights include⁽¹⁾:

Attributed to Liberty Interactive Group

• Grew consolidated QVC revenue by 2% and adjusted OIBDA⁽²⁾ by 4% in Q1
  • Grew QVC US revenue by 5% and adjusted OIBDA by 8%
    • US operating income grew by 5%
  • QVC.com revenue as a percent of total US revenue increased to 42%, a 3 point increase
  • QVC US mobile penetration was 27% of QVC.com orders
  • Consolidated operating income increased 1%
• QVC issued 30-year and 10-year senior secured notes at 5.95% and 4.375%, respectively
• eCommerce group grew revenue by 20% and adjusted OIBDA by 15%
  • Operating income grew by 27%
• Repurchased $267 million of LINTA shares from February 1 to April 30

Attributed to Liberty Ventures Group

• Called for redemption of the 3.125% exchangeable senior debentures due 2023
• Issued new 0.75% exchangeable senior debentures due 2043

“QVC produced particularly strong results in the US, driven by solid operating performance and continued growth in eCommerce and mobile revenue. Our eCommerce companies showed marked improvement and returned to growth in adjusted OIBDA,” stated Greg Maffei, Liberty President and CEO. “We accelerated our repurchases of Liberty Interactive stock and bought $267 million worth of shares. Attributable to Liberty Ventures, post quarter close, we redeemed the 3.125% exchangeable debentures and issued new 30-year exchangeable debentures at an interest rate of 0.75% in a cash and tax neutral manner.”

LIBERTY INTERACTIVE GROUP - Liberty Interactive Group’s revenue increased 5% to $2.4 billion in the first quarter, adjusted OIBDA increased 4% to $437 million and operating income was relatively flat at $260 million. The increase in revenue was due to 2% growth at QVC combined with favorable results at the eCommerce companies driven by the Easter holiday falling during the first quarter of 2013, increased marketing efforts driving additional traffic, greater conversion resulting from investments in site optimization, increased shipping charges, and broader inventory offerings. The increase in adjusted OIBDA for the quarter was due to the revenue growth at QVC and the eCommerce companies, offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.

QVC

QVC's consolidated net revenue increased 2% in the first quarter to $2.0 billion. During the same period, adjusted OIBDA increased 4% to $404 million and operating income increased 1% to $260 million. As 2012 was a leap year, the current period results include one less day versus the prior period.

“QVC's first quarter results were highlighted by strong revenue growth in the US and solid international performance,” said Mike George, QVC President and CEO. “We are seeing our customers embracing QVC as a destination that is centered around community, entertainment and relationships as much as it is around shopping.”

QVC's US revenue increased 5% to $1.3 billion in the first quarter primarily as a result of strength in the electronics and beauty categories. Average selling price per unit (“ASP”) increased 6% from $57.01 to $60.51, while units sold declined 1% compared to the prior year first quarter. Returns as a percent of gross product revenue improved 65 basis points. In the same period, eCommerce revenue increased 13% to $544 million and grew to 42% from 39% as a percentage of total US net revenue. Adjusted OIBDA increased 8% to $291 million and adjusted OIBDA margin⁽²⁾ increased 67 basis points in the first quarter. Adjusted OIBDA margin increased primarily due to favorable warehouse, freight and obsolescence expenses.

QVC's international revenue in US Dollars decreased 2% in the first quarter to $677 million. The first quarter results included the negative impact of the strengthening of the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen, and to a lesser extent, the UK Pound Sterling, which were somewhat offset by the weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro. Adjusted OIBDA decreased 6% to $113 million and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 65 basis points in the first quarter. In constant currency, QVC’s international revenue and adjusted OIBDA increased 4% and 1%, respectively.

QVC Japan's revenue grew 3% in local currency in the first quarter due to growth in all categories except home. QVC Japan’s ASP in local currency increased 3% and units sold increased 3% in the first quarter. QVC Japan’s first quarter returns as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency increased 97 basis points due primarily to higher return rates in jewelry, apparel and accessories. QVC Japan’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency was relatively flat and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 71 basis points in the first quarter. The decrease in adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily applicable to duplicate running costs and a lease cancellation accrual associated with the transition to its new headquarters in March 2013.

In US Dollars, QVC Japan’s revenue and adjusted OIBDA decreased 11% and 14%, respectively. The decrease in revenue and adjusted OIBDA during the quarter was driven by a 14% decline in the Japanese Yen which created significant pressure on US Dollar denominated results.

QVC Germany's revenue increased 1% in local currency in the first quarter primarily due to sales growth in the beauty, apparel and accessories categories, partially offset by lower jewelry sales. QVC Germany's ASP in local currency remained flat, while units sold increased 4% in the first quarter. QVC Germany's first quarter return rate as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency increased 266 basis points from the prior year due primarily to changes in prior period estimates based on actual experience as well as higher returns in electronics and jewelry. QVC Germany’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency decreased 7% and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 142 basis points for the first quarter. Adjusted OIBDA margin decreased primarily due to an accrual made in connection with additional taxes and social security contributions expected to result from a potential reclassification of certain workers. Excluding this accrual, adjusted OIBDA would have increased 1%, consistent with revenue growth.

QVC UK's revenue grew 1% in local currency in the first quarter primarily due to sales in the home and beauty categories, partially offset by lower jewelry sales. QVC UK's ASP in local currency increased 4%, while units sold decreased 3% in the first quarter. QVC UK's first quarter return rate as a percent of gross product revenue in local currency decreased 97 basis points. UK’s adjusted OIBDA in local currency decreased 6% and adjusted OIBDA margin decreased 72 basis points in the first quarter. The decrease in adjusted OIBDA margin was primarily due to lower product margins and inventory FX losses from a decline in the value of the UK Pound Sterling.

QVC Italy's revenue increased 90% in local currency in the first quarter. QVC Italy’s sales were primarily from the cooking and dining, beauty and apparel product categories. QVC Italy's ASP in local currency increased 2% and units sold increased 87% in the first quarter. In the same period, the adjusted OIBDA deficit improved by 67%.

CNRS, QVC’s joint venture in China, saw revenue increase 39% in local currency in the first quarter. In the same period, CNRS’ adjusted OIBDA deficit improved by 41%. This joint venture is being accounted for as an equity method investment.

QVC's outstanding bank and bond debt was $3.5 billion at March 31, 2013, an increase of over $100 million since December 31, 2012. On March 1, 2013, QVC amended and restated its bank credit facility to, among other things, extend the maturity of the bank credit facility to March 1, 2018 and lower the interest rate on borrowings. On March 18, 2013, QVC issued $750 million principal amount of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 and $300 million principal amount of 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043. The net proceeds from the issuance of these instruments were used to reduce the outstanding principal under QVC's existing notes and bank credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes. On March 18, 2013, QVC repurchased $124 million of its 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and $231 million of its 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 via a tender offer. On April 17, 2013, QVC completed the redemption of the remaining $376 million principal amount of its 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, fully retiring these notes.

eCommerce Businesses

In the aggregate, Liberty Interactive Group’s eCommerce businesses increased revenue 20% to $460 million for the first quarter. Adjusted OIBDA increased 15% to $39 million and operating income increased 27% to $19 million. The increase in revenue, adjusted OIBDA and operating income were the result of the Easter holiday falling during the first quarter of 2013, increased marketing efforts driving additional traffic, greater conversion resulting in site optimization, increased shipping charges, and broader inventory offerings. The decrease in adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to an inventory reserve adjustment at one of our subsidiaries and lower product margins as a result of product discounts and promotions offered during the period.

Share Repurchases

From February 1, 2013 through April 30, 2013, Liberty repurchased approximately 12.6 million Series A Liberty Interactive shares at an average cost per share of $21.23 for total cash consideration of $267.1 million. Since the creation of the Liberty Interactive stock in May 2006, Liberty has repurchased approximately 196.8 million shares at an average cost per share of $19.16 for aggregate cash consideration of $3.8 billion. These repurchases represent approximately 28.1% of the shares outstanding at the time of creation of the Liberty Interactive stock. All repurchases up to August 9, 2012, the date on which the Liberty Interactive stock was recapitalized to create the Liberty Ventures stock, were comprised of shares of the combined stocks. The total remaining repurchase authorization for Liberty Interactive Group stock is approximately $929 million.

Liberty Interactive Group holds controlling interests in companies that are engaged in digital commerce, including QVC, Provide Commerce, Backcountry.com, Bodybuilding.com, Celebrate Interactive, CommerceHub, and also owns interests in HSN and Lockerz.

LIBERTY VENTURES GROUP – As of March 31, 2013, the fair value of the equity method securities and non-strategic AFS securities attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group was $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. When compared to the value as of December, 31, 2012, the fair value of Liberty Ventures Group’s equity method securities increased 2% and AFS securities increased 5%.

Share Repurchases

There were no repurchases of Liberty Ventures Group stock from February 1, 2013 through April 30, 2013. The Liberty Ventures Group does not have an outstanding stock repurchase authorization at this time.

The businesses and assets attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group are all of Liberty’s businesses and assets other than those attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group and include its subsidiary TripAdvisor, its interest in Expedia, and minority interests in Time Warner and Time Warner Cable. TripAdvisor is a separate publicly traded company and additional information about TripAdvisor can be obtained through its website and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FOOTNOTES

NOTES

Unless otherwise noted, the foregoing discussion compares financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2013 to the same period in 2012.

The following financial information with respect to Liberty’s equity affiliates and available for sale securities is intended to supplement Liberty’s consolidated statements of operations which are included in its Form 10-Q.

Cash and Debt

The following presentation is provided to separately identify cash and liquid investments and debt information.

Total cash and liquid investments attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group decreased $112 million, primarily due to stock repurchases and capital expenditures. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash flow from operations at QVC and borrowings of debt at QVC in excess of repayments. Total debt attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group increased by $126 million, primarily due to the first quarter debt refinancing at QVC, in excess of repayments on QVC senior notes and bank credit facilities.

Total cash and liquid investments attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group decreased $423 million, primarily due to debt repayments. Included in the total cash and liquid investments attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group is $594 million held at TripAdvisor, which is comprised of $209 million of cash, $194 million of short-term marketable securities and $191 million of long-term marketable securities. Although TripAdvisor is a consolidated subsidiary, they are a separate public company with a significant noncontrolling interest, therefore Liberty may not have ready access to those cash and liquid investments. Total debt attributed to the Liberty Ventures Group decreased by $448 million, primarily due to repayments made on senior exchangeable debentures.

Important Notice: Liberty (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB, LVNTA, LVNTB) President and CEO, Greg Maffei, will discuss Liberty’s earnings release in a conference call which will begin at 11:45 a.m. (ET) on May 8, 2013. The call can be accessed by dialing (888) 337-8192 or (719) 325-2243 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Replays of the conference call can be accessed until 11:45 a.m. (ET) on May 15, 2013, by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 plus the pass code 9345991. The call will also be broadcast live across the Internet and archived on our website. To access the webcast go to http://www.libertyinteractive.com/events. Links to this press release will also be available on Liberty’s website.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about business strategies, market potential, future financial prospects, international expansion, the effect of digital conversion on QVC’s channel placement, new service and product offerings, QVC’s mobile commerce platform, the continuation of our stock repurchase program, and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, possible changes in market acceptance of new products or services, competitive issues, regulatory matters affecting our businesses, continued access to capital on terms acceptable to Liberty Interactive and market conditions conducive to stock repurchases. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this presentation, and Liberty Interactive expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Interactive’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Liberty Interactive, including the most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q, for additional information about Liberty Interactive and about the risks and uncertainties related to Liberty Interactive’s business which may affect the statements made in this presentation.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

As a supplement to Liberty’s consolidated statements of operations, which are included in its Form 10-Q, the following is a presentation of quarterly information and operating metrics on a stand-alone basis for the largest business owned by Liberty (QVC) at March 31, 2013, which Liberty has identified as a reportable segment.

Please see below for the definition of adjusted OIBDA and a discussion of why management believes the presentation of adjusted OIBDA for QVC provides useful information for investors. Schedule 2 to this press release provides a reconciliation of adjusted OIBDA for each identified reportable segment to that segment’s operating income for the same period, as determined under GAAP.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release includes a presentation of adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, for Liberty, QVC (and certain of its subsidiaries), and the eCommerce businesses together with a reconciliation to that entity’s operating income, as determined under GAAP. Liberty defines adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding all stock based compensation, and excludes from that definition depreciation and amortization and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Further, this press release includes adjusted OIBDA margin which is also a non-GAAP financial measure. Liberty defines adjusted OIBDA margin as adjusted OIBDA divided by revenue.

Liberty believes adjusted OIBDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, including each business’ ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Because adjusted OIBDA is used as a measure of operating performance, Liberty views operating income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted OIBDA is not meant to replace or supersede operating income or any other GAAP measure, but rather to supplement such GAAP measures in order to present investors with the same information that Liberty's management considers in assessing the results of operations and performance of its assets. Please see the attached schedules for applicable reconciliations.

SCHEDULE 1

The following table provides a reconciliation of Liberty Interactive Group’s adjusted OIBDA to its operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP for the three months ended March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012, September 30, 2012, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

SCHEDULE 2

The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted OIBDA for QVC (and certain of its subsidiaries) and the eCommerce businesses to that entity or Group’s operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP for the three months ended March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012, September 30, 2012, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.