10-KPeriod: FY2012

Liberty Media Corp Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2012

Filed February 28, 2013For Securities:FWONKFWONAFWONB

Summary

Liberty Media Corporation's (FWONK) 2012 10-K filing reveals a significant transformation driven by corporate restructuring and strategic investments. A major event was the spin-off of Starz, LLC, completed in Q1 2013, which resulted in Starz being treated as a discontinued operation. Concurrently, Liberty Media significantly increased its stake in SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. (SIRIUS XM), acquiring a controlling interest that will lead to its consolidation in Q1 2013. This strategic move is expected to substantially alter the company's financial reporting and overall structure. The company's financial performance in 2012 showed a decrease in revenue compared to 2011, largely due to a one-time revenue recognition at TruePosition in the prior year. However, the company benefited from a substantial "share of earnings of affiliates," primarily driven by a significant tax benefit recognized by SIRIUS XM, which positively impacted Liberty Media's net earnings. The company ended 2012 with a strong cash position, but highlighted a lack of significant annual operating cash flow post-Spin-Off, relying on cash distributions and existing liquidity for future needs.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$368.00M
SG&A Expenses$176.00M
Operating Expenses$448.00M
Operating Income-$80.00M
Interest Expense$7.00M
Net Income$1.41B
EPS (Basic)$3.92
EPS (Diluted)$3.80
Shares Outstanding (Basic)361.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)372.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Completed a Spin-Off of Starz, LLC in Q1 2013, leading to Starz being reported as discontinued operations.
  • 2Acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. in January 2013, leading to its consolidation in Q1 2013.
  • 3Reported consolidated revenue decrease of $1,025 million in 2012 compared to 2011, primarily due to a one-time deferred revenue recognition at TruePosition in the prior year.
  • 4Showcased substantial "Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates" of $1,346 million in 2012, largely driven by a significant tax benefit recognized by SIRIUS XM.
  • 5Ended 2012 with $1,353 million in cash and cash equivalents, but noted a lack of significant annual operating cash flow post-Spin-Off.
  • 6The company's overall business portfolio includes interests in media, communications, and entertainment, with key holdings in the Atlanta Braves and various equity investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Liberty Media underwent a significant Spin-Off of Starz, LLC in the first quarter of 2013, with Starz being treated as a discontinued operation. Additionally, in January 2013, Liberty Media acquired a controlling interest in SIRIUS XM Radio Inc., leading to its consolidation in the first quarter of 2013.

Following the Spin-Off, Starz, LLC is presented as discontinued operations. Importantly, Liberty Media stated that it no longer has access to the cash flow generated by Starz. The company noted a lack of significant annual operating cash flow after the Spin-Off, relying on cash distributions received at the time of the Spin-Off and existing liquidity for future needs.

Consolidated revenue decreased by $1,025 million in 2012 compared to 2011. This decrease was primarily attributed to a one-time recognition of deferred revenue at TruePosition in the prior year (2011). However, net earnings were significantly boosted by a substantial 'Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates,' largely due to a tax benefit recognized by SIRIUS XM.

Liberty Media increased its investment in SIRIUS XM, gaining a controlling interest that will result in consolidation. SIRIUS XM's financial results significantly impacted Liberty Media's earnings in 2012, primarily due to a large tax benefit recognized by SIRIUS XM. Liberty Media also continued to invest in Live Nation, accounting for it as an equity method investment.