Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20202021

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 001-33982

QURATE RETAIL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


incorporation or organization)


Identification No.)

State of Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

84-1288730

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

12300 Liberty Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado

(Address of principal executive offices)

80112

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (720875-5300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Series A common stock

QRTEA

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Series B common stock

QRTEB

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock

QRTEP

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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. Yes    No 

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). Yes     No 

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 

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     No 

The number of outstanding shares of Qurate Retail, Inc.'s common stock as of October 31, 20202021 was:

Series A common stock

387,844,870388,566,013

Series B common stock

29,376,6198,177,190

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

    

I-3

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

I-5

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (unaudited)

I-6

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

I-7

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)

I-8

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

I-10

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

I-24I-25

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

I-38I-37

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

I-38I-39

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

II-1

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

II-1

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

II-1

Item 6. Exhibits

II-2

SIGNATURES

II-3

I-2

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

2020

2019

amounts in millions

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,044

 

673

Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $147 million and $129 million, respectively

 

1,142

 

1,854

Inventory, net

 

1,481

 

1,413

Other current assets

 

702

 

636

Total current assets

 

4,369

 

4,576

Property and equipment, net

 

1,282

 

1,351

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 5):

Goodwill

 

6,601

 

6,576

Trademarks

 

3,168

 

3,168

 

9,769

 

9,744

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 5)

 

799

 

955

Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization

 

573

 

679

Total assets

$

16,792

 

17,305

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

 

2021

2020

amounts in millions

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

798

 

806

Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $103 million and $132 million, respectively

 

1,185

 

1,640

Inventory, net

 

1,742

 

1,301

Indemnification agreement receivable

394

345

Other current assets

 

418

 

473

Total current assets

 

4,537

 

4,565

Property and equipment, net

 

1,196

 

1,300

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 5):

Goodwill

 

6,592

 

6,638

Trademarks

 

3,168

 

3,168

 

9,760

 

9,806

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 5)

 

794

 

779

Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization

 

673

 

549

Total assets

$

16,960

 

16,999

(continued)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-3

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(unaudited)

September 30,

December 31,

 

September 30,

December 31,

 

2020

2019

 

2021

2020

 

amounts in millions,

 

amounts in millions,

 

except share amounts

 

except share amounts

 

Liabilities and Equity

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

1,147

 

1,091

$

1,238

 

1,305

Accrued liabilities

 

1,101

 

1,173

 

1,034

 

1,418

Current portion of debt, including $1,682 million and $1,557 million measured at fair value (note 6)

 

1,682

 

1,557

Current portion of debt, $1,983 million and $1,750 million measured at fair value (note 6)

 

1,983

 

1,750

Other current liabilities

 

226

 

180

 

190

 

231

Total current liabilities

 

4,156

 

4,001

 

4,445

 

4,704

Long-term debt (note 6)

 

5,184

 

5,855

 

5,311

 

5,186

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

1,744

 

1,716

 

1,318

 

1,359

Preferred stock (note 7)

1,248

1,260

1,249

Other liabilities

 

753

 

761

 

712

 

768

Total liabilities

 

13,085

 

12,333

 

13,046

 

13,266

Equity

Stockholders' equity:

Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 4,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 387,810,463 shares at September 30, 2020 and 386,691,461 shares at December 31, 2019

 

4

 

4

Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 29,376,619 shares at September 30, 2020 and 29,278,424 shares at December 31, 2019

 

 

Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 4,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 391,202,469 shares at September 30, 2021 and 382,165,550 shares at December 31, 2020

 

4

 

4

Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,177,190 shares at September 30, 2021 and 29,366,492 shares at December 31, 2020

 

 

Series C common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 400,000,000 shares; 0 shares issued

Additional paid-in capital

 

27

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes

 

16

 

(55)

 

(60)

 

72

Retained earnings

 

3,531

 

4,891

 

3,822

 

3,522

Total stockholders' equity

 

3,578

 

4,840

 

3,766

 

3,598

Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries

 

129

 

132

 

148

 

135

Total equity

 

3,707

 

4,972

 

3,914

 

3,733

Commitments and contingencies (note 8)

Commitments and contingencies (note 9)

Total liabilities and equity

$

16,792

 

17,305

$

16,960

 

16,999

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-4

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions, except per share amounts

 

Total revenue, net

$

3,383

 

3,089

 

9,725

 

9,285

$

3,144

 

3,383

 

9,985

 

9,725

Operating costs and expenses:

Cost of retail sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

 

2,178

 

2,026

 

6,328

 

6,045

 

2,069

 

2,178

 

6,504

 

6,328

Operating expense

 

203

 

200

 

605

 

593

 

204

 

203

 

627

 

605

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 2)

 

455

 

424

 

1,323

 

1,273

 

458

 

455

 

1,378

 

1,323

Depreciation and amortization

 

141

 

146

 

427

 

457

 

139

 

141

 

396

 

427

Impairment of intangible assets

1,020

1,020

 

2,977

 

3,816

 

8,683

 

9,388

 

2,870

 

2,977

 

8,905

 

8,683

Operating income (loss)

 

406

 

(727)

 

1,042

 

(103)

 

274

 

406

 

1,080

 

1,042

Other income (expense):

Interest expense

 

(98)

 

(93)

 

(290)

 

(282)

 

(121)

 

(98)

 

(356)

 

(290)

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net

 

(32)

 

(36)

 

(96)

 

(104)

 

(24)

 

(32)

 

(78)

 

(96)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net (note 4)

 

(12)

 

(45)

 

(127)

 

(239)

 

41

 

(12)

 

101

 

(127)

Gains (losses) on transactions, net

223

224

(1)

223

224

Other, net

 

(65)

 

(4)

 

(65)

 

(18)

 

 

(65)

 

(10)

 

(65)

 

16

 

(178)

 

(354)

 

(644)

 

(104)

 

16

 

(343)

 

(354)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

422

 

(905)

 

688

 

(747)

 

170

 

422

 

737

 

688

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(70)

 

150

 

(111)

 

188

 

(20)

 

(70)

 

(113)

 

(111)

Net earnings (loss)

352

(755)

577

(559)

150

352

624

577

Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

14

 

15

 

39

 

38

 

23

 

14

 

69

 

39

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders

$

338

 

(770)

538

 

(597)

$

127

 

338

555

 

538

Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A and Series B Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 3):

$

0.81

 

(1.85)

1.29

(1.40)

$

0.31

 

0.81

1.36

1.29

Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A and Series B Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 3):

$

0.80

 

(1.85)

1.28

(1.40)

$

0.31

 

0.80

1.32

1.28

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-5

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

(unaudited)

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

352

 

(755)

 

577

 

(559)

$

150

 

352

 

624

 

577

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

49

 

(37)

 

45

 

(29)

 

(28)

 

49

 

(92)

 

45

Recognition of previously unrealized losses (gains) on debt, net

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to debt credit risk adjustments

(68)

5

31

(9)

(13)

(68)

(50)

31

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

(19)

 

(32)

 

75

 

(38)

 

(41)

 

(19)

 

(142)

 

75

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

333

 

(787)

 

652

 

(597)

 

109

 

333

 

482

 

652

Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

16

 

14

 

43

 

40

 

22

 

16

 

59

 

43

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Qurate Retail, Inc. shareholders

$

317

 

(801)

 

609

 

(637)

$

87

 

317

 

423

 

609

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-6

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings (loss)

$

577

 

(559)

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

 

427

 

457

Impairment of intangible assets

1,020

Stock-based compensation

 

46

 

54

Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net

 

96

 

104

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net

 

127

 

239

(Gains) losses on transactions, net

(224)

1

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

19

 

(165)

Other, net

 

52

 

10

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

 

720

 

575

Decrease (increase) in inventory

(63)

(209)

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets

69

53

(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable

52

(192)

(Decrease) increase in accrued and other liabilities

(43)

(478)

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

1,855

 

910

Cash flows from investing activities:

Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees

 

(88)

 

(109)

Capital expenditures

 

(165)

 

(249)

Expenditures for television distribution rights

(41)

(128)

Cash proceeds from dispositions of investments

269

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

(25)

 

(486)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Borrowings of debt

 

1,300

 

2,215

Repayments of debt

 

(2,077)

 

(2,179)

Repurchases of Qurate Retail common stock

 

 

(392)

Withholding taxes on net settlements of stock-based compensation

 

(3)

 

(6)

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest

(46)

(34)

Dividends paid to common shareholders

(626)

Other financing activities, net

 

(12)

 

(72)

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

(1,464)

 

(468)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

5

 

(3)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

371

 

(47)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

681

 

660

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

1,052

 

613

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings (loss)

$

624

 

577

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

 

396

 

427

Stock-based compensation

 

54

 

46

Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net

 

78

 

96

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net

 

(101)

 

127

(Gains) losses on transactions, net

(224)

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

(35)

 

19

Other, net

 

15

 

52

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

 

439

 

720

Decrease (increase) in inventory

(453)

(63)

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets

85

69

(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable

(48)

52

(Decrease) increase in accrued and other liabilities

(339)

(43)

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

715

 

1,855

Cash flows from investing activities:

Investments in and loans to cost and equity investees

 

(177)

 

(88)

Capital expenditures

 

(169)

 

(165)

Expenditures for television distribution rights

(184)

(41)

Cash proceeds from dispositions of investments

10

269

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

40

Other investing activities, net

(3)

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

(483)

 

(25)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Borrowings of debt

 

394

 

1,300

Repayments of debt

 

(284)

 

(2,077)

Repurchases of Qurate Retail common stock

 

(216)

 

Withholding taxes on net settlements of stock-based compensation

 

(25)

 

(3)

Payments for issuances of financial instruments

(107)

(25)

Proceeds from settlements of financial instruments

88

31

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest

(46)

(46)

Dividends paid to common shareholders

(14)

(626)

Other financing activities, net

 

(9)

 

(18)

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

(219)

 

(1,464)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(20)

 

5

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(7)

 

371

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

814

 

681

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

807

 

1,052

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:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

December 31,

2020

2019

2021

2020

in millions

in millions

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,044

673

$

798

806

Restricted cash included in other current assets

8

8

9

8

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

$

1,052

681

$

807

814

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-7

Table of Contents

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, 2020

$

4

(55)

4,891

132

4,972

Net earnings (loss)

 

538

39

577

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

71

4

75

Stock compensation

44

44

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(46)

(46)

Distribution of dividends to common shareholders

(1,898)

(1,898)

Other

(17)

(17)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

4

27

16

3,531

129

3,707

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, 2021

$

4

72

3,522

135

3,733

Net earnings (loss)

 

555

69

624

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

(132)

(10)

(142)

Stock compensation

51

51

Series A Qurate Retail stock repurchases

 

(239)

(239)

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(46)

(46)

Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

(25)

(25)

Other

(46)

4

(42)

Reclassification

259

(259)

Balance at September 30, 2021

$

4

(60)

3,822

148

3,914

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 June 30, 2020

$

4

25

37

5,091

129

5,286

Net earnings (loss)

 

338

14

352

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

(21)

2

(19)

Stock compensation

17

17

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(16)

(16)

Distribution of dividends to common shareholders

(1,898)

(1,898)

Other

(15)

(15)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

4

27

16

3,531

129

3,707

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 June 30, 2021

$

4

(20)

3,787

141

3,912

Net earnings (loss)

 

127

23

150

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

(40)

(1)

(41)

Stock compensation

18

18

Series A Qurate Retail stock repurchases

(134)

(134)

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(15)

(15)

Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

(1)

(1)

Other

24

1

25

Reclassification

93

(93)

Balance at September 30, 2021

$

4

(60)

3,822

148

3,914

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Table of Contents

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity

Accumulated

Accumulated

Additional

other

Noncontrolling

Additional

other

Noncontrolling

Preferred

Common stock

paid-in

comprehensive

Retained

interest in equity

Total

Preferred

Common stock

paid-in

comprehensive

Retained

interest in equity

Total

  

stock

  

Series A

  

Series B

  

capital

  

earnings (loss)

  

earnings

  

of subsidiaries

  

equity

  

stock

  

Series A

  

Series B

  

capital

  

earnings (loss)

  

earnings

  

of subsidiaries

  

equity

amounts in millions

amounts in millions

Balance at January 1, 2019

$

4

(55)

5,675

120

5,744

Balance at January 1, 2020

$

4

(55)

4,891

132

4,972

Net earnings (loss)

 

(597)

38

(559)

 

538

39

577

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

(40)

2

(38)

 

71

4

75

Stock compensation

54

54

44

44

Series A Qurate Retail stock repurchases

 

(392)

(392)

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(34)

(34)

(46)

(46)

Withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

(6)

(6)

Reclassification

344

(344)

Balance at September 30, 2019

$

 

4

 

 

 

(95)

 

4,734

 

126

 

4,769

Distribution of dividends to common shareholders

(1,898)

(1,898)

Other

(17)

(17)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

 

4

 

 

27

 

16

 

3,531

 

129

 

3,707

Stockholders' Equity

Common stock

Accumulated

Qurate

Additional

other

Noncontrolling

Preferred

Retail

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 June 30, 2019

$

4

(64)

5,583

118

5,641

Net earnings (loss)

 

(770)

15

(755)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(31)

(1)

(32)

Stock compensation

17

17

Series A Qurate Retail stock repurchases

 

(96)

(96)

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(6)

(6)

Reclassification

79

(79)

Balance at September 30, 2019

$

4

(95)

4,734

126

4,769

Stockholders' Equity

Common stock

Accumulated

Qurate

Additional

other

Noncontrolling

Preferred

Retail

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 June 30, 2020

$

4

25

37

5,091

129

5,286

Net earnings (loss)

 

338

14

352

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(21)

2

(19)

Stock compensation

17

17

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(16)

(16)

Distribution of dividends to common shareholders

(1,898)

(1,898)

Other

(15)

(15)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

4

27

16

3,531

129

3,707

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

I-9

Table of Contents

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. (formerly named Liberty Interactive Corporation, prior to the GCI Liberty Split-Off defined and described below) 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. (“Cornerstone”), Zulily, LLC (“Zulily”), and other cost and equity 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, Cornerstone and Zulily, 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, 2019,2020, 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, 20192020 (the “2019“2020 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.    

In December 2019, a new coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China and has subsequently spread across the globe causing a global pandemic, impacting all countries where Qurate Retail operates. As a result of the spread of the virus,COVID-19, certain local governmental agencies have imposed travel restrictions, local quarantines or stay at home restrictions to contain the spread, which has caused a significant disruption to most sectors of the economy.

As a result of COVID-19, management increased the amounts of certain estimated reserves, including but not limited to, uncollectible receivables and inventory obsolescence for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.  Other than these changes, managementManagement is not presently aware of any events or circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic that would require the Company to update ourthe estimates, or judgments or revise the carrying value of our assets or liabilities. Management’sManagement's estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and any such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from estimates, and any such differences may be material to our financial statements.

As a result of repurchases of Series A Qurate Retail common stock (“QRTEA”) and other equity transactions, the Company’s additional paid-in capital balance was in a deficit position as of September 30, 2021.  In order to ensure that the additional paid-in capital account is not negative, we reclassified the amount of the deficit ($259 million) at September 30, 2021 to retained earnings.

Qurate Retail has entered into certain agreements with Liberty Media Corporation ("LMC") (for accounting purposes, a related party of the Company), 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”) (for accounting purposes, a related party of the Company) entered into a tax sharing agreement. Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement, GCI Liberty has 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

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

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 (for accounting purposes, a related party of the Company) has assumed the tax sharing agreement.

In December 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to the services agreement in connection with LMC’s entry into a new employment arrangement with Gregory B. Maffei, the Company’s Chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”). Under the amended services agreement, components of his compensation will either be paid directly to him by each of the Company, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., GCI Liberty, and Liberty Broadband Corporation (collectively, the “Service Companies”) or reimbursed to LMC, in each case, based on allocations among LMC and the Service Companies set forth in the amended services agreement, currently set at 19%17% for the Company. 

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 Qurate Retail with certain general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury 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 $2 million was reimbursable to LMC for both of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and 2019,$8 million and $7 million and $5 million was reimbursable to LMC for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. Qurate Retail had a tax sharing payable withto LMC and GCI Liberty Broadband in the amount of approximately $125$122 million and $95$129 million as of September 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, respectively, included in Other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 

On August 21, 2020,November 4, 2021, Qurate Retail announced that an authorized committee of its Board of Directors had declared a special cash dividend (the “Special Dividend”) on each outstanding share of its Series A and Series B common stock consisting of (i) cash in the amount of $1.50$1.25 per common share for an aggregate cash dividend of approximately $633$495 million and (ii) 0.03based on shares outstanding as of newly issued 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), having an initial liquidation price of $100 per share of Preferred Stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. The distribution ratioOctober 31, 2021 (to be updated for the Preferred Stock portionactual shares outstanding as of the Special Dividend was equivalent to $3.00 in initial liquidation preference per common share, for an aggregate issuance of approximately $1.3 billion aggregate liquidation preference.record date). The dividend was distributedis payable on September 14, 2020November 22, 2021 to holdersstockholders of record of Qurate Retail’s Series A and Series B common stock. Holdersstock as of the Preferred Stock are entitled to receive quarterly cash dividends at a fixed rateclose of 8.0% per yearbusiness on a cumulative basis, beginning DecemberNovember 15, 2020 and thereafter on each of March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 during the term. The Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances as required by law, and subject to a mandatory redemption on March 15, 2031.2021. 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 the Company recognized a gain as a result of the sale of one of its alternative energy investments. The Company received total cash consideration of $272 million and recorded a gain of $224 million on the sale.

(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 restricted stock) 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 $19 million of stock-based compensation during both of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and $54 million and $46 million of stock-based compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

In connection with the Special Dividend, holders of RSAs and RSUs of Series A Qurate Retail common stock (“QRTEA”) outstanding at the close of business on the record date received:

i.a special cash dividend in the amount of $1.50 per share for each QRTEA RSA and RSU so held (“Cash Dividend”), and
ii.a special dividend of 0.03 shares of newly issued Preferred Stock for each QRTEA RSA and RSU so held, with cash distributed in lieu of fractional shares. The Preferred Stock dividend related to QRTEA RSAs and RSUs was issued in the form of Preferred Stock RSAs and RSUs, corresponding to the original grant of either RSAs or RSUs.

The Cash Dividend for RSA holders was paid upon distribution. The Cash Dividend for RSU holders along with the Preferred Stock RSAs and RSUs are subject to the same vesting schedules as those applicable to the corresponding original QRTEA RSAs and RSUs.  

Also in connection with the Special Dividend, holders of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to purchase shares of QRTEA or Series B Qurate Retail common stock (“QRTEB” and together with QRTEA, “QRTEA/B”) on the record date were adjusted pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the incentive plans under which the stock options and SARs were granted. The adjustment to the exercise price and the number of shares subject to the original stock option or SAR award preserved:

i.the pre-Special Dividend intrinsic value of the original QRTEA/B stock option or SAR, and
ii.the pre-Special Dividend ratio of the exercise price to the market price of the corresponding original QRTEA/B stock option or SAR.

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations are $19 million and $17 million of stock-based compensation during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $46 million and $54 million of stock-based compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents the number and weighted average GDFV of options granted by the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2020:2021:

Nine months ended

September 30, 2020

Options Granted (000's)

Weighted Average GDFV

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, QVC and HSN employees (1)

4,166

$

1.94

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, Zulily employees (1)

618

$

1.94

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, Qurate Retail employees (2)

84

$

4.65

Nine months ended

September 30, 2021

Options Granted (000's)

Weighted Average GDFV

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, QVC and HSN employees (1)

895

$

6.75

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, Zulily employees (1)

79

$

6.74

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, Qurate Retail employees (2)

63

$

6.18

Series A Qurate Retail common stock, David Rawlinson II (3)

1,185

$

5.02

(1)Grants vest semi-annually over four years.
(2)Grants vest between threetwo and fourthree years.
(3)Grant vests in 2 equal tranches on December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024. Grant was made in connection with the employment agreement of Mr. Rawlinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (see note 8).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, Qurate Retail granted to employees 9.8and directors 4.9 million RSUs of QRTEA. The Series AQRTEA, which RSUs hadhave a GDFV of $4.66$12.87 per share and generally vest annually over four years. In connection with our Chairman’sGregory B. Maffei’s employment agreement, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, Qurate Retail granted 584229 thousand performance-based RSUs of QRTEA to the Chairman.Mr. Maffei. The Series A RSUs had a GDFV of $4.44$12.90 per share at the time they were granted and will cliff vest one year from the month of grant, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives. As a result of the Letter Agreement discussed in Note 8, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Qurate Retail granted 1.1 million time-based RSAs of Series B Qurate Retail common stock (“QRTEB”) to Mr. Maffei, which RSAs have a GDFV of $13.65 per share and vest in 2 equal tranches on December 10, 2024 and June 3, 2026, subject to earlier vesting under certain circumstances.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, Qurate Retail also granted 725423 thousand performance-based RSUs and 423 thousand time-based RSUs of QRTEA to its CEO.  TheMike George, the former Chief Executive Officer (see note 8).  Both the performance-based and time-based Series A RSUs had a GDFV of $4.44$12.90 per share at the time they were grantedgranted. The time-based RSUs vest on December 10, 2021, and the performance-based RSUs will cliff vest one year from the month of grant, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Qurate Retail granted 143 thousand performance-based RSUs and 509 thousand time-based RSUs of QRTEA to Mr. Rawlinson in connection with his employment agreement.  Both the performance-based and time-based Series A RSUs had a GDFV of $10.50 per share at the time they were granted.  The time-based RSUs vest over three years, and the performance-based RSUs cliff vest in March 2022, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives.  Performance objectives, which are subjective, are considered in determining the timing and amount of compensation

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

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.

Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Qurate Retail granted 38 thousand time-based RSUs of QRTEA to our Chairman. The RSUs had a GDFV of $7.44 per share and cliff vest on December 10, 2020.  This RSU grant was issued in lieu of our Chairman receiving 50% of his remaining base salary for the last three quarters of calendar year 2020, and he has waived his right to receive the other 50%, in each case, in light of the ongoing financial impact of COVID-19.

The Company has calculated the GDFV for all of its equity classified Awards and any subsequent remeasurement of its liability classified Awards using the Black-Scholes-Merton Model. The Company estimates the expected term of the Awards based on historical exercise and forfeiture data. The volatility used in the calculation for Awards is based on the historical volatility of Qurate Retail's stock and the implied volatility of publicly traded Qurate Retail options. The Company uses a 0 dividend rate and the risk-free rate for Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options.

Qurate Retail—Outstanding Awards

The following tables present the number and weighted average exercise price ("WAEP") of the Awards 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 Awards.

    

    

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

average

intrinsic

Series A

remaining

value

(000's)

WAEP

life

(millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2020

 

23,248

$

21.28

Granted

 

4,868

$

4.53

Exercised

 

(212)

$

0.50

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(4,447)

$

18.74

Special Dividend adjustment

15,145

$

11.19

Outstanding at September 30, 2020

 

38,602

$

11.22

 

4.3

years

$

45

Exercisable at September 30, 2020

 

20,002

$

14.59

 

3.2

years

$

7

    

    

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

average

intrinsic

Series B

remaining

value

(000's)

WAEP

life

(millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2020

 

1,844

$

27.09

Granted

 

$

Exercised

 

$

Forfeited/Cancelled

$

Special Dividend adjustment

1,182

$

16.51

Outstanding at September 30, 2020

 

3,026

$

16.51

 

2.3

years

$

Exercisable at September 30, 2020

 

3,026

$

16.51

 

2.3

years

$

There were 0 options to purchase shares of QRTEB granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

As of September 30, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Awards was approximately $45 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 years.

I-13I-12

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

    

    

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

average

intrinsic

Series A

remaining

value

(000's)

WAEP

life

(millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2021

 

40,553

$

10.61

Granted

 

2,222

$

11.63

Exercised

 

(2,304)

$

5.94

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(3,210)

$

12.96

Outstanding at September 30, 2021

 

37,261

$

10.76

 

3.7

years

$

79

Exercisable at September 30, 2021

 

22,420

$

13.65

 

2.5

years

$

17

    

    

    

Weighted

    

Aggregate

 

average

intrinsic

Series B

remaining

value

(000's)

WAEP

life

(millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2021

 

3,243

$

15.39

Granted

 

$

Exercised

 

$

Forfeited/Cancelled

(1,335)

$

16.93

Outstanding at September 30, 2021

 

1,908

$

14.31

 

2.0

years

$

Exercisable at September 30, 2021

 

1,908

$

14.31

 

2.0

years

$

As of September 30, 2020,2021, Qurate Retail had 12.9 million QRTEA RSUs and 1.1 million QRTEB RSAs outstanding with a weighted average GDFV of $9.76 and $13.65 per share, respectively.

As of September 30, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Awards was approximately $121 million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.

As of September 30, 2021, Qurate Retail reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options approximately 38.637.3 million shares of QRTEA and 3.01.9 million shares of QRTEB.QRTEB common stock.

(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 both of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are 22 million and 29 million potential common shares, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Excluded from diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are 22 million and 2019 are 29 million potential common shares, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.

Qurate Retail Common Stock

Qurate Retail Common Stock

    

Three months ended

    

Nine months ended

    

Three months ended

    

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

2020

2019

2020

2019

2021

2020

2021

2020

number of shares in millions

number of shares in millions

Basic WASO

 

417

417

 

417

 

426

 

404

417

 

408

 

417

Potentially dilutive shares

 

4

1

 

3

 

1

 

12

4

 

12

 

3

Diluted WASO

 

421

418

 

420

 

427

 

416

421

 

420

 

420

I-13

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

(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

 

Fair Value Measurements at

Fair Value Measurements at

 

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

September 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

 

    

    

Quoted

    

    

    

Quoted

    

 

    

    

Quoted

    

    

    

Quoted

    

 

prices

prices

 

prices

prices

 

in active

Significant

in active

Significant

 

in active

Significant

in active

Significant

 

markets for

other

markets for

other

 

markets for

other

markets for

other

 

identical

observable

identical

observable

 

identical

observable

identical

observable

 

assets

inputs

assets

inputs

 

assets

inputs

assets

inputs

 

Description

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

 

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash equivalents

$

524

 

524

 

 

339

 

339

 

$

260

 

260

 

 

290

 

290

 

Indemnification asset

$

310

310

202

202

$

394

394

345

345

Financial instrument asset

$

92

92

23

23

Debt

$

1,682

 

 

1,682

 

1,557

 

 

1,557

$

1,983

 

 

1,983

 

1,750

 

 

1,750

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.

The indemnification asset relates to GCI Liberty’sLiberty Broadband’s agreement to indemnify Liberty Interactive LLC (“LI LLC”) and pertains to the ability of holders of LI LLC’s 1.75% exchangeable debentures due 2046 (the “1.75% Exchangeable

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Debentures”) to exercise their exchange right according to the terms of the debentures on or before October 5, 2023. Such amount will equal the difference between the exchange value and par value of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures at the time the exchange occurs.  The indemnification asset recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 20202021 represents the fair value of the estimated exchange feature included in the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures primarily based on market observable inputs (Level 2).  As of September 30, 2020,2021, a holder of the 1.75% Exchangeable Debentures has the ability to exchange and, accordingly, such indemnification asset is included as a current asset in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of that date.

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

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Equity securities

48

2

98

(2)

Exchangeable senior debentures

 

(145)

 

(49)

 

(225)

 

(304)

 

(50)

 

(145)

 

(183)

 

(225)

Indemnification asset

94

3

107

58

8

94

49

107

Other financial instruments

39

1

(9)

7

35

37

137

(7)

$

(12)

 

(45)

 

(127)

 

(239)

$

41

 

(12)

 

101

 

(127)

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

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).  The change in the fair value of the exchangeable senior debentures attributable to changes in the instrument specific credit risk was a loss of $90$16 million and a gainloss of $7$90 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 2019, respectively,a loss of $60 million and a gain of $39 million and a loss of $12 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.  The cumulative change was a gain of $210$133 million as of September 30, 2020.2021.  

(5)   Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

Corporate and

Corporate and

    

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

    

Other

    

Total

 

    

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

    

Other

    

Total

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2020

$

5,228

859

477

 

12

 

6,576

Balance at January 1, 2021

$

5,228

921

477

 

12

 

6,638

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

25

 

 

25

 

(46)

 

 

(46)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

5,228

884

477

 

12

 

6,601

Balance at September 30, 2021

$

5,228

875

477

 

12

 

6,592

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $94 million and $89 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $261 million and $274 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Based on its amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2021, Qurate Retail expects that amortization expense will be as follows for the next five years (amounts in millions):

Remainder of 2021

    

$

97

2022

$

303

2023

$

179

2024

$

103

2025

$

51

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $89 million and $95 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $274 million and $289 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Based on its amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2020, Qurate Retail expects that amortization expense will be as follows for the next five years (amounts in millions):

Remainder of 2020

    

$

92

2021

$

267

2022

$

157

2023

$

103

2024

$

75

(6)   Long-Term Debt

Debt is summarized as follows:

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

 

principal at

Carrying value

 

principal at

Carrying value

 

    

September 30, 2020

    

September 30, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

 

    

September 30, 2021

    

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Corporate level debentures

8.5% Senior Debentures due 2029

$

287

 

285

 

285

$

287

 

286

 

285

8.25% Senior Debentures due 2030

 

504

 

502

 

502

 

505

 

502

 

502

4% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2029

431

355

327

429

363

362

3.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2030

432

342

318

431

357

346

3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031

218

371

422

0.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2043

2

1.75% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2046

332

614

488

332

714

649

Subsidiary level notes and facilities

QVC 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022

 

 

 

500

QVC 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023

 

750

 

750

 

750

 

750

 

750

 

750

QVC 4.85% Senior Secured Notes due 2024

 

600

 

600

 

600

 

600

 

600

 

600

QVC 4.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2025

600

599

599

600

599

599

QVC 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2027

575

575

575

575

575

QVC 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028

500

500

500

500

500

QVC 5.45% Senior Secured Notes due 2034

400

399

399

400

399

399

QVC 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2043

 

300

 

300

 

300

 

300

 

300

 

300

QVC 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2067

225

225

225

225

225

225

QVC 6.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2068

500

500

500

500

500

500

QVC Bank Credit Facilities

 

 

 

1,235

3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031

 

210

 

549

 

393

QVC Senior Secured Credit Facility

120

120

Deferred loan costs

(51)

(40)

(45)

(49)

Total consolidated Qurate Retail debt

$

6,654

 

6,866

 

7,412

$

6,764

 

7,294

 

6,936

Less current classification

 

(1,682)

 

(1,557)

 

(1,983)

 

(1,750)

Total long-term debt

$

5,184

 

5,855

$

5,311

 

5,186

QVC BankSenior Secured Credit FacilitiesFacility

On December 31, 2018, QVC entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Zulily as co-borrower (collectively, the “Borrowers”) which is a multi-currency facility that provides for a $2.95 billion revolving credit facility, with a $450 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and $1.5 billion of uncommitted incremental revolving

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QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

loan commitments or incremental term loans. The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes a $400 million tranche that may be borrowed by QVC or Zulily, with a $50 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit.  The remaining $2.55 billion and any incremental loans may be borrowed only by QVC.  Borrowings that are alternate base rate loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the base rate plus a margin that varies between 0.25% to 0.75% depending on the Borrowers combined ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (the “Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio”). Borrowings that are LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) loans will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the applicable LIBOR rate plus a margin that varies between 1.25% and 1.75% depending on the Borrowers’ Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Each loan may be prepaid at any time and from time to time without penalty other than customary breakage costs. No mandatory prepayments will be required other than when borrowings and letter of credit usage exceed availability; provided that, if Zulily ceases to be controlled by Qurate Retail, all of its loans must be repaid and its letters of credit cash collateralized. The facility matures on December 31, 2023. Payment of loans may be accelerated following certain customary events of default.

The payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations (including Zulily’s obligations) under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of QVC’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). Further, the borrowings under the Fourth Amended and Restated

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Credit Agreement are secured, pari passu with QVC’s existing notes, by a pledge of all of QVC’s equity interests.  In addition, the payment and performance of the Borrowers’ obligations with respect to the $400 million tranche available to both QVC and Zulily are also guaranteed by each of Zulily’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Fourth AmendedZulily and Restated Credit Agreement), if any, and are secured by a pledge of all of Zulily’s equity interests.

The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including certain restrictions on QVC and Zulily 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 QVC’s consolidated leverage ratio, and the Borrowers’ Combined Consolidated Leverage Ratio.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Zulily borrowed $120 million under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and the interest rate was 1.6% at September 30, 2021. Availability under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at September 30, 20202021 was $2.9 billion,$2,808 million, including the portion available under the $400 million tranche that Zulily may also borrow on.  

4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2027

On February 4, 2020, QVC completed a registered debt offering for $575 million ofOctober 27, 2021, the 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") at par. Interest onFourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was further amended to, among other things, extend the 2027 Notes will be paid semi-annually in Februarymaturity date to October 2026, improve the stated interest rates and August, with payments commencing on August 15, 2020. The proceeds were usedfinancial covenants, and upsize the amount from $2.95 billion to partially prepay existing indebtedness under QVC's bank credit facilities.$3.25 billion.  

4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028

On August 20, 2020, QVC completed a registered debt offering for $500 million of the 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes") at par. Interest on the 2028 Notes will be paid semi-annually in March and September, with payments commencing on March 1, 2021. The proceeds were used in a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase the outstanding $500 million of 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). QVC also issued a notice of redemption exercising its right to optionally redeem any of the 2022 Notes that remained outstanding following the Tender Offer. As a result of the Tender Offer and the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt in the condensed consolidated statements of operations of $42 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

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 September 30, 20202021 the Company’s exchangeable debentures have been classified as current because the Company does not own shares to redeemexchange the debentures or they are currently redeemable.exchangeable. The Company reviews the terms of the debentures on a quarterly basis to determine whether a triggering event has occurred to require current classification of the exchangeables upon a call event. Although we do not own shares underlying certain of the exchangeable senior debentures, the Company has entered into certain derivative transactions in order to hedge against upward price fluctuations on certain shares.  Such derivative instruments are recognized in the other current assets line item in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are marked to fair value each reporting period. The changes in fair value are recognized in the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net line item in the condensed statement of operations.  

On April 1, 2020, T-Mobile US, Inc. completed its acquisition of Sprint Corporation (“TMUS/S Acquisition”) for 0.10256 shares of T-Mobile US, Inc. for every share of Sprint Corporation. FollowingOctober 27, 2021, the TMUS/S Acquisition, the reference shares attributable to each $1,000 original principal amountbondholders of the 4.0%3.5% Exchangeable Senior Exchangeable Debentures due 20292031 were sent a redemption notice for redemption in full on December 13, 2021, and will have the 3.75% Senior Exchangeable Debentures due 2030 consist of 0.3309 shares and 0.2419 shares of common stock of T-Mobile US, Inc., respectively, and 0.7860 shares and 0.5746 shares of common stock of CenturyLink, Inc., respectively.ability to exchange their debentures through December 10, 2021.

Debt Covenants

Qurate Retail and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all debt covenants at September 30, 2020.2021.

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 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2067 (“2067 Notes”) and the QVC 6.25% Senior Secured Notes Due 2068 (“2068 Notes”) are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and the Company considers them to be actively traded. As such, the 2067 Notes and 2068 Notes are valued based on their trading price (Level 1). The fair value of Qurate Retail's publicly traded debt securities

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

that are not reported at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 20202021 are as follows (amounts in millions):

Senior debentures

$

846

$

889

QVC senior secured notes

    

$

4,481

    

$

4,699

Due to the variable rate nature, Qurate Retail believes that the carrying amount of its other debt, not discussed above, approximated fair value at September 30, 2020.2021.

(7) Preferred Stock

On September 14, 2020, Qurate Retail issued theits 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). There were 13,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized and 12,500,21612,624,110 shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020.2021. 

Priority. The Preferred Stock ranks senior to the shares of common stock of Qurate Retail, 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 common stock of Qurate Retail.

Dividends. Holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to receive quarterly cash dividends at a rate of 8.0% per annum of the liquidation price (as described below) on a cumulative basis, during the term. If declared, accrued dividends will be payable quarterly on each dividend payment date, beginning December 15, 2020 and thereafter on each March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 during the term (or, if such date is not a business day, the next business day after such date). If Qurate Retail fails to pay dividends or the applicable redemption price with respect to any redemption within

I-18

Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

30 days after the applicable dividend payment or redemption date, the dividend rate will increase as provided by the Certificate of Designations for the Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designations”). Accrued dividends that are not paid within 30 days after the applicable dividend payment date will be added to the liquidation price until paid together with all dividends accrued thereon.

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 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) $100, plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) that have been added to the liquidation price.

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, 4.00% of the liquidation price, (y) on or after the sixth anniversary of the Original Issue Date but prior to its seventh anniversary, 2.00% of the liquidation price and (z)

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

on or after the seventh anniversary of the Original Issue Date, 0. Both mandatory and optional redemptions must be paid in cash.

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 25% of the aggregate liquidation price of the shares of Preferred Stock issued on the Original Issue Date, holders of Preferred Stock will have certain director election rights as described in the Certificate of Designations whenever dividends on shares of Preferred Stock have not been declared and paid for 2 consecutive dividend periods and whenever Qurate Retail fails to pay the applicable redemption price in full with respect to any redemption of the Preferred Stock or fails to make a payment with respect to the Preferred Stock in connection with a liquidation or Extraordinary Transactions (as defined in the Certificate of Designations).

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 $100 per share.  Given the liability classification of the Preferred Stock, all dividends accrued will be classified as interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

(8) Related Party Transactions with Officers and Directors

Malone Stock Exchange and Maffei Arrangements

On May 18, 2021, Gregory B. Maffei, the Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, delivered a written offer (the “Offer”) to John C. Malone, a director of Qurate Retail, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of QRTEB beneficially owned by Mr. Malone, his wife Leslie Malone and certain trusts for the benefit of Mr. Malone, Mrs. Malone and/or their children (the “Malone Group,” and such shares, the “Subject Shares”) at a per share price of $14.00 payable in cash, securities or such other form of consideration as to which Mr. Maffei and Mr. Malone might mutually agree. The transfer by the Malone Group of the Subject Shares was subject to the terms of that certain call agreement, dated February 9, 1998 (the “Call Agreement”), among Qurate Retail, as successor-in-interest to the assignee of Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Mr. Malone and Mrs. Malone, which provided Qurate Retail with the right to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Subject Shares at a per share price equal to the lower of (x) the Offer price or (y) 110% of the average closing prices of a share of QRTEA for the 30 consecutive trading days ending on May 17, 2021 (with the price calculated pursuant to clause (y) equal to $13.62 per share (the “Call Price”)) (the “Call Right”). As previously disclosed, on May 18, 2021, Mr. Malone provided written notice to Qurate Retail of his desire to accept the Offer, subject to the approval by the Board of Directors of the Company of the transactions contemplated thereby for purposes of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, pursuant to the terms of the Call Agreement. However, in the event the Company determined to exercise the Call Right, Mr. Malone indicated a preference for the payment of the per share price in the form of shares of QRTEA such that he would continue to hold a substantial investment in the Company.

On June 2, 2021, Qurate Retail delivered written notice to Mr. Malone to exercise the Call Right and to pay the per share Call Price required by the Call Agreement in shares of QRTEA. On June 3, 2021, the Company and the Malone Group entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement (the “Malone Stock Exchange Agreement”) to effect the closing of the Call Right exercise, pursuant to which the Malone Group transferred to the Company an aggregate of 27,655,931 shares of QRTEB, and in exchange (the “Malone Exchange”), Qurate Retail issued to the Malone Group an aggregate of 30,421,522 shares of QRTEA. Under the terms of the Call Agreement, the aggregate Call Price converts into an equivalent ratio of 1.1 shares of QRTEA for each share of QRTEB with the aggregate number of shares of QRTEA issued to each member of the Malone Group rounded down to the nearest whole share.

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

On June 3, 2021, the Company, LMC and Mr. Maffei entered into a Waiver Letter and Amendment of Employment Agreement (the “Letter Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Mr. Maffei (x) waived his rights to assert that Qurate Retail’s exercise of the Call Right, the transactions to be consummated pursuant to the Malone Stock Exchange Agreement or the resulting reduction in the Malone Group’s voting power with respect to Qurate Retail (collectively, the “Specified Events”) would constitute a “Change in Control” or “Good Reason,” in each case, as defined in the Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2019, by and between LMC and Mr. Maffei (the “Employment Agreement”), with respect to Qurate Retail, and agreed not to terminate his employment with Qurate Retail for “Good Reason” in connection with or arising out of the Option Cancellation (as defined below) or any of the Specified Events, and (y) consented to the cancellation (the “Option Cancellation”) of stock option awards to purchase shares of QRTEB that had been granted to Mr. Maffei on each of December 24, 2014, and March 31, 2015 for 1,137,228 shares at an exercise price of $16.97 per share, and 197,783 shares at an exercise price of $16.71 per share, respectively. In consideration for the foregoing, pursuant to the Letter Agreement, (i) Mr. Maffei received a grant of 1,101,321 restricted shares of QRTEB that are scheduled to vest, subject to Mr. Maffei’s continued employment with the Company, in 2 equal tranches on December 10, 2024 and the fifth anniversary of the grant date, subject to earlier vesting under certain circumstances, and (ii) Qurate Retail agreed that the portion of the Annual Equity Awards (as defined in the Employment Agreement) to be granted by Qurate Retail to Mr. Maffei pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Employment Agreement for calendar years 2022, 2023 and 2024 shall be granted with respect to the QRTEB.

Exchange and Cap. Also, on June 3, 2021, the Company and Mr. Maffei also entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement (the “Maffei Stock Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things: (i) on June 3, 2021, Mr. Maffei transferred to Qurate Retail an aggregate of 5,378,308 shares of QRTEA, and in exchange Qurate Retail issued to Mr. Maffei an equivalent number of shares of QRTEB; (ii) Qurate Retail agreed that on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Maffei Stock Exchange Agreement, Mr. Maffei, at his option (during the six-month period following the vesting of the performance-based restricted stock unit award granted to Mr. Maffei on March 10, 2021), may transfer to the Company the number of shares of QRTEA actually received by Mr. Maffei upon vesting of such performance-based restricted stock unit award in exchange for an equivalent number of newly-issued shares of QRTEB (the “Subsequent Exchange”); (iii) Mr. Maffei agreed that until December 31, 2024 (the “Cap Period”), which is also the end of the current term of his employment as set forth in the Employment Agreement, he will not, and will not authorize or permit any of his affiliates that he controls (“Controlled Affiliates”) to, acquire or agree to acquire (or announce publicly an intent to acquire) by purchase or otherwise, beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company (or direct or indirect rights or options to acquire any such voting securities) if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of securities, the aggregate voting power of the Company’s voting securities beneficially owned by Mr. Maffei and his Controlled Affiliates would exceed 20.0% of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities (assuming, for purposes of this calculation that all voting securities beneficially owned by Mr. Maffei which are not outstanding are included in the calculation) (the “Cap”); and (iv) the foregoing transactions by which Mr. Maffei and certain of his related persons became an “interested stockholder” were approved for purposes of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The Cap is subject to certain terms and exceptions, as described in the Maffei Stock Exchange Agreement.  In addition, Mr. Maffei and his Controlled Affiliates may not transfer voting securities of Qurate Retail to any other Controlled Affiliate of Mr. Maffei unless such transferee has agreed to be bound by the terms of the Maffei Stock Exchange Agreement.

CEO Employment Agreement

On July 12, 2021, the compensation committee of the board of directors of Qurate Retail approved the Company’s entry into an employment agreement with David Rawlinson II, effective July 12, 2021. Effective August 1, 2021, Mr. Rawlinson began to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer-Elect of Qurate Retail, with Mike George continuing as Chief Executive Officer, and effective October 1, Mr. Rawlinson began to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Qurate Retail, with Mr. George assuming the role of Senior Advisor. Mr. Rawlinson concurrently assumed the same positions with QVC. Mr. George will resign from the board of directors effective January 1, 2022, at which time Mr. Rawlinson is expected to join the Board.  With respect to his roles at Qurate Retail and QVC, Mr. George stepped down as President effective August 1, 2021 and as Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2021.

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Table of Contents

(8)QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

(9)   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.

(9)(10)   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.

Qurate Retail evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue, Adjusted OIBDA, gross margin, average sales price per unit and revenue or sales per customer equivalent. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, 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 United States, 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.
Zulily – Zulily markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States and several foreign countries through flash sales events, primarily through its app, mobile and desktop experiences.

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 20192020 10-K.

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Table of Contents

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

Three months ended

September 30, 2020

September 30, 2021

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

in millions

in millions

Home

$

819

286

115

248

1,468

$

679

272

93

258

1,302

Apparel

312

115

147

37

611

336

119

132

46

633

Beauty

297

168

17

482

279

164

15

458

Accessories

219

67

94

380

210

62

66

338

Electronics

197

25

3

225

171

24

3

198

Jewelry

93

59

12

164

95

55

11

161

Other revenue

43

3

7

53

43

3

8

54

Total Revenue

$

1,980

723

395

285

3,383

$

1,813

699

328

304

3,144

Nine months ended

Nine months ended

September 30, 2020

September 30, 2021

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

in millions

in millions

Home

$

2,303

829

326

631

4,089

$

2,229

905

336

748

4,218

Apparel

913

316

411

108

1,748

985

372

429

133

1,919

Beauty

910

499

50

1,459

859

521

50

1,430

Accessories

676

188

281

1,145

720

199

218

1,137

Electronics

588

78

10

676

539

89

10

638

Jewelry

273

155

34

462

269

169

37

475

Other revenue

119

6

21

146

137

9

22

168

Total Revenue

$

5,782

2,071

1,133

739

9,725

$

5,738

2,264

1,102

881

9,985

Three months ended

Three months ended

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2020

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

in millions

in millions

Home

$

670

236

95

187

1,188

$

819

286

115

248

1,468

Apparel

334

107

141

39

621

312

115

147

37

611

Beauty

303

161

12

476

297

168

17

482

Accessories

199

63

90

352

219

67

94

380

Electronics

209

21

3

233

197

25

3

225

Jewelry

98

59

12

169

93

59

12

164

Other revenue

41

3

6

50

43

3

7

53

Total Revenue

$

1,854

650

359

226

3,089

$

1,980

723

395

285

3,383

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Nine months ended

Nine months ended

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2020

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

QxH

QVC Int'l

Zulily

Corp and other

Total

in millions

in millions

Home

$

2,009

714

298

530

3,551

$

2,303

829

326

631

4,089

Apparel

1,005

327

422

117

1,871

913

316

411

108

1,748

Beauty

915

462

37

1,414

910

499

50

1,459

Accessories

667

190

295

1,152

676

188

281

1,145

Electronics

564

68

10

642

588

78

10

676

Jewelry

303

161

37

501

273

155

34

462

Other revenue

122

12

20

154

119

6

21

146

Total Revenue

$

5,585

1,934

1,119

647

9,285

$

5,782

2,071

1,133

739

9,725

For segment reporting purposes, Qurate Retail defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding all stock-based compensation and transaction related costs. 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, certain acquisition accounting adjustments, separately reported litigation settlements, transaction related costs (including restructuring, integration, and advisory fees), and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, 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.

Adjusted OIBDA is summarized as follows:

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2020

2019

2020

2019

2021

2020

2021

2020

amounts in millions

amounts in millions

QxH

$

380

 

346

1,061

 

1,093

$

325

 

380

1,065

 

1,061

QVC International

132

106

348

313

115

132

402

348

Zulily

 

27

 

8

74

 

32

 

(17)

 

27

(2)

 

74

Corporate and other

 

27

 

(4)

32

 

(9)

 

9

 

27

65

 

32

Consolidated Qurate Retail

$

566

 

456

1,515

 

1,429

$

432

 

566

1,530

 

1,515

Other Information

September 30, 2021

 

Total assets

Capital expenditures

 

amounts in millions

 

QxH

$

12,356

 

124

QVC International

2,267

21

Zulily

1,010

17

Corporate and other

 

1,327

 

7

Consolidated Qurate Retail

$

16,960

 

169

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Table of Contents

QURATE RETAIL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Other Information

September 30, 2020

 

Total assets

Investments in affiliates

Capital expenditures

 

amounts in millions

 

QxH

$

11,928

 

38

121

QVC International

2,294

19

Zulily

1,085

17

Corporate and other

 

1,485

 

14

8

Consolidated Qurate Retail

$

16,792

 

52

165

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Operating income (loss) and Earnings (loss) before income taxes:

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Adjusted OIBDA

$

566

 

456

 

1,515

 

1,429

$

432

 

566

 

1,530

 

1,515

Stock-based compensation

 

(19)

 

(17)

 

(46)

 

(54)

 

(19)

 

(19)

 

(54)

 

(46)

Depreciation and amortization

 

(141)

 

(146)

 

(427)

 

(457)

 

(139)

 

(141)

 

(396)

 

(427)

Impairment of intangible assets

(1,020)

(1,020)

Transaction related costs

(1)

Operating income (loss)

$

406

(727)

1,042

(103)

$

274

406

1,080

1,042

Interest expense

 

(98)

 

(93)

 

(290)

 

(282)

 

(121)

 

(98)

 

(356)

 

(290)

Share of earnings (loss) of affiliates, net

 

(32)

 

(36)

 

(96)

 

(104)

 

(24)

 

(32)

 

(78)

 

(96)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

 

(12)

 

(45)

 

(127)

 

(239)

 

41

 

(12)

 

101

 

(127)

Gains (losses) on transactions, net

223

224

(1)

223

224

Other, net

 

(65)

 

(4)

 

(65)

 

(18)

 

 

(65)

 

(10)

 

(65)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

$

422

 

(905)

 

688

 

(747)

$

170

 

422

 

737

 

688

I-23I-24

Table of Contents

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; COVID-19 (as defined below); revenue growth at QVC, Inc. ("QVC"); remediationthe redemption or exchange of a material weakness;the 3.5% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2031; our projected sources and uses of cash; the recoverability of our goodwill and other intangible assets; 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:

the impact of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and local, state and federal governmental responses to the pandemic on the economy, our customers, our vendors and our businesses generally;
customer demand for our products and services and our ability to anticipateattract new customers and retain existing customers by anticipating customer demand and to adaptadapting 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, and deployment of capital;capital and our level of indebtedness;
our ability to successfully integrateeffectively manage our installment sales plans and recognize anticipated efficiencies and benefits from the businesses we acquire;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;
domestic and international economic and business conditions and industry trends, including the impact of Brexit (as defined below);
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, 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), political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control;
threatened terrorist attacks, political and economic unrest in international markets and ongoing military action around the world; and
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

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Table of Contents

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, 20192020 (the “2019“2020 10-K”), as well as Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.. 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 20192020 10-K.

The information herein relates to Qurate Retail, Inc. (formerly named Liberty Interactive Corporation) 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 and non-controlling interests in a broad range of video and online commerce companies. Our largest businesses and reportable segments are our operating segment comprised of QVC U.S. and HSN (“QxH”) and QVC International. QVC markets and sells a wide variety of consumer products in the United States (“U.S.”) and several foreign countries, primarily by means of its televised shopping programs and the Internet through its domestic and international websites and mobile applications. Zulily, LLC (“Zulily”), an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched every day, is a reportable segment.

Our “Corporate and other” category includes our consolidated subsidiary Cornerstone Brands, Inc. (“Cornerstone”), along with various cost and equity method investments.

In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China and has subsequently spread across the globe, impacting all countries where Qurate Retail operates. As a result of the spread of the virus, certain local governmental agencies have imposed travel restrictions, local quarantines or stay at home restrictions to contain the spread, which has caused a significant disruption to most sectors of the economy.

 

In response to these stay at home restrictions, QVC has mandated that non-essential employees work from home and has reduced the number of employees who are allowed on its production set and has implemented increased cleaning protocols, social distancing measures and temperature screenings for those employees who enter into certain facilities. In some cases, the move to a work from home arrangement for QVC’s non-essential employees will be permanent, which may resulthas resulted in the reduction of office space. QVC has also mandated that all essential employees who do not feel comfortable coming to work will not be required to do so. As a result of these resource constraints, QVC included fewer hours of live programming on some of its secondary channels and has experienced some delays in shipping at certain fulfillment centers. In certain markets, QVC temporarily increased the wages and salaries for those employees deemed essential who do not have the ability to work from home, including production and fulfillment center employees. QVC has also paid a one-time work from home allowance to its employees during the second quarter of 2020. While the temporary increase in wages and salaries has been terminated in most of QVC’s facilities, theThe inability to control the spread of COVID-19, or the expansion or extension of these stay at home restrictions could negatively impact QVC’s results in the future.

The stay at home restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 required many traditional brick and mortar retailers to temporarily close their stores, but allowed distance retailers, including QVC, to continue operating.  As a result, beginning at the end of March 2020, QVC observed an increase in new customers and an increase in demand for certain categories, such as home.

As a result, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, management has increased certain estimated reserves including, but not limited to, uncollectible receivables in anticipation of higher defaults by customers billed through QVC’s installment payment option, and inventory obsolescence due to decreased demand for certain categories, such as apparel. Management's estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and any such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Zulily has seen increased freight surcharges from China due to COVID-19 and in concert with QVC has made work accommodations in its fulfillment centers which has resulted in an increase in labor expense.  Zulily has also incurred additional expenses to deep cleanseclean its fulfillment centers and office buildings, coupled with a work-from-home allowance to reimburse its employees for home office and associated technology costs as a result of COVID-19.buildings. In addition, Zulily management cut all travel expenses, and reduced capital expenditures due to uncertainty created by COVID-19.  

The stay at home restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 required many traditional brick and mortar retailers to temporarily close their stores, but allowed distance retailers, including QVC, to continue operating.  As a result, beginning at the end of the first quarter of 2020 and continuing through the first quarter of 2021, QVC observed an increase in new customers and an increase in demand for certain categories, such as home. Beginning in the second quarter of 2021, QVC observed a decline in new customers and a decline in demand for its home product category, while also seeing an increase in demand for its apparel product category.

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Table of Contents

As a result, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, QVC management had increased the amounts of certain estimated reserves including, but not limited to, uncollectible receivables in anticipation of higher defaults by customers billed through QVC’s installment payment option, inventory obsolescence due to decreased demand for certain categories, such as apparel, and sales returns due to QVC’s extended return policy. There were no remaining estimated reserves as of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2021 as a direct result of COVID-19.

In addition, there are several potential adverse impacts of COVID-19 that could cause a material negative impact to the Company’sQVC’s financial results, including its capital and liquidity, for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.liquidity. These include governmental restrictions on the Company’sQVC’s ability to continue to operate under stay at home restrictions and produce content,content; reduced demand for products sold,it sells; decreases in the disposable income of existing and potential new customers,customers; the impacts of any recession and other uncertainties with respect to the continuity of government stimulus programs implemented in response to COVID-19,COVID-19; increased currency volatility resulting in adverse currency rate fluctuations,fluctuations; higher unemployment,unemployment; labor shortages,shortages; and an adverse impact to ourQVC’s supply chain and shipping disruptions for both the products we importit imports and purchasepurchases domestically and the products the Companyit sells, including essential products experiencing higher demand, due to factory closures, labor shortages and other resource constraints. While the impact is currently uncertain, the inability to control the spread of COVID-19 could cause any one of these adverse impacts, or combination of adverse impacts, to have a material impact on the Company’sQVC’s financial results.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2021, QVC saw increased product shortages as a result of high market demand in some product categories such as home and electronics. QVC also experienced escalating shipping disruptions due to challenges in the global supply chain and labor market. These factors impacted QVC’s ability to offer certain goods and ship orders timely to its customers. In July 2020,addition, QVC implementedbegan to see increased inflationary pressures during the period. If these pressures persist, it may result in certain increased costs outpacing QVC’s pricing power in the near term.

On June 23, 2016, the U.K. held a planned workforce reduction withreferendum in which British citizens approved an exit from the goalEuropean Union (the “E.U.”), commonly referred to as “Brexit.” The Brexit process and negotiations have created political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the U.K. and the E.U. and this uncertainty may last for years, and could potentially have a negative impact on QVC’s business. The potential impacts include, but are not limited to, unfavorable new trade agreements, the possible imposition of makingtrade or other regulatory barriers which could result in shipping delays or shortages of products, and a negative impact to the organizational structure more streamlinedglobal economy and efficient.  As partconsumer demand.

Early decisions by the Biden Administration confirm continuity of the workforce reduction, QVC decided to eliminate live hours on QVC 2a bipartisan consensus in the U.S. government favoring increased confrontation of China in trade practices and economic matters, national security and human rights. The imposition of any new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports or the taking of other secondary channels within the various markets.  See more details belowactions against China in the "Resultsfuture, and any responses by China, could impair QVC’s ability to meet customer demand and could result in lost sales or an increase in QVC’s cost of Operations—Businesses" section.merchandise, which would have a material adverse impact on QVC’s business and results of operations.

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Table of Contents

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

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

QxH

 

$

1,980

1,854

5,782

5,585

 

$

1,813

1,980

5,738

5,782

QVC International

723

650

2,071

1,934

699

723

2,264

2,071

Zulily

395

359

1,133

1,119

328

395

1,102

1,133

Corporate and other

285

226

739

647

304

285

881

739

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

3,383

3,089

9,725

9,285

 

$

3,144

3,383

9,985

9,725

Operating Income (Loss)

QxH

 

$

274

243

744

782

 

$

219

274

771

744

QVC International

114

87

295

239

97

114

348

295

Zulily

3

(1,042)

3

(1,078)

(40)

3

(73)

3

Corporate and other

15

(15)

(46)

(2)

15

34

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

406

(727)

1,042

(103)

 

$

274

406

1,080

1,042

Adjusted OIBDA

QxH

 

$

380

346

1,061

1,093

 

$

325

380

1,065

1,061

QVC International

132

106

348

313

115

132

402

348

Zulily

27

8

74

32

(17)

27

(2)

74

Corporate and other

27

(4)

32

(9)

9

27

65

32

Consolidated Qurate Retail

 

$

566

456

1,515

1,429

 

$

432

566

1,530

1,515

Revenue.    Consolidated Qurate Retail revenue increased 9.5%decreased 7.1% or $294$239 million and 4.7%increased 2.7% or $440$260 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increasedecrease in the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was due to increaseddecreased revenue at QxH of $126$167 million, decreased revenue at Zulily of $67 million and $197 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, increaseddecreased revenue at QVC International of $73$24 million, and $137 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively, increased revenue at Zulily of $36 million and $14 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, andpartially offset by increased revenue in the Corporate and other segment of $59$19 million, and $92 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periodsperiod in the prior year. The increase in Corporate and other revenue was due to an increase in revenue at Cornerstone due to strong customer demand in the home category.  The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to increased revenue at QVC International of $193 million and increased revenue in the Corporate and other segment of $142 million, partially offset by decreased revenue at QxH of $44 million and decreased revenue at Zulily of $31 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in Corporate and other revenue was due to an increase in revenue at Cornerstone due to growth in the home category.  See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and Zulily.

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 $19 million and $17 million of stock-based compensation for both of the three months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and $46$54 million and $54$46 million of stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. The increase of $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to increases at QxH, Zulily and at the corporate level.  The decrease of $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to a decrease of $4 million at QxH, a decrease of $1 million at Zulily, and a

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decrease of $3 millionto increases at QxH and at the corporate level. As of September 30, 2020,2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Qurate Retail equity awards was approximately $45$121 million. Such amount will be recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.42.6 years.  

Operating income.    Our consolidated operating income increased $1,133decreased $132 million and $1,145increased $38 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increasedecrease in operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to a decrease in operating lossesincome at QxH of $55 million, a decrease in operating income at Zulily of $1,045$43 million, and $1,081 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 due to a $1,020 million impairment of intangible assets in the third quarter of 2019, respectively, an increasedecrease in operating income at QVC International of $27$17 million, and $56 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, an increasea decrease in operating income at QxHthe Corporate and other segment of $31$17 million, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.  Operating income in the Corporate and other segment decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and a decrease in operating losses at the Corporate and other segment of $30 million and $46 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in operating income at QxH of $38 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  Operating loss in the Corporate and other segment improved for the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily related to increased supply chain costs at Cornerstone, and an increase in operating income at Cornerstone duecorporate expenses relating to strong revenueincreased legal and product margin performance in the home category. Operating loss in the Corporateprofessional service expenses and other segment improvedtaxes. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021 was primarily due to an increase in operating income at QVC International of $53 million, an increase in operating income at QxH of $27 million, and an increase in operating income at the Corporate and other segment of $34 million, partially offset by an increase in operating losses at Zulily of $76 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating income in the Corporate and other segment increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily related to a decreaserevenue growth across Cornerstone’s portfolio and lower promotional activity resulting in operating losses at the corporate level and increased operating income at Cornerstone due to strong revenue and productbetter margin performance, partially offset by an increase in the home category.corporate expenses relating to increased legal and professional services expenses and taxes. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and Zulily.

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, separately reported litigation settlements, restructuring, acquisition and other related costs and impairments. 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 income, 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

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Operating income (loss)

$

406

 

(727)

 

1,042

 

(103)

$

274

 

406

 

1,080

 

1,042

Depreciation and amortization

 

141

146

427

457

 

139

141

396

427

Stock-based compensation

 

19

17

46

54

 

19

19

54

46

Impairment of intangible assets

1,020

1,020

Transaction related costs

1

Adjusted OIBDA

$

566

456

1,515

1,429

$

432

566

1,530

1,515

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA increased 24.1%decreased 23.7% or $110$134 million and 6.0%increased 1.0% or $86$15 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The increasedecrease in Adjusted OIBDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to an increase at Zulily of $19 million and $42 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, an increase at QVC International of $26 million and $35 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, an increase at QxH of $34 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and an increase2021 was primarily due to a decrease at QxH of $55 million, a decrease at Zulily of $44 million, a decrease at Corporate and other of $31$18 million and $41 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, partially offset by a decrease at QxHQVC International of $32$17 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same periodscorresponding period in the prior year.  The change in the Corporate and other segment for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to increased supply chain costs at Cornerstone, and an increase in corporate expenses relating to increased legal and professional service expenses and taxes. The increase in Adjusted OIBDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in Cornerstone Adjusted OIBDA dueat QVC International of $54 million, an increase at Corporate and other of $33 million, and an increase at QxH of $4 million, partially offset by a decrease at Zulily of $76 million, compared to strong revenue and product margin performancethe corresponding period in the home category.prior year. The change in the Corporate and other segment for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to revenue growth across Cornerstone’s portfolio and lower promotional activity resulting in better margin performance, partially offset by

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due to a decrease in Adjusted OIBDA losses at the corporate level, and an increase in Cornerstone Adjusted OIBDA duecorporate expenses relating to strong revenueincreased legal and product margin performance in the home category.professional services expenses and taxes. See "Results of Operations—Businesses" below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of QVC and Zulily.

Other Income and Expense

Components of Other income (expense) are presented in the table below.

Three months ended

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Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Interest expense

 

$

(98)

(93)

(290)

(282)

 

$

(121)

(98)

(356)

(290)

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates

 

(32)

(36)

(96)

(104)

 

(24)

(32)

(78)

(96)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net

 

(12)

(45)

(127)

(239)

 

41

(12)

101

(127)

Gains (losses) on transactions, net

223

224

(1)

223

224

Other, net

 

(65)

(4)

(65)

(18)

 

(65)

(10)

(65)

Other income (expense)

 

$

16

(178)

(354)

(644)

 

$

(104)

16

(343)

(354)

Interest expense.    Interest expense increased $5$23 million and $8$66 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The increases arewere primarily related to QVC refinancing its borrowings on its senior secured credit facility with newly issued senior secured notes in February 2020, which have higherdividends incurred and paid related to our 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”) recorded through interest rates, partially offset by lower debt balances mainlyexpense due to the repayment of amounts outstanding on the senior secured credit facility.accounting treatment.

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates.   Share of losses of affiliates decreased $4$8 million and $8$18 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.  The losses decreased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 due to improved results at the Company’s alternative energy entities. These entities typically operate at a loss and the Company records its share of such losses but have favorable tax attributes and credits, which are recorded in the Company’s tax accounts.  

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

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Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Equity securities

48

2

98

(2)

Exchangeable senior debentures

(145)

(49)

(225)

(304)

(50)

(145)

(183)

(225)

Indemnification asset

94

3

107

58

8

94

49

107

Other financial instruments

39

1

(9)

7

35

37

137

(7)

 

$

(12)

(45)

(127)

(239)

 

$

41

(12)

101

(127)

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 decreaseincrease in realized and unrealized lossesgains for the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, was primarily driven by a reduction in unrealized losses on the exchangeable senior debentures driven by less growth in stock prices of the securities underlying the debentures than the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in unrealized gains on the indemnification asset and derivative instruments (described in note 4 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements), partially offset by an increase and a decrease in unrealized losses on the exchangeable senior debentures.gains related to derivative instruments.  The decreaseincrease in realized and unrealized lossesgains for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, was primarily driven by an increase in unrealized gains related to derivative instruments and a decreasereduction in unrealized losses on the exchangeable senior debentures and an increasedriven by less growth in stock prices of the securities underlying the debentures than the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in unrealized gains on the indemnification asset partially offset by an increase(described in note 4 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements). In addition, the Company has several small equity investments in entities that went through initial public offerings and allowed the investments to be marked to market with unrealized losses on derivative instruments.gains recognized, which impacted both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

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Gains (losses) on transactions, net.  Gains (losses) on transactions, net increased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 aswere the result of the sale of one of the Company’s alternative energy investments during the third

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quarter of 2020. The Company received total cash consideration of $272 million and recorded a gain of $224 million on the sale of the alternative energy investment.

Other, net. Other, net declined $61loss decreased $65 million and $47$55 million for of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The activity captureddecreased losses in other, net isboth periods were primarily attributable to the impactresult of a loss on the tax sharing arrangement with GCI Liberty,early extinguishment of debt in the currentprior year and foreign exchange gainsno similar loss in the current year, decreased tax sharing expense with Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and losses in the prior year.increased interest and dividend income, partially offset by increased foreign exchange losses.

Income taxes. We had income tax expense of $70$20 million and tax benefit of $150$70 million for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and income tax expense of $111$113 million and tax benefit of $188$111 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the three months ended September 30, 2021 due to tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments, partially offset by state and 2019, respectively.foreign income tax expense, and an increase in the valuation allowance against certain deferred taxes.  Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the three months ended September 30, 2020 due to tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments, partially offset by state and foreign income tax expense. Income tax benefitexpense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the threenine months ended September 30, 2019 was2021 due primarily due to a goodwill impairment that was not deductible for tax purposes, partially offset by tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments. investments, partially offset by state and foreign income tax expense. Income tax expense was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 due to tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments, partially offset by state and foreign income tax expense. Income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was due primarily to tax benefits from tax credits generated by our alternative energy investments and tax benefits from losses generated in 2019 and eligible for carryback to tax years with federal income tax rates greater than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21%, partially offset by a goodwill impairment that is not deductible for tax purposes and an increase in the valuation allowance recorded against foreign tax credits and certain foreign tax losses.

Net earnings. We had net earnings of $352$150 million and net losses of $755$352 million for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and net earnings of $577$624 million and net losses of $559$577 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, 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 September 30, 2020,2021, 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, availability under QVC’s Senior Secured Credit Facility, (the “Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Facility”), as discussed in note 6 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, debt issuances, equity issuances, interest receipts, proceeds from asset sales, 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 such as, in the case of QVC and Zulily, due to a requirement that a leverage ratio (calculated in accordance with the terms of such indebtedness) of less than 3.5 must be maintained.

During the nine months endedmaintained as of September 30, 20202021. On October 27, 2021, QVC’s Senior Secured Credit Facility was amended to, among other things, extend the Company’s issuer debt credit rating was loweredmaturity date to October 2026, improve the stated interest rates and financial covenants, and upsize the amount from BB$2.95 billion to BB- and QVC’s issue-level rating on secured debt was lowered from BBB- to BB+ by S&P Global Ratings. All other credit ratings remained unchanged.$3.25 billion.  

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As of September 30, 2020,2021, Qurate Retail's liquidity position included the following:

Cash and cash

equivalents

amounts in millions

QVC

 

$

574

Zulily

18

Corporate and other

452

Total Qurate Retail

 

$

1,044

Borrowing capacity

amount in billions

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Facility

$

2.9

Cash and cash

equivalents

amounts in millions

QVC

$

628

Zulily

8

Corporate and other

162

Total Qurate Retail

$

798

Borrowing capacity

amount in millions

QVC Senior Secured Credit Facility

$

2,808

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 September 30, 2020,2021, the Company had approximately $306$279 million of cash, and cash equivalents and restricted cash held in foreign subsidiaries that is available for domestic purposes with no significant tax consequences upon repatriation to the United States. QVC accrues foreign taxes on the unremitted earnings of its international subsidiaries. Approximately 63%73% 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, our operating businesses have generated, on average, more than $1 billion in annual cash provided by operating activities over the prior three years and we do not anticipate any significant reductions in that amount in future periods.

Nine months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash Flow Information

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

$

1,855

910

 

$

715

1,855

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

$

(25)

(486)

 

$

(483)

(25)

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

$

(1,464)

(468)

 

$

(219)

(1,464)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, Qurate Retail's primary uses of cash were net debt repaymentsrepurchases of $777Series A Qurate Retail common stock of $216 million, paymentexpenditures for television distribution rights of cash dividends to common stockholders of $626$184 million, capital expenditures of $165 million and investments in and loans to cost and equity method investments of $88$177 million, and capital expenditures of $169 million, partially offset by proceeds from dispositionsnet debt borrowings of investments of $269 million, which primarily related to the sale of an investment in an alternative energy company accounted for as an equity method investment.$110 million.

The projected uses of Qurate Retail cash for the remainder of 20202021 are continued capital improvement spending of approximately $115between $75 million and $105 million, debt service payments (including approximately $40$35 million for interest payments on outstanding debt), repayment of debt, the potential buyback of common stock under the approved share buyback program, payment of dividends to the holders of the 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and additional investments in existing or new businesses. We also may be required to make net payments of income tax liabilities to settle items under discussion with tax authorities. 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.

On November 4, 2021, Qurate Retail announced that its Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $1.25 per common share for an aggregate cash dividend of approximately $495 million based on shares outstanding as of October 31, 2021 (to be updated for actual shares outstanding as of the record date). The dividend is payable on November 22, 2021 to stockholders of record of Qurate Retail’s Series A and Series B common stock as of the close of business on November 15, 2021. 

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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. During the first quarter of 2019, QVC transitioned its televised Beauty iQ channel to QVC 3 and Beauty iQ content was moved to a digital only platform. QVC U.S. programming is also available on QVC.com and HSN.com, QVC’s U.S. websites; virtual multichannel video programming distributors (including Hulu + Live TV, AT&T TV, and You Tube TV); applications via streaming video; Facebook Live, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Amazon Fire;Xfinity Flex; mobile applications; social 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.com and HSN.com. QVC.com and HSN.com and QVC’s other digital platforms (including mobile applications, social 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.com and HSN.com 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 United Kingdom ("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 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 both of the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, QVC-Japan paid dividends to Mitsui of $46 million and $34 million, respectively.

In response to stay at home restrictions as a result of COVID-19, QVC has mandated that non-essential employees work from home, has reduced the number of employees who are allowed on its production set and has implemented increased cleaning protocols, social distancing measures and temperature screenings for those employees who enter into certain facilities. In some cases, the move to a work from home arrangement for QVC’s non-essential employees will be permanent, which may result in the reduction of office space.  QVC has also mandated that all essential employees who do not feel comfortable coming to work will not be required to do so. As a result of these resource constraints, QVC included fewer hours of live programming on some of its secondary channels and has experienced some delays in shipping at certain fulfillment centers. In certain markets, QVC temporarily increased the wages and salaries for those employees deemed essential who do not have the ability to work from home, including production and fulfillment center employees.  The total increase in wages and salaries of $8 million was recorded during the second quarter of 2020 and is primarily recorded in cost of goods sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. QVC has also paid a one-time work from home allowance to its employees during the second quarter of 2020 totaling $4 million, which is primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. While the temporary increase in wages and salaries has been terminated in most of QVC’s facilities, the inability to control the spread of COVID-19, or the expansion or extension of these stay at home restrictions could negatively impact QVC’s results in the future.

The stay at home restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 required many traditional brick and mortar retailers to temporarily close their stores, but allowed distance retailers, including QVC, to continue operating.  As a result, beginning at the end of March 2020, QVC observed an increase in new customers and an increase in demand for certain categories, such as home.

As a result, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, management has increased certain estimated reserves including, but not limited to, uncollectible receivables in anticipation of higher defaults by customers billed through QVC’s installment payment option, and inventory obsolescence due to decreased demand for certain categories, such as apparel.

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Management's estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and any such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2020, QVC implemented a planned workforce reduction with the goal of making the organizational structure more streamlined and efficient.  As part of the workforce reduction, QVC has decided to eliminate live hours on QVC 2 in the U.S. and other secondary channels within the various markets. As a result, QVC recorded $2 million and $18 million of severance expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense.million.

QVC's operating results were as follows:

Three months ended

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Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

 

$

2,703

 

2,504

 

7,853

 

7,519

 

$

2,512

 

2,703

 

8,002

 

7,853

Cost of sales

(1,722)

 

(1,615)

 

(5,041)

 

(4,803)

(1,617)

 

(1,722)

 

(5,130)

 

(5,041)

Operating expenses

(184)

 

(181)

 

(548)

 

(537)

(183)

 

(184)

 

(565)

 

(548)

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and transaction related costs)

(285)

 

(256)

 

(855)

 

(773)

(272)

 

(285)

 

(840)

 

(855)

Adjusted OIBDA

512

 

452

 

1,409

 

1,406

440

 

512

 

1,467

 

1,409

Stock-based compensation

(10)

 

(10)

 

(26)

 

(30)

(13)

 

(10)

 

(33)

 

(26)

Depreciation and amortization

(114)

 

(112)

 

(344)

 

(354)

(111)

 

(114)

 

(315)

 

(344)

Transaction related costs

(1)

Operating income

 

$

388

 

330

 

1,039

 

1,021

 

$

316

 

388

 

1,119

 

1,039

Net revenue was generated in the following geographical areas:

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

QxH

 

$

1,980

 

1,854

 

5,782

 

5,585

 

$

1,813

 

1,980

 

5,738

 

5,782

QVC International

723

650

2,071

1,934

699

723

2,264

2,071

Consolidated QVC

 

$

2,703

2,504

7,853

7,519

 

$

2,512

2,703

8,002

7,853

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QVC's consolidated net revenue decreased 7.1% and increased 7.9% and 4.4%1.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod in the prior year. The three month decrease in net revenue is primarily due to an 8.2% decrease in units shipped and a $29 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue, which was partially offset by a 1.5% increase in average selling price per unit ("ASP"), primarily driven by QxH and QVC Japan and a $34 million decrease in estimated product returns primarily driven by QxH. The nine month increase in net revenue is primarily due to a 6.6%0.8% increase in units shipped, a $45$74 million decrease in estimated product returns primarily driven by QxH a $27 million increase in shipping and handling revenue across all markets except Japan and $24 million in favorable foreign exchange rates, which was partially offset by a 2.8% decline in average selling price per unit ("ASP"), primarily at QxH. The nine months increase in net revenue is primarily due to a 3.4% increase in units shipped, a $105 million decrease in estimated product returns, primarily driven by QxH, a $23 million increase in shipping and handling revenue across all markets except Italy and $11$92 million in favorable foreign exchange rates, which was partially offset by a 1% decline in ASP.ASP, primarily driven by QxH, and a $15 million decrease in shipping and handling revenue.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, 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

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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.

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

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2020

September 30, 2020

 

September 30, 2021

September 30, 2021

 

    

U.S. Dollars

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

Constant Currency

U.S. Dollars

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

Constant currency

 

    

U.S. Dollars

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

Constant Currency

U.S. Dollars

Foreign Currency Exchange Impact

Constant currency

 

QxH

 

6.8

%  

%  

6.8

%  

3.5

%  

%  

3.5

%  

 

(8.4)

%  

%  

(8.4)

%  

(0.8)

%  

%  

(0.8)

%  

QVC International

 

11.2

%  

3.5

%  

7.7

%  

7.1

%  

0.5

%  

6.6

%  

 

(3.3)

%  

0.4

%  

(3.7)

%  

9.3

%  

4.4

%  

4.9

%  

The increasedecrease in QxH net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to a 6.7% increase9.4% decrease in units shipped and a $40$25 million decrease in estimated product returns and an $18 million increase in shipping and handling revenue, which was partially offset by a 3.3% decline1.3% increase in ASP.ASP and a $29 million decrease in estimated product returns. For the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, QxH experienced shipped sales growthdeclines in home, electronics, beauty and accessories with declinesgrowth in all other categories. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, QxH net revenue increaseddecreased due to a 2.8% increase2.5% decline in units shipped, a $100 million decrease in estimated product returnsASP and a $13$14 million increasedecrease in shipping and handling revenue, partially offset by a 1.3% decline$68 million decrease in ASP.estimated product returns and a 0.7% increase in units shipped. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, QxH experienced shipped sales growth in home, electronics,apparel and accessories with declines in all other categories. The decrease in estimated product returns for both comparable periodsthe three months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in sales volume. The decrease in estimated product returns for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily driven by a shift in product mix to lower return rate categories, partially offset by an increase in sales volume. The increase in shipping and handling revenue for both comparable periods was primarily driven by the increase in units shipped.rates across all categories.

QVC International net revenue growthdecline in constant currency for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to a 6.6% increase5.3% decrease in units shipped driven by increasesdecreases in units shipped across all markets, partially offset by a 1.5% decline2.1% increase in ASP, driven by ASP declinesincreases in Japan and Italy.the U.K. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, QVC International2021, QVC-International experienced shipped sales growthdecline in constant currency inacross all categories except jewelry.apparel. QVC-International net revenue growth in constant currency for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to a 4.6%3.0% increase in ASP, driven by ASP increases across all markets except Germany, and a 0.9% increase in units shipped, driven by increases in units shipped across all markets, and a 0.5% increase in ASP, driven by ASP increases in Germany and the U.K.Japan. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, QVC-International experienced shipped sales growth in constant currency in home, beauty and electronics with declines inacross all otherproduct categories.

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QVC's future net revenue growth will primarily depend on sales growth from e-commerce, mobile platforms, and applications via streaming video, additions of new customers from households already receiving QVC's televised programming and increased spending from existing 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 due to COVID-19 in various regions of the world in which QVC’s subsidiaries and affiliates operate could adversely affect demand for its products and services since a substantial portion of its revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals, which typically declines during times of economic instability. Global financial markets have recently experienced 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, continues to be uncertain, QVC’s customers may respond by suspending, delaying or reducing their discretionary spending. A suspension, delay or reduction in discretionary spending could adversely affect revenue. Accordingly, QVC’s ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments decline.

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On June 23, 2016, the U.K. held a referendum in which British citizens approved an exit from the European Union (the “E.U.”), commonly referred to as “Brexit.” The Brexit process and negotiations have created political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the U.K. and the E.U. and this uncertainty may last for years, and could potentially have a negative impact on QVC’s business. The potential impacts include, but are not limited to, unfavorable new trade agreements, the possible imposition of trade or other regulatory barriers which could result in shipping delays or shortages of products, and a negative impact to the global economy and consumer demand.

QVC's cost of sales as a percentage of net revenue was 64.4% and 64.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, compared to 63.7% and 64.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to 64.5% and 63.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The decreaseincrease in cost of goods soldsales as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 is primarily due to strategic promotionalincreased warehouse expenses driven by higher wages at QxH, increased freight costs and pricing initiatives, which decreased product costs as a percentage of netlower shipping and handling revenue across QxH, the U.K. and Germany, which wasat QxH. These increases were partially offset by increased freight anddecreased obsolescence chargesas a result of less aged inventory at QxH. The increasedecrease in cost of goods soldsales as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 is primarily due to decreased obsolescence as a result of less aged inventory at QxH, and favorable estimated product returns at QxH. These decreases were partially offset by increased freight charges and obsolescence chargeswarehouse expenses at QxH and lower shipping and handling revenue at QxH. Product margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was flat due to margin favorability primarily in Japan, offset by margin pressure at QxH.

QVC's operating expenses are principally comprised of commissions, order processing and customer service expenses, credit card processing fees and telecommunications expenses. Operating expenses increased $3decreased $1 million and $11increased $17 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year.  The nine month increase is primarily due to a $9 million increase in customer service expenses primarily at QxH and a $5 million increase due to unfavorable exchange rates.  As a percentage of net revenue, such expenses were 7.3% and 7.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The three month increase is primarily due to an increase in customer service expenses primarily at QxH partially offset by lower commissions at QxH2021, respectively, and Germany. The nine month increase is primarily due to an increase in customer service expenseswere 6.8% and an increase in credit card fees at QxH partially offset by lower commissions at QxH. The increase in credit card fees7.0% for the three and nine months is primarily due to increased sales during the periods and lower sales penetration of QVC’s U.S. Private Label Credit Cards, which do not charge credit card fees.  The decrease in commissions for both comparable periods is primarily due to increased digital penetration.ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

QVC's SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation and transaction related costs)compensation) include personnel, information technology, provision for doubtful accounts, production costs, and marketing and advertising expenses. Such expenses increased $29decreased $13 million and increased $82$15 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively,2021, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, and as a percentage of net revenue, increased from 10.2%10.5% to 10.5%10.8% and 10.3%decreased from 10.9% to 10.9%10.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.2020.  For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the increase2021, there was a $29 million decrease in personnel costs, primarily due to a $35at QxH. This decrease was partially offset by an $11 million increase in personnel costs across all markets, an $8 million increase inonline marketing, primarily at QxH, and a $3 million increase due to unfavorable exchange rates. The increases were partially offset by a $13 million decrease in credit losses primarily at QxH,due to favorable adjustments in the prior year based on actual collections and the release of the credit loss reserve that was recorded as a $5 million decrease in outside services primarily at QxH and a $3 million decrease in travel expenses across all markets.result of the additional risk due to COVID-19.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the increasedecrease was primarily due to a $65$43 million increasedecrease in credit losses and a $34 million decrease in personnel costs, across all markets and a $26 million increase in marketingboth primarily at QxH. These increasesdecreases were partially offset by a $7$48 million decreaseincrease in travel expenses across all marketsonline marketing primarily at QxH, and a $4$13 million increase due to unfavorable exchange rates. The decrease in outside services primarily at QxH.to estimated credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to favorable adjustments based on actual collections and enhanced risk screening. The increasedecrease related to personnel costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily due to an increase to our estimateda decrease in incentive pay across all markets. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increase was impacted by increasedfor 2021 in addition to severance and a work from home allowance as a result of COVID-19, which was partially offset bywere both recorded in the closuresecond quarter of our operations in France in 2019. The decrease to estimated credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was due to favorable adjustments based on actual collections and the release of the additional credit loss reserve that was recorded during the first and second quarters of 2020 as a result of the additional risk due to COVID-19. The decrease in travel expenses for both comparable periods was primarily due to less travel as a result of COVID-19.2020.

Stock-based compensation includes compensation related to options and restricted stock units granted to certain officers and employees. QVC recorded $10$13 million and $33 million of stock-based compensation expense for both of the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021, respectively, and September 30, 2019,$10 million and $26 million and $30 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and September 30, 2019, respectively. The decreaseincrease in stock compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 is primarily related to certain officers not reaching performance targets for restricted stock units.units for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $2$3 million and $10$29 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019,2021, respectively, and included $15 million and $17 million of acquisition related amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $46 million and $50 million of acquisition related

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amortization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $17 million and $51 million of acquisition relatedrespectively. Channel placement amortization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.  The decrease was primarily a result of the disposition of assets in France in the second quarter of 2019.decreased due to certain channel placement agreements becoming fully amortized.

Zulily.  Zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day. The Zulily website was launched in January 2010 with the goal of revolutionizing the way consumers shop. Through its app, mobile and desktop experiences, Zulily helps its customers discover new and unique products at great values that they would likely not find elsewhere. Zulily’s merchandise includes women’s, children’s and men’s apparel and other products such as home, accessories and beauty products.

Zulily's stand-alone operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 20192020 were as follows:

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

September 30,

September 30,

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

amounts in millions

 

amounts in millions

 

Net revenue

 

$

395

 

359

 

1,133

 

1,119

 

$

328

 

395

 

1,102

 

1,133

Costs of sales

(288)

 

(267)

 

(836)

 

(832)

(262)

 

(288)

 

(851)

 

(836)

Operating expenses

(11)

 

(10)

 

(31)

 

(31)

(10)

 

(11)

 

(30)

 

(31)

SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)

(69)

 

(74)

 

(192)

 

(224)

(73)

 

(69)

 

(223)

 

(192)

Adjusted OIBDA

27

 

8

 

74

 

32

(17)

 

27

 

(2)

 

74

Stock-based compensation

(4)

 

(4)

 

(11)

 

(12)

(3)

 

(4)

 

(11)

 

(11)

Depreciation and amortization

(20)

 

(26)

 

(60)

 

(78)

(20)

 

(20)

 

(60)

 

(60)

Impairment of intangible assets

(1,020)

(1,020)

Operating income (loss)

 

$

3

 

(1,042)

 

3

 

(1,078)

 

$

(40)

 

3

 

(73)

 

3

Zulily's consolidated net revenue increased 10.0%decreased 17.0% and 1.3%2.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod in the prior year. The increasedecrease in net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 was primarily related to an increasea decrease of 4.7%19.2% in total units shipped and 6.7% in average sale price driven by increased demand for online shopping and Zulily’s merchandise as a result of stay-at-home orders and the temporary closure of brick-and-mortar retail due to COVID-19 and higher merchandise pricing. The increase1.3% decrease in net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily attributed to increased demand in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and an increase of 4.6% in average sale price, partially offset byactive customers, coupled with a decrease in new customers and lower purchasing frequency from existing customers when compared to the corresponding periodssurge in the prior year.  year’s demand for online shopping and Zulily’s merchandise, partially offset by a 3.7% increase in ASP primarily to offset shipping costs.  The decrease in net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily related to a decrease of 5.5% in total units shipped, partially offset by a 4.4% increase is ASP.

Zulily's cost of sales as a percentage of net revenue was 72.9%79.9% and 74.4%72.9% for the three months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and 73.8%77.2% and 74.4%73.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, the decreaseincrease was primarily due to anhigher shipping and fulfillment costs, coupled with unfavorable product margins. Higher fulfillment costs were the result of higher wages and benefits for warehouse employees, and a deleverage on fixed costs at the fulfillment centers.  Higher shipping costs were due to higher inbound costs, heavier items, higher fuel costs, truckload volume increases, and higher surcharges. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the increase of 6.7% in average sale price.was primarily due to higher shipping costs, due to the same factors discussed above.

Operating expenses are principally comprised of credit card processing fees and customer service expenses.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, operating expenses increaseddecreased slightly compared to the corresponding period in the prior year driven by increaseddue to decreased sales volumes.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, operating expenses remained flat.

Zulily’s SG&A expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) include personnel related costs for general corporate functions, marketing and advertising expenses, information technology, and the costs associated with the use by these functions of facilities and equipment, including rent. For the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, as a percentage of net revenue, these expenses decreasedincreased from 20.6%17.5% to 17.5%,22.3% and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, as a percentage of net revenue, these expenses decreasedincreased from 20.0%16.9% to 16.9%20.2%. The decrease isincreases were primarily attributable to loweran increase in marketing spend, and better leverage attributabledue to the increase in sales. Additionally, Zulily recognized a $10 million reduction in a sales tax accrual during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, which was originally recorded at the acquisition date.higher costs for web-based advertising.    

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Zulily’s total depreciation and amortization expense decreasedremained flat for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The decline

Zulily’s current business trends and results are making it a challenge for the business to be able to realize its current long-term forecast. Zulily is reevaluating its long term forecast and business model due to the amortizationimpact of supply chain constraints and cooresponding impact to product availability as well as increasing marketing costs.  The Company will continue to monitor Zulily’s customer relationship asset being front-loaded incurrent business performance versus the earlier yearscurrent and updated long-term forecasts, among other relevant considerations, to determine if the carrying value of its useful life.assets are appropriate. Future outlook declines in revenue, cash flows, or other factors could result in a sustained decrease in fair value that may result in a determination that carrying value adjustments are required, which could be material.

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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 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 September 30, 2020,2021, our debt is comprised of the following amounts:

Variable rate debt

Fixed rate debt

 

Variable rate debt

Fixed rate debt

 

    

    

Weighted

    

    

Weighted

 

    

    

Weighted

    

    

Weighted

 

Principal

average

Principal

average

 

Principal

average

Principal

average

 

amount

interest rate

amount

interest rate

 

amount

interest rate

amount

interest rate

 

dollar amounts in millions

 

dollar amounts in millions

 

QxH and QVC International

 

$

%  

$

4,450

5.0

%  

 

$

NA

NA

%  

$

4,660

4.9

%  

Zulily

$

120

1.6

%  

$

%  

Corporate and other

 

$

%  

$

2,204

5.1

%  

 

$

%  

$

1,984

5.3

%  

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 nine months ended September 30, 20202021 would have been impacted by approximately $4 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

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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.

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Table of Contents

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 Executives concluded that

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the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of  September 30, 2020 because of2021 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed in more detail in our 2019 10-K. Management has continued to monitorExchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the implementation of the remediation plan describedtime periods specified in the 2019 10-K, as described below.Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

DuringIn May 2021, QVC completed the third quarterimplementation of 2020, wethe initial phase of its new Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system, which has enabled standardization, modernization and best practice in QVC’s financial processes across its global markets and most brands. As a result of the implementation of phase one of a new ERP system, QVC has continued to assess Information Technology systemrefine certain related risksprocess-level and implement control improvements to alleviate the noted control deficiencies. Other than these items,information technology general controls.

Except as described above, there has been no change in the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 20202021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting. We have not experienced any material impact to our internal controls over financial reporting despite the fact that most of our employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Remediation Plan for Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In response to the material weakness identified in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as set forth in Part II, Item 9A in the 2019 10-K, the Company developed a plan with oversight from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Qurate Retail to remediate the material weakness. The remediation efforts include the following:

Ensure user access is appropriately restricted to the IT systems in Germany that contributed to the material weakness
Continue to assess the risks in and around IT systems that could impact internal controls over financial reporting
Enhance design and/or operating effectiveness of control activities to address identified risks

The Company has appropriately restricted access to the affected IT systems in Germany and has implemented annual and ongoing processes to assess and address risk in the IT environment. However, because the reliability of the internal control process requires repeatable execution, the successful on-going remediation of the material weakness will require on-going risk assessments and control improvements to mitigate risks identified. We expect to conclude the effective remediation of the material weakness prior to the end of 2020.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Share Repurchase Programs

In May 2019, the board authorized the repurchase of $500 million of Series A Qurate Retail common stock (“QRTEA”) or Series B Qurate Retail common stock. stock (“QRTEB”). In August 2021, the board authorized the repurchase of $500 million of QRTEA or QRTEB.

Series A Qurate Retail Common Stock

 

    

    

    

(c) Total Number

    

(d) Maximum Number

 

of Shares

(or Approximate Dollar

 

Purchased as

Value) of Shares that

 

(a) Total Number

(b) Average

Part of Publicly

May Yet Be Purchased

 

of Shares

Price Paid per

Announced Plans or

Under the Plans or

 

Period

Purchased

Share

Programs

Programs

 

July 1 - 31, 2021

 

3,404,055

$

12.22

 

3,404,055

$280

million

August 1 - 31, 2021

 

3,585,235

$

11.33

 

3,585,235

$739

million

September 1 - 30, 20211

 

4,587,483

$

11.18

 

4,587,483

$688

million

Total

 

11,576,773

$

11.53

 

11,576,773

(1)Includes 1,923,077 shares repurchased as a result of the physical settlement of financial instruments during September 2021.

There were no repurchases of Series AQRTEB or Series B common stockPreferred Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2020.  As of September 30, 2020, $497 million was available to be used for share repurchases of Series A or Series B common stock2021 under the Company’s share repurchase program.

During the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, no shares of Series A common stockQRTEA, QRTEB or 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, and restricted stock units.units, and options.

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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):

4.1

Certificate of Designations of 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2020 (File No. 001-33982)).

4.2

Specimen Certificate for shares of 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on August 27, 2020 (File No. 001-33982)).

10.1

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated August 20, 2020,Employment Agreement, effective as of July 12, 2021, by and among QVC,between David Rawlinson and Qurate Retail, Inc., Affiliate Investment, Inc., Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc., AMI 2, Inc., ER Marks, Inc., QVC Global Holdings I, Inc., QVC Global Holdings II, Inc., QVC Rocky Mount, Inc., QVC San Antonio, LLC, QVC Deutschland GP, Inc., HSN, Inc., HSNi, LLC, HSN Holding LLC, AST Sub, Inc., Home Shopping Network En Espanol, L.L.C., Home Shopping Network En Espanol, L.P., H.O.T. Networks Holdings (Delaware) LLC, HSN of Nevada LLC, Ingenious Designs LLC, NLG Merger Corp., Ventana Television, Inc., and Ventana Television Holdings, Inc., as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.210.1 to QVC Inc.’sthe Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 20, 2020July 13, 2021 (File No. 001-38654) (the “August 2020 Form 8-K”)001-33982)).

10.2

FormFifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028October 27, 2021, among QVC, Inc., Zulily, LLC, QVC Global Corporate Holdings, LLC and Cornerstone Brands, Inc., as Borrowers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Lead Arranger, Lead Bookrunner and Administrative Agent and the parties named therein as Lenders, Co-Bookrunners, Co-Syndication Agents and Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34.1 to the August 2020QVC, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K)8-K filed on October 28, 2021 (File No. 001-38654)).

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*

32

Section 1350 Certification**

99.1

Reconciliation of Qurate Retail, Inc. Net Assets and Net Earnings to Liberty Interactive LLC Net Assets and Net Earnings**

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

II-2

Table of Contents

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: November 5, 20204, 2021

By:

/s/ MICHAEL A.GEORGEDAVID RAWLINSON II

Michael A. GeorgeDavid Rawlinson II

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 5, 20204, 2021

By:

/s/ BRIAN J. WENDLING

Brian J. Wendling

Chief Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer

II-3