10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2015

Liberty Media Corp Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2015

Filed May 8, 2015For Securities:FWONKFWONAFWONB

Summary

Liberty Media Corporation (FWONK) reported its first quarter 2015 results, with consolidated revenue growing to $1.081 billion, a notable increase from $1.011 billion in the prior year's first quarter. This growth was primarily driven by a strong performance at its principal operating subsidiary, SIRIUS XM Holdings, Inc., which saw its revenue climb to $1.076 billion. Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA also saw a significant improvement, rising to $373 million from $294 million year-over-year, largely attributable to operational efficiencies at SIRIUS XM and a favorable comparison at the Atlanta National League Baseball Club (ANLBC) due to one-off costs in the prior year. The company also benefited from the spin-off of its broadband assets in late 2014, which removed TruePosition from its consolidated results, positively impacting Adjusted OIBDA. Despite the revenue and OIBDA improvements, Liberty Media reported a decline in net earnings to $19 million for the quarter, down from $72 million in the same period last year. This decrease was influenced by higher interest expenses, particularly at SIRIUS XM, and unfavorable realized and unrealized gains/losses on financial instruments compared to the prior year. The company's liquidity remains solid, with significant cash and cash equivalents, though access to SIRIUS XM's cash is limited due to its public status and non-controlling interest. Liberty also continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately $58 million of its Series A common stock during the quarter.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.08B
SG&A Expenses$202.00M
Operating Expenses$836.00M
Operating Income$245.00M
Interest Expense$77.00M
Net Income-$19.00M
EPS (Basic)$-0.06
EPS (Diluted)$-0.06
Shares Outstanding (Basic)342.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)345.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenue increased by approximately 7% to $1.081 billion, driven by SIRIUS XM's revenue growth.
  • 2Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA saw a significant increase of $79 million to $373 million, reflecting improved operational performance.
  • 3SIRIUS XM, the primary operating segment, reported a 7% increase in subscriber revenue and a 16% increase in other revenue.
  • 4Net earnings decreased to $19 million from $72 million in the prior year, impacted by higher interest expense and financial instrument valuations.
  • 5The company repurchased approximately $58 million of its Series A common stock during the quarter under its authorized buyback program.
  • 6Liberty Media is exposed to market risks, including interest rate and stock price fluctuations, with significant holdings in publicly traded securities.
  • 7SIRIUS XM is facing several legal proceedings, including class action suits related to pre-1972 sound recordings and TCPA violations, with outcomes that are not yet reasonably estimable.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Liberty Media's revenue growth was its principal operating subsidiary, SIRIUS XM Holdings, Inc., which experienced an increase in revenue.

Net earnings decreased due to higher interest expenses, particularly from SIRIUS XM's debt, and less favorable realized and unrealized gains/losses on financial instruments compared to the prior year's quarter.

SIRIUS XM is involved in several significant legal proceedings, including class action suits concerning pre-1972 sound recordings and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) violations. The company believes it has substantial defenses, but the outcomes are inherently unpredictable and the potential range of loss is not reasonably estimable.

Liberty Media maintains a solid liquidity position with substantial cash and cash equivalents. Potential sources of liquidity include operating cash flow from subsidiaries, asset sales, monetization of investments, debt, and equity. However, access to SIRIUS XM's cash is restricted due to its separate public company status.